For the Life of the world

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to ponder how our experience of Christ as life for the world translates into changes in our communities.

Community Life

The reading from the Book of Acts describes the encounter of Philip with the Ethiopian Eunuch.

 * [8:26–40] In the account of the conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch, Luke adduces additional evidence to show that the spread of Christianity outside the confines of Judaism itself was in accord with the plan of God. He does not make clear whether the Ethiopian was originally a convert to Judaism or, as is more probable, a “God-fearer” (Acts 10:1), i.e., one who accepted Jewish monotheism and ethic and attended the synagogue but did not consider himself bound by other regulations such as circumcision and observance of the dietary laws. The story of his conversion to Christianity is given a strong supernatural cast by the introduction of an angel (Acts 8:26), instruction from the holy Spirit (Acts 8:29), and the strange removal of Philip from the scene (8:39).1

Psalm 66 is praise for God’s goodness to Israel.

 * [Psalm 66] In the first part (Ps 66:1–12), the community praises God for powerful acts for Israel, both in the past (the exodus from Egypt and the entry into the land [Ps 66:6]) and in the present (deliverance from a recent but unspecified calamity [Ps 66:8–12]). In the second part (Ps 66:13–20), an individual from the rescued community fulfills a vow to offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving. As often in thanksgivings, the rescued person steps forward to teach the community what God has done (Ps 66:16–20).2

In the Gospel of John, Jesus takes the Bread of Life Discourse to another level declaring ‘the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.’

 * [6:35–59] Up to Jn 6:50 “bread of life” is a figure for God’s revelation in Jesus; in Jn 6:51–58, the eucharistic theme comes to the fore. There may thus be a break between Jn 6:50–51.3

Edward Morse notes the story of the Ethiopian Eunuch beautifully illustrates the saying that “opportunity favors a prepared mind”. Philip’s presence nearby and the Holy Spirit’s prompting came at a time when this man was open to Philip’s words. After baptism, he went on his way rejoicing – and I guess that Philip did too!

 At this time, we are ordinarily welcoming catechumens and candidates who have been joined to the church at Easter.  Perhaps they will identify with this story and share in a sense of wonder, as they share a similar experience of being drawn into a new relationship accompanied by revealed truth.  All who are called to a relationship with Christ can share in that wonder.  We have sensed that God is patiently drawing us toward a future and hope that is rooted in His Son Jesus Christ, who is the bread of life we read about in today’s gospel.
Are we prepared to recognize the divine appointments happening all around us?  God is calling us to journey with him.  Preparation and curiosity are needed, as well as patience and endurance.  Let us journey on and be taught by God as we go on our way rejoicing.  Thanks be to God.4

Don Schwager quotes “Studying the Scriptures with humility,” by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.

 "My ambition as a youth was to apply to the study of the Holy Scriptures all the refinement of dialectics. I did so, but without the humility of the true searcher. I was supposed to knock at the door so that it would open for me. Instead I was pushing it closed, trying to understand in pride what is only learned in humility. However, the all-merciful Lord lifted me up and kept me safe." (excerpt from Sermon 51,6)5

The Word Among Us Meditation on John 6:44-51 comments as beautiful and incredible as this promise may seem, we need to understand that the Eucharist is not magical. We don’t instantly become a new and improved version of ourselves when we receive it. The transformation is usually gradual, and we have an important role to play. We need to receive it with faith, and we need to back up our faith with acts of obedience during the day.

 Of course, we don’t have to be perfect to receive Christ. When we receive him, he receives us—in our strengths and our weaknesses. And as he receives us, he slowly peels away our sins, strengthens our weaknesses, and gives us his grace. It’s also true that the more time we spend with Jesus outside of Mass, the more we will see his love, mercy, and grace taking root in us through the Eucharist. That’s why daily prayer and Scripture reading are so important.
The next time you are at Mass or at Adoration, think about just how extraordinary the Eucharist is. Out of pure love for us, Jesus chose not only to become man but to become present to us in simple bread and wine. He is our living bread, and this is a truth that will never fade.6

Friar Jude Winkler fleshes out the experience of the Eunuch as a god-fearer who has already been considered important in the text of deutero-Isaiah. Before v51, the Gospel text reveals Jesus as a Teacher about the Father, like Lady Wisdom, personified as a woman who prepares a meal for the uninitiated of bread and wine. Friar Jude reminds us of the different meaning of “sarx” in the writing of Paul and John.

