Narrow is the boundary of "now" and "not-yet" Deep and dark it stretches like an ancient passageway no map has ever marked. One by one we walk it step by solitary step. Not hand in hand, Not side by side, But sounding the distance with our tears. Hope is the chorus sounding, "Come!" Hope is the embrace, waiting to welcome. Hope is the companion, In-Between . . .
~ Sr. Mary Frances Fleischaker, thanks to Muriel Benz
Simplicity is a grace given to us by God ... a gift to be graciously received. Simplicity is also a discipline, which involves a consciously chosen course of action in both group and individual life. What we do does not give us simplicity, but it does put us in the place where we can receive it. It sets our lives before God in such a way that we are open to the grace of simplicity. Simplicity and solitude walk hand in hand along with silence. Solitude is the inward unity that frees us from the need for acclaim and approval. Through it we are enabled to be genuinely alone, for the fear of obscurity is gone; and, we are enabled to be genuinely with others, for they no longer control us. The grace of solitude must be rooted deep within if we are to know simplicity of heart.
