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Monday, September 15, 2014
Spiritual FitBit
September 10th, 2014
Spiritual Fitbit
Ok, I give in. Everybody I know under the age of 40 seems to have invested in these tiny, expensive Fitbits, which you snap on your wrist or clip on your shorts. They measure your steps, the flights of stairs you’ve climbed, general exercise, and calories expended. They talk to you. In cheery, shrill little voices very early in the morning.
“Hi, Annie!”
“Good luck!” (Did it say “sweetie” or did I just imagine that?)
“UcandoitAnn”
My take on this whole “I-am-going-to-monitor-every-activity-of-my-day stuff” is that, sure, it can make sense. It may help you get more control over your eating and exercise. But, really? I need to know all of this?
I have a proposal. A fine one, I think. Let’s invent a “Spiritual Fitbit.”
Daily Examen Infographic
Check out Busted Halo’s® Daily Examen Infographic that guides you through the simple steps of this introspective prayer.
Right-click or control-click the image (depending on your system) to begin downloading.
Here’s how it would work: It would record how much time you spend in prayer daily, with extra points for being on your knees. It would tally up how many Hail Marys you did on your Rosary, with cute little icons to celebrate. It would measure how much time you sat in Centering Prayer and how many breaths you took per minute. It would mark down acts of charity each day — served at soup kitchen, drove elderly lady to doctor. And it could indicate how often you went to Mass with a festive icon of the Eucharist surrounded by jaunty yellow rays.
At the end of the day, you could total up how you did, and perhaps feel modestly proud of how well you are following Jesus. Perhaps you could turn in your points at some future time for Holy Cards or Saints’ Medals. At the end of the week, your computer would have a readout: “Your Spiritual Fitbit Report. Charity — 5 actions (You could do 10!); Prayer — 2 hours (Next week try for 5!); Mass Attendance — once (Next week try for 2!).”
But wait. I just remembered. While I imagine the technology for this would be possible, we already have a way to do this. Doh! It’s called The Examen. Every night I can lie in bed, fighting sleep, going over my day: inviting God’s light in as I remember when I felt close to God, and when I pulled away; which actions made me feel ashamed and squirmy; and at the end a promise to do better with God’s grace. And just think how cheap it is. No Fitbit products need to be ordered. No credit card bill to pay off. No clipping it to my shorts. Just — grace. Prayer. Confession. Hope.
Wednesday, September 3, 2014
"God Calls" - Young Adults meet at Catholics on Call in Albany, NY
http://albanyvocations.org/catholicsoncall/
Events > Catholics on Call in Albany
October 10-12, 2014
Need some time to explore, learn and listen?
Young adults (age 18-30) are invited to get away from the hectic pace of their lives and come together to share stories, dreams and concerns. You’ll gain insight from renowned speakers and skilled church ministers, and have the time to listen as God speaks within you.
It’s a no-pressure experience that provides you with a better understanding of vocation, prayer, and discernment, and offers skills that will support you as you make decisions for your future.
CATHOLICS ON CALL IN ALBANY NY will take place at the Carondelet Hospitality Center. The fee is $100 (contact us if assistance is needed). Space is limited. Apply today at www.AlbanyVocations.org. For more information, call 518-674-3818 or email catholicsoncall.inalbanyny@rcda.org.
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Sunday, August 24, 2014
Sunday reflection
Today I went to a small church that is a sister Church of a conglomerate parish in South Scranton, my new home. The pastor is someone I have known for years and I am grateful to be in his parish home!
I am still reflecting on his homily and what a profound gift he gave with his words about the gospel today. I didn't know anything about Caesarea Philippi where Jesus took his disciples after experiencing so many things that Jesus' ministry was about. I came to learn that it had been a very lush place and the home of King Philip who followed one of the Caesars...hence the name! Where Jesus brought the 12 was a hillside that had niches in them where people had placed idols of their various gods. Jesus stands before the disciples, his back to the hillside, and asks, as they look at the various gods, "Who do people say that I am?" and then, more personally, "Who do YOU say that I am?"
I sit at my window of my new room and see the mountains surrounding Scranton. If is lush and green....no niches but -- what niches have I carved out for other gods? ego? self-image? material goods, obsessive looking at e-mails, texts, facebook? engaged in a world of media and consumerism? is it that have fed the god of importance, entitlement, greed? What room do I have for my ONE GOD?
I heard one man exclaim after the homily a comment about the time.....
can we not spend one hour or more a week for God? what about one hour or more a day? Go outside and sit in the air and sunshine! Enjoy the rain that waters our earth! Love the people with whom you are and listen to them whole-heartedly, with love! Be of service to someone in need! This is the God I know....Who is Jesus? Who do I say that you are?
You are spending quality time with You, with myself, with others. You are love. You are friendship and family union. You are all I breathe in. You, Jesus are the Son of the LIVING God (Fr. Mike said that today, too) ....LIVING God....not dead gods that bring us destruction and lies. OUR LIVING, LOVING GOD.....
