JESUS IS RISEN

Today we celebrate the Rising of Jesus from the dead. Those who came to anoint his body as was the custom of the day found only a empty tomb and bright lights.

Later he appeared to Mary in the garden of the area. She thought he was a Gardner until he called her by name.

This week may you too have many encounters with the Risen Jesus and He calls you by name. May you respond by being Good News to all you meet. 

Happy Easter to you and those you love.

Rembering

Our beloved Jesus is dead. They put him in someone else tomb, he didn't even have his own burial plot.

Now we try to console each other, I am grieving. He meant so much to all of us, especially those of us who are broken, not at all perfect.

If you have ever had a loved one die you know the feelings. Thinking of words they said, moments together.

Today maybe you can recall some words Jesus spoke to you. I recalling Jesus has said to me many times, do not be afraid I am there with you always, we will get through this, reach out to this person and share God's love, you are special to me and I have called you by name." we have had many moments of coffee together, each not saying anything but being in peace.

Take some time today and think on the things Jesus as said to you, moments you cherish.

Give ones life for another

Today is Good Friday. However we know the end of the story.

I was reflecting today on how Mary must have felt seeing her son crucified, a common criminal, jeered by her own people of faith. True I don't believe she herself understood everything that had happened. No matter what she was not going to leave him.

Now a widow and loosing her only son who would care for her, feed and protect her. Widows had no place if they didn't have someone to care for them. In Jesus dying moment he asked John to care for Mary as his mother. Scripture says he took her into his home, was she wanted there or just another mouth to feed and care for.

I was reflecting as a Sister of the Sorrowful Mother having Mary of Sorrows as my (our) patroness, how do I stand with those who are common criminals, those who society rejects. Who are those I am called to be mother and companion with as they suffer? this week in ministry it seemed to be those with chronic conditions who are begging for relief and yet we can not fully heal or help them. One said to me I don't dig nuns. I still tried to be there for her as advocate if she needed me. I had never heard that before. If
God had not been with me I could have said okay you reject me so I will reject you.

May the reflections of today help us as we too journey with those who are on the margins and need us to stand with them as Mary would

Do as I have done for you

Just returned for Holy Thursday liturgy. Tonight we as a gathered people of God washed each others hands. we went up to the altar, as we do to communion,each of us washed the hands of another person, who was in line behind us.

A great sense of community. We were the old, the arthritic(yes I was there) the men, women, children, teens, educated maybe, working maybe, homeless or unemployed, maybe but it didn't matter. We all were the people of God. Do this as I have done to you may it be a sign to others.

A moving moment for me. I pray I remember it during the week in my ministry, my friendships, the gathering with my Sisters, my co-workers.

 May I not forget to reach out and touch their hands as they serve.

HOLY WEEK

Today is the beginning of Holy Week. But we know the end of the event which ends with Easter. The disciples didn't know there was to be a Resurrection.  Today,I was wondering would I be a follower of Jesus if I too didn't know of the Resurrection?

Today we recall Jesus entry into the city not as Kings had done previously, but on a donkey. No army, only followers a band of disciples who still didn't get it, and those who Jesus ministered to, the cripples, hungry, maybe Lazarus who came back from the dead, some women and those who wanted a miracle. 

Hail to King of the Jews, meaning save us from slavery, get rid of the Romans and restore to us to a kingdom. At times I too say Oh Jesus save me from this issue, this problem and this worry. But do I want a protector who breaks the law, one who others want to get rid of, one who association with will also get me into trouble? 

Really, am I no different that the Disciples who followed him with their own idea of the kingdom to come, one in which they too would have a place. 

Today and the remainder of this week, take some time to reflect what does it mean to me and you to be a follower of Jesus. In my daily life will I too deny Jesus as he predicted Peter would. Am I afraid to be a Christian? Christ follower? 

By my actions will they also know am I too one of his followers? What am I willing to do to be a follower of Jesus today at this time and place?

Go and repair my Church

This cross is a reproduction of the crucifix through which God spoke to Saint Francis of Assisi in the year 1205, saying "Go, Francis, and repair my Church which, as you see, is falling into ruin." At first Francis misunderstood and proceeded to repair only the San Damiano Chapel, where this crucifix was located. Eventually his acts of poverty, humility and charity brought about repairs to the entire Catholic Church. 

The new Pope is Francis. May we keep him in our prayers as he too repairs the Church.

WHO AM I

This is one of my favorite photos of the return of the Prodigal son. So tender and caring. That is how I have experienced God with me. 

Parables are interesting, they give us a chance to look at various aspects of ourselves. I can ask myself am I like the Father watching, waiting, longing for one who is lost or am I glad. They took all and left, good riddance.

On any given day I am both. I pray today to be open, to watch for those who have gone their own way. to wait with open arms for their return. Not only wait but go out and meet them on the way back with a greeting, hug and love.

This is how I experienced God with me, accepting me with love and open arms even before I was ready to be fully back, giving me no chance to say my story but accepting me just as I am in the moment. That is my experience what is yours?

Who are you today?

SENDING YOU

Today in the scripture readings we learn of how God sent Moses, Jesus and Paul. Each in their own way experienced the God of goodness, a God of forgiveness. Do you realize you too are sent to be Gospel person to those you meet each day? Even to your family?

Jesus tells the story of the fig tree that did not produce fruit in 3 years. The Gardner bargained with the owner to give him one more year. He would fertilize and water the tree hoping it would then produce fruit.

As a follower of Jesus I am called and sent to bring the Good News of the Gospel by how I act each day. Being the news of forgiveness and goodness of God. 

In order to be Good News I too need to fertilize my spiritual life so I can bring forth good fruit in terms of my daily actions. 

What helps am I taking advantage of to deepen my own spiritual life? Some are simple such as taking a moment to say what would Jesus want me to do or Be in this situation? Taking a few seconds at the end of my day to review how was I Gospel this day and ask for God's help for tomorrow. 

Have a blessed 3rd week of Lenten journey.