A quote from Catherine:
You have great reason to rejoice and return thanks to God
for blessing your humble efforts.
I look outside at the heaps of snow that are mountain sized and wonder if I will have to shovel again this week. I see the frost on the window, knowing it is 2 below zero and wonder how cold the car will be. I listen to the road report and caution our guest to not go to the northern part of the state until the roads are better. And I give thanks!
Yes, because I love snow, but that is not it. I give thanks because I am able to see the mountain of snow. One of our sisters cannot. I give thanks that I can shovel; many of our sisters are homebound because of the ice below the snow. I give thanks that it is 2 below zero because I know that the dormant trees and grasses and other plants need this to be vigorous in the spring. I give thanks that I have a car to use and don't have to walk or figure how to stay warm while waiting for the bus. I give thanks becasue we had a guest a few hours longer; she enriched our lives by her presence.
I try to remember to give thanks for the simple things so that the great things are all the more important. And how about you?
Is there something worth giving thanks in the cold winter? Is there something to give thanks in the everydayness of work or school? Do you give thanks that you have a car to use? Is there something small to give thanks for today, something that you looked at from the backside first- or the opposite side of the coin?
You do have great reason to rejoice because if you can read this, you have more blessings than millions of people today who cannot read, much less, have a computer. Let us give thanks even in our humble efforts for they are worth much to God.
www.sistersofmercy.org
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Monday, February 18, 2008
Heaven Already
A quote from Catherine:
If you love each other cordially, you have heaven already.
This morning as I was reading, I found a line that has me pondering.."your pain in my heart" a definition of compassion. I wonder if we really stop to think how we witness compassion. It is so easy to do with words, but actions are a different thing. How do we put compassion into action? I think this quote of Catherine's is very appropo...if you love each other cordially... To me this means walking in another's shoes and helping to stretch the fit so there is no pinch. It means that there is a generosity of spirit to relieve others of their small (or large) burdens. It means that the rubbing shoulders, the co-working and co-living (community) is a gracious act of genuineness.
For me today, I will continue to ponder how (and if) I take the pain of another into my heart. I hope you do, too.
www.sistersofmercy.org
If you love each other cordially, you have heaven already.
This morning as I was reading, I found a line that has me pondering.."your pain in my heart" a definition of compassion. I wonder if we really stop to think how we witness compassion. It is so easy to do with words, but actions are a different thing. How do we put compassion into action? I think this quote of Catherine's is very appropo...if you love each other cordially... To me this means walking in another's shoes and helping to stretch the fit so there is no pinch. It means that there is a generosity of spirit to relieve others of their small (or large) burdens. It means that the rubbing shoulders, the co-working and co-living (community) is a gracious act of genuineness.
For me today, I will continue to ponder how (and if) I take the pain of another into my heart. I hope you do, too.
www.sistersofmercy.org
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Truest Poverty
A quote from Catherine:
The truest poverty consists in seeing that our wants are
scantily supplied and rejoicing in the scantiness.
Right now I would have to say, I do not live this way. I have, though. I recall living by myself and trying to be very careful of every thing I had, what I ate and how I spent any money I had. I also kept the thermostat low and seldom used the air conditioner. I cannot expect to do the same when living with three other people who have health and dietary needs that are different from my own.
I try to compromise and still try to have a careful way of living. I know I shall do it again and that it is the way of so many people to have so little.
Yet, I have the luxury of a cell phone, a laptop, a car and a large size home in which I live. It is not poverty and yet these are only tools to do the current ministry that I have. What will be in store the next ministry has yet to be revealed.
On the whole I think I still need to simplify and downsize. What about you? Can you rejoice in the scantiness, taking on the example of our Lord who had so little or our early Sisters who were mostly in debt and had very little in way of comforts in their various ministries? Have we become too soft, too needy of creature comforts that we lose sight of what it means to live simply and in poverty?
Some questions to ponder today...
www.sistersofmercy.org
The truest poverty consists in seeing that our wants are
scantily supplied and rejoicing in the scantiness.
Right now I would have to say, I do not live this way. I have, though. I recall living by myself and trying to be very careful of every thing I had, what I ate and how I spent any money I had. I also kept the thermostat low and seldom used the air conditioner. I cannot expect to do the same when living with three other people who have health and dietary needs that are different from my own.
I try to compromise and still try to have a careful way of living. I know I shall do it again and that it is the way of so many people to have so little.
