Joe
Wow! That’s thought provoking stuff. It should motivate us to complete our preparations though we won’t need a casket.
Maybe there are urns that can be finished.
Nancy
Your newsletter is so poignant and I found myself very still and quiet as I read it. I was immersed in it and felt with you the feelings of your heart. Thank you for sharing so intimate a look into your lives.
Noni
My heart is just overflowing with feelings –love, grief, compassion, support, empathy, –as I hold your shared thoughts and feelings within. I want to say I understand, but perhaps it’s simply my identifying with your own experience. The oyster image is a daily experience for me too.
The heart that contracts from seeing a familiar name among the deceased… that’s happened already in my community, but your intimacy of 45 years among FOUR only is unique. Thank you for expressing so clearly your life as it is unfolding. And for adding Bernie’s and Lorene’s presence as they go before us. I will be 80 this March—it seems kind of surreal, but I know the numbers don’t lie!
I love you all so much. It’s a consolation to imagine that whatever heaven will be like, there will be communion in GOD with all whom we’ve loved!
Jude
Wow! Big changes! I pray that each of you receives what you are needing in this process. We are the elders now, and it doesn’t seem possible! I redid my will, health directive, planned my funeral etc. last summer to make it simpler for Mara when the time comes. It is an interesting process, but I rather enjoyed “getting things in order.”
Stean
thank you for this excellent and moving piece of writing — your compassionate and spiritual clarity is very good to hear and helpful.
Jean
I trust that you will do what is best for your sisters. None of the answers are easy and centering prayer will help you to stay in the sacrament of the present moment.
The lesson from Jesus’ meeting with Martha and Mary
Alyson
Thank you for that, due to illness I have had to “do things differently” and yes it’s hard but I’m getting there slow but sure. Bless you
Nancy
Thank you for this most beautiful reflection. I am drawn into your prayer as well as realizing my own limitations and vulnerability in the face of suffering and so many needs.
Joe
I appreciate the use of personal experience as part of your reflection. It helps open up some honesty with myself and some paths to travel for personal reflection. Apparently being an “introvert” is helpful in going deeply into the words of Jesus. Thank you God. This is worth many re-readings.
Agnes
I just wanted to tell you the mail came at a precise moment as i was going to mass this evening it arrived-our mass was about st.clare today and the song was carefully chosen-a song for saints, what a delight to hear from my wonderful sister-in- christ. I trully admired all you sisters sacrifice and work-may the good Lord continue to keep you safe and sound of mind.
Stean
This is an excellent newsletter and made me think again about a well-known passage. Thank you very much. It is written very well, and it is moving and eloquent. This is such a strong way for the Poor Clares to witness spirituality to the world.
Sheila
I read your your most recent newsletter and it went straight to my heart due to the fact that I am presently going through the same heartbreaking circumstances as you are. My younger sister died with pancreatic cancer in April of this year and two weeks ago my youngest sister was diagnosed with breast cancer. My father-in-law was put on hospice this past week. We all, eveXryone need to be treated with love, tenderness and the kindness you speak of in your newsletter. Thank you so much for your love, kindness and attention given to this fact. Please keep me and your family in your prayers. God bless
Joan
Thank you for sending this. It was very inspirational to me. It must be hard not having your sisters with you. Every meal bears witness to the change. We are living in a world of great change right now. It is more important than ever to focus on Christ and our responsibility to the world. So often we just want to basque in His gifts to us.
Noni
Your sharing was very moving to me. Life really is a testing experience, even for those of us who have so little to suffer. It amazes me how greatly I can suffer over almost NOTHING…. But our Good God is determined to create (excavate!) space one way of another in the soul made for infinite Love!
You are all precious to me, and I pray for your deepening trust in Providence. Au Courage!!!!
Jan
The whole newsletter struck a chord with me, but one particular sentence resonated with me. You said “we experience the constant ache that someone is missing” from our lives. We too feel that ache as our son goes through a very difficult divorce. He has limited access to his daughter and thus do we, to our granddaughter. As this issue and others comes before a Judge, we ask especially for your prayers. Thank you for the ongoing support and love you provide in our lives.
M Diane
I want to thank you for this beautiful reflection on staying resolutely focused on Jesus and the Kingdom of God in our lives. Your sharing about the pain you feel in having to decide on your sisters living with assistance in another place, with faith and trust in God throughout all of this, was beautiful and very meaningful.
