In the One, we are one.May 19, 2025

IN ILLO UNO UNUM

In the One, we are one.

The title of this reflection is the motto of newly elected Pope Leo XIV. For me it reflects ponderings I have been having in recent years. Some of what I read by others doesn’t take it far enough for what I believe today.

I believe that in the One God by whatever name you call God we (everyone) are One! How absolutely awesome! I have read whatever I could find from the words and teaching of Pope Leo and I believe he knows this and will gently and continually remind us of this truth.

In previous writings I quoted Jack Kornfield who calls us to cultivate “An Awakened Heart”. This is the call for all of us. St. Teresa of Avila say it this way: “The God of Heaven is actually within us and if we enter ourselves, we will find God there.” And it is living from this place that we and our world are transformed.

This past week we also celebrated Good Shepherd Sunday. One of the homilies I heard, the priest emphasized that sheep know and recognize the Shepherd’s voice, and they follow it. He went on to say that voice is within us and we often listen to other voices. He gently reminded us to listen in our hearts and follow the voice of Our Shepherd.

As we live from our hearts, our presence is an invitation for others to connect to their own hearts. I carry a reminder in my pocket. May we join with Pope Leo allowing God’s transforming grace to make us instruments of love, healing, peace and unity to bless the entire world.

Sister Ann Winters