reflections on Luke 19:1-10

The biggest crowd I can imagine is St. Peter's Square in Rome during a General Audience. Instead of the Holy Father, Francis, it is Jesus of Nazareth teaching the crowd. I listen eagerly to His words but He can't see me among nine thousand people. All of a sudden, however, I look up and there is Jesus. "I have come to be with you." I reply with an astonished, "Who, me?" Yes, he is looking directly at me and smiling. He is inviting himself to my home. My first thought is that I left the house in such a hurry that the breakfast dishes are still in the sink, the laundry to be folded is on the couch and that mark of all civilization, the made bed, is not done. Please, Lord, come tomorrow so I can be ready to receive you worthily... He tells me that I am already 'worthy' for His love has made me special. He wants to come now. He doesn't seem to notice the external disorder, but invites me to share the secret darknesses in my heart. "I have come to heal and save what is in danger of being lost and to brind peace and joy." As I give him full access to my heart I gratefully notice his gentle walk that does not embarrass but only increases my love and trust.... I cry each day, "Come Lord Jesus!"

Reflections on Luke 18:9-14

Since this Gospel was written we have heard many times the phrase: "..whoever exaltss himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted." We all know people who "take the last place" or who say, "I don't deserve praise" and embarass the one who tries to give them a sincere compliment. I remember a very good cook whose every meal was a delight. When I sincerely thanked and complimented her for about the third time she seemed angry. "I don't do it for the praise so you shouldn't praise me." I was startled by that reaction and replied that I NEEDED to acknowledge her talent because I knew her gift ultimately came from God. We learned that humility is truth. It is also a gift from God. If we fake it because we want people to praise more or for some other reason, perhaps a habit, it comes across strange. It cannot be faked. In the parable, Jesus is not criticizing the pharisee for the good he does, but because he thought that makes him better than the near bye tax collector. In a healthy examination of conscience we must begin by examining and thanking God for the good he has allowed us to do, and then to ask light to see our failures and sins, knowing that both the strength for the good and the forgiveness for the sin are pure gifts of his love. Pope Francis insists that we must constantly walk with Jesus, not just thinking of him when we need something from him... That is the secret of peace and joy and it is free!

Reflections on Luke 17:11-19

We have been worshiping Jesus as the Son of God for two thousand years. It is easy to forget that he had and has a human heart with feelings. In the Breviary recited by priests, religious and some lay persons there is a lovely prayer which I will paraphrase... "though the entire universe is yours you still delight in such tokens as human beings can give...." Yes, Jesus DELIGHTS in what we say and ask, but I think, especially, in our thanks. When we are grateful we give joy to the object of our gratitude, but that is almost nothing compared with what happens in our own hearts. We become humble, gentle, peaceful. We relax because others are also doing good. The functioning of the world is not exclusively on our shoulders. The most spiritual thing that humans who are non believers do is thank... They thank those they love as we all do. The greatest joy, however, is to thank the Creator of the Universe, for the sunrise or sunset, for life, for each new day, for the squirrel that does remarkable acrobatics on the very tip of a branch of an oak tree. We can change the world, our family, our community, and ourselves by just being generous with expressions of sincere thankfulness.

Reflections on Luke 17:5 - 10

The disciples ask the Lord to increase their faith. That is a good thing, isn't it? That is a prayer that we ourselves might have made several times over a life time. Why does there seem to be an implied criticism in Jesus' reply? I think He was responding to the why they wanted more faith. Did they want to become miracle workers famous throughout the land? Did they want to feel better in moments of stress or fear? Was their idea of faith as a remedy for life's hardships or a tool to increase one's status? Jesus seems to be saying that faith is not a quantity ... the more the more powerful. Faith the size of a mustard seed will already do the impossible. But faith is the gift of the Holy Spirit and it is given for the Kingdom, for the salvation of the receiver and the fruitfulness of his witness. Faith that is self-serving is not from God and it is a false faith. Faith increases according to our love of God and neighbor. It is the reward for self-emptying, for caring, forgiveness, compassion, goodness and brings peace and joy. We perhaps do not need more faith but a genuine faith rooted in the love of God. It requires study, getting to know God through reading daily from Sacred Scripture and sound spiritual books. Second it requires reflection, prayer howeverlong or short, but a contact with God, and then third, it requires action-- some loving service according to our state in life. These can all be "the size of mustard seeds" but they must be regular and consistant... and faith the gift of God will grow in our hearts opening a vision of an every larger and more beautiful horizon.