Marian
I enjoyed the news letter and have great empathy for what you are all going thru with two of you away in assisted living and after Egypt goes to her reward I will be there too. so thinking of you.
Tillie
God has blessed you in a beautiful manner. Bernie and Laurene acknowledged in their precious way all the love you have given to them. It is a wonderful acknowledgement recognizing love in all directions. Much love, in God’s name.
Carolyn
I can relate to the difficult times you’ve experienced with your sisters leaving your home after being such an integral part of your family at home. Loss on so many levels is difficult to assimilate: loss of friendship, loving presence, contribution to the group functioning, and on and on. I commiserate with you.
James
God Bless and Watch over you!
Stean
I want to say thank you for your prayers and for your great struggles with the difficulties you have shared with us, thank you.
Jude
My sense of death has changed immensely in the past 20 years as I continue to connect with those in spirit. I don’t fear death itself at this point, only the “how” it will happen, I guess. We have so much to look forward to.
Margo
I can relate to finding the good in the songs. It takes us back to our childhood excitement and we never forget the words. Thank you all for your continuing gifts of love and prayer found the whole year. Blessings of Joy. Merry Christmas
Mary
your greeting was so touching and will bring songs of joy remembered to all of our minds. May the grace of the Incarnation be realized deep in your hearts.
Stean
Thank you dear sisters for this good message. God through Christ to send His Spirit–there is no limit to His power — thank you God for so much good you gave, God bless you dear sisters.
Bartimaeus and a Prayer of Faith
Paul
thank you very much for this thoughtful and helpful essay — I prayed to Jesus and I asked for his help to continue to support your good work and to build bridges for love and faith, especially I see a way forward in the new churches helping the religious communities more, to build up fraternal love leading to more true love for one another, thank you always and pray for me please
Maureen
Sisters, Thank you for the helpful prayer and reflection. I admire what you try to do. I have a disability and have a most difficult time trying to live a good life and forgive myself for sins.
Laura
Thank you for the meditation. I have been trying to incorporate that style of prayer more in my life. I will be attending Mass this evening and will bring this meditation along to pray before Mass.
Noni
I found this the most helpful of all the newsletters in its transparent sharing of what we all experience in our relational living, and in the guided prayer at conclusion. thank you, THANK YOU!
Pope Francis & Saint Francis of Assisi
Paul
Thank you for the excellent newsletter. This is a perfect message for today. Restore the rivers and the land to clean earth and water! I like the message: “We need to fall in love again with each other and the beauty of this planet. We need a conversion.” = to fall in love with God, and with one another, the broken bonds healed up (tho they say it is impossible, nothing is impossible for God). Even for us to pray with those over there!
Noni
Thank you for your beautifully insightful newsletter on Francis and Creation.
It will draw many readers and has power to lift consciousness of our bond with all the Cosmos. I especially appreciated your call to take care of our “mother sister Earth! Your newsletter serves developing a deeper perception that everything is connected to everything in the Spirit of Love!
Mary A
I was deeply touched by your reflections. Your visit was a dazzling grace of how God is with us on the journey; thanks for sharing so deeply.
Paula
I just can’t believe it has been 25 years that you have been in Saginaw, how wonderful.
I read the moving account of (Our Memories) and it was very touching, it also made me
miss you and wish there were not so many miles between us.
Miriam
Enjoyed reading your latest newsletter. I can’t believe it’s been 25 years. It went so fast!
Nancy
This wonderful reflection is just what I needed today. I am fresh off a directed retreat and it was so very graced. Thank you so very much.
N
Your thoughts about listening are definitely my truth! I especially like asking the Holy Spirit to be present in our listening.
Thanks, much, for taking the time to create these news letters! Blessings and love returned
Mary
this is a beautiful and helpful reflection. The attention you gave to the real and direct process of a listening encounter is great. The life experience described really helped.
Tom
The article on listening is exceptionally well done – one of the better explanations of the curative aspect of effective listening I have ever seen…
MaryA
Your reflections are very clear and hopeful. I very much like the links you make to the community of faith today who hear these words of his actions as continuing in our lives: the texts offer us the challenge to deeper trust in the healings that are given.
