Dominican Sisters of Peace

"Gracious One, guide my footsteps along the path of your truth. Free me to preach your Word. Fill me with the fire of your love. Show me the way of Dominican life."
Associates Prayer - Dominican Sisters of St. Catherine de' Ricci

Sunday morning political talk shows continue to fill the air with political posturing, spinning, and partisan diatribes. After a while, one could feel that the human race is about to go over the cliff. The clock is ticking with no solutions in sight to avoid going over the fiscal cliff. Most often we hear two competing views:  increase taxes on the wealthiest 2% of our citizens and cut entitlements.

What is missing is a discussion of protecting the most vulnerable citizens: children, seniors, the unemployed, the poor, and the marginalized. Unfortunately neither the politicians nor the media are talking about the need for a circle of protection around programs for the hungry and people living in poverty in the United States. One senator urged ending all foreign aid and reducing disaster relief.

Deep in the recesses of our hearts the Holy Spirit is at work continually effecting amazing transformation.

Recently, at a mini "Come and See" vocational gathering, a number of Dominican Sisters of Peace gathered with discerners at Dominican Academy in NYC. There, Sr. Pat Connick, OP, entertained and educated us with a science demonstration in the Barbara Robotti Murray Science Lab. We "oohed and aahed" as we watched solid copper dissolve before our very eyes only to return to a solid state a few minutes later! Reflecting on these chemical processes turned our thoughts to the inner processes of conversion and transformation continually at work in our hearts through the power of the Holy Spirit.

And the winner is, The Common Good! After viewing "Lincoln" in a sold out movie theater, I left with the thought of having seen the common good in action. This outstanding film conveyed more than the moral imperative to abolish slavery. Members of the house of representatives and the President engaged in the hard work of dialogue and compromise to eliminate the scourge of slavery while respecting each person's need to share concerns. Not only was slavery abolished but some representatives who supported slavery were able to find their better selves.

The persistence, courage, and openness to transformation on the part of members of congress and the President made this historic moment possible. In the most divisive and painful moments in our country's history, a spirit-filled openness made what seemed impossible a reality.