Yet, I have the luxury of a cell phone, a laptop, a car and a large size home in which I live. It is not poverty and yet these are only tools to do the current ministry that I have. What will be in store the next ministry has yet to be revealed.
On the whole I think I still need to simplify and downsize. What about you? Can you rejoice in the scantiness, taking on the example of our Lord who had so little or our early Sisters who were mostly in debt and had very little in way of comforts in their various ministries? Have we become too soft, too needy of creature comforts that we lose sight of what it means to live simply and in poverty?
Some questions to ponder today...
www.sistersofmercy.org
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Infinite is God's Love
A quote from Catherine:
Infinite is the love God bears to souls
who repose in his protection.
It's Valentines Day and I'm sitting in the commons of a local college as I wait for the next retreatant. Our reflection today is on compassion and mercy. The quote today is more in keeping with the day than the silly valentines cards being sent around. As one student said, "Valentines is just a material day. It's not that important in my life. " And so it should be. The true Valentine is the one who shows God's love to others. To whom do you show God's love? To whom do you show God's mercy?
And how do you live in God's protection? Do you put on the cloak of love as you start your day? Is your life a witness of God's protection? It's a great day to reflect on the true meaning of love-not the flowers, candy, chocolate and fancy dinner out.
Happy Valentine's Day!
www.sistersofmercy.org
Infinite is the love God bears to souls
who repose in his protection.
It's Valentines Day and I'm sitting in the commons of a local college as I wait for the next retreatant. Our reflection today is on compassion and mercy. The quote today is more in keeping with the day than the silly valentines cards being sent around. As one student said, "Valentines is just a material day. It's not that important in my life. " And so it should be. The true Valentine is the one who shows God's love to others. To whom do you show God's love? To whom do you show God's mercy?
And how do you live in God's protection? Do you put on the cloak of love as you start your day? Is your life a witness of God's protection? It's a great day to reflect on the true meaning of love-not the flowers, candy, chocolate and fancy dinner out.
Happy Valentine's Day!
www.sistersofmercy.org
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Solid Instruction
A quote from Catherine:
We may infer from all our instructions that a strong, lively faith
is the foundation of all virtue.
Looking back on a number of years of working on various virtues (like self-improvement) it is the faith that makes the work more possible and more able to have some positive outcomes. Why work on patience if you do not care about the other? Why work on honesty if you are only trying to live for yourself? Why work on prudence if you do not care what you say or how you say it?
And why work on it at all if you did not have a faith in a God who loves you and wants you to be the very best you can be? What would be the point?
As I go about my life in the dailiness of everything, it is the faith I have that helps me to want to grow in virtue. It is the faith I have that wants me to be the best I can be as a return to the God who loves me.
What virtue or virtues do you need to work on? Is there something in your life that needs to be shored up and disciplined to be a better you? Today think of one virtue to try to improve for the next week.
www.sistersofmercy.org
We may infer from all our instructions that a strong, lively faith
is the foundation of all virtue.
Looking back on a number of years of working on various virtues (like self-improvement) it is the faith that makes the work more possible and more able to have some positive outcomes. Why work on patience if you do not care about the other? Why work on honesty if you are only trying to live for yourself? Why work on prudence if you do not care what you say or how you say it?
And why work on it at all if you did not have a faith in a God who loves you and wants you to be the very best you can be? What would be the point?
As I go about my life in the dailiness of everything, it is the faith I have that helps me to want to grow in virtue. It is the faith I have that wants me to be the best I can be as a return to the God who loves me.
What virtue or virtues do you need to work on? Is there something in your life that needs to be shored up and disciplined to be a better you? Today think of one virtue to try to improve for the next week.
www.sistersofmercy.org
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Desire Enough
A quote from Catherine:
Let us never desire more than enough;
God will give us that and His blessing.
I am reading a book about the Spirituality of the Sisters of Mercy in America from the beginning of their arrival in 1843 to 1900 or so. In the book there are so many stories of the sisters going to new missions or ministries with only the basics to start. Sometimes a medical ministry would be opened with what the sisters carried with them or opening a school a few days after arrival with several hundred students-nothing said about having books for all.
We carry so much baggage with us. Even as I pack and unpack from the various trips I take, I wonder if I take too much with me. How could I simplify and yet have what I really need.
And when it comes to life, do we really rely on God to give us what we need to be enough. Just because we could have it, does that mean we should have it? Do we have enough? What is the desire to have more? Is it something else in our life such as a lack of prayer, a goal or passion that consumes us? Good relationships? The ability to be at peace and in silence with ourselves?
