Category: inclusivity

Prayer for Our Beloveds

On By Renee Yann, RSMIn Community, holiness, inclusivity, Prayer, Uncategorized5 Comments

Wednesday, June 6, 2018

Readings: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/060618.cfm

Today, in Mercy, we have the first of a few readings from Timothy, Paul’s beloved protégé in the faith.  Timothy had the blessing of not only Paul’s mentorship, but also of his own mother and grandmother who were devout Christian converts.

Lois and Timothy

Rembrandt’s Timothy and Lois

Today, we might give thanks for all those who have nurtured us in faith and love. We might also consider those who depend on us for the example and encouragement which leads them closer to God and to their best selves.

We might also pray for those desperate families and children seeking refuge at the US border. They also belong to us in Christ. May our prayer and advocacy help them to avoid harm.

It is our duty, in gratitude and mercy, to keep all these beloveds in our constant prayer, as Paul did Timothy in today’s tender reading.

Music: The Prayer

I pray you’ll be our eyes
And watch us where we go
And help us to be wise
In times when we don’t know

Let this be our prayer
When we lose our way
Lead us to a place
Guide us with your grace
To a place where we’ll be safe.

I pray we’ll find your light
And hold it in our hearts
When stars go out each night
Remind us where you are.

Let this be our prayer
When shadows fill our day
Lead us to a place
Guide us with your grace
To a place where we’ll be safe.

A world where pain and
sorrow will be ended
And every heart that’s
broken will be mended
And we’ll remember we
are all God’s children
Reaching out to touch you
Reaching to the sky.

We ask that life be kind
And watch us from above
We hope each soul will find
Another soul to love.

Let this be our prayer
Just like every child.
Needs to find a place
Guide us with your grace.
Give us faith so we’ll be safe

I Greet the Holy within You

On By Renee Yann, RSMIn Creation, Faith, inclusivity2 Comments

Wednesday, May 16, 2018

Readings: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/051618.cfm

Today, in Mercy, in our reading from Acts, Paul continues his prayer for those who will safeguard and carry the faith into the future. In the Gospel, Jesus does the same thing. Both Jesus and Paul talk about the “consecration“ of those they are praying for.

Consecration is the act of making something sacred – setting it apart in God. Each one of us, by our Baptism, has been so consecrated. Jesus tells us that “the world” (read: the influences of greed, power, and self-absorption) will challenge what is sacred in us. These influences will fight against the Truth that we, and every other creature, are holy because Christ died for us.

On occasion, at very special liturgies, the celebrant will venerate the altar and the congregation with incense from a thurible. At funeral liturgies, the body of our loved one is so venerated. These acts recognize the holiness within us. In Hindu culture, the greeting, “Namaste” captures this understanding because it literally means, “I greet the Holy in you.” I was deeply moved to learn this word, many years ago, from one of our missionary Sisters returning from India.

Today’s readings encourage us to reflect on this question: Is my life an act of veneration to the sacred within me and everyone I meet?

Acts 20_32

Song: Holy Now by Peter Mayer

Some Amazing Developments

On By Renee Yann, RSMIn Church, Community, Faith, inclusivity1 Comment

Monday, May 7, 2018

Readings: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/050718.cfm

Today, in Mercy, some amazing things occur in our reading from Acts. First of all, Paul ventures into Europe preaching the Word. He and his team have come to the Roman colony of Philippi. While there, he speaks with and befriends – not the leading men – but Lydia, a holy woman of significant influence. These occurrences indicate how different this new religion will be, where Gentiles and women are welcomed into the community of faith. Let’s pray for a similar inclusivity in our churches today, even as society attempts to label, stratify and isolate people based on race, sex, nationality, economics, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic.

Acts16_Lydia