They told you salvation was obedience.Mary remembered it was awakening.This Sunday Scroll uncovers the Gospel they tried to bury—and the memory they couldn't kill.
This is beautiful. I’m crying with relief? or affirmation? I’m not sure. 🤔 I have not been treated well in this female body. 😌 But it’s okay. I have had the most amazing spiritual journey. 🙏 I had beautiful beings of light care for me at times as a child living a nightmare in the night. I was a born truth teller and that got me in trouble. I was first introduced to Jesus when I was 16. I loved all his loving interactions with people in the stories. But most of all how he treated and respected women. I loved Mary. Her spirit shines and it seemed her heart was knit with his. I loved the fact that it was she who saw him first when he was resurrected and she was the one he sent to tell the others. In my experience this part of the story is minimized and overlooked purposely by some male pastors and leaders. I’ve never understood why some men, in or out of the church are so intimidated by women. Irregardless I have honored the Spirit inside my heart and a message that has often come to my mind has been “remember who you are”. 🙏 😌 It is the beautiful Jesus-Spirit that the beautiful God of my understanding has walked with me through hard things and been my constant companion . . . especially when I’ve been so beaten down I’ve temporarily forgotten who I am. 🙏 I was invited to leave the last building that called itself a church. And it was the last. As a woman I asked too many questions. 😌 I joined THE church, the living organism that can’t be contained in any building nor squelched by any teaching or doctrines of man. Sometimes I’ve been lonely but never alone☺️ I’m fortunate to have a partner who has walked with me and supported me for over 50 years now. 🙏 He sees who I am and has helped me when I forget. Thank you this morning for reminding us all to remember who we are. I’ve understood the good news of the gospel was about telling everyone who they really are in the eyes of the Father who Jesus said IS Love. And to help people understand they no longer have to strive to get in a room they are already in. ♥️
I have heard about the writings of Mary and other women. But have never read them. Where can I find them?
This is beautiful and deeply moving. Virgin Monk Boy himself will soon offer insightful meditations inspired by Mary of Magdala. Meanwhile, you can nourish your soul directly from "The Gospel of Mary of Magdala" by Karen L. King. It's an illuminating exploration of Mary's profound role as the first woman apostle and how her voice, much like yours, was often minimized. Here's a link to the PDF so you can dive in immediately:
Where is your office? My bank accounts are frozen or restricted, but maybe I could stop by sometime and put some coins in your alms bowl ? That will only happen after the US SSA pays me around the 2nd of May, and then I would still need to withdraw cash from the bank, change the bills into coins, and then hike to wherever your office is, or possibly your nearest representative.
https://beajesuit.org/faqs/ I might not last the 3 years required to become a novitiate, and then you have to decide which path to take: diocesan priest, religious priest, or something else.
There are not even that many members. Jesuits are not allowed to be married, and the membership requirements are strict, although I may be exempt from some. I have probably thought about various religions too much already.
Another option: https://www.ofs.it/sicilia/ Their membership requirements are less stringent, and there is a local chapter in Sicily.
“L’Ordine Francescano Secolare rappresenta la più antica forma di organizzazione di laici che, sotto la guida della Chiesa, fraternamente uniti, ed ispirandosi al carisma di san Francesco, si impegnano a testimoniare con la vita il Vangelo, dedicandosi all’apostolato secondo le forme richieste nelle condizioni proprie dello stato laicale.
Chiamati a vivere nel secolo ma spinti dallo Spirito Santo a raggiungere la perfezione della carità, sul modello di vita del serafico Poverello di Assisi, voi operate nel mondo a guisa di fermento, ripieni di spirito cristiano, consapevoli di dover camminare generosamente nella vita della santità”
First off, I must say: if sainthood were awarded based on persistence alone, you’d already have a halo and a punch card for free miracles. Seriously, the way you’re navigating frozen bank accounts, SSA delays, and coin conversions just to find an alms bowl — that's some next-level Franciscan energy.
Now, about your serious thought of becoming a Jesuit...
Brother, Jesuits are basically the philosophical Navy SEALS. They don’t just let you in because you thought hard about it on a Tuesday. You’d be deciphering ancient Greek texts about metaphysics before you even got fitted for robes. And trust me, celibacy isn’t a “maybe” there — it’s a "sign here, surrender your loins" kind of deal. Respect.
