Ready to be transformed…?

 

Our newly expanded Mission Statement first identifies a gate, a doorway: “Through a communal and contemplative presence…” The word through surrounds you, like a blanket in a chill wind. It’s a way to be.

 Next we identify our Dominican-ness: “Rooted in God’s transformative Word.” A subtle play on the meaning of the French word, Racine, yes? And take note, Word is capitalized. That means more than the scriptural word, although that is a primary place we find the Word-in-person. The Word here is the One who has come to be with us. The Word is Christ Jesus.

How do we stay “rooted” in a person? Being rooted means being where your life-source is. It means you lose your life if you get “uprooted.” It means we have identified our life-source, the reason for our existence. We have also used an important adjective in front of it. This Word does not stand still. It moves. It moves in us and transforms us day to day. That means we are itinerant in the deepest meaning of the word. We are ready to move, ready to be transformed, ready to be today what we weren’t yesterday. We are ready, not only to change locations, but to become different who we are. This Word has a plan, and we are part of it.

 We have entered a New Year. The cultural scene can look pretty grim. But this Word has a plan. It’s a plan to give us a future. Are you ready? Check where your feet are planted. Fasten your seat-belts. Are you ready to be transformed?