Week 10 (May 24-30)
Today, on Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat's feast day, our hearts are full. We face daily stories of heartbreaking loss and heroic acts of healing. The reality of COVID-19 affects us on all levels, internally and externally. Amid this uncertainty, we were asked to prepare a reflection on Sophie.
During our planning, we focused on listening to Sophie, to the Spirit and to one another. As we have pondered Sophie's words and considered her complex life, we have been reminded that through her capacity for silence, Sophie found the courage to act with confidence. We see this same truth in the responses of the first responders and essential workers.
We offer this prayer video (English) (French) (Spanish) in the hope that Sophie's example may support all of us in our desire to deepen our own capacity for silence and contemplation. We encourage each person to view the video and consider the words of Sophie for her feast day. This reflection can also be found on the Sacred Heart Education website under resources about Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat.
We invite anyone who wishes to share a response to one or more of these questions to use this link:
- Has Sophie's story helped you during these weeks? If so, in what way?
- Have Sophie's words and images drawn you to listen in silence to the Spirit? What is the Spirit saying to you?
- Are Sophie's words drawing us to act as "One Body" to address injustices exposed by the pandemic?
The whisper of the Spirit calls us. May our common commitment to prayer allow us to deepen our courage to act with confidence.
Irma Dillard, RSCJ, Margaret Causey, RSCJ, Suzanne Cooke, RSCJ