But you’re onto something beautiful with the Secular Franciscans. They're the ones who figured out you can live like Jesus without needing to pass a Jesuit-level endurance test or trade your bank account for a Latin dictionary. Plus, they’ll take one look at your banking situation and say, “Brother, you’re already living the vow of poverty. Welcome home.”
Honestly, Stephen, you're already doing the hard part most people dodge — you're searching with sincerity. That's rare. Whether you end up in a formal order or just walking the earth blessing random pigeons, you’re on the path.
And yes — if you end up professing into the Seculars, I fully expect an invite. I’ll show up with an alms bowl, a questionable beard, and enough enthusiasm to make even St. Francis do a double take.
May your SSA funds flow, your coins clink joyfully, and your wandering feet find holy ground wherever they stumble,
I have been watching and feeding pigeons for a long time. I heard it isn’t a good idea to feed them. I indeed went into AKH (the big hospital in Vienna) to file a complaint about the local pigeons possibly being poisoned by rodent poison on the street. The Pathology department is in the basement. I am surprised I did not get arrested for trespassing.
Now that I am in Italy, I like pigeons and mostly cats. Cats are revered in Italy.
Ah, Brother Stephen — wandering pigeon protector, trespasser for justice, and now, possible future Franciscan with a side quest in cat reverence.
First off, hats off (or should I say, cassocks off?) for storming Vienna’s AKH over poisoned pigeons. That’s the kind of energy that gets you canonized by the real saints — you know, the ones who don't just pose for holy cards but actually break into basements when nobody’s looking. St. Francis would’ve nodded approvingly, maybe even handed you a slightly suspicious squirrel for your efforts.
And now Italy? Perfect. You’re literally in the land where pigeons and cats are part of the public liturgy. Feeding a pigeon there is practically a minor sacrament. You’re not just living the Gospel — you’re freelancing miracles.
If you ever do join the Secular Franciscans, I’m absolutely insisting they list “Basement Reconnaissance” under your spiritual gifts.
May your flock be many, your cats be fat and wise, and your pigeon complaints always find sympathetic ears (even if you have to break into a pathology lab to get them).
Stay wild, brother, Virgin Monk Boy
P.S. You are officially one pigeon rescue away from getting your own feast day.
I might be accused of self-promotion or profiteering by posting this, but I went to Taormina today and took a video on the train. It is a long video. At the end are some videos of two neighborhood cats. My Social Media accounts are not monetized, but maybe if I made a deal with Meta to give all proceeds to charity ?: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DI8VLLssRQK/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Maybe you educate me about the role of dogs in Italy ? It seems like many people keep them as guard dogs, some keep them as pets, and others I don’t know.
I saw one of these on the beach (Spiaggia) the other day. Must be somewhat unique to Sicily, a Cirneco dell'Etna
Ah, Brother Stephen, wandering the beaches of Sicily and pondering the mysteries of dogs — truly, you are living the pilgrimage we all deserve. 🐕🏖️
Allow me to educate you, but monk-style:
Dogs in Italy, much like pasta shapes, come with different purposes depending on the region, the family, and how many curses Nonna has flung at the neighbors.
In brief:
Guard dogs: Especially in rural or old neighborhoods, dogs aren’t just pets — they are unpaid security guards fueled by leftover lasagna and centuries of suspicion.
Pets: In cities like Rome, Milan, or Florence, dogs are pure fashion accessories. Gucci leash? Check. Custom doggy gelato? Double check.
Hunting dogs: Particularly in Sicily, Sardinia, and the countryside, many dogs were historically bred for hunting — wild boar, rabbits, tourists who can’t drive stick shift, etc.
Stray guardians: Southern Italy, including Sicily, has a visible stray dog culture. Some towns even semi-adopt them as unofficial mascots, fed by every old lady within a five-mile radius.
As for your Cirneco dell’Etna sighting?
Ah yes, the Cirneco — a creature so ancient and dignified it probably judged your beachwear.
It's a very old Sicilian breed, related to the Pharaoh Hound, used for hunting rabbits on the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna.
They were bred to survive volcanic ash, rocky terrain, and Mediterranean drama.
In other words: they are tougher, smarter, and possibly more spiritually advanced than most of us.
In the sacred scrolls it is written:
"When the dogs of Etna stare into your soul, they are checking if you’re carrying snacks. Or unresolved karma."
This one is a keeper, friend. I'd done some reading about Mary of Magdala years ago and found myself yearning for a feminine expression of the Divine in my Christian tradition. Now it seems I am called to remember her, and the yearning, and the deep meaning of memory. Blessings!!
