The content of our weekly “Prayer for the World” beginning this week, will be coming from the National Leadership Conference of Women Religious. They are offering women religious (and anyone we wish to invite into the experience) a one year initiative entitled, “Transforming Grace: The Work of Transformative Justice.” As part of this initiative, material will be offered for prayer each week. The 2nd part, “Transformation of Consciousness UPDATE,” is something I sent to the Sisters earlier this month. It is an explanation of the initiative, which is both timely and hopeful.
Thank you for continuing to join us in prayer.
Sr. Beaty
Beginning the journey of
Transforming Grace: transforming consciousness
Introduction
“Once the seed of faith takes root, it cannot be blown away, even by the strongest wind – Now that’s a blessing.” – Rumi (watch: The Seed)
Opening Song: At This Table, Songwriters: Idina Menzel/Jonas Carl Gustaf Myrin; Lyrics Duva Island Songs, Songs of Universal Inc.
At this table, everyone is welcome At this table, everyone is seen At this table, everybody matters No one falls between At this table, you can say whatever At this table, you can speak your mind At this table, everything's forgiven There's enough for everyone So come as you are Remember that the door is always open Yes, come as you are The perfect gift that you could bring is your heart So come, come as you are At this table, there will be no judgement At this table, mercy has a seat At this table, we're all sons and daughters There's no place I'd rather be So come as you are Remember that the door is always open Come as you are The perfect gift that you could bring is your heart Come, come as you are Come as you are, oh At this table, everyone is welcome At this table, everybody cares At this table, everybody matters So come, pull up a chair
Reading: From “All About Love” by Bell Hooks
In a 1967 lecture opposing war King, declared: “When I speak of love I am not speaking of some sentimental and weak response. I am speaking of that force which all great religions have seen as the supreme unifying principle of life. Love is somehow the key that unlocks the door which leads to ultimate rality. This Hindu-Moslem-Christian-Jewish-Buddhist belief about ultimate reality is beautifully summed up in the first epistle of Saint John: ‘Le us love one another, for love is God and everyone that loves is born of God and knows God.”
Prayer for Conversion of Heart by Kimberly King, RSCJ
Like your wind knows the feel of feathers,
I seek to know my heart.
Like your flowers bloom in a riot of glory,
I seek to open my heart.
Like glass that tumbles in your waves,
I seek to transform my heart.
From anger to peace.
From negativity to peace
From worry to peace
From control to peace
From peace to deeper, wider peace
Like the mist that heralds lush morning wonder,
Let this change of heart settle lightly, thickly,
Perhaps making me tremble in awe.
Silent Prayer
For your Reflection
As we embark on this journey of transforming consciousness, we open those spaces where the “other” is unwelcome and where we know ourselves to be the unwelcome “other.” In silence, with a simple breath, in this present moment, we can become one with all those who feel this same wall of separation. Reflecting, perhaps journaling with the following questions, and, if possible engaging in contemplative dialogue on them may lead us towards the first step on this journey.
Questions
Considering the image of table, who might need an invitation to our “table?” What might we need to do so that they might feel welcome?
Sometimes love takes us where we have refused to go. Think of a table where you have not felt welcome and imagine what it would take for you to say “yes.”
Prayer
God of this new venture, we are walking into mystery. We face the future not knowing what the days and months will bring us or how we will respond. Be love in us as we journey. May we welcome all who come our way.
Silent Prayer
Song: At This Table
The Work of Transformative Justice
As we listen to the news of the World and pray for the needs of our Church, Country and World, we sense that something else is needed. With this in mind, LCWR is offering a one year initiative beginning this month entitled, “Transforming Grace: The Work of Transformative Justice.” It is a formation experience for leaders, justice promoters, and communicators
…to provide education on the transformation of consciousness needed to make a difference in today’s world;
…to provide opportunities to explore ways in which they can work together towards creating new ways of living the mission of religious life in a polarized world.
New Ways for Living the Mission in a Polarized World
I am excited about this opportunity. In an overview of the program, Sr. Carol Zinn described what gave rise to offering this program: the sense that “Something else is needed to be in relationship across the divides.” LCWR has named the “something else,” a TRANSFORMATION OF CONSCIOUSNESS.
The materials provided are designed to be used by anyone we may wish to invite into this experience. Beginning November 29th material will be offered for prayer each week in groups. My hope is that this can be a resource for our weekly “Prayer for the World.”
Transformation Rooted in Faith
The following words of Pope Francis encourage us to always root our efforts toward transformation in faith. “I cannot fail…to remind the Catholic faithful of the motivations born of their faith. … since we know that authentic faith not only gives strength to the human heart but also transforms life, transfigures our goals and sheds light on our relationship to others and with creation as a whole.” Laudate Deum, #61
It is is hard to believe we are already nearing the end of the Church Year and standing on the threshold of a new one. It is a good time to review how we have lived our commitment to mission this past year and to renew and deepen our commitment in the year to come. My hope is that we can do this by our participation in this new initiative from LCWR, in collaboration with Religious Women all across the County
Sr. Beaty, Social Justice Promoter
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