Genesis 15:1-6; 21:1-3
On this feast of the Holy Family we read in the Old and in the New Testament how God dealt with families in difficult situations. God revealed to Abraham the future of his descendants before Abraham even had any children. Faith enabled Abraham to become a father even though he was old, and later to offer this son as a sacrifice. It was faith in God that brought many individuals and their families through hopeless hurdles. The Holy Family, too, had to travel to Bethlehem, escape to Egypt and undergo terrific anxiety when the son entrusted to them was lost. Is there a family that is not stabilized and enabled through faith?
Mother Pauline’s life reflected learnings through her family, which she alluded to often in her writings – how she learned to care for the poor through her mother; how she learned to put self aside in caring for her family after her mother’s death; how she learned to deal with people in high positions through hosting her father’s parties… and especially how she sought to learn about her Catholic faith despite her father’s Protestant leanings. Her sacrifices for daily reception of the Eucharist enriched and nourished her faith, which in the future, enabled her to trust totally in God as she dealt with her religious family of Sisters.
God has a plan for each individual, which began at our conception and continues today. All our dealings with people over the years, and our faith in the times of struggle, have strengthened that seed of faith implanted by God at our Baptism. May we continue to cooperate with and totally trust in this Divine Plan, and see through our daily happenings and the people we encounter, a God who loves us and leads us to Himself.
Sunday, December 31, 2017
Saturday, December 30, 2017
Christmas Reflection: December 30
Luke 2:36-40
Anna, a widow, prayed, fasted, worshiped and stayed in the temple into her old age. God called and gifted her to be a prophetess. She spoke of the child Jesus when his parents presented him in the Jerusalem temple. She might have been the one least expected to have knowledge about the Messiah. Nevertheless, God chose Anna; through prayer and fasting, she did not let her status of widowhood prevent her from being faithful to God and from prophesying.
Prophecy is a gratuitous gift from God. As we grow in our Christian and Religious life, we advance in wisdom and understanding. Some among us have a pronounced gift of prophecy; they see things years in advance. Look at the last 10 years and remember a Sister who might have suggested something in a Congregational Assembly that might have sounded outrageous at the time. Perhaps little, if any, attention might have been given to the idea. It might have even become a topic of discussion for a while. However, a few years later, we might have done exactly what she suggested, sometimes after being forced by circumstances. That Sister is the prophetess among us. Whether she is chronologically older or younger does not matter. Rather, the good that is done for the Congregation by the great ideas that are generated is important. Blessed Pauline put it very well: “When good is done, it does not matter through whom it is accomplished.”
Today, consider: Who are the prophetesses among us? Do we recognize them, or do we label them because they see, think, and speak outside our comfort zones and challenge the status quo of the Congregation? Identify and acknowledge a Sister you think is a prophetess among us and pray for her. Pray for greater inner freedom and for more prophetesses in our Congregation.
Anna, a widow, prayed, fasted, worshiped and stayed in the temple into her old age. God called and gifted her to be a prophetess. She spoke of the child Jesus when his parents presented him in the Jerusalem temple. She might have been the one least expected to have knowledge about the Messiah. Nevertheless, God chose Anna; through prayer and fasting, she did not let her status of widowhood prevent her from being faithful to God and from prophesying.
Prophecy is a gratuitous gift from God. As we grow in our Christian and Religious life, we advance in wisdom and understanding. Some among us have a pronounced gift of prophecy; they see things years in advance. Look at the last 10 years and remember a Sister who might have suggested something in a Congregational Assembly that might have sounded outrageous at the time. Perhaps little, if any, attention might have been given to the idea. It might have even become a topic of discussion for a while. However, a few years later, we might have done exactly what she suggested, sometimes after being forced by circumstances. That Sister is the prophetess among us. Whether she is chronologically older or younger does not matter. Rather, the good that is done for the Congregation by the great ideas that are generated is important. Blessed Pauline put it very well: “When good is done, it does not matter through whom it is accomplished.”
Today, consider: Who are the prophetesses among us? Do we recognize them, or do we label them because they see, think, and speak outside our comfort zones and challenge the status quo of the Congregation? Identify and acknowledge a Sister you think is a prophetess among us and pray for her. Pray for greater inner freedom and for more prophetesses in our Congregation.
