Together, Yet Apart

For the past two Sundays the Mass celebrated at our motherhouse was video-streamed to all of us. Whether we were on the east or west coast, somewhere in between, or in Bolivia, we were able to participate in the liturgy. Here in our Madison home the three of us lit a candle and joined in the singing and prayer responses. The sisters at the Mound were in the chapel but left an empty seat between them, so it almost seemed like a normal Sunday except no peace greeting and only the priest received Communion. 

Sisters from all over the country and Bolivia commented on how in this time of separation we felt more united and together than we normally do. We come together in prayer because in our helplessness and vulnerability these days we know God is with us, will never leave us,  and will give us the peace we so need.

How are you dealing with these days of social distancing? How do you experience togetherness?

Marie Lucek OP
Madison, WI 

Can we dream this future?

We have been stopped in our tracks by a pandemic. Things that filled our days are no longer available to us. We are forced to make different choices now. The reflection below imagines a different present and future. See if this resonates with you.

 And the people stayed home. And read books, and listened, and rested, and exercised, and made art, and played games, and learned new ways of being, and were still. And listened more deeply. Some meditated, some prayed, some danced. Some met their shadows. And the people began to think differently.

And the people healed. And, in the absence of people living in ignorant, dangerous, mindless, and heartless ways, the earth began to heal.

And when the danger passed, and the people joined together again, they grieved their losses, and made new choices, and dreamed new images, and created new ways to live and heal the earth fully, as they had been healed.

                             Written by: Kitty O’Meara

     Shared on SinsinOP by:

     Associate Jocelyn Azada

Is there a chance this dream could become real?

What might your contribution be?

Erica Jordan OP

Kenosha, WI