tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58986119509541999222024-02-06T22:51:31.807-05:00Sisters of GraceSeek God in everyone and everything, everyday of your life . . .
The Sisters of Saint Benedict of Our Lady of Grace Monastery in Beech Grove, Indiana share moments and insights from their daily life of seeking God.Sr. Jennifer Mechtild Horner, OSBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14724843186136515503noreply@blogger.comBlogger93125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898611950954199922.post-46101075175347369692013-10-14T09:30:00.003-04:002013-10-14T09:30:52.064-04:00RETURNING AND GIVING THANKS - A REFLECTION BY SR. SUSAN MARIE LINDSTROM, OSB
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;">LUKE 7:11 - 19 - The healing of the ten lepers and the one who returned and gave thanks.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">This gospel got me sent to the Principal’s
office in 4<sup>th</sup> grade.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sr. Joseph Anina asked us to illustrate the gospel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All of my classmates had the one
grateful leper kneeling before Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I did not even have Jesus in my picture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Scandalous?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Apparently so, judging from my teacher’s reaction!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">In the first panel, I drew the lepers, on their
way to the priests, engaged in conversation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One was sad that even Jesus would not touch him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another was complaining about how the
people in the synagogue or temple always looked down on him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another was hopeful that by the time
they reached the priests, maybe they would be healed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Samaritan, whom I dressed differently than the rest,
started to notice that his skin was looking strangely clear, and maybe Jesus
had helped them after all.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">In the 2<sup>nd</sup> panel, all the lepers were
now clean and yelling excitedly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A
few got to the priests, a few were so excited they skipped the priest and just
went home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Samaritan thanked
the priest and then, in a thought bubble, decided he wanted to find Jesus to
say thanks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I thought I had a great imagination.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sr. Joseph Anina thought I missed the
whole point of the story.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Maybe I did miss what she thought was important,
but looking back through much older eyes and a lifetime of experiences, I think
I learned much from this story.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">First, I am impressed by the lepers’ request of
Jesus to have pity on them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Surely
they had heard of His other miracles, and were bold enough to ask for the same
consideration.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had to shout
their request because they were unclean and therefore not allowed near other
people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They remind me of
Benedict’s directive, “Never lose hope in God’s mercy.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">When Jesus directed them to go the priests, they
did not question Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They went on
their way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This echoes Benedict’s
chapter on obedience where he speaks of obedience as listening and responding
as a single step.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">It’s interesting that the gospel says that the
one who returned to Jesus “realized that he had been healed.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If a leper no longer has leprosy, that
would be immediately noticeable, so the healing must be more than
skin-deep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A leper, now cured,
would also have to let go of the bitterness and suffering experienced by being
ostracized from the community… a healing of emotions, spirit and psyche.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I think it is THAT insight that compels the
Samaritan to find Jesus and thank Him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Don’t we all have moments like that in our
lives?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Times that, in retrospect,
we realize that we have been gifted or healed or helped in some way?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do we give thanks to God for that good
fortune?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do we make the effort to
thank the people who were involved in our transformation?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Before I made first vows here, I spent a lot of
time looking at the path that brought me here and realized that my former
community had been very influential in my spiritual growth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With that insight, I was able to let go
of the hurt of being turned down for final vows and my heart was massaged and
softened to the point where I was overwhelmed with gratitude for all they had
taught me… the easy lessons as well as the ones that were painful and
challenging.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wrote a brief thank
you note, and was pleasantly surprised when the first 2 cards I received for
profession were from my Marianist sisters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No hard feelings, no regrets, just prayers and blessings for
the journey.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">So, perhaps this gospel is about recognizing our
woundedness, recognizing those who bring us healing, and being grateful for the
faith that is the thread holding everything together.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Perhaps Jesus knew, as Bishop Tobin said, that
“gratitude is the attitude that will make ministry (and, my own insertion, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the Reign of God) credible.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">May we be people with grateful hearts today and
always.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Sr. Jennifer Mechtild Horner, OSBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14724843186136515503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898611950954199922.post-62058598599707840582013-07-15T14:58:00.001-04:002013-07-15T15:00:22.173-04:0025th Jubilee Celebration - Sr. Nicolette and Sr. Betty Jean<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Sr. Nicolette and Sr. Betty Jean celebrated their 25th Jubilee of Monastic Profession. It was a wonderful day of celebration for us. What a gift to be able to celebrate their faithfulness to God and God's abiding and faithful love for them. Enjoy this video of the renewal of their monastic promises.</span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/epP6Kr8heLw" width="459"></iframe>Sr. Jennifer Mechtild Horner, OSBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14724843186136515503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898611950954199922.post-7152119139174780742013-07-05T14:36:00.001-04:002013-07-05T14:36:58.070-04:00CELEBRATING OUR TWO NEW NOVICES<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nMeHxJUzNsE/UdcRrS1WZ-I/AAAAAAAAASI/6Ks89LmgR1E/s1600/IMG_1219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nMeHxJUzNsE/UdcRrS1WZ-I/AAAAAAAAASI/6Ks89LmgR1E/s320/IMG_1219.JPG" width="320" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Saturday, July 22, 2013 was a great day of celebration for our community as Postulant Susan and Postulant Gayla were received into our novitiate. They are now <b>Sister Susan Nicole </b>and<b> Sister Gayla Marie</b>. Surrounded by the monastic community and family they said yes to God's call for them as they took this big step. The day following this special ceremony, the community began their annual retreat. It was a gift that our new novices could begin their novitiate year in retreat. Please hold them in your prayers as they begin the next part of their vocation journey. </span>Sr. Jennifer Mechtild Horner, OSBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14724843186136515503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898611950954199922.post-42559649427548257142013-05-22T09:53:00.000-04:002013-05-22T09:53:16.602-04:00Sr. Anne Louise and Sr. Susan Elizabeth Receive Community BlessingOn Tuesday, May 21st, Sr. Anne Louise and Sr. Susan Elizabeth went to Sacred Heart Monastery in Yankton, South Dakota to attend the Novice and Director Institute. Benedictine Novices from around the country will be gathering to learn more about the Benedictine life and to have the opportunity to share their experience of religious life with one another. It is also an opportunity for their Formation Directors to connect with one another and learn from each other. <br />
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At the end of Mass on Tuesday morning, Sr. Anne Louise and Sr. Susan Elizabeth were called forward to stand before the community so that they could receive the community's sung blessing. After Mass we gathered by the front door of the monastery to hug them goodbye and to wish them well on their journey.<br />
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We invite you to join us in praying for both of them and all the novices and directors who will be gathering at Sacred Heart Monastery. They will return to us on Friday, May 31st. We will be eagerly awaiting their return and look forward to learning all about their experience.Sr. Jennifer Mechtild Horner, OSBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14724843186136515503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898611950954199922.post-61646430734893328052013-05-02T15:56:00.000-04:002013-05-02T15:56:22.748-04:00STRETCHING THE TENT OF OUR HEART<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 1px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 1px; font-family: Verdana;">We are called by God to do something with our lives, to live with purpose. I'd like to share Pope Francis' word around the important issue of call. In the Vision E-Letter, one finds the following:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 1px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 1px; font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 1px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 1px; font-family: Verdana;">"IN HIS WORLD DAY OF PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS ADDRESS earlier this month, Pope Francis asked the young people in the crowd: Have you sometimes heard the Lord's voice, in a desire, in a worry, did he invite you to follow him more closely? . . . Have you wanted to be apostles of Jesus? . . . Ask Jesus what he wants of you and be brave! Be brave! Ask him this!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 1px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 1px; font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
