At the heart of who we are
   is our name, Holy Union.

At the heart of who we are is our name, Holy Union. We express this union first of all by being one with ourselves. We strive to bring this union to our world by working among different cultures, ethnic groups, the deprived and marginalized. We strive to respect and care for the earth.

Our desire for union impels us to collaborate with others. As members of the Non-Governmental Organization, UNANIMA International, we work with other congregations of women religious at the United Nations to bring about systemic change. We draw others into this union by welcoming women and men to share our life as Associates of Holy Union.

 

Today’s Scripture Reflection

Sister Rea McDonnell, SSND, offers reflections on the Liturgical Readings for each day. If you wish to share your own reflections or have comments or questions, please feel free to email Sister Rea. (reassnd@juno.com)

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

 

1 Kings 8: 22-23, 27-30; Psalm 84; Mark 7: 1-13

Solomon, in dedicating the temple, realizes that he needs forgiveness for thinking that God could be contained in such a house. He asks a poignant question: “Will God indeed dwell on the earth?” As Lent fast approaches, we are reminded of the incarnation. With the psalmist we can sing: How lovely is your dwelling place! whether in earth, on earth, in peoples, in galaxies, in Jesus, in the smallest cell. Jesus is angry with the scribes and Pharisees who bow and scrape and ostracize people according to their laws and customs and neglect basic charity due even parents. They “teach human precepts as doctrines,” and “make void the word of God through your tradition.” May the hierarchy take notice!

Before you throw a stone, ask the Spirit to remind you of a time when you used the Law as an excuse, or when you clung to a tradition or custom (which might be called idolatry, or at least, a lack of freedom). When you pray: “How lovely is your dwelling place”, to what places are you drawn, places easy to find God?

Help us to find your dwelling place among the rubble of Haiti and in the cries and the smiles of its people. Set us free from all that we idolize, even things of religion.

 

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