Meeting ID: 815 0755 1772
To connect by phone dial: +1 646 558 8656
Opening Song: Hauser; Gabriel’s Obo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnMHrVN99b4
Suzanne: Welcome
Inspirational leadership is fleeting and takes on many different forms. Around the world we are experiencing political power dynamics that are causing a leadership crisis at many levels. Creating the conditions for empowerment remains elusive long since Jesus showed us the way of love and compassion. We begin with a passage from Lao Tzu who presented a collection of strategies and attitudes designed to bring true power and influence to leaders and create the conditions for personal freedom to those they lead. We appreciate you joining us in reflecting upon age old wisdom to help guide us during these difficult times.
First Reading: The Way of Subtle Influence
When the Supreme leader governs,
the people are hardly aware they exist.
Next best is a leader who is loved.
Next, is one who is feared.
The worst is one who is despised.
If you don’t trust the people,
You make them untrustworthy.
Proceeding calmly, valuing their word
Tasks are accomplished, matters become settled,
The people all say, “We did it, naturally!”
A reading from The Tao of Power: Tao Te Ching Number 17
Second Reading:
A long time ago, there was a great fire in the forests that covered the Earth. People and animals started to run, trying to escape the fire. The owl, Tecototl, was running away but noticed a small bird hurrying back and forth between the nearest river and fire.
Owl headed towards this small bird and noticed it was the quetzal bird, running to the river, picking up small drops of water in its beak, then returning to the fire to throw that tiny bit of water on the flame.
Owl approached quetzal bird and yelled, “What are you doing? Are you stupid? You are not going to achieve anything by doing that. You must run for your life.”
Quetzel bird stopped for a moment, and then looked at owl and answered, “I am doing the best I can with what I have.” At that Owl went to the river and took up water into its beak. Others followed.
It is remembered by our grandparents that a long time ago, the forests that covered our Earth were saved from a great fire by a small quetzal bird, by owl, and by many other animals who got together to put out the flame.
Courtesy of our wisdom elder, Sister Suzanne Malette, SNJM, RIP
Scripture Reading
No one after lighting a lamp hides it under a jar or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a lampstand, so that those who enter may see the light. For nothing is hidden that will not be disclosed, nor is anything secret that will not become known and come into the light. Pay attention to how you listen, for those who do, more will be given, and for those who do not, what they seem to have will be taken away … when you hear the good word, hold it fast in an honest and virtuous heart, and bear fruit with patient endurance.
A reading from the gospel writer known as Luke 8:16-18; 15.
Reflection
Metaphors are often very confusing riddles but in reflection they can help create meaning for our lives and deepen our understanding about our current reality. We began with the writings of the great sage Lao Tzu also known as Laozi who is known as the founder of the school of Taoism. Scholars have dated his writings in the Tao Te Ching – the Tao of Power back to the late 4th century BC and it has been translated more frequently than any other classic except the Bible.
Laozi’s writings reflect characteristics of transformative authority and provides inspiration for those in leadership positions. He identifies the best leader as one who listens and sets the tone, leading humbly by example. Trusting in oneself is mutual and at the heart of his message. By expecting the best from everyone, people are free to discover their gifts, be responsible, and choose the way of the Tao to make good decisions that will benefit themselves and others.
The ancient Aztec myth of the Quetzal bird has been retold in many different contexts. We believe this short, yet powerful story represents a humble way of sharing our divine spark of love that becomes empowering influence. Lastly, our timeless scripture reading is one of our favourite parables taught by Jesus. His encouraging words tap into our natural soul’s wisdom to recognize the inherent potential of goodness in all individuals to light the way.
Prayer of Intention:
I bow to the sacred connection that is within all creation.
May my mind seek truth about my strengths with humility.
May my imagination be uplifted by recognizing possibilities in others.
May my heart be open to serve for the well-being of humanity and the earth.
May my soul rejoice in the light that glimmers in the present moment.
May my sacred spirit fill the world with beauty and wonder.
May my entire being have hope by knowing that the Creator’s light shines on; inside of the darkness, and that the darkness will not overcome it” 1 John 1:5
— Adapted from Mary Lou Kownacki, Distributed by Pax Christi, USA
Other intentions, please share
Closing Song: Be a Light – shortened Thomas Rhett (lyrics), Keith Urban, Chris Tomlin, Hillary Scott, Reba McEntire
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.