February 2010

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WORDS FROM ST. JULIE: 

Great confidence in the good God and an honest heart; that is all you need to set your mind at ease, my daughter. –Namur, February 13, 1812 

WHERE ARE WE ON THE JOURNEY? 

February 12th will mark the fifth anniversary of the martyrdom of Sr. Dorothy Stang, SNDdeN, a powerful role model to guide our reflection on the question: “What does it mean to live by Gospel values?” That is THE question we’re invited to reflect on through the Sunday liturgies of February. The readings remind us of where the Gospel comes from, of God’s love for each of us just as we are, and of Gospel values shaping attitudes and actions. As we move through the second half of February we enter the Season of Lent and we are offered an invitation to spiral even more deeply into the question of how to live Gospel values. Journey the spiral by giving yourself time to reflect on the February readings. 

February 7, 2010  FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Is 6:1-2a, 3-8; Ps 138:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 7-8; 1 Cor 15:1-11 or 15:3-8, 11; and Lk 5:1-11. 

February 14, 2010  SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Jer 17:5-8; Ps 1:1-2, 3, 4 and 6; 1 Cor 15:12, 16-20; and Lk 6:17, 20-26. 

February 17, 2010  ASHWEDNESDAY Jl 2:12-18; Ps 51:3-4, 5-6ab, 12-13, 14 and 17; 2 Cor 5:20—6:2;  and Mt 6:1-6, 16-18. 

February 21, 2010  FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT Dt 26:4-10; Ps 91:1-2, 10-11, 12-13, 14-15; Rom 10:8-13; and Lk 4:1-13. 

February 28, 2010 SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT Gn 15:5-12, 17-18;  Ps 27:1, 7-8, 8-9, 13-14; Phil 3:17—4:1 or 3:20—4:1; and Lk 9:28b-36. 

WHERE AM I ON THE JOURNEY? 

Read the passages again. In prayer reflect on the following questions:
1. I pray Ps 138:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 7-8, letting my heart sing praise to God. What is it I find myself saying to God?
2. I read 1 Cor 15:1-11 or 15:3-8, 11. St. Paul’s testimony about how he “received” the Gospel. I take the opportunity to reflect on how I’ve received the Gospel. Can I name the moments in which I’ve “received” the Gospel in my life? Can I name people through which I’ve “received” the Gospel in my life? With whom do I find myself sharing the Gospel?
3. I pray Lk 5:1-11, asking the Holy Spirit to guide me into the story. What do I see, hear, say? I reflect on the experience and talk to God about it.
4. Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, leave me, for I am a sinful man.” Jesus responded: “Do not be afraid…” I reflect on what gets in the way of my openness to experiencing Christ’s presence in my life. I ask the grace to not be afraid!
5. I reflect on Jer 17:5-8, asking myself, “Where do I put my trust?”
6. I spend time with the Beatitudes in Lk 6:17, 20-26. Where do I see these attitudes of discipleship alive in my life? Where do I need to let these attitudes grow? I talk to God about my reflection and listen for God’s response.
7. I read 1SM 26:2, 7-9, 12-13, 22-23 asking the Holy Spirit to guide my reflection on the passage. What parts of the passage stands out for me? I take time to reflect on those pieces of the passage. I talk to God about what surfaces within me. I give thanks for the experience.
8. I pray PS 103, paying attention to the words and phrases that stand out. What are they? What is God saying to me through those words?
9. I go back to PS 103 again, letting the phrase “the Lord is kind and merciful” repeat over and over in my heart….
10. I read LK 6:27-38 reflecting on the question: How do I live these words?
11. I pray Dt 26:4-10 and ask God to show me all I’ve received as gift from God. I thank God for all the gifts I’ve been given. I ask God to guide me in sharing the gifts I’ve received.
12. I spend time with Ps 91:1-2, 10-11, 12-13, 14-15. What words or phrases stay with me? I take time to reflect on how God companions me through my days. I thank God for the gift of God’s presence and love in my life.
13. I pray Rom 10:8-13, asking God to show me how what I “confess with my lips” matches what I believe in my heart. I also ask God to show me the inconsistencies between my words and actions. I talk to God about them. I ask God to deepen my faith.
14. I pray Lk 4:1-13, asking God to show me what form temptation takes in my life. What do I need to be able to resist temptation? What grace do I need to ask God for so that I may resist temptation in all its forms?
15. I reflect on Ps 27:1, 7-8, 8-9, 13-14. What, or whom, do I fear? Where and when do I find myself in need of courage? I place my fears in the hands of God and ask for the gift of courage.
16. I pray Lk 9:28b-36: asking the Holy Spirit to guide me into the story and to help me experience myself as part of the story. I let myself pray the words, “How good it is for me to be here.” I open my mind and heart to hear the words of Jesus, of God, spoken through the story. What do I hear? I take time to reflect on the experience and talk to God about it. 

