UPDATES

Bonifacia suffered much ridicule, harsh criticisms and alienation because many do not understand the meaning of the Project “Taller” and the Charism of the Congregation.  Many among the sisters including the new Spiritual Director of the community did not believe that the income of the “Taller” can support the sisters’ needs.  They looked for security in what was known, in what was always done.  She was removed as Superior of the community with the intention of changing the thrust of the Congregation.  Knowing that the Project was not easy to understand, Bonifacia was convinced that it is God’s thus she puts her total trust in Him.  She responded with silence marked with charity and compassion for her sisters yet she would not fail in affirming and/or correcting them. 

Today, many of us deeply long for peace – in our families, workplaces, communities and in the world.  We define peace subjectively to the extent of watering it down to the absence of conflict or of not “rocking the waters”.  As such, many find it difficult to give positive as well as corrective feedback (affirmation or correction) and would prefer to be indifferent and to ‘mind one’s own business’.    Many opt for what is common and familiar, to remain stagnant rather than aim for change and dynamism. Others still believe that peace  can be achieved only through arms race and the use of power and money As they say, about 95% of us are ‘cowards’ and only 5% are ‘courageous’.  

Bonifacia’s life was not devoid of conflict. She engaged herself in the conflictive situation she was in and it was here that her firm faith in God radiated in her being. She carried her cross – she tried to explain, she entered into dialogue but after exhausting all means to express her ideas, she knew when to let go and remain in silence.  She did not impose herself on anyone nor did she ever thought of creating division in the community. 

Her witnessing, if we allow it, questions many of our attitudes and dispositions.  Her life clearly manifests to us what it means to be a peacemaker.  Her life reveals the only ROCK to which true peace is anchored on– God.  Only truth and justice can bring about peace.   Lastly we can say that only a person living in inner freedom will have the authority to differentiate and stand firm on  what is God’s and what is of the world’s.

Reflection:   Do I have peace in my hearts, a peace that radiates love for others and for the rest of Creation?  Do I take risks to be courageous for the sake of the common good?  Do I prefer to be peace makers rather than peace keepers?

Scripture:  Mt. 10: 12-13

As you enter his home bless it.  If the home is deserving, your blessing will                                               descend on it.  If it is not, your blessing will return to you.

Prayer:  

               Prayer of St. Francis
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.


O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen