Catherine's Cafe Vocation Blog

“We have been entrusted with a great responsibility, and God’s people rightly expect accountability from us. But the true worth of our [work as people of faith] is measured by the value it has in God’s eyes.” (From Pope Francis’ homily at Vespers, St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York.) We have all been entrusted with much and desire to serve those in need, differently and better. I love the work I do; helping people work through barriers and provide for those they care about. And I know that creating time to relax is also important. Last week, I did just that with some friends. We all needed it and intentionally unplugged for a few days. No computers, cell phones, television. (You know the list.) Just us, surrounded by and immersed in the beauty of creation. Raw amazement and deep gratitude. Pope Francis, in the same homily, spoke of a spirit of gratitude. It is a grateful heart, he said, that inspires us to serve God and “find expression in a life of commitment to our work.”

As Dominicans, we intentionally engage in study.   This past weekend, our Congregation hosted an Inter-congregational day of study entitled Evolutionary Consciousness:   An Emerging Worldview.     I have attended several events whose theme was evolutionary consciousness. However, I heard a new twist this time around.   In her summary of the day’s talks, the presenter posed several intriguing thoughts and questions.   Humans are evolving just as the rest of creation.   Dogmas or statements that we once held as truth we are learning do not necessarily reflect our current reality.   Perhaps we are not human beings, but human “becomings.”   Sometimes we become ashamed of past attitudes and past behaviors, but we need to remember that we are evolving.   If we truly accept that we are evolving, perhaps we will be more gentle, compassionate, understanding, and forgiving both with ourselves and with each other.   As Pope Francis said to Congress this week, it is critical to remember the