Reflections on Luke 16:1-13

How different is Jesus' narration than what we read in our daily papers. There the rich and famous, the so-called 'beautiful paper' see their names printed daily. In Jesus' story the rich man is called only that while the poor man gets a name, Lazarus. We can assume that Jesus is not criticizing the rich man simply for his wealth but more for the fact that he doesn't even take note of the poor man begging at his doorstep. There are several points to the parable that could be explored, but a BBC News broadcast put the thought of EXCESS wealth into sharp focus. In the same broadcast we learned that there are people who have women's purses, handbags, that are so valuable that they can be used in Hong Kong as collateral for loans of tens of thousands of dollars. The scene shifts to the Bakar valley in Lebanon where thousands (did the commentator really say hundred thousand?) of children do heavy work daily in the fields picking crops for a very low wage. The heartbroken parents, refugees from the violence in Syria, must allow and watch this because it is the onnly source of income for the family. Lazarus tells the rich man that his brothers would not listen even to someone returning from the dead if their conscience wasn't moved by the Sacred Scriptures. What can we do? We can allow ourselves to be appalled by the injustices we see and then begin by looking carefully for the Lazaruses at our doorstep

Reflection on Luke 16:1-13

This Gospel was one of the most difficult to glean from and I wonder each time I hear it if Jesus really meant us to be dishonest when life hands us a blow. One commentator tried to explain that the unjust steward was simply lowering his own profits... the master tells him what is expected from each tenant farmer and the steward is allowed to add as much to that amount as the farmers will accept. What really struck me was the end of this portion where Jesus tells us to be trustworthy in small things so that we can receive greater gifts and responsibilities. We tend to overlook the small things... We cannot make peace in Syria so we sadly turn to other things... perhaps with a little prayer. We can continue to be friendly to a neighbor or family member who simply doesn't like us and cannot hide that fact. We can reach out to a lonely person, pay attention to a child or make a phone call to someone who lives alone. We are not directly helping the suffering Syrians, but we are adding to the total amount of peace in the world. We can think of good and evil in our world as items on a scale. Which side has the most? Can a speck of dust adjust the balance of the good? Our praise of God each morning, our thanks for the joys in our day, our kindness in carrying out our daily tasks with patience and good will all tip the scales for the good side. We heard about the "last straw that broke the camel's back". It is the same with the good. It may have been one small sacrifice or prayer or good deed that foiled a terrorist plot we did not even know about. Everyone can do good instead of bad... and make the world a happier and more peaceful place. Mary, Queen of Peace and Lady of the little tasks in the home in Nazareth, show us the way!

How Many are the Un-miracles!!!!

How many are the un-miracles in our lives if we are really attentive to them. What is an "un-miracle" you ask. Those are the wonderful things that happen to the individuals who have kept their child vision. When I was little my wonderful Uncle Karl said he would take my brother and I to a cousin's farm in New jersey but that we would have to go to an early Mass because he wanted an early start. My brother got up but when the time came I just did not want to get out of my snug quilt. My Aunt Mathilde and Uncle Karl were having breakfast at our house as I dashed out to the later Mass. They said that it was too bad that they couldn't wait. My brother would go but I wouldn't be able. I prayed all during Mass and on the run back home that God would figure out some way for me to get on that trip. As I rounded the corner to our street, Uncle Karl was changing a flat tire. OOOOH I thought, Jesus, please don't tell him it was my fault. Since they were still there, and I had gone to Sunday Mass, I was allowed to join them. That waa my first experience of an "un-miracle". All the rational, adult people will call that a coincidence, the result of a nail left in the street. I knew better. It was God's way of answering a little girl's prayer. The un-miracles in my life have brought me great joy. Circumstances arranged that I made my perpetual vows in the very church in Vienna built by our Foundress. Because I was working at our Generalate, I got to go to Uganda and saw the very shrine of Charles Lwanga, my patron saint. Since then there have been so many un-miracles... when I needed money there was a gift card that should have been all used up, but contained exactly what I needed. Computer problems are the occasion for many un-miracles.... a printer doesn't work and the repair cost would be more than my budget would allow, but in the middle of the night comes an idea that works in the morning... after all, somewhere in Scripture is says "He comes to His beloved in sleep." The sceptics could point out all kinds of ordinary causes for these things, but isn't our wonderful God the ultimate cause of all things, so I feel perfectly justified in thanking Him with exuberant joy! May you have many un-miracles and recognize them, in your life

Reflections on Luke 12:49-53

This Gospel passage is so difficult that it has taken more than a week's reflection to find some light. Sacred Scripture is the living word of God and can give us new insights each time we read the same passage. This one has always been troubling.... Why would Jesus be the cause of division among us? I think that many of his followers today feel the pain of that division, especially in their own families, just as Jesus predicted. How many grandparents and parents are saddened as they see their children and grandchildren build their lives on totally different principles than what they tried to pass on to them. Everything we learned as the Catholic way of life is questioned and many things we thought carved in stone are repudiated publicly by famous Catholics. It works the other way, also. If a child has a real encounter with Christ and wishes to lead a radical and witnessing Christian life it is sometimes their own parents who chide them as "becoming fanatic" and suggest that they compromise and become "normal". The Holy Father speaks often of an encounter with Christ. It is this deeper knowledge and prayerful contemplation of Jesus that changes lives. I suggest that this type of division be met with love and prayer. God's grace touches us as individuals and we grow in a particular way according to a very personal timetable. Here love is primary. Jesus rejected no one. His mother is mother to all the children he commended to her care and will bring will heal the divisions as she leads all to her Son.

