It is a gift to know when it is time to move on

I learnt early on that it is a gift to know when to move on in life.  Like her or not, Maggie Thatcher, a long-standing British PM of the 1980s, was a notable world leader.  It was sad to watch her fight the inevitable of having to relinquish her post.  Eventually, she fell in an untimely and unseemly manner.  I always thought she deserved a more dignified exit, but not to be, as she just would not let go.  

Now we ome to the Feast of the Ascension.  Its point is not about Jesus going away.  Rather it is about the disciples moving on and getting on with the next steps in the journey.  In the story, Jesus took a dignified exit, while the disciples graciously, if somewhat reluctantly, accepted their new role in life.  I can see a real value in saying our goodbyes at the right time.   

In moving on, it is not that all is lost.  Rather it is about allowing life to progress, letting people take their rightful place and seeing growth happen in one's own life, instead of becoming stale or bitter and twisted, while holding onto one's gained lot in life, no matter what the cost.  The latter way is so undignified.  Letting go iand moving on s healthy for all parties.  .    

On this Laudato Si' Week (a week for focusing on Pope Francis' teaching on caring for creation), it may be good to finish with a prayer for this week.  

Holy Spirit, You are God’s presence in our hearts, bringing life, love and joy, like a caring Mother. 

You are in singing birds, hidden in vegetation, in the subtle fragrance of inconspicuous flowers… You are a Mystery, invisible, but powerfully influencing our life. We open our hearts to You.

Please inspire us and give us wisdom, courage, and hope. Let us make use of our various talents and Your gifts. Please teach us patience, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Guide us the right way and teach us to love You, others, and ourselves. Please help us to work together in peace and respect every person, regardless of all the differences between us, but also to respect nature and everything else you have created for us. Last but not least, let us always remember about our dignity of being Your children and about our freedom to serve others, like Jesus. Amen

by Sylwia Ufnalska, Laudato si’ Animator, coordinator of Rogalin Ways of the Holy Spirit and of the project “Tree of Life” – Rogalin, Poland)

Grace us, Lord, with the courage to be ever open to letting go and moving on, in the freedom of your Spirit.  Amen.