Today in the Catholic church liturgy is the feast of the Holy Name of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
I dont know if you ever wondered why some nuns or order religious you may know, have different names that you might think strange. Like Sister Paul a man's name.
In the past when one became a vowed religious we were given another name as a sign of our detachement and as scripture says "take off the old man and put on the new." This name was also to signify another patron, model someone of the saints special to us.
Since Vatican II which most of you probably never heard of, most religious have a choice of keeping their Baptism name or choosing a new one. If you didnt like the name your parents gave you well here is the chance to legally change it.
Seeing my name Sharee is not a saints name I have chosen my baptism day as my Nameday. The day I became a child of God.
In the convent we still celbrate our Namedays by recieving cards, greetings and if lucky a special meal.
I think it is a good way to celebrate our names so Happy Nameday to all those called Mary.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Sunday, September 11, 2011
NO TRESPASSING
The is alot to reflect on and pray about today
For one the anniversary of 911 and all that has happened.The scripture reading today from Sirach says holding on to wrath and anger is not good and we should forgive.
The Gospel reading from Matthew 18:21-35 about the servant who was forgiven but then turned around and wouldn't forgive one of his peers. Jesus answering Peter telling him there is no limit to how many times we should forgive.
Psalm 103 says the Lord is kind and merciful, slow to anger and rich in compassion.
Jesus tells Peter the need to forgive from heart.
How daily I can violate the space of others which is trespassing.
How we don't let others know we need space and become angry when we feel they have trespassed against us.
I pray I may become more aware of trespassing and be willing to say I am are sorry, making my part of the world a more peaceful kind place. May I gently let others know when I need more space or time to avoid them trespassing against me.
May I be more mindful as I pray the Our Father what I am really being called to by Jesus
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Spiritual Reading/ reading spiritually
SPIRITUAL READING
In religious life there are supports/practices that help us on the journey of growing deeper in our spiritual life. One of these practices is Spiritual reading. We are encouraged to engage in spiritual reading at least 15min daily. This involves choosing a book, scripture which will help us where we currently are in our journey to grow deeper into what God has called us to Become. We then read slowly and reflect on what we have just read. Sometimes it is only a sentence or two.
When I was 19 and beginning in nursing school I was drawn to read. Seeds 0f Contemplation by Thomas Merton. It had a great effect on my being called by God to become a religious Sister. Types of books for spiritual reading could be One minute wisdom buy Anthony de Mello, Care of the Soul by Thomas Moore. Life of Mother Theresa of Calcutta and many others.
If you would like a suggestion let me know and maybe we can find something for you.
READING SPIRITUALLY
We also can become involved in reading spiritually. This involves not choosing a specific spiritual book but looking at events, books we read, TV in a spiritual light.
In our rushing busy world it is a treat to be able to sit down and read something of interest. When I do this I thank God for the opportunity to relax, no TV, phone and to just leisurely read.
We also can reflect on what we are reading in a spiritual manner.
Right now I am reading a romantic novel All she can be by Fern Michael's. It is romantic novel about a women whose success ended up affecting her marriage, a divorce and how her low self esteem got her into alot of guilt actions with her children. She thought she was present to her husband and children but she was doing for them not sharing or communicating. This can be an area of reflection for us. Do we eat dinner together ever? If so what do we talk about? Do those in relationship with you know your joys, goals, desires and struggles? Do we do things that compromise ourselves just out of guilt or because we haven't learned to set boundaries and say no? These are just some reflection thoughts I have regarding what I am reading.
We are bombarded with the News. Most of the time not uplifting. Here is an opportunity to pray for those we read about or see on TV.
Today's paper feature is about Obama plans falling short. I feel more energized praying for those unemployed, for those who could offer jobs and are afraid to.
Family mourns teen who died because he crawled up a rock hill he should not have in a park. We have a choice we can say okay he should not have done that and look what happened or we can pray for the family who is mourning a life cut short at 15.
I pray we have eyes to see and ears to hear the whisper of God in our world.
In religious life there are supports/practices that help us on the journey of growing deeper in our spiritual life. One of these practices is Spiritual reading. We are encouraged to engage in spiritual reading at least 15min daily. This involves choosing a book, scripture which will help us where we currently are in our journey to grow deeper into what God has called us to Become. We then read slowly and reflect on what we have just read. Sometimes it is only a sentence or two.
When I was 19 and beginning in nursing school I was drawn to read. Seeds 0f Contemplation by Thomas Merton. It had a great effect on my being called by God to become a religious Sister. Types of books for spiritual reading could be One minute wisdom buy Anthony de Mello, Care of the Soul by Thomas Moore. Life of Mother Theresa of Calcutta and many others.
If you would like a suggestion let me know and maybe we can find something for you.
