Blog Archive
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International Women's Day 2011/03/07 by Lou Anglin, BVM
from http://www.internationalwomensday.com/iwd2011_pressrelease.doc
International Women’s Day Centenary sees largest ever activity
The first International Women’s Day events were run in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland in 1911 and attended by over one million people. 100 years on, International Women’s Day (IWD) has become a global mainstream phenomena celebrated across many countries and is an official holiday in approximately 25 countries including Afghanistan, Russia, Ukraine, Vietnam and Zambia.
8 March sees extensive global women’s activity. Performer and social activist, Annie Lennox, will lead a mass march across London’s Millennium Bridge for charity. In Washington D.C. over a thousand people will descend on Capitol Hill demanding a better world for millions of marginalized women and girls around the globe. A major international businesswomen’s conference will be hosted in Sydney, Australia. Schools and governments around the world are participating in the day. Trade Unions and charities are campaigning. Global corporations are hosting conferences and distributing extensive resource packs. The United Nations Secretary-General delivers a formal message. The United States even designates the whole month of March as Women's History Month as officially proclaimed by President Obama on February 28, 2011.
For more information about activities for International Women's Day go to
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World Day of Prayer 2011/03/04 by Lou Anglin, BVM “After hearing the voices of our sisters, experiencing their pains with them, and feeling their hopes and fear, we are empowered to act. Prayer and action are not two different things connected by a string but rather inseparable realms of our faith experience. To pray truly is to be changed. To truly let in a new perspective is to be changed. To act in accordance with these shifts happens organically. Action continues our prayer.”
http://www.worlddayofprayer.net/action.htm
The World Day of Prayer began in the 19th century when Christian women from the United States and Canada began to dialogue about the necessity to gather in support of women’s issues throughout the world. Since then the movement has become grown dramatically and is observed in 170 countries throughout the world on the first Friday in March.
The theme for this year’s day of prayer is “How many loaves have you?” All over the world people are gathering to pray in solidarity with women of Chili who continually struggle with:
-the the impact of globalization and social and environmental issues such as pollution of the environment and over-population in the urban areas.
-the lack of prospects for young people and issues such as drug consumption and trafficking, prostitution, and dysfunctional families—problems directly affecting women and children.
-gender issues resulting in the gap in women's rights in theory and in practice, especially regarding equity and respect in the workplace, which oftentimes is in difficult work environments.
Let us all pray and work for the end of greed that accounts for so much suffering in our world. Let us realize that God has given us all what we need to end the pain of so many if we give from our hearts and share what we have.
Information gathered from http://www.worlddayofprayer.net
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Happy Valentine's Day! 2011/02/14 by Carolyn Farrell, BVM
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So, What is "Perfect," Mr. Speaker? 2011/02/13 by Marge Clark, BVM Blog: So, What Is “Perfect,” Mr. Speaker?
Feb 10, 2011 | “We have been in the majority four weeks,” Mr. Boehner said. “We are not going to be perfect every day.” (New York Times, 2/10/11) In this statement, the Speaker was referring to the Republican members of the House having NOT BEEN IN LOCKSTEP on 2 votes. I’m quite bothered by the notion that “perfection” in Congress is having all members vote along party lines – no matter what they may think is best for the nation, or for their district.
Members swear (or affirm) support of the Constitution, not to support of their respective party. I expect persons for whom I vote to work with integrity, studying issues and listening to experts, to the party and to the people of the district. However, if the informed conscience of the member does not agree with what is heard from the most vocal members of the district and with the party, I expect “perfection” to be each member’s vote based on informed conscience.
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"FEMINIST CHRISTIAN" IS NOT AN OXYMORON 2011/01/13 by Carolyn Farrell, BVM This is the lead line in the inside book jacket of New Feminist Christianity, Many Voices, Many Views edited by Mary E. Hunt and Diann L. Neu. It states that Feminist Christianity isn’t just about women. It’s about all people who have experienced oppression or discrimination—because of their race, ethnicity, nationality…Feminist Christianity is working to fight these prejudices and realize compassion and justice for all people.
The book is divided into five sections with a total of 28 essays by feminists writing from their particular expertise regarding those oppressed or experiencing discrimination. Each author provides her theological insights or practical experience in the struggle to bring compassion and justice for the people in their community or the world at large.
Check http://medusacoils.blogspot.com/2010/09/review-new-feminist-christianity.html for a review of the book.
Skylight Paths Publishing, Woodstock, Vermont
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WINTER GIFTS 2011/01/11 by Elizabeth Fitting, BVM Associate
The air is cold and damp as I step outside. A low fog hangs in the air blocking out the sun and making the world around seem grey and sad. My garden and those of my neighbors are muted, with few blooms and many dead leaves and plants. Even my winter vegetables of beets, kale, lettuce, and bok choi seem subdued, just holding on, although the weeds are thriving. All of this coldness, dampness and lack of sun make me want to stay indoors where I can turn on my heat and lights: such wonderful creature comforts at this time.
As I reflect on what nature is telling me I realize that this is truly a season that is inviting me to turn inward, to nurture and replenish myself like the dormant plants that need a time to NOT be putting out leaves and blossoms, but drawing what is needed from the soil in stillness. It is a reminder to slow down and respect this message from nature as spoken so well by the gifted poet John O’Donohoue.
Here is an excerpt from his poem, “A Blessing for One Who is Exhausted”
“You have been forced to enter empty time.
The desire that drove you has relinquished.
There is nothing else to do now but rest
And patiently learn to receive the self
You have forsaken for the race of days.
At first your thinking will darken
And sadness take over like listless weather.
The flow of unwept tears will frighten you.
You have traveled too fast over false ground; Now your soul has come to take you back."
. . . .
"Stay clear of those vexed in spirit.
Learn to linger around someone of ease
Who feels they have all the time in the world.
Gradually, you will return to yourself,
Having learned a new respect for your heart
And the joy that dwells far within slow time."
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January 1, 2011 2011/01/02 by Roberta White, BVM Mother Us Mary
Mother us Mary. Feed us as you fed Him. Clean
us as you cleaned Him. Clothe us as you clothed Him so
many times when He was little. We, too, are little and in
need, so clothe us in His love, His faithfulness, His will
and wishes. Cleanse us with his purity and holy light.
Feed us with his justice and mercy. He gave you to us.
So now we are totally yours.
Let us become so totally yours that we are totally
His, as you were. Thank you Mother, simple,
humble, pure and holy one. We enter your ordinary
hidden life where love is all that counts. Love that
cleanses, heals and unites. Help us to fully live our
ordinary daily life with the greatest of awareness,
presence and love. Let us be surrounded and
enfolded in graced ordinariness. Let us see each
moment as an opportunity to meet and see Him.
Let us praise, love and serve our God through the
daily stuff, the ordinary, the everyday people,
places and circumstances sent our way. Help us
to be alert, attentive and willing vessels of love
to others we interact with each moment.
Mary, we know we are not alone. You and our loving,
faithful God are always present with us. Let not our
busy-ness push you aside. Teach us that no matter how
hectic life becomes, you are always at its center. With Jesus
you are at the center of our lives. Help us to return to this calm, quiet
center where we meet on holy ground. Let us keep all
these events of our lives carefully in our hearts as you did.
Guide us to bring great mindfulness to our daily happenings
and their meanings.
Loving Mother Mary, hold us closely. Feed us. Cleanse
us. Clothe us and never let us go. We then are totally united
to you, and therefore to your Son, the Father and the Spirit for
now and all eternity. Amen.
How can I open my heart more this new year to Mary so she can bring me closer to her son, Jesus?
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Christmas 2010/12/27 by Gretchen Parrish Birthdays are curious things. If any of us made a list of the most important, happiest, proudest days in our lives, the particular day we were born would not likely factor high on the list, yet that is the day the world appoints for us to celebrate our life. It isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It might even be good, but I still wonder about it periodically.
This year, I experienced a birthday in an entirely new way for me: as the mommy. Myles turned 1. I would love to say that I handled the day with dignity, but that would be a lie. I suddenly contracted the same form of insanity that drives my own mother to set her alarm for 2 a.m. so she can be the first person to wish me a happy birthday every year. I planned multiple parties, baked for days, cleaned, cooked all his favorite foods—which I must admit was not the most appetizing menu for his guests with actual teeth. I told my family they were not allowed to buy gifts. They needed to make gifts at the party because the things they made would ultimately be far more precious than anything they could find in a store. I even called the members of my family who are prone to bickering and threatened them with an old-fashioned ear-boxing if they uttered so much as one cross word. Myles is more of a lover than a fighter; I figured he would appreciate the peace on his big day.
