Hidden Meaning

We celebrate today the feast of St. Joseph – patron of the Universal Church, patron of a happy death, patron of making sense out of life.  At least for me, Joseph is the one I look to when I have my plans made and God decides to intervene. The anguish Joseph must have experienced upon hearing of Mary’s pregnancy must have stretched his faith to the limit.  Just when things were falling into place in his life, God turned things upside down.

Perhaps Mary would have understood his situation best, considering her recent encounter with God’s “surprises.”  What amazing conversations Mary and Joseph must have had as their lives unfolded!  And while we may not experience the same visions or dreams of angels, I think we’ve all known the trauma of having our plans turned inside out.

An article from our Constitutions comes to mind:  “The meaning of the obedience [or life’s happenings] asked of us can occasionally remain hidden. Such obedience, like Mary’s fiat, is a surrender of love made in faith, leading through darkness to light.” 

Let’s go to Mary and Joseph for help in “making sense” of what lies before us. After all, they seem to be the experts!

Basketball and Spirituality?

As a proud alum of Notre Dame Academy, I am very excited that our basketball team is going to the state playoffs this weekend for the first time in our history !  The girls and their coaches have certainly worked hard to get to this point, and we as Sisters are so proud of them. 

As the excitement continues to unfold, I’m aware of a parallel with the spiritual life. I heard a homily the other day in which we were reminded not to be just “good” but to strive to be “great” – to be a saint!  I think I’m basically a good person; I don’t commit major crimes or serious sins.  I wonder though how hard I work at becoming “great”?  Do I truly desire to be a saint?  I can learn much from the discipline and practice of the basketball team and their singular focus to be their best. I’m hoping the disciplines of this Lenten season will keep me focused as well.

Mary understood the importance of recognizing all she had received as gifts from God and then striving to use those gifts in the best way possible. Whether our girls win the state title or not (and I certainly hope they do!), I know for certain they’ve given it their best.  I hope I can say the same.

GO EAGLES!

Opening the Door of Education for Women

As we continue to celebrate International Women’s Month and I reflect on the various ways our Sisters minister to women, one of those is our Sisters who work with G.E.D. programs around the country.  Sister Mary Audrey Kreuz, Sister Mary Anna Therese Hartlieb and Sister Mary Frances Herkender are volunteers serving at Women Blessing Women here in Toledo.  This program supports women in obtaining their G.E.D. as well as gaining job skills and securing employment. Sister Mary Bonita Sniegowski is part of a similar program at St. Vincent de Paul Adult Learning Center for Empowerment in New Orleans.

In many ways, these programs highlight the personal gifts and abilities of these women so they are able to move forward with their lives.  The fact that Jesus did this often in His own life leads me to believe He must have learned it from Mary as He was growing up.  I pray that Mary will help me to see and focus on the good qualities in each person and then do what I can to empower them to grow into the people God created them to be.

Who are the people in your life who have empowered you to become a better person?

International Women’s Day

As we celebrate International Women’s Day today, I am reminded of a newsletter we received last month from our Sister Mary Jo Toll who ministers at the United Nations.  Sister participates in a Working Group on Girls and their current effort with the Commission on the Status of Women is to raise awareness of the need for education for girls throughout the world. Education is certainly a key factor in moving out of the cycle of poverty, yet many girls lack this opportunity.

Our Sisters in many other countries also work to uphold and promote the dignity of women.  Sister Mary Rashmi in Tanzania writes, “I began my mission by organizing rural, marginalized women into Self Help Groups with an aim of empowering them towards self-reliance and leadership. The women have shown steady growth by taking new initiatives and steps to bring about transformation in the society. As I look back I have much to be grateful for. Motivating the rural women to be ‘agents of transformation’ in the society, we have been able to move ahead.”

I am so proud of my Sisters who follow in the footsteps of Mary and seek to find ways to celebrate the special gifts which women bring to our world.  It also causes me to stop and reflect on the women who have influenced me.  I thank God for their presence in my life.

Who is a woman who has made a difference in your life? How has she influenced you to be a better person?

Mother Knows Best

Today’s Gospel reading at Mass tells the story of the mother of James and John looking out for “her boys.” Her reply to Jesus’ question, “What is it you want?” is an impassioned plea that her sons have the best seats in the house when they enter the kingdom with Jesus.  One has to give her credit for caring for her sons and for knowing to whom she should go with her request. Jesus doesn’t fault her care, but he does give a new direction to what is truly best for them.  Their lives, given in loving service, are the surest guarantee for spending eternal life near Him.

Mothers usually have an uncanny sense of knowing what is best for us. I certainly believe this is true with Mary, our Mother.  Because she knows the heart of God more intimately than any other, she has an inside view of what will bring us true happiness and peace. This is one of the reasons I love the traditional prayer, The Memorare.

Remember, O Most Gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known, that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help, or sought your intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly to you, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother. To you I come, before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petition, but in your mercy hear and answer me. Amen.

I can’t think of anyone I would rather trust with my needs than Mary.  What is your favorite prayer to Mary asking for her help?