The Wild Reed's Year in Review

.

Part 4: October – December 2012

Following is a fourth and final selection of 2012 Wild Reed posts, the putting together of which I found particularly meaningful. Many of these posts have also generated the most comments from readers.

If you’ve yet to read these posts then I hope you'll take the time to do so. I also hope that the experiences and insights they convey will, in some way, resonate with you and encourage and inspire you on your journey.

(To start at the beginning of this series, click here.)

__________________________

October 2012

In the lead up to the November 6 election and the referendum in Minnesota on the so-called 'marriage amendment,' October was an incredibly intense month for those of us advocating for marriage equality and thus a 'no' vote. How intense? Well, at times I considered my theme song to be Wanda Jackson's 'Nervous Breakdown'!

Oh, yeah, and somewhere amidst it all I turned 47!


Sergius and Bacchus: Martyred Lovers

The Longing for Love: God's Primal Beatitude

An Autumn Walk Along Minnehaha Creek

Into the Fray

Jim David on the "Actual Benefits of Same-Sex Marriage"

Lies, ALL LIES!

In the Eye of the Storm, A Tree of Living Flame

Love as Exploring Vulnerability

Superstorm Sandy: A 'Wake-Up Call' on Climate Change



November 2012

A great celebratory start to the month with the defeat on November 6 of not only the 'marriage amendment' but the equally horrendous 'voter photo ID amendment'! Minnesota actually made history by becoming the first state in the U.S. to defeat an anti-marriage equality amendment. In addition, marriage equality victories in a number of other states ensured that the November election results comprised a watershed moment for LGBT Americans.

Another highlight of November 2012 that I'll always remember and cherish was the absolutely beautiful fall colors we experienced here in Minnesota!


"Thou Hast Thy Music Too"

In St. Cloud, A Prayer Vigil for Peace, Justice, Hope and Healing

In Maine and Maryland, History is Made

Both 'Marriage Amendment' AND 'Voter Photo ID Amendment' Rejected by Minnesota Voters

Something to Celebrate!

Dancers Among Us

Quote of the Day – November 13, 2012

Michael Greyeyes on Temperance as a Philosophy for Surviving

"Something Sacred Dwells There"

Beyond the Hierarchy: The Blossoming of Liberating Catholic Insights on Sexuality (Part 7)

Something to Cherish



December 2012

A winter storm, a journey to Washington, D.C, grappling with news of unspeakable tragedy in Connecticut, and celebrating Christmas with dear friends in Minnesota – events and experiences that for me marked December 2012.






Crazy Horse: "Strange Man" of the Great Plains

A Visit to the National Museum of the American Indian

O Happy Day

Beatrice Marovich on Divinity and Animality in Life of Pi

Photo of the Day – December 9, 2012

Out and About – Autumn 2012

Winter Storm

Rejoice?

Anne Rice on the "Genius of the Christmas Crib"

Macklemore and Ryan Lewis' "Same Love"

Acknowledging, Celebrating, and Learning from Marriage Equality's 'Triumphs of Faith'

Out and About – December 2012



See also the previous posts:
The Wild Reed's Year in Review: October - December 2011
The Wild Reed's Year in Review: October - December 2010
The Wild Reed's Year in Review: October - December 2009

Opening image: Björn Burton.

The Wild Reed's Year in Review

.

Part 3: July – September 2012

Following is a third selection of 2012 Wild Reed posts, the putting together of which I found particularly meaningful. Many of these posts have also generated the most comments from readers.

If you’ve yet to read these posts then I hope you'll take the time to do so. I also hope that the experiences and insights they convey will, in some way, resonate with you and encourage and inspire you on your journey.

(To start at the beginning of this series, click here.)

__________________________

July 2012

In July I shared photos and commentary on this year's Twin Cities Gay Pride Festival (June 23-24), and remembered a good friend and Minnesota Catholic gay rights pioneer. Also in July, a 'Catholic Q&A on the Marriage Amendment' that my friend Florence and I had been working on for months was finally completed and published, and I continued sharing my interest in Sufism by highlighting at The Wild Reed the writings by Fazal Inayat-Khan and Hazrat Inayat Khan. The members of the Romanov family were remembered in a special post as this month saw the 94th anniversary of their execution in July 1918.