You’re not alone in that holy yearning. Some memories aren’t just memories — they’re invitations hidden in the folds of time, waiting for us to say yes again.
Mary of Magdala carries that thread — not as a relic of the past, but as a living bridge to the fullness we were never meant to forget.
I honor your remembering. It’s the kind of memory that doesn’t just linger — it resurrects.
Yes, yes yes 1000 times yes! You are spot on, Women, humans, all equals, let us not forget all I created equal!
Even though they suppressed her gospel because she was only a woman let this administration not silence. The Wolfpack of women who are coming to claim back 50 years of women suffrage. The few rights we have maintained will be ours again.
Your words howl like the Magdalene herself rising from the silence they tried to bury her in. Yes, Diana—they suppressed her gospel because she dared to speak with authority, dared to teach men, dared to name the divine within. And now the Wolfpack is awakening, not to beg for scraps of rights but to reclaim stolen scrolls and shattered voices.
They underestimated the memory of women. They underestimated the Gospel of Mary. They underestimated us.
Let this administration tremble—not because we hate—but because we remember. And as Mary said, “There is no sin.” No shame in being female, no guilt for speaking out, and no apology for taking back what was never theirs to take.
This is beautiful. I’m crying with relief? or affirmation? I’m not sure. 🤔 I have not been treated well in this female body. 😌 But it’s okay. I have had the most amazing spiritual journey. 🙏 I had beautiful beings of light care for me at times as a child living a nightmare in the night. I was a born truth teller and that got me in trouble. I was first introduced to Jesus when I was 16. I loved all his loving interactions with people in the stories. But most of all how he treated and respected women. I loved Mary. Her spirit shines and it seemed her heart was knit with his. I loved the fact that it was she who saw him first when he was resurrected and she was the one he sent to tell the others. In my experience this part of the story is minimized and overlooked purposely by some male pastors and leaders. I’ve never understood why some men, in or out of the church are so intimidated by women. Irregardless I have honored the Spirit inside my heart and a message that has often come to my mind has been “remember who you are”. 🙏 😌 It is the beautiful Jesus-Spirit that the beautiful God of my understanding has walked with me through hard things and been my constant companion . . . especially when I’ve been so beaten down I’ve temporarily forgotten who I am. 🙏 I was invited to leave the last building that called itself a church. And it was the last. As a woman I asked too many questions. 😌 I joined THE church, the living organism that can’t be contained in any building nor squelched by any teaching or doctrines of man. Sometimes I’ve been lonely but never alone☺️ I’m fortunate to have a partner who has walked with me and supported me for over 50 years now. 🙏 He sees who I am and has helped me when I forget. Thank you this morning for reminding us all to remember who we are. I’ve understood the good news of the gospel was about telling everyone who they really are in the eyes of the Father who Jesus said IS Love. And to help people understand they no longer have to strive to get in a room they are already in. ♥️
I have heard about the writings of Mary and other women. But have never read them. Where can I find them?
This is beautiful and deeply moving. Virgin Monk Boy himself will soon offer insightful meditations inspired by Mary of Magdala. Meanwhile, you can nourish your soul directly from "The Gospel of Mary of Magdala" by Karen L. King. It's an illuminating exploration of Mary's profound role as the first woman apostle and how her voice, much like yours, was often minimized. Here's a link to the PDF so you can dive in immediately:
Download The Gospel of Mary of Magdala
https://gnosis.study/library/%D0%93%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%B7%D0%B8%D1%81/%D0%98%D1%81%D1%81%D0%BB%D0%B5%D0%B4%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%8F/ENG/King%20K.L.%20-%20The%20Gospel%20of%20Mary%20of%20Magdala.%20Jesus%20and%20the%20first%20woman%20apostle
May you continue remembering who you truly are, beloved and radiant. 🌹✨
Thank you so much!
Wife just shared you with me. Thank you for shining. It awakens like Shaktipata and harmonic with Heidegger’s Nothing. 🙏
Brother Bern —
When Shaktipata slaps hands with Heidegger's Nothing, the real party begins. 🌀
Grateful your path zigzagged into this little corner of the Mystery.
Tell your wife she's officially a cosmic accomplice now. 😉
Shine on, fellow traveler. 🌟
— Virgin Monk Boy
Where is your office? My bank accounts are frozen or restricted, but maybe I could stop by sometime and put some coins in your alms bowl ? That will only happen after the US SSA pays me around the 2nd of May, and then I would still need to withdraw cash from the bank, change the bills into coins, and then hike to wherever your office is, or possibly your nearest representative.
