Monthly Archives: March 2015

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Let it Be Done

As we celebrate the Feast of the Annunciation today, I recall making my first profession on this date many years ago. Thankful for my Benedictine Roots, and the many things they taught me. Many friends have posted beautiful classic artworks on the Annunciation, but I am especially enthralled with Children’s books. Julie Vivas’ illustrations to “The Nativity” are beyond exquisite!

and while I’m being a bit contrary, Chris Muglia’s song “Let it be done.” is so rich.

I think there are so many times in my own life, I have NO CLUE what God is doing. I can be frustrated and disappointed and cry, or freeze and break down, or be angry and stubborn. But my best bet is to take a deep sigh and say to God , “Let it be done.” however, that is not a “One and Done” either….. it is something we (I) must say over and over throughout our lives. I just pray that I may have the grace of God to listen, and be open to the message…. .even when it is not what I want to hear. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djzew0ZRj-k

 

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Mother….never forget you….. and Taco Salad

Today is a lovely day and the first day of Spring. And on this Friday evening in 1992 Mother slipped into the arms of her loving Savior. I have many friends who are celebrating the recent loss of loved ones. I empathize with you this day, and always as I feel the pain of not having Mom nearby. This year has been rather strange, as it matched up with the exact days of the week, so I have been recalling the whole last week of her life clearly. It always struck me so profoundly that my Sisters in Sacred Heart Monastery were celebrating the First Vespers for Benedict’s death, as family was with Mom.

Wednesday, Mass at SFC was offered for Mother and her Mother, whose Anniversary was also this week. The first reading was so powerful from Isaiah that day :
But Zion said, “The LORD has forsaken me;
my Lord has forgotten me.”
Can a mother forget her infant,
be without tenderness for the child of her womb?
Even should she forget,
I will never forget you.

Thank You Mother. I love you. Miss you.

Jill Maria Murdy's photo.
The same day,  my old friend Teresa Baxter sent me her recipe cards of Mother’s taco salad ( that I wrote out for her as a kid)
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More John 3:16

This morning’s Gospel John 3: 14-21 has that infamous quote that we’ve been seeing at every major televised event since the 1970’s …… John 3: 16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.”

While I’ve never been one to do that (I’d have to go to a sports event first, and they don’t look kindly on these signs at broadway shows and classical concerts) God and I have a longstanding joke, or affinity around this.

For many years now, at 3:16 AM or PM, I usually get some little jolt calling me to prayer. It might be waking in the night and needing to walk to the little room down the hall, or my cat waking up, and looking at the clock and seeing 3:16.

Similarly I may be driving or in a meeting, or any number of things, and all the sudden I glance at the clock, and there it is again, that 3: 16. Usually I smile and muse, and at least acknowledge God, or take a bit longer for prayer.

On stressful days, or in the midst of a confrontation, I’ve seen those numbers and realized “You are with me…. you have it all in control.” On the days I miss it, and glance down at 3:17 or 3:19, I feel like I have missed an important part of my day.

Of course I am not the only one who holds a claim to these times. The ancient monks prayed seven times a day. Perhaps this is my way of keeping one of the Little Hours. Those with a special devotion to Faustina often pray the 3:00 prayer.

The point is, we can pray anywhere, any time…. and don’t have to search to hard for inspiration. God is with us and ever so close!

http://www.usccb.org/bible/john/3:14

Jill Maria Murdy's photo.