Reflections on Luke 12:32-48

This is a particularly difficult Gospel for the ordinary person to mine for prayer material. In parishes they might choose the shorter form which is actually the most challenging…. Jesus tells a parable about a master punishing servants. The servant who deliberately disobeys the master is severely punished but the servant who disobeys a command that he didn’t understand or hadn’t heard is also punished though not severely. We never speak today of God punishing. I really agree that we choose to walk away from God, not that God abandons us in anger. So why does Jesus compare God with the strict master? While reflecting on life I have come to think that what was called the “punishment” of God is chiefly the consequences of our actions. That is why conversion is always a turning away from sin and a return to the loving Father. I remember a time when several of us were studying at university during the summer. We became hungry during the evening and someone went to the kitchen to get several quarts of milk. There was half a quart left and I made a mental note to return it to the refrigerator. Of course, I forgot and in the morning a half quart of milk had soured and was wasted. I might have left the milk out for spite, “why should I be the one to return it?” which would have involved a whole lot of other guilt issues. That was not the case. I simply forgot. Yet, in both cases the milk was spoiled. The consequences punish us if we are negligent, even when that is unintended. We see many innocent people suffer and cry out to God asking “why?”. Often it is a natural disaster, the consequences of forces built into creation, or the result of someone else’s actions, evil or negligent…. We know that all will one day be fair and clear and we look forward to that day.

Reflections on Luke 12:13-21

Many, many years ago when I was in my early teens I had the good fortune to travel to our ancestral home in Germany with my family.  As part of that trip there was an outing to a beautiful Bavarian lake.  I remember enjoying  the sight of snow-covered mountains that bathed their feet directly in the sparkling water.   For just a moment I felt an irrational sadness that I did not "own" the lake.   I dismissed it quickly as the silly thought it was.   The Gospel passage above brought back the memory as a flashback.  I think now how instinctive is our desire to "own" and to "control"  the good and beautiful things of this world.   Even very small children must be taught to share their toys.   The rich man in Jesus' parable show us how useless it really is to hoard and to grasp.  How does God intend us to use the goods of this world.   There is so much beauty and goodness everywhere and most of it is free.   White clouds against a blue sky cannot be surpassed by any painter or photographer.  All we need do is look up and praise the Creator who designed it for our pleasure.   The poorest person in the world "owns" those clouds.  

We hear often that "we cannot take it with us".  Another piece of wisdom of the saints is that we keep only what we give away.  When our possessions become means of helping others they become an eternal "possession" of ours.   I think praise and gratitude is another way of making things eternal.   Did you ever stop to enjoy the blue chicory blossoms at the roadside?   Sometimes they are intermingled with the yellow of wild dandelion.  What a sight!   There is also the delicate blossom of the Queen Anne's Lace.   Because it is just a weed, we often overlook it.  So it is with many of God's gifts  It is because we do not stop to appreciate and enjoy and therefore do not "own"  the treasure as God intended.  It is not that we should not accumulate riches, it is that we try to grasp and hold the WRONG riches.  There is an old song that tells us "the best things in life are free"... we only have to look for them and thank the loving God who sent them.

Reflection on Luke 11:1-13

The disciples witnessed Jesus' many pauses for prayer, intimate dialogue with his heavenly Father.   They must have found his return from these times so attractive that they, too, wanted a similar experience.   They asked that he teach them to pray.  We have accounts of the Lord's Prayer in the Gospels and Christians have used this as a model of prayer for two millenia.  

Still there are people who see prayer as a recital of someone else's words, or as an urgent petition.  Prayer is really a conversation--a two-way conversation with the One who loves us in a very personal way.  Two things are very important to remember as we enter the adventure of prayer.  God is not a vending machine where we enter a certain amount of coins or words and receive a predictable product.  Also, it takes time to learn God's language.   We would not expect to go to China, for example, and immediately be able to speak and understand.  The "textbook" for God's language is the Bible.   Those who read the Sacred Scriptures every day, for however a short time, slowly begin to "hear" and understand God's part of the conversation.  He comes as a gentle breeze and night as a dramatic light and sound show.   It takes practice and a dedication of some time of quiet and solitude... again it might be only a few moments in a busy life but it must be regular and a part of a total life of love and service according to our state of life.   True prayer is so simple that it is often overlooked, but God loves us.  Jesus wants to be with us, so every small effort of our own will be richly rewarded.  The most tangible fruit of the Holy Spirit is joy which comes like a dawn and then a lovely summer day and remains with us even while difficulties and sufferings assail us.   Theologians may have far more precise insights into prayer gathered from great saints over the centuries, but many simple people know the wonderful experience of prayer.  They would all tell us that it is well worth the effort.

Reflections on Luke 10:38-42

There are many homilies on the story of Martha and Mary that define them as the worker and the pray-er.   That is an oversimplification.  In the episode recounted today in Bethany it is Martha preparing the meal and Mary sitting at the feet of Jesus.  I imagine that it is Mary who first heard Jesus somewhere in a crowd, telling her brother, Lazarus and sister, Martha about him.   It is Martha who invites him on this occasion.  Martha knows how to feed a guest and make him or her feel at home, but if we read the Gospel of John, Chapter 11 we see that she is also quite a theologian, echoing very closely the words of Peter on the plane of Ceasaria-Philipi.  

