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More Than Just a Day

Today, the calendar says June 19th. It is Thursday of the eleventh week in Ordinary time. But this day is far from ordinary. In 2021, June 19th is recognized as a federal holiday, referred to as Juneteenth. Juneteenth marks the day in 1865 when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to enforce the emancipation of enslaved people, nearly two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued.  It is also referred to as Freedom Day.

As I pray this day, I am reminded of the book of James, in chapter 1, verse 22 – “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” Jesus and James call us to be active participants in the gospel. To live the Gospel message by word and with deeds. Today offers an opportunity to be active participants by recognizing this day as a day to celebrate, but also to recognize we have a long way to go so that every person is treated with kindness. That each person on this planet has access to full human rights and all that entails. Simple actions to show support by attending a parade, educating yourself about Juneteenth, and/or engaging in activism are all possible on this day.
How will you be active in the Gospel message today?

Blessings,
Sister Mary

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 "More Than Just a Day" on Amazon Podcasts. 

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Más que un día

Hoy, el calendario marca el 19 de junio.  Es jueves de la undécima semana del Tiempo Ordinario. Pero este día es mucho más que ordinario.  En el 2021, el 19 de junio se reconoció como un día federal, reconocido como Juneteenth.  Juneteenth conmemora el día de 1865 en que las tropas de la Unión llegaron a Galveston, Texas, para imponer la emancipación de las personas esclavizadas, casi dos años y medio después de la promulgación de la Proclamación de Emancipación. También se le conoce como el Día de la Libertad.

Al orar este día, recuerdo el libro de Santiago, capítulo 1, versículo 22: «No se limiten a escuchar la palabra, pues así se engañan a sí mismos. Hagan lo que dice». Jesús y Santiago nos llaman a ser participantes activas del Evangelio. A vivir el mensaje del Evangelio con palabras y obras. El día de hoy nos brinda la oportunidad de ser participantes activas al reconocer este día como un día para celebrar, pero también para reconocer que aún queda mucho por hacer para que cada persona sea tratada con bondad. Que cada persona en esta planeta tenga acceso a todos sus derechos humanos y todo lo que ello conlleva. Acciones sencillas para mostrar apoyo, como asistir a un desfile, informarse sobre Juneteenth o participar en el activismo, son posibles en este día.
¿Cómo será activa en el mensaje del Evangelio hoy?
 
Bendiciones,
Hermana María

Stop! Look!

Unless I make a conscious choice to stop on our back porch on my way in or out of the house, I do not see the tiny yellow blossoms and smaller green tomato orbs on the vine or the young pea pods among the plant’s leaves and tentacles. Even in my widow-box veggie garden, Nature has her way of protecting – even hiding – the fruits of growth until they’re ready to be picked. I’m amazed how long it takes me some days, to even find the pods and tomatoes – once I stop. Remembering my impatience with the plants and their leaves for hiding their fruit from my eyes makes me smile now!

Only gradually and with persistent hunting could I notice the pods and orbs that I’d missed on my previous searches. The harvest time may not be here yet, but I do hope to experience it eventually. Right-timing is everything!

Discernment in our lives shares some of these characteristics. It’s vital to stop and step away from our normal daily routines so we can notice what may be surfacing in our lives. Constant busy-ness leaves little space to take that closer look and notice God’s call in our lives.

Sporadic times of reflection may not be enough to provide the kind of stopping and noticing needed to hear and see God’s hints at our life purpose. Just as the leaves and tendrils of the peas eventually intertwine in a jumbled green ball, our discernment of God’s call mixes with many other possibilities and these take time to sort through. Giving the time for stepping away carries a reward. Trust that the results of looking, noticing and listening will bring us its bounty and insights.

Blessings,

Sister Tarianne

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 "Stop! Look!" on Amazon Podcasts. 

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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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What Does it Mean to Seek Truth?

Enjoy this special episode of A Sister Reflects. In this thought-provoking bonus episode, we explore the meaning of seeking truth with Sisters Patricia Harvat, Carol Johannes, Tarianne DeYonker, Mariane Fahlman, Cheryl Liske, and Corinne Florek. 

A Sister Reflects is now available as a podcast. Check out the show at the links below.

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Exploring New Ways to Pray

When I was ministering at Regina Dominican High School, we would often say that prayer was a conversation with God. I have several ways of praying that I often turn to. Every day I pray with Dominican Praise, either alone or in community, and I am continually discovering new insights when I pray the Psalms. I also do Centering Prayer almost every day as a way to ensure that I have a time of silence where I allow myself to be present to God. At other times, I journal, paint, or take a walk while I pray the Rosary. I have found that each of these different forms of prayer allows me to say something different to God or to discover some new aspect of God that was hidden before. 

