As part of a congregation (sosj.org.au) I was recently asked to write a short reflection on how I see “Our Josephite Mission Today” and within that context to share my thoughts on 'how your particular ministry gives expression of the mission of God.'
I hope you enjoy my two cents worth,,,,
Desmond Tutu once said, “We are made to tell the world that there are no outsiders.” This simple yet powerful notion illuminates the mission of God, and how I experience it in my current ministry (Pastoral Care and Digital Communication in a High School).
How do we tell the world there are no outsiders?
Listening is first, enabling relationship, dignity and dialogue - what I believe is at the core of Jesus’ message of radical inclusion. Relevant questions help this process. How would you like to be connected digitally? What would it mean for you? Actions follow, they are based upon how our community has requested to be connected. For example, forms of social media, types of images, videos, messages and their frequency.
“By means of all created things, without exception, the divine assails us, penetrates us, and molds us.
We imagined it as distant and inaccessible, when in fact we live steeped in its burning layers.”
Pierre Teilhard de Chardin certainly understood there are no outsiders. Digital communication is a powerful force with burning layers. It is easy to be afraid of change, scared of something new and progressive. But holding sacred the mission of God I feel called to let go of fear (John 14:27).
In a changing world my ministry gifts me an opportunity to continually listen, using digital media to help relinquishing separation. A parent recently said to me, “Seeing photos of the girls on Instagram makes me feel so connected. I don’t feel separate, I feel part of the community.” Surely we are as our hearts truly know not separate but one.
