JESUS' PRESENCE AT THE WORKPLACE

What motivates you to go to work and do what you do? Is it just a pay check or prestige? Is it obligation? Is it passion and joy for what you are doing, or is just out of necessity? We all have different reasons or motives for choosing a career or profession. We all need to work in order to make a living for ourselves, our community, or to provide for a family.
For some people their job, the place they work, and the people they work with are great. Going to work is not a burden. For others the job is okay, but their co-workers may be unpleasant or difficult or uncooperative. And for some, their co-workers are okay, however, they hate their job. Since most of us do not work alone, what if before the work day begins, we and those co-workers who would choose to do so, get together for a short prayer, or a scripture reading, and to offer prayer intentions.

Jesus said in Sunday's Gospel, "Where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am in the midst of them." It would be a good reminder to all that Jesus in present as we go about our work each day. Maybe we and our co-workers would be more kind, cooperative, and more pleasant. Perhaps it would make work not feel like a burden. Maybe I am a dreamer.
Each morning when I get to school I invite Christ to be with me throughout the day as I teach and interact with my students and co-workers. A few of us teachers used to pray for a few minutes, but once the person who organized it left, no one picked up the ball to continue. I think I will invite others to join me in prayer in the morning. I will let you know the outcome. Will you take a chance and try it at your place of work? If so, let me know about it.

Pearl of Great Price

I have been wanting to post for the last few weeks, however, I had a family emergency, then I went to Cape May for retreat. When I got back, we had a discernment weekend in community, I had to get my classroom ready, and attend three inservices. I will try to get back to regular posting.
Last month was the gospel reading of the parable of the pearl of great price. I went to retreat hoping to reclaim and deepen that Christ is my pearl of great price. This was a different retreat for me in that I had a different conference time with my director than I have had in the past. I prayed in a different area of the beach. I had to set up my prayer times differently, and I had to learn how just to be. Well, I prayed with the Song of Songs, the Good Shepherd passage from John's Gospel, and a few others. I sat on a rock near the jetty reflecting and letting the ocean waves hit my legs. As the water swirled around me, I was reminded that my relationship with God is like a dance, a movement, or a symphony. It is give and take, back and forth, gentle, and sometimes turbulent. I also imagined that it was God's graces swirling around me.
I made my own footprints in the moist sand, and picked up several seashells. I sat in my beach chair and took long walks in the evening as I continued to pray and reflect. During one of my reflections midway through the retreat I was reflecting on how Jesus, while in the tomb, was waiting for the transformation to become and be what he fully was from the beginning before he came to earth--God. He was coming home to himself.
When I am on retreat, I always have the sense of not only being still, but also coming home to myself. Rabbi Heschel said, "Just to be is a blessing." To be and become who I am fully meant to be as a person and as a Sister of St. Joseph continues to unfold. Not only is God my pearl of great price, but the graces I have received are pearls of great price also.

JUBILEE

This past Sunday, five of our sisters celebrated their 60Th jubilee. Some family members and friends of the jubilarians were also present for the occasion. The jubilarians are Sr. Ann Amen, Sr. Leonella Gingenbach, Sr. Mary Carol Hoke, Sr. Maria Onuffer, and Sr. Barbara Ann Zakutney. After a lovely liturgy, there was a brunch for all who attended.

I am always in awe of God's fidelity to the sisters and the sisters fidelity to God for sixty years. I get excited about God's fidelity and my fidelity for these past nineteen and a half years. I know that it takes prayer, reflection, relationships within the community, and a personal relationship with Christ to continue nurturing my vocation as a Sister of St. Joseph.

I would ask you to pray each day as I do for all women and men religious that their fidelity and love of God will deepen. Pray as well for those who are considering vocations.

SACRED HEART OF CHRIST

On the Feast of the Sacred Heart I was reflecting on what makes Christ's heart so beautiful. It contains so much love for all people; the sinners, the saints, the lost, the broken, the rich, the poor, the young and the old. (I'm sure you could add more). Christ's heart holds so much mercy and forgiveness and so much sorrow for a troubled world. When I see the Sacred Heart it reminds me that Christ has the strength for the despairing. His heart longs for each of us to be united with him. It also contains much joy when the lost are found, the broken are healed, and sinners repent.

Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make my heart like unto thine.

