Pastoral Pearls: Open Hearts
Moreover, when our hearts are authentically open to universal communion, this sense of fraternity excludes nothing and no one. ~ Pope Francis from 365 Daily Meditations with Pope Francis, April 18
I love some of the words in this quote. Open Hearts - do you know what an open heart feels like? I think I do. But it’s actually easier to describe what a “closed heart” feels like. It feels like something is off, like something is holding my heart in a vise grip, not allowing it to expand and contract, messing with its natural rhythm. When my heart feels closed in, I often feel cold, heavy, my thoughts are somewhat clouded, things seem darker. I feel like there is something I am missing, something that’s just beyond my reach. It feels kind of like my heart is in a prison. I think that’s because there is something important, or wonderful that God would like me to open my heart to. It’s like there is an obstacle blocking my way that I just need to move, to break through, to hurdle over. Excluding people or making people not feel welcomed or judging and steering clear of a certain person or kind of person – those things close my heart.
When my heart is open it feels radiant, anticipating, full, bubbling over, fulfilled, expanding, warm, powerful…
Universal Communion sounds like everyone gets along, we’re all in it together, I am not alone, we are all connected and growing and fed by one another. It feels like there’s a longing in my heart for this togetherness. It is a warm feeling. It is a feeling that wants to be shared – with everyone – excluding no one. When I share this universal communion, this brotherhood of open-heartedness with one and all, it becomes a powerful force for spreading God’s love to where it is most needed, yearned for, most often neglected.
This inclusion really opens my heart and makes me feel like there truly is something I can do to make the world a better place. How can I spread this universal communion with an open heart? I can welcome even the often over-looked people into community, to belonging. I can treat all whom I encounter with respect and dignity and hospitality, even when it’s hard for me to do so. Open-hearted universal community. Even I can work on that, with God’s help and strength. Pope Francis thinks I can do it.
Think of one way you might be able to include someone in an activity who might otherwise be left out
Loving God,
Thank you for these words from Pope Francis that call me to re-think how I see people, or who I think the Kingdom of God should include or not.
Please open my heart.
Challenge me to see what little things I could do to make the most vulnerable people around me feel welcomed, to feel they belong and are not excluded from the love and grace of God’s generosity.
May I find ways to spread you love that never exclude anyone.
~ Amen