May 2012

“We could go on until tomorrow, and we should not say everything about the infinite goodness of God.” –St. Julie Billiart, Co-Foundress of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur

May 6, 2012 5th Sunday of Easter (www.usccb.org)

• I re-read Acts 9:26-31. I spend some time listening and watching how the other disciples learn to trust Paul. I watch what Paul does and I begin to see how he is able to be so bold. I ask Jesus to help me to make known God’s goodness.

• I let the words of 1 John 3:18-24 touch me. I am “to love in truth and in deed.” I ask for the grace to live as Jesus.

• John 15:1-8 is asking me to pay attention to my connection to Jesus. I ask myself: “Do I pray when I need something?” Do I pray because my whole being depends on it?” Does my life bear fruit and fullness of life? I ask for the grace to honestly hear what Jesus says.

“My wish for you is that you become a truly great saint. I ask for you a continual increase in grace, especially the gifts of counsel and fortitude and a perfect charity.” –Françoise, Co-Foundress of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur

May 13, 2012 Sixth Sunday of Easter (Mother’s Day) (www.usccb.org)

• I listen to the words of today’s readings. I let them “wash me” and I hear God’s voice saying He loves me. I look at the many ways I see God’s love in my life. I offer a grateful prayer to God for loving me first.

• Love reveals God. I reflect on what my faith teaches me about love. I spend time with Jesus asking him to show me the way to the Father.

• God’s love is universal and goes out to all. I look at the ways I decide whom and whom not to love. I talk to Jesus about this and ask him to help me to love as he does.

“God alternates light and shadows so well that we always go joyously ahead. All that we need is to have confidence and to walk wherever God guides us.” – Francoise, Co-Foundress of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur

May 20, 2012 Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord (www.usccb.org)

• I re-read the first reading from the Acts of the Apostles 1:1-11. I let the reality of the fact that the disciples had an additional 40 days after the crucifixion to enjoy the revelation and instruction of the Risen Jesus. I ponder what this all means and wonder what Jesus said.

• During this post resurrection time, “the Lord worked with them and confirmed the word through accompanying signs.” I ask myself: “Am I recognizing the signs of God’s goodness in my life? … in the lives of others? I ask Jesus…

• I let myself be present at the Ascension. I recognize that I, too, have great depth of feelings. On one hand, I will miss Jesus being present as he has been and I do not know what this “proclaim the good news to the ends of the world” means for me. I talk to Jesus about these feelings and let Jesus assure me that he will be with me.

We must remain united with Mary in the Cenacle, to be with the disciples, the apostles, to persevere there in prayer with the entire holy Church. –Julie, Co-Foundress of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur

May 27, 2012 Solemnity of Pentecost Sunday (www.usccb.org)

• I listen to Saint Paul describe the different kinds of abilities and forms of service each member of the Christian community has. His point, is that all gifts come from “the same God” and these gifts exist for one purpose: the benefit of the community. I ask Jesus to help me see the abilities and form of service for which I have been gifted.

• I’ve been hearing a lot about “discernment of spirits” lately. Today’s readings are full of spirit. I let St. Paul’s words settle in my consciousness: discernment is a gift of the Holy Spirit and is recognized by the “fruit” it produces. I ask Jesus to help me recognize if what I am pursuing fills me with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

April, 2012

“Let us cast ourselves into the care of the good God by a total abandonment of ourselves into His Hands, seeking nothing, desiring nothing, save only His good pleasure and greater glory. Everything else is nothing, nothing at all.” – St. Julie, Co-Foundress of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur

April 1, 2012 Palm Sunday

• I pray with Isaiah 50:4-7. I recall the ways that Jesus accepts the price of fidelity. I ask Jesus to help me to live more faithfully.

• In Philippians 2:6-11, I focus on Jesus who assumed human likeness and endured human suffering. I gently look at the choices I make and my attitudes about long suffering and patient endurance. I ask Jesus to help me to become more like him.

