Reflection
We are living in a critical moment of history. Will we truly awaken to the sacredness of every person regardless of gender, race, or religion? Holders of power, both religious and political, are obstructing this work and some of them are even denying the need for it. But they cannot destroy the vision of sacredness that has welled up again and again over the centuries and is now demanding our attention perhaps like never before. There is hope. And it is a hope based on our deepest knowing, that every human being is sacred, body and soul.
J. Philip Newell
Prayer
What are humans that you are mindful of them, mere mortals that you care for them?
Yet you have made them little less than angels, crowned them with glory and honor.
Psalm 8
Action
Do you feel hopeful about the consciousness of human dignity that is being raised? What are your own feelings about the sacredness of all persons? If you have negative attitudes why? What is the basis of your fear? What can you do?
Suggested Reading
Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.
Luke 12:6-7
Each of us is made in the image and likeness of God, which means that we all carry inherent dignity. Humanity’s status as the epitome of God’s creation means that we are called to treat others respectfully and be treated thus. By reminding ourselves not only that God is present within us, but in each one of us, we can begin to live according to our dignity and honor the dignity of every human life.
Pope Francis
It is the height of idolatry to use the supposed Word of God so that my small self can be in control and be right. But I am afraid this has been more the norm than the exception in the use of the Bible.
Richard Rohr
Our heart knows what our mind has forgotten – it knows the sacred that is within all that exists, and through a depth of feeling we can once again experience this connection, this belonging.
Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee
When you see someone’s sacredness, everything changes.
Barbara Lynn-Vannoy
There is only one true flight from the world; it is not an escape from conflict, anguish, and suffering, but the flight from disunity and separation, to unity and peace in the love of others.
Thomas Merton
If you do not know you have intrinsic value because of who you are and who you are meant to be, you will feel uncomfortable when you are not looking your best (in other’s eyes) or if you are not wearing the latest fashion trend.
Sunday Adelaja
The universe is a communion of subjects, not a collection of objects.
Thomas Berry