Vision<br />
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Then at a Confirmation ceremony this past Sunday, Francis told the confirmants: "Remain steadfast in the journey of faith. Listen carefully, young people, swim against the tide; it's good for the heart, but it takes courage."<br />
The Pope's repeated appeals for bravery and courage serve as reminders to all of us that Christian discipleship requires hard choices and selfless acts. "We Christians weren't chosen by the Lord to do little things," says Pope Francis."<br />
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What are you called to do with your life? Every day we are called to stretch the tent of our heart to be something bigger. <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Bigger for God and bigger for others!</span></b><br />
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Sr. Jennifer Mechtild Horner, OSBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14724843186136515503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898611950954199922.post-18701951630403836092013-03-22T12:43:00.001-04:002013-03-22T12:43:20.358-04:00PALM SUNDAY<br />
In just a couple of days we will begin the solemn journey of Holy Week. Palm Sunday is a day of Hosannas and the cry of the crowd who turns on Jesus even as they just honored him with hosannas. As we walk with Jesus on Palm Sunday all the way to the cross, may we open ourselves to the amazing gift we are given in a savior loves us and gives his life for us.<br />
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At our monastery on Palm Sunday we usually process outside with the cross, banners and flowers. We process outside with the music of bells and a drum moving us as we sing Hosanna. When we enter the chapel the mood becomes more solemn as we prepare to hear the reading of the passion. At the end of Mass, we leave in silence.<br />
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It is a powerful time making us deeply aware of what we are saying yes to as Christians. We must walk the way to Calvary if we want to rise with Christ.<br />
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Reflection<br />
Reflect on your experiences of Palm Sunday. Ask God for the grace to enter fully into this powerful liturgy.<br />
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Prayer<br />
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Lord jesus, Savior of the world and Redeemer of all, give us the grace to understand more deeply the mystery of the cross. We need your courage to participate in the work of redemption. As we stand at the foot of the cross with Mayr, may our fait deepen, our hope be renewed, and our love increase a hundredfold. Amen.<br />
(Prayer by Bishop Morneau)<br />
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Sr. Jennifer Mechtild Horner, OSBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14724843186136515503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898611950954199922.post-33795048127262478362013-03-20T18:18:00.000-04:002013-03-20T18:18:11.045-04:00CALL TO GROW IN GOODNESS AND TENDERNESS<br />
Pope Francis gave a wonderful homily on the day of his installation. I have posted several paragraphs here.<br />
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"The vocation of being a “protector”, however, is not just something involving us Christians alone; it also has a prior dimension which is simply human, involving everyone. It means protecting all creation, the beauty of the created world, as the Book of Genesis tells us and as Saint Francis of Assisi showed us. It means respecting each of God’s creatures and respecting the environment in which we live. It means protecting people, showing loving concern for each and every person, especially children, the elderly, those in need, who are often the last we think about. It means caring for one another in our families: husbands and wives first protect one another, and then, as parents, they care for their children, and children themselves, in time, protect their parents. It means building sincere friendships in which we protect one another in trust, respect, and goodness. In the end, everything has been entrusted to our protection, and all of us are responsible for it. Be protectors of God’s gifts!<br />
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Whenever human beings fail to live up to this responsibility, whenever we fail to care for creation and for our brothers and sisters, the way is opened to destruction and hearts are hardened. Tragically, in every period of history there are “Herods” who plot death, wreak havoc, and mar the countenance of men and women.<br />
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Please, I would like to ask all those who have positions of responsibility in economic, political and social life, and all men and women of goodwill: let us be “protectors” of creation, protectors of God’s plan inscribed in nature, protectors of one another and of the environment. Let us not allow omens of destruction and death to accompany the advance of this world! But to be “protectors”, we also have to keep watch over ourselves! Let us not forget that hatred, envy and pride defile our lives! Being protectors, then, also means keeping watch over our emotions, over our hearts, because they are the seat of good and evil intentions: intentions that build up and tear down! We must not be afraid of goodness or even tenderness!<br />
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Reflection<br />
Pope Francis calls us to not be afraid of goodness or even tenderness. How do you nurture goodness and tenderness in your life? Lent is a time of opening our heart to God. Benedict's call to watch over ourselves, our emotions is an important one. As we nurture goodness in our lives we are able to build up ourselves and others for the Kingdom of God.<br />
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Prayer<br />
Gracious God,<br />
you call us to love you in tenderness and mercy and to share this love with others.<br />
May all we do build up ourselves and others so that we may fully serve you.<br />
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.<br />
Sr. Jennifer Mechtild Horner, OSBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14724843186136515503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898611950954199922.post-70958971499305160402013-03-15T10:22:00.002-04:002013-03-15T10:22:05.194-04:00LENTEN CHECK UP<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; text-align: left;">It is hard to believe that Lent is passing by so quickly. How have the last weeks been for you? Ash Wednesday might seem a long time ago. That day when we promised God that we would fast, take more time for prayer and give a little more than we usually do. This morning I will take a little time to reflect on where I am at with all of it. This is not to become a judge of my motivations and actions but to commit to growing closer to Jesus. To commit to walking with him through the rest of Lent in an intentional and powerful way. The goal of all of our commitments is union with Christ. All we do are means to this end. Let us keep our eyes on Jesus and may we look forward to Easter with holy longing.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; text-align: left;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; text-align: left;">Reflection</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; text-align: left;" /><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; text-align: left;">How has this Lent been for you? Are the commitments you made on Ash Wednesday leading you closer to Jesus? Do you need to make adjustments to get back on the path?<br /><br />Loving God,<br />we long for you because you first loved us.<br />May our Lenten commitments draw us closer to you and may we let go of anything that hold us back.<br />Be with us as we journey through these last days of Lent. May our love for you be strengthened and deepened.<br />We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.</span>Sr. Jennifer Mechtild Horner, OSBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14724843186136515503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898611950954199922.post-62144091449992924062013-03-13T10:42:00.003-04:002013-03-13T10:42:33.557-04:00RESPONDING TO GOD'S CALL
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<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Today Sr. Heather Jean shares her response to God's call in her life. You are invited to reflect on yours as we move closer to the holy Feast of Easter!</span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Through the Waters of
Baptism<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Sr. Heather Jean Foltz<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Spring is a time of new
beginnings.; creation comes to life after remaining dormant for months, we
celebrate Christ’s resurrection and welcome new members into our church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is also a time when we are reminded
of God’s calling in our life that began on the day of our own baptism.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>April 15, 1984 was the day that I was
baptized in the name of the trinity into the Christian community of faith and
the day that God began calling me to a new way of being.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have come to realize that God does
not call once, but continues to call us throughout our life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first piece of our calling begins
at baptism and as we enter more fully into our baptismal promise we begin to
realize the personalized call that God has for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This personalized call has two dimensions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first is a more intimate
relationship with God and the second is a mission that will help extend God’s
love to the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God has
invited me to my calling as a Benedictine Monastic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Monastic life is centered on
seeking God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Prayer is central and
all other aspects of life flow from our life of prayer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is within those intimate
moments of prayer both privately and communally that I am filled with God’s
love, which, through grace, helps me to love others in a more substantial