• In Mark 14:1-15:47, I listen to Jesus’ Passion and Death. I allow myself to look at the different individuals and groups of people who made decisions that resulted in Jesus’ passion, death and resurrection. I insert myself into a scene and ask what kind of choice I would make. Would I distance myself from Jesus, both physically and spiritually? Would I have gone to Galilee with the hope of seeing him?” I talk to Jesus about the times I have run away from him. I ask him to help me turn towards him.

The Resurrection of Jesus is about discovery (what happened to Jesus) and insight (what that means to us), commissioning (what we have to do about it) and departing (where we go with it) and witnessing (whom we tell and how we tell it).

April 8, 2012 Easter Sunday

• In the Acts of the Apostles 10:34a, 37-43, l listen to Peter boldly give testimony to Jesus of Nazareth. Recalling his story of denials of knowing Jesus, I marvel at his “conversion.” I wonder about myself. What kind of testimony of Jesus do I proclaim? I talk to Jesus about this theme.

• I prayerfully read John 20:1-9. I identify with Mary Magdalene as she finds the stone rolled away from Jesus’ tomb. I gently name those conflicting feelings and thoughts. I ask Jesus to help me understand what his passion, death, and resurrection means to me.

• I re-read John and see how the different people respond to the empty tomb. I wonder what kind of response I would have made then and I wonder what kind of response I will make in the future. I ask for Jesus’ guidance and love.

The readings this week remind us that the Easter Season is about both celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus and doing something about it. These messages are about calling, sending, and missioning.  

April 15, 2012 2nd Sunday of Easter (Divine Mercy Sunday)

• In Acts 4:32-35, I read a description of the “community of believers.” I ponder what beliefs, attitudes and determination it takes to live this type of community life. I wonder what living in this type of community would be like for me. I ask Jesus to help me live this way with others.

• In Psalm 118, I hear the boundless compassion of God is the reason for thanksgiving. I spend time recalling God’s goodness in my life. I ask Jesus to help me become more grateful for my life and the lives of others.

• I read John 20:19-31. I prayerfully watch this scene unfold. I watch with anticipation as Jesus singles out Thomas with:  “Put your finger here and see my hands…Resist no longer but believe.” I welcome Jesus’ efforts to strengthen Thomas’ belief as well as my belief. I ask Jesus to help me recognize my “doubt” as a challenge to review, update, and strengthen my core beliefs.

“All that comes to us from God’s hand is always good. We find it difficult to grasp this idea of God’s goodness.” –St. Julie, Co-foundress of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur

April 22, 2012 3rd Sunday of Easter (Earth Day)

• Peter and John speak out fearlessly in Acts 3:13-15, 17-19. I ponder what enables them to do this so fearlessly. I ask Jesus to help me be bolder in proclaiming what I’ve known and believe about Him.

• I find great comfort in Psalm 4. I make the verse “Lord, let your face shine on us” part of my breathing rhythm.  I tell Jesus about how this makes me feel.

• I read Luke 24:35-48. I re-read each line now more slowly. I ask Jesus to speak to me and show me what he is missioning me to do. I thank Jesus for his gifts to me to share with all the People of God.

“At every step I take I find a mark of God’s kindness. How many of these marks there are already! Who could ever count them? My God, grant me the grace, if it pleases you, to meet their challenges.” –St. Julie, Foundress of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur

April 29, 2012 4th Sunday of Easter (World Day of Prayer for Vocations)

• I continue to marvel at Peter’s apostolic zeal in Acts 4:8-12. I remember his story and find hope that Jesus calls me to be a disciple. I talk to Jesus about what he is calling me to do for him.

• I listen to 1 John 3:1-2. I pay particular attention to “We are God’s children and what we shall be has not yet been shown.” I ask Jesus to help me respond to him more completely.

• I re-read the parable of the Good Shepherd from John 10:11-18. Leadership is a theme that draws my attention. Jesus’ leadership valued care, sacrifice, and unity. I ask what kind of leader I am. I ask what kind of follower I am. I talk this over with Jesus and ask what kind of leader he is calling me to become.

