Metaphorically sitting with the women
In her recent workshops, “Conversations with Women in the Bible”, she took participants on journeys with various biblical characters, uncovering hidden gems in the narratives, and inviting them to reflect on where the characters’ lives could resonate with their own.
The aim was to show how by metaphorically sitting with the women, allowing them to say all they have to say, always aware that God is speaking through them, you can notice similarities with your own experience, find comfort and support, and begin to be transformed.
Participants were able to perceive how each woman could potentially influence their lives today
The workshops gave a voice to some of the less prominent characters in the Bible. Those explored included Hannah, Martha, and some unnamed women, like the woman at the Well and the Syrophoenecian woman.
By spending time on the scenes of the stories, participants were able to perceive how each woman could potentially influence their lives today and inspire their vision of what it means to be a faith community. The story about the Syrophoenecian woman, for instance, contains a multitude of topical themes, such as mental health and healing. When the woman reaches out beyond her own prejudices for the sake of love, she offers a model with great significance in our time.
Sr Thérèse explains the concept of “sitting with” the characters: “It’s more than just an instantaneous thing; it’s a kind of process, and so the change that happens to us can be subtle and can become more obvious with hindsight.”
Trying out new ideas and approaches
After the events, held in Wexford and Kilkenny in Ireland on 10 and 11 May, the audiences gave most positive feedback to the organisers, the Congregation of the Sisters of St. John of God. They were particularly appreciative of how the process was “empowering”, how they became more aware of their assumptions as the day progressed and the “safe, creative ways” in which they were they were supported to become more resourced in their approach to the Biblical texts.
The process was “empowering”
Thérèse was grateful to the groups for their flexibility in trying out new ideas and approaches and their openness to sharing their wisdom and insights, which made for a rich and nourishing experience for all. “I feel very blessed to have met both groups,” she said, “and am grateful to the Sisters of St John of God for the volume of work they did in preparing for both days.”
Sr Thérèse is planning more similar events later in the year, next time focusing on the Book of Ruth. These courses will also include a close reading of the text and a variety of processes to support the participants in how they experience and respond to the Word of God, and how to apply these reading strategies to other Biblical texts.