TRUE FRIENDS A RARE TREASURE

Today in scripture we learn of those who found Jesus sayings and way of life too hard to accept. They no longer followed him and went back to their original way of believing and acting. Jesus then asked his closest friends will  you too leave me?

I am sure you too have has an experience where those you thought were your supporters, liked minded friends no longer were friends or supporters because of what you believe or what you stand for.

 We all have had the painful experience of  realizing who are really our friends through rough times. Many a surprise for me when it came to standing for justice issues.  Many a tear has been as well.

Today treasure your few true friends, tell them you treasure them. 

GOD CAN WRITE STRAIGHT WITH CROOKED LINES

Today we remember the philosopher and mystic Simone Weil.

I have always admired her and her solidarity with all those who are outside of the organized religion. It is said she could not bear to separate herself from " the immense and unfortunate multitude of unbelievers"

Simone was born in France of a nonreligious Jewish family. She had an esteemed teaching career but would take a leave from teaching to work in the factories with the working class. 

Her life was a search for her own religious truth. She became more and more Christ centered but felt she should be in solidarity with those who did not receive the gift of faith. She felt this was her vocation.

I find  myself pondering do I take my faith for granted? Who am I willing to stand with who society has marginalized?

 Simone was identified with the struggles of her time and the effect on the human condition. Am I even aware of the struggles of the poor, the working class, or am I in denial there is a class system in my country? For me seeing is a call to action knowing there is always a reaction to what we do to help those in need. 

NOTHING GOES UNHEEDED BY GOD

Religious and priests daily pray the Divine office which is broken down into morning and evening prayers consisting of psalms , scripture readings, reflection time, intercessions and closing prayers. 

Today I liked the psalm which was 19:2-7 which brought to mind " The heavens declare the glory of God....no speech, no word, whose voice goes unheeded; their sound goes forth though all the earth."

This is comforting to know God not only hears our prayers but our sighs or groans and they do not go unheeded by God. 

I am sure there are some days for you as well as there is for me that groans and sighs are the best prayer we can put forth. Rejoice and be comforted to know they too are heard by God.

ASK AND YOU SHALL BE HEARD

"I sought the LORD, and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fear
Look to him, and be radiant; so your faces shall never be ashamed. This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles." I very like the psalm in today's readings. It gives me much courage and hope. Some days feel like Oh God just stop the merry-go-round and let me off. These are the days when I pray I wonder if God hears my prayers. I can not count the times God has saved me from lot of trouble and has heard my prayers no matter how foolish they are. I pray for you that your week may go well and you may not hesitate to ask God for what you need no matter how foolish you think it may be.

BLESSED AMONG US-JESSICA POWERS POET/NUN

Today we remember the death anniversary of Jessica Powers, a Carmelite poet. In the convent in Pewaukee she was named Sister Miriam.

Jessica was born and raised in  Cat Tail Valley in rural Wisconsin. He father died when she was a teen and she became responsible for the siblings. She later attended Marquette University, later doing secretarial work in Chicago. During these years she had poetry published in the American poetry magazine and wrote a book of poems. She moved to New York and was part of the Catholic Poetry society.

In her looking for God and longing for love which she felt only God could give she returned to Wisconsin and joined the Carmelite Sisters who at that time were Milwaukee and later under her direction constructed a monastery in Pewaukee. There Jessica died Aug 18,1988 at 83

During her life's journey she wrote over 150 poems which today are a inspiration to many. She addressed God as the "Great Undoer who has torn apart/the walls I build against a human heart... the repairer of fences turning my paths to rest:"

Her poems have been a spiritual guide and strength for me over the years. During this past retreat I reflected on the Poem Master Beggar. In summary the message is God not only accepts what I have willingly given him but wants all I have. Some days that is more than I am willing to give. How about you?

VACATION WITH GOD

Going on vacation with God tomorrow for week.I am going to the Jesuit Retreat Center in Oshkosh. This is also called retreat.

 A spiritual retreat is a time of being alone with God not a planning meeting as we use the word in the business world.

I have no agenda or expectations. It is a beautiful place to rest relax, walk around lake winnebago, have coffee/tea with God and listen. The chapel is all glass windows and overlooks the lake, gorgeous.

I will certainly be speaking with God of your wishes, concerns and needs as well as for those I do not know who may be asking for prayer as they read of this.. Some staff at work sent me what they wanted me to pray for. I will include you and your needs in prayer as well. 

Keep me also in prayer that I may continue to have open heart, mind, ears and eyes. Never know how the message may come.

Until next Sunday have a super good week, be gentle with your self.