"I'm sensing that sitting in contemplation with the noise will be my situation for quite a while," writes Sr. Nancy Sylvester. "I'm challenged to create space within myself even in the midst of the cacophony of deconstruction."
The saints who inspire me are ordinary people who, despite their frailties, do good and reveal God's presence in profound ways. They are people who have learned to attune themselves to the heartbeat of God within humanity.
Saints, check. Souls, check. But there's a third group I'm not really sure what to do with. I knew I needed to explore how I remember those who I didn't like or didn't get along with or those who hurt me (directly or not).
A friend reminded me that all that one needs is to "look deep" and inspiration emerges even from the ordinary, for the extraordinary is hidden deep within the ordinary. I learned this lesson that day and I am inspired!
Scripture for Life: If Bartimaeus were here, he might beg us to listen deeply for the good news in our fragmented world. He would probably tell us that we really do need to hear and respect viewpoints different from our own.
My spiritual journey has been more of a circle than a path. As I wander, there's room in a circle to move around the edges or go inward and then back out. Ultimately, it's a journey to the center, where God dwells.
Listen: Benedictine Sr. Joan Chittister has a reputation as one who dares to ask big, bold questions. Explore them with her in this podcast conversation with her friend and biographer, former NCR editor Tom Roberts.