Somewhere in the middle of the whole mother-of-the-birthday-boy insanity, it dawned on me that Myles would see pictures of this day, but he would not remember any of it. I also reminded myself that he will not list the day he was born among the highlights of his life, so he will ultimately spend the same amount of time considering his birthday as the rest of us. All this enlightenment changed nothing. You see, the day he was born is the number one highlight at the top of MY list of best days ever.
So, this year I plan to celebrate Christmas in solidarity with Mary. I am sure if Jesus made a list of all the best days in his 33 years on earth, he would overlook Christmas. Mary, on the other hand, would know just how important the day really is. In honor of her, I will bake and clean and cook. I will remind my family that the best gifts are the ones from their hearts, not the mall. And I will take the necessary steps to ensure peace on my little corner of Earth. No matter how many millennia have passed since she welcomed Him into her life and ours, He is still her little boy and help never hurts when you have a big party to throw. Merry Christmas!
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Fourth Sunday of Advent 2010/12/18 by Harriet Holles, BVM Then God spoke and said, “Ask for a sign, let it be deep as the netherworld or high as the sky!” (Isaiah 7:10) Dare we ask for another sign when signs are all around us – both deep and high? The incredible mystery of the cosmos unfolding for billions of years! The gift nature of our very existence! The desire for beauty and truth and love that continues to expand within our being! God is in us, around us, up and down, woven into the fabric of all creation and we, too, are called to be signs of that Incredible Mystery. Each of us, in a unique way, makes God visible; each of us brings God to expression. My act of care, your invitation to hospitality, our living in joy and peace, affirmation and thoughtfulness are all signs. Over a lifetime, long or short, we create, adjust, renew, deepen and highlight the signs that we are. Little Suzie got that message. It was time for art in the kindergarten classroom. Each promising young artist was intent on producing a masterpiece. The teacher wandered the room, observing, commenting, encouraging. “I’m drawing a picture of God,” little Suzie offered. “But no one knows how God looks,” responded the teacher, as she glanced over Suzie’s piece. “WELL,” said Suzie, “they WILL, when I’m finished!” When we look around us, what wonderful signs we see! God is coming to visibility in each one of us. But we’re not finished! We are always called to more. There are always deeper invitations. If we’re still alive we’re not finished. Little Suzie was right, when she is finished, not with her picture, but with her life, we will all know a little better who God is. How are you doing with your picture of God?
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Greetings from the Middle of the World 2010/12/15 by Luann Brown, BVM The Indigenous of the Andes have compared the Northern hemisphere to the eagle and the Southern hemisphere to the condor. The eagle is associated with logic, reasoning, empirical proof -- the head. The condor symbolizes emotions, feelings, and intuition -- the heart. Modern Andean Indigenous recognize the need for dialogue between the two in order to be healthy and balance life. Below are some of the contrasts between Western Cosmology and Andean Indigenous Cosmovision. The Cosmology of Western thought is intellectual, empirical, and abstract. It views the cosmos only from ideas, intellect, and reason. The Cosmovision of the Indigenous comes from a sensate, affective, and esthetic conception that includes the intellect. Andean Cosmovision is holistic and sees that family as a unit. The community comes first in making priorities. Western thought is impersonal and individual. People are separate and individual achievement and self-actualization are stressed. Andean Indigenous live in harmony with the land. Equilibrium is found with and within the land. Human beings are not owners, but guardians, caretakers, and conservators of the land. The Andean lives in harmony with the land. The human community, the natural community, and the sacred community live in mutual empathy. Humans are in conversation with nature and natural elements are considered to be alive (e.g. Yakumama=Mother Water). Andean agriculture conserves and respects, giving nutrition to Pachamama (Mother Earth). Andean medicine is holistic, integrating the body and spirit. Western Cosmology separates religion and science. It concentrates on information and discovery, viewing nature as a resource. Nature is appreciated for its functional use, to be exploited by people. Humans are the owners of everything. Humans and nature are not considered sacred. Everything revolves around the human being. Western agriculture is mechanized, using machinery and chemicals, for mass production. Western medicine has side effects. It is cold and mechanical. With which Cosmology/Cosmovision do you identify? Can the two live in harmony and dialogue with each other?
Information retrieved from a table prepared by Laura Santillàn and Fernando Chimba.
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Our Lady of Guadalupe 2010/12/12 by Kathy Carr, BVM December 12, 2010 Today is the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness of the Americas. Today we recall Mary reaching out to Juan Diego, a poor Aztec peasant in Mexico. Mary, appearing as an Aztec princess, was a sign of God’s love for the oppressed people of Mexico who had been brutally conquered by the Spanish. With these words of tenderness, Mary reached out to Juan Diego and his people: “I want to be your mother. I want to be mother of all the inhabitants of this land. I want to right the wrongs.” Mary empowered Juan Diego to be a Christ-bearer to the indigenous people of Mexico…she sent him forth as messenger and teacher. Our Lady of Guadalupe stands as a symbol of unity for all those struggling to leave a state of oppression in order to be free. She invites each of us to be “Christ-bearers” in our world and to help those imprisoned by poverty, prejudice, injustice. Each of us can ask ourselves during this Advent season and on this special feast: “How do I bring Christ’s message of love, justice, forgiveness and peace to our divided world?” This feast has a special meaning for those of us in the community who made our novitiate at Guadalupe College in Los Gatos. For us, Our Lady of Guadalupe visibly represents our BVM commitment to justice, especially as called forth in the 1960’s in our community involvement with Caesar Chavez and the United Farm Workers. Recently at Holy Family in Glendale, some of the former members of the set of 1965 were able to view the DVD of the BVM Historical Society presentation regarding Guadalupe College. Below are the reflections of Joanne Pfeiler. We welcome your reflections… |
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Incarnation 2010/12/12 by Elizabeth Fitting, BVM Associate At this Advent time I am asking myself what the Incarnation really means. As I begin to comprehend all that it implies, how will I live differently? In memory of Blanche Gallagher I offer a quote from her book Meditations with Teilhard de Chardin, which is in turn a quote from Teilhard. “In the humanity which is begotten today, the Word prolongs the unending act of God’s own birth: and by virtue of God’s immersion in the world’s womb, the great waters of the kingdom of matter have, without even a ripple, been imbued with life, the immense host which is the universe is made flesh.” (Mooney, Christopher. Teilhard de Chardin and the Mystery of Christ. pg. 81) |
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Third Sunday of Advent 2010/12/11 by Dan Abben, BVM Associate Live the Questions “Be patient, brothers and sisters, until the coming of the Lord.” These words from Saint James seem to contradict the overall theme of Gaudete—or Rejoice—Sunday. This juxtaposition, however, underscores the already/not yet tension of God’s kindom. On one hand, we rejoice and celebrate God’s dynamic presence manifest in the world around us. On the other, we await the fullness of God’s kindom that is yet to come. In a world rife with violence and aggression, discrimination and injustice, we may be tempted to cry out, “How much longer must we wait, O God, for the fullness of your kindom?” In these moments we can find comfort in Rainer Maria Rilke’s often-quoted line: “Be patient toward all that is unresolved in your heart . . . Live the questions now.” Amid this already/not yet tension, we realize that our answer comes only when we live out the questions. When we listen to and honor the deepest stirrings of our heart, when we choose to live with integrity, when we practice right relationships, we ground ourselves ever more deeply in the always, already present love that God is. Then, firmly rooted in God, we find ourselves able to risk the openness and vulnerability necessary to share God’s love with others. As we authentically live the questions in the exigencies of our lives we notice the answer to our cry emerging before us: We do not have to wait for the fullness of God’s kindom. By our very being, rooted within God’s very being, we actualize the fullness of God’s love in the world around us. How are you living the questions this Advent?
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Second Sunday of Advent 2010/12/05 by Ann Marie Dress, BVM "The voice cries out in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.’" Today's Gospel presents John the Baptist announcing the imminent arrival of the Kingdom of Heaven. The Kingdom, guided by God's spirit, will be one that establishes justice, provides peace, and radiates joy. John's message was similar to the message of the Old Testament prophets who chided the people of God for their unfaithfulness and who tried to awaken true repentance in them. Living among a people unconcerned with the things of God, John's work was to awaken their interest, unsettle them from their complacency, and arouse in them enough good will to recognize and receive Christ when he came. Are you eager to hear God's word and to be changed by it through the power of the Holy Spirit?
Jesus is ready to give us the fire of his Spirit that we may radiate the joy and truth of the gospel to a world in desperate need of God's light and truth. His word has power to change and transform our lives that we may be lights pointing others to Christ. Like John the Baptist, we too are called to give testimony to the light and truth of Jesus Christ. Do you point others to Christ in the way you live, work, and speak?
