Advent is a time to make connection and allows the eyes of our hearts to see hope unfolding. It is an invitation to look deeply, perceive anew God’s presence in creation, to prepare, to welcome, to wonder, to be surprised and to stand in awe.
On Saturday evening we had a beautiful prayer service in the chapel to begin the season Advent. The theme this year chosen by our Liturgy Committee is Awaken to the Reckless, Cosmic Love of God. During the service, Sister Frances O'Brien, SP, delivered a stirring reflection on the theme where she related it to the times in which we live.
“She Said” based on the book details the work of two young women journalists with the New York Times who are investigating the issue of sexual abuse and harassment in the workplace. It leads them to the many women who over the decades experienced this at the hands of Harvey Weinstein covered up by some of his colleagues. It captures the shame, fear and courage of these women to step forward in the face of non-disclosure agreements, career limitations and threats. This has empowered other women who have or are experiencing abuse in the workplace to flag it, providing much of the stimulus for the MeToo movement. The descriptions of the abuse are verbal and not visually depicted.
