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Finding Hope in Surprising Places

As the days of summer approach and bring opportunities for rest and relaxation, we still seem to be faced with daily struggles and challenges that we cannot easily overcome. This element of the human condition is not new. The opening verse of Psalm 16 in the Old Testament gives us a banner or bumper sticker to remind us we are not alone in the struggle. It says, “Keep me safe, O God, you are my hope.”  Making that declaration not just in our silent prayer but aloud or written on the page of a journal brings that promise of hope alive. 

Holding on to that reminder, however, is not enough. We cannot let ourselves be duped into thinking that God will indeed take care of everything. Yes, we trust in God’s providence, but we are also called to be people of hope in our relationships and actions with one another. We have to take the blinders off and identify, recognize, embrace the spirit of hope and find the surprises that God has in store. Hope may come as a surprise in someone who wishes you well, offers to assist you in a task or project, or even just listens to your worries or your wondering.  

The ancient writer of this poetry and prayer filled it with words of pleading but concluded with words of trust. Other storytellers offer similar comfort and encouragement to remind us that things may not always be easy or move in the direction we planned, but acknowledging that God is our hope gives us the push to say, “Yes, I can do it! I can move to the next task. I am not alone.” Listen today, even between the lines, to hear and respond to the call to be a person of hope as God companions you on this part of your journey.

Lois Paha, OP, Tucson, Arizona

Exciting news!  A Sister Reflects is now available as a podcast. Check out the show at the links below or enjoy this English audio version of "Finding Hope in Surprising Places" on Amazon Podcasts. 

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The Joyful Gift of Work

“What do you want of me, Lord, where do you want me to serve you…” These words from the familiar song used in the liturgy of the Church are a constant reminder that we are all called to look outside of ourselves and see who may need our assistance or service. One of the feasts we celebrate during the Easter season is the feast of St. Joseph, the Worker. The Bible tells us he was the husband of Mary, the mother of Jesus, and that he was a carpenter. Looking further into the listing of patron saints of the Church, we see many patrons of particular kinds of work, but this day honors all workers. This day gives all who work in any industry, ministry, mission, duty, office, factory, household, or home a strong patron who honors the gift of work.

When we consider work, sometimes it is a drudgery that we have to get done, but sometimes it is a joyful expression of our gifts and talents. A joyful attitude about work, service, and outreach to others is a blessing that we can offer to others. As teachers, medical workers, coaches, artists, writers, and more, we enable and encourage others to identify and recognize their gifts for work. Jesus learned from Joseph and also from his mother, Mary, a variety of skills for his life. He was a teacher, a healer, and a leader. His life inspired his disciples to follow him and his new way of serving people. He reached out to people in need and taught his disciples to do the same. What lessons do you hold from those who have given you the way to discover your joyful gifts of work? Be blessed and enjoy the work you do as you answer the question: What do you want of me, Lord?

Lois Paha, OP

Exciting news!  A Sister Reflects is now available as a podcast. Check out the show at the links below or enjoy this English audio version of "The Joyful Gift of Work" on Amazon Podcasts. 

• Amazon Podcasts
• Spotify
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El Don Gozoso del Trabajo

“¿Qué quieres de mí, Señor? ¿Dónde quieres que te sirva?”. Estas palabras del canto familiar usado en la liturgia de la Iglesia son un recordatorio constante de que todas somos llamadas a mirar más allá de nosotras mismos y ver quién puede necesitar nuestra ayuda o servicio. Una de las fiestas que celebramos durante el tiempo de Pascua es la de San José Obrero. La Biblia nos dice que era el esposo de María, la madre de Jesús, y que era carpintero. Al examinar más a fondo la lista de santos patronos de la Iglesia, encontramos muchos patronos de tipos específicos de trabajo, pero este día honra a todos los trabajadores. Este día brinda a todos los que trabajan en cualquier industria, ministerio, misión, deber, oficina, fábrica, casa u hogar un fuerte patrono que honra el don del trabajo.

