Universalis

Monday, December 09, 2002

Some questions for the conscience stolen from Noli Irritare Leones

The keeper of _Noli_, Lynn the Empress Norton, is a Friend, and each month posts her Meeting's Queries, which are the way Friends hold themselves accountable for their community's beliefs. This month's Queries seemed very appropriate for us Catholics to ponder given our recent trials and tribulations. (sub "church" or "parish" for "meeting")

The Meeting for Worship is the center of our spiritual community. Therein as we come to know each other in the Spirit, we build the "beloved community."

Mutual respect and care in the Meeting form the foundation from which we can test, support, and exercise leadings of the Spirit. At its best, the Meeting community provides a framework for us to learn and practice mutual care, which strengthens us as we act in the world.

All members of the Meeting community should share in the care of one another. While respecting privacy, we must be aware of and sensitive to each other's needs. We must also be willing to ask for assistance when we are in need.

Do I strive to be inclusive in my relationships within the Meeting?

Do I care for the reputation of others, refraining from gossip or disparaging remarks?

Am I committed to the difficult work of forgiveness, and affirming God's love for the whole community?

How are love and unity maintained among us?

Do we practice the art of listening, even beyond words?

How have we been sensitive to the personal needs and difficulties of members and attenders, young and old?

Do we visit one another in our homes and keep in touch with distant members?

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