Zoomers shifted focus recently to redirect their attention to matters of the upcoming biannual SSJ assembly. They received five thought-provoking articles to prepare them for discussions intended to open their minds and hearts to the workings of the Spirit.
The first article Membership and Leadership: An Organic Whole emphasized how Sisters and Community leaders must depend upon one another for survival in a challenging 21stcentury. We agreed that gone are the days when “good little Sisters” could sit back and let appointed “superiors” make important decisions for their lives. Today, as religious communities face unprecedented shifts in the demographics of religious life, it is essential that we walk hand in hand with elected leaders to achieve a common good.
Today in the post Vatican II era Zoomers agreed that the mature member of community has learned to voice ideas and opinions, as well as listen to opposing viewpoints that might have equal merit. To highlight this transition, we referenced the Sufi tradition, a form of Islamic mysticism that emphasizes introspection and closeness with God. The practice posits four basic rules of life that point the way to integrity and become the building blocks of collective wisdom. They include:
· Show up
· Pay attention
· Tell the truth
· Be open to the outcome
Each choice has its own intrinsic value and Zoomers zeroed in on those values during their discussion.
This week Zoomers glimpsed the future as it reached out to them with welcoming arms. Fears and hesitations took a backseat to honesty and openness, and the preciousness of each individual stood up and took a bow! It was definitely an inSpirited meeting!