StAnthonyCompanions · April 30, 2020

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces, friend, John Philip Newell, a poet and scholar, who believes in the transformative power of Celtic Christian spirituality to support us in our era. The ancient Celts made great use of liminal times and places to integrate the “paired opposites” of which the world seems to be made.

 Do we know that within each one of us is the unspeakably beautiful beat of the Sacred? Do we know that we can honor that Sacredness in one another and in everything that has being? And do we know that this combination—growing in awareness that we are bearers of Presence, along with a faithful commitment to honor that Presence in one another and in the earth—holds the key to transformation in our world? . . .7

Eco-theologian Thomas Berry says the universe is so amazing in its interrelatedness that it must have been dreamt into being. He also says our situation today as an earth community is so desperate—we are so far from knowing how to save ourselves from the ecological degradations we are a part of—that we must dream the way forward. We must summon, from the unconscious, ways of seeing that we know nothing of yet, visions that emerge from deeper within us than our conscious rational minds.

 Similarly, the rebirthing of our true depths will involve a reconnection with the unconscious. It will demand a fresh releasing within us of the world of dreams, myths, and the imagination. Whether as individuals or collectively as nations and religious traditions, new beginnings will be born among us when we open to the well of what we do not yet know or what we have forgotten deep within. . . .7

The Spirit moves us, like Philip, to bring Life to the world, aiding in our necessary rediscovery of ways of seeing that involve the wealth of our unconscious.

References

1	(n.d.). Acts, chapter 8 - United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Retrieved April 30, 2020, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/acts/8
2	(n.d.). Psalms, chapter 66 - United States Conference. Retrieved April 30, 2020, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/psalms/66
3	(n.d.). John, chapter 6 - United States Conference. Retrieved April 30, 2020, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/john/6
4	(n.d.). Daily Reflections - OnlineMinistries .... Retrieved April 30, 2020, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/daily.html
5	(n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved April 30, 2020, from https://dailyscripture.servantsoftheword.org/
6	(n.d.). Saint Pius V, Pope (Optional Memorial) - Mass Readings and .... Retrieved April 30, 2020, from https://wau.org/meditations/2020/04/30/
7	(2020, April 30). Reconnecting with the Unconscious — Center for Action and .... Retrieved April 30, 2020, from https://cac.org/reconnecting-with-the-unconscious-2020-04-30/

Life, persecution and preaching

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today invite us to contemplate our response to times of trial or persecution as we ponder the Presence of the “bread of life.”

Friends In Italy

In the reading from the Book of Acts, Saul persecutes the Church and Philip preaches in Samaria.

 * [8:3] Saul…was trying to destroy the church: like Stephen, Saul was able to perceive that the Christian movement contained the seeds of doctrinal divergence from Judaism. A pupil of Gamaliel, according to Acts 22:3, and totally dedicated to the law as the way of salvation (Gal 1:13–14), Saul accepted the task of crushing the Christian movement, at least insofar as it detracted from the importance of the temple and the law. His vehement opposition to Christianity reveals how difficult it was for a Jew of his time to accept a messianism that differed so greatly from the general expectation.1

Psalm 66 offers praise for God’s goodness to Israel.

 * [Psalm 66] In the first part (Ps 66:1–12), the community praises God for powerful acts for Israel, both in the past (the exodus from Egypt and the entry into the land [Ps 66:6]) and in the present (deliverance from a recent but unspecified calamity [Ps 66:8–12]). In the second part (Ps 66:13–20), an individual from the rescued community fulfills a vow to offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving. As often in thanksgivings, the rescued person steps forward to teach the community what God has done (Ps 66:16–20).2

In the Gospel of John, the “bread of life” is a figure for God’s revelation in Jesus.

 * [6:35–59] Up to Jn 6:50 “bread of life” is a figure for God’s revelation in Jesus; in Jn 6:51–58, the eucharistic theme comes to the fore. There may thus be a break between Jn 6:50–513.

Tamora Whitney made a good choice when she chose Catherine of Sienna for her confirmation saint as a role model for women in the church.

 Our Psalm today says, “Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.” Catherine lived every aspect of her life for God and his glory. She learned to read and write so she could learn more about God and religion and so she could share her mystical experiences through her letters and dialogues. She travelled in support of the pope at a time when women didn’t travel and not alone. She considered herself married to Christ in opposition to her parents’ wishes for her family.  She accepted Jesus totally as the bread of life… She lived her spirituality in every fiber of her being and shared her love of God with everyone she could.4

Don Schwager quotes “Possessing the Scriptures,” by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.