Stean
The power of faith, healing of the woman and of Jairus daughter (is there a misprint?) — thank you for this truth, trust is vital, this speaks to me & I must learn to trust. “Jesus I trust thee” is the Divine Mercy word. I was studying this passage myself and when I read the Greek I learnt that the little girl is being raised in Resurrection, it is a type for Christ, the Greek words are the same, and Jesus stands for the Father — also the little girl symbolizes something else, is it the soul itself called to life by Christ? or life for women, who may rise and walk (pray) with new freedom and strength, God bless OSC and thank you always.
Paul
there is a lot there, thank you thank you the name is great: Jairus (whom God enlightens) the implication is that the good priest is enlightened by Christ as God in healing, also the whole passage is about the Christian faith being a healing of the faith through women (to correct the masculinity bias of the old explanation) so this chapter is very strong for Mary and for the sisters & it explains the Jesus point of view that we (men) must note the womanly virtues of compassion, patience, selfless love and be the same — against the manly attributes of aggression dominance etc It is still what we need! this healing, this learning this healing! God bless from Paul
Noni
Thank you for moving to the heart of the matter! Faith is trust, wholehearted, unequivocal, and all the other definitions are included. Just a little story from one of our Sisters teaching school in Philly:she asked the class “How do you think the woman could have gotten through the mass of people and reached out to touch Jesus in that crowd?” After a pause a little girl raised her hand and said, “She might have said, “Excuse me….!”
My Lent: The Gift of Compassion
Stean
Just read My Lent: Gift of Compassion and I found it very helpful and encouraging to be better and do better, very well written, very good to develop and improve this ministry of Clare Spirit! I am just now reading Greek and deepening knowledge of the Bible and I discovered that the first letter of my name is much more important than I ever knew, and already 50 years have gone! thank you very much and God bless us for good Lent, amen
Mike
Compassion is the rarest gift in people I have found in my 67 years. If there is any thing that is really missing in our society it is compassion. It is refreshing to see that even the most devoted Christians suffer from sin. Although I am not “Catholic” I always look forward to your newsletter
Nancy
I am so grateful. Thank you so much for this reflection. It went right to my poor judgmental soul. I too, am looking deeply into my heart to know how to love better. Thank you, too for all your prayer and beautiful ways.
Tillie
Your Lenten message is truly a Gift of Compassion. It is too easy and simple to say compassion on a shallow level. Your message makes me think again of what Compassion means. I appreciate your description of receiving compassion and then extending that compassion. Showing compassion is a gift which we receive and can pass on, and it is extended exponentially. Thank you for reminding me of its power.
Ginger
there is in the response of the lady who has gone through divorce and yet doesn’t want your husband to feel anymore pain. I am married for 42 yrs. I can’t imagine the pain she must had gone through during the divorce, Compassion can be given, even in unimaginable ways, that is the Gift to both the giver and receiver. Oh the ways, that God works through us. Thank you for this awe moment for me. Thank you for your prayers and You are in mine!!
Mrs A M
Thank you for that
Theresa
I love this story of compassion. If we could all be more compassionate in our daily actions this would be a wonderful world to live. God would be so proud of us. Two wrongs certainly do not make it right. Thank you for sharing this with me.
Ann M
I read ‘contemplative prayer’ & found it so inspirational. It taught me how to pray & be with Him. I read this, at a time, when there were many confusions in my mind about my spiritual life and it brought me an inner peace and interest to pray. thank you sisters
Louise
Very well written!! You had a lot of thought put into that short article. I had never given that history much thought but so true. There are so many options now for women that were only available through religious life previously. Times surely do change things.
Thank you!
Sr. Diane
I am glad to receive all your newsletter, but only have time to comment on this last one – First to serve. I think that you expressed very well a real reason why there are fewer religious now than in former days. To add my own thoughts, many of the options open to women today are very dedicated “vocations”. If women do not see much difference in religious communities in contrast to what is available as lay persons, they may not see the reason to become a religious. However, our vocation does not lie only in the “work we do”, but in an offering of our whole life to God as consecrated persons. Thank you for your insights.
Jean
What a beautiful article! I have always said that all sisters are a hidden treasure in our church but you have just broadened that belief into the community and country. I am grateful for your service and your prayers.
