Member Character(s)—4 of 4

A Glimpse at the Character of Saint Micaiah

Honourary Feast Day 25 March
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Have you heard of this Old Testament prophet—and saint?

Probably not.
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That’s because after being publicly ridiculed, publicly accused of not having the Spirit, and publicly struck in the face for not prophesizing favourably to Ahab the king of Israel, he was thrown into prison and never heard of again in Biblical history (1 Kings 22 and 2 Chronicles 18). Ahab later died in battle, according to the word of Micaiah as opposed to the false assurances of hundreds of other “prophets.”

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Nathan and Nothing
Micaiah was a “Nathan” who risked like Nathan, obeyed God like Nathan by confronting a king, yet did not fare well like Nathan. He is a forgotten Nathan. He is like, Nothing. That is why we are remembering him, and all those like him, on this his honourary feast day, 25 March.
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Courage as Strangers and Pilgrims
“All of these died in faith, without having received the promises, but having seen and accepted these promises with pleasure from afar, they confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth” (Hebrews 11:13). May we too have the courage to follow in their footsteps, even in the face of risk--by speaking the truth in love to ourselves, to God, and to fellow humans. Such love is the measure of our member care, and of our member character.
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Reflection and Discussion
**Micaiah said, “As the Lord lives, what the Lord says that I will speak.” Give an example of when you had to speak and act with such determination.
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**Micaiah’s concluding words were, “Listen, all peoples.”
What were the people then (and what are we) supposed to listen to?

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Note that Micaiah is not the same as the author of the Book of Micah.

Member Character(s)--3 of 4

A Glimpse at the Character of...Me :-)
Birthday 21 March*

Well, this is fun. It's my birthday.
Here are some things that have shaped my life and character.
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1. At age one+, as I was exploring the world through my mouth, I somehow managed to get my brother's metal belt-buckle stuck in my throat. It would not dislodge, despite the best efforts of parents and nurses alike. My skin was turning blue due to the lack of oxygen. I am very grateful to still be alive.
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2. At age eight I considered forming a motorcycle gang, when I was old enough, called the "Heaven's Devils". We would ride the North American streets and highways, specifically giving chase to members of the Hell's Angels, and thus protect fellow-citizens. To this date I have never really riden a motorcycle, but I have ridden in a lot of Buick's and Opels, as my father owned a Buick-Opel franchise.
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3. At age 16, dressed from head to foot as a nun, in an all-white habit, and donning a gorilla mask, I went in disguise to a Halloween party at an all-girls high school. I was the only guy there, and I was accompanied into the party by a friend who attended the school. It was fun to try to do something a bit different.
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4. At age 19, I had to chose a major/course of study in university. The two areas that interested me were marine science and psychology. I chose the latter, thinking that I could do more good for humans than for fish. I was also acutely aware that the end of the age could come at any time, and hence wanted to make the most of my life. This belief persists to this day.
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5. At age 23, I finished a masters degree programme in clinical-community psychology. The community psychology emphasis (e.g. human strengths, various types of practitioners, resource development, creating new structures) has especially shaped my member care involvement internationally. My first choice had been to attend a doctoral programme in clinical psychology and theology, yet in retrospect, the delay in doing this doctorate was providential.
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6. At age 27, I met a naiad-like being named Jane. Until this time, I was pretty convinced that I would be spending much of my life in Latin America, married to a California surfer lady. Really. Things change, of course. Just like Jane's name, which actually precedes her second name, Michele.

7. Finally, at age 52, shortly before my latest birthday, I had a few prescient-ish dreams in which I was talking to some colleagues around a table. You know this type of dream--sort of darkish and not being fully in control, but imbued with some existential/visceral sense of significance. I woke up missing colleagues and wanting to connect with mutual transparency and accountability. I liked these dreams. I like relational resiliency.
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Reflection and Discussion
List a couple experiences that have helped to shape your character, life, and work.

Member Character(s)--2 of 4

A Glimpse at the Character of Joseph

Feast Day March 19

What to say about Joseph? We know so little.

Can we chip off the "stained-glass" to see who he really was?

Joseph chose to stay committed to Mary and her son, pre and post natal, in some very difficult circumstances. Pregnancy out of wedlock was something that led to being socially ostracised. Maybe even stoned. Not nice. This was followed by fleeing for their lives to Egypt as political-religious refugees. Part of the ongoing historical wave of vulnerable assylum-seekers. Scarey. Anything else? Who knows. Like Patricius (see 17 March entry) his resolve/guidance were bolstered by two timely, divine dreams/visions. He must have been very brave too.

Reflection and Discussion

*What comes to your mind when you think of the character of Joseph--e.g., commitment, bravery, obedience, courage, etc.?

*How is virtuous character developed, in light of Joseph's life?

Member Character(s)--1 of 4

A Glimpse at the Character of Patrick

Feast Day 17 March

We remember and we celebrate

the life of this remarkable yet ordinary man,

Patricius, aka Patrick.

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'We beseech thee holy youth, come and walk among us again'. This was the message from an Irish person in a dream that Patricius had, circa age 40. Previously Patricius had spent several of his teenage years as a slave in Ireland.

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Patrick's impact on 5th century Ireland was multiplied far beyond the Irish shores, via his colleagues and their progeny, his example, and his autobiography, The Confessions of St. Patrick. His opening sentence in The Confessions reflects both his humility and his perseverance:

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"Ego Patricius, peccator, rusticissimus..."

I am Patrick,

a sinner, most unlearned,

the least of all the faithful,

and utterly despised by many.

Personally, I ignore most of the pious legends about him, along with the various socio-political versions that obfuscate who he really was. I rather connect with his character, his passion for God, and his commitment to humans. We salute you Patricius, with or without a pint of stout in our hands, and we salute all those courageous enough to follow your example.

*Refelction and Discussion

*The life work (apostolate) of Patricius began in his 40s. It took awhile for him to "find" his flow, niche, and anointing. Any applications to your life, to mission/aid workers, and/or to the life of member care practitioners?

*Patricius was a slave at one point, in his youth. This took awhile too (about six years of his life, until he escaped with guidance from a dream/vision)! Any applications for you and/or others? Try relating this experience to John 21--'when you are older, someone else will gird you and lead you to places where you may not want to go...'

*What character qualities do you see in Patricius via his opening declaration in The Confessions? What can we learn from this brief glimpse of who he was?