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July 16
Muhammed, Clare of Assisi, Ida B. Wells, Bernice Johnson Reagon, and the Great Schism
David Barnhart
July 16, 2025
“A Wall of Respect for Animals,” a mural sponsored by various animal-rights groups in Boston. 2025. Own photo.
On this day in 622, Muhammed began the Hijrah (or “severing”), a journey from Mecca, where his followers were being persecuted, to Medina, where he was welcomed. The leaders of Mecca seized the property of Muhammed and those who left with him. This date marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar.
On this day in 1054, the Western Roman Catholic pope (allegedly) excommunicated the Eastern Orthodox pope, another marker in the Great Schism between Western and Eastern churches.
Today is also the birthday, in 1194, of Clare of Assisi, who with Francis of Assisi established monastic orders in solidarity with the poor.
Today is the birthday, in 1862, of Ida B. Wells, who we remembered on March 25.
Today marks the death, in 2024, of Dr. Bernice Johnson Reagon, civil rights leader, professor, singer, and co-founder of Sweet Honey in the Rock. She devoted her life to liberation through music.
Reflection:
A poem by Rumi:
Love is the ark appointed for the righteous,
Which annuls the danger and provides a way of escape.
Sell your cleverness and buy bewilderment.
Cleverness is mere opinion, bewilderment intuition.
Ida B. Wells wrote:
“The way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon them.”
Bernice Johnson Reagon said,
“If you're in a coalition and you're comfortable, you know it's not a broad enough coalition.”
Lyrics from a song by Bernice Johnson Reagon and Sweet Honey in the Rock called “I Remember, I Believe”:
“My God calls to me in the morning dew
The power of the universe knows my name
Gave me a song to sing and sent me on my way
I raise my voice for justice I believe.”
Prayer: God, when we are subject to persecution for following you, build for us an ark of love, and liberate us with awe. Amen.