A quote from Catherine McAuley:
The only return God asks of us is a return of love.
A humorous note, God spelled backwards is Dog. Funny how the only return either asks is a return of love. It isn't much, yet it is everything. Now I'm not comparing God to dogs, only noting that in this instance there is something similar.
God doesn't ask us to do heroic things, though if we love, we will.
God doesn't ask us to put our life on the line, but if we love, we will.
God doesn't ask us to give up all material goods, but if we love we will.
God doesn't ask us to sacrifice power, prestige and good name, but if we love, we will.
God doesn't ask us to dry the dishes, but if we love, we will.
God doesn't ask us to empty the dishwasher, but if we love, we will.
God doesn't ask us to take out the garbage, but if we love, we will.
None of this is about if we like it, if we will gain from it, if we will earn "point" for heaven. It's only about love. After all as St. John says,"...God is love..."
and if we love, then the return God asks is all.
How are you loving today?
www.sistersofmercy.org
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Monday, January 28, 2008
Cheerful Things
A quote by Catherine McAuley:
I would like to tell you all the cheerful things that God
permits to fall my way.
So many little pieces of sayings go through my mind as I reflect upon this bit of quote. Catherine was a woman who said to have a "comfortable cup of tea when I am gone"... "dance every night"... certainly would be one who had a bit of cheerfulness in her life! Yet she was one who had some dark days, some scary days, some great days, sad days, happy days and some exasperating days. in other words, quite an ordinary woman.
I think it's a matter of attitude. How do we want to speak of our day-with all the things that go wrong, or not our way or of the happy things, the joyful things that are there side-by-side with those which are more trying? It's a matter of outlook. It's a matter of letting the joy of Christ fall not only on our hearts, but on our faces.
So let me tell you of the joys of today...sunshine...warmer temps in January... friends... beginning of a BPR... friendly greetings by strangers...a good lunch with the sisters at the table..invitation to visit a room...an e-mail from a friend...good conversation at dinner...some quiet time in the evening...plans, goals for tomorrow.... and so the list goes on....
What will your attitude be? May it be cheerful!
www.sistersofmercy.org
I would like to tell you all the cheerful things that God
permits to fall my way.
So many little pieces of sayings go through my mind as I reflect upon this bit of quote. Catherine was a woman who said to have a "comfortable cup of tea when I am gone"... "dance every night"... certainly would be one who had a bit of cheerfulness in her life! Yet she was one who had some dark days, some scary days, some great days, sad days, happy days and some exasperating days. in other words, quite an ordinary woman.
I think it's a matter of attitude. How do we want to speak of our day-with all the things that go wrong, or not our way or of the happy things, the joyful things that are there side-by-side with those which are more trying? It's a matter of outlook. It's a matter of letting the joy of Christ fall not only on our hearts, but on our faces.
So let me tell you of the joys of today...sunshine...warmer temps in January... friends... beginning of a BPR... friendly greetings by strangers...a good lunch with the sisters at the table..invitation to visit a room...an e-mail from a friend...good conversation at dinner...some quiet time in the evening...plans, goals for tomorrow.... and so the list goes on....
What will your attitude be? May it be cheerful!
www.sistersofmercy.org
Friday, January 25, 2008
Grace Never Refused
A quote from Catherine McAuley:
If we become humble and sincere, God will finish in us the work He has begun.
He never refuses his grace to those who ask it.
Today I am remembering the 2nd anniversary of the death of my mother. About 10 days before her death my mother made a remark about the progression of her illness which went rather rapidly at the end. It was if she had been caught in mid-sentence and couldn't finish her life the way she wanted. She said," What a bummer!"
Although she wanted to do more in her life, she was resigned to the prospect of facing death-not that she wanted and she did fight it, but she did it with grace and dignity.
My mother was a humble person. She was sincere, she was glad to entertain in her home and enjoyed creating hospitality which always included some food. Even in her last days she saw that there was food for the family as we gathered to be with her. Somehow the grace she needed was there even in the last days.
That did not mean she did not struggle, she did not want to die. She would not sleep in the night lest she slip away. She would only rest when dawn came and all were awake around her.
In the last days when she could not stay awake we were with her around the clock and she felt our presence. She also had a great faith that was expressed in simply saying the rosary, so when she would get restless, we would simply start the rosary and though she could say the words much, it calmed her as she help her rosary in her hand.
Yes, if we are humble and sincere, God will be able to best finish the work begun in us and give us the grace to accept it or grow through it. May we all take stock of our life and see where we need to be more sincere (the great way to humility) and ask for the grace needed to become humble.
Mom, help me to become that which God is calling me to be. May your example be my guide.
www.sistersofmercy.org
If we become humble and sincere, God will finish in us the work He has begun.
He never refuses his grace to those who ask it.
Today I am remembering the 2nd anniversary of the death of my mother. About 10 days before her death my mother made a remark about the progression of her illness which went rather rapidly at the end. It was if she had been caught in mid-sentence and couldn't finish her life the way she wanted. She said," What a bummer!"
