Reflecting and Praying with Our Values for Ministry: Transformation
Seeing my work as transformative of myself, the ministry/department/health care center and the world; seeing my work as an opportunity to learn and educate, advocate and act for the transformation of the world; being reflective of self, my work and the context of my work; aspiring a global vision and global heart.
The heart forms itself according to what it loves. (Bl. Theresa, Letter 3).
“Love is the greatest power for the transformation of reality because it pulls down the walls of selfishness and fills the ditches that keep us apart.”
— Pope Francis
“I will give them another heart and a new spirit I will put within them. From their bodies I will remove the hearts of stone, and give them hearts of flesh.” – Ezekiel 11: 19
“We educate with the conviction that the world can be changed through the transformation of persons,” (You Are Sent, C 22). We are called to mutual transformation, of ourselves and of whom we serve. It’s a transformation of both, the mind and the heart. Transformation first starts with us, an encounter with love in our hearts. This encounter animates us to share this love with our colleagues, the people we serve, our families and friends and the wider world. A desire for change that is rooted in love is an authentic means of transformation. Stepping into a new workplace and the larger SSND network, we are called to grow the field of love in our hearts and through our actions. In that field of love, we all transform and we transform the world.
Reflection
Looking back at my life, what were circumstances or events that were transformative? Today, how do I sense a call to lean into life and be transformed?
How does my love invite others to transform?
What are some opportunities for my transformation in ministry? What are barriers?
Prayer
God of Love and Oneness, help me each day to turn my heart over to you. Transform me into an agent of change rooted in Love. Ground my efforts with the desire to foster oneness and unity. Help me to reach beyond my comforts to those who are yearning for your Love. Help me to… (complete prayer in your own words)
Action
Take a walk in nature. How does nature speak to you about transformation? What might you learn from nature about transformation? How might nature encourage you to trust this process?