Today let us examine our prayer life, our relational life and our use of materials. Do we have enough. When will we say,"It is enough. I do not need any more."? Let us begin today to be satisfied, a few minutes at a time, a few hours.
www.sistersofmercy.org
Let us never desire more than enough;
God will give us that and His blessing.
I am reading a book about the Spirituality of the Sisters of Mercy in America from the beginning of their arrival in 1843 to 1900 or so. In the book there are so many stories of the sisters going to new missions or ministries with only the basics to start. Sometimes a medical ministry would be opened with what the sisters carried with them or opening a school a few days after arrival with several hundred students-nothing said about having books for all.
We carry so much baggage with us. Even as I pack and unpack from the various trips I take, I wonder if I take too much with me. How could I simplify and yet have what I really need.
And when it comes to life, do we really rely on God to give us what we need to be enough. Just because we could have it, does that mean we should have it? Do we have enough? What is the desire to have more? Is it something else in our life such as a lack of prayer, a goal or passion that consumes us? Good relationships? The ability to be at peace and in silence with ourselves?
Today let us examine our prayer life, our relational life and our use of materials. Do we have enough. When will we say,"It is enough. I do not need any more."? Let us begin today to be satisfied, a few minutes at a time, a few hours.
www.sistersofmercy.org
Monday, February 11, 2008
Fidelity to the Common Life
A quote from Catherine:
Fidelity to the common life is the greatest of all motifications,
and by far the most meritorious.
For the religous to live in community is one of the greatest pleasures and the greatest tests of all virtues. No matter how good the experience, it takes a lot of working together to make it work. Each person has to give up her way of doing things and look to the common good. The sister least able to do so, is the one that others will have to really work with to help her grow in common life. Often it is very difficult without a facilitaor or outside pewrson to be more a neutral party. That doesn't mean necessarily that the sister is a problem, but that living styles can be so different it will take someone outside the local house to help sort things without emotional baggage.
That's right, we are not perfect! We are humans who come from all walks of life with all sorts of experiences that have to be blended together to make a harmonious whole. It can be done, but all have to work at it.
I've lived in some wonderful communities where I have had to grow and change as have others. I've lived with other sisters who did not have to cook growing up, so taking turns cooking was very difficult. Others did not know how to clean. Some were over zealous in their cleaning!
Together, with good communication, it can and does work smoothly and happily. Happiness in community is a wonderful gift that makes the ministry and prayer a wonderful experience as well.
Today let us look at how much we need to change to blend in with whatever group we are connected. Is it only my way? Do I pout if I don't get my way? Are my feelings easily hurt by general living experience? Maybe we need to step back and look at oursevles.
www.sistersofmercy.org
Fidelity to the common life is the greatest of all motifications,
and by far the most meritorious.
For the religous to live in community is one of the greatest pleasures and the greatest tests of all virtues. No matter how good the experience, it takes a lot of working together to make it work. Each person has to give up her way of doing things and look to the common good. The sister least able to do so, is the one that others will have to really work with to help her grow in common life. Often it is very difficult without a facilitaor or outside pewrson to be more a neutral party. That doesn't mean necessarily that the sister is a problem, but that living styles can be so different it will take someone outside the local house to help sort things without emotional baggage.
That's right, we are not perfect! We are humans who come from all walks of life with all sorts of experiences that have to be blended together to make a harmonious whole. It can be done, but all have to work at it.
I've lived in some wonderful communities where I have had to grow and change as have others. I've lived with other sisters who did not have to cook growing up, so taking turns cooking was very difficult. Others did not know how to clean. Some were over zealous in their cleaning!
Together, with good communication, it can and does work smoothly and happily. Happiness in community is a wonderful gift that makes the ministry and prayer a wonderful experience as well.
Today let us look at how much we need to change to blend in with whatever group we are connected. Is it only my way? Do I pout if I don't get my way? Are my feelings easily hurt by general living experience? Maybe we need to step back and look at oursevles.
www.sistersofmercy.org
Saturday, February 9, 2008
A Marked Providential Guidance
A quote from Catherine McAuley:
There has been a marked providential guidance which the want of
prudence, vigilance or judgement has not impeded.
I think Catherine was saying that things are pretty amazing despite our imperfections and want of good wisdom. That seems to work even today!
I would say that my life has been, on the whole, a blessed life, that Divine Providence has seen fit to giveme the grace and the blessing to enjoy. That does not mean there haven't been hard times or even hard years, but the blessing of having the presence of the Lord with me through out has made it, as I look back, so much easier.
