By Melanie Guste, RSCJ
We need to move, to let ourselves be transformed and renewed, so that we can respond from the depths of our being and throughout our lives, remembering who we are and by Whom we are called. (Society of the Sacred Heart, Life Unfolding: Offering the Gift Received)
As we have prayed and walked together as a community of Christ’s heart during the past two weeks, the confluence of remarkable events, experiences, and encounters have created a narrative which invites a pause for reflection that leads to action. This powerful transformational narrative unfolds in a dark and troubled period in history, at a time fractured by conflict, angst, violence and suffering of people across all borders and boundaries.
As sisters and communities of the Sacred Heart…
- We entered into the passion and death and resurrection of Jesus with the entire Christian community through the solemn celebration of the Sacred Tridium.
- We experienced the passing of our prophetic Pope Francis on Easter Monday.
- We celebrated the feast of “Divine Mercy” on the 1st Sunday after Easter, a special charism of Pope Francis.
- We returned to the ordinariness of our work and daily activities, just as the disciples went back to fishing, but with amazement and hope, we may be catching ourselves seeing with new eyes and encountering them just a bit differently.
To me, that is “resurrection power.”
Among the many poignant perspective-shifting moments during these past days, a photograph of the President of the United States seated with the President of Ukraine in an atrium of the Vatican before the funeral Mass of Pope Francis captured my attention. Both individuals were shown to be alone in this naturally lighted ample space, leaning towards one another, and listening with intention. Seeing this encounter occur in that place and at that occasion offered a moment of hope. It reflected the powerful insight of our sisters on Life Unfolding…Offering the Gift Received, who observed “…transformation is always the fruit of an Encounter." (P.11)
To me, that is “resurrection power.”
And, for you?
- How are you experiencing "resurrection power"? How are you seeing the work of God’s transforming power in your life? the lives of others? our world?
- How have images, stories or Encounters created a shift in your perspective or your “way of seeing” in these past days and weeks?
- How do I/we experience myself/us as an “artisan of hope” in our “blessed and broken world?”