March 2012

ST. JULIE SAYS: “Now we are beginning to be Sisters of Notre Dame. Crosses are no longer lacking; they are coming from all sides.” Letter of February 10, 1809

WHERE ARE WE ON THE JOURNEY?
Being a disciple of Jesus means bearing crosses. Jesus told the apostles that if they wanted to be his disciples they must be willing to take up the cross daily in order to follow him. And by the real cross he carried, Jesus showed he wasn’t asking us to do something he wasn’t willing to do himself. In fact, he spent a lot of time removing crosses from people.

In many less dramatic but just as real ways, we can remove crosses from people every day. Here are some suggestions: Hold that complaint. Speak to a stranger. Smile as someone. Reserve that judgment. Congratulate that achiever. Encourage
the underachiever. Compliment a family member. Bring groceries to a food pantry. Say “yes” when asked to volunteer. It’s amazing how much lighter one’s own cross becomes each time we take one off someone else. Lent calls us to hear the invitation of the Lord to build the kingdom of God by giving people love and joy and peace.

March 4 Second Sunday of Lent
• I prayerfully read Genesis 22. I pay particular attention to Abraham’s responses to God. Gently, I let my questions about God’s test of Abraham’s faith rise to the surface. I wonder what God is asking of me. I talk to God about what surfaces in me.
• Paul’s Letter to the Romans 8:31-34 leads me to ponder God’s purpose for me. I reflect on the times that I have been comforted by my confidence in God. I thank God for his goodness to me.
• I read Mark 9:2-10. I walk up the high mountain with Peter, James, and John. I watch as Jesus is transfigured before us. I pay attention to Elijah and Moses who appear with Jesus. I smile to myself as Peter volunteer to make “three tents.” I wonder how I am like Peter.

March 11 Third Sunday of Lent
• I am particularly moved by the Psalm: “Lord, you have the words of everlasting life.” I ponder the connection amount all the readings of today. I talk to God about my growing understanding of the phrase: “the foolishness of God is wiser than humans.” I ask the Holy Spirit to continue to guide me.
• I walk with Jesus into the Temple court and watch Jesus turn the merchant’s business as usual up-side down. I’m seeing another dimension of Jesus and I wonder what that means for me. I ask myself what would make me act as Jesus does? I talk to Jesus about this.
• I re-read the Gospel. Again, I ponder what situations would trigger such a response from Jesus. I wonder what my responses would be as a merchant, as a Temple official, as a disciple of Jesus. I ask Jesus what was going on in his mind and heart at that time.

March 18 Fourth Sunday of Lent
• I read the first reading from 2 Chronicles. I ponder the events leading to the exile and marvel how they came to return to Jerusalem. I identify with those times in my life when I have felt exiled and when I’ve come home. I thank Jesus for his belief in me.
• I read Ephesians 2:44-10. I review my life and remember the times God has been so good to me. I ponder the connections between grace, faith, and salvation. I ask God to help my unbelief!
• I prayerfully read John 3: 14-21. I re-read this passage and watch Nicodemus’s reactions to Jesus’ words. I ask Jesus to help me understand and to believe more deeply what I am feeling and hearing.

March 25 Fifth Sunday of Lent
• I reflect on Jeremiah 31:31-34. I listen as Jeremiah, the prophet of God, speaks in God’s name. I focus on his selflessness, humility, and instrumentality. I spend some time reflecting on the ways I am growing less selfish, arrogant, and stubborn. I talk with Jesus about my progress or lack of growth.
• I thoughtfully read Hebrews 5:7-9. I ponder: Jesus “became the source of eternal salvation for those who obey him.” I wonder if I am growing more obedient to Jesus. I open myself to listen to God’s call to follow him more closely.
• Jesus proclaims that he is the human face of God: “And whoever sees me sees him who sent me.” I ask myself if Jesus is the human face of God for me. I ask the Spirit to help me recognize that “Jesus is the visible sign of the invisible God.”