Friday, December 29, 2017
Christmas Reflection: December 29
Luke 2:22-35
“Now there was a man whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout awaiting the consolation of Israel and the Holy Spirit was upon him.”
Waiting is very hard for us to do. To wait for a long time is VERY hard, and in this day and age, it is almost unheard of. We would rather find another and faster route. Simeon was steadfast and waited for a sign that he knew God would give him. He was an old man and still he waited and waited – and trusted. He did not give up as months and years came and went. He prayed that he would not die until he saw the blessed Promise.
Can I identify with Simeon? Do I recognize Jesus in the happenings of my life? Can I wait patiently for God’s direction and promise in my daily life? Simeon’s eyes were growing weak with age, but he trusted that when the Child came to the temple the Holy Spirit would enlighten him. Simeon was not alone in the waiting. The Holy Spirit was with him and would lead him to the Promised One when the time came.
Waiting for God to fulfill our request can be almost intolerable. There is a reason why things happen when they do. Scripture tells us that Simeon was a man of prayer and was open to the Holy Spirit. Can I say this of myself?
From the founding of our Congregation until her journey to heaven, Mother Pauline was an ideal model of waiting for answers from God and of openness to the Holy Spirit. So many heartbreaks, so many decisions, yet we know she prayed and waited for the Holy Spirit to direct her.
As a Sister of Christian Charity, am I a person of prayer like Simeon and Mother Pauline? Can I be patient and wait for the Holy Spirit, or am I always in a hurry for a fast answer?
“Now there was a man whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout awaiting the consolation of Israel and the Holy Spirit was upon him.”
Waiting is very hard for us to do. To wait for a long time is VERY hard, and in this day and age, it is almost unheard of. We would rather find another and faster route. Simeon was steadfast and waited for a sign that he knew God would give him. He was an old man and still he waited and waited – and trusted. He did not give up as months and years came and went. He prayed that he would not die until he saw the blessed Promise.
Can I identify with Simeon? Do I recognize Jesus in the happenings of my life? Can I wait patiently for God’s direction and promise in my daily life? Simeon’s eyes were growing weak with age, but he trusted that when the Child came to the temple the Holy Spirit would enlighten him. Simeon was not alone in the waiting. The Holy Spirit was with him and would lead him to the Promised One when the time came.
Waiting for God to fulfill our request can be almost intolerable. There is a reason why things happen when they do. Scripture tells us that Simeon was a man of prayer and was open to the Holy Spirit. Can I say this of myself?
From the founding of our Congregation until her journey to heaven, Mother Pauline was an ideal model of waiting for answers from God and of openness to the Holy Spirit. So many heartbreaks, so many decisions, yet we know she prayed and waited for the Holy Spirit to direct her.
As a Sister of Christian Charity, am I a person of prayer like Simeon and Mother Pauline? Can I be patient and wait for the Holy Spirit, or am I always in a hurry for a fast answer?
Thursday, December 28, 2017
Christmas Reflection: December 28
Matthew 2:13-18
This feast commemorating the tragedy of the slaughter of the Holy Innocents reminds me that violent acts of hatred have been occurring since the beginning of time. I often avoid watching or reading the news because it is so depressing. Child victims of violence, disaster, extreme poverty and abuse seem to be most upsetting to many of us because of their delicate innocence and helplessness. Looking at their suffering faces stirs me deeply, and I’m often tempted to retract back into my comfortable, yet microcosmic, world.
Our Mother Pauline gave us such an inspiring example by her response to others’ suffering in her own life. Her tenderhearted sensitivity towards those in need – especially, of course, the children – moved her to take concrete actions to help ease their misery. Her untiring devotion to the poor, the blind, the sick, the oppressed, and even the animals reminds and motivates me to reach out in the same fashion. Her charism has been infused by the Holy Spirit into each of our hearts, so we cannot shy away and do nothing in a world brimming with unmet needs.