Sufism: A Call to Awaken

A Spirit of Defiance (Part 5 of The Wild Reed's Gay Pride / Queer Appreciation series)

A Catholic Presence at Gay Pride

Remembering David McCaffrey, One Year On

After Loving

Dark Matter: "An Intriguing Aspect of the Universe"

In the Garden of Spirituality – Hazrat Inayat Khan

Catholic Q&A on the 'Marriage Amendment'

Remembering the Romanovs



August 2012

A definite highlight of August was my time spent with friends in Chicago. The work of Catholics for Marriage Equality MN continued throughout the summer, and 'Worldwide Gay Pride' was celebrated with a special Wild Reed post.


Ever Faithfull

Worldwide Gay Pride – 2012

Responding to a Zealot

Weekend in Chicago (Part I)

Weekend in Chicago (Part II)

Weekend in Chicago (Part III)

Weekend in Chicago (Part IV)

In the Garden of Spirituality – Andrew Harvey

"A Thoughtful, Entertaining, & Inspiring Program"

Your Scent I Know

Thanking You, Archbishop



September 2012

In September, Catholics for Marriage Equality MN launched its "Another Catholic Voting No' yard signs, bumper stickers and buttons. Interestingly, demand for them spiked every time Archbishop Nienstedt issued a directive urging Catholics to vote 'yes' on the controversial 'marriage amendment'! A fun time was had in early September at the Minnesota State Fair, where my friend Kathleen and I enjoyed a performance by the legendary Wanda Jackson. Later in the month the beauty of this year's fall colors entertained us in an altogether different way.


A Day at the Fair

Nicolas Chinardet Asks: "What Exactly is a Bigot?"

The Naked Truth

Out and About – Summer 2012

A Pediatric Physician's Helpful Perspective on Same-Sex Parenting

Rockin' with Wanda

O Sacred Season of Autumn



NEXT: Part 4: October – December 2012



See also the previous posts:
The Wild Reed's Year in Review: July - September 2011
The Wild Reed's Year in Review: July - September 2010
The Wild Reed's Year in Review: July - September 2009

Opening image: Björn Burton.

The Wild Reed's Year in Review

.

Part 2: April – June 2012

Following is a further selection of 2012 Wild Reed posts, the putting together of which I found particularly meaningful. Many of these posts have also generated the most comments from readers.

If you’ve yet to read these posts then I hope you'll take the time to do so. I also hope that the experiences and insights they convey will, in some way, resonate with you and encourage and inspire you on your journey.

(For Part 1, click here.)

__________________________

April 2012

For this year's Wild Reed Holy Week series I shared excerpts from Cynthia Bourgeault's book The Wisdom Jesus: Transforming Heart and Mind – A New Perspective on Christ and His Message. Speaking of Holy Week, Palm Sunday saw over 250 people gather in front of the chancery office of the St. Paul-Minneapolis Archdiocese for the last of the Lenten prayer vigils which I helped organize as executive coordinator of Catholics for Marriage Equality MN. April also saw the posting of one of The Wild Reed's most popular posts to date: "Thoughts on the Titanic Centenary"!


The Passion: "A Sacred Path of Liberation" (Part 1 of The Wild Reed's 2012 Holy Week series)

Palm Sunday at the Chancery

Beyond Anger and Guilt (Part 2 of The Wild Reed's Holy Week series)

Judas and Peter (Part 3 of The Wild Reed's Holy Week series)

No Deeper Darkness (Part 4 of The Wild Reed's Holy Week series)

When Love Entered Hell (Part 5 of The Wild Reed's Holy Week series)

The Resurrected Jesus . . . (Part 6 of The Wild Reed's Holy Week series

From Northern Minnesota, Two Excellent Rebuttals to the "Convoluted Logic" of the Bishops' Pro-Amendment Argument

In the Garden of Spirituality – Ilia Delio

Media Matters

"We Are Sojourners on This Earth . . ."



May 2012

As noted in the last post of April, I spent the last week of April and the first week of May in Australia so as to be with a family of close friends going through a very challenging time. In many ways it was a very difficult and sad time, but also a very holy one, filled, as it was, with many loving words and actions of intentionality and connection.


Leichhardt

Meanwhile, Back in Minnesota . . .

In Minnesota, Catholics Sing Their Support for Marriage Equality

An Afternoon on the Harbour

Beyond the Hierarchy: The Blossoming of Liberating Catholic Insights on Sexuality (Part 6)

Out and About – Spring 2012 (Part 1)

The End of the World As We Know It . . .