For our second week of Advent, I invite each of us to slow down (as I know I need to do) and ponder the meaning of Christ’s coming, explore how we may or may not be living up to the standards of discipleship, and consider how we might ourselves better seek God's Spirit at work in and around us as we seek to establish justice, provide peace, and radiate joy in our world.
"Lord, let your light burn brightly in my heart that I may know the joy and freedom of your kingdom. Fill me with your Holy Spirit and empower me to witness the truth of your gospel and to point others to Jesus Christ."
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First Sunday of Advent 2010/11/27 by Joanne Lucid, BVM Come, Come O Emmanuel
Imagine entering a room and finding under a lighted tree a beautifully wrapped present with a sign: “Don’t open now”. Here is the question: Do you think that you would wait? What would you do? Some , might react with the question, “Why can’t I?” I remember when I did slip under the tree and poke at the package, peeling of the scotch tape to rip open the present…to be in the moment!
Waiting for some us does not come naturally. Waiting puts us at odds with Christmas. As we walk into church during these Advent days, we hear the hymns of “Come, Come, O Emmanuel”, we wait for a Messiah who seems to be running late. In our American culture, we experience a desire for things to be here NOW. We expect speed: fast internet, speed reading, microwave, minute managers, to “end the war now”. Who likes waiting? A relative of mine tells me that we would be abandoning the people and others have told me that the pressure created in the country will be lasting for decades. Americans are not good at waiting.
Yet, waiting is at the foundation of our life. Can we see that in waiting we come to recognize the receiving in our lives of mutuality, listening, trust, friendship. The capacity to be present in the moment, the Now of our lives is the gift a gift often given in the waiting.
These times have been tough, even fearful for many experiencing huge losses in their lives….I do not need to remind the readers of the blog our consciousness of those losing their homes, jobs, the confusion as to what to do next, and for the Afghanistan people fearful for their children and themselves as to whose side to be on, how to go forward in their brokenness.
We know that there is room for impatient waiting, waiting for God to come, desperate waiting, “come, comfort, comfort my people”. And we raise our voices in joy as we watched on our TVs the Chilean miners come up from the prison to be greeted by families, workers, by all of us thanking God for coming quickly to our aid. Let us remember one another in these weeks ahead. Remember now, no peeking under the tree!!!
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TOWARDS REFLECTIVE ACTION for the EARTH 2010/11/11 by Elizabeth Fitting, BVM Associate
I have been reading Care of Creation: A Franciscan Spirituality of the Earth by Ilia Delio, OSF. She describes what she calls “The Method of Reflective Action.” These are action steps taken after reflection on our relationship to the Earth as we ask ourselves questions like:
2) Do I perceive that in all created things I see around me I am looking at the face of Christ?
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Feast of All Souls 2010/11/03 by Luann Brown, BVM Greetings form the Middle of the World
People in the United Status are celebrating Halloween. This holiday is generally not observed in Ecuador, though some of the practices have crept in. The holiday that is observed here is the Day of the Dead or All Soul’s Day, on November 2nd.
Relating to and communicating with loved ones who are deceased is an integral part of Indigenous spirituality. For the Indigenous, death is a continuation of the life that we know in the spiritual sense. Thus, on the Day of the Dead, people travel to the cemeteries in droves to visit dearly departed. There, they converse with the deceased, telling them how their lives are going and recounting troubles and worries.
In addition to the conversation, people bring food to share with their loved ones. The most popular foods are from the Andes: potatoes, ocas (a variety of potato), habas which are similar to lima beans, but much better!), and cuy (guinea pig). The specialty foods of the season are guaguas de pan (decorated bread babies which represent the departed souls) and colada morada ( a thick, hot, spicy fruit drink made from black corn, oranges, raspberries, pineapple, strawberries, and other native fruits, flavored with lots of sugar and spices).
Outside of the culture, one might view these practices as macabre, but they can be cathartic and healing. Continuing a relationship with loved ones who have passed on is a beautiful way to face the loss and feel the presence of those who are physically absent from our lives.
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TOWARD A SACRED COMMUNITY 2010/10/20 by Elizabeth Fitting, BVM Associate
10/8/2010 by Elizabeth Fitting, BVM Associate
I have been working in my city garden the last few days, harvesting the last ripening tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and squash and enjoying their bounty. At the same time I am thinking ahead to winter and planning my crop rotation: crimson clover for the nitrogen where the tomatoes grew, moving the strawberries to a fresh bed, and planting kale, broccoli, beets, onions and garlic seedlings to carry me through the winter.
I wonder what the humming bird dipping into my water fountain knows and how the warm earth, that provides so much nourishment to me, feels as I dig. And I resonate with Passionist Father Thomas Berry’s statement that there is “a profound Christian awareness that the natural world is itself a manifestation of the divine. This has led to the concept of revelation being contained in two scriptures: one the scriptures of the natural world, the other the scripture of the Bible”
As I plant, I reflect on Thomas Berry’s words about the New Story: “the story of the universe is the new sacred story. . . The Genesis story, however valid in its basic teaching, is no longer adequate for our spiritual needs. . . .”There is a need for the religious traditions, . . . to appreciate that the primary sacred community is the universe itself (italics mine). He goes on to explain, “We need to understand that in all our activities the Earth is primary, the human is derivative. The Earth is our primary community.” This statement will take me a long time to digest and even longer to grapple with the implications.
Quotes from Thomas Berry, Evening Thoughts, Chpt. 4, “Earth as Sacred Community”
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from the Middle of the World! 2010/09/27 by Luann Greetings from the Middle of the World!
According to the Andean calendar, we are in the season of planting, known in the Quichua language as Kulla Raymi. At our school, Yachay Wasi, (House of Wisdom),
we have prepared the fertile Andean land for the planting of corn, beans, and habas (which are like lima beans, only much better!)
There is a ritual in which we ask Pachamama (Mother Earth) for a successful harvest and give her thanks for the abundance of gifts in our lives. Each of us offered her half of our favorite fruit and enjoyed the other half for ourselves.
This type of sharing with the earth has been around for centuries. The Andean Indigenous cultures have been practicing it since ancestral times. It brings to mind the offerings of Cain and Abel in the Old Testament. I ask myself, “What are some other ways that I can express thank to Pachamama and return to the earth something I have been given, rather than only taking of her rich abundance?”
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from the Middle of the World! 2010/09/27 by Luann Greetings from the Middle of the World!
According to the Andean calendar, we are in the season of planting, known in the Quichua language as Kulla Raymi. At our school, Yachay Wasi, (House of Wisdom), we have prepared the fertile Andean land for the planting of corn, beans, and habas (which are like lima beans, only much better!)
There is a ritual in which we ask Pachamama (Mother Earth) for a successful harvest and give her thanks for the abundance of gifts in our lives. Each of us offered her half of our favorite fruit and enjoyed the other half for ourselves.
This type of sharing with the earth has been around for centuries. The Andean Indigenous cultures have been practicing it since ancestral times. It brings to mind the offerings of Cain and Abel in the Old Testament. I ask myself, “What are some other ways that I can express thank to Pachamama and return to the earth something I have been given, rather than only taking of her rich abundance?”
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International Day of Peace 2010/09/20 by Lou Anglin, BVM The International Day of Peace ("Peace Day") provides an opportunity for
May Peace Prevail On Earth
“When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.” Jimi Hendrix
I’m not a big Jimi Hendrix fan but I do I think he nailed it with this idea along with many others over the years who have shared similar thoughts. For me it makes it more personal. It’s not a matter just for Afghanistan and the United States, or Palestine and Israel. It’s also about how I use or misuse power. Yeah, I would like Secretary of State Clinton and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to work from this stance, but I know I also need to challenge myself to do the same.
People all over the world will stop for a minute to pray for world peace at noon Tuesday, September 21st. Join us to pray for peace in the world—and realize that it needs to start in each one of us.
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Internationa Day of Peace 2010/09/20 by Lou Anglin, BVM The International Day of Peace ("Peace Day") provides an opportunity for May Peace Prevail On Earth “When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.” Jimi Hendrix I’m not a big Jimi Hendrix fan but I do I think he nailed it with this idea along with many others over the years who have shared similar thoughts. For me it makes it more personal. It’s not a matter just for Afghanistan and the United States, or Palestine and Israel. It’s also about how I use or misuse power. Yeah, I would like Secretary of State Clinton and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to work from this stance, but I know I also need to challenge myself to do the same. People all over the world will stop for a minute to pray for world peace at noon Tuesday, September 21st. Join us to pray for peace in the world—and realize that it needs to start in each one of us.
