July 30, 2020

"Get in good trouble, necessary trouble, and help redeem
the soul of America." -- John Lewis

"In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have
overcome the world." -- John 16, 33

Dear Friends:

Over the past few days, our nation has been confronted with the disturbing witness of John Lewis’ life. The integrity of his life “disturbs” us because he took his faith seriously enough to already “see” the fulfillment of our prayer. “Thy kingdom come, on earth as it is in heaven.” He was willing to embrace the rigorous “soul training”, the discipline of non-violence in the face of abuse and defeat in order to be true to the Gospel command, “Love one another.” He was willing to live his belief in the beloved community without compromise, reserve or condition...even anticipating forgiveness. “Suffering can be nothing more than a sad and sorry thing without the presence on the part of the sufferer of a graceful heart, an accepting, an open heart, a heart that holds no malice toward the inflictors of his or her suffering.” 

John Lewis’ death meets us at a moment of profound global reckoning. Even as we cover our faces, our brokenness has been exposed, our complicity in the injustices and inequities of our society unmasked, our blindness revealed. Our choice is to turn away or to allow ourselves to be deeply troubled...to have the discipline and courage to stay in the discomfort...to engage in deep listening and prayerful humility...to welcome the grace of conversion. Bryan Massingale reminds us, “It’s only when we become agonized enough, angry enough...that we begin to be invested in change.” Perhaps this is the “good trouble, necessary trouble” that invites us to “get in.”

Cranaleith is offering some upcoming programs that hold us in that place of “holy disturbance” ...“good trouble.” Join us for a book circle to read The Invention of Wings and explore the story of women who bonded at the intersection of suffrage and slavery. Sign up for our program Conversations That Matter: From Transfiguration to Transformation and awaken to wisdom offered in this pandemic...the revelation of both our destructiveness and our sacred beauty.

Above all, know that we pray with you for healing and peace for one another and for our brothers and sisters. 

The Cranaleith Staff

"In the bosom of every human being, there is a spark of the divine. So you don’t have a right as a human to abuse that spark of the divine in your fellow human being." -- John Lewis
Reflect From Home
 Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

READINGS:
Isaiah 55:1-3; Romans 8:35, 37-39; and Matthew 14:13-21

Even if we think Jesus is too busy taking care of something more important, like world peace or an end to human trafficking, he will respond to our needs. Even if what we have seems too little for the thousands in need, Jesus will provide that lavish prodigality of Isaiah 55 – with twelve baskets left over. If all this is so, maybe we should take some time to acknowledge our desire and God’s desire as well. Prayer is as simple as that. 

FOR REFLECTION:
  • When do you get most restless? What sparks it in you? Ask God for help in those moments.
  • Consider the fears you can let go of because nothing “will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.” What would you like to do instead?

















Meditate From Home
 Why meditation?
A regular meditation practice can bring a host of spiritual, psychological and physical benefits to your life. Meditation isn’t just for monks and mystics – anyone can learn it! Christian meditation allows us to spend more quality time with God. It teaches us to control our thought-life and helps us maintain our mental health and emotional well-being.

6 Reasons to Meditate

  1. Reduce Stress - Modern life brings a lot of stress – but relief is a few breaths away.
  2. Manage Depression - In many cases, meditation can reduce or eliminate the need for antidepressant medications.
  3. Lessen Emotional Reactivity - Meditation can help you make better choices by responding mindfully instead of reacting impulsively.
  4. Increase Focus - Meditation keeps you on task amidst the thousands of distractions you face every day.
  5. Improve Relationships - Meditation can lead to greater self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and acceptance of yourself and others.
  6. Strengthen Compassion - Christian meditation allows us to spend more quality time with God. A regular meditation practice can help you become kinder and more caring toward others and the natural world.

Retreat From Home

In this time of COVID-19, when physical distancing is the order of the day, Cranaleith is offering new programs online via Zoom. 

Thursday, July 30, 7-8:30 p.m.

Wednesday, August 5, 12 and 19, 7-8:30 p.m.

Thursday, August 6, 7-9:00 p.m

Saturday, August 15, 10 a.m.-3 p.m .

Tuesday, August 25, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Its not too late to
join us this evening!
Cost: Free-Will Offering
Click to register
Resources From Home

Community Support

Fresh Produce - Visit our Farm Table at Cranaleith -
Saturday, July 25, 10 a.m.- 1 p.m.

Watch from Home



Spiritual Direction
We are still offering  Spiritual Direction via phone and teleconferencing. Contact Cathy Maguire, RSM at  cmaguire@cranaleith.org  or 215-858-6239. Psychotherapy is also available. Please contact Leslie Porreca, RSM, LCSW.  Learn more

Connect With Us Online 
Get daily prayers, reflections, blog posts and images from our beautiful property via our website and social media channels.
Web:  www.cranaleith.org  


Give From Home
Did you know that when you make a purchase on Amazon you can choose a charity? Make your Amazon purchases through AmazonSmile and select Cranaleith Spiritual Center as your charity of choice – At no additional cost!
Sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, Cranaleith offers a contemplative space for all those seeking wholeness and transformation for themselves and society. We are committed to making Cranaleith accessible to all, especially to persons who are poor and those who work in solidarity with them. We invite those at the center of need and those at the center of influence to reflection, reverent dialogue and meaningful partnerships. Please help us support our work.
Cranaleith Spiritual Center | 13475 Proctor Road | Phila., PA 19116