Gospel Leadership

Photo of the Day – May 29, 2012



June 2012

A definite highlight of June was the road trip I undertook with my friends Kathleen and Joey to Kansas City. And, of course, the annual Twin Cities Gay Pride festival is always a big event – although it wasn't until July that I shared photos and commentary of Pride. I did, however, share some interesting posts throughout June as part of The Wild Reed's Gay Pride / Queer Appreciation series.




Never Say It Is Not God

Out and About – Spring 2012 (Part 2)

The Theology of Gay Pride (Part 1 of The Wild Reed's 2012 Gay Pride / Queer Appreciation series)

Weekend in Kansas City

Bi God, Somebody Listen (Part 2 of The Wild Reed's Gay Pride / Queer Appreciation series)

Out and About – Spring 2012 (Part 3)

North America: Perhaps Once the "Queerest Continent on the Planet" (Part 3 of The Wild Reed's Gay Pride / Queer Appreciation series)

Gay Men and Modern Dance (Part 4 of The Wild Reed's Gay Pride / Queer Appreciation series)

A Big Gay "Yay!" for the Catholics

What a Man! – Chris Kluwe


NEXT: Part 3: July – September 2012



See also the previous posts:
The Wild Reed's Year in Review: April - June 2011
The Wild Reed's Year in Review: April - June 2010
The Wild Reed's Year in Review: April – June 2009

Opening image: Björn Burton.

The Wild Reed's Year in Review

.

Part 1: January – March 2012

Of the many Wild Reed postings of this year, the ones I begin listing today are those that, for one reason or another, I’ve most enjoyed putting together and sharing.

If you’ve yet to read these posts then I hope you'll take the time to do so. I also hope that the experiences and insights they convey will resonate with you and encourage and inspire you on your journey.

Peace,

Michael

__________________________

January 2012

Unlike the previous three years, I did not spend January in Australia this year. Thankfully, the 2010/2011 winter here in Minnesota was quite mild. Not that that's the reason why I return to Australia, of course! No, it's to spend time with family and friends. But, as I said, not this year. A major event for me at the end of January was moving to Minneapolis after living in St. Paul for eight years. On a sad note, my friend Marv Davidov passed away on January 14.



A Song and Challenge for 2012

PCV Publishes Archbishop Nienstedt's Marriage Amendment Directives to Priests

The Spy Who Came in from the Cold Cream

What Part of Jesus' Invitation to "Be Not Afraid" Don't the Bishops Get?

Beyond the Hierarchy: The Blossoming of Liberating Catholic Insights on Sexuality (Part 5)

Marv Davidov, 1931–2012

Lisa Cressman's Concise, Reasonable Answers to Marriage Equality Questions

Ben

Seeking Balance



February 2012

For reasons which I discuss in my "Seeking Balance" post, above, I took a break from blogging for about six weeks in January-February. The only thing I published in February was a piece by Bryna Godar, a media studies student at the University of Minnesota, who for a class assignment wrote a profile on me!

Michael Bayly: Changing the Church from Within



March 2012

Amid the welcome signs of spring's (early) return, there was a lot going on for me in March, including an increase of activity around the 'marriage amendment,' my friend Eduard's visit from Chicago, a fun St. Patrick's Day celebration, and the continuation of a spirited Lenten vigil outside the archdiocesan chancery office (and across the street from the Cathedral of St. Paul).


A Catholic Rationale for Opposing the 'Marriage Amendment'

Photo of the Day – March 7, 2012

Out and About – Winter 2012

A Springtime Walk Along Minnehaha Creek

Documenting the "Living Word"



NEXT: Part 2: April – June 2012



See also the previous posts:
The Wild Reed's Year in Review: January - March 2011
The Wild Reed's Year in Review: January - March 2010
The Wild Reed's Year in Review: January – March 2009

Opening image: Björn Burton.

The Wild Reed's Year in Review

.
Part 4: October – December 2011

Following is a final selection of 2011 Wild Reed posts, the putting together of which I found particularly meaningful. Many of these posts have also generated the most comments from readers.

If you’ve yet to read these posts then I hope you'll take the time to do so. I also hope that the experiences and insights they convey will, in some way, resonate with you and encourage and inspire you on your journey.

