09.13.2021

CHAPTER JOURNEY / 09-12

THE DEEP MYSTERY CONTINUES TO DRAW AND SUSTAIN US

The third phase of the Chapter Journey commenced with Sister Marian Ambrosio’s reflection on ‘immersed in the spirit.’ To understand this phrase profoundly, sister demonstrated it through the help of a candle and a match. The flame of light is the result of a gesture of communion between the match and another source of energy. The match is used only once. After giving its yes, it dies to itself. The moment to produce light is unique for the match.

Further, she invited the participants to reflect on the day’s Gospel – Mk. 8:27-35. Jesus, however, is fully aware of who he is and what his identity and mission on earth, wants confirmation from his disciples, whether they know his true identity. So, he would entrust them with the continuity of his mission. The same question which Jesus asked his disciples is asked to each of us: ‘And you, sister, who do you say that I am?

Sister Marian summarized the Gospel saying:

• The deep mystery which continues to draw and sustain us.
• The unconditional freedom in which to give our personal response
• The prophetic attitude to be a witness to the option of being a disciple of Jesus.

The group then dispersed into similar language groups for reflective sharing. In the plenary, the participants expressed the experience of intercultural living and sharing the charism and mission.

THE PROCESS OF SPIIRTUAL DISCERNMENT – FAITH, LISTENING, DIALOGUE, INDIFFERENCE, KNOWING OUR DEEPEST DESIRES, FACING THE TRUTH

Sister Maria Murcia enlightened the group on the process of spiritual discernment. The Chapter Journey is an event that calls us to live deeply from a faith perspective. Discernment invites us to sift the movements of the Spirit to recognize the action of God in us – personally and as a Congregation. For this, we need to listen like a disciple. No one of us has a complete truth, but together in a spirit of dialogue, we can understand the stirrings of the Spirit. 

Discernment requires that each sister is genuinely concerned about the good of the whole, about the vitality of the Congregation and its mission today. It means being able to “let go” of my ideas and desires in favor of that which is for the common good. It requires inner freedom not only individually but also communally. In Ignatian language, this is called “indifference". 

We need individually and collectively to be aware of our deepest desires to discover where God is leading us today. Each of us here is expected to have a big heart, to be able to go beyond the limits of our own agenda and community concerns, to recognize that we are here in the name of all, the whole congregation. We need to face the truth of what is actually happening in our Congregation and our world. We need to believe the words of Jesus, 'the truth will set us free.'  

WHY WERE YOU NOT ZUSYA?

Sister Maria Murcia, in short, narrated the story of Rabbi Zusya. “Before his death, Rabbi Zusya said, ‘In the coming world, they will not ask me: Why were you not Moses?’ They will ask me: ‘Why were you not Zusya?”

To learn more about each other, Sr. Maria presented a couple of questions to the participants to reflect on and to share in the mixed language group. In the plenary, sisters resonated their reflections and sharing.

Sr. Sally thanked the facilitators, Translators, and the ICC members. Finally, she invited the participants to pray and discern new directions to move where the spirit is leading.  

Sr. Shakila Francis – Region of Pakistan