way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Living monastic life
involves living as a part of a larger group.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am one of many called to live out the Rule of Saint
Benedict at Our Lady of Grace Monastery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is within the context of community that I am
able to see both the strengths of the body of Christ and also the division that
can be created as a result of our humanity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Living in community calls me to embrace the beautiful and
the broken aspects of human nature found within my sisters and myself. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is through embracing the human parts
of ourselves and others that we learn to love.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Monastic
life has an impact on the greater community and its presence is needed in the
world today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A life centered on
prayer, work, and hospitality is different than the values of our world. Our
Monastic presence in our world offers others the opportunity to pray with us,
to be prayed for and provides a space for respite for those seeking God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our ministries within the
greater community also help bring a glimpse of our Benedictine values into the
work place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are teachers,
administrators, nurses, librarians, musicians, and social service
providers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Through each of these
ministries we share our values with those we come into contact.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our co-workers watch to see how we
respond to different situations and rely on our prayers for strength and
support in their own journey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God
touches others through our acceptance of God’s invitation to live the monastic
life.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>On
June 9, 2012, deepened my commitment to following God When I made my First
Monastic Profession.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the day of
my profession, I stood before God, my community, friends and family to profess
to live a life of stability, fidelity to the monastic way of life and
obedience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These vows are unique
to Benedictines.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stability is a
commitment to live out our monastic vocation in a specific community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a stability of place and heart. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This stability is allows us to be
known by those who we live with in a deeper way and calls us to conversion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Obedience is a commitment to listen to
and remain faithful to God, our superiors, one another and to the monastic way
of life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We do not journey alone
in monastic life, but together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
is through a life of mutual obedience that we learn to listen to how God is calling
us to grow in love .<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Monastic obedience
is the process of cultivating a listening heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fidelity to the monastic way of life is a commitment to live
faithfully our monastic practices and values as well as to remain open to
conversion within our hearts.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Our
calling is not stagnant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It does
not happen at one moment, but it is a continual turning back to God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are each called to a specific
community and a specific ministry, but the call to continue to love God and
others in deeper ways continues throughout our life on earth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are called to continue through grace
to heal the wounds that keep us from loving God, others, and ourselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are continually called back to the
waters of our baptism to enter more deeply into a loving relationship with our
Triune God.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Reflection</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Reflect on how God is calling you to follow at this time in
your life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is there something you
need to be about to respond to God’s call ?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we journey toward Easter, we remember our baptismal call
and once again commit ourselves<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to
God.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Prayer</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Gracious God,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Through our baptism you call each of us to holiness.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Help me to respond to this call by living each day centered
in you.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
May all I do and say bring me closer to you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amen.</div>
<!--EndFragment-->Sr. Jennifer Mechtild Horner, OSBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14724843186136515503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898611950954199922.post-82174990648966575952013-03-08T18:38:00.002-05:002013-03-08T18:38:34.162-05:00LOVING FOR REAL
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia;">In the Gospel
for today the scribe asks Jesus which is the first of all the
commandments.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia;">Jesus responds,
“Hear O Israel! The Lord our God is Lord alone!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia;">You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with
all your soul, with all your mind, and all your strength.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia;">The second is this:</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia;">You shall love your neighbor as
yourself.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia;">There is no other commandment
greater than these.”</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia;">Well wait a
minute!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia;">The scribe asked which is
the first of all the commandments so why does Jesus respond with two
commandments.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia;">Is it because
Jesus want are love to be made real.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia;">We are not to love only in theory but we must love in practice.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia;">If we truly love God, our love will be
made real in the concrete ways we reach out in love to others.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia;">Not only those that are easy to love
but those that call us to stretch in our understanding of love.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia;">We are called to keep widening the
circle to include all of those that God loves.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia;">That’s a mighty big circle!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia;">Reflection<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia;">Where are you
called to stretch yourself so that you can widen the circle of your
loving?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How does this feel to
you?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Take time to pray and ask for
God’s grace to help you on this journey in growing in the practice of loving.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia;">Loving God,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia;">You are Love
and you call us to love.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia;">Our love for
you is made real in the concrete actions<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>of love in our lives.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia;">Help us to
open ourselves to all people <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>so that we might be stretched in our capacity
to love.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia;">May our love
for you shine as we reach out to others in love.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia;">We ask this
in the name of your son, Jesus Christ our Lord.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia;">Amen.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Sr. Jennifer Mechtild Horner, OSBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14724843186136515503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898611950954199922.post-69621430779501382702013-03-06T08:14:00.001-05:002013-03-06T08:14:30.814-05:00SEE WITH NEW EYES
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">Snow started
falling late afternoon in Beech Grove, Indiana.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It looked liked powdered sugar as it dusted the earth and
soon covered it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was absolutely
beautiful and made me want to get outside and embrace its beauty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I did!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Around 9:30 p.m. I put on my coat and boots and stepped
outside into God’s wonderland.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
trees were draped with snow and my feet had to push against the snow that was
covering the earth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since the snow
was still coming down, I could feel it in my hair and on my face and it was
WONDERFUL!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">You might
ask, what does snow have to do with Lent?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I asked myself that question too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As I walked through God’s creation last night, I was reminded of the
call to be fully awake and open to the wonder of God’s creation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We get so busy with life that we forget
to look at what is always right around us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wake up, God says!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Look with new eyes! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yesterday’s snowfall made me look with new eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Through God’s grace may I look at each
day in this way.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">Lent is a
time of stripping away all that hinders us from seeing God more clearly and
responding to God more fully. God is always active in our lives and in
creation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>May we have eyes to see
