Dear 

This month we continue the JISA Discernment Series with Accepting Tears, and Pope Francis’ Discernment Series in the Confirmation of the Good Choice. 

On the 1st September, we mark the opening of the Season of Creation, an ecumenical celebration with the theme Let Justice and Peace Flow, inspired by the words of the prophet Amos: “Let justice flow on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream.”  

Through acknowledging the cry of the poor and the cry of the earth, let us celebrate the Season of Creation by making choices that stand for peace and justice against all forms of environmental and human degradation.

Accepting Tears

“For Pope Francis, tears are a sign of God’s compassion, of Christ’s pain.” Margaret Wiseman shares her experiences of working with women in prison “Only when I was able to weep about the things I have lived through, could I understand and respond to hearing Jesus’ voice, ‘come out of your tomb.’

Pope Francis on Discernment – Confirmation of the good choice

“Decisions wisely discerned give rise to lasting peace… our decisions, as the fruit of our interior freedom and openness to God’s will, bring goodness, harmony and integration into our daily lives, our relationships, and our work.”

Season of Creation 2023, confirming a good choice

When we move to care for creation, we are part of the Creator’s plan and we can sense another important element of a good decision, which is having a sense of one’s place in life, the experience of tranquillity, “I am in my place,” and the feeling that you are part of a larger plan, to which one wishes to contribute. As we discern the signs of the times, the urgency grows, and we must make visible peace with Earth and on Earth. As we join the river of justice and peace with others, hope is created.

Message from Pope Francis, 1^st September 2023

As we commence this year’s Season of Creation, let us join the might river by transforming our hearts, transforming our lifestyles, and transforming the public policies that govern our societies and shape the lives of young people today and tomorrow. 

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