The want of prudence, curbing my impetuousness, the inability to be ever vigilant in my words and deeds has been lacking and my judgement has not be all that great. Yet somehow God uses me as I am, a flawed person to do the work that needs to be done.
And the same goes for you. We are not perfect, Catherine was not perfect and yet God can use this imperfection to good use. St. Paul said something like that when he said, "...in my weakness I am strong."
Let us today reflect on those flaws and see where we can better oursleves with the Grace of God and where we need to be more vigilant and prudent in our thoughts, words and deeds.
www.sistersofmercy.org
There has been a marked providential guidance which the want of
prudence, vigilance or judgement has not impeded.
I think Catherine was saying that things are pretty amazing despite our imperfections and want of good wisdom. That seems to work even today!
I would say that my life has been, on the whole, a blessed life, that Divine Providence has seen fit to giveme the grace and the blessing to enjoy. That does not mean there haven't been hard times or even hard years, but the blessing of having the presence of the Lord with me through out has made it, as I look back, so much easier.
The want of prudence, curbing my impetuousness, the inability to be ever vigilant in my words and deeds has been lacking and my judgement has not be all that great. Yet somehow God uses me as I am, a flawed person to do the work that needs to be done.
And the same goes for you. We are not perfect, Catherine was not perfect and yet God can use this imperfection to good use. St. Paul said something like that when he said, "...in my weakness I am strong."
Let us today reflect on those flaws and see where we can better oursleves with the Grace of God and where we need to be more vigilant and prudent in our thoughts, words and deeds.
www.sistersofmercy.org
Friday, February 8, 2008
The Ardent Shape We Hope to Become
From a biographer of Catherine McAuley- Mary Sullivan...
"...we are not the source of the ardent shape we hope to become, only the ready tinder: poor, flickering, utterly dependent on God's designing fire."
No this is not a dieter's mantra! Although if we look at it as a spiritual diet, perhaps this is one way to look at ourselves!
When Catherine said, "My God I am yours for time and eternity...", I think she was also saying that we are not in control, that our passion and fire for God, for those who are poor is really in God's hands. We allow God to spark us anew.
Yesterday I was heading out to the airport to meet some people who were coming to a meeting last night and would be leaving today afte several more appointments were finished. We had some miscommunication and I did not find them at the airport. Later when we did connect I was sputtering to myself about the inconvenience and the extra work on my part, not to mention the time I took out of my day. As I refelcted on what was happening inside me, I realized that my work is not mine, but God's! I needed to let go of the sputtering and get on board for the part that would be God's plan in the beautiful evening with some wonderful young women.
We do not shape our world. God is in charge. We are the flicker: the flame is God's. Can we get ingnited?
Today ponder where God is in your life? Where are you the flicker and where does God flame into fire in you?
That being said and it being winter here with 15 inches on the ground, keep warm with the flame of heat as well as with the flame of God burning in you!
www.sistersofmercy.org
"...we are not the source of the ardent shape we hope to become, only the ready tinder: poor, flickering, utterly dependent on God's designing fire."
No this is not a dieter's mantra! Although if we look at it as a spiritual diet, perhaps this is one way to look at ourselves!
When Catherine said, "My God I am yours for time and eternity...", I think she was also saying that we are not in control, that our passion and fire for God, for those who are poor is really in God's hands. We allow God to spark us anew.
Yesterday I was heading out to the airport to meet some people who were coming to a meeting last night and would be leaving today afte several more appointments were finished. We had some miscommunication and I did not find them at the airport. Later when we did connect I was sputtering to myself about the inconvenience and the extra work on my part, not to mention the time I took out of my day. As I refelcted on what was happening inside me, I realized that my work is not mine, but God's! I needed to let go of the sputtering and get on board for the part that would be God's plan in the beautiful evening with some wonderful young women.
We do not shape our world. God is in charge. We are the flicker: the flame is God's. Can we get ingnited?
Today ponder where God is in your life? Where are you the flicker and where does God flame into fire in you?
That being said and it being winter here with 15 inches on the ground, keep warm with the flame of heat as well as with the flame of God burning in you!
www.sistersofmercy.org
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Example of Catherine's Response in Love
A quote about Catherine McAuley from Angela Bolster, her biographer.
The rescue of a new-born infant during the epidemic is an example of Catherine's response in love to a perceived need.