Cuando consideramos el trabajo, a veces es una tarea ardua que debemos realizar, pero otras veces es una expresión alegre de nuestros dones y talentos. Una actitud alegre hacia el trabajo, el servicio y la ayuda a los demás es una bendición que podemos ofrecer a otros. Como maestros, trabajadores médicos, entrenadores, artistas, escritores y más, permitimos y animamos a otros a identificar y reconocer sus dones para el trabajo. Jesús aprendió de José y también de su madre, María, diversas habilidades para su vida. Fue maestro, sanador y líder. Su vida inspiró a sus discípulos a seguirlo y su nueva forma de servir a la gente. Extendió la mano a los necesitados y enseñó a sus discípulos a hacer lo mismo. ¿Qué lecciones le han dado aquellas que le han enseñado el camino para descubrir tus alegres dones para el trabajo? Que sea bendecida y disfrute del trabajo que realizas mientras respondes a la pregunta: ¿Qué quieres de mí, Señor?

Lois Paha, OP

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Lent: Lengthening Days and Welcoming Spring
 
 “April showers bring May flowers” is an old saying that used to comfort those of us living in the Midwest of the northern hemisphere as the seasons changed from winter to spring. Temperatures picked up, but so did the precipitation. As we enter this fourth Week of Lent, the days lengthen and get warmer, and as we await the rainy days, some green grass and flowers spring up. Likewise, our spiritual journey might need some precipitation as we move closer to the Easter celebration. We have allowed the Lenten days to invite us to reflect on where we need to do some “spring cleaning” in our spirits and even in our physical surroundings. How is it going for you? 
 
Some cleansing rain may be the way to wash away the habits that block us from listening to God. We made decisions to attend the Way of the Cross or do extra prayer, penance, and almsgiving during Lent, but that can slip away more easily than we realize. Stand in the rain for a while and let the cleansing love and presence of God embrace you and cleanse you of the clutter. Pick up your pace of seeking God through readings, prayers, attendance at Mass, and Lenten devotions. Let God surprise you with some fresh blooms in your life, and trust that they will grow into a blessed Spring in your Spirit!   

Sister Lois Paha

Exciting news!  A Sister Reflects is now available as a podcast. Check out the show at the links below or enjoy this English audio version of "Lent: Lengthening Days and Welcoming Spring" on Amazon Podcasts. 

• Amazon Podcasts
• Spotify
• Apple Podcasts

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Cuaresma: Días Más Largos y Bienvenida a La Primavera
 
“Las lluvias de Abril traen flores de Mayo” es un viejo dicho que consolaba a quienes vivimos en el Medio Oeste del hemisferio norte cuando las estaciones cambiaban de invierno a primavera. Las temperaturas subían, pero también la precipitación. Al entrar en esta cuarta semana de Cuaresma, los días se alargan y se vuelven más cálidos, y mientras esperamos los días de lluvia, puede ser que brote el césped y algunas flores.  De igual manera, nuestro camino espiritual podría necesitar algo de precipitación a medida que nos acercamos a la celebración de la Pascua. Hemos permitido que los días de Cuaresma nos inviten a reflexionar sobre dónde necesitamos hacer una “limpieza de primavera” en nuestro espíritu e incluso en nuestro alrededor.  ¿Cómo le va a usted?
 
Un poco de lluvia purificadora puede ser la manera de eliminar los hábitos que nos impiden escuchar a Dios. Decidimos asistir al Camino de la Cruz o hacer más oración, penitencia, y limosna durante la Cuaresma, pero eso puede desaparecer más fácilmente de lo que creemos. Permanezca bajo la lluvia por un rato y deje que el amor purificador y la presencia de Dios la  abrace y la limpie del desorden. Acelere su búsqueda de Dios a través de las lecturas, las oraciones, la asistencia a misa, y las devociones cuaresmales. Deje que Dios la sorprenda con nuevas flores en su vida, y confíe en que crecerán hasta convertirse en una bendita primavera en su Espíritu.

Hermana Lois Paha