it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">Reflection<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">How are you
awake to God’s action in your life?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Take some time today to walk in God’s creation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do so fully awake to what God offers
you!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then be thankful for all the
many graces God gives.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">Gracious God,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">Just like the
snowfall blankets the earth<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>your grace covers us and leads us to life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">Open our eyes
and hearts to your love and grace<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>so that we might be made new and live life
fully awake to your presence.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">We ask this
in the name of Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amen.</span><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Sr. Jennifer Mechtild Horner, OSBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14724843186136515503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898611950954199922.post-8553559153735301812013-03-02T17:55:00.003-05:002013-03-02T17:55:39.777-05:00EVERYONE GETS BY WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM THEIR FRIENDS
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 8.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Commentary on Luke 13:1-9<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 8.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">March 3, 2013</span></b><b><span style="color: #0e6f4e; font-family: Arial; letter-spacing: 1.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 17px;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The message in this
Gospel is everyone gets by with a little help from their friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Repent, repent,
repent, Jesus says, if not you will perish…but then he tells a story of
salvation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God seems to be looking
for those who do not “exhaust the soil.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’d hate to be thought to be in that category but, essentially, I
am…and, so are you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are
periods in our lives when we do not produce much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe we are weighted down by illness or fatigue or depression.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe the weight of the world creates
in us a dark night of the soul.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Maybe our joys do not balance our afflictions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe, just maybe, we have decided this life is too hard and
there must be an easier way.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are like the fig
tree barren of fruit, day after day or month after month or even year after
year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, if we are lucky,
someone comes along who is willing to cultivate the ground around us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A trusted friend, a mentor, an example
of kindness and compassion, a circumstance, an experience fertilizes our
thirsty, barren soil of a soul and brings us back to life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God puts people in
our path like the gardener in today’s Gospel who see in us a grain of
hope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They come to our rescue when
we need them the most.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All we need
do is trust them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m reminded of
the story of a person stranded on the top of a house during a flood with the
waters rising.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A canoe comes along
and invites him in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, he says,
God will save me.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then a rowboat
offers assistance. “No, he says, God will save me.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then a motorboat. “No, he says, God will save me.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He drowns then chastises God<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">for not
saving him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To which God replies…“My
dear child, I sent you three boats!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our rescuers don’t
always come in nice little packages.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sometimes they have to say hard things and issue challenges we don’t
want to hear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The one necessary
thing is that all is done in a spirit of love and true concern.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We don’t get by with a little help from
our enemies…we get by with a little help from our friends.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cultivate good friends
then look to them to help you grow and bear fruit that will last.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They will help you get by.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">Sr. Mary Luke
Jones, OSB<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Sr. Jennifer Mechtild Horner, OSBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14724843186136515503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898611950954199922.post-32426389782255544232013-03-01T10:01:00.002-05:002013-03-01T10:01:45.839-05:00A SIX YEAR OLD GETS IT RIGHT
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sr. Ann Patrice of our community has a beautiful Godchild
named Clare.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Clare’s mom, Annie,
and Sr. Ann Patrice are lifetime friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Annie had told Sr. Ann Patrice that Clare had given up chocolate for
Lent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sr. Ann Patrice was
surprised as Clare LOVES chocolate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The next time Sr. Ann Patrice saw Clare she said, “Clare, I heard that
you have up chocolate for Lent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m
so very proud of you.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Little
Clare looked up at Sr. Ann Patrice and said, “A (that’s what she calls her) I
want to show God how much I love him.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Amazing words from a little girl – I WANT TO SHOW GOD HOW
MUCH I LOVE HIM.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That’s what Lent is all about!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Making space and taking time for God so that we can grow
more deeply in our love for the One who loves us more than we can fathom!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Reflection</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How are you showing God how much you love him?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where do you need to make space or take
more time for God?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s each try
to do a little something extra during the third week of Lent.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Loving God,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our hearts are filled with gratitude for your deep love for
us.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We love you and desire to love you even more.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Open our hearts to your grace so that</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Our
lives might be filled with desire for you.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We ask this through Christ our Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amen.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Sr. Jennifer Mechtild Horner, OSBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14724843186136515503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898611950954199922.post-64515892076274907782013-02-27T12:54:00.002-05:002013-02-27T12:54:28.950-05:00FIRST IN LINE
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<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">First In Line</span></b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">When
I taught elementary school, I would always smile at how the children loved to
be first: first in line, first in the bus, first in the front seat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would smile and think how common this
desire is for all of us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
desire to be first can stand in the way of being for others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In today’s Gospel the mother of the
Sons of Zebedee asks Jesus that her sons sit on his left and on his right in
the Kingdom of Heaven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus tells
her that this is not his to give. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He also says, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the
one who is great is the one who serves. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">As
Christian disciples we are called to serve in the kingdom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This calls us to reach out beyond our
tiny world and see to the needs of all people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By putting others in first place, we create a space where
the good news of Jesus Christ can be heard.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Reflection<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">How
do you serve Christ in the people you meet?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you feel called to serve in a new way.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">God
of all people,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Help
us reach beyond our tiny world <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>so
as to open our hearts to all your people.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">May
our service in your Name <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Be
a gift in your world that is so in need of your mercy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">We
ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Sr. Jennifer Mechtild Horner, OSBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14724843186136515503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898611950954199922.post-46477755014330499192013-02-24T07:00:00.000-05:002013-02-24T07:00:05.776-05:00HOLDING ONTO JESUS EACH AND EVERY DAY<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Today
