Summer’s Not Over

While many might think summer is close to ending, as we see teachers and kids gear up for school, it actually is just the middle of the season, which officially lasts this year from June 21 to September 22.  With this in mind, and 6 more summer weeks ahead,  a poem of Wendell Berry gave me pause:

Looking back at past weeks of summer, we surely can see blessings.  Still enjoying the bounty and beauty of this season, we must keep going toward a blessed light as yet unseen. The June issue of Heartbeats sent by our charism team offered wonderful suggestions for living in a Sabbath spirit. It’s not too late! In fact, it could be a practice for always.

Celebrate What’s Right

As an alumna of Ursuline Academy of St. Louis, it’s my joy to assist with the Alumnae Board retreat each year.  The theme for the school’s 2018-19 year was the focus of our gathering this week: “Celebrate What’s Right In Our World.” 

Our model, St. Angela, and her attitude toward the world of her day launched our reflection.  Early 16th century Italy was a difficult time, one of war, corruption, chaos and confusion—enough to make anyone despair.  But Angela was bigger than that.  She listened to the Holy Spirit speaking to her in her heart, and decided to do what she could.  Known in her town as a woman of kindness, prayer and peace-making, she gathered 2 dozen young women together and began a new life of consecration to God called Ursuline.  She remained positive and faith-filled: “Persevere faithfully and joyfully”;  “Without doubt, you will see marvelous things”; “I will always be in your midst”.

Taking a fast-forward to TODAY, it was not hard for the group to name what is right in OUR world as women blessed by an Ursuline education.  The flow of ideas and enthusiasm built from one to another. Gratitude was evident, even without saying the word.

I was, as always, in awe at these graduates who are now professional women, wives, mothers, generous, active and committed to a school they love. They want to celebrate what’s right in our world and keep it growing.  Right on!

Searching for Truth

In this week between Ascension and Pentecost, the promise of Jesus that “the Holy Spirit will teach you all things” rings clear.  There’s a whole lot I need to be taught these days—-like what to believe about North Korea, Israel, the US/ Mexican border and China, as well as what can be done about hunger, disease and terrorism.  I’d love to have a window into the truth of how to really live together in peace, starting with my own city, and extending into our country, church and world.

The Holy Spirit will teach you . . . . I believe this. But we must work hard at helping one another arrive at truth.  If the truth will make us free, which Jesus also said, then we need to get better at searching together for it.  Why does so much  communication have the effect of shutting people down instead of opening a path to shared wisdom?

As we celebrate the Holy Spirit among us, the Wisdom and Truth of God, we might take up this prayer from World Communications Day. Praying and living what it says could lead us to find what we all desire.

Recognize Resurrection

I heard a great homily recently. The question was asked: why do we tend to remember our “Good Friday” experiences more than the Easter ones? People can usually report the wounds and hurts they’ve been dealt in life.  It’s easy to recall every detail of insults or failures or even simple disappointments.  But what about all the Easter moments?

There’s the friend who speaks just the right words of support. And the sun made visible  after days and days of rain! Easter moments are those when our hearts suddenly feel lighter and we know this comes from God within us. They’re the everyday miracles that occur unexpected and in ways we had never imagined.  The awe-inspiring beauty of nature, encounters with people who are deep-down good, and confidence that life can break forth from the tomb of pain and death—-these are flashes of Easter joy that are real.  May we recognize them!

 

From Snow in Rome to Home Sweet Home

On one of my final days in Rome last week, I woke up to quite a surprise when the city was blanketed in snow.  Many took on the delight of children again, making snow “people,” running and laughing with joy.  Everything else seemed to come to a stop. It became for me a good day to pack and prepare to return home.

As my flight took me first to Amsterdam, I had requested a window seat, knowing we would cross the Alps.  Was I ever rewarded! All that new snow shone in a brilliant sun.  Mountains are often used as metaphors for the strength and presence of God, and flying over the tops of them brings one to sheer awe, silence, and humble contemplation.  

Now, it’s truly good to be home.  Ministry among young people is always fun, and I’m glad to be back at it.  A discernment retreat over the weekend for women wanting to learn more about religious life provided great conversation and sharing.  And this week, at Missouri Southern State University in Joplin, Missouri, we have 27 open and committed university students participating in the Busy Student Retreat. Together, we listen to the Spirit of God, who leads us ever deeper into prayer, faith, and the life journey with Jesus.  What could be better?