So do not fear,
For I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my right hand.
Isaiah 41:10
These comforting ancient words were a part of yesterday’s prayer here at our beautiful Motherhouse chapel. In these days of social distancing, our service was livestreamed to all our Sisters and Associates here and across the country. In addition, the words were part of a prayer service sent by the Leadership Council of Women Religious to Sisters across the United States and Canada. All of us praying together for our world. I can imagine people of faith everywhere taking time to be quiet, to listen, to lean in and pray.
We pray for our family, friends, communities, the first responders, the vulnerable all over the world, our leaders and so many and so much more. We are unsure and anxious, fearful, worried and definitely not in control. Many of us feel helpless in the face of all this. We are told to stay at home in order to be helpful. This seems especially hard for those of us who feel healthy and strong. We want to DO something. Perhaps that is exactly why we are to BE for now instead, since perhaps our listening has been drowned out by all of our doing.
I keep thinking of all the pollution not being poured into the atmosphere, all the frantic busyness that is now in forced hibernation, all the trash and disposable detritus not being dumped into the water and the ground. Maybe there are new gardens being planted, new life coming in this season of spring that helps us to remember our relationships with one another, the earth, the sky and the sea and the life of all other species on our planet.
Perhaps you are rethinking your own life in light of these days. What matters most to you? As the poet Mary Oliver asks, “Tell me, what will you do with your one wild and precious life?” These days can be a gift to offer time to ponder what we call the BIG questions. With whom are you connected and what difference does it make? What is it that you most desire? What is your gift to share? What is it that you most treasure in your relationships? In these days of listening, how will you listen to the one who made you? How can you give time to let the Divine one speak to your heart? Listen again to the words of the scripture. Be still, and know …
do not fear, for I am with you. I will strengthen you and help you.
God’s faithfulness is still present, reminding us that we are not alone.