 "When you understand anything in the Scriptures, it is love that is manifesting itself to you. When you fail to understand, it is love that is hiding itself from you. Those, therefore, who possess charity possess both what is manifest in the divine words and what is hidden in them." (excerpt from Sermon 350,2)5

The Word Among Us Meditation on John 6:35-40 observes in today’s Gospel, part of the famous Bread of Life discourse, Jesus’ message was not all that clear to his listeners. The more Jesus talked, the more scandalized they became. How can he say he came down from heaven? How could he give them his flesh to eat?

 Jesus’ meaning was both symbolic and literal, so it’s no wonder that people were confused. When Jesus refers to himself as the Bread of Life, he is talking about faith in him as the sustenance for our journey through life. He is saying that his words and our relationship with him are nourishment for our souls.
But Jesus is also speaking literally. He was describing his gift of the Eucharist, which would become the pinnacle of our worship. He was talking about how receiving this gift could unite us with his Body and Blood, his soul and divinity. It wasn’t until after the resurrection that Jesus’ followers began to celebrate the Eucharist. So at this point, his listeners had no way of knowing what he was referring to. All they could do was accept his words with faith.
Even today, the Eucharist is mysterious. It defies our imagination, and only the gift of faith can allow us to believe it.
After hearing the Bread of Life discourse, many of Jesus’ followers left him. Not Peter though. He was probably just as confused as the others, but he believed in Jesus.
It’s normal to have doubts. We may question a Church teaching or wonder why bad things happen to good people. But whatever our questions, we can always hold on to our faith until God makes his ways clearer to us—just as Peter did.6

Friar Jude Winkler suggests the persecutions described in Acts were mostly against the Hellenists. In the beginning of the Bread of Life Discourse, Jesus is Wisdom Incarnate connecting to Lady Wisdom in the Hebrew Testament who prepared a meal of bread and wine. Friar Jude comments on the realized and future eschatology in the Bread of Life presentation of the Eucharist.

StAnthonyCompanions · April 29, 2020

A post by Franciscan Media comments that Catherine of Sienna ranks high among the mystics and spiritual writers of the Church. In 1939, she and Francis of Assisi were declared co-patrons of Italy. Pope Paul VI named her and Teresa of Avila doctors of the Church in 1970. Her spiritual testament is found in The Dialogue.

 Though she lived her life in a faith experience and spirituality far different from that of our own time, Catherine of Siena stands as a companion with us on the Christian journey in her undivided effort to invite the Lord to take flesh in her own life. Events which might make us wince or chuckle or even yawn fill her biographies: a mystical experience at six, childhood betrothal to Christ, stories of harsh asceticism, her frequent ecstatic visions. Still, Catherine lived in an age which did not know the rapid change of 21st-century mobile America. The value of her life for us today lies in her recognition of holiness as a goal to be sought over the course of a lifetime.7

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, asks what if we can choose to experience this liminal space and time, this uncomfortable now, as . . . a place and state of creativity, of construction and deconstruction, choice and transformation[?] He wonders whether it is, then, also the realm of the Holy Spirit, our comforter, who does not take away the vastness and possibility of this opened-up threshold time, but invites us to lay down our fears and discomfort to see what else is there, hard as that may be.

 One transformation in this liminal time of cancer treatment and recovery was my recognition that the staggering vulnerability I was experiencing was not weakness, not shameful, but the source of what would allow me to survive and, eventually, to thrive. I allowed others to see me—not just my broken, lopsided face, but also my pain, sorrow, disappointment, and discouragement, as well as my gratitude, resilience, joy, and recovery. . . .
Like Jonah in the belly of the sea monster, we are led where we do not want to go—not once, but many times in our lives. Dwelling in unsettling liminal space, whether we are pushed or we jump, we are led to draw on resources and possibilities we may not have tapped before. In the unknown space between here and there, younger and older, past and future, life happens. And, if we attend, we can feel the Holy Spirit moving with us in a way that we may not be aware of in more settled times. In liminal time and space, we can learn to let reality—even in its darkness—be our teacher, rather than living in the illusion that we are creating it on our own. We can enter into the liminal paradox: a disturbing time and space that not only breaks us down, but also offers us the choice to live in it with fierce aliveness, freedom, sacredness, companionship, and awareness of Presence.8

Our experience of the Bread of Life may be expressed in the witness of our journey rather than the types of persecution and preaching known to the saints.

