Risk being transformed
Sister Roxanne Schares,
General Superior
To open ourselves to be transformed by God is a risk. Yet that is the call we School Sisters of Notre Dame recognize in participating in God’s mission: “to be transformed and to transform our world, bringing all to oneness…” (YAS, C 48). But what is transformation; what is involved?
Real transformation is so much more than simple change, for it impacts the whole of our lives and all our relationships. It is a paschal journey that involves serious soul work of individuals and communities and becomes a way of life that is a matter of the heart.
The transformative journey leads us to understanding the heart of our reality, to exploring our human hearts, to discovering the heart of God, God who is love. Experiencing God’s love, we are impelled into the heart of the world to respond with the very love and compassion of God. It is God’s love that transforms.
How and where to begin? The ways are countless. This issue of In Mission offers reflections of transforming journeys from various parts of the world. They share experiences of letting go, of leaving comfort zones, of engaging in new encounters, of going to the peripheries, of being in solidarity, of embracing suffering, of deepening commitments, of trusting the power of prayer.
Always, in every journey, there will be letting go, listening, learning, growing into and evolving new relationships of greater mutuality and respect, relationships of ever deepening communion.
It is God who gives the grace and will do the transforming if only we risk opening ourselves to be transformed—to receive and cooperate with the grace and participate in this work of the heart.
The risk is great, and the choice is costly for it demands that we let go and surrender, transcend ourselves, act and live for God’s mission. To what profound transformation may God be inviting us to risk?
Wonderful up to date reflection on God’s call in our lives. Beautiful publication. Thank you.
Associate of SSND Judy Gregor