GOLDEN JUBILEE

This past Saturday two of our sisters, Sr. Michele Healy and Sr. Moira Sullivan, celebrated fifty years in community. With family, sisters, associates, and friends present, the celebration was wonderful. At the liturgy, Fr. Sullivan, Sr. Moira's brother, gave a beautiful homily. Also, all the sisters were invited to renew their vows along with Moira and Michele. Later, a dinner was held at the Shriner's Club. Then, in the evening, a picnic was enjoyed by all.

At each jubilee I can't help but reflect on the fidelity of the sisters celebrating, but also on the fidelity of God who called each of them to this way of life. Each sister has her own story of how and why she felt called to religious life, as well as how she responded. Some have known from a very young age that they wanted to be in community, well others struggled with making a decision and waited a few more years. However, no matter what the call story is, each sister continues to be faithful to God, to her congregation, and the ministry in which she is involved. Each one continually chooses to daily say, "Yes" to the deepening of the relationship with God and with those to whom she serves. Fidelity is enhanced through prayer, community, and even in times of trouble or despair. Our fidelity as Sisters of Saint Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania carries on a tradition of 150 years of women meeting the needs of the "dear neighbor."

As I have mentioned in other posts, I have been in community for nineteen years. Each day I am grateful for God's faithfulness to me and the grace for me to be faithful to God. Continue to pray for us, and for those who will yet be called.

GENTLENESS, PEACE, JOY

This is the last week of school for me. I always find this time of year to be stressful. Trying to close up my classroom, teaching the students whose brains are already on vacation, and keeping up with the rest of life can take its toll on me. So how do I get through it all? It takes just three words; gentleness, peace, and joy to keep me on the straight and narrow.

My spiritual director gave me these words from our Maxims of Perfection which tell us to approach each task with gentleness, peace, and joy. As I begin my day I pray for peace as I get ready and leave for school. Before the students come into the classroom I pray for patience and gentleness that is so much needed at this time of year. During the day, as I realize that I have been patient and gentle, I find joy in who I am as Sister of Saint Joseph, a teacher, and a beloved of God.
I never get my classroom finished by the last day of school and always have to return for a couple of days to get done. However, by keeping those three words in the forefront of my prayer I can do the best I can knowing that it will take me longer than everyone else without getting worked up about it. So, I look at my classroom and think to myself I will be here as long as it takes therefore, be at peace.

THE GOOD SHEPHERD

Today is Good Shepherd Sunday. This always falls on the Fourth Week of Easter. In today's gospel reading Jesus tells us how the Shepherd calls each of his sheep by name. The sheep know his voice and they follow. The sheep also know that the Shepherd will lead them to pasture. How do we hear the Jesus, the Good Shepherd, call each of us by name?

I know for myself that being faithful to taking some quiet time to be still and listen is important. Leaving room in my heart for the Shepherd and not crowding it with other things that would not allow space for Him to enter is crucial to my spiritual well-being. It is through the image of the Good Shepherd in the book, "Hinds Feet in High Places," by Hannah Hurnard that I came to know many years ago that I could have a relationship with Christ. Ever since, when I need to rekindle that relationship, I go back to the image of the Good Shepherd. He truly laid down his life for me.

Jesus also said in the gospel today that he came that we may have life abundantly. In following Christ I can be aware each evening as I pray my Examen of the blessings of each day. Then, at the end of each week when I list the graces I have been given, I realize how blessed I truly am and how abundant are the graces.

Today also marks the World Day of Prayer for Vocations. Pray that more young men and women will hear the voice of the Shepherd and will come and follow.

CHRIST IS PRESENT

I enjoy looking at the daily readings after Easter. Between Easter and Pentecost the readings are all from the New Testament. My favorites are Mary Magdalene at the empty tomb and the disciples on the way to Emmaus. I like to imagine the joy they felt when they recognized the risen Christ. There are times in my own prayer when I recognize Christ's presence, not only with me, but also in what I learn or discover about Christ or myself. My relationship with Him may deepen, or I may understand a situation more fully.

In other readings during this time we listen to how St. Peter or St. Paul proclaim Christ's presence to the people in the cities and towns to which they traveled. Where and to whom do I/you proclaim Christ's presence? How do we do this in our communities, with our families, and those to whom we minister and with whom we minister? A few years ago a retreat director told me to invite Christ each and every day to wherever I go to increase my awareness of Him being with me. It also reminds me of whom I am in the presence of when I see the faces of all the "dear neighbors" that I meet each day.
Another theme in these post-Easter readings is the new community of the followers of Jesus. The readings describe how they share all things in common, looking out for widows and orphans, and participated in the breaking of the bread. It seems as though there was no looking out for number one going on in these communities! So, as you continue to listen and read these New Testament passages, be aware of how Christ is present to you and how you bring His presence to others.

