As we prepare of hearts to receive Christ in these final days before Christmas, our thoughts turn to all those around us who would benefit from drawing closer to the newborn babe in the manger. Perhaps our invitations to Love have not been heard? Perhaps our words have not been able to convey Truth in a way which could be received? Is there another way to inspire those whom we love to return to Love Itself? These are the questions that Lauren Hawkesworth and Mary Smith addressed in their inspiring talks (listen below) to almost two hundred women at the December 14 Advent by Candlelight held at St. Patrick’s Church in Armonk, New York.
Lauren Hawkesworth, a Consecrated Woman of Regnum Christi, focused on the transcendental way of beauty as a means to awaken souls to God. Recognizing the audience’s desire to grow in love for Jesus, to be ready for the coming Messiah, and to be joyful witnesses to the faith, Lauren suggested that focusing on beauty provides a timely way to convey the love of God to a world challenged by darkness. Quoting Cardinal Braz de Avis, Lauren noted, “Beautiful then, not only courageous and truthful, must be the witness offered because the face we proclaim is beautiful.”
Continuing this theme, Mary Smith, a Consecrated Woman of Regnum Christi, amplified the witness of beauty by reflecting on the importance of tenderness in relationships and how acts of tenderness help people experience the love of God. Expressing tenderness according to our unique personalities leaves after-effects in people’s lives and enables them to experience love and healing. Mary concluded her talk with this quotation, “Some people say that love hurts, but I don’t believe that is true. Loneliness hurts. Rejection hurts. Losing someone hurts. Envy hurts. We tend to get these confused with love. In reality, love is the only thing in the world that covers up all the pain and makes someone feel wonderful again. Love is the only thing in the world that doesn’t hurt.”
This Christmas, may you experience the tender love of God, who is Beauty and Truth, and share that Love with others through your joyful witness.
The entire RC NY Tri-State Leadership Team will be praying for you.
Hope Hirshorn is the RC Director for the NY Tri-State. Hope has a M.A., M.Phil. and Ph.D. in Systematic Theology from Fordham, a M.P.A. and A.P.C in finance from NYU, and a certificate in Marian studies from her time in London. She and her husband reside in West Harrison, NY, and are the proud parents of six children.
