Adapted from Sister Sharon Gray’s Installation Mass homily

During the Installation Mass on August 26, 2023, the SCN Congregation unveiled the next chapter in its spiritual journey. Acknowledging the leadership of Sisters Jackulin Jesu and Amrita Manjaly, the theme “We walk by faith” became the beacon for the years ahead. It’s a theme that resonates yet begs reflection: What does society understand by “walking by faith”?

Scripture often provides a window into wisdom. Through Micah, society is urged to act justly, love tenderly, and walk humbly with God. However, on reflection, it’s evident that living out these principles in a modern context is far from straightforward. Acting justly may seem clear in certain situations, yet the complexities of the modern world cloud this clarity with resistance, misunderstanding, and challenges.

The divisions that society grapples with are manifold: within religious institutions, countries, and governments, and at the heart of societal fabric itself. Contemporary issues such as the migrant crisis, gender roles within the Church, and the many political quandaries faced across nations, all underscore the challenge of determining justice. Even within spiritual congregations, there remains the ongoing dialogue on the best path to fulfilling their mission amidst numerous priorities.

However, nestled within these challenges lies a reminder from scriptures: “to love tenderly”. Visible signs of this love manifest in various forms: volunteering at borders, feeding migrants, establishing shelters, donating to war victims, or supporting movements like “Black Lives Matter”. There’s a profound sense of commitment witnessed in the acts of countless individuals and organizations. But despite these efforts, discord and injustice remain.

The call then is not just for action but for the presence of unconditional love – God’s love. It’s about addressing injustice while retaining love, engaging in dialogues without deepening divisions, and remembering to pray even when the divide seems insurmountable.

Drawing from the Gospel story of Peter, society finds a metaphor for its journey. Just as Peter stepped out in faith but faltered amidst strong winds, many today feel overwhelmed by societal turbulence. Yet, just as Jesus reached out to save Peter, society is reminded of an enduring presence, ready to guide and support.

This faith journey, fraught with its challenges, is also filled with moments of delight, wonder, and uncertainty. It asks society, individuals, and communities like the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth to continually interpret the signs of the times and evolve. It’s a call to “Act justly, love tenderly, and walk humbly with our God”.

As Sisters Jackie and Amrita embark on their leadership journey, the broader call to society remains: to navigate its challenges by faith, guided by love, justice, and humility. And in this journey, it’s hoped that all can find the strength to step forward in faith, trusting in the unwavering support of the Divine.

“The message to all of us is truly “Act justly, love tenderly and in faith walk humbly with our God…..herein lies the courage to say yes to Jesus’ simple yet complex call ‘come.’ It is to this call that we today are saying yes, that you Sisters Jackie and Amrita are saying yes, … yes to walk by faith, not by sight, and to be not afraid as we act justly, as we love tenderly and as we walk the sacred path of yes to our God, our God who is in the midst of all creation, our God who abides in and with us all, our God whose outstretched hand is always there. So let us begin anew our path together, with God’s help, to walk by faith.”