December 8, 2021

 

Dear Friends:

 

The Interfaith Peace Project continues its ongoing observance of the International Women’s Day, March 8, by sending out a reflection on the eighth of every month. We invite you share in this effort by sending any articles or information concerning the voice of women that you would like to share to:

Thomas P. Bonacci, C.P

925-787-9279

 

SPIRIT IN THE WORLD
Continuing to Celebrate International Women’s Day
by Thomas P. Bonacci, C.P.

 

In this day and age, when every human right is under assault, it is time to remember the people who stood up for what is right, good, just, and beautiful. Think for a moment of Sojourner Truth’s remarkable proclamation, “Ain’t I a woman!” Her courage to speak out blessed everyone. The dignity and rights of one person are deeply interrelated with everyone else. So we pause today to think of the women whose voices continue to sound in our hearts, bending the arch of history in the direction of justice.

 

The women we remember are our mothers, grandmothers, sisters, aunts, and friends. Three essential elements emerge as we ponder the voices of those who challenge us to be better people in the World as it is:

 

First, they remind us that one day we will weep no more. They give us hope. Think of the women battered by so-called lovers, ignored by history, and dismissed by the powerful. These are women who know what it is to weep. In so many cases, women such as these have dried the tears of others. The simple gesture of comforting another testifies to the hope of a day when we will wipe away the tears of one another.

 

Second, consider the many times mother or grandmother consoled you with words of hope. Their wisdom sounded in your hearts. Recall the stirring words of Maya Angelou’s poem, “Still I Rise!” The day by day assault from the powerful and the greedy will fade as the words of the poets shape our souls for a rebirth of justice and the birth of peace. A word of encouragement can change a life, as every grandmother knows.  

 

Finally, women have a long history of working without just compensation. Equal pay is still controversial. Raising a family, caring for children, and maintaining a household are often dismissed as women’s work unworthy of substantial support. Yet, the women behind the scenes touch upon the greatest capacity of the human person. As one wise woman said, “The lowly will be lifted up.” Women and their struggle for full human rights gift us today. Let us lift up one another.

 

If we would honor Mom, love Grandma, cherish one another, we might do well to remember the women in our lives who have blessed us. Remember them by wiping away one another’s tears, speaking up for what is right, and giving of yourself as a precious gift to one another.

 

Notice

 

As things begin to return to a new normal, we at The Interfaith Peace Project are here for you in any way that you need us. The Antioch Center is now open to fully vaccinated people on Wednesdays, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. We are vigilant and will adjust to any and all recommendations from the state and county. We will continue our work through Zoom as we add in person programs. If you would like to schedule an in person or Zoom program or would like a phone appointment with any of us, give us a call. You may call or email Tom at:

 

Tom Bonacci

925-787- 9279