“… the distinctive sign of religious life is prophecy….a religious must never abandon prophecy.”
Apostolic Letter of Pope Francis to All Consecrated People, 21 November 2014
But what is PROPHECY? What does it mean to be a prophet?
For Pope Francis:
“the ability to scrutinize the times–
to interpret events -
sentinels who keep watch….”
For me: MIND-FUL-NESS
“a state of active, open attention on the present –
living in the moment and
awakening to experience “
Both PROPHECY and MINDFULNESS involve
attentiveness – awareness – awakening
the ability to see – scrutinize - interpret
CONTEMPLATIVE AWARENESS
attentive not only of my own awakened experience but to that of God –
not just my own mindfulness but God’s
to perceive – to ponder – to understand as a whole
God is with us – in this place – here – now
our time – God’s time – Kairos time
“[prophets] know God and the men and women who are their brothers and sisters –
are able to denounce the evil of sin and injustice
are free - beholden to no one but God
have no interest other than God
tend to be on the side of the poor and powerless,
for they know that God himself is on their side.”
Pope Francis
PROPHECY – MINDFULNESS – CONTEMPLATIVE AWARENESS
“IN YOUR MINDS YOU MUST BE THE SAME AS CHRIST JESUS”(Phil. 2:5, JB)
Offered by Frances Cavey, SUSC