PRAYER FOR THE JOURNEY
Blessed are you, God of the universe, for you grant us every good thing. Through your grace we pray that we might pay heed to the crosses of others, giving food to the hungry, sharing our resources with the poor, offering support and compassion to the grieving, refusing to give in to the powerful grip of hatred and prejudice. Refresh us with hope and transform us with your love that we might bear our crosses and lighten those of others in your name. Amen. (From 100 Prayers for Celebrating the Liturgical Seasons, p. 53.)

February 2012

ST. JULIE SAYS: “All the perfection of a soul consists in fidelity to the moments of grace. For grace has its moments and passes quickly. Let us be very faithful to it…. How much we need to watch over ourselves, if we are to acquire the habit of living in God’s holy presence, that habit is so necessary to our spiritual advancement.” – Thoughts of St. Julie, undated notebook, c. 1973

WHERE ARE WE ON THE JOURNEY?

February is a mix of two seasons of the Church’s Liturgical Year: Ordinary Time and the Season of Lent. The green vestments of Ordinary Time will be replaced on February 22, Ash Wednesday with purple. The Sunday readings prior to Ash Wednesday challenge us to “take stock of our lives” as they are as well as how they might be.

Saint Paul describes the scope of his mission, and Jesus demonstrates that preaching and healing are the reasons for which he has come. How do you understand the “obligation,” God has given you in your ministry? What is your purpose?

February 5 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time

• I prayerfully and slowly read Job 7:1-4, 6-7. I gently recall my life and wonder if I’ve every identified with Job. I ask myself, “Am I able to praise the Lord who cares for the stars and for all of us with wisdom and love?

• Paul admits that preaching is tough. I carefully read 1 Corinthians 9:16-19, 22-23 and listen to what he is really saying. I wonder what it is that that I must do! What is it within me that I have to share?

• I imagine that I am with Jesus at the home of Simon and Andrew. I listen and watch as Jesus cures Simon’s mother-in law and others. I wonder what that says for my life.

• I watch Jesus go out very early in the morning to a lonely place to pray. I ask Jesus they questions that I have about prayer. I pray with gratitude for the blessings of my life.

February 12 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time

• I pray 1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1. I hear Paul saying “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.” I ask myself how I imitate Christ and how I am an example for others. I ask the Holy Spirit for openness to explore this aspect of my life.

• I prayerfully and slowly let the scene unfold in Mark 1:40-45. I am drawn to the leper’s petition: “If you wish, you can make me clean.” I ask for the grace to make this a part of my daily prayer.

• I am fascinated that Jesus directs the cured man to go to the priest and offer the gift prescribed by Moses and not to tell anyone. I wonder why that should be “proof enough” for them. I ask Jesus why the former leper was told “to tell no one.” I prayerfully re-read the passage.

February 19 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time

• Isaiah 43 promises a fresh future for a generation who has known exile. When I look at my world today, I prayerfully ponder my exile. I look at the things that are keeping me in exile. I ask the Holy Spirit for the grace to make the changes needed to be all that God wants me to be.

• In 2 Corinthians 1:18-22 Jesus was a “Yes.” He accepted God’s will with a “Yes.” “God has anointed us and strengthened us with you to serve Christ; he has marked us with his own seal in a first outpouring of the Spirit in our hearts.” I prayerfully reflect on what this means in my life. I ask for the grace to respond generously.

• The Cure of a paralyzed man shows Jesus offering forgiveness before the first sin-offering has been paid! In my preparation for Lent, I spend some time review my life and the many ways forgiveness has been offered to me. I graciously thank God and remember my “four friends” for my many blessings.

February 26 1st Sunday of Lent

• I prayerfully read Psalm 25 and gently remember that God has been in the “covenant” business for a long time and will be for all eternity. I re-read this passage and let the Spirit be my guide. I gratefully become aware of the presence of God from the beginnings and into the future.