we have the powerful story of the Transfiguration.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus takes Peter, John and James up the mountain to
pray.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While Jesus is praying his
face change in appearance and his clothing become dazzling white.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Moses and Elijah are conversing with
Jesus when Peter and the others wake from sleep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is not surprising that Peter wakes up with an action plan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That bold disciple who is always ready
to jump in or speak out is overcome with the glory of it all and declares,
“Master, it is good that we are here; let us make three tents, one for you, one
for Moses, and one for Elijah.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Of course he did not know what he was saying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He did not know what would come next. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A voice from heaven says, “This is
my chosen Son, listen to him.” <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We,
like Peter, have all had mountaintop experiences.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those moments in our lives when we are so deeply aware of
God’s shining presence in our lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Knowing that Christ is the chosen One and, that in listening to him, we
become his chosen disciples.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
think it is natural to want to stay on the mountaintop, to freeze those
moments, to make them last forever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is interesting to note that this encounter comes as the disciples are
on their way with Jesus to Jerusalem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We, too, are called to walk with Jesus, not only on the mountaintop but also
on the road of life and sometimes that’s difficult and painful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are called to make real the gift of
the mountaintop experience in our everyday life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is when we can hold onto the experience of knowing God’s
light so clearly even in the midst of our road Jerusalem that Jesus’ message
becomes real in our lives.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As
I prayed with this Gospel it had a meaning for me that it has never had
before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe it’s because it will
be read at Mass tomorrow, which is also my parents’ 51<sup>st</sup> Wedding
Anniversary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Last year we
celebrated their Golden Anniversary with great joy and celebration.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their love for one another was so
evident and we rejoiced in it and thanked them for their faithful witness to
the vows they had made to one another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>God’s presence in their love for one another was so very clear. It was a
wonderful celebration and it was good to be there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This year my mom will go to visit my dad and he won’t recognize
her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As she shares memories of
their life together, he won’t remember that he was a part of all those memories.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tomorrow when my mom goes to spend time
with my dad it won’t be the mountaintop experience that it was last year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She now walks that difficult road that
we are all called to walk in different ways and in different
circumstances.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She must hold onto
the promise that God is just as present to her in these painful times as God
was on the mountaintop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
blessing and grace in all of it is that the One who is part of those
mountaintop experiences, the shining light that holds us all in love, walks
with us on the road to Jerusalem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We are never alone and can count on the Chosen one who chooses us to
walk beside us companioning us along the way.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As
we journey through this season of Lent, may we remember the mountaintop
experiences of our lives. Let us be grateful that just as God was with us then, God
is with us now holding and sustaining us in love.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Reflection<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">What
are some of the mountaintop experiences of your life?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How do you take those experiences into your daily life even
when some days are difficult?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">God
of all time,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">We thank
you for those mountaintop times in our life<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">That
help us know your deep presence to us and your powerful love for us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Give
us the grace to not forget this same presence and love<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">As we
journey through each day of our lives.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">We
ask this through your Son in whom you are well pleased.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Amen<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Sr. Jennifer Mechtild Horner, OSBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14724843186136515503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898611950954199922.post-8692879611337890712013-02-22T07:00:00.000-05:002013-02-22T07:00:00.104-05:00UNITING OURSELVES TO JESUS<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0ITvb9-ZcYw/USaCthCj19I/AAAAAAAAARo/jVthZLxW9h4/s1600/mother-teresa-with-her-people.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0ITvb9-ZcYw/USaCthCj19I/AAAAAAAAARo/jVthZLxW9h4/s200/mother-teresa-with-her-people.jpg" width="200" /></a>This morning during my prayer I read something from Mother
Teresa that touched me deeply.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
talking about faith and trust, she told the following story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She and her sisters would feed four
thousand people each day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One week
they found they had no rice to give these people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Without food given to them by the sisters, these people
would have nothing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, about
9:00 a.m. on that Friday morning, two truckloads of bread were delivered to the
sisters to share with the poor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
turns out that school was canceled that day and they didn’t want the food to go
to waste.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was more bread in
those truckloads than most of them would see in a lifetime.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mother Teresa said that when we trust
and have faith God will provide for us in ways we would never expect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even if means closing the school for
the day! :)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It reminded me that even in the hardest
of circumstances I am called to trust and have faith, uniting myself to Christ
in prayer and in action.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Reflection:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Can you think of a time when you have trusted God in a
situation that seemed hopeless and God surprised you?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where are you called to have faith and trust right now?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Christ,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You penetrate our inmost depths,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And there you perceive an expectation.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You know that, without having seen you we love you,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And still without seeing you we give you our trust.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Amen.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
(A prayer by Brother Roger of Taize</div>
<!--EndFragment-->Sr. Jennifer Mechtild Horner, OSBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14724843186136515503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898611950954199922.post-80412743474434921402013-02-20T09:15:00.000-05:002013-02-20T09:15:02.724-05:00RESTING FROM OUR BUSYNESS
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<br />
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I have found that when I ask people how they are doing there
response is often “I’m busy”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sometimes this is followed by a list of what they need to do or a sense
of frazzledness (is that a word?!).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I often find myself saying the same thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So . . . I’ve been paying attention to how often I respond
that way . . . and I realize it’s way too often.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is there anything wrong with being busy?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t think there is if we are busy
about the right things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And yet,
even when we are busy about the right things, if we don’t take time to rest,
the Sabbath God talks about, we will crash and burn or just run around in a
frenzy.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9c58FTs-DMU/USTZ-VJuzDI/AAAAAAAAARY/pQeccfgF3nU/s1600/PB242110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="181" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9c58FTs-DMU/USTZ-VJuzDI/AAAAAAAAARY/pQeccfgF3nU/s200/PB242110.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sr. Juliann enjoying art</td></tr>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Taking Sabbath time is not always as easy as it sounds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What does Sabbath time mean?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Often when I’ve been running too hard
and for too long, I crash and move into inactivity which is not what I believe
Sabbath time is all about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sabbath
is about resting and renewing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s
finding what helps you rest and be renewed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is different for everyone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For me it is a conversation with a good friend, praying and