TRIDUUM

Triduum means "Three Days." These days that begin today with Holy Thursday are the pinnacle of the church year. About 20+ years ago I had the privilege to teach the catechumens at my home parish about the liturgies of the Triduum. I remember telling them to use all their senses. These days are filled with wonderful rituals to observe and in which to take part. They are filled with the smell of incense. The readings remind us of how we were saved by God through God's Son, Jesus Christ. We hear about the covenant God made with the Israelites and their journey from slavery in Egypt to freedom. We listen to St. Paul tell us about the dying and rising to new life with Jesus and that death has no more power over Him nor over us. Then we are sprinkled with the waters of Baptism and renew our baptismal promises.
For me these days draw me to reflect on the passion and death of Jesus. The Ignation way of praying by using my imagination and placing myself at the different scenes of Christ's passion and death are most helpful to me. Read a passage from scripture. Then sit quietly with it and place yourself in the passage. You can be one of the people from that passage or be yourself. Be part what is going on. Pay attention to what Jesus may be saying to you personally. Also be aware of how you respond and behave in this scene. Pay attention to what you are feeling. After the time of reflection, I always find it helpful to journal about the experience.

Many blessings to all of you this Easter.

SURRENDER

This morning I read the four gospel accounts of Jesus' passion and death. The theme of surrender came through to me.

First, during the last supper, Judas surrendered to the evil and fear within himself to betray Jesus. He was afraid of the religious and Roman authorities. Judas thought that Jesus' way of doing things and his preaching would cause more trouble for Jesus, the disciples, and the people. He was partly correct. The religious leaders did not approve of Jesus and as we all know plotted to get rid of him. Surrendering to fear, Judas made a deal to turn Jesus over to them. When have you surrendered to fear rather than do good?

Secondly, after the Last Supper, Jesus and his disciples went to the Mount of Olives. He asked Peter, James and John to go a little further with him. At prayer Jesus prayed to his Heavenly Father to please somehow not let the events that were about to happen take place. Jesus then went over to Peter, James, and John and found them asleep. One gospel said that they surrendered to their grief, so they slept. This must have been a very sad moment for Jesus to see that he could not count on them to be strong. He returned to prayer and again asked God to take away the cup he was about to drink. However, this time Jesus surrendered to his Father's will. This is what he was called to do. Have you ever surrendered to grief that you slept to avoid it? Was there ever a time when you found it difficult to surrender to God's will in your life? How did you surrender to God's will? What happened after you did so? What happened or would have happened if you did not surrender to the will of God?

Then Jesus was brought before Pilate. After much questioning Pilate could not find any reason to keep Jesus. The religious leaders were adamant about putting Jesus to death. They incited the crowds who kept yelling, "Crucify Him." No matter what Pilate said or did, the crowds would not be satisfied until they got their way. Fearing a riot or dissension with the higher authorities, and fear for his own position, Pilate surrendered to the crowds. He washed his hands and gave Jesus over to be crucified. When have you surrendered to doing what you know is not the right thing to do? When have you not stood for the innocent?

In the end, hanging on the cross, Jesus surrendered his spirit into his Father's hands.

AWAKEN AND COME OUT

Spring is a time of new life. Birds migrate back to the north. In fact, you can once again hear the bird chirping early in the morning. The sun rises earlier. The skyline on a clear morning as I drive to school is beautiful to behold. We have a few warm days to give us a glimpse of summer. The snow has finally melted and green grass is visible. Soon the trees will begin to have buds on them. The crocuses have already popped out of the ground. Everything that has been asleep all winter will now awaken and come out.

How fitting that we celebrate the resurrection of Christ in Spring. As Jesus called Lazarus in today's gospel to "come out" I too am looking forward to coming out. I have been reflecting on what needs to be awakened in me. Perhaps these thoughts will help you also in your reflection.

How is Christ calling you to "come out"?

Does your relationship with God need to be awakened?

Does your self-confidence need to come out?

Do you need to awaken in yourself to be more hospitable, more kind, more generous?

Does a positive attitude, service toward others, or forgiveness need to come out?

Does your passion for life need to be awakened?