Take time today to give up any gods you've been worshiping.... worship the one God with smiles, warmth, hugs, a phone call, bake or create a meal, sing, dance, be Jesus for someone today! Show that you know the LIVING God.
Who do you say I AM? Tell Jesus what you think and feel and know.......
Have a good Sunday!
I am still reflecting on his homily and what a profound gift he gave with his words about the gospel today. I didn't know anything about Caesarea Philippi where Jesus took his disciples after experiencing so many things that Jesus' ministry was about. I came to learn that it had been a very lush place and the home of King Philip who followed one of the Caesars...hence the name! Where Jesus brought the 12 was a hillside that had niches in them where people had placed idols of their various gods. Jesus stands before the disciples, his back to the hillside, and asks, as they look at the various gods, "Who do people say that I am?" and then, more personally, "Who do YOU say that I am?"
I sit at my window of my new room and see the mountains surrounding Scranton. If is lush and green....no niches but -- what niches have I carved out for other gods? ego? self-image? material goods, obsessive looking at e-mails, texts, facebook? engaged in a world of media and consumerism? is it that have fed the god of importance, entitlement, greed? What room do I have for my ONE GOD?
I heard one man exclaim after the homily a comment about the time.....
can we not spend one hour or more a week for God? what about one hour or more a day? Go outside and sit in the air and sunshine! Enjoy the rain that waters our earth! Love the people with whom you are and listen to them whole-heartedly, with love! Be of service to someone in need! This is the God I know....Who is Jesus? Who do I say that you are?
You are spending quality time with You, with myself, with others. You are love. You are friendship and family union. You are all I breathe in. You, Jesus are the Son of the LIVING God (Fr. Mike said that today, too) ....LIVING God....not dead gods that bring us destruction and lies. OUR LIVING, LOVING GOD.....
Take time today to give up any gods you've been worshiping.... worship the one God with smiles, warmth, hugs, a phone call, bake or create a meal, sing, dance, be Jesus for someone today! Show that you know the LIVING God.
Who do you say I AM? Tell Jesus what you think and feel and know.......
Have a good Sunday!
Friday, August 22, 2014
A new time
It's hard to believe that change is good -- when you are going through it, sometimes, it is very, very difficult. Many of us in religious life and academic life go through changes in August.....a new ministry, a new community, a new year for classes, student groups, a new residence hall or roommate, new teachers, new places, new faces. Sometimes we are called to go far from where we have been....to travel to a different city, country, home, school.....job, etc., etc., etc.
I am going through this right now after eight years of ministry at Chestnut HIll College and twelve years of living, mostly by myself, to a new ministry, a new home, new sisters to live with and a new learning curve. I've not gone through this stage for a long time and in the past, I was not always unhappy to leave where I was. I am happy to say that I've cried buckets leaving my support system, my friends, my sisters, my home, my cat, the familiar, the students at CHC! And even in the tears, I know the change is good....it has potential, it is a wonderful place to be with my sisters of IHM and being a Vocation Director.
I just moved into my new home, a new room, a new office......
What are the lessons?
Many.
1. Gratitude -- for all that has been and all that is gift and what has been shared and gained in the years I have had happiness in CHC - in friendships - in student life - in ministry - in opportunities - in spiritual growth and learning - in wisdom, grace and age
2. Gentility - to be gentle with myself during these transition days and not go full force into unpacking, getting into lots of activity and stuff...... being quiet, taking time to nap, reflect, be with the memories and the real-ness of what has happened.
3. Acknowledge feelings - the tears, the sadness, the grief of leaving a place of love and comfort. It's good....it feels yucky but it's so good. It's a real death and dying...it's real bereaving the losses of things, people, knowable, tangible places, etc.
4. Allow for gladness - I am happy to be here, called by my own Congregation to do this ministry of vocation work with women who are interested in knowing what religiuos life is about and maybe discerning a lifetime with us as a vowed religious woman or maybe volunteer with us or become associated with us or.....who knows where God is calling......just to be with men and women who are serious about a spiritual life, living the Gospel or learning about prayer or faith or whatever......I am so glad! I am glad for the opportunity to once more be close in physical distance to our "mother house"......to new friends, to old friends. For new opportunities and experiences
5. Prayer, always prayer - to notice, to allow God in, to be present to self, and to be aware of all that God created and is in the world for others are hurting, are in need, are in danger......and if my life is changing what are others going through in change? God has brought me here. God is with me always. God's closeness will always be the glue that holds me to what
I left, what I will keep, what I will discard and what newness I will open my life toward.
Here's to new life, new change........here's to tears and joys.....
May we all be blessed and graced these days ahead!
I am going through this right now after eight years of ministry at Chestnut HIll College and twelve years of living, mostly by myself, to a new ministry, a new home, new sisters to live with and a new learning curve. I've not gone through this stage for a long time and in the past, I was not always unhappy to leave where I was. I am happy to say that I've cried buckets leaving my support system, my friends, my sisters, my home, my cat, the familiar, the students at CHC! And even in the tears, I know the change is good....it has potential, it is a wonderful place to be with my sisters of IHM and being a Vocation Director.
I just moved into my new home, a new room, a new office......