Stean
On vocations — very good newsletter “First to serve” — the problems are deeper and greater than you say. I think that we are in a new spiritual age — the changes of the 20th century changed everything really — all those medical and scientific developments, the advance in women’s rights and power, the prosperity and information-saturated world of Europe and America etc The answer is to do what we do not want to do — we must appeal to the women whom we did not call to before — which means we may have to change to survive — we have to become the best publicists for God’s love, publicity was never the task before, it was done by others. Each congregation must produce a high profile sister (like the examples you mention) to get the image and message to the ones who will grow when they hear — also, perhaps we need to accept in love affiliations and secondments from religious women in other churches (perhaps short term, a new possiblity of outreach and building love in the world), serving together in a sisterly task, supporting our charism, and building love, surely this is the way — the empowerment and strength of Mary was Jesus’s great gift
Kathie
When I first met my husband’s Aunt 45 years ago, who was an IHM nun, Sister Cyprian, and saw her dressed in a habit, I was impressed with her dedication, kindness and warmth. Now, our Pastoral Administrator in Vassar, Sr. Ellen Rinke, is also an IHM nun, no longer dressed as years ago, but still the dedication, kindness and warmth. Time changes the small stuff, but faith grows and may not seem as evident by the numbers in our view, but we are only a small part of God’s world. What a blessing for us for those who use the gifts they have been given and said yes!
Honora
Thanks for the thoughtful reflection on the reasons for fewer responses to religious vocations of women. I think its emphasis on what our forebears have given women of today is better expressed than I’ve seen elsewhere. I also think many of us (more appropriate for apostolic-contemplative communitiers) don’t choose first-hand contact with young women, and that, besides a habit of prayer, is THE key toward their thinking seriously of being a Sister. Some communities also are not choosing daily community living together. As one of my discerners put it, “After I saw how they were living, I realized that there was no daily difference in that mode of life than the one I was now living, and decided for a Community called me to live a daily community life.”
Jean
I think you make a valid point. I remember two of the sisters I had in 1st thru 4th grade. Even then I knew they were so young. They taught during the school year and went to school to get their teaching degree during the summer. If it weren’t for the order they joined ‘ (Grand Rapids Dominicans) they probably wouldn’t have gotten their training. They both died a few years ago but I remember them with love to this day.Besides wanting an education they also wanted to serve God and for them it meant joining a religious community. Yes, there are many strong women out there today who are faith filled people who do not join a community. But for those who are struggling with this question I will continue to hold them in my prayers.
Pam
The Advent calendar is great. I really like the questions…they are written at a kid’s level and are thought provoking. The kids look forward to it too. Today we were in a hurry to get to 8:30 mass and did not do the calendar first thing. When we got back to the classroom, the kids reminded me that we had to do the Advent calendar….loved the Leggo movie too!
Fr. Tom
Dear Laura and Sisters,
Thanks for the recent reflection on the Sunday Gospel about getting along with each other. I could relate to some of the things about being early or late for prayer!! We are funny people . . . . . well, at least I am funny!
But soon after I moved here, I was coming down the stairs one morning and I heard that morning prayer had already started. I knew there were a few minutes yet before the agreed upon starting time and wondered what happened. I found out after that; that sort of thing was happening more than once. So, on another day when someone was about to start and the other member of our community was not there, I spoke up . . . . most uncharacteristic of me!! . . . asking if we knew if So and so was not coming. Well no one knew for sure, but in a minute, here came So and so, just on time. So I felt vindicated. Of course I didn’t gloat too much.
Katie
Right Relations article was very important for helping families, friends, co-workers, and all to take one more step to bridging together even when there is anger or hurt underneath. I have seen it happen where the misunderstandings lead people away from each other. It only leaves a gap, a loss, a heartache, not only for them but for others. Thank you for reminding us that Jesus wants us to take the steps for reconciliation now and here on earth. Thank you for the prayers for all those in need. Love you.
Mary Ann
Dear Sr. Laura,
I read with interest your article. I like a lot of your ideas.
As a somewhat retired Lay Minister I do much work in this area. Always have. I did a workshop once on forgiveness and anger. I try to be a good listener and am amazed at what comes forth whether it is in a group setting or one on one. Many times people want to rush reconciliation when it is merely going through the grief process which sometimes takes a long time. I am glad our diocese does such a good job on funerals. I’ve seen amazing turnarounds after being treated in compassionate ways.
