In our contemporary world shaped to a large degree, by the ethic of consumerism, it is good to pause and reflect on the heart of our Christian faith, which presents us with a counter narrative.
The Catalyst for Renewal reflection morning held on 1 August at the Holy Name of Mary Parish, Hunters Hill, provided an opportunity for such a time. The gathering offered space to name and affirm ways we engage with the sacrament of “letting go”. As we do this in the living of our lives, moment by moment, we grow in our capacity to become the “living echo of God”.
Time was taken to be reminded that this letting go is at the heart of the natural order of all creation. We witness snakes shedding their skins, butterflies being transformed from caterpillars to beautiful winged insects, while trees let go of their leaves, stripped of all their attractiveness, in the interest of renewal and growth. In this context there was an invitation to consider the way the person of Jesus let go of “his equality with God and emptied himself to become as we are”.
A verse from the prophet Isaiah provided a reminder of the echoing and reverberating nature of God’s Word. “My word that proceeds from me goes forth and will not return to me empty but will accomplish what I desire and will prosper where I send it.” (Isaiah 55:11).
It was recognised that in today’s world awash with all forms of media and a 24-hour news cycle, it is easy and tempting to become an echo chamber of ideas formulated by others. One sure way of addressing this modern dilemma is through contemplative prayer. Such prayer, characterised by stillness and silence, empties us of our own egoic words and thoughts, enabling the forming within us of a hollow, “cave like” heart space. This allows us to awaken to the unique echo chamber of God’s love, grace, kindness and forgiveness, gifted to each one of us.
In our sharing we cited the wisdom of synodal conversations, which provide space for stillness and personal reflection before responding. This way of listening to the words and insights of others, allows their words to reverberate more deeply in us. Our hearts hold the capacity to be echo chambers for each other. Such a way of being is accessible to all of us and provides hope and encouragement, especially as we advance in years.
Our time together gifted us with the opportunity to renew and affirm each other in the recognition that we all hold our unique piece of the treasure, described by St Paul as Jesus the Christ. We are graced especially at this time in our lives, when much falls away, to become the living echo of loving God – the one who makes a home within each of us.
Patty Andrew osu is the Vicar for Consecrated Life in the Diocese of Parramatta.
The gathering reflects the Diocesan Pastoral Plan objective of a Church Renewed in Spirit and Prayer. Visit Synodality to learn more.
