a week of pivotal moments

I took some time off during the last week. It was mostly time to gather with family and friends and to do some deep reflection on the life I live in communion with others, beginning with my husband, children and extended family – but connecting outward to my near neighbors, my companions along the way and the wider world of people and creatures and all of creation.

It was inspiring to read Laudato Sii, the Encyclical on Ecology written by Pope Francis. With the publication of this document it felt like a sea of energy was let loose into the commons where people of all faiths and even those of no faith could together embrace the call to come together to care for our common home.

Casting a shadow on the joy of the publication of Laudato Sii was the horrible event in Charleston which happened about the same time. In Charleston a young man let loose racial hatred and fear, murdering nine innocent black people who had gathered to study and pray. The tragedy shouted out one more time: This nation has not yet fully addressed the smoldering racial tensions just below the surface of society, and it continues to fail tragically in response to gun control and violence.

On Tuesday I met with the Mayor at a gathering that included about a dozen others who work with environmental organizations to influence policy that is kind to Creation.  The mayor has been invited to Rome to participate with mayors from 40 other cities around the world in a conference titled Modern Slavery and Climate Change. The Tuesday meeting was an opportunity for the Mayor to gather insights from community members regarding the city and climate issues before going to Rome. Another group will be giving the mayor thoughts regarding the city and Modern Slavery -- (human trafficking).

The very next day the Supreme Court once again affirmed the Affordable Healthcare Act allowing millions of people covered by insurance from the Federal pool to give a collective sigh of relief: they will continue to have coverage. There was great rejoicing at this victory – though some people seem bound and determined to take healthcare away from vulnerable people. Undoubtedly there will continue to be challenges down the road.

The next day, Thursday, I awoke to the news that the Supreme Court had affirmed the right for all citizens to marry the person they love regardless of gender. As I listened to some of the excited responses it was clear that for some people another chapter in the culture wars was ramping up. There was lots of joy and relief surrounded by confusion, fear and prejudice.

All of these were pivotal moments in just one week’s time. 

My spiritual goal is to live a life of Compassionate Presence, conscious of the suffering and pain that exists and ready to do what I can to create harmony and peace, living without fear, holding on to hope and encountering others with compassionate presence wherever I find myself, whatever I am called to do. Everything is connected.  Everything we do matters.

In paragraph 91 of Laudato Si, Pope Francis says this:

91. A sense of deep communion with the rest of nature cannot be real if our hearts lack tenderness, compassion and concern for our fellow human beings. It is clearly inconsistent to combat trafficking in endangered species while remaining completely indifferent to human trafficking, unconcerned about the poor, or undertaking to destroy another human being deemed unwanted. This compromises the very meaning of our struggle for the sake of the environment. It is no coincidence that, in the canticle in which Saint Francis praises God for his creatures, he goes on to say: “Praised be you my Lord, through those who give pardon for your love.” Everything is connected. Concern for the environment thus needs to be joined to a sincere love for our fellow human beings and an unwavering commitment to resolving the problems of society.

I think that says what I believe at this moment after all of those other moments of the week.

Take time. Don't be afraid. Act with love. 

Live in the present moment with as much compassionate presence as possible.