I’ve had to learn the hard way how to confront, how to wait until I can speak in love to approach a person. It doesn’t always work out. I really believe in using e-mails for much of this work. It gives you and the other person time to think of their answer.
I believe we need to spend more time on educating people on ways reach a more mature approach to mental illness, avoiding toxic people, stewardship, proper sharing and who to share with. It’s amazing where peace and love happen when you approach it with love. I know many people who are good with being the arbitrator between two people, but that is not where my gifts are. I also believe their are certain ministries where it’s better not to even go. I also believe people need to put in their lives happy events and things are what I call neutral that make for easy sharing. I do find it interesting how God made our relationships so those who are closest to us can grate on our nerves the most.
L
Many thanks, Laura and Sisters. Good homily!
Tom
Wow, this is exceptional – How impressive . . .
Mary Ann
Just read your article and it is very moving..teaching through real life realities.
Fr. Pat
I just finished watching the video interview of Bernardone. It made my heart sing and reminded me how much I love each of you!
Stean
thank you for the excellent newsletter: “Who are the Poor Clares.”
800 prayer requests — that’s about 25 per day — that is a lot of work to process and respond to!
Thank you very much indeed! I also have sent requests.
Tracy
Thank you for this lovely message…
Carol
This is lovely. Thank you, Laura. The picture adds a lot to the reflection. Just right.
I have thought often about the leaven ever since you sent that file to me a while ago.
It stays with me and returns in different situations, or afterwards when I am thinking
about something that happened. I just keeps on revealing itself.
Jean
I found your view of the parable of the yeast fascinating but it sure is different than mine. I agree with it and it shows that there are more than one way to interpret our feelings about the readings.
I have always enjoyed working with yeast, especially getting my hands in the dough and turning it over and over and then putting it into a bowl and watch it grow. That is what I think about my faith. I have experienced my faith life in so many different stages – as a child I probably enjoyed participating in the excitement of receiving the sacraments (including the parties and good wishes afterwards). I was so fortunate to have a mother and grandmother who were strong in their faith. I also have to include the religious sisters who taught me. These people of faith gave me the direction I needed. As I grew and married my husband it was another type of growth and I am so fortunate that we both share this faith. I feel that faith is the yeast of my life. Of course, there have been many times when it is hard to know where I am heading with one thing after another working against me. But faith has taught me that I must let go, let God. Some days I can’t do it – I am so engrossed in my problem. Thank God I can think about it and eventually I give in and let God. What a blessing that is! I hope my faith shows through and that I am an example to others. I want all to experience the “extravagant power and love of God in their lives.”
Nonie
A really probing reflection that holds the tension needed to discover God in “all things”—Thanks so much, Laura. Anima and animus at work here; integration of spirit and soul! It strikes me how this age of IT sharing is especially meaningful for cloistered Sisters—how the Holy Spirit uses the fruit of your prayer in human ways never possible in ages past. Hildegarde, Juliana, and CLARE must be so happy with your newsletter!!
Paul
Just read the new Gospel Reflection — thank you, it is very good, and I think this is an excellent ministry for the Clares — words of holy teaching, filled with mercy and offering strength, thank you! Just about the right length, keep it short but strong. Please go forward with this excellent work.
Mary Ann
You hit the meaning just great. This is a powerful and challenging parable and you did a beautiful job breaking it open.
Bishop Ken’s 10th Anniversary
The Chrism Mass with Bishop Ken presiding was a real celebration. The spirit which pervaded everyone was one of unity, love, and friendship; it always seemed that we were all truly so happy and blessed to share that sacred moment together. There were many smiles and hugs amid the rejoicing! The music was wonderful too, and I would be singing to myself all day. Bishop Ken had a gift for liturgy; he is the only preacher whose homilies I can still recall – when I usually can’t remember the homily from last week. Ken’s remarks still bring meaning to my life. I was fortunate to be serving as a DRE under Bishop Ken so I was privileged to hear many of his talks; he truly was here to serve the people of the diocese. Thank you God for the gift of Bishop Ken’s life and love.
In love and prayer, Your Honora
Dear Sisters of my heart, I just LOVED your reflection on memories of Ken and the Chrism Mass(es) that filled us all with a sense of community, hope, and zest for sharing the Love of God! Thank you for filling me with memories that brought me to tears and gratitude and affection for all you have given me through the years.
