Centering prayer is like coming home. It helps me remember who I am. In a world that has so many claims on us and that pressures us to be other than who we “truly” are, it is a reminder that we are a loved being, a child of God. We realize and remember that we are literally breathed by Another and connected to all others in a web of care. All of our strivings for security and safety, affection and esteem, power and control are meaningless outside of God’s love. It is the ultimate rest stop on our journey, where we bring “nothing” and receive everything.
In late June, I attended the Sisters of Mercy Institute Chapter in Buffalo, New York. About 300 Sisters of Mercy gathered to discuss current issues, set future direction and elect the Mercy leadership for the next six years. Among the 300 were Sisters of Mercy from Jamaica, Guam, the Philippines, Belize, Chile, Argentina, Peru, Guyana, Panama, Honduras and the United States. In reflecting on my experience, three basic themes emerge:
As I look at spring emerging after the winter—the daffodils smiling from the overgrowth, the crocuses strong and sturdy, the renewed sense of energy all around—I am aware again that resurrection is an integral part of life. Poet and educator Kay Ryan writes that “Nothing is exempt from Resurrection!”
Working here at Mercy by the Sea, we are blessed to encounter profound, uplifting and thought-provoking spiritual books, videos and articles. We wanted to share with you just a few of the gems that staff members have recently come across.
