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)

Saturday, July 31, 2010

Ignatius of Loyola                 Jeremiah 26: 11-16; 24; Psalm 69; Matthew 14: 1-12

Again there is such connection between the two readings. The sentence of death meted out to Jeremiah is challenged and changed by the people, standing over against the priests and prophets. The death sentence is carried out on John the Baptist for his speaking out against Herod’s adultery. One of principles Ignatius works with in his Spiritual Exercises is the need to be interiorly free in making decisions. Jeremiah says to his captors: “I am in your hands. Do with me…”  Whether he is killed or set free, he is already free because he speaks the word of God in truth. The Alleluia verse sums up: “Blessed are those who suffer persecution for justice’s sake.”

So many Jesuit martyrs. So many of the laity martyred through the centuries and all over the world. In Greek, martyres means witness. Examine your witness to the word of God. How do you witness? How far would you go and for what cause? When have you suffered persecution? Is it Thoreau or Robert Kennedy who says: If we haven’t found something we are willing to die for, we are not fit to live. Discuss that with Jesus.

Again, we ask for courage, for interior freedom, for holding our life lightly and committing it to your hands. We trust you to make justice roll like a river!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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