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International Day of Peace 2010/09/20 by Lou Anglin, BVM The International Day of Peace ("Peace Day") provides an opportunity for May Peace Prevail On Earth “When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.” Jimi Hendrix I’m not a big Jimi Hendrix fan but I do I think he nailed it with this idea along with many others over the years who have shared similar thoughts. For me it makes it more personal. It’s not a matter just for Afghanistan and the United States, or Palestine and Israel. It’s also about how I use or misuse power. Yeah, I would like Secretary of State Clinton and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to work from this stance, but I know I also need to challenge myself to do the same. People all over the world will stop for a minute to pray for world peace at noon Tuesday, September 21st. Join us to pray for peace in the world—and realize that it needs to start in each one of us.
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Labor Day 2010/09/03 by Lou
It’s Labor Day and so officially the last weekend of summer—how did THAT happen? It’s also a time of mixed emotions for me. I’m grateful for a work that I find meaningful and at the same time very concerned for all those who are desperately looking for work. The unemployment rate in the U.S. right now is about 9.6%. I know that sometimes when I see a statistic I don’t react too much—but when that number represents people you love who are hurting then it does take on much deeper meaning.
The thing about work, too, is that it is paradoxical—work energizes and exhausts you. If you’re lucky you have friends at work but at the same time you don’t always want to go to work. You need to work but then often wish you didn’t have to work. Sometimes you avoid work which just means you’ll eventually have more work. Or my favorite- if you’re good at the work you do that often just means you’ll get more work to do!
I know my attitude about work, or about ministry which I believe our work really is, makes a huge difference. When I concentrate on being of service and sharing my gifts, then my hours spent at my ministry really isn’t work. The hours spent at my desk or talking with people isn’t hard, but is a privilege. When I find myself thinking that I’d really love to stay home and just read a book instead of going to the office I do really need to think of
the 9.6% who would love to have an office to go to, a work to do. And so I think I’ll make a better effort to be mindful of the gift of my ministry and to also pray for those who need employment.
Also for those of you interested, the US bishops have a Labor Day statement about work and justice issues that is also a good read.
http://www.usccb.org/comm/archives/2010/10-151.shtml
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July 16 -- Feast of Our Lady of Mt Carmel 2010/07/16 by Carol Braham Greetings, friends! All of us are back home with the exception of the Maloney-McCrystal family and Caitlin. We left for the States on Wednesday with the Maloney-McCrystal's and Caitlin staying behind to enjoy the beauty of the rain forest. Our family traveled with Fr. Rick and Jeremy while the Stones and Tabaris left a couple of hours later. We had quite the excitement trying to get out of Ecuador. For some reason, it took a crazy amount of time to check everyone in and to get through Customs, despite arriving two hours early. We all had to do the classic "OJ sprint" through the airport. After arriving in Miami, they lost a trailer load of luggage for about an hour, so we were again in peril of missing our flights. Alas, we all made it home safe and sound. Despite the challenges that international travel can bring, it was an awesome trip!! The Working Boy's Center, Nuevo Mundo School and Damien House, all run by BVM's or BVM associates along with Fr. John Halligan, long term volunteers and committed Ecuadorians, are completely inspiring. What a beautiful blessing it was to see these programs at work. Our entire St. Mary's contingent was absolutely in awe of the dedication, perseverance and selflessness of Madre Miguel, Fr. John, Sr. Cindy, Sr. Annie, and BVM associate Pat McTeague. They serve as beautiful examples for all of us to emulate. We have returned home with renewed energy and excitement to further their mission. Our last day there, we brainstormed on new ways to further enhance the relationship St. Mary's has established with the WBC. Both parents and children have come up with some new ideas to raise funds as well as deepen our solidarity. It is amazing what can happen when a person is able to witness, first hand, the work of God! I know we all look forward to the future and what will grow out of this experience - personally, as a parish community and as a partnership with our brothers and sisters in Ecuador. Thank you to all of you for your thoughts and prayers during our journey and may the peace of Christ continue to disturb you!
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Friday's Blog 2010/07/09 by Bronwyn Stone It´s Friday and another beautiful day here in Quito. This morning, we woke up early to participate en los juegos para los niños (games for the kids here at the Working Boys Center). As I ate my delicious breakfast of peanut butter, cornflakes, and banana on delicious bread baked in the bakery here at the center, a yearlong volunteer told us to get it in gear because we were taking the kids to a park today.
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The Guadalupe College Story 2010/06/07 by Kathy Carr, BVM Last Saturday, five of the BVMs who made all or part of their novitiate at our “second” novitiate at Guadalupe College in Los Gatos, CA, shared our story with those who attended the BVM Heritage Society meeting. This story is unique in that only 10 BVMs made their complete novitiate in Los Gatos, and a few others made the latter part of their novitiate there. It is also unique because Guadalupe College operated as a novitiate for only five years in the 1960’s. Though the buildings no longer exist, the spirit of Guadalupe lives on in the lives of all who lived there as professed BVMs, as postulants and novices and those who were BVMs even for a short time. Because we were “pioneers,” almost every major event was a “first”, and history/herstory was being written. Thankfully we kept annals, which helped us to go back and relive the joys, the challenges, the changes and the learnings of those years. Some of the words we feel best describe our experiences are:
Kate Hendel summed it up well in her closing comment:
“Our community at Guadalupe--the BVMs, the lay staff, and our neighbors--was our family away from home. The warmth and patience, the humor and flexibility, the love and compassion helped in our formation in ways that would not be written in a Directress’ book on how to deal with young postulants and novices. To remember any of these individuals now, only brings smiles and thoughts of deepest gratitude.” It was a joy for us (Kathy Carr, Margaret Cosgrove, Fran Donnelly, Kate Hendel, and Regina Qualls) to share the Guadalupe story with the congregation. A DVD of the presentations will be available in the future." |
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Reflections on Chicago Service Trip 2010/05/05 by Kathy Carr, BVM After having some time to reflect on their experiences of the weekend, several participants would like to share how this has impacted their lives:
"Walking with the poorest of the poor and marveling at their positive attitudes and resilience." Mary Ann Krems
"The gift of meeting persons and programs that show such respect for each person and their needs. The blessing of sharing in prayer, processing, conversation with BVMs and associates. To quote one of the homeless women at Deborah's Place: "The joy is in the journey!" C. Jean Hayen
"I appreciated the immigration information and process that we had on Sunday morning. It was so informative and powerful." Joni Davis
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Chicago Service Trip Activities 2010/05/05 by Joan Judge Mirabal, Associate (delayed due to technical difficulties)
Friday evening 20 BVMs, friends and associates from Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin and Texas gathered to begin our immersion experience in Chicago. Sr. Francilla Kirby talked about Holy Family parish, the first BVM mission in Chicago, comparing what the sisters did in the mid 1800's with the ministries they continue to do today. Sr. Brigid Hart then explained the activity we would do with the women at Deborah's Place on Saturday morning: make May Baskets, in keeping with the Celtic tradition of celebrating the 6 months of light following the 6 months of darkness!
Saturday dawned bright and sunny as we headed to Deborah's place, a housing and outreach center for homeless women. We unloaded soil, potting containers and bright pansies and begonias. The women enjoyed making and decorating May baskets for themselves and for friends. As the morning wore on, we chatted over cookies and coffee, with much positive energy filling the room.
We then went to Inspiration Cafe in Uptown, where women receive training for jobs in restaurants. In addition to supporting this ministry, we enjoyed the delicious brunch items on the menu that were served with a smile.
Next, it was across the street to Sarah's Circle, which has a long history of BVM involvement. Carol Cook and the current volunteer director explained how this drop-in center helps homeless women, many of whom have physical or mental health issues, or have experienced violence in their lives. Sarah's Circle is a place of confidentiality and safety for these women, offering many services for them.
Carol then took us on a walk through the Uptown neighborhood, pointing out the many organizations that offer various kinds of assistance to the homeless.
Our last stop was the Cornerstone Community Outreach, established by the Jesus People Community to serve the homeless. They are one of the few organizations that offers housing not only for single men and women, but for families...so that mother, father and children can stay together. Because we were a large volunteer group, half of us began serving the meal while the others visited with the families, and then we switched places. We were touched by the fact that so many of the male diners made a special effort to thank us for our presence and our work.
After finishing with the clean-up, we headed back to Wright Hall, exhausted but fulfilled. We shared our learnings and impressions of the day over pizza...then hit the sack to prepare for a morning of learning about the need for just immigration reform.
