AS

The meaning of the words we hear today. Love others as I have loved. Not how I love myself or how I have loved others, but as Jesus loved. He reached out to those in need, corrected those those who thought they were better than others, and loved us no matter what. That for me is relief. 
Jesus loved sinners, addressed those who felt they were not sinners.

 Can I follow this example this week? I guess I need to spend some time reflecting on what it means. He gave an example of waiting for the son to return and the father looking daily for the one lost. Reaching out to the woman who was spurned by all. Being there for Martha and Mary at the death of Lazarus. There are many examples in Jesus life, which ones touch you? He says go and do as I have done.

I know mine and mine know me

He/she is my friend, but how do I know them?

 How do we get to know someone, spending time with them, reading what they wrote, stories others tell of them, sharing experiences, sitting quietly with them.

How do we let others get to know us? Much of the same as above, or are we guarded in what we share, limit our stories, minimal sharing of stories.

We have a choice don't we?  Relationship with God is no different. Reading of others experience of God is called spiritual reading, reading of the Spirit. Sharing God experience stories, oh yes we can do that, we have freedom of religion.

God know me but do I know God

Jesus loves you

Today I told someone Jesus loves you response was you too! I didn't expect that response.

Some I met I needed to follow father Francis when he told the friars walk through town, they did and then they asked when are we going to preach. Francis said you just did. Maybe just maybe it was a case where actions did speak louder than words. God knows and I leave it at that.

Spread the Good News Jesus lives

Today I asked what is it you want of me? Tell all those you meet of my love for them.

Reading speaks of how the followers of Jesus were called to task for speaking the Name. Those who killed him were upset. They threatened the Apostles and it didn't matter to them. They went out and spoke in the name of Jesus healing, bringing hope and love to all who would hear. 

I don't know the religious belief of those I will meet this week. I ask for the strength to also go out to all I interact with and tell them Jesus loves you. 

Tune in I will let you know how it went. 

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