• I listen to Jesus’ words from Mark 1:12-15: “This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the Gospel.” I prayerfully repeat each sentence and ponder what this means for my life. How is my life and work an “Amen” and a “yes” to God?

• I re-read Mark 1:12-15. I become aware that Jesus has opened and made available the very life of God. I ponder what that means for my life. I ask for the grace to be open to Jesus and to follow his way of love and service.

A PRAYER FOR THE JOURNEY

God, you are the Holy One, and you call me to avoid sin. You have shown me the path of life and asked me to follow it. How often I am tempted to fall short! How often I feed my own selfishness and turn a deaf ear to your truth! Help me to understand that even in my weakness you accept me as your child. Even when I am tempted toward selfishness you claim me as your own. Even when I am tempted to let go of my responsibilities to you, you refuse to let go of me. Amen. (100 Prayers for Celebrating the Liturgical Seasons, Reflections by Leo Piguet, p. 49)

January 2012

ST. JULIE SAYS ………………………………………………………………………………………………..

“I must begin by wishing you a happy New Year. With all my heart I wish it to be a year overflowing with graces and blessings.” – St. Julie Billiart, L 13

 WHERE ARE WE ON THE JOURNEY? 

 The first two weeks of January bring closure to the Christmas Season and the final two weeks signal the beginning of Ordinary Time. January 1 celebrates Mary as Mother of God and January 8 celebrates the “Manifestation” of Jesus to the world. From January 15, the Church moves into Ordinary Time – the season of discipleship, the season of learning how to follow Jesus Christ in our everyday lives. During this month, ponder the awesomeness of Mary’s “YES,” the Magi’s choice to follow the star, Jesus’ invitation to “Come and See,” and Jesus’ invitation to “Follow Me.” This month also celebrates the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph on December 30 and the Baptism of the Lord on Monday, January 9. The Baptism is significant because it marks the beginning of Jesus’ public life.

 

WHERE AM I ON THE JOURNEY? ……………………………………………………………………………..

 January 1, 2012 Mary, Mother of God

1. I prayerfully and slow read Numbers 6:22-27. I wonder what it would be like for Mary and Joseph to listen to God’s blessing. I pay attention to how I feel as this blessing is pronounced for me.

2. I reflect on Galatians 4:4-7. I ask for the grace to hear what is being said to me. I ponder anew what it means for me to be a son or daughter of God! I marvel at what wonders God has done for me!

3. Mary treasured all these messages and continually pondered over them. As I prayerfully read Luke 2:16-21, I too remember what was said of the newborn child and I ponder these things for my life now.

January 8, 2012 Epiphany of the Lord

1. I slowly read Isaiah 60:1-6. I pay attention to how and when the word “light” is used. I substitute my name in place of Jerusalem.  What practical meanings do I uncover for my life now?

2. Paul is anxious to share God’s plan with all who are willing to listen. As I read Ephesians 3:2-3, 5-6, I ponder what this means to become one in Jesus Christ and to fully enjoy the promises of God.

3.  I let myself be one of the “wise-people” from Matthew 2:1-12 . I ponder what it feels like to encounter Herod and the Jewish religious leaders. I wonder about my own life and the “stumbling blocks” that get in my way of whole heartedly following the star leading me to Jesus.

January 15, 2012 2^nd Sunday of Ordinary Time

1. Old Eli and young Samuel have an important message for me! I prayerfully read 1 Samuel 3:3b-10, 19. I reflect on Eli’s advice to Samuel as well as Samuel’s reply to God’s call. I spend some time now remembering how I respond to God’s call. I ask myself if I am happy with my response. I ask myself if I think or feel God is pleased with my response.

2. I reflect on the Psalm response: “Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.” I pray for the faith to act generously today and every day of my life.

3. I ponder John 1:35-42 and step into the shoes of John the Baptist, and also, Andrew, or his brother, Simon Peter. I listen to Jesus ask me “What I am looking for” and invite me to “Come and See.” I spend some extra time on this.

