LISTENING TO THE HOLY SPIRIT

This first of September, we continued the process of discernment that had already begun. With the election of Mother Maria dos Anjos for her second term as Superior General, it was now time, in an atmosphere of prayer, reflection and sharing, to seek God’s will in order to propose the people who could make up the General Council for the next six years.

Our moderator, Sister Marian, reminded us once again that an authentic process of discernment happens when we listen to ourselves, to others, to God and to events, always open to the unexpected that comes from the Holy Spirit.

It helped us a lot to pray two biblical scenarios: the miracle of the 5 loaves and 2 fish and the encounter with the Samaritan woman.  The loaves and fishes were almost useless, but God made them fundamental to the story of the feeding of the 5,000 people. They were the “ingredients” of the miracle.  Only when the loaves and fishes are made available does the miracle happen.

The encounter with the Samaritan woman speaks to us of a great inner freedom, indispensable for this moment in our Chapter. What is the jar that I need to leave in order to live these days freely and be ‘good news’ for my companions in this election process?

Carla Barbosa
01-09-2023