Another aspect of the story of the sisters of Bethany should encourage the many lay people who yearn to grow closer to Christ, but feel their daily duties prevent this and that they must leave holiness to those with a religious vocation.   We need to show them that their mundane tasks, done in love for family or neighbor are holy and bringing them closer to God each day.   That they may be aware of this does not require a great deal of time.   A simple dedication of their work to Christ... a moment's thought and breath... is sufficient.  If they spend every day ten minutes reading Sacred Scripture... especially the New Testament....  they are learning the language of the God who is present there in the word, and will begin to hear his voice in their daily life.   How about keeping a small New Testament in the glove compartment...  ?   There is much time spent waiting in a car.   There are also excellent scriptures in mp3 format or on CDs which can be played while driving.   A good investment is in one of the small magazines that present a reflection on the readings of the day.   As a Saint said hundreds of years ago in response to the question, "How can I become a Saint?"  "Will it!"

Reflection on Luke 10:25-37

The story of the "Good Samaritan" is so well-known that it has become an expression in our common and even legal language.  Here also we have an ancient narration that some will say does not fit our modern Western lifestyle.  We have all heard stories of people going to aid an accident or crime victim and causing more harm from not knowing the best way to handle injury.   Fortunately, there are still people who rush to help, and save lives.   In many cases it may be better to call the familiar 911 and let professionals help the victim.

The danger, however, is in a MENTALITY of letting others handle the situation.  We may lose the very human instinct of compassion.  There are many wounded and suffering people and we meet them every day.  We must keep our hearts attuned to the needs of these people.  When I hear of terrorism victims in a far country, do I take a moment to suffer for and with them, perhaps say a prayer even though I cannot do anything for them in a visible way?  There used to be a custom of praying for a patient riding in an ambulance as we move over in response to the siren, and of praying for the deceased in the hearse at a passing funeral procession.  This "exercises" our heart of compassion.   Then there are the people we encounter.  There is sometimes a chance to say a tactful, "You seem tired."  Which invites someone to share a burden of pain with us.  So much of spirituality consists in an attitude of love for our neighbor far and near.   Our society is becoming more crude and insensitive.  We can bring the love of Christ and change this society, giving joy and hope.

A Beautiful Person Goes to the Lord

Anna Levay was born into the large family of Rosalie Broun and Joseph Levay, with love among the parents and many children. This happy home life came to an end when her mother died after a short illness and five year old Anna was sent to her Aunt Julia, who raised her with her own children in Detroit, Michigan. She was there also a cheerful child whoA adopted a little chicken, nursing its broken leg. Her early religious life was divided between Sunday Mass in the Catholic Church and in afternoon services in the protestant church of Aunt Julia.



In elementary school she attended HolyCross School in Detroit and then to St. Joseph Hill Academy on Staten Island, New York. She attended College and studied early childhood education at Seton Hall University, South Orange, New Jersey.



Sister Sebastian taught in schools in Staten Island, New York, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Michigan, New Jersey and in California. This writer remembers her best there when the parish built a kindergarten in the convent to accommodate her class in St. Therese School in San Diego. She was always calm and achieved discipline by the slightest change in her look and tone of voice. The children loved the teacher who was not much taller than they and often, behind her back they would jump up and take comparison measurements. She was able to accompany the songs of the children with her own talent on the piano and voice and gestures that brought the songs to life. At one point in her life she had two parkeets and made sure that she played radio music for them too. She was conscious of spreading happiness in many ways.



During her golden jubilee year she had a chance to go to Rome and here, God granted her some wishes in an almost miraculous way. Upon arrival, she announced that it was her dearest wish to see Sister Leonore Mohl whom she remembered from her early formation. It was explained that Vienna was much too far away from Rome. We took the visitors to a pilgrims’ Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica and going out by a side door we literally “bumped into” Sister Leonore who had also attended that Mass. The other wish was to make an urgent request of the Holy Father. Again, we explained that the most she could hope from an audience was to see a white dot at the front of thousands of people. She was disappointed but God had another surprise in store for his faithful handmaid. Some days later there was a smaller celebration at which she could get close enough to whisper into his ear. Let us leave the content of that whisper to the angels, but someone must be treasuring a wonderful photograph.



In the last months of her life it was difficult for Sister to respond and to eat. Many took the effort to coax a weak smile and to have her drink some nourishment. It was decided that she would be placed for rehabilitation so that her muscles would remain functional. In the afternoon, the sisters who visited her at Carmel Richmond Nursing Home remarked about her alertness and the sister who gave her a rosary said she wound it around her hand with a smile. She nodded in the affirmative when asked if she wanted to meet Jesus. In the evening we received a call that she was taken to the hospital because of seizures. When the sisters arrived at the hospital the doctor was waiting for permission to stop all extraordinary means to revive her, saying she would never recover consciousness in any case. His beloved little sister had already slipped peacefully into the arms of Jesus.



May she rest in peace and pray for us.

Reflections on Luke 9:18-24

Once when Jesus was with his disciples he asked.  "...who do you say that I am?"   When I hear or read that question my first response is usually, "Well, of course, you are God!!!"  Now even that answer, looking at my day to day life needs to be examined.  There is another context for that question.  A few days ago there was an article in the newspaper about the closing of some more churches... in the great Archdiocese of New York, but I am sure the same things are happening in other large urban areas and small towns.   So maybe it is from the tabernacle that we should be hearing that question.   Whenever someone famous or infamous comes on the scene, large crowds gather, camera phones and hands reach out and people proudly say, I touched him or her...  I don't even want to wash that hand, and they proudly share their digital photo.  

