By Sister Jaqueline Mendes, Region of Southern Europe

Sister Carmen Toledano’s reflection on The Expression of Contemplative Life Today was insightful. She highlighted several essential elements that nourish the contemplative life and pointed to the possibility of spiritual renewal. “Without a relationship with God, there will be no renewal,” affirms Sister Carmen.

I would like to highlight some of these elements: liturgy, silence, and fraternal life, which are essential and highly relevant to our daily lives in the search for the divine through a life of faith and simplicity.

Liturgy is a fundamental element in the pursuit of God’s primacy. It keeps us connected to God, and thus we generate more positive energy within ourselves and in our relationships. It guides us on paths of renewal, making us more human and merciful women — true spiritual leaders capable of listening with the heart and ears of God.

Silence is fruitful for us. “In silence, great thoughts are born, and great deeds are accomplished” (cf. S.M.E. 24). We live amidst so much noise and haste that people often become distant from God and conflicted within themselves, with others, and with God — due to the immediacy that weakens human life.

Fraternal life is an element that helps us to become more human, closer to one another, even amidst differences and diversity. Each one seeks to give her best, sharing gifts and skills for the sake of the mission.

Contemplative life is a constant search for the primacy of God. It transforms us into mystical women, spiritual leaders capable of healing wounded hearts. We all carry our humanity in need of God. Sister Carmen spoke about the contemplative and prayerful mysticism, which has a healing effect, especially in relationships and conflicts. This characteristic shows that we are pilgrims, seekers of the Divine.

Today, contemplative life is, more than ever, a sign of God, who listens and welcomes all who need his merciful and saving love. There is a growing search for listening, even amid so much noise and agitation — people come to us seeking relief, a connection with the sacred, or sometimes simply to request prayers.

Everything in contemplative life has its value — it gives meaning and flavor to all we do. We are called to this life in communion with the Divine, fully aware of our humanity, because each day we experience the merciful love of a God who welcomes and forgives us. We are pilgrims of hope that does not disappoint.

Therefore, contemplative life, with all its essential elements, undergoes a spiritual renewal, with the certainty that it will always be a sign of a merciful God who listens and welcomes everyone, restoring life and hope.