One of the most important aspects of discernment is taking time to pray, and exploring new ways of prayer often help to better understand the message God is speaking to us. When I was discerning religious life, I explored many different ways of praying, and I appreciated how they helped me to understand God in new ways. I encourage each of you to explore new ways of prayer, maybe by trying some of the options below: 

• Music: Create a playlist of your favorite music, including hymns, pop songs, classical music and any other music that helps you feel close to God. 

• Take a walk in nature. 

• Lectio Divina: This is an ancient form of praying with Scripture. This website has a good introduction on how to get started: Lectio Divina: A Beginner’s Guide. 

• Art: I find art helps me to understand my relationship with God on a non-verbal level. While I enjoy painting, everything from drawing, coloring books, and origami could be used to enter into a creative space. 

• Breath Prayers: These use a short phrase or biblical verse where one half is said (silently) on an inhale and the rest on an exhale. For example, breathing in, “I am the Vine,” and breathing out, “You are the branches.” 

• Read some new books: There are many wonderful spirituality books available, so explore some new (or new to you) books. 

I hope this helps to inspire you, and, most of all, helps to draw you deeper into your relationship with God. 

Blessings, 
Sister Katherine

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 "Exploring New Ways to Pray" on Amazon Podcasts. 

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Easter Is Not Over

One of the gifts of the Easter season is that it isn’t over after Easter Sunday. We get to celebrate for a full 50 days. This time for me is a time of wonder. Here in the Midwest, the flowers are just breaking through the ground, the trees are flowering, and the leaves are beginning to pop. It is like watching a continual resurrection. Our planet is such a beautiful place, and we have been given the task of caring for it. For Earth is a living, breathing being. 

Where would we be without trees, rivers, and lakes? In the state of Michigan, we are very fortunate to be surrounded by freshwater lakes on all sides. There are many cities here in the US and countries throughout the world starved for fresh water. Many of these countries are so poor that they must sell their natural resources, which impact our planet’s ecosystem in a very destructive way. The United States makes up roughly 5% of the world’s population, consumes 25% of its resources, and is responsible for 30% of the world’s waste. When I read these statistics, I was a bit overwhelmed. I must admit that before I became a Sister, I was one of those folks who could afford to purchase anything I wanted and more often than not, did. As a Sister, we are called to live simply, and I continue to grow in that regard, learning the importance of need versus want.  I look for little ways to improve my stewardship of Earth, forming new habits, whether it is recycling more carefully, planning car trips to achieve more in one trip to minimize the use of fossil fuel, and when discerning a purchase, I ask the question, ‘Is this a want or a need?’. 

The Easter season and the beauty of Spring remind me of the importance of honoring our planet with as much care as I can give it. As walking in nature is one of my favorite forms of prayer, I want our planet to flourish for those in the generations behind me to enjoy it as I do. It is up to each of us to look for ways to help our planet stay healthy. How will you celebrate the Easter season? 

Blessings,
Sister Mary

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 "Easter Is Not Over" on Amazon Podcasts. 

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La Pascua No Ha Terminado

Uno de los regalos de la Pascua es que no termina después del Domingo de Pascua. Celebramos durante 50 días completos. Para mí, este tiempo es un tiempo maravilloso.  Aquí en el Medio Oeste, las flores están brotando, los árboles florecen y las hojas empiezan a brotar. Es como presenciar una resurrección continua. Nuestro planeta es un lugar tan hermoso, y se nos ha encomendado la tarea de cuidarlo. Porque la Tierra es un ser vivo que respira.

¿Dónde estaríamos sin árboles, ríos y lagos? En el estado de Michigan, tenemos la gran fortuna de estar rodeadas de lagos de agua fresca por todos lados. Hay muchas ciudades aquí en los Estados Unidos y países en todo el mundo que carecen de agua fresca.  Muchos de estos países son tan pobres que se ven obligados a vender sus recursos naturales, lo que impacta el ecosistema de nuestro planeta de manera muy destructiva.  Los Estados Unidos representa aproximadamente el 5% de la población mundial, consume el 25% de sus recursos y es responsable del 30% de los desechos del mundo. Cuando leí estas estadísticas, me sentí un poco abrumada. Debo admitir que antes de ser Hermana, era una de esas personas que podía permitirse comprar todo lo que quería y, en la mayoría de los casos, lo hacía. Como Hermana, somos llamadas a vivir con sencillez, y sigo creciendo en ese sentido, aprendiendo la importancia de la necesidad frente al deseo. Busco pequeñas formas de mejorar mi gestión de la Tierra, formando nuevos hábitos, ya sea reciclando con más cuidado, planificando viajes en auto para lograr más en un solo viaje para minimizar el uso de combustibles fósiles, y al discernir una compra, hago la pregunta: "¿Es esto un deseo o una necesidad?".

