In the Margins: The Power of Love
-
February 18, 2022“Were not our hearts burning within us?” - Lk 24:32
Over the past month, the experiences and reflections shared by our fellow parishioners have offered us an opportunity for education and reflection. As a parish, we engage the topic of racial justice because working for racial equity stems directly from our call as followers of Jesus: a call to love our neighbors as ourselves. Jesus preached a message of radical inclusion and acceptance where all might be freed from chains of division and exclusion. As followers of Christ, we are continually called to prayerfully consider where we are being invited to grow so that we individually and as a parish may work for racial equity.The Universal Apostolic Preferences of the Society of Jesus compel us to “walk with the poor, the outcasts of the world, those whose dignity has been violated, in a mission of reconciliation and justice.” As we observe Presidents’ Day, we are mindful that our country continues to struggle with the legacy of injustices done to racial minorities and others on the margins. As we follow the example of St. Ignatius to seek and find God in all things, we pause this week to reflect on the experiences shared during the past four weeks, to pay attention to where God is calling us around the issues of racial justice and love of neighbor. We invite you to share with us the fruits of your reflection at [email protected] for inclusion in a future “In the Margins.”
An Examen for Love of Neighbor
We begin with an awareness of God’s presence. Where has God been present to me in my dealings with my neighbors, especially those of a different race or ethnicity than me? Where have I noticed God moving in their lives? Can I identify specific moments of grace? I offer these moments to a loving God, and listen for God’s response.
How have I participated in loving or unloving actions toward others? Have I excluded people because they look or behave differently from me? When have I sought to draw in rather than exclude? I offer these actions to a loving God, and listen for God’s response.
What emotions arise as a result of my reflections? What burns in my heart as I consider my relationship with my neighbors? Love? Shame? Hope? Anger? How is God speaking to me through my emotions? I offer these emotions to a loving God, and listen for God’s response.
As I listen, I allow my heart to be opened to my neighbors, to those who live, work, and worship with me, those whom I pass one the street, those whom I ignore or neglect out of fear or shame. I allow God to love God’s creation through me. Looking ahead, how will I engage more lovingly with my neighbors? What specific action is God asking of me at this time? I offer this action to a loving God in trust and faith, resting in God’s love for me and for all I meet.