When we enter a Catholic Church are we conscious of coming into the presence of a real human being, let alone the Lord, Jesus, the only Son of God the center of all good things, our eternal goal and our best friend?   How many of us only enter a church when we 'hafta'.. go to a funeral or wedding or with a group we belong to.  How often do we say, "How long is this going to last?"   Would we go to any good friend's house with the same kind of attitude?

How about stopping in at a Church because our Friend who gave His life for us, who promised to be with us until the end of time, who invited the heavily burdened to come to him, who will receive us when we leave this life.  Do we smile at the tabernacle?  Do we begin with a greeting and gratitude for the audience with the greatest Person who ever lived.   Do we think Jesus has a human pleasure at our company?  We know his love is unconditional, but is it fair on our part to be so reluctant to visit, to speak and to listen to the One who is there.  

One of the reasons for Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Benediction is to reawaken us to the reality of the Lord's presence in Catholic churches and chapels.  How sad if we forget and look in vain elsewhere for wisdom and comfort in our daily problems.   Let us not treat the living and loving Jesus as a symbol of a historical presence, but of God, our Lord and King, loving to be with His human creatures.

The Dinner Party Reflections on Luke 7:36-8:3

This Gospel can easily give itself to a reflective meditation. Think of the Pharisee... sophisticated, worldly, his dining hall is set up in the "modern" Roman manner, with couches radiating from the table. He calls His friends to announce that he has succeeded in inviting the "prophet" to dinner. It is a time to watch him and to find fault to prove that he is not a real threat to their status.


As the guests on suggestion arrive early, the servant is there with the bowl of perfumed water and towel to bathe their feet and perfume for their foreheads. As they await Jesus, the servant is dismissed because the next guest is "only a small town hick".

They are not seated long when the "sinful woman" crashes the party, pouring out her love and repentance on the feet of Jesus with her tears. She then anoints his feet with a costly perfumed salve. The pharisees have "got him". He is obviously not a prophet. Jesus on the other hand is filled with love for this "one sinner who has repented". Only when criticized does he gently point out the courtesies absent from his welcome.

The unnamed woman, a sinner as conceded even by Jesus, is our best friend. There is nothing that we cannot admit to Jesus. There is no shame we can present to his judgement, fearing we will be repulsed. On the contrary, the more we are guilty the more he will forgive and heal.

Prayers Answered - Reflection on LUke 7:11-17

This story from the Gospel of Luke is one of the most moving.   Jesus just happens to see a funeral procession of the only son of a widowed mother.  His heart is moved, perhaps by a thought of His own mother and what she would soon have to face.  Completely without being asked He restores the boy to the mother.  

When tragedy strikes we ask about God's presence in our lives.  When we urgently pray about a need or desire we almost get into "vending machine mode" meaning that we have done our part, inserted our dollar, and now, where are the chips or the drink.   When there is not immediate and tangible response to our request we get discouraged and wonder about the power of prayer.   I wonder sometimes how God, who wants to be our friend, feels when we only come in need and clamor for help.

We will not know in this life how many times the compassionate heart of God sent his grace and worked miracles unasked, to keep us safe, to give us joy, to help us in our work.   If Jesus reached out to a poor widow, He must also have been reaching out to me all during my life, loving and caring for me.  I remember the wonderful surprise experiences, the good friends, the sunshine and flowers the lovely ancient forest... the safety in hundreds of close encounters... His hand was there, loving, protecting, giving joy.  I must remember to say thank you as I am sure the tearful widow did with such emotion.

The Fig Newton

Today's Gospel, the Solemnity of Corpus Christi Luke 9:11b-17 evoked an old memory.  There are people who think the multiplication of the loaves and fish was not a true physical miracle, but that those seated saw that Jesus was giving away the small amount of bread the little band had, became generous and unafraid to take out the lunch they had secretly stashed in their clothing.  

There was a period in my life when I had to do quite a bit of international traveling.  I was used to unexpected delays on airplanes without the possibility of food service.  I always carried a package of fig newtons in my hand luggage because it was sweet and moist and could do in an emergency.

On this one particular flight we were delayed in our take-off from Rome because of a black out in Marseilles which we would have to fly over and needed the observation of their control tower.   The crew passed out water and rolled up a mobile air conditioner truck but they couldn't light the stove for food nor let us get off because they never knew when they would get the word to take off.   The hours on the hot August tarmack went on and on to number six.   I looked at my little package of cookies and thought "What are these among so many?'  and selfishly and surreptitiously ate them about one an hour.  A male flight attendent who was passing out bottles of water secretly handed me a little buttered roll, "Because you are so good and patient Sorella."   I decided not to tell him it was 'smart', not patient....  and thanked him for  the little gift.

I think it was all right to eat the fig newtons, but I often wondered if Jesus might have been able to work a miracle if my faith were only stronger.

June Dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

June has traditionally been dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Many have devotion to the image and chaplet of Mercy as revealed to Sister Faustina. In both cases it is the love of Jesus for us which evokes our adoration and gratitude.