Thank you for the lovely reminder of how special Bishop Ken was and how he touched so many lives in our diocese.
I have one wonderful memory of our young son (now 39!) and Bishop Ken. As you may know, Bishop Ken would go each Catholic school during Catholic Schools week. All the children of Pinconning St. Michael’s loved it when he came.., because he spoke to them, not down to them. It was obvious that he truly cared about even the smallest ones of our diocese. Our school children especially loved it too, because at the end of Mass, he would announce that he was going to talk with the principal and see if he couldn’t arrange a day off from school for them – how they looked forward to that statement each year.
The personal memory is of our youngest son, who must have been in the third grade at that time. There had been a biblical series on television that year and we, as a family, watched it. It was well done and we all learned from it. Well, to make a long story short, Bishop Ken always asked questions of the children during his sermons. One was a bit more difficult and not one hand went up…then, much to my amazement, I saw our son’s hand slowly rise, he was called on and answered the question correctly. When he came home we told him how proud we were that and asked him how he knew the answer – he replied that he remembered it from the biblical series that we had watched. Then he said that the “Pope” was really nice and gave everyone a day off from school!
God bless you for answering God’s call and for the wonderful work you do.
Great article! I know that he has a special place in your hearts and was a great leader in the church in Saginaw! Thanks for sharing your memories….
The one and only time I met Bishop Ken was at a Charismatic Conference which I new nothing about (just went with a friend). Clearly the Spirit in him touched my heart and I know only that I wanted what he had….without knowing anything about what that was. I was a woman locked behind many walls (my own self protection) and he was one of the ways the Lord got my attention as something new…something that I had never experienced. I remember walking around after he celebrated Mass in the hopes of find him just to talk about what was different. Clearly that was many years and the Spirit of God found me after that and now I grow in the Spirit daily, but it began with a man who was happy and gave something new without his ever being aware. He was and is eternally a man of God’s grace.
Awesome letter. What Joy he brought. Thanks for the memories.
Thanks for the beautifully written and artfully arranged newsletter. I appreciated it a lot. One suggestion. I would send it on to my family etc. if it were a bit less focused on the “faithful” who are Churched.(Second column) Church-going people are fewer and perhaps a twist of “remembering” the hymn haunting our memories since earlier Advent seasons might reach more?
Your O Come, Emmanuel script is very well done. I like that you tell of the loneliness people experience in the Advent Season. And, there are varied forces causing loneliness. Living alone for example, of which I am a part, can be lonely or luxurious. Remembering that Jesus is always there takes away loneliness or even never allows loneliness to enter.
Tom
Below are my thoughts on your article in The Catholic Weekly November 2-8 2013.
Zacchaeus curiosity about Jesus started when and how? We’re not really told in the Gospel story from Luke 19:1-10. I believe it was from listening to people that had either seen Jesus first hand or had heard stories about his healings and teachings. If so what stories are we telling today to spike one’s curiosity? Thus like all of us, if an important person was going to be in our town we might try and get a glimpse of them from a position where we might have the best visual point. For us that might mean hanging out of a window of a building, standing on top of a car, walking on stilts or climbing a light pole. We too might look a little ridiculous to others but, our curiosity would get the best of us would it not?
Then imagine that important person calling you down and speaking to you saying I must spend some time with you lets go to your house. This important person would not call you by name, for he does not know your name. Your heart is pounding and your emotions are running wild. You alone have this person decided to spend time with verses all the other people. All the other people would be cursing you and asking who do you think you are? Saying look at me I am the important one I have status above all these others.
What would our answer be? Would we be able to think or speak?
From this encounter how would our lives be change or would they be changed?
Zacchaeus did not just meet an important person he met Jesus. Thus in Zacchaeus curiosity which made him to turn to Jesus, Zacchaeus encounters The Son of God. The same way we do today when we turn or return to Jesus.
In this encounter we to are called to clean up our relationships with others. Reminds me of the scripture in Matthew 5:23-24 “Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” What is our gift except our very selves?
Then to we might hear Christ proclaim to us “salvation has come to this house”.
Christ knows us and knows our name and will only denies us if we deny him. As Matthew 10:32-34 points out “Everyone who acknowledges me before others I will acknowledge before my heavenly Father. But whoever denies me before others, I will deny before my heavenly Father.”