Although she wanted to do more in her life, she was resigned to the prospect of facing death-not that she wanted and she did fight it, but she did it with grace and dignity.
My mother was a humble person. She was sincere, she was glad to entertain in her home and enjoyed creating hospitality which always included some food. Even in her last days she saw that there was food for the family as we gathered to be with her. Somehow the grace she needed was there even in the last days.
That did not mean she did not struggle, she did not want to die. She would not sleep in the night lest she slip away. She would only rest when dawn came and all were awake around her.
In the last days when she could not stay awake we were with her around the clock and she felt our presence. She also had a great faith that was expressed in simply saying the rosary, so when she would get restless, we would simply start the rosary and though she could say the words much, it calmed her as she help her rosary in her hand.
Yes, if we are humble and sincere, God will be able to best finish the work begun in us and give us the grace to accept it or grow through it. May we all take stock of our life and see where we need to be more sincere (the great way to humility) and ask for the grace needed to become humble.
Mom, help me to become that which God is calling me to be. May your example be my guide.
www.sistersofmercy.org
Sunday, January 20, 2008
A step Toward Eternity
A quote from Catherine McAuley;
Each day is a step which we take towards eternity.
I guess we can't argue with that! But what is the quality of each step we take? Where do we want to be in our quest for God when the last step we take on earth is the first step into eternity? I think these are the bigger questions.
I was reading an ad today for a magazine about the first steps to get started on the path to return to the present moment. They were called the four reminders and written by Pema Chodron.
1. Maintain an awareness of the preciousness of life. Beginning to realize how precious life is becomes one of your most powerful tools.
2.Be aware of the reality that life ends: death comes for everyone. Life is very brief...live your life as if you actually had only a day left...
3/ Recall that whatever you do, whether virtuous or not, has a result, what comes around goes around.
4. Contemplate that as long as you are too focused on self-importance and too caught up in thinking about how you are good or bad, you will suffer. Obsessing about getting what you want and avoiding what you do not want, does not result in happiness.
Actually there is a name for all of this-detachment or holy indifference. So live your life today as if it is your first...or,... as if it is your last.....
www.sistersofmercy.org
Each day is a step which we take towards eternity.
I guess we can't argue with that! But what is the quality of each step we take? Where do we want to be in our quest for God when the last step we take on earth is the first step into eternity? I think these are the bigger questions.
I was reading an ad today for a magazine about the first steps to get started on the path to return to the present moment. They were called the four reminders and written by Pema Chodron.
1. Maintain an awareness of the preciousness of life. Beginning to realize how precious life is becomes one of your most powerful tools.
2.Be aware of the reality that life ends: death comes for everyone. Life is very brief...live your life as if you actually had only a day left...
3/ Recall that whatever you do, whether virtuous or not, has a result, what comes around goes around.
4. Contemplate that as long as you are too focused on self-importance and too caught up in thinking about how you are good or bad, you will suffer. Obsessing about getting what you want and avoiding what you do not want, does not result in happiness.
Actually there is a name for all of this-detachment or holy indifference. So live your life today as if it is your first...or,... as if it is your last.....
www.sistersofmercy.org
Friday, January 18, 2008
Take Short Careful Steps
A quote from Catherine for today:
We should hope to get on
taking short careful steps,
not great strides.
It's Friday. I'm tired. I went to an event last night, a Mass, a bishop, Knights of Columbus, lots of people and my table of vocation wares...Home late and up early. This could be a long grueling day.
But Catherine reminds us to take short careful steps... that's what I shall do. break my day into steps and complete each of them with my best. Then the long stride of the day will not be looming.
Although she was probably talking about our spiritual life, this quote has a great deal of meaning for all that we do. How like her to leave us something we can use in our stress-filled world as well! One practical woman!
For us today, let us look at breaking down the seemingly insurmountable tasks into steps. We shall have much more peace and serenity amid out daily labors and we can also take time then to realize that God is in the middle of all of this and will be walking besides us. Reminds me of the 'Footprints" story of one set of footprints when God was doing the carrying,
A nice thought for a Friday! Today is also the beginning of Christan Unity Week. Again small steps will hep us to "get on" or get along with each other. blessings!
www.sistersofmercy.org
We should hope to get on
taking short careful steps,
not great strides.
It's Friday. I'm tired. I went to an event last night, a Mass, a bishop, Knights of Columbus, lots of people and my table of vocation wares...Home late and up early. This could be a long grueling day.
But Catherine reminds us to take short careful steps... that's what I shall do. break my day into steps and complete each of them with my best. Then the long stride of the day will not be looming.
Although she was probably talking about our spiritual life, this quote has a great deal of meaning for all that we do. How like her to leave us something we can use in our stress-filled world as well! One practical woman!
