A Time of Great Change
Every few generations there comes a time of great change. A time when the challenges faced in the world bring humanity collectively, to the brink of despair. A time when many feel sure that “this is the end”.
For the current generations, living through the COVID-19 Pandemic, that time is now. It is undoubtedly a pivotal time in history. It is a time of suffering for so many thousands of people, not only due to the sickness caused by the Pandemic, but the knock on effects of rolling lockdowns on the world economy and on every aspect of our personal lives.
While it is surely a time of sorrow, of struggle, of frustration and of tribulation, it is also a time of profound grace. In the stillness and the isolation we cannot help but hear the voice of God, if we would only listen.
As the Communications Officer for the Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles, I have a front row seat into the digital world now occupied two thirds of the world’s population.
The realities of life and death are very much at the forefront of our minds. To a large degree, especially for those who have and are living through extended lockdowns, the distractions of everyday life have been curtailed and we are confronted with the, sometimes uncomfortable, cacophony of our own thoughts.
Searching for Meaning
The disruption and distancing from our “real” lives has brought into sharp focus our fragility and vulnerability. Young people, in particular are searching for meaning, for ways to find authentic connection in a world that is by necessity physically disconnected.
Over the last year, more and more people have turned to prayer. Statistics show that Google searches for prayer surged to the highest levels ever recorded and some preliminary studies show that people want to continue to grow their faith once restrictions are lifted.
Pope Francis has over 52 million followers on Twitter alone, making him the second most followed world leader after Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi.
There is a much deeper understanding of the importance of “we” rather than “me”, and these current times offer an opportunity for discernment fully rooted in our dependence on God. It is an opportunity for the faithful to respond to the signs of the times by engaging with people in the online spaces.
It is in times of discomfort that we question our priorities, we discover what is essential and what is merely superfluous. This is surely a time when God is asking us to listen a little more intently and inviting us to consider the deeper questions about the purpose and meaning of our lives.
Missionary Creativity
In one of his first documents, Evangelii Gaudium, Pope Francis calls for pastoral and missionary creativity in proclaiming the Gospel. He further encourages people involved in pastoral work to eliminate outdated ways of thinking and doing. “Pastoral ministry in a missionary key seeks to abandon the complacent attitude that says: ‘We have always done it this way’. I invite everyone to be bold and creative in this task of rethinking the goals, structures, style and methods of evangelisation in their respective communities.” (33)
The time for that creativity is now, and the Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles have reflected upon this pastoral creativity in the face of the tremendous challenges we are facing today. We have embraced and explored the online tools at our disposal to attend Mass, conferences and trainings, host prayer meetings and to plan and deliver Justice workshops on a variety of topics. We are called to be courageously committed to God’s reign of Peace and Justice and this call is more urgent than ever.
Join Us
We invite you to join us in God’s mission by following our social media channels and connecting with us via our website. Should you wish to attend any of our workshops, or find out any more about our work and our community please contact us via email. info@olaireland.ie
Interested in volunteering overseas? Email volunteering@olaireland.ie
Interested in joining our Lay Mission Movement? Email lmm@olaireland.ie
Do you feel God is calling you to be an OLA Sister? Email vocations@olaireland.ie