P.S. One "small world" experience: at Inspiration Cafe, we met a young woman who works part-time there (not in the homeless training program)...turns out she graduated with an education degree from Clarke College about 6 years ago and is currently teaching at a Catholic school in Chicago!
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Cutting of the Sod -Kumasai, Ghana Library Project May 1, 2010 2010/05/04 by Irene Lukefahr, BVM The dream of a community library and adult education centre in Kumasi, Ghana is moving forward! Approximately 150 children, youth, and adults gathered on the feast of St. Joseph the Worker to give thanks for the work of God’s hands and to ask for a successful completion to the construction process. The joyful program included music, a brief history of the library, testimonies from a library participant, adult education student, the rector of St. Hubert’s Secondary School on which land the library will be built and hope-filled comments from the contractor. Following a reading from the late Archbishop Oscar’s Romero’s “Master Builder” prayer, Archbishop Thomas Mensah shared how his own love of reading began as a middle-school child. He commented on the value of adult education and referred to Archbishop Romero’s inspiring words reminding us that we are all workers, not master builders, prophets of a future not our own. The Archbishop was most generous in his praise and gratitude for the influence and generosity of the BVM Congregation and the many benefactors who have helped further this project. Prayers of intercession focused on the beauty and care of the sacred land, the generosity of all our benefactors, our Library Advisory Board, architects, volunteers, the children, youth and adults who already use the library and adult education programs, and those who will make use of the facility in the future. The blessing of the land and all those assembled, the cutting of the sod and planting of a young tree followed. Our concluding prayer reminded us to encourage each other to read, to learn and to expand our vision of a peace-filled world created in God’s image. Keeping with tradition at such a gathering, was a plea to contribute to the construction costs. Music and refreshments completed the program as a contagious spirit of gratitude and excitement filled the air. Pictures of the day are below. |
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Emmanuel Danso from Kumasai 2010/05/04 by Irene Lukefahr, BVM Emmanuel Danso has been enjoying books since a make-shift library was opened by BVMs in December 2006. Emmanuel shared how reading has given children something to do after school as well as helped them improve their English and writing skills.
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Preparing the May Baskets for Deborah's Place 2010/05/01 by Kathleen Conway, BVM from her Blackberry
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Making flower baskets 2010/05/01 by Kathleen Conway, BVM from her Blackberry Associates preparing flower Baskets for women
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Kathy Carr at Wright Hall with other BVMs and Associates 2010/05/01 by Kathleen Conway, BVM from her Blackberry BVMs and Assocates as they begin their immersion weekend in Chicago |
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Chicago Service Weekend 2010/05/01 by Kathy Carr, BVM Last night 20 BVMs, Associates and friends came together at Wright Hall for the beginning of our first Chicago Service Experience weekend. We began with a meal, prayer and sharing what brought each of us to participate in this weekend. Many expressed a desire to work together, building community while stretching ourselves with new experiences.
Sr. Francilla Kirby shared with us about the kinds of outreach that continues to be done at Holy Family parish, our first BVM mission in Chicago. Brigid Mary Hart then prepared us for our first activity this morning: we will be going to Deborah's Place, a housing and outreach center for women, which offers various activities for women on Saturday morning. This morning, May 1, we will help them make "May Baskets" with real flowers that they can take with them, and share life with them over coffee and cookies.
Then we're off to Inspiration Cafe, which teaches women how to work in the restaurant business. We will support their endeavor by having lunch there, before crossing the street to Sarah's Circle, which has a long history of BVM involvement. Carol Cook and a current staff member will talk about the work of Sarah's Circle, which helps women to get away from a life on the street.
We'll cap off the day at Cornerstone Community Center, where we will serve the evening meal to about 175 homeless families.
Gathering back at Wright Hall tonight, we know we will have much to share and that we will have been touched by the lives of all those whom we meet today.
Please keep us in prayer...that we may be open to the ways God might be speaking to us in each person and event of the day...
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Wednesday April 28 from Quito 2010/04/28 by Elizabeth Fitting, Associate #myloadedit.body# |
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Monday April 26, 2010 2010/04/26 by Bill Hare This will be short since I´m on someone else´s site and I´m not sure how this works. I am surrounded by kindness. I am traveling with 11 other ladies and they are kind to me. We are staying with people of incredible kindness. We are surrounded by the kindness of strangers. This is a poor country. But the people we´ve met as we travel around are - they are something.
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Easter Sundy 2010/04/05 by Kathy Carr Last year during the Easter season, I ran across a beautiful reflection that continues to inspire me. Based on the resurrection story as told in Matthew 28, Irene Zimmerman describes the faith of the women who come to the tomb to anoint Jesus after the Sabbath. I find it particularly appropriate for our times—celebrating the call of women to proclaim “the Good News.”
“The heady fragrances they carried rose above their heads like incense, exorcising the garden of death. ‘Who will roll away the stone for us?’ the women whispered to one another.
None of the men had offered to go, so the women had set out in haste alone to straighten twisted feet and fingers, comb black blood from matted hair, anoint the precious body with spices.
‘But who will roll away the stone?’ they whispered again as they neared the tomb. ‘Jesus said prayer could move mountains. We must stay together, continue to believe.’ They stepped firmly forward, balancing their heavy jars.
When they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had already been rolled back. Inside, they heard from a being a dressed in light; ‘You are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here.’
Fleeing from the tomb, intent on telling no one, they tripped pell-mell over terror and amazement onto the glowing feet of Jesus. ‘Go tell the others!’ he commanded.
After the telling, they set out in haste—together this time, a community of equals—to roll away stones, straighten crooked paths, comb the far countries, anoint the precious world with Good News. (“Easter Witnesses” in Woman Un-Bent, St. Mary’s Press, 1999)
Words to ponder this Holy Week…
How does the risen Christ empower each of us to share the freeing word of the Good News to a world so often dominated by exclusion, prejudice, hatred and violence? How can we be sacraments of new life--of inclusion, welcome, hope and peace?
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Good Friday 2010/04/05 by Jean Hayen, BVM It is the message of Jesus, not His death, that sets us free.
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Holy Thursday/April Fool's Day 2010/04/01 by Sandy Rodemyer, BVM
(John 13: 1-15)
After supper, Jesus washed the feet of the disciples...even the feet of Simon Peter, who naturally protested with his usual bravado, “You will never wash my feet.” Good Jew that he was, Peter was not about to have his Master take on the role of the lowest-of-the-low house servant for HIM. This traditional Jewish custom of washing the dusty feet of house guests was not what Jesus should be doing. But Jesus told Peter that he would have no part with Jesus unless Peter complied...which, of course, he did with his over-the-top response, “Then wash all of me.” “What I am doing, you do not understand now, but you will understand later.” Familiar words of Jesus. And so we have understood...for centuries. Jesus was setting us the example of what it meant to be His follower. We were to be servants. And so we have tried to be. Being a servant is hard work, challenging work. We often resist the call because we think that we know the cost of servanthood. But DO we understand what Jesus did? REALLY understand? Could there be more than meets the eye in the washing of the feet? John Dear, SJ, thinks so. In his NCRonline blog of March 23, he presents a radically different view. He says that Jesus was really following the example of Mary of Bethany, who washed his feet earlier. Nothing radical about that...except that she was anointing Jesus’ feet to prepare Him for His “impending death.” Dear believes that Jesus washed the feet of the disciples to prepare them “for the journey of nonviolence, for the Way of the Cross and resurrection, for the consequences of our resistance to injustice and empire.” Suddenly the notion of “service” seems safe...secure...traditional. Anointing for martyrdom? That’s a very scary notion. Maybe that’s just John Dear going off on his “political” bent again. Maybe....or maybe John Dear is just playing an April Fool’s joke on us. But then...St. Paul DID say that we are “fools for Christ.” What will you be thinking about when YOUR feet are washed tonight? To what is Jesus REALLY calling us? Something to ponder as the bowl approaches.
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Compelled by Love: A Palm Sunday Meditation 2010/03/29 by Kathryn Linhardt, BVM Associate At the height of his popularity, and with crowds at fever pitch, Jesus sets his face to go to Jerusalem. In the midst of palm-swaying adulation, the Messiah-of-the-Moment enters the city knowing that all too soon he will be the Divine Outcast when the mob turns against him. What is he thinking as he travels the parade route to his impending death sentence? Surely, he feels alone in the tumult; a soul already sorrowful unto death. The chanting multitudes think they know him, calling him by name, but the times are volatile, the mood will change. In no time at all, this Anointed One will succumb to the treachery that awaits him. Christ, however, will ultimately rise up, leavened and enlivened by pure and infinite love. And, tenderly, mercifully, he continues to lead us through the mayhem, illuminating our limited understanding, liberating our stubborn opaqueness, and inspiring us to risk all for love as we journey together to his sacred realm, his radiant kingdom. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.
