From the Prioress: Connecting to our Source of Power

One day in January as I began to write this reflection, I saw these headlines in the news:

• 100 days of war in Israel and Gaza
• America’s growing political divide
• 2023 record KC homicides
• Freezing temperatures risk many lives

These headlines present a dark and wounded picture of our world. Although they change a little every day, they can present a bleak picture.

One evening as I was reflecting on some of our present-day realities, the lights in the monastery (except for some emergency lights) suddenly went out. Someone had hit a power pole in the neighborhood, causing one area of town to go black. Immediately I reached for my phone and found one of my favorite features, the flashlight. (Whoever would have thought that our phones could be used as a flashlight?) I found a couple of battery-operated candles, which gave me enough light to maneuver around my room and then venture out into the monastery to explore what was happening.

As I held my one light amid the darkness, I met others with their own flashlights. It’s amazing how together we brighten our space. Knowing I could still find my way around gave me a certain sense of security in those few hours of darkness until I looked at my phone and realized that its power was rapidly declining. I needed to get to a power source to recharge it.

I can’t help but think that this was a perfect image and metaphor for me as I reflected on the headlines in our world. I am like a flashlight that can help enlighten the world. When our lights are joined together, they can bring a lot of brightness to our universe. However, we certainly need a power source we can plug into on a regular basis to get recharged. Really, we need to stay plugged in all the time.

My source of energy is my relationship and connection to God. God is the power station. If I stay connected, God provides me with a whole network of energy sources.

Scripture is one of the energy sources where I can get my batteries recharged. When I hear these words of Jesus, I know that I am not alone, and I have the strength to stay grounded and shine brightly:

• “I am the Light of the World.”
• “Love one another as I have loved you.”
• “Ask and you shall receive, knock and the door will be opened.”
• “Be not afraid, I am with you.”

Another energy source is the wisdom from St. Benedict. Here I find direction in knowing what to do. There is such power in these words:

• “Listen with the ear of your heart.”
• “Be the first to show respect to the other.”
• “Strive to love God and others with a sincere and selfless love.”
• “Let peace reign in your hearts.”

Taking time for prayer, contemplation, and reflection is an energy source. I allow silence and space for God to work through me, filling my whole being with magnetic energy and love.

Community is yet another power source. As I connect, listen, and respond to others, my light grows brighter, and the energy and influence begin spreading beyond my control. Networking possibilities are endless. As men and women charged with the responsibility of bringing peace and unity into our world, we can make a difference. We are not alone. We are in this together. We need to stay connected with one another to generate a light that makes for a broader vision.

When each of us is fully charged, shining brightly with hope, love, compassion, forgiveness, and caring, we can bring light into our darkened world. When we stay focused, grounded, and connected to our Source of Power, all things are possible. We become “energizer” disciples.