We all need the reassurance offered in the story of Jesus' transfiguration, that "you are my beloved." If we hear that message, do we believe it? And how do we act because of it?
Unfortunately, today, it is challenging to engage in a conversation with a mixed group of people without noticing ideological and religious intolerance and polarization.
Sr. Corbin Hannah writes about the benefits of nonviolent communication. "I am connected to my kind, compassionate, loving and understanding self," she writes. "I believe NVC has helped me be more like Jesus."
The congress was a revival and an ongoing movement. I came to it with a desire to be inspired and impassioned. This revival brought the presence of the Holy Spirit, which filled me in ways I still don't completely understand.
"All of us need to examine our cultural beliefs and practices that allow sexual assault and erode our Christian responsibilities to care for all people as sisters and brothers," writes Sr. Regina Nthenya Ndambuki.
I listened to a program on congregational sustainability. By planning well, using local resources and being transparent, we can ensure our projects and congregations thrive.
What if, Sr. Susan Rose Francois wonders, women religious "considered the present demographic LCWR leaders talk about unprecedented transformation of religious life shift … as exactly what is needed, called for and desired by God for OUR times?"
Horizons - A space of welcome and respect provides dignity for older women at a care home run by the Servants of St. Joseph. Sr. Daylenis Lara Rodríguez reflects on how volunteering there has deepened her appreciation for life.
The qualities of the fruit of the Spirit "name attributes that help describe a leadership style that is needed in a time of great complexity and uncertainty," writes Sr. Nancy Sylvester.
Basilian Sr. Olha Ladzhun, 105, is a surviving eyewitness of disasters and blessings in Transcarpathia, Ukraine and the bloodlands. Her life serves as a focal point, collecting the stories of her people into one narrative.
At Serra Retreat in Malibu, Sr. Monique Tarabeh experienced "a transformative journey into the heart of spirituality, helping each of us to envision God in a way that resonates deeply with our unique spiritual path."
"The scapular represents for me the comforting presence of the Blessed Mother in my life and her maternal protection each and every moment and in all situations," writes Sr. Molly Fernandes.
Communion calls me to individual action and prayer as I receive and return to my place with Jesus Christ truly within me, writes Dominican Sr. Jeanne Harris.
In today's reading, the only task Jesus defined for the disciples was to drive out unclean spirits. Like them, our baptism commissions us to help others know the presence of God — in spite of situations and attitudes that obscure our vision of what God wants for our world.
The recent Giving Voice National Gathering "challenged me to surrender my ideas of what the future of religious life will look like and to put greater trust in God," writes Sr. Kathryn Press.
"We need not be afraid or troubled" about changes in religious life, writes Sr. Judith Shaeffer. That's because "evolutionary development is at the heart of our Creator's plan."