 January 22, 2012 3^rd Sunday of Ordinary Time

1. I read Jonah 3:1-5, 10. I give focused attention to “in obedience to the word of Yahweh, Jonah went to Nineveh.” I remember that Jonah didn’t want to go to Nineveh and was swallowed by the whale during one of his avoidance episodes. I identify with Jonah’s feelings and slowly begin to name my feelings that may get in the way of my whole hearted response to God’s call.

2. The Psalmist prays “Teach me your ways, O Lord” in Psalm 25. I pray to make this my own prayer.

3. Mark (1:1-20) goes to the heart of the message: “Now is the time;” “The Kingdom is here;” “Change your ways;” “Believe the good news.” I prayerfully reflect how these phrases are lived out in my life today.

4. I reflect on Jesus’ call to the first disciples: Andrew, Simon, James and John. I marvel on what made it possible for each of them to drop everything for them to follow Jesus “at once” and “immediately.” I wonder when I have ever responded so quickly and completely.

January 29, 2012 4^th Sunday of Ordinary Time

1. I read today’s Psalm (95:1-2, 6-7; 7-8) –“If today you hear his voice, harden not your heart.” I let this be my prayer attitude today. I prepare myself to listen to God’s message to me, right now.

2. Jesus teaches with authority (Mark 1:21-28). I listen attentively to the observations and insights of the people who listened to Jesus. I watch the encounter among Jesus, the man with the evil spirit, and the crowd. I wonder if I have ever witnessed anything comparable.

 

A PRAYER FOR THE JOURNEY…………………………………………………………………………………

Almighty ever-living God, who, when Christ had been baptized in the River Jordan and as the Holy Spirit descended upon him, solemnly declared him your beloved Son, grant that your children by adoption, reborn of water and the Holy Spirit, may always be well pleasing to you. (We ask this) through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen. (Collect, Baptism of the Lord, 2011)

 

 

               

December, 2011

WORDS FROM ST. JULIE: I am all yours at the feet of our good Jesus in his holy crib. Let us put all our hearts there, I beg of you, my dear good daughters. May the holy feasts be fruitful for us. How I wish it for you with all my heart. (Namur, December 22, 1810)

WHERE ARE WE ON THE JOURNEY? December finds us continuing our Advent Journey of preparation for the Feast of the Incarnation when we celebrate Jesus coming into each of our lives AT THIS MOMENT: through the Eucharist, through the Word of God, through prayer, through other people, and through God dwelling within us through the Holy Spirit we receive at Baptism. How do we want to respond to this great gift of God’s coming? How do we savor this gift of God’s coming, and respond to this gift in our time? Take some time to unwrap the gift by reflecting on the readings from the December Liturgies.

December 4 Second Sunday of Advent

December 11 Third Sunday of Advent

December 18 Fourth Sunday of Advent

December 25 Christmas (Vigil, Midnight, Dawn and Day)

WHERE AM I ON THE JOURNEY?

Read the passages again. In prayer, reflect on the following questions:

1. I read IS 40:1-5, 9-11. How do I need God’s comfort, God tenderly speaking to me in my life right now?

2. Again I read IS 40:1-5, 9-11. How is the glory of God being revealed in my life?

3. I prayerfully read MK 1:1-8. How is God “preparing the way” and “making straight the paths” in my life?

4. I return to MK 1:1-9. Where am I hearing “glad tidings”? How am I called to bring “glad tidings” to others?

5. I take time with IS 61:10. What do these words speak to me?

6. I pray LK 1:46-55. I talk to Mary about her experience. What do I want to share with her of my experience?

7. I go to 1Thes 5: 16-24 and let myself sink into the words I find there. What feelings and/or images surface within me? I talk to God about them.

8. I let God speak PS 89:2-5, 9-11 directly to me. What do I want to say in response?

9. How do I need God to strengthen me? I talk to God about what I’m thinking/feeling.

10. I pray LK 1:26-38, asking the Holy Spirit to guide my imagination as I enter into the story. What do I want to say to the Angel? What do I want to say to Mary?