_______________________________

October 2011

Rocking the Cradle of Power

Solar Brother

Responding to Whiny Catholic Bishops Who Cry Victim

Quote of the Day – October 7, 2011

Truth in (Satirical) Fiction

Frank Bruni on Portugal's "Big Gay Leap"

The Paradox of Dirk Bogarde

Autumn Hues

The Minneapolis (and Online) Premiere of Catholics for Marriage Equality

Progressive Perspectives on Archbishop Nienstedt's Anti-Gay Activism

Adventures in Mississippi River Bluff Country

A Hallowtide Reflection

A Visit from Raph

Out and About – October 2011



November 2011

Thomas Fox: "Our Gay and Lesbian Brothers and Sisters Have So Much to Teach Us"

Patrick Hornbeck on Why Good Catholics Are Challenging Church Line on Homosexuality

Jon Stevens: Still Bearing Testimony to Love and Hope

Quote of the Day – November 12, 2011

As the Last Walls Dissolve . . . Everything is Possible

Responding to the "Continued Harm Our Bishops Cause"

Just in Time for Winter: Kate Bush's 50 Words for Snow

Revolutionary Reconciliation

A Head and Heart Response to the Catholic Hierarchy's Opposition to Marriage Equality

A Musical Weekend

The Inspiring Zachary Quinto: "It is My Intention to Live an Authentic Life of Compassion and Integrity and Action"

Advent 2011: Thoughts and Reflections (Part 1)

"You and I Are One": Blessed Bernardo de Hoyos' Mystical Same-Sex Marriage to Jesus

Out and About – November 2011



December 2011

Thoughts on Archbishop Nichols' Support for Civil Unions

Dionne Warwick: "Being Human is What It's All About"

Marriage: "Part of What is Best in Human Nature"

Happy Birthday, Mum!

From Australia, "Possibly the Most Beautiful Ad for Marriage Equality"

Lanae Erickson on Taking a Lesson from Down Under

The "Gay Civil Unions" Approach of Some Within the Catholic Hierarchy: Too Little, Too Late

People of Faith Are on Both Sides of the "Marriage Amendment" Issue

Beyond the Hierarchy: The Blossoming of Liberating Catholic Insights on Sexuality (Part 4)

Advent 2011: Thoughts and Reflections (Part 2)

Rumi and Shams: A Love of Another Kind

Advent 2011: Thoughts and Reflections (Part 3)

Vanessa Redgrave: "She Has Greatness"

Another Time, Another Place . . .

Advent 2011: Thoughts and Reflections (Part 4)

A Christmas Message of Hope . . . from Uganda

What a Man! – Nick Youngquest

An Aussie Quiz

Doug Mataconis on the Bishops, Religious Freedom, and Living in a Civil Society

Out and About – December 2011



See also the previous post:
The Wild Reed's Year in Review: January – March 2011
The Wild Reed's Year in Review: April – June 2011
The Wild Reed's Year in Review: July – September 2011

Image: "Reeds" by Robert Morris (2003).

The Wild Reed's Year in Review

.
Part 3: July – September 2011

Following is a further selection of 2011 Wild Reed posts, the putting together of which I found particularly meaningful. Many of these posts have also generated the most comments from readers.

If you’ve yet to read these posts then I hope you'll take the time to do so. I also hope that the experiences and insights they convey will, in some way, resonate with you and encourage and inspire you on your journey.

_______________________________

July 2011

Teilhard de Chardin and the Heart of Jesus

Return to the Abbey

The Bishops' Reaction to Marriage Equality: "Wrong-Headed and Counterproductive"

Sharing the Good News of Marriage Equality at the Basilica Block Party

David McCaffrey, 1947-2011

"God is in the Roses . . ." – Celebrating the Life and Legacy of David McCaffrey

Beyond the Hierarchy: The Blossoming of Liberating Catholic Insights on Sexuality (Part 1)

The Lost Art of the Arioi

Sam Sparro

Responding to Some Very Misguided Comparisons

Boris and George

What's Your Favorite?

Out and About – July 2011



August 2011

Beyond the Hierarchy: The Blossoming of Liberating Catholic Insights on Sexuality (Part 2)

Play It Again, Sam

A Cardinal Breaks Ranks

Summer Round-Up

Ballet Amore

Adam Sandel on the Queer Appeal of Harry Potter

NOM's Minnesota Battle Plan

Beyond the Hierarchy: The Blossoming of Liberating Catholic Insights on Sexuality (Part 3)

The Latest from Darren Hayes

On the Issue of Contraception, the Catholic Clerical Caste Does Not Speak for "the Church," Let Alone "Religion"

A Gay Catholic Man's Testimony of Courage and Grace: "God Made Me and Loves Me Just As I Am"

Out and About – August 2011



September 2011

Good News from the Minnesota State Fair

In Mychal Judge's Heart "There Was Room for Everybody"

Soft Bigotry

More on the “Soft Bigotry” of Fr. James Livingston’s Recent Op-Ed

Another Testimony of Courage and Grace: "In Finding Myself, I Found God and My Voice"

Local Catholics Premier Video Series on Faith, Family and Marriage

Out and About – September 2011



NEXT: Part 4: October – December 2011.