My sense of awakening and coming out is stirring now that it is spring. My whole being seems to come alive as the weather gets warmer. My mood is elevated and I have a hopefulness of new life and energy. We have ten more days in Lent. We may still experience the passion and death with Jesus during Holy Week. However, we can look forward to the promise of resurrection in the here and now as well as at the end of time.

BRADFORD

As part of our 150th Anniversary Celebration this year, many of us went to Bradford, PA to celebrate with the people there. Many of our sisters are natives of Bradford, Lewis Run, and the surrounding areas. We began with liturgy at Saint Bernard's. Then everyone went across the street to a hall where there was a lovely reception.

Our sisters served in the schools in that area for many years. Although I have never ministered in Bradford, it was wonderful to hear the memories shared and the comments about how the sisters reached out to people. There was a wall filled with cards congratulating us and thanking us for our years of service that were made by children who probably were born long after the sisters were gone from the area. The old school is torn down now and a Tops supermarket is in its place. As one woman said, "Little do people know they are shopping on hallowed ground."

I am happy that I went to this celebration as it has helped me know a little more of our history in Bradford and the people whose lives were touched by our sisters.

THE WOMAN AT THE WELL

Water is an essential part of our lives. Think about all the ways in which we use water: for drinking; cooking; washing; bathing; and swimming. Water brings life to plants. Then there are those places without water: the desert-dry and arid; countries where water is such a precious commodity that they must walk miles to get clean water. Things wither and die without water. And of course we know the destruction water can cause by flooding and the recent tsunami in Japan.

In the first reading today the Israelites were physically thirsty and they grumbled against God and Moses, who provided water for them to drink. In the Gospel the Samaritan Woman was spiritually thirsty. Her thirst is quenched when she meets a stranger by the well. This unnamed woman has looked for love and acceptance by drawing from wells that failed to satisfy. She longs for relationship with others and with God.

Are we not like the Samaritan Woman? We long to be in relationship with others. Our souls thirst for God. We seek truth about ourselves as well as the truth about our relationship with God. We draw water from countless wells: wells of success; wells of importance; wells of praise; wells of pleasure; and wells of pride. You can probably name some of your own wells.

Jesus, in his asking for a drink, was offering the grace of living water. The Samaritan Woman was resistant. She wanted to go about her own work and not be bothered by this Jewish man. Think about those times when you may have resisted grace. You may have been too busy, not open to change, did not want to go out of your way, and so on. As Jesus said, "...if you only knew who it is that is speaking to you."

The Samaritan woman, perhaps out of curiosity, continues to speak to and challenge the stranger. However as their conversation continues, she begins to listen and challenges less. She begins to let her guard down seeing that this man is someone who listens to her and is accepting of who she is. Slowly the grace of living water begins to seep into her thirsty soul. Then when Jesus reveals to her, "I am he who is speaking to you," the grace begins to flow and her soul is open to receive fully the grace of the life giving waters that Jesus is offering.

Do you remember a time during prayer or retreat when, after some reflection and resistance to grace, your heart and soul surrendered and opened to receive the grace that God was offering to you? Remember how it filled you with whatever emotion you might have experienced? Remember how is quenched your thirsty soul?

Little did the Samaritan Woman know that her ordinary task that day of drawing water would turn her world around and transform her. From thirsting and longing, she was given new hope and new life.

Jesus is the only well who quenches our thirsty soul and gives us new life. As Lent continues, let us draw closer to Jesus, our life giving water.

TRANSFORMATION

The gospel reading yesterday was about the Transfiguration of Jesus on Mount Tabor. Jesus' clothes became dazzling white. Once again he was reassured that he was the beloved Son of God. I think the disciples who were with him were also reassured. My reflections led me in a couple of different directions.

Jesus was no longer just a carpenter from Nazareth. He had a mission to bring about the kingdom of God. He also taught others about God's abundant love and gracious mercy. He followed God's call wherever it took him. On Mount Tabor, Jesus must have gathered strength and confidence as well as the reassurance of his identity. He needed these qualities to continue his journey; a journey that would lead him to Jerusalem and to his death.

The disciples were also transformed. They saw a glimpse of Jesus' glory. They were in awe of the three presences they saw. These disciples followed Jesus closely. They also went where they were sent. Following Jesus must not have been easy for them. I would think that they had to experience the ridicule and hostility that Jesus experienced. They feared for their lives as well. Their journey led them to continue Jesus' mission even after his crucifixion and resurrection. Eventually, their journey also led to their death.

