Rooted and grounded in God's love

Earlier today seven RSCJ from five countries professed their perpetual vows in Rome. I was able to watch some of the ceremony via the livestream; able to see them pronouncing their vows and receiving their rings and crosses, their quiet smiles turning to beaming radiance. Theirs wasn't the only emotion, as I recalled my own profession on that same sanctuary, with my own probation sisters, back in June 2003. 

A few days ago, as per a Society tradition started by St Madeleine Sophie, the group received a name and devise (motto) from our Superior General, which both reflect their identity and experience, and will serve as a call and a reference point for the rest of their lives. Each group has its own character, and comes together at its own point in history. This group began during our Jubilee Year, dedicated to hope, and will be sent forth into a world grown increasingly fractured, warlike and unstable, and to realities filled with anguish and pain, as much as joy and beauty. And the name, and call, which will accompany them is Rooted and grounded in God's Love, while their devise is Called and sent to live and act as One Body for mission. 

Together, these express the interwoven, double call of each RSCJ. We are called and sent to mission, of course; but we first need to be completely rooted and grounded in the Love which has called, and continues to call and send us. It is only from the depths and certainty of this Love that we are able to be sent forth; to not only return love, but to love widely, thereby making Love known, especially where it is most seemingly absent. 

As Claire RSCJ said in her closing conference:

In a world marked by violence, division, and fear, you are called to replace violence with love, to give love for Love’s sake, to praise God with thanksgiving and service, so that the fire of Christ's love may continue to reach the hearts of young people and rekindle their hope... It is this daily incarnation of love, often humble, hidden, silent that humanises the world and rejoices the heart of God.

And a reminder to them, but also to all of us, that we are sent to make present, in every situation, the love, tenderness, simplicity and also the kenosis (self-emptying) of God. How and where are we each called to do this?

Let us pray for each other, and especially for Carmen, Chihiro, Elizabeth, Hilda, Jaqueline, Jeniffer and Mukta, as they are sent forth, back to their countries, to be a daily incarnation of the Love in which they are rooted and grounded...