References

1	(n.d.). Acts, chapter 8 - United States Conference. Retrieved April 29, 2020, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/acts/8
2	(n.d.). Psalms, chapter 66 - United States Conference. Retrieved April 29, 2020, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/psalms/66
3	(n.d.). John, chapter 6 - United States Conference. Retrieved April 29, 2020, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/john/6
4	(n.d.). Daily Reflections - OnlineMinistries .... Retrieved April 29, 2020, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/daily.html
5	(n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved April 29, 2020, from https://dailyscripture.servantsoftheword.org/
6	(n.d.). Meditations - The Word Among Us. Retrieved April 29, 2020, from https://wau.org/meditations/2020/04/29/
7	(n.d.). Saint Catherine of Siena - Franciscan Media. Retrieved April 29, 2020, from https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-catherine-of-siena/
8	(2020, April 29). Sheryl Fullerton Archives — Center for Action and .... Retrieved April 29, 2020, from https://cac.org/tag/sheryl-fullerton/

Bread of Life

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us with descriptions of struggle that lead to death while proclaiming Jesus as the bread of life.

Bread for Life

The reading from the Book of Acts details the stoning of Stephen.

 * [7:55] He…saw…Jesus standing at the right hand of God: Stephen affirms to the Sanhedrin that the prophecy Jesus made before them has been fulfilled (Mk 14:62).1

Psalm 31 offers prayer and praise for deliverance from enemies.

 * [31:6] Into your hands I commend my spirit: in Lk 23:46 Jesus breathes his last with this Psalm verse. Stephen in Acts 7:59 alludes to these words as he is attacked by enemies. The verse is used as an antiphon in the Divine Office at Compline, the last prayer of the day.2

In the Gospel of John, Jesus declares “I am the bread of life.''

 * [6:31] Bread from heaven: cf. Ex 16:4, 15, 32–34 and the notes there; Ps 78:24. The manna, thought to have been hidden by Jeremiah (2 Mc 2:5–8), was expected to reappear miraculously at Passover, in the last days.3

Mary Lee Brock comments that the cliché “seeing is believing” is a recurrent theme during this Covid 19 pandemic. Our global community is battling an enemy we cannot see. The rhythm of our lives and the roles we assumed have been suddenly suspended. This pandemic shows us the harsh reality of economic, social and climate injustices. As we hear predictions and recommendations we just want to be shown the one right answer.

 Today I pray that I can always remember that Jesus is my bread of life.  I pray for compassion for myself when my fears about losing job security, food availability and social connections get in the way of being present to serve the kingdom of God.  I ask to be reminded of my gift of curiosity and to use that gift to be comfortable with the mystery of the future.  I pray that we all remember that whoever comes to Jesus will never hunger and whoever believes in Jesus will never thirst.4

Don Schwager quotes “Trusting in the Lord,” by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.

 "If you put your trust in money, you are paying futile regard to vain things; if you put your trust in high office or some exalted rank in human government, you are paying futile regard to vain things... When you put your trust in all these, either you expire and leave them all behind, or they will crumble while you are still alive, and what you trusted will have let you down...  For my part, I do not put my trust in empty things as they do or pay futile regard to them; I have put my trust in the Lord." (excerpt from Exposition on the Psalms 31,12)5

The Word Among Us Meditation on Acts 7:51–8:1 comments that instead of cursing them for what they were doing and calling down God’s vengeance on them, Stephen was doing the exact opposite. It must have startled them, to say the least! Forgiveness is a hallmark of Christianity.

 But as unnatural as it may feel, forgiveness is not optional for believers. God actually commands us to forgive those who have sinned against us. That includes family members or friends who have hurt us, betrayed us, or failed to help us when we most needed it. God also expects us to forgive even the most minor of offenses, such as someone who snubs us, ignores us, or directs a sarcastic remark to us.
If you are struggling to forgive someone, know that the grace of Jesus’ resurrection is freely available to you this Easter season. If the offense is so serious that you don’t see how you could possibly forgive, just take the first step and ask God to forgive that person for you. Then, day by day, ask him to help you extend the same forgiveness. It might be hard at first, but over time you will begin to experience not only freedom from anger but also the joy of the risen Lord.6

Friar Jude Winkler discusses the “kangaroo court” of stubborn people who always rebelled against God that stone Stephen. In the midst of our “crosses” we will find Jesus there “on the other side” of our cross. Friar Jude marks the transition in the Bread of Life Discourse. Before v51, Jesus is presented as Wisdom Incarnate as expressed in the Hebrew Testament.