See also the previous post:
The Wild Reed's Year in Review: January – March 2011
The Wild Reed's Year in Review: April – June 2011

The Wild Reed's Year in Review

.
Part 2: April – June 2011

Following is a further selection of 2011 Wild Reed posts, the putting together of which I found particularly meaningful. Many of these posts have also generated the most comments from readers.

If you’ve yet to read these posts then I hope you'll take the time to do so. I also hope that the experiences and insights they convey will, in some way, resonate with you and encourage and inspire you on your journey.

_______________________________

April 2011

When Expulsion is the Cost of Discipleship

Responding to Bishop Tobin's Remarks on Gay Marriage

Governor Mark Dayton to LGBT Advocates: "I Stand With You"

Dreaming of Spring

Who Is This Man? (Part 1 of The Wild Reed's 2011 Holy Week series)

A Uniquely Liberated Man (Part 2 of The Wild Reed's 2011 Holy Week series)

Joseph Palacios: "The Church is Not the Victim"

Remembering Elisabeth Sladen

An Expression of Human Solidarity (Part 3 of The Wild Reed's 2011 Holy Week series)

Happy Birthday, Dad

No Other Way (Part 4 of The Wild Reed's 2011 Holy Week series)

Two Betrayals (Part 5 of The Wild Reed's 2011 Holy Week series)

"The Wonder You Bring . . ."

And What of Resurrection? (Part 6 of The Wild Reed's 2011 Holy Week series)

Jesus: The Breakthrough in the History of Humanity (Part 7 of The Wild Reed's 2011 Holy Week series)

To Believe in Jesus (Part 8 of The Wild Reed's 2011 Holy Week series)

Mourning Lis, Farewelling Sarah Jane

What a Man! – Ben Cohen



May 2011

Catholic Attitudes on Gay and Lesbian Issues: An Overview

Tips on Speaking as a Catholic in Support of Marriage Equality and Against the Proposed "Marriage Amendment"

What a Man! – Sean Avery

What a Man! – Hudson Taylor

At the Minnesota Capitol, Signs of the Times

Bill Donohue's Homophobic Claims Refuted by Bishops' Study

What a Man! – John Kriesel

An Eventful Day at the Capitol

At the MN Capitol, Protests Against the Proposed Marriage Amendment Continue

Day One of the Campaign to Defeat the Anti-Family Marriage Ban

The Soul of a Dancer

"Fervently Catholic, Proudly Gay and Happily Married"

The Political Intrigue (and Money) Behind the MN Marriage Amendment

In the Struggle for Marriage Equality, MN Catholics are Making a Difference by Changing Hearts and Minds

A "Truly Queer Theory" on Sex

Marriage Equality: Simple Answers to NOM's Complicated Lies

Out and About – May 2011



June 2011

Gay Pride: A Celebration of True Humility (Part 1 of The Wild Reed's special “Gay Pride 2011” series)

Joseph O'Leary Responds to Carson Holloway's Arguments Against Gay Marriage

Hans Küng: "The Gospel of Jesus Christ is Stronger Than the Hierarchy"

Dusty Springfield: Queer Icon (Part 2 of The Wild Reed's special “Gay Pride/Queer Appreciation 2011” series)

Gay Pioneer Malcolm Boyd on Survival – and Victory – with Grace (Part 3 of The Wild Reed's special “Gay Pride/Queer Appreciation 2011” series)

Catholic Author Richard Rodriguez on Why Churches Fear Gay Marriage

Senator Scott Dibble's Message of Hope and Optimism (Part 4 of The Wild Reed's special “Gay Pride/Queer Appreciation 2011” series)

In New York, a "Breakthrough Victory" for Marriage Equality

Worldwide Gay Pride – 2011

Parvez Sharma on Islam and Homosexuality (Part 5 of The Wild Reed's special “Gay Pride/Queer Appreciation 2011” series)

A Catholic Presence at Gay Pride

Out and About – June 2011



NEXT: Part 3: July - September 2011


See also the previous post:
The Wild Reed's Year in Review: January – March 2011

The Wild Reed's Year in Review

.
Part 1: January – March 2011

Of the many Wild Reed postings of this year, the ones I begin listing today are those that, for one reason or another, I’ve most enjoyed putting together and sharing.