In the image above we see the heart of Jesus opened by the soldiers lance. In our prayer that wound which is the gateway to the Heart of the Risen Christ, now wide as the universe, can be a place of peace and comfort, wisdom and strength for us. We are all called to evangelize the world, but may be tempted to think we do not have the circumstances to “preach the Gospel”. Every human being is preaching a message by the very act of living. Is it one of joy and peace or criticism and judgment? Living in the Heart of Jesus we can be filled with joy and grace and our message becomes one of hope for the world.

May 2013 -- Blessed Trinity

This joyful season of post resurrection is a gold mine for those interested in growing spiritually. This coming Sunday we celebrate the Most Blessed Trinity. How sad I was when I heard a young priest complain that he couldn’t give a homily on this mystery. It is the central mystery of our faith. Not only that but we have probably all experienced a relationship with the three divine Persons who are our One God.


When we were very little children, first introduced to God we were most likely beginning a relationship with God the Father, mirrored in the adults who so lovingly cared for all our needs. When we went to school and widened our interactions with friends of our own age, and when we prepared for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist, we became acquainted with the human, visible Jesus, who shared our experiences and left a tangible image in the Gospels and a real Presence in the Eucharist. As we matured in prayer we became aware of a presence of God within us as the gift of the Risen Christ, the Holy Spirit.

For many of us this unfortunately took place unconsciously, or not at all because of sad deficiencies in our early environment. We can all make up what has perhaps been lacking. We can be conscious in our prayer life. In our times at the Liturgy or in Eucharistic Adoration we can focus on Jesus. Also in the Gospels, in recitation of the Rosary, we walk with the Jesus of Galilee and who on the cross came to understand our suffering.

In his teaching for the feast of Pentecost, our Holy Father Francis, whether it was in his prepared talk or spontaneous said something very important. He said that the Church in not an NGO. Though some aid must be organized and financed, the essence of love of neighbor is “hands on”. It is the person right in front of us whom we are called to serve. In dealing with the poor, we often find that the “poor” are not attractive. They are not always the cute little children in the third-world photos. They are often the annoying or boring neighbor, the crotchety old relative, the “far-away” patient suffering from dementia. As we adjust to whatever they need from us, we are touching the suffering Body of Christ. It is often very difficult, so we must also give due time and effort to prayer, because only in this contact do we gain the wisdom and strength to serve Him in His Body.

As we reflect on our own circumstances we may think we are excused from the call to charity and evangelization. We cannot go to Africa or even to the streets of our slums. As I thought I had this excuse, I remembered our own Sister Edilia. She spent each day sitting at the entrance to the Bloomingdale department store in Manhattan with a little basket to collect donations for our Congregation. It was only when age and illness caused authorities to withdraw her from this service that we realized what a ministry she was exercising. Her hospital room was overfilled with flowers from the employees of the store who had daily gained grace from her greeting, smile, and promise of prayer. We will never know how many family concerns were entrusted to her loving heart, but we do see what true “evangelization” is. In this Year of Faith, we are all called to “go out from ourselves and our comfortable spirituality” to the people whom God will send us. If we become tuned to this they will come because Jesus will entrust His brothers and sisters to us. We can all answer the call of our Holy Father to serve.

The Funny Bone May 15, 2013

Imagine that Jesus wants to introduce us in this post resurrection time to His Heavenly Father.  As we look in the direction He indicates we find we are painfully blinded by a beautiful and bright light.  Then Jesus breathes upon us, saying, "Receive the Holy Spirit." and the suddenly the light becomes visible in its unique beauty and we find ourselves safe, joy-filled and at home in the bosom of the Blessed Trinity the source of all things.

In our daily search for joy we come in this season to the true source of joy, the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit is the Resurrection gift of Jesus.   How little we refer to the Holy Spirit apart from the liturgy of Pentacost or our Confirmation.     Today we look for pleasure, and miss joy because we are ignoring the Spirit of Truth.  Like Pilot, we ask, "What is truth?"  There are so many versions of facts that truth is often lost and we give up our search and settle for the convenient.

In the Gospel of John, in the long farewell address situated during the last supper, Jesus promises us the Spirit of Truth who will bring to mind all that Jesus tried to tell during His lifetime.   If we are open to the Holy Spirit we will be open to continually receiving the goodness and beauty of God.  In finding the goodness of God we begin to see goodness, beauty and love all around us, even in simple things we overlooked before.  We find that a heart that is open to the Holy Spirit expands to include all the children of God and all that is good, true and beautiful.  Gradually suspicion, exclusion, fear, doubt and grudges give way to the freedom of the love of God.  We find that we have the freedom of the children of God, without having to defend our masks and false pleasures.  There is always a new joy with each day and with each event, even with those that are painful and which unite us to the Cross of Jesus, redeeming our sad and lonely world.   Let us ask daily for the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

The Funny Bone May 6, 2013

From the very first day that I became conscious of the story of the Ascension of Our Lord, I was puzzled by St. Luke's account that the disciples returned to Jerusalem rejoicing.   I remember saying good-bye to people I loved and it hurt so much that I had to seclude myself for a day to let the pain heal.  How could they be filled with joy as their beloved Master disappeared from their view?  

I am sure scripture scholars have written volumes on just this point.   The first ordinary human explanation would be a generous joy for Jesus who had suffered so much and who would now be in glory with His Heavenly Father.   Our Holy Father Francis reminded us to be happy because now we had an "advocate"  (the Italian word is the same as "lawyer") who would now be pleading for us with the Father.... asking the forgiveness of our sins because He had himself experienced the pain and human weakness which is our lot.

