PRESIDENT'S LETTER, EASTER, 2021
Today is Good Friday and I ask myself, as CLC, what can we do to stop Jesus from being crucified over and over again….in the unjust treatment of refugees, the violence and prejudice against Indigenous peoples, people of different colour, the LGBTQ community…..in bullying and dictatorships of governments in Myanmar, Hong Kong, Belarus and Haiti….in wealthy countries and drug companies that restrict access to vaccines, clean water and food….in the injustice, violence and bullying that causes deep suffering of the Earth, our common home.
Today is Good Friday. It is the day when we sit and support, in a spiritual way, all those who are being crucified and experiencing pain, grief, loss… including the Earth. It is the third week of the Exercises.
As I sit here, I am reminded of what it was like to be at the bedside of those who were dying in Palliative Care or in Neonatal Intensive Care. I am also reminded that the moment of death is most often a release and relief… a very sacred moment.
It is actually much more difficult to be present in the suffering leading up to death. This is where I/we are touched in our most vulnerable and frail selves. This is where it takes courage to stay, focus, and simply be present. The temptation is to run away rather than stay with the pain, suffering and anger that exists in me and/or the other. We not only must stay but also, we must stay with an attitude of compassion, curiosity (to learn and understand) and, of course, courage. This is grace that we need and only God can give. In CLC we receive this grace through community where our pain is broken, shared and transformed. It is where we receive new life and energy to be discerning co-Creators of change.
Coronanvirus has turned our world upside down this last year, causing even more anxiety and injustice. It has created chaos and suffering. But it is also leading to death of old ways in many situations. As Scripture says: Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth, it still remains a grain of wheat. But if it falls and dies, it will bear much fruit.
This Easter season, pray for the grace to have eyes to see and ears to hear what this new life will be and our part in it as CLC locally, regionally and as a World Body.
Some communities have already moved through the our manuals and discerned new prayer material, as a group, for the year. If there are any in this boat, may I suggest the new published book by Novalis:
"LISTENING TO INDIGENOUS VOICES-A Dialogue Guide on Justice and Right Relationships"
This is a newly completed book by the Jesuit Forum on Faith and Social Justice…a masterpiece toward Understanding and Healing of Wounded Relationships with the Indigenous peoples. It is user friendly with several Chapters for group study, reflection and action. Fr. Trevor Scott SJ would be delighted to give you more information and would be open to workshops about this wonderful Resource. He can be contacted at tscott@jesuitforum.ca
May we be an Easter people of discerning, apostolic communities.
Easter Blessings and Peace to you and your families and our World CLC family!
Michelle Mahoney