worshiping with our community, a long walk in the beauty of God’s creation,
taking time for art and journaling, sharing a movie with community and talking
about it afterwards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not
about doing nothing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s about
doing something that renews my spirit and opens me up to receive God’s
grace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I take time for
Sabbath, I am more ready to do God’s work and not my work of busyness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Reflection:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Do you take Sabbath Time during the week?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even if you can’t take a whole day, can
you take a couple of hours of time to rest and be renewed?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When you think of things that are
restful and renewing, what are they?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Can you incorporate at least one in your week?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Holy God,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You call us to take Sabbath time </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So that we can rest and be renewed in you.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Help us remember that all life comes from you.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
May all we do glorify you in the life that you have given
us.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We ask thin in your most holy Name.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Sr. Jennifer Mechtild Horner, OSBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14724843186136515503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898611950954199922.post-60707211606395391572013-02-17T06:00:00.000-05:002013-02-17T06:00:06.904-05:00Temptation<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><b>Reflection on the Gospel for the First Sunday in Lent -- Luke 4:1-13 </b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px;"><b>by Sr. Carol Falkner, OSB</b></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">“Jesus, full of the Holy
Spirit, then returned from the Jordan and was conducted by the Spirit into the
desert for forty days, where he was tempted by the devil.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here we have a passage that is
definitely linked to the days of Lent and Lenten disciplines.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not eating for forty days was Jesus’
test while for us it could be giving up something that is difficult to do or
reaching out to someone in need. No matter what, it is to be a time of prayer
and spiritual discipline in some form.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Our story today is the story
of Jesus being tempted by Satan. The key word is “tempt or put to the
test.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One finds that word
appearing several places in the gospel tradition as in the Lord’s Prayer, “Lead
us not into temptation.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all
wish to be delivered from the time of testing however this manifests itself in
our lives, but how aware are we when we pray for this very grace each day at
the Liturgy of the Hours or the Eucharistic Liturgy – “…lead us not into
temptation, but deliver us from evil.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">The first temptation to turn
stones into bread comes after forty days of fasting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus is very hungry as were the chosen people in the
wilderness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The latter get their
hunger satisfied when God sends manna from heaven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although there is no indication that Jesus gets bread, He
does respond to Satan by quoting Deuteronomy when He says, “A person cannot
live on bread alone.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We, too, experience
a hunger only satisfied by God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Lent is an ideal time to ask God to satisfy this hunger by what Benedict
says we are to do “…devote ourselves to prayer with tears, to reading, to
compunction of heart and self-denial.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">The second temptation is that
of power.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Satan shows Jesus all
the kingdoms of the world in a single instance and offers them to Jesus if he
will only worship him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Power is
seductive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Often people in
authority are perceived to have great power.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus answers, “You shall worship the Lord, your God, and
God alone shall you serve. “<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Real
power is anchored in humility because one realizes that real power is rooted in
God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let us summit to humility as
Benedict would encourage us to do and allow it to teach us about real power.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">During the third temptation
Jesus is asked to throw himself down from the temple leaving God to save him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This temptation asks Jesus to use the
power of God to do miracles that would be in his own self-interest putting God
to the test.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus warns Satan,
“You shall not put the Lord, your God, to the test.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus reminds us in the Garden of Gethsemane: “Pray that you
may not enter into the time of testing.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lent serves as a reminder to surrender our lives to
God. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Let us then allow these forty
days of Lent to be our time in the desert, our time to make God the center of
our lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then we will be able to
“look forward to holy Easter with joy and spiritual longing.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Sr. Jennifer Mechtild Horner, OSBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14724843186136515503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898611950954199922.post-64483389077076999742013-02-15T09:16:00.002-05:002013-02-15T09:16:26.447-05:00Creating Space
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<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_O-Van4loc8/UR5DJaiHysI/AAAAAAAAARA/_VtM2CT8YLo/s1600/prayer_fasting.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_O-Van4loc8/UR5DJaiHysI/AAAAAAAAARA/_VtM2CT8YLo/s200/prayer_fasting.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I think we could probably all agree that we desire God to be
the center of our lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our
Lenten journey is a reminder to make this desire a reality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is easy to get off course and not
realize that other things are creeping into our lives and taking up way too
much space.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s where fasting
comes in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we think of fasting
we usually think of food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s a
good place to start.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we fast
from food for any period of time, our hunger pains quickly remind us that we
cannot survive without food, especially the Bread of Life offered to us
daily.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So . . .fasting from food
is a good thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is something I
do to remind myself to turn to God for all my needs and to give myself to God
wholeheartedly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve been thinking
a lot lately about what fills my life, what takes up too much space in my
heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe I am called to
fast from these things as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
could be worrying, social networking, rigid ideas that stop me from loving
etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This Lent I’m going to
pay attention to what takes up too much space and then fast from it so that I
can create more space for God in my everyday life.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Reflection:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Reflect on what takes up a lot of space in your life, what
tends to consume you?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You might
want to try fasting from it for even a week of Lent (if the whole of Lent seems
like an impossibility) and pay attention to what happens within you and in the
way you relate to others.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
God of all blessings,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You desire to consume us with your love.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Help us to let go of those things that consume us so that we
can make space for your love.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Give us the courage to give all to you so that we can truly
receive all that you desire for us.</div>
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">We ask this in your most
holy name, Jesus Christ our Lord.</span><!--EndFragment-->
Sr. Jennifer Mechtild Horner, OSBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14724843186136515503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898611950954199922.post-846840942589301472013-02-13T11:44:00.000-05:002013-02-13T11:44:52.883-05:00A Time to Begin Again
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have always loved Ash Wednesday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some people think that is strange but I don’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I like it because it is an
opportunity to begin again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are
all in need of this season of Lent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The fact that churches throughout our country will be overflowing on
this day of receiving ashes is evidence of that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am aware of my gifts but maybe even more of the areas
where I fall short..<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And so the
Church gives this time to begin again, to turn to our Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In our monastery we have the tradition of filling out our
Bona Opera (which means “Good Works” in Latin).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A little while before Ash Wednesday our Prioress gives us a
card that says:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">During these days of Lent, I, Sr