Choose a social justice issue that touches you deeply. Do something concrete to help. (Examples: write a letter to a local government official, read more about the issue, educate others about the topic, contribute personal budget money toward this cause, add the intention to your daily prayers, etc.) Remember St. Teresa of Calcutta – another wise Mother, like our own – always advised, “Do small things with great love.”
This feast commemorating the tragedy of the slaughter of the Holy Innocents reminds me that violent acts of hatred have been occurring since the beginning of time. I often avoid watching or reading the news because it is so depressing. Child victims of violence, disaster, extreme poverty and abuse seem to be most upsetting to many of us because of their delicate innocence and helplessness. Looking at their suffering faces stirs me deeply, and I’m often tempted to retract back into my comfortable, yet microcosmic, world.
Our Mother Pauline gave us such an inspiring example by her response to others’ suffering in her own life. Her tenderhearted sensitivity towards those in need – especially, of course, the children – moved her to take concrete actions to help ease their misery. Her untiring devotion to the poor, the blind, the sick, the oppressed, and even the animals reminds and motivates me to reach out in the same fashion. Her charism has been infused by the Holy Spirit into each of our hearts, so we cannot shy away and do nothing in a world brimming with unmet needs.
Choose a social justice issue that touches you deeply. Do something concrete to help. (Examples: write a letter to a local government official, read more about the issue, educate others about the topic, contribute personal budget money toward this cause, add the intention to your daily prayers, etc.) Remember St. Teresa of Calcutta – another wise Mother, like our own – always advised, “Do small things with great love.”
Wednesday, December 27, 2017
Christmas Reflection: December 27
John 20:1a, 2-8
In this beautiful Christmas season we come face to face with the Resurrection scene in the Gospel on this feast of St. John the Apostle. He and Peter hear the witness of Mary Magdalene and run to the tomb to see for themselves what she has proclaimed. Jesus’ birth and resurrection are tied together and presented as one, reminding us that he shared and glorified our humanity and will bring us into the everlasting life of his kingdom.
Blessed Pauline reminds us: “Let nothing hold us back; let us, too, arise to a new life.…Let your whole life henceforth be one of blessing and peace. Be eyes for the blind, a staff for the lame, consolation for the discouraged, the way for the erring, and knowledge for the ignorant. Oh, arise with Jesus, and remain with Jesus, then your flesh will arise in splendor and glory, too” (1842). With these words Pauline admonishes us to be faithful to what has been from the beginning, what we have heard and our eyes have seen, what our hands have touched, so that we might proclaim eternal life to all by being all we are called to be each day!
In what ways am I living out today’s scripture and Blessed Pauline’s challenge?
In this beautiful Christmas season we come face to face with the Resurrection scene in the Gospel on this feast of St. John the Apostle. He and Peter hear the witness of Mary Magdalene and run to the tomb to see for themselves what she has proclaimed. Jesus’ birth and resurrection are tied together and presented as one, reminding us that he shared and glorified our humanity and will bring us into the everlasting life of his kingdom.
Blessed Pauline reminds us: “Let nothing hold us back; let us, too, arise to a new life.…Let your whole life henceforth be one of blessing and peace. Be eyes for the blind, a staff for the lame, consolation for the discouraged, the way for the erring, and knowledge for the ignorant. Oh, arise with Jesus, and remain with Jesus, then your flesh will arise in splendor and glory, too” (1842). With these words Pauline admonishes us to be faithful to what has been from the beginning, what we have heard and our eyes have seen, what our hands have touched, so that we might proclaim eternal life to all by being all we are called to be each day!
In what ways am I living out today’s scripture and Blessed Pauline’s challenge?
Tuesday, December 26, 2017
Christmas Reflection: December 26
Matthew 10:17-22
Today’s Gospel contains words Jesus spoke to all of his disciples – words recorded for our day as well as for St. Stephen and the early followers. In today’s climate these words give me hope: “Whoever endures to the end will be saved.”
Jesus speaks about his followers being mistreated and hated by all because of him. It is occurring today in many varied ways, and it happened so drastically to Mother Pauline and the earlier Sisters. We know the hardships endured during the Kulturkampf. The pain and rejection were real, not only in the 1870’s, but during World War II when some of the Sisters were imprisoned, injured, exiled or suffered the loss of everything.
