In May 2014 the working group Reflection at Home (Bezinning aan Huis) organized two reflection meetings on the theme “openness”. This theme is an elaboration of the central theme of the Dutch Provincial Chapter 2012: “Be good, do good”. The program consisted of a meditative reflection and a word-and-communion celebration.

The first meeting was held on 13 May in “Stadsklooster” Westeinde in The Hague. Sixteen people participated: the brothers and associated members of the Westeinde community, brothers from other communities in the western part of the Netherlands, members of the KGM and other friends of the brothers FIC. After a meditative reflection and social gathering we went to the meditation room for an agapè celebration: a devout and intimate happening with readings, personal reflection, bidding prayers and community singing.

After that the meeting was closed with a nice meal and social talk. The meeting was facilitated by Brothers Frans School and Frans Wils.

The second meeting took place on 15 May in The Beyart, Maastricht. Besides the brothers FIC from The Beyart, from Maastricht and KGM members, other residents of The Beyart - sisters and lay people - were invited. In total, about eighty people participated. Bro. Frans School opened the meeting with a word of welcome. Then we sang the song “The Lord has seen me” and prayed together that we may grow in openness. With the help of images on a screen and supportive meditative music Bro. Toon Verkoijen led us through the reflection on openness. With texts from the Gospel, theologians and Pope Francis he highlighted different aspect of openness: our openness to our senses, to the traces of God in our everyday life, and to our deep longing for peace. Each aspect was completed with a prayer which we said together.

Brothers Wim Swüste and Toon Verkoijen preceded in the word-and- communion celebration. Three aspects of openness passed by during the different parts of the celebration: open your own eyes, an open eye for one another, an open eye for the world. Every time there was a reading from the Gospel or our Constitutions, followed by a silent personal reflection and singing together. After that the Holy Bread was placed on the altar. We prayed the communion prayer in dialogue and said the Lord’s Prayer, and then received Holy Communion.

Participants were very grateful for the good work the members of the working group had done. Our thanks also go to the members of the local council of The Beyart for their contribution in organizing this meeting.

Bro. Frans School