Remembering Fr. Gustavo Gutiérrez

In Memoriam of Gustavo Gutiérrez and Walter Brueggemann - Part 1

Along with countless others across the world, I grieve the loss of these two giants who died in 2025. They both left an indelible mark on theology and Scripture studies and, perhaps more importantly, on the lives of those fortunate enough to have access to their work. For theirs was a conceptual vision grounded in reality, a muscular hope that transformative social change and a better world are in fact possible. 

Reflection on the work of these two men would fill volumes. I offer a very brief reflection in two parts sparked by the significant personal impact of two professors who were my summer-school teachers at Boston College.

Fr. Gustavo Gutiérrez

Gustavo Gutiérrez is recognized as the father of liberation theology. What distinguishes his work and is often overlooked is his communal approach to salvation/liberation and to the “option for the poor.” In his evolving work over the decades, he continued to insist on the salvific significance of poor communities in history. Therein lies a valuable lesson in solidarity with the oppressed for us as a congregation as we struggle to find a foothold in the current world disorder and respond actively to our mission of seeking unity and reconciliation, that is, the communion of all in God.

Given the constraints of space, I choose one quotation among many to illustrate Gustavo’s key insight concerning solidarity as liberative praxis (action for liberation) in the Christian context:

“The praxis of liberation, therefore, inasmuch as it starts out from an authentic solidarity with the poor and oppressed, is ultimately a praxis of love – real love, effective and concrete, for real, concrete human beings. It is a praxis of love of neighbor, and of love for Christ in the neighbor, for Christ identifies himself with the least of these human beings, our brothers and sisters.”

As we carry out our CSJ mission, whatever our own particular circumstances, let us be inspired by the legacy of Gustavo Gutiérrez.

-Sister Joyce Murray, CSJ

Image: Jonathan Dick, OSFS/Unsplash

Confessions of a Proud Leseratte

My German friend affectionately teases me that I am a bookworm, or as she would say, a “Leseratte,” translated as a “reading rat.” Not to sound disparaging, she quickly adds that this rodent is a playful creature who reads constantly.

Lately, I have taken notice of how frequently book titles and story settings center around places that serve as abodes, whether permanent or temporary to books. These homes are libraries, bookstores, or crowded bookshelves. This is not surprising, since writers are often avid readers themselves. As a book addict, I am aware of the irresistible attraction of used bookstores, second hand stores, library catalogs, or local rummage sales. In multiple ways, these special spaces draw me in just as surely as a confectionary would entice a chocolate lover.

I find myself resonating with Jorge Luis Borges’ vision when he says, “I have always imagined paradise will be a kind of library.” I can catch a glimpse of eternal joy in his picturesque imaging.

“I have always imagined paradise will be a kind of library.”

— Jorge Luis Borges

In a world that often moves too fast, bookish spaces invite us to slow down, explore, and connect. They offer refuge, inspiration, challenges, and comfort. For those of us who cherish them, they are little gems of paradise.

-Sister Nancy Wales, CSJ

“At a time when our discourse seems so sharply polarized... books have always been a way for me to slow down and absorb the world.”

— Barack Obama

Father's Day

Father’s Day - A repost of Sister Jean Moylan’s Father’s Day Blog, may she rest in peace.

I look forward to Father’s Day every year.  It gives me time to think about the role of father in our lives and the influence that each father has on laying the groundwork for his children in a myriad of ways that will guide them throughout their lives.

Of course, as an example, I turn to thoughts of my own beloved father, now long deceased, and the influence he had on my life and on my siblings.  Dad and the other men who I knew as I grew up, cemented my perception and belief of what a father should be.  Later in life, I learned that not all fathers were kind and loving as were those during my childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood.  A lack of good male role models can leave its mark on children who suffer from lack of self-esteem, addictions, and a host of other maladies that may be carried through life.  

““The Lord your God carried you, as a father carries his son.””

— Deuteronomy 1:31

From my earliest years, I knew my father as a kind, gentle, and patient dad.  He loved my mother deeply and expressed it in daily acts of kindness.  He insisted that we show her love, honor, and obedience.  We also learned to respect our elders, and those who visited us in our happy, faith-filled home.

Throughout my childhood, I observed my father teaching by example.  We saw his daily cordial conduct, gentle politeness, easy neighbourliness, and the careful dance of when to act and when to desist.

As the years passed and we grew up and took our place in society, new generations arrived.  I watch my brothers in action. They treat their wives and children with the same patience, love and kindness that my father portrayed.  Suddenly, in this new millennium, another generation, tall and strong, is on the horizon.  These lads also exhibit the traits that have been handed down from the generations of our fine forefathers.

How appropriate it is to set aside one special Sunday a year to honor hardworking, fine men who bear the name of father – or just plain, wonderful DAD.

-Sister Jean Moylan, CSJ

Image: Jon Tyson/Unsplash