La Pascua y la belleza de la primavera me recuerdan la importancia de honrar nuestro planeta con el máximo cuidado posible. Como caminar por la naturaleza es una de mis formas favoritas de oración, quiero que nuestro planeta florezca para que las generaciones posteriores lo disfruten como yo. Depende de cada una de nosotras buscar maneras de ayudar a que nuestro planeta se mantenga saludable. ¿Cómo celebrará la Pascua?

Bendiciones,
Hermana María
 

Springtime Newness

Every year, nature provides a slow-motion performance as she nurtures the cycle of life! Beauty arrives in the full color of flowers, the green leaves fill trees, and the birds, as they make their nests and flit from branch to branch, warble their songs!

Those outward signs of life hide all the inner work nature has done over the winter and out of our sight! Much like us, all our inner work and spiritual growth come to life, often in full color, when we spend time and energy on it. I invite you to notice what is coming back to life in you. Where are you blossoming? Where have you grown? What or who is calling out to you for help? What are the tiny shoots of life you notice in yourself?

May you know in your heart where the Spirit is calling you to serve and give of yourself. If we can be of help in supporting you, please be in touch.

Blessings,

Sister Tarianne

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 "Springtime Newness" on Amazon Podcasts. 

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Novedad Primaveral

Cada año, la naturaleza nos ofrece un espectáculo a cámara lenta mientras nutre el ciclo de la vida!  La belleza se manifiesta en el colorido de las flores, las hojas verdes inundan los árboles y los pájaros, mientras construyen sus nidos y revolotean de rama en rama, entonan sus cantos!

Esas señales externas de vida ocultan todo el trabajo interior que la naturaleza ha realizado durante el invierno y lo ocultan. Al igual que nosotras, todo nuestro trabajo interior y crecimiento espiritual cobran vida, a menudo con todo su esplendor, cuando le dedicamos tiempo y energía. La invito a observar qué está renaciendo en usted. ¿Dónde está floreciendo? ¿Dónde ha crecido? ¿Qué o quién le pide ayuda? ¿Cuáles son los pequeños brotes de vida que nota en su persona?

Que sepa en su corazón adónde le llama el Espíritu a servir y a dar de si misma. Si podemos apoyarla, por favor de comunicarse con nosotras. 

Bendiciones,

Hermana Tarianne
 

Image by Joëlle Moreau from Pixabay

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. 

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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

Called By Name

One of the readings from the Easter season is from John 20:11-18, which tells the narrative of how Mary Magdalene discovered the Risen Jesus. During this Gospel, Mary does not recognize Jesus when she first sees him, and instead believes that he is the gardener. She only realizes who he is when he says her name. In this moment, she affirms her relationship with Jesus, calling him “Rabbouni,” meaning teacher.

As Christians, we are called by name at baptism. For many of us, we were too young to realize that in our baptism, we were answering a call from God, but over time, we can realize the many ways that our baptism has affected our lives. God has not only called us by name at our baptism, but continues to call us by our name every day, drawing us into deeper relationship, just as Jesus did with Mary Magdalene on Easter morning. This call leads us onwards through our discernment as well, as we listen to where God says our name and the messages that follow.

Mary Magdalene found a new vocation that morning after hearing Jesus call her, “Mary.” She had been a faithful disciple until then, remaining with Jesus throughout the Passion, but now Jesus called upon her to give a message to the other disciples. And, in hearing her name, Mary was inspired to share the message that Jesus gave her. How might Jesus calling your name deepen your own call as a disciple this Easter season?

I invite you to listen to this preaching by Sister Beth McCormick, OP, about this Scripture passage: Mary Magdalen: Model of Discipleship.
 
Blessings, 
Sister Katherine

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 "Called By Name" on Amazon Podcasts. 

