February Prayer
“We Were Made for These Times!”
“Ours is not the task of fixing the entire world all at once, but of stretching out to mend the part of the world that is within our reach. Any small, calm thing that one can do to help another soul, to assist some portion of this poor suffering world, will help immensely. It is not given to us to know which acts or by whom, will cause the critical mass to tip towards an enduring good.” – Clarrisa Pinkola Estes
These words resonate as we live in and through these times, and all the times through which we have already lived!!!
As Sisters and Associates of the Holy Family we can name the cloud of witnesses on whose shoulders we stand since 1872 when Lizzie Armer followed the Light deep within herself. She not only heard JJP’s words “Remember you belong to the people, consider them first … give them whatever they need, though you may have to give them all.” She committed to living this share in the mission of Jesus! Now, we continue as we celebrate our 150th anniversary, Nov. 6, 2022!
Now, in our time racism, inequity and inequality, climate crises, struggling democracies, and pandemic have brought the human family and our common home to the brink of change beyond imagining!
Darkness will not overcome LIGHT! Let’s take time to pause, ponder and celebrate these persons who have broken through the darkness and continue to enlighten us!
“May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears.”
“It always seems impossible until it’s done.”
Nelson Mandela: (1918 – 2003) President of South Africa (1994 – 1999)
“Do your little bit of good where you are;
It’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.”
Desmond Tutu: (1931 – 2021) South African Anglican bishop/theologian
“Perhaps a new spirit is rising among us.
If it is, let us trace its movements well and pray
that our own inner being may be sensitive to its guidance,
for we are deeply in need of a new way
beyond the darkness
that seems so close all around us.”
MLK, Jr: (1940 – 2020) American statesman and civil rights activist
Sing refrain:
WE SHALL OVERCOME
We shall overcome, we shall overcome,
We shall overcome someday;
Oh, deep in my heart, I do believe,
We shall overcome someday.
“You must never be fearful about what you are doing when it is right.”
Rosa Parks: (1913 – 2005) activist
“Though I may not be here with you, I urge you to answer the highest calling of your heart and stand up for what you truly believe. In my life I have done all I can to demonstrate that the way of peace, the way of love and nonviolence is the more excellent way. Now it is your turn to let freedom ring.”
John Lewis: (1940- 2020) civil rights leader and congressman
“ you are going to be the ones who solve the world’s problems.”
“something better awaits us so long as we have the courage to keep reaching, to keep working…”
Barack and Michelle Obama…. focusing on the next generation
“I’ve learned that I must find positive outlets for anger
or it will destroy me.”
Sidney Poitier: (1927 – 2022) actor, film director and diplomat
First Black actor to witness to dignity of Black minority
“You can’t use up creativity.
The more you use, the more you have.”
Maya Angelou: (1928 – 2014) poet, first woman whose image is on U.S. coin (quarter)
“When the day comes, we step out of the shade’
Aflame and unafraid.
The new dawn blooms as we free it,
For there is always light,
If only we’re brave enough to see it, If only we’re brave enough to be it.”
Amanda Gorman: (Inauguration Jan. 20, 2021) poet
Pause … ponder … share
Who has influenced, enlightened hope in me?
All:
“In this year 2021 – 2022, our 150th year as a Congregation,
our church and society need us to be Prophets of Communion!
We are called to live fully for the common good
of the community and of the whole blessed earth,
to form a legacy of creative communion and deep transforming love,
both of which will in fact change the world”
–SHF Missioning Statement for 2022
Closing refrain:
Those Who See Light Can Walk in the Dark….
written by Mexican-American Roman Catholic priest E Donald (Don) Osuna (b 1936)
when he was working in Oakland, CA.
Those who see LIGHT can walk in the dark.
Those who see LOVE can see GOD!