StAnthonyCompanions · April 28, 2020

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, shares that after working as a physician and bioethicist for decades, Living School alumna and chair of the CAC Board LaVera Crawley became a hospital chaplain and spiritual companion for patients and their families in the liminality that often occurs between life and death. It seems to me that spiritual companionship is an art many of us are learning to practice these days, but we must be willing to be present to those in need, not just physically (or virtually), but with our whole selves. LaVera shares some of the challenges of this spiritual work and how it can be transformative for both parties. It takes willingness, fortitude, knowledge, skill, and a deep trust in Spirit to go into these dark places as both witness and companion.

 To be very clear, I am not equating darkness with something bad or negative, any more than I would consider the apophatic way [1] as such. There is deep beauty in the darkness, in the unknowing, in the indescribable, if only we can open ourselves to its purpose. Metaphorically, the dark emotions of grief, fear, and despair can be profound teachers and guides. . . . The primal howl of existential suffering holds within it the lesson that we all must learn at some time in our lives: To heal from our suffering—not merely to ease or palliate it, but to transform it into the source and substance of our growth and wisdom—requires a journey through it. We must listen attentively for whatever message it has for us and, according to psychotherapist Miriam Greenspan, find authentic ways to befriend it so that we can surrender to its transmuting power. All spiritual traditions teach some variation of this wisdom. While it may not come naturally to us to respond to suffering in this way, through practice, it can become a learned skill. . . .7

We meditate on the story of Stephen and the declaration of Jesus as we attempt to discern our role in the “crosses” of our time.

References

1	(n.d.). Acts, chapter 7 - United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Retrieved April 28, 2020, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/acts/7
2	(n.d.). Psalms, chapter 31 - United States Conference. Retrieved April 28, 2020, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/psalms/31
3	(n.d.). John, chapter 6 - United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Retrieved April 28, 2020, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/john/6
4	(n.d.). Daily Reflections - OnlineMinistries .... Retrieved April 28, 2020, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/daily.html
5	(n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved April 28, 2020, from https://dailyscripture.servantsoftheword.org/
6	(n.d.). Meditations - The Word Among Us. Retrieved April 28, 2020, from https://wau.org/meditations/2020/04/28/
7	(2020, April 28). Dark Liminality — Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved April 28, 2020, from https://cac.org/dark-liminality-2020-04-28/

The way of faithfulness

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today invite contemplation of the action of the Spirit in our life that deepens our experience of the Presence of God.

Light in the darkness

The reading from the Book of Acts declares the Spirit present in the arrest of Stephen.

 * [6:8–8:1] The summary (Acts 6:7) on the progress of the Jerusalem community, illustrated by the conversion of the priests, is followed by a lengthy narrative regarding Stephen. Stephen’s defense is not a response to the charges made against him but takes the form of a discourse that reviews the fortunes of God’s word to Israel and leads to a prophetic declaration: a plea for the hearing of that word as announced by Christ and now possessed by the Christian community. The charges that Stephen depreciated the importance of the temple and the Mosaic law and elevated Jesus to a stature above Moses (Acts 6:13–14) were in fact true. Before the Sanhedrin, no defense against them was possible. With Stephen, who thus perceived the fuller implications of the teachings of Jesus, the differences between Judaism and Christianity began to appear. Luke’s account of Stephen’s martyrdom and its aftermath shows how the major impetus behind the Christian movement passed from Jerusalem, where the temple and law prevailed, to Antioch in Syria, where these influences were less pressing.1

The psalmist has a special need for the guidance of God’s teaching.

 * [119:19] A sojourner in the land: like someone without the legal protection of a native inhabitant, the psalmist has a special need for the guidance of God’s teaching.2

In the Gospel of John, Jesus urges the crowd to seek the Bread from Heaven at the beginning of The Bread of Life Discourse.