READING SPIRITUALLY
We also can become involved in reading spiritually. This involves not choosing a specific spiritual book but looking at events, books we read, TV in a spiritual light.
In our rushing busy world it is a treat to be able to sit down and read something of interest. When I do this I thank God for the opportunity to relax, no TV, phone and to just leisurely read.
We also can reflect on what we are reading in a spiritual manner.
Right now I am reading a romantic novel All she can be by Fern Michael's. It is romantic novel about a women whose success ended up affecting her marriage, a divorce and how her low self esteem got her into alot of guilt actions with her children. She thought she was present to her husband and children but she was doing for them not sharing or communicating. This can be an area of reflection for us. Do we eat dinner together ever? If so what do we talk about? Do those in relationship with you know your joys, goals, desires and struggles? Do we do things that compromise ourselves just out of guilt or because we haven't learned to set boundaries and say no? These are just some reflection thoughts I have regarding what I am reading.
We are bombarded with the News. Most of the time not uplifting. Here is an opportunity to pray for those we read about or see on TV.
Today's paper feature is about Obama plans falling short. I feel more energized praying for those unemployed, for those who could offer jobs and are afraid to.
Family mourns teen who died because he crawled up a rock hill he should not have in a park. We have a choice we can say okay he should not have done that and look what happened or we can pray for the family who is mourning a life cut short at 15.
I pray we have eyes to see and ears to hear the whisper of God in our world.
Friday, September 9, 2011
Power of Prayer
Yesterday when making rounds in the hospital Family birth Center, I went into the nursery of course. There one of the nurses asked me if I would give a blessing or prayer on the two babies in the incubators. Of course, I said it would be a privilege. So I laid my hand on each of them and told them that God loved them and had them in God's protecting hands. I thought of the psalm like a mother holds her child so I hold you, and prayed also for the staff awareness of God's protecting hand and healing. It was a very privileged moment for me. Life is so vulnerable. As I was leaving a young girl about 8 was outside and when I said hi she said I would like to see my little brother. So I had the staff open the window curtains so she could see him and told her could go in the nursery and visit as soon as her daddy came to go with her. She smile and I could see the love there.
Later I met with a wife in tears, fearful her 84 year old husband will not return home with her. He is indeed very sick after I listened and she felt assured we prayed he will return home soon and she will have the strength to continue to help him with his care.
It is great to be in a facility where one can pray openly no matter what ones official role or job and where the staff feel free to ask for prayers and participate in praying as well.
I ask you to please keep these persons in your prayers tomorrow.
I am looking forward to next week which is Mission and Values week at Ministry-Saint Clare's. the theme this year is Presence. On Thursday the CEO,Vice Presidents and myself will be going around and anointing the staffs hands with oil thanking them for their Presence and blessing them as they extend their presence to the others they serve and work with. Pray for them as well that they can continue to be Present to all with whom they come in contact.
Later I met with a wife in tears, fearful her 84 year old husband will not return home with her. He is indeed very sick after I listened and she felt assured we prayed he will return home soon and she will have the strength to continue to help him with his care.
It is great to be in a facility where one can pray openly no matter what ones official role or job and where the staff feel free to ask for prayers and participate in praying as well.
I ask you to please keep these persons in your prayers tomorrow.
I am looking forward to next week which is Mission and Values week at Ministry-Saint Clare's. the theme this year is Presence. On Thursday the CEO,Vice Presidents and myself will be going around and anointing the staffs hands with oil thanking them for their Presence and blessing them as they extend their presence to the others they serve and work with. Pray for them as well that they can continue to be Present to all with whom they come in contact.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Gentle day 1st day back at ministry after retreat
Back at ministry today. I thought it would be overwhelming with being gone a week. God was good to me and I was able to get caught up. Have a few calls to make tomorrow but nothing pressing. I am looking forward to seeing staff tomorrow and visiting patients.
Thank you to all of you that also prayed for me. I did feel the power of you prayers
Thank you to all of you that also prayed for me. I did feel the power of you prayers
Monday, September 5, 2011
Dignity of work
Today Labor Day we pray for all those who have jobs that they may do the best they can as it is part of the caring community.
We pray for those who do not have jobs that they may not become discouraged in the search.
We pray for those who no longer can do active work and whose job is now to pray for the other travelers on the journey.
What ever your state thank God for the talents you have been given using them to praise the God who gave them to you to share with others.
thank you for providing us
with the gift to share our talents.
Provide our community, our nation, our world
the fortitude to provide work for all
which is decent and fair.
Make us faithful stewards
of your creation
to enhance the human dignity
of our global family.
We ask this in the name of Jesus,
who lives and reigns
with you and the Holy Spirit
now and forever.
Amen.
We pray for those who do not have jobs that they may not become discouraged in the search.