If you’ve yet to read these posts then I hope you'll take the time to do so. I also hope that the experiences and insights they convey will, in some way, resonate with you and encourage and inspire you on your journey.

Peace,

Michael

__________________________

January 2011

The Australian Floods

Rising Waters

"Flooded In But Loving Life"

In Maclean, An End to the "Siege"

A Bushland Wedding

Yaegl Country

In Uganda, a "Fearless Voice" for Gay Rights is Brutally Silenced



February 2011

Boardies, Budgie Smugglers and Euro-Togs

Responding to Cardinal Pell

Journey to Gunnedah

"Like Persephone of Myth . . ."

Thoughts on Mallorca's "Naked Easter" Calendar

Roger Michell's Persuasion: A Beautiful and "Quietly Remarkable" Adaptation

The Archangel Raphael – Patron Saint for Those Seeking Their Soul Mate

The Other "Born This Way"

The Twin Cities' "Peter Canisius": Liar and Coward

At the Minnesota Capitol, a Show of Solidarity for Workers' Rights in Wisconsin and Beyond

Across America, "the Giant is Awake"

Colin Covert on Biutiful: "A Work of Extraordinary Vitality"

Out and About – February 2011



March 2011

Waking Dagobert

Jesus, Sex and Power

The Winged Heart

Rosabelle, Believe . . .

Dirk Bogarde's "War Against Himself"

A Celebration of Faith and Family; A Call for Compassion and Fairness

Out and About – March 2011



NEXT: Part 2: April – June 2011


See also the previous posts:
The Wild Reed's Year in Review: January - March 2010
The Wild Reed's Year in Review: January – March 2009

The Wild Reed's Year in Review

.
Part 4: October – December 2010

Following is a final selection of 2010 Wild Reed posts that I particularly enjoyed putting together and sharing. Many of these posts have also generated the most comments from readers.

If you’ve yet to read these posts then I hope you'll take the time to do so. I also hope that the experiences and insights they convey will, in some way, resonate with you and encourage and inspire you on your journey.

_______________________________

October 2010

Catholic Church Can Overcome Fear of LGBT People

Francis of Assisi: The Antithesis of Clericalism and Monarchism

Honoring (and Learning from) the Passion of Saints Sergius and Bacchus

Europe 2005 (Part 5)

The Raising of Lazarus and the Gay Experience of Coming Out

Shifting the Focus to the Real Issues . . . Live on Fox News

Dark Matters

The Beauty of Autumn in Minnesota

Daniel Maguire on the Progressive Core of Catholicism

Daniel Maguire on Catholicism's "Long History of Demeaning Sexuality"

Daniel Maguire on Sex as Liturgy

Daniel Maguire on the Wedding of Sexuality and Spirituality

Daniel Maguire in Minneapolis

Journeying Into the Truth . . . Valiantly, of Course!

A Birthday Weekend

The Church and Dance

Lucinda Naylor's "The Wave"



November 2010

At the Cathedral of St. Paul, Rainbow Sashes and a Circle of Love

An Old Catholic Perspective on the Roman Hierarchy's "Dumbing Down" of the Catholic Church

The Potential of Art and the Limits of Rigid Orthodoxy to Connect Us to the Sacred

A Catholic Statement of Support for Same-Sex Marriage

Daniel Maguire: "Heterosexism, Not Homosexuality, is the Problem

What Do Heath Ledger, Susan Boyle, and Catholics for Marriage Equality Have in Common?