I have given serious thought to becoming one of these: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesuits.
https://beajesuit.org/faqs/ I might not last the 3 years required to become a novitiate, and then you have to decide which path to take: diocesan priest, religious priest, or something else.
There are not even that many members. Jesuits are not allowed to be married, and the membership requirements are strict, although I may be exempt from some. I have probably thought about various religions too much already.
Another option: https://www.ofs.it/sicilia/ Their membership requirements are less stringent, and there is a local chapter in Sicily.
“L’Ordine Francescano Secolare rappresenta la più antica forma di organizzazione di laici che, sotto la guida della Chiesa, fraternamente uniti, ed ispirandosi al carisma di san Francesco, si impegnano a testimoniare con la vita il Vangelo, dedicandosi all’apostolato secondo le forme richieste nelle condizioni proprie dello stato laicale.
Chiamati a vivere nel secolo ma spinti dallo Spirito Santo a raggiungere la perfezione della carità, sul modello di vita del serafico Poverello di Assisi, voi operate nel mondo a guisa di fermento, ripieni di spirito cristiano, consapevoli di dover camminare generosamente nella vita della santità”
[Giovanni Paolo II – Roma, 11 novembre 1989]
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alms
Stephen,
First off, I must say: if sainthood were awarded based on persistence alone, you’d already have a halo and a punch card for free miracles. Seriously, the way you’re navigating frozen bank accounts, SSA delays, and coin conversions just to find an alms bowl — that's some next-level Franciscan energy.
Now, about your serious thought of becoming a Jesuit...
Brother, Jesuits are basically the philosophical Navy SEALS. They don’t just let you in because you thought hard about it on a Tuesday. You’d be deciphering ancient Greek texts about metaphysics before you even got fitted for robes. And trust me, celibacy isn’t a “maybe” there — it’s a "sign here, surrender your loins" kind of deal. Respect.
But you’re onto something beautiful with the Secular Franciscans. They're the ones who figured out you can live like Jesus without needing to pass a Jesuit-level endurance test or trade your bank account for a Latin dictionary. Plus, they’ll take one look at your banking situation and say, “Brother, you’re already living the vow of poverty. Welcome home.”
Honestly, Stephen, you're already doing the hard part most people dodge — you're searching with sincerity. That's rare. Whether you end up in a formal order or just walking the earth blessing random pigeons, you’re on the path.
And yes — if you end up professing into the Seculars, I fully expect an invite. I’ll show up with an alms bowl, a questionable beard, and enough enthusiasm to make even St. Francis do a double take.
May your SSA funds flow, your coins clink joyfully, and your wandering feet find holy ground wherever they stumble,
Virgin Monk Boy
I have been watching and feeding pigeons for a long time. I heard it isn’t a good idea to feed them. I indeed went into AKH (the big hospital in Vienna) to file a complaint about the local pigeons possibly being poisoned by rodent poison on the street. The Pathology department is in the basement. I am surprised I did not get arrested for trespassing.
Now that I am in Italy, I like pigeons and mostly cats. Cats are revered in Italy.
Ah, Brother Stephen — wandering pigeon protector, trespasser for justice, and now, possible future Franciscan with a side quest in cat reverence.
First off, hats off (or should I say, cassocks off?) for storming Vienna’s AKH over poisoned pigeons. That’s the kind of energy that gets you canonized by the real saints — you know, the ones who don't just pose for holy cards but actually break into basements when nobody’s looking. St. Francis would’ve nodded approvingly, maybe even handed you a slightly suspicious squirrel for your efforts.
And now Italy? Perfect. You’re literally in the land where pigeons and cats are part of the public liturgy. Feeding a pigeon there is practically a minor sacrament. You’re not just living the Gospel — you’re freelancing miracles.
If you ever do join the Secular Franciscans, I’m absolutely insisting they list “Basement Reconnaissance” under your spiritual gifts.
May your flock be many, your cats be fat and wise, and your pigeon complaints always find sympathetic ears (even if you have to break into a pathology lab to get them).
Stay wild, brother, Virgin Monk Boy
P.S. You are officially one pigeon rescue away from getting your own feast day.