We pray for those who no longer can do active work and whose job is now to pray for the other travelers on the journey.
What ever your state thank God for the talents you have been given using them to praise the God who gave them to you to share with others.
Prayer for Work*
Creator God,thank you for providing us
with the gift to share our talents.
Provide our community, our nation, our world
the fortitude to provide work for all
which is decent and fair.
Make us faithful stewards
of your creation
to enhance the human dignity
of our global family.
We ask this in the name of Jesus,
who lives and reigns
with you and the Holy Spirit
now and forever.
Amen.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Back from Vacation with God.
Back from vacation-retreat. Like all other vacations it always go as I had planned.
I thought we (God and I )were going to sit by the shore, share, have coffee and enjoy all of creation.. I am trying to share what happened but in some way I am not sure myself.
Spend a day with psalm 138 giving thanks to God for
God's faithfulness and love. Praying to keep close to God all who have asked for prayers and I promised to pray for.
Spent a restless night, was it the bed, or the Spirit?
I had been accustom to hearing God's voice speaking to me but I heard nothing, nada. I came to realize God was within me and had moved in. Now friends come to visit and then go, you can call them if you wish and arrange to have coffee and share but moving in is another story. You know what it means to share your space with another. What did I have to clean up, move or get rid of? Nothing, God accepts me as I am, the real meaning of Poverty. Interesting indeed.
At one time I had read St. Theresa said God has many mansions. I wanted to be in the top floor but now I was thinking maybe the porch isn't so bad.
Ps 71 God has been with me throughout all my years. Even till I am old and gray-headed. I thought be nice.Yes, you are with me and now more intimately than ever. I thank you.
Biggest issue is accepting who I am just as I am. God does. Now what? Luke 4:43 Proclaim the good news of the God. Go serve with a humble heart.
Looking over the years God has been with me, why not now. Vulnerability in me leads to over planning which leads to getting stuck in the muck. Let go and trust.
Ps 103 God knows what I can handle.
Ps 90 Let me wake in the morning filled with your love to share with all I meet.
Proverbs: 20:24 God guides my steps. Thank God for that.
Carl Rahner said it as well. "When I break out of the narrow circle of self, and leave behind the restless agony of unanswered questions..I can bury myself entirely in God with myself and all my questions."
Finally a good night sleep. Accepting God is in me as well as in creation and he said it is good.
What am I called to each day, I don't know but God does and that is all that matters. Everything I thought I needed I didn't and what I didn't think I needed I got,
Ps 25 your paths are secure and true. You will show me the path I should follow.
Now at home I read some of Merten's contemplation and silence. He too searched and struggled to learn to let God live in him as He wished. Spiritual reading helps to know others have struggled on the journey of integration as well.
I thought we (God and I )were going to sit by the shore, share, have coffee and enjoy all of creation.. I am trying to share what happened but in some way I am not sure myself.
Spend a day with psalm 138 giving thanks to God for
God's faithfulness and love. Praying to keep close to God all who have asked for prayers and I promised to pray for.
Spent a restless night, was it the bed, or the Spirit?
I had been accustom to hearing God's voice speaking to me but I heard nothing, nada. I came to realize God was within me and had moved in. Now friends come to visit and then go, you can call them if you wish and arrange to have coffee and share but moving in is another story. You know what it means to share your space with another. What did I have to clean up, move or get rid of? Nothing, God accepts me as I am, the real meaning of Poverty. Interesting indeed.
At one time I had read St. Theresa said God has many mansions. I wanted to be in the top floor but now I was thinking maybe the porch isn't so bad.
Ps 71 God has been with me throughout all my years. Even till I am old and gray-headed. I thought be nice.Yes, you are with me and now more intimately than ever. I thank you.
Biggest issue is accepting who I am just as I am. God does. Now what? Luke 4:43 Proclaim the good news of the God. Go serve with a humble heart.
Looking over the years God has been with me, why not now. Vulnerability in me leads to over planning which leads to getting stuck in the muck. Let go and trust.
Ps 103 God knows what I can handle.
Ps 90 Let me wake in the morning filled with your love to share with all I meet.
Proverbs: 20:24 God guides my steps. Thank God for that.
Carl Rahner said it as well. "When I break out of the narrow circle of self, and leave behind the restless agony of unanswered questions..I can bury myself entirely in God with myself and all my questions."
Finally a good night sleep. Accepting God is in me as well as in creation and he said it is good.
What am I called to each day, I don't know but God does and that is all that matters. Everything I thought I needed I didn't and what I didn't think I needed I got,
Ps 25 your paths are secure and true. You will show me the path I should follow.
Now at home I read some of Merten's contemplation and silence. He too searched and struggled to learn to let God live in him as He wished. Spiritual reading helps to know others have struggled on the journey of integration as well.
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