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Llamada Por Nombre

Una de las lecturas del Tiempo Pascual es de Juan 20:11-18, que narra cómo María Magdalena descubrió al Jesús Resucitado. Durante este Evangelio, María no reconoce a Jesús cuando lo ve por primera vez, sino que cree que es el jardinero. Ella solo se da cuenta de quién es él cuando dice su nombre. En ese momento, ella afirma su relación con Jesús, llamándolo “Raboni”, que significa maestro.

Como Cristianas, somos llamadas por nuestro nombre en el bautismo. Para muchas de nosotras, éramos demasiadas jóvenes para darnos cuenta de que en nuestro bautismo estábamos respondiendo a un llamado de Dios, pero al paso del tiempo, podemos darnos cuenta de las muchas formas en que nuestro bautismo ha afectado nuestras vidas. Dios no solo nos llamó por nuestro nombre en nuestro bautismo, sino que continúa llamándonos por nuestro nombre todos los días, llevándonos a una relación más profunda, tal como lo hizo Jesús con María Magdalena en la mañana de Pascua. Este llamado también nos guia hacia adelante a través de nuestro discernimiento, mientras escuchamos dónde Dios dice nuestro nombre y los mensajes que siguen.

María Magdalena encontró una nueva vocación esa mañana después de escuchar a Jesús llamarla “María”. Ella había sido una discípula fiel hasta entonces, permaneciendo con Jesús durante toda la Pasión, pero ahora Jesús la llamó para dar un mensaje a los otros discípulos. Y, al escuchar su nombre, María se inspiró para compartir el mensaje que Jesús le dio. ¿Cómo podría el hecho de Jesús pronunciar su nombre profundizar su propio llamado como discípula en esta temporada de Pascua?

Las invito a escuchar esta prédica de Hermana Beth McCormick, OP, sobre este Pasaje del Evangelio: María Magdalena: Modelo de Discipulado.

Bendiciones,
Hermana Katherine

Whose feet will you wash?

Today begins the holiest time of year for Catholics around the world—the Triduum. Holy Thursday is a day and evening of wonderful readings and preparation for what is to come. Making the time to attend Church each day one truly enters into the gifts Christ offers us. For our Sisters, Holy Thursday Mass begins with the receiving of the Holy Oils, having been blessed by our Bishop, and includes the very special ritual of the washing of the feet. This is to recall how Jesus washed the feet of the disciples. 

For us, our Congregation Leaders wash the feet of several elder Sisters. I remember how powerful it was the first time I witnessed this: to see some of our women’s feet, who had trod many miles, the humbleness of our prioress and our general council on their knees in front of them, gently washing their feet and holding them in reverence. 

I smile as I watch and think of Peter insisting that maybe he needs his head and hands washed too.  Jesus reminds us that we need to wash each other’s feet, or, in today’s world, perhaps we should consider it as a way to be present for one another and care for each other in times of need. Our world certainly can use whatever care we can give it. 

Whose feet will you wash this week?

Blessings,
Sister Mary

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 "Whose Feet will You Wash?" on Amazon Podcasts. 

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¿A quién le lavarás los pies?

Hoy comienza la época más sagrada del año para los Católicos de todo el mundo: el Triduo. El Jueves Santo es un día y una noche de lecturas maravillosas y preparación para lo que está por venir. Al dedicar tiempo a la Iglesia cada día, uno realmente entra en los dones que Cristo nos ofrece. Para nuestras Hermanas, la Misa del Jueves Santo comienza con la recepción de los Santos Óleos, bendecidos por nuestro Obispo, e incluye el ritual tan especial del lavatorio de pies. Esto es para recordar cómo Jesús lavó los pies a sus discípulos.

Para nosotras, nuestras Líderes de Congregación lavan los pies de varias Hermanas Mayores. Recuerdo lo conmovedor que fue la primera vez que presencié esto: ver los pies de algunas de nuestras mujeres, que habían recorrido muchas millas, la humildad de nuestra priora y nuestro consejo general de rodillas ante ellas, lavándoles los pies con delicadeza y mostrándoles reverencia.

Sonrío al observar y pienso en Pedro insistiendo en que quizás él también necesita que le laven la cabeza y las manos. Jesús nos recuerda que debemos lavarnos los pies unos a otros, o, en el mundo actual, quizás deberíamos considerarlo como una forma de estar presentes y cuidarnos mutuamente en momentos de necesidad. Nuestro mundo sin duda necesita cualquier tipo de cuidado que podamos darle.

¿A quién le lavarás los pies esta semana?

Bendiciones,
Hermana María