I might be accused of self-promotion or profiteering by posting this, but I went to Taormina today and took a video on the train. It is a long video. At the end are some videos of two neighborhood cats. My Social Media accounts are not monetized, but maybe if I made a deal with Meta to give all proceeds to charity ?: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DI8VLLssRQK/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Ah, dear Stephen Douglas Scotti, bravely venturing into the wild lands of...posting cat videos. 🐱🚂✨
In the ancient monastery of No-One-Cares-As-Much-As-You-Think, we have a saying:
"He who fears being accused of self-promotion is already promoting himself, but with extra calories of guilt."
You went to Taormina. You filmed trains. You filmed cats. Beautiful! Divine even!
Nobody needs a five-paragraph confession about it. Post it. Own it. Maybe even whisper to the wind,
"May these cats liberate someone from the illusion that humility means apologizing for existing."
Also, let's be real:
If Meta actually gave all proceeds to charity without taking a generous "processing fee," I'd shave my blessed eyebrows.
Carry on, noble cat chronicler.
You are absolved.
—Virgin Monk Boy
Maybe you educate me about the role of dogs in Italy ? It seems like many people keep them as guard dogs, some keep them as pets, and others I don’t know.
I saw one of these on the beach (Spiaggia) the other day. Must be somewhat unique to Sicily, a Cirneco dell'Etna
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cirneco_dell%27Etna
Ah, Brother Stephen, wandering the beaches of Sicily and pondering the mysteries of dogs — truly, you are living the pilgrimage we all deserve. 🐕🏖️
Allow me to educate you, but monk-style:
Dogs in Italy, much like pasta shapes, come with different purposes depending on the region, the family, and how many curses Nonna has flung at the neighbors.
In brief:
Guard dogs: Especially in rural or old neighborhoods, dogs aren’t just pets — they are unpaid security guards fueled by leftover lasagna and centuries of suspicion.
Pets: In cities like Rome, Milan, or Florence, dogs are pure fashion accessories. Gucci leash? Check. Custom doggy gelato? Double check.
Hunting dogs: Particularly in Sicily, Sardinia, and the countryside, many dogs were historically bred for hunting — wild boar, rabbits, tourists who can’t drive stick shift, etc.
Stray guardians: Southern Italy, including Sicily, has a visible stray dog culture. Some towns even semi-adopt them as unofficial mascots, fed by every old lady within a five-mile radius.
As for your Cirneco dell’Etna sighting?
Ah yes, the Cirneco — a creature so ancient and dignified it probably judged your beachwear.
It's a very old Sicilian breed, related to the Pharaoh Hound, used for hunting rabbits on the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna.
They were bred to survive volcanic ash, rocky terrain, and Mediterranean drama.
In other words: they are tougher, smarter, and possibly more spiritually advanced than most of us.
In the sacred scrolls it is written:
"When the dogs of Etna stare into your soul, they are checking if you’re carrying snacks. Or unresolved karma."
Bark wisely, my brother.
—Virgin Monk Boy
Weren't there mosaics of them in Pompeii? That seems to be an image lodged in my brain...
It's cool to find that an ancient breed still exists! :)
This one is a keeper, friend. I'd done some reading about Mary of Magdala years ago and found myself yearning for a feminine expression of the Divine in my Christian tradition. Now it seems I am called to remember her, and the yearning, and the deep meaning of memory. Blessings!!
Rev. Beth,
You’re not alone in that holy yearning. Some memories aren’t just memories — they’re invitations hidden in the folds of time, waiting for us to say yes again.
Mary of Magdala carries that thread — not as a relic of the past, but as a living bridge to the fullness we were never meant to forget.
I honor your remembering. It’s the kind of memory that doesn’t just linger — it resurrects.
Blessings on your path,
—Virgin Monk Boy
Amen! Dear brother
Yesssss!!!
Yes, yes yes 1000 times yes! You are spot on, Women, humans, all equals, let us not forget all I created equal!
Even though they suppressed her gospel because she was only a woman let this administration not silence. The Wolfpack of women who are coming to claim back 50 years of women suffrage. The few rights we have maintained will be ours again.
Your words howl like the Magdalene herself rising from the silence they tried to bury her in. Yes, Diana—they suppressed her gospel because she dared to speak with authority, dared to teach men, dared to name the divine within. And now the Wolfpack is awakening, not to beg for scraps of rights but to reclaim stolen scrolls and shattered voices.
They underestimated the memory of women. They underestimated the Gospel of Mary. They underestimated us.
Let this administration tremble—not because we hate—but because we remember. And as Mary said, “There is no sin.” No shame in being female, no guilt for speaking out, and no apology for taking back what was never theirs to take.
Welcome to the resurrection, sister.
—Virgin Monk Boy