Journal of Sacred Work

“Your heart is a muscle roughly the same size as your fist. But the trouble with fists is that they don’t hold very much. To hold more of this incredible world in your hands, unfurl your fingers (like a flag or a flower). To hold more in your heart just keep it open.” ~Pavi Meta

Contributed by ~liz Sorensen Wessel

It was an experience that caught me completely by surprise. I was sitting in the Sister’s Sacred Heart chapel. Filtered sunlight streamed through the high ceiling windows bathing the creamy walls in generous warmth. I was among many friends in solidarity to celebrate the life of an extraordinary human being, Jack Glaser; scholar, theologian, philosopher, champion of just and universal health care.  We listened as the essence of this man’s life crystalized in an outpouring of love which shined brightly through images, remembrances and in the poetry of our being together in community.

Sister Theresa invited all who were present to open their arms with hands extended in a receiving gesture as she sang a song. Although, our gathering was a tribute to Jack, she said her song was for each of us.  Her soprano voice was tender and loving, her words deeply healing. Tears streamed down my face, into a river flowing free.  My eyes focused upon a larger than life crucifix of Jesus on high above.

My heart is a muscle, my fist tightly closed, holding on, I am afraid to let go.

Gently, my fingers unfurled from around my contracted heart, as natural as a flower opening to sun’s first light. I had no will or control of this spontaneous opening in response. My gaze was transfixed on the radiant Light of Christ. Love flowed into my heart and for a moment everything insignificant melted away gifting me with a simple truth. Love is the only truth I know.

The Community We Are Called To Be

“To be a community that serves, that speaks, that celebrates and prays in such a way that others-regardless of their religious belief, encountering this community experience a revelation of life’s deepest truths…about human dignity, community, success, power, growth, sacrifice, love, suffering, debility and death. Experiencing a harmony between their hearts’ deepest resonances and this community’s character, persons go from this encounter more healed, more whole, more able to live, to love, to hope and to die.” –Jack Glaser