The “deaths” we all experience in our lives may not be as harsh or obvious as those mentioned above. Probably few of us will find ourselves imprisoned or in court for proclaiming Jesus, though we cannot be sure of that. Our persecutions can be much more subtle, but no less painful. Misunderstandings, “stoning” by harsh words, sarcasm, or avoidance can be a martyrdom. Rejection of the faith by family members or friends can strike at the heart and wound us. But Jesus reminds us that we are never alone.
Resurrections always follow the deaths. We find support in the community and the daily grace of the sacraments. God gives us words to speak, strength to rise, forgiveness with which to reconcile, and the promise of heaven where all will be made new.
Mother Pauline reminds us: “With serenity, courage, and proper reflection one can advance far under God’s protection, but principle may never be compromised even a hair’s breadth” (1878). When in my life have I had to rely totally on God for strength in a devastating situation? How did God see me through?
Today’s Gospel contains words Jesus spoke to all of his disciples – words recorded for our day as well as for St. Stephen and the early followers. In today’s climate these words give me hope: “Whoever endures to the end will be saved.”
Jesus speaks about his followers being mistreated and hated by all because of him. It is occurring today in many varied ways, and it happened so drastically to Mother Pauline and the earlier Sisters. We know the hardships endured during the Kulturkampf. The pain and rejection were real, not only in the 1870’s, but during World War II when some of the Sisters were imprisoned, injured, exiled or suffered the loss of everything.
The “deaths” we all experience in our lives may not be as harsh or obvious as those mentioned above. Probably few of us will find ourselves imprisoned or in court for proclaiming Jesus, though we cannot be sure of that. Our persecutions can be much more subtle, but no less painful. Misunderstandings, “stoning” by harsh words, sarcasm, or avoidance can be a martyrdom. Rejection of the faith by family members or friends can strike at the heart and wound us. But Jesus reminds us that we are never alone.
Resurrections always follow the deaths. We find support in the community and the daily grace of the sacraments. God gives us words to speak, strength to rise, forgiveness with which to reconcile, and the promise of heaven where all will be made new.
Mother Pauline reminds us: “With serenity, courage, and proper reflection one can advance far under God’s protection, but principle may never be compromised even a hair’s breadth” (1878). When in my life have I had to rely totally on God for strength in a devastating situation? How did God see me through?
Monday, December 25, 2017
Reflection for Christmas Day
Luke 2:7
“And she gave birth to her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.”
Today, Christmas, is a day of wonder. God made man, Jesus, came to dwell among us. Emmanuel, God present with us. What joy fills our hearts! Our response must be joy-filled awe and delight. Pause and enjoy the presence of Emmanuel in our manger, in our hearts.
But God dwells among us every day, not just today. Where do I find Emmanuel in my daily encounters? Can I see him reflected in the faces of the children I teach, the patients I care for? Can I discover Jesus in the Sisters I live with? Does Jesus reveal himself in the annoying co-worker I would rather ignore?
Jesus, you come in many forms. Open my eyes to see you in all I meet every day, not just in the manger on Christmas. And open my heart to make room for you when you come to me in any disguise.
"There is no room for them in the inn. Mary must lay her son on hay and straw in a stable. Wonder upon wonder!” (Blessed Pauline, 1842)
“And she gave birth to her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.”
Today, Christmas, is a day of wonder. God made man, Jesus, came to dwell among us. Emmanuel, God present with us. What joy fills our hearts! Our response must be joy-filled awe and delight. Pause and enjoy the presence of Emmanuel in our manger, in our hearts.
But God dwells among us every day, not just today. Where do I find Emmanuel in my daily encounters? Can I see him reflected in the faces of the children I teach, the patients I care for? Can I discover Jesus in the Sisters I live with? Does Jesus reveal himself in the annoying co-worker I would rather ignore?
Jesus, you come in many forms. Open my eyes to see you in all I meet every day, not just in the manger on Christmas. And open my heart to make room for you when you come to me in any disguise.
"There is no room for them in the inn. Mary must lay her son on hay and straw in a stable. Wonder upon wonder!” (Blessed Pauline, 1842)
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