All Are Welcome In This Place

Everywhere we look, important issues are demanding our attention, such as climate change, access to health care, dysfunction in our political institutions, and poverty. In the past we looked to religious/political/community leaders and societal structures for guidance in dealing with our challenges. Now, however, I’m hearing a new message from a variety of teachers: Each of us must undergo transformation within ourselves before we can resolve anything outside ourselves. As Richard Rohr says, “We cannot change the world except insofar as we have changed ourselves.” It may seem like a painstakingly slow process, but it’s actually happening all around us: individuals everywhere are discovering that they value the earth and are connected to all other beings, and as a result they are simplifying their lives and developing creative approaches to care for our common home and give other people access to jobs, housing, health care, and education.

Perhaps, then, one of the most important services that we at Mount St. Scholastica can offer in these times is a quiet and peaceful space where people can undertake the work of inner transformation. Traditionally we have been a community of teachers, but what the world currently seems to need most from us is our gift of hospitality, which is as much a ministry of being as of doing. It’s ironic, in a way—when we begin to comprehend and accept God’s love for us individually and as a community, we discover that simply being who we are IS to provide what other people need.

Not surprisingly, for years the Spirit has been moving us in the direction of providing a space for others to do their inner work. We have a spirituality center, trained spiritual directors, inviting guest accomodations, and a gracious community devoted to prayer. It is a blessing and a privilege to offer hospitality and companionship to those in need of a quiet, prayerful place to seek after peace and pursue it. The welcome mat is out at the Mount!