"In the beginning", is a treasured phrase that honors our shared cosmology, preserves the belief that our Creator from beyond time imaged us -all of us- gifted with life and the longing to co-create our lives together.
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In identifying the interconnectedness of each generation, C.S. Lewis wrote, “This moment contains all moments” (The Great Divorce). Our Marylhurst foundresses, the Sisters of the Holy Names, the sisters today and those of the future have entrusted all of us with their vowed mission. We all play essential roles in the story of our mission. Each of us is called to educate and empower, to build a community that works for the good in each generation.
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As I pray for our Envisioning process, as I pray for the discernment each of you contribute. And I’m excited about the future we will create, the legacy with which we will bless future generations. I believe with St. Paul, that the “Eye has not seen, ear has not heard nor has it entered into the human heart, what God has prepared for those who love Him” (1 Cor 2: 9-10) and that "imagination is more important than knowledge...(Albert Einstein).
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It is a privilege to create the future together. I pray blessings on Envision Marylhurst.
Marylhurst’s investment in this Envisioning process is very exciting. We are in a time, a crossroads, in our communities and our lives. So much is changing and coming to fruition. We have been called to live to a higher standard. No longer does the attainment of material gain and wealth suffice. It is time to strive for spiritual advancements, service and unity. Striving not only as individuals but as communities. Not only within our own communities of faith, but in our communities at large.
ReplyDeleteMy prayer for the Envisioning Marylhurst is that it results in plans that bring about vision of spiritual as well as material growth.
The foundation has already been laid. There are so many stories in the history and from current students of the unique experience Marylhurst provides. The spiritual experience is often intertwined with the material. How do we intentionally nurture that moving forward?
In many of our lives the division of material and spiritual are nearly worlds apart. (Working during the week and praying on the weekend.) Some find that they must choose one or the other. (Choosing between a life of service or a career.) How do we, as an institution and a community create a space where they meet and intertwine for all, in their own unique way?
It is fortuitous that the process of Envisioning Marylhurst is coming at a time that many Americans are re-envisioning America. I have never felt the time so fitting for this prayer than now. Not only for the new chapter in the political arena, but also for Marylhurst University.
O Thou kind Lord! This gathering is turning to Thee. These hearts are radiant with Thy love. These minds and spirits are exhilarated by the message of Thy glad tidings. O God! Let this American democracy become glorious in spiritual degrees even as it has aspired to material degrees, and render this just government victorious. Confirm this revered nation to upraise the standard of the oneness of humanity, to promulgate the Most Great Peace, to become thereby most glorious and praiseworthy among all the nations of the world. O God! This American nation is worthy of Thy favors and is deserving of Thy mercy. Make it precious and near to Thee through Thy bounty and bestowal.
(Abdu'l-Baha, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 67)
Sheila and Karen, I appreciate reading your thoughts and prayers about the envisioning Marylhurst and echo them. I was struck by the committment and passion for the mission shared by all the attendees. No matter the type of investment; whether it was community oriented, common interest, student, faculty, staff or board member, there was very a high level of engagement and collaboration present in the room, and it was a pleasure to be a small part. The facilitation of the conference was excellent and the format helped to elicit creativity and inspiration. It is my belief that all who came and shared took a part of that engaged feeling with them and that Marylhurst and our future here will continue to be be present in their thoughts. Of this, I also believe that only good will be the result and we will see the fruits of the seeds planted in the many years to come.
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