The Two Editorials that Benilde-St. Margaret's Catholic High School Doesn't Want You to Read

Two Very Different Perspectives on the Military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" Policy

The Pope’s Latest Condom Remarks

CPCSM and the Archdiocese of St. Paul-Minneapolis (Part 4)

Pope Embraces an Acceptable Form of Relativism

Part 5 of The Wild Reed post celebrating the city of Istanbul

The Trouble with the Male Dancer (Part 1)



December 2010

Kristen McQueary: "Yes to Civil Unions and Yes to My Catholic Faith"

Australia Bound

Thoughts on Transformation (Part 1)

Sydney Sojourn

Thoughts on Transformation (Part 2)

Francis DeBarnardo: "The Church is Better Because of the Presence of LGBT People"

The Trouble with the Male Dancer (Part 2)

Thoughts on Transformation (Part 3)

Censored Gay Catholic High School Student Honored by Peers

John Dear on Celebrating the Birth of the Nonviolent Jesus

Christmas in Australia

An Afternoon at Flynns Beach

Terence Weldon on the "Disciple Jesus Loved" as a Role Model for LGBT Christians

The Trouble with the Male Dancer (Part 3)

Summer Vocation

CPCSM's Year in Review



See also the previous post:
The Wild Reed's Year in Review: January – March 2010
The Wild Reed's Year in Review: April – June 2010
The Wild Reed's Year in Review: July – September 2010

Image: "Reeds" by Robert Morris (2003).

The Wild Reed's Year in Review

.
Part 3: July – September 2010

Following is a further selection of 2010 Wild Reed posts that I particularly enjoyed putting together and sharing. Many of these posts have also generated the most comments from readers.

If you’ve yet to read these posts then I hope you'll take the time to do so. I also hope that the experiences and insights they convey will, in some way, resonate with you and encourage and inspire you on your journey.

_______________________________

July 2010

John Townsend Responds to His Critics

The Dancer and the Dance

E.M. Forster's " Elusive Ideal"

Clarity, Hope and Courage

Wisconsin Adventure (Part 1)

Taking It to the Streets

Wisconsin Adventure (Part 2)

Scaling the Heights

A Message for NOM (and the Catholic Hierarchy)



August 2010

CPCSM and the Archdiocese of St. Paul-Minneapolis (Part 3)

The Facts About the Prop 8 Repeal

Reactions to Prop 8 Defeat

Part 4 of The Wild Reed series celebrating the city of Istanbul

Wisconsin Adventure (Part 3)

Feeling Both Hopeful and Sad (Part 9 of The Wild Reed series The Journal of James Curtis)

Benedict and Georg

Rob Tisinai on the Facts We Need to Know About Hate Crime Laws

Informed and Helpful Perspectives on the "Ground Zero Mosque" Controversy

A Valiant First Effort, Wouldn't You Say?

Europe 2005 (Part 1)



September 2010

Europe 2005 (Part 2)

John Cornwell on the "Pontifical Hijacking" of John Newman

Europe 2005 (Part 3)

The Minnesota Bishops' Last Ditch Effort

Countdown to Synod 2010

Reflections on the Life and Legacy of John Henry Newman

It's a Scandal

Misplaced Priorities

Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake

A Hopeful and Encouraging Trend

Dave Navarro to LGBT Youth: "We Need Your Voice"



NEXT: Part 4: October - December 2010.



See also the previous post:
The Wild Reed's Year in Review: January – March 2010
The Wild Reed's Year in Review: April – June 2010

The Wild Reed's Year in Review

.
Part 2: April – June 2010

Following is a further selection of 2010 Wild Reed posts that I particularly enjoyed putting together. Many of these posts have also generated the most comments from readers.

If you’ve yet to read these posts then I hope you'll take the time to do so. I also hope that the experiences and insights they convey will, in some way, resonate with you and encourage and inspire you on your journey.

_______________________________

April 2010

One Overwhelming Fire of Love (Part 4 of The Wild Reed's 2010 Holy Week series featuring excerpts from Andrew Harvey’s book, Son of Man: The Mystical Path to Christ)

The Most Dangerous Kind of Rebel (Part 5 of The Wild Reed's 2010 Holy Week series)

Resurrection: Beyond Words, Dogmas, and All Possible Theological Formulations (Part 6 of The Wild Reed's 2010 Holy Week series)

Blaming the Gays

The Cosmic Christ: Brother, Lover, Friend, Divine and Tender Guide (Part 7 of The Wild Reed's 2010 Holy Week series)

Bill Donohue's "Blame the Gays" Tactic Refuted by John Jay Study Researcher

Remembering Oscar Romero

The Wounded and Risen Christ

A Clerical Leadership Unresponsive to Voices of Reason

Let's Face It: The Catholic Church is a Gay Institution . . . and That's a Good Thing!