A PRAYER FOR THE JOURNEY

Blessed are You, Holy Creator, Source of all that is good, beautiful and whole. Where wholeness is splintered or shattered, goodness damaged or marred, and beauty bruised or broken, we ask for healing and deep peace. Be healing balm for this world: for all people, creatures, places, events, and for the environment. We welcome the touch of your Healing Love and Gentle Presence. Inspired by Dorothy Stang, your servant and martyr, we pray in communion with all the saints in glory, through Christ our Lord. Amen. (Sr. Teresita Weind SNDdeN) 

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January 2010

WORDS FROM ST. JULIE Let us try to grasp what is true in everything and we shall find the very way leading straight to the good God. Amiens, January 25, 1808

WHERE ARE WE ON THE JOURNEY? Our culture encourages us to make “New Year’s” resolutions to “improve” ourselves. January begins with the celebrations of Mary, Mother of God, the Ephiphany, and the Baptism of the Lord. The remaining Sundays of January return us to Ordinary Time. The readings offer an invitation to enter deeply into the Word of God as a “mirror” of ourselves. Perhaps the best resolution is to focus on who it is God has created each of us to be, and how we can become more comfortable with our uniqueness. What are the individual gifts and talents only you have? How can pondering the Word of God help you come to a deeper appreciation of those gifts and talents? Let the readings for this month be a mirror to help you see the answers that are already there. Take time to gaze deeply into the January readings.

January 3  The Epiphany of the Lord SOLEMNITY Is 60:1-6; Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13; Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6; and Mt 2:1-12.

January 10 The Baptism of the Lord FEAST Is 42:1-4, 6-7; Ps 29:1-2, 3-4, 3, 9-10; Acts 10:34-38 and Lk 3:15-16, 21-22.

January 17 Second Sunday in Ordinary Time Is 62:1-5; Ps 96:1-2, 2-3, 7-8, 9-10; 1 Cor 12:4-11; and Jn 2:1-11.

Januar 24 Third Sunday in Ordinary Time Neh 8:2-4a, 5-6, 8-10; Ps 19:8, 9, 10, 15; 1 Cor 12:12-30 or 12:12-14, 27; and Lk 1:1-4; 4:14-21.

January 31 Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time Jer 1:4-5, 17-19; Ps 71:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 15-17; 1 Cor 12:31—13:13 or 13:4-13; and Lk 4:21-30.

WHERE AM I ON THE JOURNEY? 
Read the passages again. In prayer reflect on the following questions:
1. Lk 2:16-21 reminds me that Mary treasured all these things and reflected on them in her heart. I take time to reflect on God’s action in my life these past days and weeks. What do I find to treasure and continue reflecting on in my heart?
2. I reflect on Is 60:1-6. Where do I find God’s light shining in my life? How do I radiate that light to those around me? What are the words/phrases in this passages that touch me? I talk to God about them.
3. I ask the Holy Spirit to guide my imagination as II read Mt 2:1-12. I enter into the story: who do I identify with? What do I hear? How do I respond? I pray about what is lifted up through this reflection.
4. I pray Is 42:1-4, 6-7 once by reading it slowly. I pray it a second time, being attentive to the words and phrases God lifts up. I talk to God about them.
5. I pray Lk 3:15-16, 21-22, asking the Holy Spirit to guide me into the story. What do I see, hear, say? I reflect on the experience and talk to God about it.
6. I pray Is 62:1-5, letting the words ‘the Lord delights in you’ become ‘the Lord delights in me’. I repeat these words over and over in my heart. What emotions surface within me? What thoughts? I take time to talk to God about the experience.
7. I pray Ps 96:1-2, 2-3, 7-8, 9-10, reflecting on what new song I want to sing to God, and asking God if there is a new song God wants to sing to me. I take time to sing…and to listen for a song.
8. I read 1 Cor 12:12-30 or 12:12-14, 27 and askGod to show me the gifts God has given me to help build up the Kingdom of God. I take time to listen for God’s response—what form does it take? I reflect on what I experience and give thanks.
9. I reflect onJn 2:1-11 askingthe Holy Spirit to guide my imagination, letting myself become part of the story. What is the experience like for me? I talk to God about it.
10. I go back to Jn 2:1-11 again, noticing Jesus’ reluctance to let people see his true self and Mary’s role in encouraging him. I take time to reflect: how do I resist being authentically myself? Do I fear letting others experience the ‘real’ me? Who are my ‘Marys’: encouraging me to really be myself, use my talents and continue to grow as the unique individual God has created me to be?
11. I read 1 Cor 12:12-30 or 12:12-14, 27.Whatpart of the body am I? What purpose do I serve? How do I relate to the other parts of the body? If I stop adding my unique gifts…how does it affect the rest of the body?
12. I ask the Holy Spirit to guide my imagination as I pray Lk 1:1-4; 4:14-21, letting myself become part of the story. What is that experience like for me? I talk to God about it.
13. I spend time with Jer 1:4-5, 17-19, letting God speak the words directly to my heart. I reflect on God ‘knowing me’ before I was born and ‘forming me’ in the womb. What does this tell me about God’s love and care for me? I talk to God about it. I give thanks.
14. I pray Ps 71:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 15-17, letting the words be my prayer. What surfaces in my heart during this prayer time?
15. I spend time with 1 Cor 12:31—13:13 or 13:4-13—reflecting on the questions: How do I love? How do I let others love me? What do I discover? I reflect on what I find and talk to God about it.
16. I ask the Holy Spirit to guide my imagination as I pray 1 Cor 12:31—13:13 or 13:4-13, letting myself become part of the story. What happens? I reflect on the experience, and ask God to show me similar experiences in my own life. I talk to God about it.

