We
are people of the Holy Preaching ....
The following is a preaching offered by Sister Mary Louise Edwards.
Acts
18: 1-8
John 16: 16-20, 5/17/07
“There is no path-the path is made as we walk.
As we walk, we make the path and then when we turn and glance back-
we see the road that never again will be trod.”
Some of you may recognize this quote. It was used as an introduction to the Report of the Coordinating Council of Dominican Sisters International to the General Assembly of DSI that met recently in Rome. Some of you were present for this gathering and some of you may have read this very detailed, comprehensive report on DSI’s web page. The quote is from the 20th century Spanish poet Antonio Machado (Macha doe) and it could well sum up the tone of the Acts of the Apostles in these post Resurrection days. Listen to some of the references in today’s first reading alone………….
“Paul left Athens and went to Corinth………Aquila had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla……..Paul went to see them……..Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia.
The Book of Acts is really a misnomer for this book is the story of only two apostles-Peter and Paul. In the first 12 chapters we see that Peter is the central figure as he becomes the chief apostle to the Jews. Then the narrative concludes with Paul taking several missionary journeys to the Gentiles. Some have suggested that this book should be more accurately called the Book of the Holy Spirit. There is little doubt in the author Luke’s mind about how the church spread: it is through the action of the Holy Spirit. Early in the Acts of the Apostles we see the church come into being as a result of the baptism of the Holy Spirit. In the beginning there were a few disciples and suddenly we see how the life of Jesus, his death and resurrection bring a whole new community into existence: the church. Then we see how gently the Spirit guides the movements of the early church. Truly this is the Acts of the Holy Spirit. This narrative also tells how Jesus’ disciples received the Holy Spirit and continued his work after he ascended into heaven. Clearly this is a faith account for it is centered on belief in God’s action within the events of this story.
It will interest you to know that with respect to our recent General Chapter, the members of the Chapter Planning Committee read every single, individual written evaluation of the proceedings. In this most recent session it came to about 130 altogether. We read these and discuss them thoroughly before we ever put our hand to the plow and start looking at planning what we think needs to happen next. Over and over the feedback from this recent Second Session told us that you had felt the presence of the Spirit in our midst during Chapter. Many remarked about the honesty and transparency they experienced at their small tables. There seemed to be an appreciation for all of the communal study, preparation and discussions that helped us to be so grounded in what was best for the common good. In turn there was a feeling that the Spirit would lead us to vote in such a way that it would truly reflect God’s action in and through us. As one of the readings at Chapter from Catherine of Siena’s Way by Mary Ann Fatula said, “Catherine of Siena’s experience taught her that the more she trusted God and reflected upon her lived experience of trusting, the more she knew of God’s intimate care.”
Like the apostles in the days of the infant church we really have no idea what this vote for Union has gotten us into! In chapter 4 of Acts we are reminded that all the believers were of one heart and one mind. No one claimed any possessions as their own and they shared everything they had. They bore witness to the life, death and resurrection of Jesus and much grace was upon them.
As our founder, Dominic and our foremothers stepped into the chaos and the unknown of their day trusting in the guidance of the Spirit, so, too we’ve all worked hard at our recent Chapters to be of one heart and one mind. We struggled within ourselves and among ourselves to speak the truth in love as Catherine says. Our tears of joy and sadness became holy water and we crossed, courageously and tentatively, over the threshold of a brand new day.
At this Eucharist we pray for our Dominican family throughout the world especially those who are in danger in Iraq. We remember with a special affection the Dominican Sisters of Akron, Oxford, Columbus, Great Bend, St. Mary’s, New Orleans and the Eucharistic Missionaries of St. Dominic who believe with us, Kentucky pioneer sisters that “the path is made as we walk. As we walk, we make the path and then when we turn and glance back-we see the road that never again will be trod.” --- Mary Louise Edwards,OP
Click here to return to Holy Preaching
-OR-
click the jonquil to return to What's New
