Response to call
Section 2.
Our Response to call is nourished by our openness to the BEYOND through:
(a) Expanding and deepening the meaning of the mystery of the Incarnation
(b) Growing to understand the significance of the Cosmos for today
2(a) “As Christians and as Infant Jesus Sisters, the mystery of the Incarnation is at the heart of our faith and our relationships. Contemplation of the Word made Flesh transforms our way of looking at the realities of today. In entering into our world and sharing our human existence, Jesus became for us the Way, the Truth and the Life”. (B,3)
As life evolves so does our experience and understanding of the Incarnation. The Word that existed from the beginning of time and through whom the whole of creation came into being, continues to be present in a world of many nations, cultures and faiths. In the midst of increased ethnic, cultural and religious tensions, we dialogue and work with people of different faiths and cultures. We are open to a renewed face of God that may show itself in the process of a reflective and discerning faith experience with others.
This God-with-us invites us to be with people in vulnerability, struggle, searching….we cannot solve the world’s problems but we can be with people. Ministry is like saying: “I have seen something, I have experienced something, and I am not afraid to share it with you when you ask me”. Jesus models for us the way of being in the midst of the urgent needs of today. As members of the people of God, we seek to focus on “the transformation of our society and the spread of the reign of God” (B,4)
Contemplating the Incarnate God we are called to integrate body, spirit, soul and mind, the personal and the communal, the feminine and the masculine, the day to day and the transcendent.” (B, 3)
“I have made your name known to them and will continues to make it known”. Jn17:26
In what ways can we as women contribute to renewing the face of God in the world ?
Do we believe that as women, we have a responsibility to bring another perspective/dimension to the life of the Church today ?
2(b) “Our insight into the Cosmos is growing and expanding. This has a profound effect on our consciousness, faith, spirituality and mission. It helps us to recognise the wonder, interdependence and inter-relatedness of all that is". (B,5)
The discoveries of modern science show that the structure and functioning of the Universe portray three interrelated patterns. These reflect God’s creative process i.e. God’s way of doing things.
Difference: Each and every created being, including each human being, is different one from the other i.e. has it’s own identity and purpose. We are called to accept and celebrate this difference in all that forms part of the universe.
Creativity: Each has a unique creative gift. In the non-human world, this manifests itself in self-creativity. In humans, it is reflected in the gifts of imagination and creativity given to each one, together with the wisdom and freedom to use them for the good of the whole.
Interdependence …. Inter-relatedness of all being… of all that exists ........ Nothing in God’s creation exists in isolation. All is gift and continues to depend on the rest of creation for its survival.
The challenge to us is to link these three cosmic realities in the context of our everyday lives; i.e. to hold in balance: the difference of each one, the creative potential of each one, and the interdependence of all. No one can exist just for themselves alone. An essential tool to help us move in this direction is informed and mature faith-based discernment. In this scenario, creative responses will emerge and the energy level of the whole group will be enhanced and liberated.
Reflection on these three interrelated patterns may help us to appreciate more the wonder of God’s wisdom and presence in our world. It will lead us to become more aware of the impact of each of our lives on all that is created, including the lives of those with whom we share this world. Let us open our hearts to the new global consciousness that is emerging everywhere, which could add new meaning to the way we read and reflect on the scriptures.
Are there any new insights that have surfaced for us while reflecting on this cosmic dimension ?