Sometimes I wonder what Catherine would do today to meet the needs that are out there. Would she continue to open Houses of Mercy for those who need shelter? Would she start up a school for those who do not have access to good education? Would she be at the border assisting immigrants in their health and eduction needs? Woud she be in clinics where the uninsured are present? Would she be in homeless shelters? Building homes in Katrina wracked New Orleans? Or would she be in another country where the needs are more drastic and go unmet?
I wonder as I think about what I might be doing in ministry in the future. Should I get better training for something? Should I go back to teaching? Should I use the skills I have for some other work? Should I move? Should I look around and see the faces of those who are poor here in my city? Is there a glaring area where needs go unmet?
And you? How is God calling you to use your time and skills? Are you being pushed out of your comfort zone to be of service to others? How can you connect with those less fortunate? Do you have untapped skills you need to use to really be the person you are?
Wonderful thoughts to ponder today...
The rescue of a new-born infant during the epidemic is an example of Catherine's response in love to a perceived need.
Sometimes I wonder what Catherine would do today to meet the needs that are out there. Would she continue to open Houses of Mercy for those who need shelter? Would she start up a school for those who do not have access to good education? Would she be at the border assisting immigrants in their health and eduction needs? Woud she be in clinics where the uninsured are present? Would she be in homeless shelters? Building homes in Katrina wracked New Orleans? Or would she be in another country where the needs are more drastic and go unmet?
I wonder as I think about what I might be doing in ministry in the future. Should I get better training for something? Should I go back to teaching? Should I use the skills I have for some other work? Should I move? Should I look around and see the faces of those who are poor here in my city? Is there a glaring area where needs go unmet?
And you? How is God calling you to use your time and skills? Are you being pushed out of your comfort zone to be of service to others? How can you connect with those less fortunate? Do you have untapped skills you need to use to really be the person you are?
Wonderful thoughts to ponder today...
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Perseverance
Quote from Catherine:
Perseverance is a constant exercise of self-denial, and, as such
serves to keep the body in subjection to the spirit.
Today is Ash Wednesday. I'm looking at what I want to do during this Lenten season to become more in harmony with God and to be better able to put on Christ at every moment and incident that happens in my day.
I am looking at the traditional means of looking at Lent, knowing if I can do it for 40 days it can become a habit that I can continue.
First of all fasting... what do I need to fast in order to be more Christ like?
Is it sarcasm, impatience, negative comments...Is it food that makes me not be healthy enough to have the energy to do the Lord's work? Is it somthing that distracts me from prayer-TV, books I read, sudoku, talking instead of cultivating a more comtemplative stance?
Second, prayer... Do I need to spend more time in prayer? Go to Mass more often? Try some of the local devotions to get a sense again of the traditions in which we are steeped? Spend more time personally in prayer, do more spiritual reading?
Alms giving... Where do I spend money? Do I need to fast from spending for myself during these 40 days? What could I give to this Lent? How about the rice bowl? Or is it time to clean out my closet and get rid of stuff? And what about all those knick knacks, those mugs I've collected?
What could you be doing, to persevere in subjecting the body (my comfort, instant pleasure) to the spiritual dimension of you life?
www.sistersofmercy.org
Perseverance is a constant exercise of self-denial, and, as such
serves to keep the body in subjection to the spirit.
Today is Ash Wednesday. I'm looking at what I want to do during this Lenten season to become more in harmony with God and to be better able to put on Christ at every moment and incident that happens in my day.
I am looking at the traditional means of looking at Lent, knowing if I can do it for 40 days it can become a habit that I can continue.
First of all fasting... what do I need to fast in order to be more Christ like?
Is it sarcasm, impatience, negative comments...Is it food that makes me not be healthy enough to have the energy to do the Lord's work? Is it somthing that distracts me from prayer-TV, books I read, sudoku, talking instead of cultivating a more comtemplative stance?
Second, prayer... Do I need to spend more time in prayer? Go to Mass more often? Try some of the local devotions to get a sense again of the traditions in which we are steeped? Spend more time personally in prayer, do more spiritual reading?
Alms giving... Where do I spend money? Do I need to fast from spending for myself during these 40 days? What could I give to this Lent? How about the rice bowl? Or is it time to clean out my closet and get rid of stuff? And what about all those knick knacks, those mugs I've collected?
What could you be doing, to persevere in subjecting the body (my comfort, instant pleasure) to the spiritual dimension of you life?
www.sistersofmercy.org
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Poison of Self-love
A quote from Catheriene:
Every thought, word and action infected with the poison of self-love
is a fraud upon the rights of God.