As I reflect on Luke's final message in his Gospel I realize that it was written several decades after the event.   The disciples have experienced Jesus' presence with them in the Holy Spirit.  They have obeyed the mandate to preach the Gospel to the ends of the earth.   The command to preach was not limited to the immediate followers of Jesus but rings down through the ages to us.  How should and do we "preach" the Good News?  It is by cultivating joy, first in our own hearts and then shining the light of Christ into our dreary world.   There cannot be serious holy joy without contact with Christ in prayer.   It is in the quiet moments, however long or short we take from our busy days to remember the presence of God and the constant promise of Jesus' friendship and help that we "fill up" on true joy.   Then in our ordinary encounters we cannot be other than a light of hope to those who are part of our daily lives.   St. Francis invited his followers to accompany him on a preaching mission, saying they would use words "when necessary."  This points out a very important truth:  We are preaching by our very presence!   Is our message one of joy and hope, or agitated anger and despair?   A good clue would be a simple glance into the mirror.  

Several years ago in Albania I met two Irish sisters who were retired from many years of teaching in their homeland and who received permission to go to Albania, a country that had become a Communist Atheistic wasteland.  They did not know the language, but rented an apartment in an ordinary neighborhood and said their prayers in the small garden, with only smiles to greet those they met.   Gradually they formed a children's choir to accompany the Eucharistic celebrations.  They did not know the meaning of the  Albanian words the children sang, but gradually learned them and let the music insert the meaning into their hearts.   They became a helper to the busy local priest and so were building the Kingdom where it had been devastated.   Never underestimate the power of a friendly smile!!!!

The Funny Bone May 2, 2013

It must have been about 1956 or 57.  We were to have a three day retreat in preparation for the renewal of vows on November 21st our founding day.   For me it was a true renewal because I did not yet have perpetual vows.   As we went into chapel I felt a little giggle arising because in the sanctuary was a paper chart board with a drawing of stomach, heart, liver and gall bladder.   The "retreat master" was a Spanish Jesuit who had escaped or been exiled from newly Communist China.   He proved to be way ahead of his time as he told stories of people who were ill because they held on to guilt or grudges.   He told of the importance of forgiveness and cultivating joy and peace.  Yes, joy must be tended like a beautiful flower in a garden.   His motto was "Always have smiling eyes".    Ever since I have wondered what my face says when it is relaxed.   I have watched people who have generous and loving hearts, but whose exterior paints them as driven, bitter and judgemental.... What a waste in a world that is starved for joy.  

The Gospel readings of these post Easter days tell us that Jesus wants to come with His Father to live within us, to have supper with us.   What a party we can have if we think about it!.....  The requisites are so simple, "Obey my commandments".    These commandments are simply the dictates of our state in life.... earning a living for our family, being patient in the messy commute.  When we hug and kiss a spouse or child, prepare a dinner, strive for patience in an irritating situation, wait calmly in a long check out line, say something pleasant in a casual encounter....  These are the "commandments" for most of us.  

If we are Catholic Christians blessed by the Sacraments, joy should be the normal climate in which we live.  If we forget, or misstep, we have an advocate or lawyer always ready to defend us, seated beside the Heavenly Father ,   We need only come to Jesus and ask forgiveness and blessing.... even simply cry "help", and we find that joy returns....  Father Nacisso Irala, SJ.  if I remember your name correctly, I am still striving to always have "smiling eyes".

The Funny Bone

Those of you who are familiar with the Franziska Notes may be surprised by the change in title.  It does not neglect Mother Franziska but is the result of a long reflection on recent events in the world and in my life.  The meditative conversation took place as she might have wished before the Blessed Sacrament in the convent chapel that was my anchor at the very beginning of my vocation. 

It started with Sandy, the infamous storm that destroyed some of the more beautiful locations of my childhood.  Then the resignation of a very holy and humble Pope who reminded us that it is the Holy Spirit who rules the world and no "indispensible" human person.   Listening to the new Holy Father who calls himself simply "Francis" and enjoying his common sense attitude toward protocol, one has to rethink many of the "essentials".  

A fortnight in the hospital was dominated by repeated accounts of the terrible bombing in Boston and the collapse of a factory in Bengladesh, because of greed and corruption.

I think Mother Franziska told me the following:  You have spent your whole religious life on a search for my spirit and the Lord has blessed your path:  You were in Germany, spent time in my home village, made your final profession in the church I was privilaged to build and then related all your actions to mine.  Now I ask you to be what you have become.  Do not try to adapt the events of your time to those of mine.... just follow my lead ".... to do good, give joy, make happy and lead to heaven"   It is joy that your world needs because all the forces of politics and nature seem to be allied to stamp out both joy and hope.   If joy is "the infallible sign of the presence of God" we can see where this is leading.... Go and be joyful, point out the good, the true, the beautiful and the loving wherever you find it.   Then you are my daughter in the Third Millenium.