A Prayer for the Journey
In the morning light, O God, may I glimpse again your image deep within me: the threads of eternal glory woven into the fabric of every man and woman. Again may I catch sight of the mystery of the human soul fashioned in your likeness: deeper than knowing, more enduring than time. And in the glimpsing of these threads of light amidst the weakness and distortions of my life let, me be recalled to the strength and beauty deep in my soul. Let me be recalled to the strength and beauty of your image in every living soul. (Celtic Benediction, p. 62)

Be sure to check our website www.ASKanSND.org for updates and invitations. (Several events are planned throughout the United States. See if something is happening in your area.)

December 2009

WORDS FROM ST. JULIE:    

Often too much human foresight can hinder God’s plans for us.  Without doubt, let us always act with the prudence we think we ought to use, but then let us allow grace to act.  Amiens, December 12, 1795 

   

WHERE ARE WE ON THE JOURNEY?  

The headlines are filled with stories of war, violence, fear, threats to the existence of humanity, yet a quick glance at the readings for December brings 20+ references to joy, joyful, rejoice (and that doesn’t count the references to gladness or exult!).  As we move through the season of Advent into the season of Christmas, we’re given an opportunity to look for the ways God comes to us in the midst of adversity, the ways God works within us, through us, around us, to bring goodness out of bleakness.  Let the readings for this month be an opportunity to find joy and peace in the midst of what can feel like chaos.  Take time to sink into the December readings: 

December 6, 2009 SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT  

December 13, 2009 THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT 

December 20, 2009 FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT 

December 27, 2009 FEAST OF THE HOLY FAMILY  

   

WHERE AM I ON THE JOURNEY?  

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

1.  I reflect on Baruch 5:1-9 and LK 3:1-6.  What mountains need to be “made low” in my life so I can know God more deeply?  What valleys and gorges in my life need to be filled in so I can continue the journey I’m on? 

2.  I pray PS 126, reflecting on what “great things” God has been doing that “fill me with joy”? 

3.  I read PH 1:4-6, 8-11 again, asking the Holy Spirit to guide my reflection, lifting up the words I need to hear.  Which words speak to me?  What emotions do they evoke within me?  I pray about what I hear.  

4.  I reflect on ZEPH 3:14-18.  How do I experience God rejoicing over me with gladness, renewing me with his love? 

5.  I let IS 12 lead me into a reflection on the question:  When do I experience myself expressing joy and gladness to God, to those around me?  

6.  I read PHIL 4:4-7.  When do I find myself centered in God’s peace?  What does that feel like for me? 

7.  I ask the Holy Spirit to guide my imagination as I pray LK 3:10-18, letting myself become part of the story.  What is that experience like for me?  I talk to God about it. 

8.  Are there times when I feel “too small”, unqualified, or not good enough to do what God is asking me to do?  I think of these experiences and pray Micah 5:1-4, listening for what God has to say about them.  What do I hear? 

9.  I pray LK 1:39-45 asking God to show me the companions on my journey who affirm my sense of the action and presence of God in my life.  I thank God for the gift of these companions. 

10.  I spend time with IS 62:1-5,  IS 9:1-6 and PS 96—letting the words wash over me, gifting me with God’s light and joy.  I talk to God about the experience. 

11.  I read MT 1:1-25 and LK 2:1-20, being attentive to the hardships, challenges, and darkness that surround the story of the birth of Jesus.  I ask God to help me see how Christ’s light can penetrate all the hardships, challenges, and darkness of my world today. 

12.  I spend time with COL 3:12-21, turning it into my prayer for the coming year. 

13.  I ask the Holy Spirit to guide my imagination as I pray LK 2:41-52, letting myself become part of the story.  What happens?  I reflect on the experience and talk to God about it. 

   

A PRAYER FOR THE JOURNEY 

I rejoice in your goodness, my God, always!  I rejoice in the ways your kindness flows through my life.  I rejoice in your presence that relieves me of anxiety.  When I turn to you in prayer and petition and with thanksgiving, making my requests known to you I am filled with a peace that is your gift to me:  a peace that surpasses all understanding, a peace that guards my heart and mind in Christ Jesus enlightening my heart to see what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, gracious—all that is worthy of praise.  Help me to stay rooted in your presence, in your peace.  I rejoice in your goodness, my God, always!  (Based on Philippians 4:4-9)