Sr. Joyce Rupp’s November Reflection ….

Reflection -  November 2017         Indeed, the Holy One is not far from each one of us. For in God we live and move and have our being.                                           (Acts17:27) An unexpected conversation took place at the breakfast table during a recent retreat. In an attempt to get to know one of the participants I casually asked about her profession. This led to her speaking about volunteering for three organizations whose goal is to to end the trafficking of children for sex and work. Soon after this, a person from another state commented that she was a member of a coalition in her city that also focused on the elimination of trafficking. No sooner had she finished when yet another woman from a different area revealed how she served as the director of a residence that provided housing for trafficked persons. As I left the table that morning I marveled at how these three women shared a common focus in their compassionate service. How astounding that they “just happened” to sit at the same table. Later, while I walked over to the Conference Center, memories of similar experiences returned: the two mothers in Illinois who “happened” to sit down next to each other and discovered that each of them had a teenage daughter run away from home and never return. I’ve noticed how this unusual situation often happens within groups, how people with similar experiences find one another: those who were very young when one or both parents died, widowed persons, survivors of abuse and recovering addicts, for example. How does this happen that people who have known similar situations are drawn toward each other? How is it that they discover a valuable kinship through this surprising connection? I believe that a knowing Presence, a loving divine Energy, moves among us-unseen but actively drawing us toward those who will benefit our life’s journey – providing support and inspiration to give the best of ourselves to what life requires of us. We depart after being with these persons and sense a certain awe at the unexpected encounter and the satisfaction we drew from it. There are many reasons why we might hesitate and unknowingly not allow divine energy to draw us toward those with whom we could find the strength of kinship. Among them is the constant hurry-hurry of daily life that keeps us from missing these sacred moments. A fear of vulnerability can hide behind the flurry of activity that prevents us from revealing what could provide a deeper connection with another. A false sense of humility by not speaking may also block openness and self-revelation. If we are to move beneath the surface of externals and allow the Holy One to draw us toward one another, we will need to risk being known, to let go of the strong walls that keep us separate from each other. While we heed appropriate boundaries, we also choose to open up rather than remain tightly closed, so the vibrant Spirit moves among us in surprising ways. Perhaps a daily prayer this month as simple as “In You we live and move and have our being” will awaken in us the awareness that any encounter with another could be the moment when we “just happen” to learn how much we have in common. May it be so. Abundant peace, Joyce Rupp  With thanks to Servite Sister, Sr. Joyce Rupp, osm. Be sure to check out my new website www.joycerupp.com