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The Raising of Lazarus 2010/03/29 by Mary Anne Hoope, BVM The story of the Raising of Lazarus (Jn. 11:1-45) prefigures the resurrection of Jesus. The story is situated just before the passion narrative.
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One a day reflection 2010/03/09 by Mary Healey, BVM 1. The disciples asked Jesus, Who has sinned? This man or his parents? Jesus brushed aside their notions then, but Who has sinned? is a good question now. Who is responsible for a child being born blind? Is it a mining company polluting the water his mother drinks? Or a corrupt official embezzling the funds that should have vaccinated her against measles? Or some other preventable cause? Have I sinned in enjoying the benefits of a system that enables this evil? Today when I hear bad news, instead of thinking, How terrible! I'll try to think, How could this have been prevented? Can I do something?
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Reflection on Third Sunday of Lent 2010/03/03 by Elizabeth Fitting, BVM Associate Jesus, tired from his journey, sat down there at the well.(It was about noon. A woman of Samaria came to draw water.(Jesus said to her,(Give me a drink.(His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.(The Samaritan woman said to him,(How can you, a Jew, ask me, a Samaritan woman, for a drink? John 4:6-4:10 Doesnt this passage knock our stereotypes if we understand the culture of Jesus! Jesus is asking a woman, a Samaritan woman no less, for something! The Samaritans were considered impure and only in certain situations could a male converse directly with a female. Here Jesus is crossing both religious and social boundaries. That in itself is a lesson for all of us as we worry about who we might offend when we feel the wish to speak out or take some risky action. The path of risk was one Jesus walked most of his public life since his first allegiance was to the Kingdom of God, not to the often petty laws and practices of religious or social leaders. The more touching aspect of this story however is Jesus delicate sensitivity to the Samaritan womans deepest needs despite her off-putting response to his request for water. He shows her first his own need his thirst, making himself vulnerable. Then in a few words he lays opens her life before her, speaking respectfully but honestly. In this place of mutual vulnerability an exchange happens that causes a transformative experience for the woman. Its impact is such that she wants all those in her village to hear the good news Jesus brings and she becomes one of Jesus disciples. She is not one of the well know 12, but one of many generations of woman who, in their own, usually quiet and forceful way, live and spread the gift of searing love and inner freedom that Jesus taught and lived. This story is worth reading and pondering many times with its multiple layers :the vibrant encounter between Jesus and the unnamed woman, the examples of vulnerability, courage and compassionate love, and the symbolism of water from the well- Jacobs Well. Imagination can lead one into the tangled past of the Samaritan woman before the point of meeting Jesus and we can only begin to feel what must have broken open for her in this encounter. Can we allow ourselves this type of vulnerability, courage? Can we let flow the deep wellspring of love that God wants to pour out from our hearts and see where it will take us? |
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Second Week of Lent 2010/02/22 by Irene Lukefahr, BVM Reflection on the Second Sunday of Lent: The Transfiguration
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Ash Wednesday and the First Week of Lent 2010/02/15 by Harriet Holles, BVM See, now is the acceptable time.
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Gentle Discourse or Not? 2010/01/08 by Elizabeth Avalos, BVM
Sandra Schneiders, IHM has written 5 essays for the National Catholic Reporter on religious life. It is my hope that we will be able to read Sandra’s essays and take the time to reflect on their content and then have a meaningful gentle discourse.
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Christmas Silence 2010/01/04 by Mary Therese Finan, BVM Associate Little Christmas is almost here which signals the end of the <!--[endif]-->Angels singing, sheep bleating, camels snorting…then Carolers singing, bells ringing, children laughing…now. It seems that there are many sounds connected with Christmas. As I sit at my harp playing carols that are triumphant, charming, or lullabies, I realize that so many carols end in with the child asleep, with heavenly peace or with the awed act of adoring the new born. The night, a time of quiet is called “divine”. It is in this quiet silence that we receive the gift, New Life, newly born for us. And it is in silence that we come to see for ourselves, to join with the angels, the shepherds, the wise people in deep adoration. It is only in silence that we can receive the Gift of God, the person of Jesus. And it is in silence that the Spirit joins us to the depth of God’s giving.
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Christmas Season and National Public Radio 2009/12/29 Every day on my way to work the public radio morning news becomes part of my morning prayer. On Fridays, at 7:30 a.m. right before I make the final turn I catch the Story Corps* portion. Often times I find myself close to tears, or experiencing an “Ah! Ah! moment or just in awe of the humanity around me. There are stories of death and life, hardship and hope, joy and pain. Though I do not know the persons formally I feel that they have invited me into their most precious lives for the 3-4 min of my listening.
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Mary and Child 2009/12/28 by Joni Davis, BVM Associate As we enter the days after Christmas we continue to reflect on the meaning and impact of Jesus birth into our world.
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December 23rd 2009/12/23 by Rose Mary Meyer, BVM December 23rd Reflection
Advent prepares us to celebrate Christmas. Excitement builds, even in the midst of days brimming with busyness. During these last couple days of Advent, we feel a call to stillness, to contemplation. We find ourselves humming “O come, o come Emmanuel.”
We already know that God is within and among us, but celebrating Incarnation is the heart of Christmas. Even though we might feel fatigue, we’re dancing from task to task in anticipation and awe. The mystery of
Incarnation enlivens hope in our lives.
We live in hope
--hope for the millions in refugee camps, that a “star” may guide these people safely back to a peaceful homeland;
--hope for those seeking food and shelter, that human beings will be “houses of bread”, reaching out with open arms and hearts, offering nourishment for bodymindspirit;
--hope for a renewed consciousness of Earth as a living entity, as “house of bread” for all species;
--hope that people will live the implications of interconnectedness and interdependence with all creation;
--hope for the victims of trafficking, that we will dismantle the interlocking systems of entrapment so that victims might be released from their bondage;
--hope for the restoration of human dignity for workers when they receive living wages and benefits;
--hope for healing the scars of colonialism, dualism, racism, sexism, all systems of oppression;
--hope, hope, hope….
The mystery of Incarnation is always unfolding hope among us. May we live the miracle and hope of Incarnation every day! Merry Christmas!
--Rose Mary Meyer, BVM
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4th Sunday of Advent 2009/12/19 by Rose Mary Meyer, BVM As I light the fourth candle on the Advent wreath, I imagine Mary and Joseph discussing their plans for their trip to Bethlehem. I picture Mary busy cooking, baking, cleaning, packing, preparing for the trip. In the midst of all these activities, was her excitement and her concern about giving birth framing each moment?
I wonder why Mary decided to go to Bethlehem since she was soon to give birth. Only men had to register to fulfill the decree of Caesar Augustus. Mary knew that walking to Bethlehem would be strenuous for her.
On their journey, Mary and Joseph probably noticed the fields around Bethlehem. In Hebrew, the name “Bethlehem” means “house of bread,” an appropriate description of that geographic area.
As they walked along, did Mary and Joseph express their gratitude for their daily bread, gift of Earth? Did they remark about the flour ground from the grain in the surrounding fields, the water from the nearby wells, the leaven, the kneading, the fire for baking? Did they feel gratitude and awe that these natural ingredients are transformed into bread to be broken and shared?
Did Mary speak about the ongoing mystery of her pregnancy, her delight that she and Elizabeth were able to be together and support each other, her excitement and her fears about possibly giving birth away from home, perhaps in Bethlehem? What meaning would a child born in Bethlehem, house of bread, have for the future?
Those of us living in the 21st century retell this meaning-full journey story. What a powerful story to have lasted for generations! How does this story motivate us to be a “house of bread”? What is the meaning of being a “house of bread” in this century where billions worldwide are experiencing the aches of many hungers?
How do we express our appreciation for Earth, sharing an extravagant abundance of ingredients for “bread”? Bethlehem, house of bread, impacts our lives as it did the lives of Mary and Joseph.
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Saturday, 3rd Week of Advent 2009/12/19 by Kathleen Mullin, BVM Saturday, December 19, 2009
From the opening prayer in today’s Mass we ask, “Give to us true faith and love to celebrate the mystery of God made human….”
Jesus came “into this world
to walk a certain path,
fulfill a certain destiny.
He consciously fulfilled what had been ‘written’ for him.
As I look back I see in wonder what was ‘written’
And has thus far been fulfilled
in my own life…
I see with joy what has been done through me
to make the world a better place….”
(Anthony de Mello)
With boldness, humility, simplicity, trust and joy we continue our unique journey with Jesus, with our sisters and brothers, with Mary Frances Clarke.