 * [6:22–71] Discourse on the bread of life; replacement of the manna. Jn 6:22–34 serve as an introduction, Jn 6:35–59 constitute the discourse proper, Jn 6:60–71 portray the reaction of the disciples and Peter’s confession.3

Barbara Dilly was impressed that they didn’t ask him for still more miracles. Instead, they asked of him, “what can we do to accomplish the works of God?”... Based on all they had seen and heard from Jesus, by asking this question, she is convinced that they believed he was sent by God... We can learn something from them.

 If we can do nothing but maintain long-distance contact with cheerfulness and hope, we can brighten someone’s day.  But when we can come together again, I pray we will be more intentional than ever to make a significant difference in the ways we care for others.  Just going back to the way things were is not good enough.  We can accomplish more than that.4

Don Schwager quotes “God is our landlord,” by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.

 "Our wish, you see, is to attain to eternal life. We wish to reach the place where nobody dies, but if possible we do not want to get there via death. We would like to be whisked away there while we are still alive and see our bodies changed, while we are alive, into that spiritual form into which they are to be changed when we rise again. Who wouldn't like that? Isn't it what everybody wants? But while that is what you want, you are told, Quit. Remember what you have sung in the psalm: 'A lodger am I on earth'” If you are a lodger, you are staying in someone else's house; if you are staying in someone else's house, you quit when the landlord bids you. And the landlord is bound to tell you to quit sooner or later, and he has not guaranteed you a long stay. After all, he did not sign a contract with you. Seeing that you are lodging with him for nothing, you quit when he tells you to. And this, too, has to be put up with, and for this, too, patience is very necessary." (excerpt from Sermon 359A,8)5

The Word Among Us Meditation on Acts 6:8-15 comments that today’s first reading presents us with someone who had trained for the ultimate spiritual challenge: the ability to remain joyful and peaceful in every hard situation. The fact that even his opponents saw the light of heaven in St. Stephen’s face is a testament to how committed he was to living in the Spirit.

 Training to be a disciple of Christ may not always be easy, but it certainly is worth the effort.
“Lord, make me more like Stephen. Help me to run the good race.”6

Friar Jude Winkler explains the attitude of the Hellenistic Jews toward the Temple was different than that in Palestine. The sign of feeding the 5000, points to a greater reality in the Gospel of John. Friar Jude reminds us that the allusions to Psalm 23 in the sign point to Jesus desire to satisfy the deepest hunger of our heart.

StAnthonyCompanions · April 27, 2020

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, comments that many things can bring us to the “threshold” of our ordinary ways of thinking and behaving, but even good rituals are merely “stand-ins” until Reality itself, often in the form of great love or great suffering, steps in and changes us forever. Paula D’Arcy reflects on great suffering.

 Now it was simply my time—my turn to know the darkness and discover whether or not I was brave enough to accept the human journey and find a way through. . . .
I slowly began to see that within the cells of every living thing is the same essence—the presence of spirit. The heart of our journey is to awaken to this spirit within. . . .
Hardly anything turns out the way you expected it to, and you’re frequently ready to write life off as too paradoxical and too difficult to endure. Then some indescribable light fights its way through the impenetrable dark—an unpredictable, unimportant, runaway moment that lights up everything you’ve been unable to see until then. That light removes all the shoulds and oughts, all the illusions about fairness. You enter liminal space . . . In that space you take your first script, the one that weighs five hundred pounds, the script that was cutting into your heart all along, bleeding you to death but you didn’t realize the wound or its seriousness—and you simply let it go.7

In our openness to the work of the Spirit lies our ability to discover “what can we do to accomplish the works of God?”

References

1	(n.d.). Acts, chapter 6 - United States Conference. Retrieved April 27, 2020, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/acts/6
2	(n.d.). Psalms, chapter 119 - United States Conference. Retrieved April 27, 2020, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/psalms/119
3	(n.d.). John, chapter 6 - United States Conference. Retrieved April 27, 2020, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/john/6
4	(n.d.). Daily Reflections - OnlineMinistries .... Retrieved April 27, 2020, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/daily.html
5	(n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved April 27, 2020, from https://dailyscripture.servantsoftheword.org/
6	(n.d.). 3rd Week of Easter - Mass Readings and Catholic Daily .... Retrieved April 27, 2020, from https://wau.org/meditations/2020/04/27/
7	(n.d.). The Presence of Spirit — Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved April 27, 2020, from https://cac.org/the-presence-of-spirit-2020-04-27/