__________________, will add to the usual measure of our service by way of . .
.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Prayer<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>_____________________, Fasting ________________________
Almsgiving _________________________.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i>Each Sister spends time
reflecting on these areas in her life and how she needs to grow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After prayerful consideration, she
fills it out and places it in a basket in our chapel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During Mass on Ash Wednesday our Bona Operas are blessed as
we begin the good work of Lent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
is work, isn’t it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is hard to
change, to grow, to let go of those parts of ourselves that don’t take us to
God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, yet, grow we must if we
are to become the person God has called us to be.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Reflection:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Reflect on the areas of your life where you most need to
grow. Ask Jesus to help you turn back to him with all your heart.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What does Ash Wednesday mean to you?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Share the ways that this season of Lent
calls you to grow.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Loving God,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You ask us to repent and believe in the Gospel</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And to remember that we are dust and to dust we shall
return.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We are nothing without you but with you we are everything.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Be with us as we begin this season of Lent. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
May it be a time of continual turning to you.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We ask this through Christ our Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amen.</div>
<!--EndFragment-->Sr. Jennifer Mechtild Horner, OSBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14724843186136515503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898611950954199922.post-58020207087175870832013-02-11T14:41:00.003-05:002013-02-11T14:41:43.286-05:00DOUBLE CELEBRATION<br />
<div style="font: 12.0px Calibri; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">\On Sunday, February 10th, the Sisters of St. Benedict in Beech Grove had a double reason to celebrate! The Feast of St. Scholastica and the gift of the presence of our Archbishop! Soon after Archbishop Tobin was appointed to our archdiocese we extended an invitation to have him join us for the special Benedictine Feast of St. Scholastica. This feast is especially important to us as St. Scholastica is known as the twin of St. Benedict, the founder of Benedictine Order. </span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Calibri; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DpsyTF4m5IY/URlI2_q1n-I/AAAAAAAAAQo/5dXtD9rE0cw/s1600/image-13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DpsyTF4m5IY/URlI2_q1n-I/AAAAAAAAAQo/5dXtD9rE0cw/s200/image-13.jpg" width="189" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sr. Mary Sylvester meets the<br />Archbishop</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font: 12.0px Calibri; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Archbishop Tobin joined us for Morning Prayer as we chanted the</span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Calibri; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">psalms and </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">sang the antiphons of this very special feast. It was </span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Calibri; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">such a gift to have him join </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">us. After prayer he joined the </span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Calibri; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">community for coffee, food and conversation. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Archbishop Tobin</span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Calibri; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">has such a friendly way about him. It doesn’t take long in </span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Calibri; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">his presence before one feels totally at ease. It was a joy to </span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Calibri; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">have Sr. Mary </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Sylvester, our 100 year old sister, meet him. </span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Calibri; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">He thanked her for her </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">many years of faithful service. </span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Calibri; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Calibri; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Gathering in our chapel for Mass we listened in intently as</span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Calibri; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Archbishop Tobin gave a powerful homily about St. Scholastica </span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Calibri; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">and what she teaches us and the Church. One line from his </span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Calibri; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">homily that will stay with me always was when he said that the</span></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eIAx7tZYAEk/URlJHcu33HI/AAAAAAAAAQw/ieGlawWLfE8/s1600/IMG_1039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eIAx7tZYAEk/URlJHcu33HI/AAAAAAAAAQw/ieGlawWLfE8/s200/IMG_1039.jpg" width="181" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sr. Juliann, our Prioress, and<br />Archbishop Tobin</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font: 12.0px Calibri; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">monastic vocation is a shining light in the heart of the Church and t</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">hat it reminds everyone to <i>prefer nothing whatever to Christ. </i></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Calibri; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Archbishop Tobin’s wisdom coupled with his delightful sense of </span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Calibri; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">humor touched me deeply. I consider it a blessing to have him </span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Calibri; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">as our shepherd and have him lead us in the holy Mass. Following</span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Calibri; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Mass we processed downstairs we sat down for a meal and </span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Calibri; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">more enriching conversation. I thank God for this wonderful man </span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Calibri; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">and pray that the Holy Spirit will fill him with wisdom as he leads</span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Calibri; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">us in and to Christ.</span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Calibri; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i></i></span><br /></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Calibri; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b><i></i></b></span><br /></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Calibri; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">A story from St. Scholastica’s life</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">We know of her through the writings of St. Gregory the Great. Scholastica and Benedict were close and lived in monasteries near one another. One of my favorite stories about them is a story about Scholastica’s perseverance in prayer. Benedict and Scholastica used to meet once a year for holy conversation. On the day of what was to become their final earthly meeting, Benedict came to visit Scholastica. They spent the whole day praising God and discussing spiritual matters, as was their custom at these annual meetings. As evening approached and they were dining, Scholastica begged Benedict to stay until morning so they could continue their conversation. She begged, "Please do not leave me tonight, brother. Let us keep on talking about the joys of heaven until morning." He replied, "What are you saying, sister? You know I cannot stay away from the monastery." Scholastica then folded her hands on the table, lowered her head, and with tears flowing down her face, she began to pray. The clear sky darkened with clouds, and a rainstorm followed as she concluded her prayer. The storm began as soon as her prayer concluded. In fact, they coincided so closely that the thunder was already echoing as she raised her head. Benedict complained, "God forgive you, sister! What have you done?" Scholastica answered, "When I appealed to you, you would not listen to me. So I turned to my God, and he heard my prayer. Leave now if you can. Leave me here and go back to your monastery." Benedict was forced to remain the entire night. God answered the holy woman's hopeful prayer with a miracle. If we could all have such faith!</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
Sr. Jennifer Mechtild Horner, OSBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14724843186136515503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898611950954199922.post-52352568728738876352013-01-21T15:50:00.000-05:002013-01-21T15:50:34.629-05:00Ordinary Time I am teaching a class on spiritual disciplines at a local university. I am looking forward to journeying with 13 young women and men as they learn more about prayer and what it means to grow closer to God. I am so thankful for the gift of being part of our community that has taught me the importance of faithfulness to prayer. My life has been changed by all the opportunities I have been given to grow closer to the One I love. I have also learned that it is in the ordinariness of daily life that change and transformation happens. Sure there are mountaintop moments but these usually don't last. It is in the ordinariness of daily life that extraordinary things happen. Don't miss these ordinary moments. Live into them and offer thanks to God!Sr. Jennifer Mechtild Horner, OSBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14724843186136515503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898611950954199922.post-25375744801791737182012-12-22T18:41:00.003-05:002012-12-22T18:41:42.192-05:00HOLY VISITATIONS
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Fourth Sunday of Advent – December 23, 2012<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Today
we have the beautiful story of the Visitation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The word visitation has a variety of meanings and can have
positive or negative connotations. And yet, when we look at the word Visitation
in light of this Gospel passage, our understanding of the experience of
