GOOD SHEPHERD SUNDAY

Today is Good Shepherd Sunday. Most of us have not had experience with shepherding sheep. I was lucky to have sheep as part of my role as administrator in St. Jude Hospital St. Lucia, West Indies. I learned alot about sheep. When they cry they sound just like a baby, when rope is around their leg they don't do anything but stand there and wait for someone to help, they follow the one who leads them, if not on a tether they tend to stray away in places where they don't belong.
Now doesn't that sound like alot of us on a day to day basis.
When I think of Good shepherd I think of servant leadership. A servant leader has the following characteristics: listening, empathy, healing, awareness, persuasion, conceptualization, foresight, stewardship, commitment to growth of people, and building community.
I know that Jesus has come looking for me on many occasions, is committed to my growth, listens to me and has empathy for me. I could site more but I know you get the idea.
Now in Jesus name we are also called to servant leadership. Being present to those with whom we related. Leaders are not just those in appointed positions. We are all leadership role for someone.
I pray we all look to the Good Shepherd as we carry out our servant leadership.

JUSTICE IN ACTION

Today I was privileged to be present when the Sexual assault examination nurses from Saint Clare's Hospital received an award from the women's community center.
These nurses are highly trained to collect evidence to assist in prosecution of the perpetrator. Sadly to say alot of the victims are children.
  I deeply am moved at the dedication and commitment of these nurses who have agreed to provide this service. This is over and above their regular duties as a RN in the Emergency Department. They demonstrate the meaning of standing with those in need. Without their dedication, compassion and caring the victims would not have a chance in the judicial system. They have developed a great relationships with all those involved in fighting against sexual assault, such as police, case workers, families, women's community center, physicians, ER staff and the victims themselves.
If you have a moment and see one of these nurses please take the time to thank them. If you don't have the chance to see them to thank them then say a prayer to God thanking them for their service to the most vulnerable.
God grant them strength in this very hard ministry

You Lord know my path

In the praying psalm 142 this morning it said oh Lord you know my path. While my spirit faints within me you Lord know my path.

I was so glad to pray that as some days I really dont have a clue about how is what is going on at the time part of anything.  I do belive we have the grace offered to us of each day.
Today I went to a Senior leadership conference were there was a discussion of how we are begining to intergrate the systems of Ministry and Affinity into one Ministry System. Everyone listened and was very quiet. Some I could hear them asking themselves what will this do to me?
 I have asked myself that many times. Once I was outside in the dark looking at the stars and saying to God you have everything in this universe in order how can all around me out of order and you are not helping? God responded you didnt ask.
Yes, Lord you know the path I pray I may be faithful to what the day unfolds and put my trust in you. And yes I am asking for your help.

BREAKING OF BREAD

Today the disciples recognize Jesus in the breaking of the bread. Some do not and he needs to prove himself to them that he truly has risen and is with them by eating with them.

I ask myself during this past week how have I recognized Jesus ?

After some reflection I realize I did experience Risen Jesus in many encounters this past week.

A father who proudly showed me a picture of his new baby girl and celebrates new life.

One who sought forgiveness and was able to apologize and  say I was wrong.

The excited chaplain who has been able to get many to pray a few seconds a day for those in the hospital.

A physician who taught cleaning staff how to be more present to the patients and to be able to acknowledge the patient and their needs.

This brings to mind how did I this past week bring the Risen Jesus to those with whom I was in relationship with?

How will I break bread with others this week?

Bloom where you are

The beauty of spring time is all the flowers starting to bloom. Last fall I planted some tulips, daffodils and crocus in the front flower bed. They are starting to come up and grace the view from the window and the drive way. the wonders of God. A small bulb becomes a flower.

Winter has passed the time of the earth sleeping is over. It is a time of new growth. Look you can see it everywhere.

What is the new growth happening in your life today? Are you blooming where you are?

It is never to late to start as I notice not all the bulbs are poking out of the ground yet.

Now is the time? It is not too late for any of us to show the beauty of God in our life and bloom that others may see.

Looking for Jesus

We read Mary was looking for Jesus and didn't find him. He did come to her but she mistook him for the Gardener and asked him where did he go? Only after he called her by name did she recognize him.

Have you ever been looking for Jesus and cant find him, asked yourself, "where is Jesus in all of this?" I have.

Jesus then told Mary go to the others and tell them you saw me.

Sometimes Jesus has revealed himself in ways I didn't recognize or understand until I realize he also called my name and I finally saw him in the situation.

I pray we continue to look for how Jesus wants us to tell others of his presence among us.  My prayer for you is that you never quit looking for Him

Happy Easter He is Risen Allelulia

Servant leadership

What is you favorite photo or part of Holy Thursday?

I like the washing of the feet where Jesus teaches us servant leadership. ?

Would I wash the feet of just anyone? Someone homeless, or with AIDS , or dying of cancer or in death row?
I believe Jesus would and did reach out to all of these people in fact anyone in need who asked he was there for them.

We do not know really how many disciples there were. We traditionally see 12 at the last supper. You and I  know not just 12 people followed him. There are no women in the picture but I believe they too were there.

I also treasure Jesus left us with a way to continue to be connected with him. "Do this in remembrance of me"
Eucharist

May you have a few moments to reflect on what Holy Thursday means for you.

It also is the day of the Seder meal for the Jewish people. Jesus was a Jew and that is the reason for the gathering and the meal. Yet it became more than that remembrance for Him and His followers of the New Way.

Life's Mission

The next three days we will witness how Jesus completed his mission. He came to show us the Father. He came to be one of us to dignify us as human persons who bear the image and likeness of God.

Jesus came to take on the burden of sin for us and to lead us through death into the glory of Resurrection.

Years ago, I couldn't watch Gibson's movie of the  suffering and death of Jesus as it was too awful to watch. Yet each day we see some of this violence played out in how we related to each other.

I pray that through these days we realize what Jesus did for us. We take time to forgive others as he did the good thief. That we can also say forgive them for they know not what they do.

Mary is our model of strength these days as well as all the other days she witnessed the misunderstandings, the jeers, the disbelief. I ask Mary today to strengthen me as well that I may have the courage to stand as she stood. As a Sister of the Sorrowful Mother I also pray for the grace to stand with those in need that I meet each day.

As Jesus died he gave us Mary as our mother may we ask her to help us on our journey that we too can fulfill our mission.

Thank you Jesus for all you did to set me free.

A few seconds to reflect

My prayer for you is that you have a few moments the rest of this week to reflect on how much God loves you. He permitted his son to die that we may live.

Tomorrow is known as spy Wednesday that is the day Judas arranged to accept money for the arrest of Jesus. Did Judas believe Jesus would set himself free? We don't really know. Judas did witness many miracles but none Jesus did purely for himself.

I realize our days are busy but it only takes a second to say Jesus thank you for being a friend and my Savior.

I know for myself if I didn't have faith I really don't know how I could deal with life. I realize it is a gift and for that I am thankful as well.

Have a good reflective rest of the week