Reflection
Deeply spiritual persons experience the suffering in the world as their own suffering. They do not let it overtake them and destroy their spirit, their ability to choose life. To live deeply in the Spirit is to be able to see beyond the immediate evidence of brokenness and suffering. It is to be able to imagine alternatives. It is to seek the not yet but possible future. To live deeply in the Spirit is to find the courage to create in the midst of darkness; the faith to plant seeds in the dark ground of our times so that new life can flourish in the future.
Patricia M. Mische
Prayer
The Spirit is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?
Psalm 27:1
Action
Can you see alternatives to the conditions of the present times? What could “plant seeds” for a flourishing future society? What actions can you envision? Are you willing to try?
Suggested Reading
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.
John 16:33
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.
Galatians 6:9
The future starts today, not tomorrow.
Pope John Paul II
Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin.
Mother Teresa
We believe we create the future as we move with the Spirit.
Vision Statement, Sisters of St. Joseph
The future depends on what you do today.
Mahatma Gandhi
The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.
Eleanor Roosevelt
Just remember – when you think all is lost, the future remains.
Bob Goddard
People who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.
Rob Siltanen
Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.
Corrie Ten Boom
Real generosity towards the future lies in giving all to the present.
Albert Camus
You never change things by fighting the existing reality.
To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete.
Buckminster Fuller