Nancy Sylvester

The leaders at the Spirit of Humanity Forum gathered for many reasons; what was central was that we work in a world in crisis, and know that we must respond in new ways to heal the systems tearing us apart. 

Contemplate This - The capacity to see things in new ways and the openness to try to understand those who are different, or the viewpoints that challenge my current beliefs — this doesn't just happen.

Contemplate This - As I break the habit of always going in and out of one door, and risk opening different doors, I see all sorts of new things. I get a sense that I am part of a greater whole to which I am connected.

Look to your own emerging sculpture. Carve the marble deeply to touch into the life deep within: the life you share with Jesus and our Abba God.

The violence that surrounds us and the suffering it causes erodes our inner life. Where is the Divine Mystery in all this?

Contemplate This - As we consent to see ourselves as we are, the light of Divine Loving illuminates aspects of ourselves that we were unaware of; that we do not like; that we never thought we were capable of.

We each have something unique and essential to share with the world. We won't find that present under the Christmas tree, but do not be fooled. It is within us just waiting to be unwrapped.

Contemplate This - Fall, with its brilliant display of color as it says goodbye, teaches us that for the new to come something must change. It offers us a way of being as we await the future.

Contemplate This - As the place of my daily prayer was invaded by the need to fix the mortar of the house I live in, I experienced the wrenching clash of progress, modernity and our intimate connection with nature.

Contemplate This - For those of us who believe the Gospel message is one of love, mercy, compassion, inclusivity and justice, it is hard to see where we are going as the mist thickens at the horizon.

Contemplate This - Too often, we get used to what we see and hear, and we forget that there is so much more to look at or know that can give us a new perspective. I think I need that additional perspective right now.

Contemplate This - Systemic wrongs are coming up to face us at a time when the U.S. is grappling with becoming a pluralistic democracy. The flood has started. But we have work to do if it is to be truly an "upstart Spring."

Contemplate This - If those of us who are aging can resist surrendering to weariness and continue to fan our passion for justice, perhaps those younger will experience a renewed energy and courage.

Mary and Jesus could have said "No," but they said "Yes." Their "Yes" continues to reverberate and emerges in each of us, as does our freedom to say "No."

Contemplate this: Consider contemplative prayer to deal with the powerless and grief you feel over Russia's war with Ukraine and other places that need God's love and peace.

Contemplate This - As we enter the Lenten season, I felt that a renewed contemplative practice might be just what is needed. Contemplation helps us to "see" in new ways, inviting us to respond out of love and not fear.

Contemplate This - The old has passed away. It will still take time for some things to die, to be transformed bringing forth a spring like rebirth. That newness takes time and we can play our part in its unfolding.

Contemplate This - We will have many choices to make in the months and years ahead. As the New Year begins, try to remember who you really are and how you will choose to respond to the future that is calling us.

Contemplate This - Advent is about taking time to prepare to celebrate an event and recommit to a process. The Advent calendar is a way to slow down and focus one's reflection every day. How would I create an Advent calendar today?

Contemplate This - In a way we are all masked — living somewhat in a lockdown, not wanting to nor able to speak to those who may be carriers of another worldview, political position or partisan affiliation.