Contemplative possibilities are everywhere; contemplation is not passivity. "God, teach us to pray, teach us to contemplate in and out of the office, in the light and in the dark, in the work and in the relationships, in the large world and in the cozy spaces. Give us that sunlit chair wherever we are."

"They are wounds in a world that is our world, the place where God put us to live today and where he calls us to be responsible for our brothers and sisters so that no one's human dignity is violated."

If individuals and nations are serious about protecting human rights and promoting peace, they must do much more to curb the global arms trade and assist immigrants, Pope Francis told seven new ambassadors to the Vatican.

Sinking cities - In April, Dutch geologist Dr. Gilles Erkens presented his research on sinking cities to the General Assembly of the European Geosciences Union. Sinking ground – known formally as land subsidence – is a phenomenon in coastal cities worldwide, and it compounds the threat these cities already face from climate-induced rising sea-levels.

This week’s letter comes from Immaculate Heart of Mary Sr. Joan Mumaw, Solidarity with South Sudan’s development director, who offers a reflection on the recent peace agreement between the rebel forces and the government and the present situation team members are facing as they work to teach and offer healthcare.

"When we build, let us think that we build forever. Let it not be for present delight nor for our use alone. Let it be such work as our descendants will look upon with praise and thanksgiving in their hearts."

These days, we often hear that there is a crisis in the vocation of women religious in the United States. We have few new members, and the average age of present members is above 70. While there are other plausible explanations, I still wonder if the crisis of religious life is in fact equivalent to the decrease in new members and, further, if so, whether vocations have really decreased.

GSR Today - Living with interruptions and changing plans is common for the sisters in the global south, often dependent on benefactors for resources to carry out their programs, but we are flexible, and there are plenty of ministries to see even when once-certain plans fall through.