For us today, let us look at breaking down the seemingly insurmountable tasks into steps. We shall have much more peace and serenity amid out daily labors and we can also take time then to realize that God is in the middle of all of this and will be walking besides us. Reminds me of the 'Footprints" story of one set of footprints when God was doing the carrying,
A nice thought for a Friday! Today is also the beginning of Christan Unity Week. Again small steps will hep us to "get on" or get along with each other. blessings!
www.sistersofmercy.org
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Sight of the Poor
Today's quote comes from Frances Warde, American founder of the Sisters of Mercy and protege of Catherine McAuley:
The sight of the poor should fill us with compassion.
This past year we had a homeless man die in one of our neighboring cities. He had been refused admittance tot a shelter because of his inebriated state. For the good of the people already there, it was a wise move, but for him it was not. He died of exposure to the elements.
One could argue the pros and cons of the situation. Nevertheless it was a situation, one that did not sit well with a lot of folks both pro and con. In the aftermath of it all, there were policies that were reviewed and s smaller shelter was opened for those who would be a danger in the regular shelter.
What was more interesting was the response by the homeless veterans. This man had been a veteran, too. They rallied and came together to support one another even in their homelessness. It was heartening to see.
The sight of the poor should fill us with compassion, despite whatever we may be thinking of being taken advantage of, being pushed out of our comfort zone, of being inconvenienced. Catherine McAuley said it was better to feed one hundred impostors than to leave one person go hungry. It was Frances Warde's philosophy as well...and should be ours.
Today if you see someone who is poor, do something, anything, just do it!
www.sistersofmercy.org
The sight of the poor should fill us with compassion.
This past year we had a homeless man die in one of our neighboring cities. He had been refused admittance tot a shelter because of his inebriated state. For the good of the people already there, it was a wise move, but for him it was not. He died of exposure to the elements.
One could argue the pros and cons of the situation. Nevertheless it was a situation, one that did not sit well with a lot of folks both pro and con. In the aftermath of it all, there were policies that were reviewed and s smaller shelter was opened for those who would be a danger in the regular shelter.
What was more interesting was the response by the homeless veterans. This man had been a veteran, too. They rallied and came together to support one another even in their homelessness. It was heartening to see.
The sight of the poor should fill us with compassion, despite whatever we may be thinking of being taken advantage of, being pushed out of our comfort zone, of being inconvenienced. Catherine McAuley said it was better to feed one hundred impostors than to leave one person go hungry. It was Frances Warde's philosophy as well...and should be ours.
Today if you see someone who is poor, do something, anything, just do it!
www.sistersofmercy.org
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Time is Short
A quote from Catherine McAuley:
Do all you can for God because time is short.
We seem to think that the future will stretch out forever. We don't want to look at our mortality and yet, Catherine brings us short. Stop! We need to be more intense in what we do. Time is short. Time is fleeting and not all that can be done for the poor is finished!
"Do all you can for God..." Time is not in our hands. Time is in God's hands. What are we doing for God? Are we doing for ourselves or for God? What is pleasing to God? This takes some time to pray, some quiet, some reflection time and time away from the busy day to really hear what God wants. And even at that, we don't always know for sure.
Thomas Merton in his famous prayer said something like this... I don't know if what I am doing is pleasing to God. I don't even know if I'm on the right path, but I believe that my desire to please God is in fact, pleasing to God.
Time is measured differently in God time and human time. A minute is nothing to God as is a year or a century... and yet a millisecond is a piece of eternity. Time is so much larger and yet so much smaller with God. So time is short. We have little time to do the things and be the person God wants and needs in the world.
We are the only you or I that will ever be. there will be no one in another age or time to replace us. Time is short to be who we are called to be.
And the poor...if we are not doing our part, however small (or large) to alleviate suffering, then we have failed. in our call to Mercy, to Christian (or Buddhist or Islamic or Jewish...) life.
Do all you can today...that is enough. Then tomorrow do all you can again...because time is short.
www.sistersofmercy.org
Do all you can for God because time is short.
We seem to think that the future will stretch out forever. We don't want to look at our mortality and yet, Catherine brings us short. Stop! We need to be more intense in what we do. Time is short. Time is fleeting and not all that can be done for the poor is finished!
"Do all you can for God..." Time is not in our hands. Time is in God's hands. What are we doing for God? Are we doing for ourselves or for God? What is pleasing to God? This takes some time to pray, some quiet, some reflection time and time away from the busy day to really hear what God wants. And even at that, we don't always know for sure.
Thomas Merton in his famous prayer said something like this... I don't know if what I am doing is pleasing to God. I don't even know if I'm on the right path, but I believe that my desire to please God is in fact, pleasing to God.
Time is measured differently in God time and human time. A minute is nothing to God as is a year or a century... and yet a millisecond is a piece of eternity. Time is so much larger and yet so much smaller with God. So time is short. We have little time to do the things and be the person God wants and needs in the world.
We are the only you or I that will ever be. there will be no one in another age or time to replace us. Time is short to be who we are called to be.
And the poor...if we are not doing our part, however small (or large) to alleviate suffering, then we have failed. in our call to Mercy, to Christian (or Buddhist or Islamic or Jewish...) life.
Do all you can today...that is enough. Then tomorrow do all you can again...because time is short.
www.sistersofmercy.org
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