Dear Friends,
Since I have left Rome and returned to the United States, several people have encouraged me to do some writing. It was many years ago that I sent out “Contemplative Stance” a bi-monthly reflection aid. Perhaps it is timely now to pick up the pen again for another booklet/newsletter with a slant that is both cosmic and contemplative. I have never really, deeply, questioned what put it into Francis of Assisi’s head to call the sun, “Brother”, and the moon, ‘Sister.” What led him to consider as siblings, the air and water and fire and all created things? Somehow with an amazing, ingrained intuition, Francis grasped the marvelous TRUTH of all creation, that, in fact, we are all one family. Do you not somehow feel very much “at home” outdoors under a setting sun, sitting on a beach watching the waves splash on the shore or hearing a dove coo in the early morning? The ambience is comfortable, is it not? Family-like!
During this sabbatical year, after spending ten weeks in Wicklow, Ireland at the Dominican Cosmic Spirituality Program, it seems now so crystal clear that Francis saw right through to the beginning, the interconnectedness of all matter. “Christ is the first born of all creatures (in God’s family). He is before all else that is and in him everything continues in being” (Col 1:17 -18). “In the beginning was the Word and the Word was in God’s presence and the Word was God” (John 1:1). Thomas of Aquinas wrote, “God brought things into being in order that God’s goodness might be communicated to creatures and be represented by them; and because God’s goodness could not be represented by one creature alone, God produced many and diverse creatures...” For me that Wicklow Course was wonderful, an eye- opener to be sure, and I would love to share it with you as best I can through these little ramblings. I acknowledge with gratitude all those who gave the input as so much of this newsletter is based on my Wicklow notes. So, let us begin this journey. This Journal will have 4 or 5 parts to it: A theological reflection, a bit of scientific wonder, our earth’s cry of pain, an example from a mystical writer and some suggestions for action here and there. We shall see what unfolds. I welcome any comments or reflections you might like to share.
Peace,
Jeanette Gaudet, mfic