Before Zacchaeus turn to Jesus he was trusting in his own self and his own possessions. Of which we to can find ourselves are doing today when we take unnecessary detours in our true life’s journey.
So Zacchaeus like us could be looked at by the crowd as a sinner not worthy of anyone’s attention. This is ok for we should not want anyone’s attention we should only want Jesus’s attention. Which means we need to pay attention to Jesus in the many ways that our open to us to be open to Jesus.
Being curious is good sometimes. Being curious about God and allowing nothing to stand in our way to encounter the Son of the living God Christ Jesus, for he is the pivotal point of one true identity and life.
If we embrace each day expectantly and even more so when called to the table of the Word and Eucharist we will be changed and we will find truth, peace and love.
For it is Jesus Christ the Son of God and God the Father and The Holy Spirit that called Zacchaeus by name, whom also calls us by name. Salvation came to Zacchaeus in and through and by Jesus many years ago. Today salvation comes to _______________ (insert your name for Christ wants too) in and through and by Jesus. THANKS BE TO GOD!
What we are to strive for in life is to imitate Christ. To live humanly with all our humanistic instincts and characteristics yet fully turning over our free will to the Father through Jesus Christ with the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit. Thus affording us to cooperate completely with the Father’s divine will. As Christ showed us is possible as He too walked in the footsteps of humanity and still cooperated fully with His Father’s divine will.
We, fully human can cooperate fully with the divine will of the Father when we maintain our true status which is in Christ, with Christ and through Christ. The divinity or our true existences well shine forth the divinity of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. It is in this state of existence and through this state that the reality of the truth that Christ was and is fully human and fully God gives us a glimpse of the divine mysteries. These divine mysteries keeps us and forms us and bring us peace yet, pushes us forward to what we do not yet see. For the expectation of what is yet to be revealed is the hope for what is yet to be experienced in its complete fullness the anticipated face to face with God.
with Christ Love
and mine
Paul
I enjoyed the article about Zacchaeus = well-written and interesting, please go forward with these excellent essays! Zacchaeus means pure — there’s another message going on in the background, the short in stature, pure one, who collects the taxes (repentance) — to his house salvation (Jesus) comes — was Zacc a Greek? thank you very much, yours in Christ, Paul
Tillie
I enjoyed your reflection on Zacchaeus. Curiosity is important and leads us in various directions, even climbing up trees! Or other actions like following Jesus.
Thanks for the commentary on Zacchaeus and the “grace of curiosity”!
Honora
Rich Man: How refreshing to hear a real story of a ”rich man” who did see ”lazarus.” Thanks for the incentive to SEE and experience the joy of giving. So grateful for the positive
bent of the reflection. Encouraging.
Stean
Just read the Lazarus piece, very well written, clear and bright, very good style, please write more like this, excellent, thank you very much — also there are other deep things here, drops of balm upon the suffering even of those who are refused comfort — this is God’s love isn’t it, thank you.
just want to say thank you and I think there’s work for us to do in this, a Poor Clare spirituality outreach for the world to build for the future and reaching further
Tillie
The Lazarus story was great. We can see the faces of the two after the $20 was shared. I say shared because that is what happens when such an incident happens. It is sad that generosity happens so rarely but we must rejoice when it does. You Sisters are so very generous and praying for we sinners every day. Blessings to you all.
Bll and Ruth
We really enjoyed your article in the Catholic Weekly re. the rich man and Lazarus. You had wonderful analogies and a warm sensitivity to those in need. You sisters are a wonderful reflection of God’s love here on earth. We look forward to further articles that you offer.
Dawn
Loved the reflection Laura! Great Job!
Mary
I always find peace in the reading of the Lost Coin simply because of the comfort it gives that God continues to ”search” for each of us his children until we return to his fold. This reading continues to give me hope for my friends, family members & loved ones who have fallen away from the Church and sacraments.
I Thought that this was very well done. I have appreciated all of your newsletters but I don’t think I have taken the time to write. I loved the picture that accompanied The Lost Coin.
It is really easy for me to get in touch with that feeling of losing something. It is powerful. At this time in our world it seems we have lost a sense of peace and respect for each other. May we find it. May God embrace us all and may we have a great party. Soon…