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Friday, 3rd Week of Advent 2009/12/18 by Kathleen Mullin, BVM Friday, December 18, 2009
Joseph, disturbed by the shocking news of Mary’s pregnancy when they were still engaged and not living together, paid attention to a dream. There he found a solution and solace. Joseph dared to believe the astonishing story about Mary
and in the action of the Holy Spirit, as Matthew tells us in the gospel today.
Often we are caught in a dilemma. Let us pray with Ed Hays in the spirit of Mary and Joseph, Mary Frances Clarke and many who help us interpret our “dreams”.
“Guide us with the light of your Spirit,
to be aware of the rough ways in our relationships,
with family, friends and strangers,
with co-workers, co-learners
and with those in authority.”
And with Diana Macalintal:
“…Bless us who continue to seek You in dreams.
Open our ears to hear You in our visions,
loosen our tongues to speak Your word,
strengthen our hands to respond swiftly in action,
and embolden our hearts that what we hear in the dark
we may proclaim in the light.” (adapted)
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Thursday, 3rd Week of Advent 2009/12/17 by Kathleen Mullin, BVM Thursday, December 17, 2009
Today’s gospel genealogy passage from Matthew tests the proclaimer’s naming skills and gives us a reminder that our family history is significant. For many of us the transmission of faith and values through generations helps shape our identity and choices.
“Longing for wholeness is a yearning to live wholly and completely into one’s life, to gather up the unlived bits and pieces of the past,to embrace and love those who loved us, and
to weave them forever into the fabric of memory.
It is an awareness of the coming wholeness, a final transcendence….”
(Nancy Hiles)
May the joy we share,
the kindness and compassion we extend.
the justice we seek for all
and the love we accept and give
enrich our patterns of generativity.
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Wednesday, 3rd Week of Advent 2009/12/16 by Kathleen Mullin, BVM At our parish, the ecumenical Advent Vespers music and reflections each Sunday echo today’s Alleluia verse, Isaiah 40: 9, “Raise your voice and tell the Good News.” The good news of Advent scripture passages link daily with our personal good news toward renewing all of creation in this, our planet’s Eighth Day of Creation. Sing and pray verse three of the Evening Hymn, “Creator of the Stars of Night”. “Give us a love that never dies, a vision of the world to come: when all oppression finally ends, and all the homeless find a home.” In the weekly service, we pause between the hymns and verbal prayers, and I am reminded of Joan Chittister’s statement: “Sometimes words get in the way. Prayer is silence. It is dance. It is poetry. It is song. It is tears. It is laughter. Then, little by little, it becomes life.”
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Tuesday, 3rd Week of Advent 2009/12/14 by Kathleen Mullin, BVM Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Responsorial Psalm 34 excerpts
O, open your hearts, friends,
that your pain and loneliness
be turned to Love,
and then, we shall rejoice
in the Beloved together!
Keep your heart open and free,
make time to dwell in Silence,
become a peaceful presence
in the world.
(Nan Merrill)
The Beloved hears the cry of the poor.
In this holy season, what are we doing to connect with persons in need in our extended family, in community, in our local area? Recalling responses of John the Baptist in Sunday’s gospel, we sense again the call to renewal, to a commitment to
just living.
May we be a blessing to each other.
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Monday, 3rd Week of Advent 2009/12/14 by Kathleen Mullin, BVM Monday, December 14th, feast of St. John of the Cross
“Be silent. Be still, alone,
Empty before your God.
Say nothing. Be silent. Be still.
Let your God look upon you. That is all….
Let your God love you!”
(Edwina Gateley)
John of the Cross, a contemplative, invites us to contemplate.
His life reflects the balance of prayer and service, of collaboration (with Teresa of Avila) and action for needed change. He possessed an inner joy despite being opposed and imprisoned for being a reformer.
Being “present to the Presence”, as Albert Haase names the discipline of prayer, “fosters a prayerful, contemplative attitude and approach to daily life”.
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Sunday, 3rd Week of Advent 2009/12/13 by Kathleen Mullin, BVM Sunday, December 13th, Gaudete-Rejoice Sunday
“Rejoice!”
“Sing joyfully!”
“Cry out with joy and gladness”
Seriously!
Such urgings from today’s readings may challenge our feelings. As we complete the first decade of the 21st century, many feel assaulted by crucial issues. Yet we ponder: “to the anxious: be strong and fear not!”
Our God is always with us, waiting—
Rejoice and give thanks!
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Saturday, 2nd Week of Advent 2009/12/12 by Dolores Becker, BVM SATURDAY Sirach 48:1-4,9-11 Psalm 80: 2-3,15-16,18-19 Matthew17:101-3
Elijah was a formidable prophet—imagine seeing him go to heaven in a whirlwind, in a chariot with fiery horses. Let your imagination recall someone that powerful in your life—spend time recalling specific instances, maybe you may want to journal or create a poem or art piece.
Lord, let us see your face and we shall be saved. Look deeply into the faces of those you encounter today. Share a smile and see what reaction you get.
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Friday, 2nd Week of Advent 2009/12/11 by Dolores Becker, BVM FRIDAY Isaiah 48:17-19 Psalm1:1-2,3,4,6 Matthew 11:16-19
The Lord begs us listen. Are you good at that? If we do listen properly we’ll be like Abraham and our descendents will resemble the sand. If you’re by the shore mingle with the grains of sand. Try and count the individual grains. If you meditate, possibly, with an egg timer—study the grains as they gently pass through the hole.
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Thursday, 2nd Week of Advent 2009/12/10 by Dolores Becker, BVM THURSDAY Isaiah 41:13-20 Psalm 145:1,9,10-11,12-13 Matthew 11:11-15
The Lord our God has come and reversed the harshness meted out to Israel; behold rivers, fountains, springs of water and a vast array of trees will appear. The hand of the Lord has given these for us, how am I using and preserving them? Let us make known to all the glorious splendor of the kingdom.
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Wednesday, 2nd Week of Advent 2009/12/09 by Dolores Becker, BVM WEDNESDAY Isaiah 40:25-31 Psalm 103:1-2,3-4,8,10 Matthew 11:28-30
Jesus promises to refresh us, if we but “Come”. Advent days are a gift of refreshment. Why not take Jesus at his word and find rest—solace from whatever is burdening you now. If we accept that refreshment then we can soar on eagle’s wings. Use the familiar hymn “On Eagle’s Wings” as your background mantra today.
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Tuesday, 2nd Week of Advent 2009/12/08 by Dolores Becker, BVM TUESDAY Isaiah 40:1-11 Psalm 96:1-2,3,10,11-12,13 Matthew 18:12-14
“Comfort, give comfort … speak tenderly to Jerusalem and proclaim that her guilt is expiated.” These words speak to the heart—our Advent task. Maybe in our periods of prayer and overflowing into our daily life today we can exhibit a gentle self to ourselves and those we encounter.
Treat yourself and listen to this hymn as part of Handel’s “Messiah”.
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Advent Monday, Week 2 2009/12/07 by Dolores Becker, BVM MONDAY Isaiah 35:1-10 Psalm 85: 9-10,11-12,13-14 Luke 5:17-26
Jesus was a popular teacher. Many would want to hear him. The paralytic wanted to be healed but the devotees of Jesus make it impossible. His friends lowered him through the roof—no thought of sterilization or rude disruption of the session—just getting close to the teacher. What would have been your reaction? Consider being the sick one.
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2nd Sunday of Advent 2009/12/06 by Dolores Becker, BVM Second Week of Advent
Dolores Becker, BVM
SUNDAY
Advent is my favorite liturgical season. To me it’s an anticipatory time, one of great expectation which falls, for many as the busiest four weeks of the year but I’m asking us to give serious attention to the preparatory aspect this year.
Let these days draw us deeper into the Scriptures. I already had an awakening. I prayed and then read today’s Gospel and immediately was caught by the high-powered names mentioned in the opening verses. They caught me off guard and directed my attention to the Palm Sunday Gospel (Luke 22:14-23,56) we’ll hear; we must never lose sight during Advent of the Holy Week events—all are connected because we’re preparing for the Savior’s coming—and that’s the true meaning of Jesus’ name.
Many of us have enjoyed “Gospel” where the Baptist cries out “Prepare ye the way of the Lord.” How have you and how are you reaching to prepare the way? Who in your life has been your John the Baptist? Have you ever thanked that person? It’s never too late.
Reflect on your life’s events. Has your way been straight? Have you put obstacles in your own way? Who has helped make your rough windings smooth?
Have you bravely assisted your sisters and brothers to see God’s saving Presence? Or have you experienced a salvific action through another’s guidance?