11. I take time to reflect on the question: How am I experiencing God’s light in my life? How am I experiencing abundant joy…peace…justice?

12. I pray LK 2:1-20. I ask the Holy Spirit to guide my imagination as I enter into the story. What do I see? What do I hear? What do I feel as I imagine myself in the midst of the events described there? What do I want to say to God at the end of my prayer time?

13. I take time to savor IS 52:7-10, letting it lead me to prayers of praise.

14. I pray JN 1:1-8, letting the phrase “and the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us” repeat over and over in my heart.

A PRAYER FOR THE SEASON

Good and gracious God, our hearts desire the warmth of your love and our minds are searching for the light of your Word. Increase our longing for Christ, our Savior, and give us the strength to grow in love, that the dawn of His coming may find us rejoicing in His presence and welcoming the light of His truth. We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord. Amen.

November 2011

Words from St. Julie:  Tell all, all, that I carry them in my heart while I am walking in the mud in the streets of Ghent! Ah, what a long way I have been walking since my arrival!  May it all be for the greater glory of the good God!  –Ghent, November 23, 1809.

Where are we on the Journey?  The first three Sundays of November bring to an end the current Liturgical Year.  As the days grow shorter and the daily news seems filled with darkness, these Sundays offer us the opportunity to reflect on the meaning of Christian life.  Where do we find hope, strength, courage, companionship and meaning?  We begin a new Liturgical Year with the First Sunday of Advent on November 27^th.  Advent offers us the opportunity to focus on God’s desire to be our hope, our strength, our courage, our source of meaning and companion on the journey.  How are we, or are we not, allowing God to BE for us?  Let us take the opportunity to give thanks for the gift of God’s presence with us, and to look for ways to let God more fully into our lives as individuals and as a faith community.

November 6 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

November 13 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

November 20 Feast of Christ the King

November 27 First Sunday of Advent

Where am I on the Journey?

Read the passages again.  In prayer, reflect on the following questions:

1.  I read PS 63. What word or phrase stands out?  I ponder that word or phrase. I talk to God about that word or phrase and ask God for insight.

2.  I read PS 63 again. For who or what am I thirsting?

3.  I enter into MT 25:1-13, asking the Holy Spirit to guide my reflection on this parable. Where do I find myself in the parable? What stands out for me? What do I want to talk to God about?

4.  I reflect on 1 THES 5:1-6.  How do I experience being a child ‘of the light?’ What does this mean for my life?  How can I be opened to increasing the brightness of God’s light in my life?

5.  I read MT 15:14-30 again. What are the “talents” God has given me to steward?  How responsibly do I use them to bring the world closer to God’s dream for creation?

6.  I spend time praying with EZ 34:11-12, 15-17 and PS 23. How do I experience God’s caring for me, God’s goodness and love in my life? I take time to savor and give thanks.

7.  I pray MT 25:31-46 as an examination of conscience. How do I reach out in service to others? How do I see Christ present, experience Christ in those I serve?

8.  I spend time sinking into the image in IS 64:7.  How do I experience God molding, shaping and stretching me?  How do I resist the hands of the Potter? I notice the feelings that surface in me and talk to God about them. I listen for God’s response.

9.  I open 1 COR 1:3-9 as a treasure chest:  taking time to enjoy each rich phrase that touches my heart, listening deeply to God’s voice and presence in the words.  What do I hear, feel, experience?

11.  I read MK 13:33-37 again, praying it from the perspective of hospitality.  How hospitable am I toward God, towards others? How do I make space for God in my life, for others to be the gift God has created them to be, for my true self?

A Prayer for the Season

To you, O Lord, I lift my soul. Show me your paths and teach me to follow; guide me by your truth and instruct me. O, God, be with me on the journey, for all your ways are beautiful and all your paths lead me to peace. (A prayer based on Psalm 25)