I could not help but remember the first time I heard the word transformation. I was thirty years old and attended a young adult retreat. The speaker talked about transformation, and although I can't remember all that he said, I do remember how his talk affected me. I knew that God was calling me to something more. I knew I was being called to transformation in my life. As I talked with him, I realized that I was beginning a new journey. This journey led to the people and places that guided me and strengthened me throughout this transformation. It was a twelve year journey of learning, praying, discerning God's will in my life. It was a journey of preparation to take the next step to a new transformation by entering community.

How has God called you to transformation? Who are the people and events that led you to be transformed?

SAINT JOSEPH'S DAY

On Saturday our congregation celebrated the Feast of Saint Joseph. We began with an uplifting liturgy. During the liturgy, the sisters renewed their vows and our associates renewed their commitment. I always find renewing our vows to be a sacred moment. It is each of us proclaiming our "Yes" once again. It is also a reminder of what we said yes to. It is a time to celebrate who we are as Sisters of Saint Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania. Our vows, our charism, our spirituality, and our mission are deeply a part of our being. As I said a couple of weeks ago, I thank God for this call and for who I am.

The liturgy was followed by a wonderful brunch. The celebration committee as well as others set and decorated the tables. Our kitchen staff outdid themselves in the preparation and serving. Door prizes were given out. An enjoyable time was had by all.

FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT

Today's Gospel reading from Matthew is about Jesus' temptation in the desert. He had just heard God calling him his "Beloved Son" when he was baptized in the Jordan. Then the Spirit led him into the desert. There he was tempted by Satan three times. I have heard some wonderful homilies on this passage. What I want to share is a reflection I remember that has always stuck with me and also some of my own thoughts.
Satan begins each of the three the temptations with, "IF you are the Son of God..." He is obviously aware of what Jesus heard at the Jordan and wants to test him. Satan tries to play on Jesus' weakness. He is expressing his doubt of Jesus' identity. By tempting him, Satan thinks that Jesus will also begin to doubt his own identity as the Son of God.

What about you? When, where, what and by whom have you found cause to doubt your own identity as a beloved son or daughter of God? Has there been a time when someone did not think you were good enough or capable enough to do a task or complete a job even when you thought you could do so? Did you do something to prove yourself, or did you just believe what the other person said? How did you feel? Was your self-confidence stripped away?

Perhaps there have been times when you caused yourself to not believe in your own identity as a beloved of God. You may have failed at a task. You may have lost your job. You may have hurt someone. So you put yourself down and doubt your own self-worth. You may even feel that you are unlovable. No matter what we say or do, God never disowns us and always calls us back. God never stops loving us, nor does God ever decide that we can't be God's beloved anymore. Being loved by God gives us dignity and strength to be and do all that we can in Christ and through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Often, when we are on retreat, we may given a chance to pray and reflect on how much God loves us. We are renewed and reminded that we are God's beloved son or daughter and that nothing can separate us from the love of God. We can rejoice in the graces we received because we do recognize who we are in the sight of God.

Remember, Satan will do or say anything to make you feel like an "Unbeloved" of God. In those times of temptation or doubt, allow yourself to be filled with the love of God. Hear God say to you, " You are my beloved son/daughter on whom my favor rests."

LENT

Lent began last Wednesday with Catholics receiving ashes on their foreheads as a sign reminding us of who we are and how we were made. This is a time to return to the Lord by prayer, fasting, and alms giving. It is a time of reflection and prayer. We do a lot of focusing on our physical well being. However, Lent is a time to focus on our spiritual well being. It calls us to renew our relationship with God, go deeper into prayer, be reconciled to others, and care for those in need. How will you spend this Lent?

While we are renewing our spiritual selves, nature is also renewing itself. We will see little more sunlight each evening. The snow will melt. The birds have already begun to chirp more. Hope for warmth and sunshine and summer days is renewed. We look forward to not only more sunlight but also the light of Christ to come back into our lives that we may share his light with others.

MAGNIFICAT

This past Tuesday, March 1st, was the nineteenth anniversary of my entrance into community. Each year, when this date comes around, I can't help feeling a sense of awe that God has called me to religious life. I say a prayer of thanksgiving and reflect on my life as a Sister of Saint Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania. Last year I wrote a Magnificat and I have been praying it ever since. I want to share it with you. The only change I made is the number of years.

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord

And my spirit rejoices for the past nineteen years.

For God who has called me to religious life has blessed me.