At UTS, a Rousing and Very Catholic Display of Support for Marriage Equality

A Message of Hope (and a Call to Action) from the Land Down-Under

Rockin' with Maxwell

Part 3 of The Wild Reed series celebrating the city of Istanbul

Archbishop Nienstedt Calls (Again) for a Marriage Amendment to Minnesota's Constitution



May 2010

Uproar on the Streets of Minneapolis (Part 1)

Uproar on the Streets of Minneapolis (Part 2)

Part 8 of The Wild Reed series The Journal of James Curtis

Thanks, Mum!

Dale Carpenter on the "Win-Win"Reality of Gay Marriage

Sister Jeannine Gramick Asks: "Who Speaks for Catholics?"

Revisiting Dirk Bogarde

The Spirit of Pentecost is Very Much Present and Active in the Church of Minneapolis/St. Paul



June 2010

The Scourge of Homophobia in Economically Impoverished Countries

The Fizzer Finale of Lost Brings to Mind the Unraveling of Twin Peaks

"Homodevotion" to the Body of Christ

Standing Strong (Part 1 of The Wild Reed's special “Gay Pride 2010” series)

Jesus Was a Sissy

Notes from the "Laughable but Tragic" World of Courage

Growing Strong (Part 2 of The Wild Reed's special “Gay Pride 2010” series)

Jesus and Homosexuality (Part 3 of The Wild Reed's special “Gay Pride 2010” series)

It Is Not Good to Be Alone (Part 4 of The Wild Reed's special “Gay Pride 2010” series)

A Scientific Look at Vampire Mythology

The Bisexual: "Living Consciously and Continually in the Place Where the Twain Meet" (Part 5 of The Wild Reed's special “Gay Pride 2010” series)

LGBT Catholics Celebrate Being "Wonderfully Made"

Spirituality and the Gay Experience (Part 6 of The Wild Reed's special “Gay Pride 2010” series)

Recovering the Queer Artistic Heritage (Part 7 of The Wild Reed's special “Gay Pride 2010” series)

A Catholic Presence at Gay Pride



NEXT: Part 3: July - September 2010


See also the previous post:
The Wild Reed's Year in Review: January – March 2010

The Wild Reed's Year in Review

.
Part 1: January – March 2010

Of the many commentaries I’ve posted this year those that I begin listing today are the ones that, for one reason or another, I’ve most enjoyed putting together.

If you’ve yet to read these posts then I hope you'll take the time to do so. I also hope that the experiences and insights they convey will, in some way, resonate with you and encourage and inspire you on your journey.

Peace,

Michael

_______________________________

January 2010

Commemorating My Grandfather Aub Bayly and the Loss of the AHS Centaur

Oh, Give It a Rest, Papa!

Part 2 of The Wild Reed series CPCSM and the Archdiocese of St. Paul-Minneapolis

Theologian Edward Schillebeeckx: Groundbreaking, Influential, and Gracious

"From Byzantine Daddy to Baroque Twink": Charles Darwent on the Journey of St. Sebastian

Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast

Flynns Beach

Howard Zinn, 1922-2010

Time of the Tigress



February 2010

The Response of One Gay Black Man to the Charge that King's Dream Has Been "Hijacked" by the Gay Movement

A Day Roving the Mid North Coast

Sharing a Good Thing

Part 7 of The Wild Reed series The Journal of James Curtis

This Corner of the Earth . . .

Marv Remembers

Our Memory of Eden

Part 1 of The Wild Reed series celebrating the city of Istanbul

Two Attorneys Discuss Same-Sex Marriage



March 2010

Love at Love's Brightest

Part 2 of The Wild Reed series celebrating the city of Istanbul

The Roman Catholic Pyramid is Crumbling

An Offering of Ashes

Waiting in Repose for Spring's Awakening Kiss

Reforming "the Vatican" Doesn't Mean Destroying the Church

A "Fruit" Reflects Upon the Meaning of "Fruitfulness"

Jesus: Path-Blazer of Radical Transformation (Part 1 of The Wild Reed's 2010 Holy Week series featuring excerpts from Andrew Harvey’s book, Son of Man: The Mystical Path to Christ)

The Essential Christ (Part 2 of The Wild Reed's 2010 Holy Week series)

Trees on Summit Avenue

One Iconoclastic Act (Part 3 of The Wild Reed's Holy Week series)

Roger Haight on the Church We Need



NEXT: Part 2: April - June 2010


See also the previous post:
The Wild Reed's Year in Review: January – March 2009