visitation takes on a particular shape.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This encounter between Mary and Elizabeth can teach us a lot about how
our visitations, our encounters with others should be. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Let
us reflect for a moment on this special visitation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mary sets out to visit Elizabeth so that she can share the
good news of Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Looking at it
in another way we can say that Mary literally took Jesus to Elizabeth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Elizabeth, paying attention to the
movement within and recognizing the Presence in Mary responds with praise and
thanksgiving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In this experience
of visitation we have a giving and receiving of the good news of Christ, a
recognition, and a response of praise and thanksgiving.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>How
would the visitations in our life look if they took on the shape of this holy
visitation?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What would it be like
if when we encounter another we try to bring to the other and receive from them
the good news of Jesus Christ?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What
if we let go of the obstacles that stop us from recognizing the presence of
Christ in another?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And how would
we be changed if we gave praise and thanksgiving for the many people who bring
the good news of Jesus Christ to us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Last
Friday at Sandy Hook Elementary there was a visitation of an evil kind and
great tragedy ensued.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ripple
effects of this tragedy will be felt forever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For some it is very close because they lost someone near to
their very heart. For all of us though it was the realization of how one person
can visit such evil and change the course of life forever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I listen to the stories that keep
flowing out of the little town of Newtown, I have been touched by the beautiful
visitations that have happened even in the midst of such evil.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
teacher who put her students in a closet and before she closed the <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>closet
to hide them from the gunman told them how much she loved them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Later
she said that if they were to have died she wanted “I love you” to be <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>the
last words they heard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Or
the retired psychologist who took care of students who had fled from <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>the
school in horror.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He just
sat with them and listened to them as they <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>waited
for their parents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
pastor of St. Rose of Lima parish who wept with his parishioners as<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>they
received the news of the loss of so many of their loved ones.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
same pastor who said to his parishioners on the following Sunday that <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“we
have to <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>let
all the world see the faith of the parish of St. Rose of Lima.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>For
this faith, that has been so apparent to many during these last few <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>heart-<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>wrenching
days, is not something new for the people of this church <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>. . . it is not something made up … <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>or recently put on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your Catholic faith is <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>who
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>you
are; your faith defines you. I can attest to this personally,” he <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>said,
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“because
of <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>the
profound way your faith has transformed my own <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>life.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>These
stories of visitation in our day echo the beautiful visitation story of the
Gospel we just heard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The teacher
brought Jesus to those children in the form of her words of love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The retired psychologist received the
presence of Christ in the form of those frightened children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the pastor of St. Rose of Lima
parish responded to his people’s faith with praise and thanksgiving.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
powerful story of the Visitation we celebrate in the Gospel this Fourth Sunday
of Advent is celebrated in our lives and in the lives of those people in
Newtown who are experiencing such grief.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Maybe we can commit ourselves this Christmas to being a little more
attentive to the many opportunities we have for visitations in our life and may
they help us bring the good news of Christ to others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, when someone reaches out to us, may we recognize the
Christ in them and respond with praise and thanksgiving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just as Mary had to set out and travel
to the hill country, we might have to climb the hill of our prejudices and
struggles with other people and ask God to help us make space for all
people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This Christmas let us make
this powerful story of the Visitation come alive and may we all be changed
because of it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--EndFragment-->Sr. Jennifer Mechtild Horner, OSBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14724843186136515503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898611950954199922.post-25461503014392282532012-12-19T15:23:00.000-05:002012-12-19T15:23:04.040-05:00O Antiphons<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><b>Starting on December 17 we sing the O Antiphons before we chant the magnificat at Evening Prayer. Each of the O Antiphons is a name for Christ, one of his attributes in Scripture. They are over a thousand years old. If they seem familiar to you, it is probably because you have sung them before in "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel."</b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><b>When viewed from Christmas Eve backward, the first letters of the Latin texts (Emmanuel, Rex, Oriens, Clavis, Radix, Adonai, Sapentia) spell out the phrase "eros cras" ("I come tomorrow.) </b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #404040; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><b>We invite you to pray them with us each day:</b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"></span><br />
<h2 style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: bold; font: normal normal normal 1em/normal arial; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;">December 17</span></h2>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 8px;">
O Wisdom of our God Most High, guiding creation with power and love:<br />come to teach us the path of knowledge!</div>
<h2 style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: bold; font: normal normal normal 1em/normal arial; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;">December 18</span></h2>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 8px;">
O Leader of the House of Israel, giver of the Law to Moses on Sinai:<br />come to rescue us with your mighty power!</div>
<h2 style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: bold; font: normal normal normal 1em/normal arial; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;">December 19</span></h2>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 8px;">
O Root of Jesse’s stem, sign of God’s love for all his people:<br />come to save us without delay!</div>
<h2 style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: bold; font: normal normal normal 1em/normal arial; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;">December 20</span></h2>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 8px;">
O Key of David, opening the gates of God’s eternal Kingdom:<br />come and free the prisoners of darkness!</div>
<h2 style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: bold; font: normal normal normal 1em/normal arial; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;">December 21</span></h2>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 8px;">
O Radiant Dawn, splendor of eternal light, sun of justice:<br />come and shine on those who dwell in darkness and in the shadow of death.</div>
<h2 style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: bold; font: normal normal normal 1em/normal arial; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;">December 22</span></h2>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 8px;">
O King of all nations and keystone of the Church:<br />come and save us, whom you formed from the dust!</div>
<h2 style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: bold; font: normal normal normal 1em/normal arial; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;">December 23</span></h2>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">O Emmanuel, our King and Giver of Law: </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">come to save us, Lord our God!</span><br />
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Sr. Jennifer Mechtild Horner, OSBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14724843186136515503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898611950954199922.post-22423859040914735982012-09-24T13:18:00.000-04:002012-09-24T13:18:20.191-04:00. . . arriving from around the country!It is a beautiful fall day in Beech Grove, Indiana. The temps are in the 60's - just perfect for a brisk walk. It is quiet around the monastery as everyone goes about their Monday duties. Soon, however, there will be lots of activity as sisters from around the country come connect and learn from one another as they spend a week at the <a href="http://www.benedictinn.org/">Benedict Inn</a>, our retreat center. <br />
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The sisters that are coming are sub-prioresses. The term prioress is the name for the superior of a Benedictine women's community. A sub-prioress is an assistant to the prioress. They have the big job of making sure that life in the monastery runs smoothly. I am sure that they will enjoy spending time with one another and learning from the sisters who will be giving presentations.<br />
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We are blessed to be able to host this group and share our hospitality with them. We LOVE having Benedictine groups join us. It is like having extended family visit.<br />
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Please keep them and us in your prayers during this week of connecting and learning. Blessings!Sr. Jennifer Mechtild Horner, OSBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14724843186136515503noreply@blogger.com