Abundance of Heart
Posted on January 24, 2008
Filed Under Vocations / Discernment |
Francis’ mouth spoke out of the abundance of his heart, and the fountain of enlightened love that filled his whole being bubbled forth outwardly. Indeed, he was always occupied with Jesus; Jesus he bore in his heart, Jesus in his mouth, Jesus in his ears, Jesus in his eyes, Jesus in his hands, Jesus in the rest of his members.”
(1 Celano, 115)
We, Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity, are called to be women of the Gospel who do our utmost best to extend the reign of God in our world. How do you see this happening in your life?
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Lately, this Pauline scripture text gives me comfort:
“My prayer for you is that your love may more and more abound in knowledge and wealth of experience…so that…you may learn to value the things that really matter.”
Phil 1:9-10
In all the moments of this month I was made very much aware of the beauty of God’s creation, especially in precious people. Now, in the course of things, I feel my call is to give God my all.
One way to extend the reign of God in our world is to recognize the goodness of others. Several years ago, Anthony de Mello, S.J., asserted that, although caring for the sick and feeding the hungry etc. are definitely hallmarks of charity; the greatest expression of love is to see the unique goodness in each and every person. I strive to practice that in my work with college students. For St. Francis of Assisi, education without compassion was hollow. As Francis put it, “Where there is charity and wisdom, there is neither fear nor ignorance.”
Sister Marcolette, your words moved me to complete St. Francis’ ‘Virtues that Put Vice to Flight’: “Where there is a heart full of mercy and discernment, there is neither excess nor hardness of heart.” Reflection on how we see good in each other would seem to be an excellent way to discern how one is ‘called to be’ in a loving life-choice (married life, religious life or single life.) The students at Silver Lake College are blessed to have you as their teacher.
http://www.sl.edu/edu/faculty.htm
He bubbles into a smile, a tear, a touch, a hug, or a word of encouragement. We are as full as we open ourselves to his wanting to be part of our lives. Lent is a good time to empty some of the clutter so their is more room for the abundance.
To extend the reign of God, one needs to begin deep within the heart. The reign of God begins in silent, solitary prayer. Perhaps, it begins during a silent walk through the woods such as took today near Silver Lake; it is warmer today and walking became difficult. Frequently, I was sinking down deep with snow getting into my boots. Then, I got lost. I could no longer find the familiar path and “got in deeper” by following the tracks of a snow-shoer. I had to create a new path. Getting lost cost me some energy. Coming home to community and communication with others brought joy. When God calls in silence, lostness or chaos, it helps to remember that God says, “do not be afraid, I am with you.” I love the expression of Pope Benedict the XVI, “do not be afraid to hope.” Is God calling you? The world needs you and hope.