Baruch tells us God is leading Israel in joy. Children are bubbling at this time. Take your cue from them and let God’s mercy and justice accompany your journey.
We all can say “The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.” And my wish for each of us is that we may be found rich in the harvest of justice which Jesus is ripening in us.
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Advent Week 1 2009/12/04 by Ann Chaput, BVM Mary, heavy with child, travels the arduous journey to Bethlehem.Like Mary, we are often taken where we did not expect, led to a path we had not foreseen, when we place ourselves in God’s hands.
Read and reflect: Luke 2:1 - 5
Prayerful response: My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior.
For He has looked upon His handmaid’s lowliness; behold, from now on will ages call me blessed.
The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is His name.
His mercy is from age to age to those who fear Him.
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Advent Week 1 2009/12/04 by Ann Chaput, BVM Mary, engaged to Joseph, is with child. Like Mary, when we are faithful to God, we risk being misunderstood, even rejected.
Read and reflect: Matthew 1:18 - 19
Prayerful response: My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior.
For He has looked upon His handmaid’s lowliness; behold, from now on will ages call me blessed.
The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is His name.
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Advent, Week 1 2009/12/02 by Ann Chaput, BVM Mary sets out on her own to visit her cousin, Elizabeth.Like Mary, we must stand up, venture out on our own to witness and rejoice in the gospel in the lives of others, especially to the poor, the forgotten and neglected.
Read and reflect: Luke 1:39 - 45
Prayerful response: My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior.
For He has looked upon His handmaid’s lowliness; behold, from now on will ages call me blessed.
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Advent 2009/12/02 by Ann Chaput, BVM As we begin this wonderful season of Advent, let us reflect upon the journey of Mary to Bethlehem and unite it with our own Advent journey:
Day 1 – An angel announces/asks Mary to be the mother of the Savior. Like Mary, we have been gifted with faith, yet we continue to be invited to accept this gift, to say yes.
Read and reflect: Luke 1:26 - 38
Prayerful response: My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior.
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Advent 2009/11/29 by Ann Chaput, BVM Advent, Week I.
Advent is probably the most contrary to culture season for Christians. When all about us are busy with gift buying and wrapping, decorating trees and cookies, planning parties and how everything can fit into schedules,
Christians are called to BE STILL.
The darkness of the season calls to us; the voice of prophets announce the coming; Scripture records the promise and the waiting for it to be fulfilled. And, deep within our own hearts, we know a yearning, a desire for the Gift Advent awaits.
Mary is our Advent companion. It is Mary who has modeled for us the waiting for the birth of the Savior. It is Mary who “pondered all these things in her heart.” It is Mary whose YES made our Advent one of expectation, knowing the Savior has come,
will come again, and is among us even now.
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Happy Thanksgiving! 2009/11/26 by Lou "If the only prayer you said in your whole life was, "thank you," that would suffice."
I offer a humble prayer of thanksgiving for all God's gifts--we live in great abundance.May we always be grateful.
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SOA--Pray that it will CLOSE! 2009/11/18 by Lou I’m off to Ft. Benning again this year for the School of the America’s protest. As always, I leave anticipating that this will be the last trip down to Georgia because certainly by next year they will have closed the school.
This past Monday, November 16th, was the 20th anniversary of the assasinations of the six Jesuits and their housekeeper and her daughter in El Salvador. They were Ignacio Ellacuria, Ignacio Martin-Baro, Segundo Montes, Arnando Lopez, Joaquin Lopez y Lopez, Juan Ramon Moreno, and Elba Ramos. Graduates of the School of Americas have been linked to these deaths and thousands of others.According to the School of the America’s Watch website “Over its 59 years, the SOA has trained over 60,000 Latin American soldiers in counterinsurgency techniques, sniper training, commando and psychological warfare, military intelligence and interrogation tactics. These graduates have consistently used their skills to wage a war against their own people. Among those targeted by SOA graduates are educators, union organizers, religious workers, student leaders, and others who work for the rights of the poor. Hundreds of thousands of Latin Americans have been tortured, raped, assassinated, “disappeared,” massacred, and forced into refugee by those trained at the School of Assassins.”
Over twenty thousand peaceful people gathered last year to pray for peace and an end to war. We continue to pray for the soldiers and civilians who are in Afghanistan and Iraq and other war-torn places. We continue to pray for the wisdom to see that war is not the answer and that building a just world is the way to peace. Please join us in prayer.
Christian Prayer for Peace
Blessed are the Peacemakers,
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Veterans Day 2009/11/11 by Lou Veterans Day
Almighty God, gratn us grace fearlessly to contend against evil and to make no peace with oppression; and that we may reverently use our freedom, help us to employ it in the maintenance of justice among peoples and nations.
adapted from the Book of Common Prayer
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Prayer for Mindfulness 2009/11/06 by Lou Prayer for Mindfulness
Let us begin by recalling the words of Cesar Chavez: “Every time we sit at a table at night or in the morning to enjoy the fruits and grain and vegetables from our good earth, remember that they come from the work of men and women and children who have been exploited for generations…” Almighty God, too often we don’t pay attention, we don’t stop to think that, even in this day and age, injustice remains an invisible ingredient in much of the food that we eat. Shake us awake, O God, open our eyes to see our power and obligation as consumers to help put things right. Justice demands it. Love demands it.
--National Farm Worker Ministry
Blessing Prayer
Bless the hands of the people of the earth,
Soften the hands of the oppressor and
Bless the hands of the workers,
--National Farm Worker Ministry *
In Iowa these days the corn is being harvested. It is hard work and a long time coming. We’ve had a wet fall in the Midwest after a late spring that delayed planting. The family farm is in a bad way these days with the price of corn and soybeans being low in addition to trying to stay in competition with big agri-business.
The plight of those who pick most of our fruits and vegetables is even worse. Migrant farm workers leave their homes in order to pick crops that we often just take for granted. Often these people work in substandard housing, get minimal pay and are exposed to dangerous pesticides.
I am challenged as I pray these words to be mindful of the deep gratitude I owe those who bring food to my table. I am challenged, too, to be aware of the situation of the farmers and farm workers so I can do what I can to be a conscientious consumer—to buy locally when I can, to buy in season when possible, to participate in boycotts of businesses that we know do not treat employees fairly. As in the words of the prayer
“Justice demands it. Love demands it.”
*used with permission www.ufwm.org
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Harvest Prayer 2009/10/20 by Lou THE HARVEST PRAYER
Please be gentle with yourself and others
(Anonymous 17th-Century Sermon)
This lovely prayer, written hundreds of years ago, has great lessons for us today. God has gifted us with a great abundant, generous Earth.To“Care less for the size of your harvest than for how it is shared” however would be a hard sell around Iowa these days as farmers anxiously wait to pick their corn and soybean crops. Family farmers care very much about the size of their harvest as they struggle to make ends meet in an enterprise that has become increasing BIG business.
I think the real challenge has much more to do with the state of one’s heart and the ability to be generous with what we do have. Our culture often tells us that we need to hang on to, stock up on, and buy early and often. But the reality is that we have more than we need. We have a great abundance of material things and an even greater abundance of talent, thoughts, ideas, love—and the list goes on. What is behind the words of this prayer seems to me to be a gentle call to trust God, to look to our universe for answers about how to be in the world. It asks us to be a nonjudgmental and generous presence and that doing so will give meaning and bring peace. As I reflect on the many lessons that this harvest season has to offer, I hope to remember these words.
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Sept. 21-- Civil Discourse? 2009/09/21 by Kathy For several weeks I have been asking myself, “What has happened in the United States?” How is it that so many people can no longer have civil discourse with one another? Why are we treating those who might disagree with us on issues of politics, economics, culture and even religion so rudely…with little or no respect for our shared humanity. I am appalled at the blatant rudeness that has been shown at town hall meetings, at civic rallies and even in the hallowed halls of Congress.
When we loose the ability to enter into respectful dialogue, we are truly lost…as a people, as a nation. When we can no longer try to put ourselves in another’s shoes and try to see things from a different perspective, or to try to find the kernel of truth in the other person’s ideas, we have truly closed ourselves off. What progress can be made under these circumstances?
The first major tenet of Catholic Social Teaching is respect for the dignity of each and every human person, because each of us is made in the image of God…a God of inclusive love who excludes no one: not because of religion or race or ethnic background, nor economic status, nor position on the political spectrum.
In this era of discord, perhaps we need to ponder daily on the words St. Paul wrote to the Romans (12:4 ff):
“As members of one body, we belong to each other. We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to each of us…Try to outdo one another in showing respect.”
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