Franziska Notes March 2013

As we write these reflections we try to enter the mind and heart of Mother Franziska to learn how she would be and act in our world today. This came to a dramatic head on the 11th of last month. There has been a sea change in the Church since the last Franziska Notes were written. When she went to visit the Holy Father to present her newly founded Congregation she experienced such a sense of the holy that she preserved the veil that he touched when he gave his blessing.

Today, her fellow countryman, Pope Benedict XVI has in a way changed the papacy again in a new way. With great courage and humility he resigned in recognition that he was what in German is called the Stellvertreter Christi. He was neither Christ nor St. Peter, but called by the Holy Spirit and the Church to stand for awhile in their stead. He was universally applauded for recognizing that the Church would go on without him as he faced the diminishing powers brought on by age. What generosity to give up so much honor and public recognition so that stronger hands could row the barque of Peter.

Very human ideas and qualities are being openly discussed among the Cardinal electors and the world media. We are all only human beings. Jesus founded His church on an often bumbling fisherman. The message to us is that the Holy Spirit can achieve His purposes with any instrument no matter how poor. This must encourage us in our every day lives. We are not too small, too insignificant to achieve God’s will in our own environment. We are not permitted to say, “But what can I do!” as an excuse for inaction. We must stand before our Lord and put a question mark at the end of that phrase. “Lord, what can I do? How can I here and now advance your mission of love in the world?” A little child, asked what kind of person would be a good pope, replied, “He must love God a lot!” That is the answer for each of us as it was for Mother Franziska and the thousands of Sisters she inspired.

THE LEMON TREE

THE LEMON TREE

(It is more blessed to give than to receive)

Once upon a time there was a little girl named Annie..   Her uncle Karl, who loved all plants and animals sent her a little lemon tree from far away.   Even though it was very small it had a sturdy little green lemon on its strongest branch.   Annie watched the lemon grow a little bit each day until it became a lovely yellow color.  She picked the lemon and her mother made her some lemonade to share with her friends. 

Annie lived in a city that had cold winters so she had to take her little lemon tree inside when it got cold.   In her house she found a window that had some sunshine even during the short winter days.   The lemon tree got tiny new leaves and blossoms that had a wonderful aroma.  Where there was a blossom a tiny green lemon began to grow but soon the little lemons dropped off one by one.   Annie was so sad because she took good care of her little tree and it was growing but it only had leaves, blossoms and disappointment.

When spring came Annie put her tree outside on the fire escape again and there were new blossoms, but no lemons.  Soon she didn’t want to look at her tree any more.  She was tired of seeing only leaves.   Her mother said that maybe their house did not have the right kind of sunshine for the little tree.   Lemon trees grow in warm climates and outside with lots of sun.  She suggested that Annie give the tree to a school that had wonderful large windows and much sunshine in their science lab.   Annie pouted and said, “But it is my tree!  I don’t want to give it up!”  So the tree grew and grew but gave only leaves and beautiful blossoms.   At last Annie thought about the tree more than herself.   Maybe if I give the tree away it will bear lemons.  Maybe the children of that school who never saw a lemon tree grow will be happy to watch the new leaves and the blossoms and, maybe they will even have lemons and can make lemonade for the whole school.  She asked her mother to take the little tree to the school.   Annie was very sad as she walked home without her little tree.

As she said her prayers that night and climbed into her bed something wonderful happened. She started to think of the children in the school. She imagined how happy they were when the first new little green leaves came. Then how happy they were when they came to school and had the first whiff of the scent of lemon blossoms. After some weeks they would start to count the little green lemons. She could even see in her imagination how happy they were when they made and served the lemonade from their tree.

Now Annie was happy that she had given away her tree. She was even more happy when she thought about the many children who would be happy with her little tree and how they would make all their parents and friends happy as they told about the wonderful thing that happens with a growing lemon tree. The next day she told her mother who gave her a big hug. They went to the store that afternoon and mom bought some lemons. She made lemonade for Annie because she was so proud of her little girl with the big heart.



An original tale by Sister M. Caroline Bachmann, FDC

 

Franziska Notes February 2013

This year February sees the beginning of the Holy Season of Lent. Mother Franziska focused on the sufferings of Christ and urged the sisters to unite themselves with their Bridegroom by bearing the sufferings and inconveniences, including the real poverty involved with the beginnings of the Congregation. She realized the the sisters would not be credible witnesses for Christ if they afforded themselves every convenience. At the same time, she did not skimp on education and the proper equipment to serve those who depended on the Congregation.

Today we live in a slightly different world. We have many of the material good things of life, and we cannot totally divest ourselves of modern technology which is part of the work and service we do for the Kingdom. We are, however, subject to many stresses and irritations that were unknown a century ago. Penance is not meant to be a self-inflicted pain for its own sake but a witness of God’s love. In our time many people are living in a dark despair. They seem to make a major project of fleeing from suffering at all costs. Some of this flight takes the form of addiction to sex, pornography, medication, alcohol, empty pleasure, as well as many other destructive choices. Our world needs witnesses to hope, joy and peace that come from living according to and trusting in God’s will. We can make our penance as daily acts of gratitude to God for goodness, truth and beauty we may not have noticed before. We can lift people up with sincere compliments and caring, both in word and action according to our possibilities. As Mother Franziska advised, … give joy… make happy… and so lead to heaven. Happy Lent… Really!!!!!