Trustworthy is His name.

You have gifted me with courage to risk

You've graced me with perseverance and hope.

When I was down and desperate for help

you held me tightly.

You nourished my soul.

You have given me companions on the journey

Who guide me, strengthen me, and teach me.

They pray and listen, love and challenge me to grow.

For these I give thanks.

You have given me a vision for my life.

You've deepened a charism in me.

Drawing me closer to you has drawn me to long for

and love you more.

I am your delight!

From now on your love will chase after me

everyday of my life,

And I will know your love and fidelity

as you promised to me forever.

TRANSFORMATION

I just came back from the first of three phases of a workshop on the Transformation of Religious Life in North America. About 130 men and women religious attended this meeting which included those in leadership positions, formation personnel, and newly professed members. We discussed the importance of religious communities not remaining the way they have always been. They must move forward and transform themselves to continue the mission to which they were called at their founding. Religious communities need to let go of the memories that encumber them and hold on to the memories that energize them.

There was time for table discussion at which each person expressed where they felt their congregation was a this point in time about transformation. The facilitators/speakers, Luisa Saffiotti and Finten Sheenan are well known to the Religious Formation Conference and gave us much to ponder by stirring up a lot of questions we need to ask ourselves. The weekend was heavy, however, it was also very exciting. I think the most important point I brought back with me is the urgency of transformation of religious life.

PRAYER

With my prayer group a couple of weeks ago, we reflected on the importance of praying and sitting in silence for twenty minutes a day. The reflection mentioned all the possibilities that sitting in silence can do for us and how it can change us on the different situations of our lives. It helped us to see how we can grow in relationship with others as well as with our God. With all the noise in the world, our culture, and the business of our lives we need to take that twenty minutes a day to help keep us in balance. We need prayer and quiet time. I (we) cannot function well without it.

SALT AND LIGHT

Today's reading from Matthew 5:13-16 has so much to reflect on. I will try to sum up some of the two homilies I heard and my own reflection. Jesus said, "YOU are the salt of the earth," and, "YOU are the light of the world."

My first reflection was on those who have been light and salt for me. These people have shown me the way when I felt I was in darkness. They put flavor in my life when I felt flat or lacked enthusiasm. Some of these people brought the light of scripture to me and taught me how to pray with God's Word. Others helped me journal and voice what was going on in my heart and in my relationships with Christ and other people. For these people, I am deeply grateful.

Then I reflected on how I am salt and light for others. All of our gifts and talents are given for the common good. St. Paul says that in his letter to the Corinthians. So, where and how are my gifts shared? First of all I think with my students and their families. I share with them the love of Christ for each one. I help bring light to parents who miss the fact that their child may have a learning disability or an attention issue. I bring light to how they can help their child at home. I let parents know I am praying for them.

Secondly, I try to be light and salt to my congregation. I use my gifts and talents by doing formation work, expressing enthusiasm for the life we lead, proclaiming scripture, helping to plan a community day, or planning prayer for my prayer group. I try to be light of hope and presence to the sisters in our Marycrest area.
Finally, I try to be light and salt for my family. My daughter-in-law is having surgery this Tuesday, and I am the listening ear for both her and my son. I hope to be present with them on Tuesday, however Erie weather is unpredictable. I listen to my sisters concerns, my mother's joys and woes. Being a listening ear helps keep me in touch with my family.
What good is salt if it goes flat? It will not flavor the food. Jesus said we do not put a lamp under a bushel basket, but rather we put it out where all can see it and benefit from its light. So must we use our gifts and talents to be and do for others and it is all for the glory of God. Our faith is not just a "me and God" kind of faith. It is a faith that must be shared. Our light can make a difference in another person's life.

How are you called to be salt of the earth and light of the world? Let your light shine!

THE BEATITUDES

The Beatitudes tell us what it means to follow Jesus as a disciple. By sitting down, Jesus takes the position of a teacher. In teaching these nine statements, Jesus describes the qualities of a disciple. They are not the same as the world's expectations. Have you ever thought about what they mean? Perhaps I can share with you what I am currently teaching my students. These are simple meanings from our text book.

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." The poor in spirit know their need for God.
"Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted." Those who mourn are sad because of the sorrow in our world. They will do what they can to help.
"Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land." The meek are kind to others and treat others fairly.
"Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied." These people give to God and others what is right and work for justice.
"Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy." The merciful forgive others as they want God to forgive them.
"Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God." The clean of heart keep God first in their lives.
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." Peacemakers solve problems without hurting others.

"Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom heaven." These people do what God wants even when doing the right thing is difficult.

"Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me. Rejoice and be glad for your reward will be great in heaven." Sometimes we will be called names and be hurt because we choose to follow God and his commandments.

There is so much we can reflect on in this passage. I think I will take time to reflect on how I am following Jesus in light of the Beatitudes. My students will have a test on this on Tuesday. Blessed are they who study, for they will pass the test.

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK

Today marked the beginning of Catholic Schools Week. The theme is, "A+ for America Catholic Schools." At the opening liturgy this morning our students at Blessed Sacrament School talked about how Catholic Schools provide Achievement, Academics, Attitude, Athletics. Catholic Schools in America provide a well-rounded education. Students who graduate from Catholic Schools go on to be professionals and leaders.
After the liturgy, we had an open-house. All the teachers were in their classrooms. Third grade students and their parents came in to see what fourth grade will be like. Some of my students and their parents stopped in to say hello. Also, some of my former students came as well as their parents. It was wonderful to see them and find out how they are doing in high school and in college. It is funny how I can still picture where they sat in my classroom when they were in fourth grade.

We have several activities planned for the week which include assemblies, playing games with our buddies, writing cards to those at the VA hospital, playing bingo, and watching a movie. Not much will be normal this week in the classroom, however, the students will enjoy themselves. Someday they will realize how fortunate they were to attend a Catholic School.

GRACED MEMORIES

Since Kelly's entrance last week I have been recalling my journey through formation. I found the entrance ceremony and remembered the events that led to my entering community. I next looked at my entrance into the Novitiate. I remember how unsure I was that I was ready for this next step. It was held at the Motherhouse on 8th and Liberty. I was soooo nervous. It was a time of learning the history of our congregation, its documents, and vows. It was a time of discovery of who I was in all this and how I wanted to serve God and the "dear neighbor". Then I recalled making vows for the first time. It was held at our Community Living Center. Each year after that I renewed my vows in a simple ceremony at the different houses in which I lived. Finally, I looked at my Profession ceremony. It was such a joyous occasion! Family, friends, and community members were all present. The music, the liturgy, the celebration was more than I could have hoped for.
My invitation and program covers held an image of two people dancing with the words, "My spirit dances with God who loves me." This line came from a magnificat I had written before I entered. God and I continue to dance. Sometimes, we are in-sync. Sometimes, I am out of step. Other times I try to lead and I stumble. However, throughout the dance, God always continues to hold my hand. God and I have been dancing for eighteen years. March 1st will mark my nineteenth year in community. I want the dance to go on forever!

WELCOME

This afternoon, Kelly Smock entered our congregation. Kelly is a young woman who has been an associate of our congregation for six years, therefore she is no stranger to our sisters. She has lived our charism and has brought it to those with whom she works. As has been our tradition, we held the service at the house where she will be living during her Pre-Novitiate stage. Leadership, a few friends, her family, and formation personnel were present. It was a joyous occasion for all of us. During the ceremony Kelly was presented with a basket which held welcoming notes from many of our sisters in the community. I will continue walking with Kelly during this stage of formation.
Kelly is the first young woman I have had the pleasure to journey with through the Pre-Entrance stage of formation. Sometimes it seemed as if everything took so long, however, it was worth it. The day finally came.

It is a blessing when new people come to a community. They bring gifts to share, enthusiasm, and a willingness to serve God. When a new person enters it changes the whole community. I look around at all the women in our congregation and know that each one of us makes a difference in her own way. I cannot imagine the community without any one of them.

THE LIGHT OF CHRIST

Yesterday we celebrated Epiphany. So many of the readings during Christmas and for Epiphany had to do with light and darkness. I was especially struck by the Prologue of John's Gospel where it says that the darkness will not overcome the light.

Sometimes we can get so bogged down or depressed by circumstances in our lives that we forget that Christ's light is there if we look for it. Christ is the light that shines in the darkness. In keeping watch and open to receive the light of Christ we can be filled with and recognize the graces that God is giving us.

Once we recognize the light of Christ in us, we can then be strong enough and radiate that light to others. We can bring Christ's light to those who are walking in darkness. We can help Christ bring abundant joy and lift others burdens.

Imagine yourself filled with light and surrounded with light and see what happens.

NEW YEAR RESOLUTION

To post blogs more regularly. Happy New Year!