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Stepping into our Calling – Ordination of Maria Thornton McClain
“The changes in our life must come from the impossibility to live otherwise than according to the demands of our conscience.” -Leo Tolstoy
I’ve been thinking about the ordination of the former nun, Maria Thornton McClain.
When we feel called in our hearts to serve Spirit, it does not matter whether we are black, gay, female, male, or transgendered; it does not matter if we are Asian, Latino, Arab, European, or Indian; and it does not matter if we are pagan, Buddhist, Christian, Muslim, Native American, Hindu, or Jewish. What matters is that we feel called. And more importantly, that we feel called to serve others.
For me, when I have felt that intense tug on my heart, I’ve heard an Eagle’s whistle. It gets my attention and says, “Turn this way, follow this path, and offer what you can for this person.” There is no mistaking the call. To turn away would be to walk away from my soul—it is simply not an option.
At other times, I have felt the call of Spirit while in communion with the river, trees, creatures, and soaring birds. Nature is my church. Deep listening is my practice. And writing is one means for my prayers. I would not want any person or organization telling me that I cannot serve or pray in the way I am called.
It may feel scary or risky at times to follow a path that does not neatly fit into what you have previously known for your life or to follow a path that others may not yet understand. But it is more risky not to take those steps—especially when you know in your heart the path that harkens to your deepest longings.
I imagine it is similar for a painter, poet, craftsman, parent, teacher, doctor, social worker, or any other calling where you accept what you are here to do and you feel it in the depth of your being. You know you are on the path meant for you, and you are doing your best to be of service—despite occasional difficulties, doubts, and obstacles.
As we step into those spaces where we feel called and support each other on the journey, we lift the world up in miraculous ways. We feel happier, more joyful, more in alignment with Spirit, and more caring of the people and places we love.
May it be so for you, today.
In Joy and Gratitude,
Diana
The Freedom To Be: Stories from Trans Youth, Adults, and Their Families
Yesyesyes
Diana, you’ve put into words what I’ve always known.
And isn’t it interesting the many forms our service can take? Sometimes it’s cleaning a bathroom, sometimes being a quiet presence in a hospital room, sometimes receiving public attention and approval. Thank you for the reminder to listen for my version of the eagle’s whistle.
Diana, Thank you for sharing these thoughts and I also appreciated the reprint of your article “The Feminine Divine” in the last issue of the CFT.
Lovely, quiet thoughts, Diana. Why do some people try to play god? I like the Tolstoy quote, having just finished a remarkable biography of him by Rosamund Bartlett. He was a male chauvinist, by the way, but in most other things he was progressive, a true champion of free thinking. The Russian Orthodox Church and the Tsarist government tried to muzzle him, but he was too popular. So all they could do was go after his loyal followers.
Thank you so much for the thoughtful responses! I heard that individuals who work at Catholic organizations (such as Catholic schools) were afraid to attend the ordination because they could lose their jobs, which is sad.
But many, many great Spiritual teachers have said to look within for God’s guidance. Jesus said, “The Kingdom of Heaven is Within” and the Buddha said, “Be a lamp onto Yourself.” If Spiritual teachings help you in your life and are healing and loving, then you can look to your heart and decide if they are useful for You.
As for Tolstoy, I didn’t know he was a male chauvinist (there is so much I don’t know!) But that does point out the great need for a diversity of voices in leadership: so we can hear from women–and all others who do not currently have a voice in creating religious doctrine–regarding what is truly sacred.