Mary van Balen

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:37-40 New International Version (NIV)


Today the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) was re-introduced into both the Senate and the House of Representatives by members of both Democratic and Republican parties. This legislation, which has been introduced a number of times since 1990, prohibits employers from using gender identity or sexual orientation as criteria for hiring (or firing) employees. The bill exempts small businesses with fewer than fifteen employees and religious organizations.

When I spoke to people about this bill in the past, many expressed surprise that it was needed. They assumed that no one could be refused employment or be fired on the basis of sexual orientation. Not as many were aware of gender identity issues period, let alone the lack of protection for transsexuals. At the moment, twenty-one states plus D.C. have laws similar to ENDA. Sixteen include protection for transgendered individuals. Read More 

Originally published in the Catholic Times, vol 62:27

“Rituals are important,” my friend said as we gathered around the dinner table on Holy Thursday evening. The four of us read prayers together, broke bread, shared wine, and then poured water from a ceramic vase over each other’s hands, praying a blessing as we did. Later we joined with others in our parish to celebrate the Mass that began the Easter Triduum, three days packed with liturgical ritual.

As the Easter season continues, I find myself pondering ritual in life outside church sanctuaries as well as within them. My friend is right. Rituals are important. They provide tangible symbols of realities we cannot see or touch, but experience interiorly. They provide a link to people or places that are part of our history. They help us step out of routine and focus on truths that guide our lives. They help us remember the Holy Presence in which we live.

I arrived at my friends’ home that evening and noticed the small ceramic plate and cup, pitcher and bowl that shared the table’s center with a vase of daffodils and palm fronds. I had eaten dinner with them on other Holy Thursdays but had forgotten about the ritual until that moment. Holding the bread, touching the cup slowed me down.  Read More