TRANSFORMATION

I just came back from the first of three phases of a workshop on the Transformation of Religious Life in North America. About 130 men and women religious attended this meeting which included those in leadership positions, formation personnel, and newly professed members. We discussed the importance of religious communities not remaining the way they have always been. They must move forward and transform themselves to continue the mission to which they were called at their founding. Religious communities need to let go of the memories that encumber them and hold on to the memories that energize them.

There was time for table discussion at which each person expressed where they felt their congregation was a this point in time about transformation. The facilitators/speakers, Luisa Saffiotti and Finten Sheenan are well known to the Religious Formation Conference and gave us much to ponder by stirring up a lot of questions we need to ask ourselves. The weekend was heavy, however, it was also very exciting. I think the most important point I brought back with me is the urgency of transformation of religious life.

PRAYER

With my prayer group a couple of weeks ago, we reflected on the importance of praying and sitting in silence for twenty minutes a day. The reflection mentioned all the possibilities that sitting in silence can do for us and how it can change us on the different situations of our lives. It helped us to see how we can grow in relationship with others as well as with our God. With all the noise in the world, our culture, and the business of our lives we need to take that twenty minutes a day to help keep us in balance. We need prayer and quiet time. I (we) cannot function well without it.

SALT AND LIGHT

Today's reading from Matthew 5:13-16 has so much to reflect on. I will try to sum up some of the two homilies I heard and my own reflection. Jesus said, "YOU are the salt of the earth," and, "YOU are the light of the world."

My first reflection was on those who have been light and salt for me. These people have shown me the way when I felt I was in darkness. They put flavor in my life when I felt flat or lacked enthusiasm. Some of these people brought the light of scripture to me and taught me how to pray with God's Word. Others helped me journal and voice what was going on in my heart and in my relationships with Christ and other people. For these people, I am deeply grateful.

Then I reflected on how I am salt and light for others. All of our gifts and talents are given for the common good. St. Paul says that in his letter to the Corinthians. So, where and how are my gifts shared? First of all I think with my students and their families. I share with them the love of Christ for each one. I help bring light to parents who miss the fact that their child may have a learning disability or an attention issue. I bring light to how they can help their child at home. I let parents know I am praying for them.

Secondly, I try to be light and salt to my congregation. I use my gifts and talents by doing formation work, expressing enthusiasm for the life we lead, proclaiming scripture, helping to plan a community day, or planning prayer for my prayer group. I try to be light of hope and presence to the sisters in our Marycrest area.
Finally, I try to be light and salt for my family. My daughter-in-law is having surgery this Tuesday, and I am the listening ear for both her and my son. I hope to be present with them on Tuesday, however Erie weather is unpredictable. I listen to my sisters concerns, my mother's joys and woes. Being a listening ear helps keep me in touch with my family.
What good is salt if it goes flat? It will not flavor the food. Jesus said we do not put a lamp under a bushel basket, but rather we put it out where all can see it and benefit from its light. So must we use our gifts and talents to be and do for others and it is all for the glory of God. Our faith is not just a "me and God" kind of faith. It is a faith that must be shared. Our light can make a difference in another person's life.

How are you called to be salt of the earth and light of the world? Let your light shine!