CHAPTER TEN: THE LAST TIME I SAW RICARDO

Creator God,
Please push my stubborn life beyond ‘outward appearance,’
and accelerate my acceptance of the hidden beauty of my vulnerable existence.
Below all my life-pain, anger, and immense fear of further wounding, let me claim my true identity as a unique and cherished member of the human family.

And Maker of the Universe,
Please stretch my withered heart to embrace each precious, marginalized sister and brother -
at home, at work, in my city, country, and on this planet. Strip away all that blocks us, me
and my suffering and unlikely teachers, from the mutual transformation of our hearts of stone into hearts of flesh.

Furthermore, Merciful Presence,
Please take the violence from my response to the mystery of human suffering – my own pain as
well as the anguish of all those who suffer  undeserved losses: of loved ones, health, relationships, innocence, self-control, self-respect, jobs, homes, dreams, and the ability to control addictions, angers and fears. Teach us to stand together in our grief, and love ‘live it’ in solidarity with so many brothers and sisters who strive, beyond their wounds to resist blame, and to trust in the power of love above all.

Finally, Divine Lover,
With all our marvelous and uncomfortable differences – inhibiting and enhancing our human journey – please awaken our languid spirits with courage – to gently but firmly hold hands, and yearn, and cry, and laugh together. Yes, Spirit of Love, grant us gratitude for the mystery and the power at work, in this, our unbelievable human family.

Amen

Sue Mosteller is a Sister of St. Joseph, a teacher, and a long-time member of L’Arche Daybreak where she has lived and worked with people with disabilities. Sue has written three books, and, as well as giving seminars and retreats, she works with the literary legacy of the spiritual writer, Henri Nouwen.

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