I have been busy preparing for a talk that I gave this morning on social justice from a personal perspective. I was part of a panel that was discussing Vatican II on its 50th anniversary. On Friday night, Bishop Remi De Roo, one of the few surviving Council Fathers, spoke to the packed church about his musings on the documents of Vatican II. I felt such hope at the end of his talk. This 88-year-old bishop said many things that inspired me. He stated that the documents gathered the agreement from almost all the bishops gathered and that the issues presented were faced unafraid. There were sharp exchanges at times but primarily as the Council unfolded there was peace and serenity.
One of the statements he made that remains with me is that conversion does not come from information that one receives with the head; unity comes from the heart. I have this vision now of all these bishops--over 2,000--gathering to discuss the documents and for the first time, rather than thinking, feeling the Spirit move amongst them.
He spoke of tending the tender shoots sprouting up still after 50 years and this image resonates anew for me. I think the Spirit of Pentecost was blowing upon the sessions this weekend. The two young people joining me on the panel today rocked! I have such hope in what lies ahead when I know that the Church has people like them involved.
For my own part, I believed that saying yes to this invitation to speak was perhaps something bigger. I have wanted to serve God for as long as I can remember. This weekend helped me to see once again that the Spirit blesses the works of our hands when we say yes. It was an honour and privilege to share my story with those gathered. I have been asked to do two follow up talks and that excites me. I think God is throwing open doors and I am happy to tend the shoots of hope.
What is God calling you to these days?
Peace,
Suzanne
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