How insidious is this self love. Today we call it by other names. "I have to be me. I need my space. This is the way I am, take it or leave it. I can't do that. I hate Mondays..." There are so many ways we insist on our way instead of looking at God's way, of exerting extra energy, of giving more of ourselves. There are so many ways we have a mindset of not giving any extra, of only being in our comfort zone.
Where is the discipline? Where is sacrifice? Where is the giving of self for the other?
How can we say we are a follower of God if we don't take time to speak to God, if we don't help our less fortunate neighbor, if we don't carry our weight in our ministry, or community, or family?
We are frauds! We are imposters! We are not what we claim to be! Ash Wednesday is tomorrow. It is a good time to take stock of who we are, how we act, and where we are going with our life. How will you pause these 40days to really lisaten to the Lord, to fast,to pray and to give alms?
May you have a blessed Lent!
Every thought, word and action infected with the poison of self-love
is a fraud upon the rights of God.
How insidious is this self love. Today we call it by other names. "I have to be me. I need my space. This is the way I am, take it or leave it. I can't do that. I hate Mondays..." There are so many ways we insist on our way instead of looking at God's way, of exerting extra energy, of giving more of ourselves. There are so many ways we have a mindset of not giving any extra, of only being in our comfort zone.
Where is the discipline? Where is sacrifice? Where is the giving of self for the other?
How can we say we are a follower of God if we don't take time to speak to God, if we don't help our less fortunate neighbor, if we don't carry our weight in our ministry, or community, or family?
We are frauds! We are imposters! We are not what we claim to be! Ash Wednesday is tomorrow. It is a good time to take stock of who we are, how we act, and where we are going with our life. How will you pause these 40days to really lisaten to the Lord, to fast,to pray and to give alms?
May you have a blessed Lent!
Monday, February 4, 2008
Witness of Holiness
A quote from Catherine:
The best apostolate we can engage in
is the witness of holiness of life.
This past weekend was the celebration of World Day for Consecrated Life. We don't hear much about it since it is a relatively new feast day instigated by Pope John Paul II in 1997. Since it is only 10 years old, a tiny amount of time in "church" time, it has not really caught hold except in vocation promotion circles.
I spent the weekend at a parish is a small town in far northeast Iowa. Along with giving the "reflection", we had a vocation fair with other religious congregations in attendance.
As I talked about consecrated life (sisters, nuns, religious order priests and brothers), I was reflecting on the quest for God as the primary drawing of men and women to the consecrated life. We each have a vocation story that we tell. The untold story is that quest for God that lures and draws us. That quest is in the midst of service, discipline, prayer and giving all to the unique apostolic ministry we have.
Even at that, Catherine is right, the best apostolic witness we have is not our work, it is the holiness, the "God quest", that is most effective. It is what "catches" in the hearts and souls of others who see "something" in us- a something that most likely they cannot name. Who do you know who has that intangible "something" that draws you, that calls you to be closer to God? Do you have it for others? How are you doing in your "God quest"? Where do you need to be?
We approach Lent soon. Now is a good time to embark on your "God quest" in all seriousness and intention.
www.sistersofmercy.org
The best apostolate we can engage in
is the witness of holiness of life.
This past weekend was the celebration of World Day for Consecrated Life. We don't hear much about it since it is a relatively new feast day instigated by Pope John Paul II in 1997. Since it is only 10 years old, a tiny amount of time in "church" time, it has not really caught hold except in vocation promotion circles.
I spent the weekend at a parish is a small town in far northeast Iowa. Along with giving the "reflection", we had a vocation fair with other religious congregations in attendance.
As I talked about consecrated life (sisters, nuns, religious order priests and brothers), I was reflecting on the quest for God as the primary drawing of men and women to the consecrated life. We each have a vocation story that we tell. The untold story is that quest for God that lures and draws us. That quest is in the midst of service, discipline, prayer and giving all to the unique apostolic ministry we have.
Even at that, Catherine is right, the best apostolic witness we have is not our work, it is the holiness, the "God quest", that is most effective. It is what "catches" in the hearts and souls of others who see "something" in us- a something that most likely they cannot name. Who do you know who has that intangible "something" that draws you, that calls you to be closer to God? Do you have it for others? How are you doing in your "God quest"? Where do you need to be?
We approach Lent soon. Now is a good time to embark on your "God quest" in all seriousness and intention.
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