By Katie Mahon, Communications Manager
This week’s “Embracing Faith” article will focus on Embracing Faith through Inspiration.
“The true light that gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.” -John 1:9
In early December, Sr. Kathleen McManus, OP, a Sister of Saint Dominic of Blauvelt, New York, offered inspiring words about the Advent season to gatherings at The Center at Mariandale in Ossining and Saint Francis of Assisi Church in West Nyack.
During these events, Sr. Kathleen shared her presentation, “Opening Our Eyes and Ears to the Advent of God’s Reign: Good News for Bent-Over People” and reflected on the themes of Gaudete Sunday scriptures through the lens of Luke’s Gospel image of “The Bent-Over Woman Standing Up Straight.”
Event participants engaged in a conversation focused on these questions:
· “What do we see, and what do we hear when we encounter people on what Pope Francis calls “the peripheries?”
· People who, in a myriad of ways, are “bent-over?”
· How can we open our eyes and ears to encounter God’s new coming in the Other, and to welcome this Advent so as to advance the reign of God?”
Along with these questions, participants individually reflected on their own faith journeys and how they might be experiencing “bent-overness” as well as how they can join in solidarity with all who long for wholeness, healing, and flourishing.
Leading these two events proved to be inspiring for Sr. Kathleen as she was “moved and challenged by the insights of those gathered” and “reminded that the Word of God is ever new.”