What are the lessons?
Many.
1. Gratitude -- for all that has been and all that is gift and what has been shared and gained in the years I have had happiness in CHC - in friendships - in student life - in ministry - in opportunities - in spiritual growth and learning - in wisdom, grace and age
2. Gentility - to be gentle with myself during these transition days and not go full force into unpacking, getting into lots of activity and stuff...... being quiet, taking time to nap, reflect, be with the memories and the real-ness of what has happened.
3. Acknowledge feelings - the tears, the sadness, the grief of leaving a place of love and comfort. It's good....it feels yucky but it's so good. It's a real death and dying...it's real bereaving the losses of things, people, knowable, tangible places, etc.
4. Allow for gladness - I am happy to be here, called by my own Congregation to do this ministry of vocation work with women who are interested in knowing what religiuos life is about and maybe discerning a lifetime with us as a vowed religious woman or maybe volunteer with us or become associated with us or.....who knows where God is calling......just to be with men and women who are serious about a spiritual life, living the Gospel or learning about prayer or faith or whatever......I am so glad! I am glad for the opportunity to once more be close in physical distance to our "mother house"......to new friends, to old friends. For new opportunities and experiences
5. Prayer, always prayer - to notice, to allow God in, to be present to self, and to be aware of all that God created and is in the world for others are hurting, are in need, are in danger......and if my life is changing what are others going through in change? God has brought me here. God is with me always. God's closeness will always be the glue that holds me to what
I left, what I will keep, what I will discard and what newness I will open my life toward.Here's to new life, new change........here's to tears and joys.....
May we all be blessed and graced these days ahead!
Friday, August 1, 2014
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
Horizons | Global Sisters Report
Horizons | Global Sisters Report
In Horizons, young sisters reflect on their lives, ministries, spirituality and world.
In Horizons, young sisters reflect on their lives, ministries, spirituality and world.
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
Tuesday, July 15, 2014
Celebrating Faith: The lighthouse
Celebrating Faith: The lighthouse: A lighthouse stands alone, centuries pass, storms make land, night falls and still the lighthouse remains a constant visual for sea goers. ...
Monday, July 14, 2014
Daily-Meditation--Being-Blessed
Monday July 14, 2014
Being Blessed
Jesus is the Blessed One. When Jesus was baptised in the Jordan river a voice came from heaven saying: "You are my Son, the Beloved; my favour rests on you" (Mark 1:11). This was the blessing that sustained Jesus during his life. Whatever happened to him - praise or blame - he clung to his blessing; he always remembered that he was the favourite child of God.
Jesus came into the world to share that blessing with us. He came to open our ears to the voice that also says to us, "You are my beloved son, you are my beloved daughter, my favour rests on you ." When we can hear that voice, trust in it, and always remember it, especially during dark times, we can live our lives as God's blessed children and find the strength to share that blessing with others.
Comment on this Daily Meditation.
Read and reflect on "Can You Drink the Cup?" with us this summer. Click here for details.
Visit our website for inspiration, resources, news, events, community.
Text excerpts taken from Bread for the Journey, by Henri J.M. Nouwen, ©1997 HarperSanFrancisco. All Scripture from The Jerusalem Bible ©1966, 1967, and 1968 Darton, Longman & Todd and Doubleday & Co. Inc. Photo by V. Dobson.
Forward this Daily Meditation to a friend!
Tuesday, July 8, 2014
Monday, July 7, 2014
The Summer Day
Who made the world?
Who made the swan, and the black bear?
Who made the grasshopper?
This grasshopper, I mean-- the one who has flung herself out of the grass,
the one who is eating sugar out of my hand,
who is moving her jaws back and forth instead of up and down--
who is gazing around with her enormous and complicated eyes.
Now she lifts her pale forearms and thoroughly washes her face.
Now she snaps her wings open, and floats away.
I don't know exactly what a prayer is.
I do know how to pay attention, how to fall down
into the grass, how to kneel down in the grass,
how to be idle and blessed, how to stroll through the fields,
which is what I have been doing all day.
Tell me, what else should I have done?
Doesn't everything die at last, and too soon?
Tell me, what is it you plan to do
with your one wild and precious life?
Mary Oliver, The House Light Beacon Press Boston, 1990.
Who made the swan, and the black bear?
Who made the grasshopper?
This grasshopper, I mean-- the one who has flung herself out of the grass,
the one who is eating sugar out of my hand,
who is moving her jaws back and forth instead of up and down--
who is gazing around with her enormous and complicated eyes.
Now she lifts her pale forearms and thoroughly washes her face.
Now she snaps her wings open, and floats away.
I don't know exactly what a prayer is.
I do know how to pay attention, how to fall down
into the grass, how to kneel down in the grass,
how to be idle and blessed, how to stroll through the fields,
which is what I have been doing all day.
Tell me, what else should I have done?
Doesn't everything die at last, and too soon?
Tell me, what is it you plan to do
with your one wild and precious life?
Mary Oliver, The House Light Beacon Press Boston, 1990.
Sunday, July 6, 2014
Word in the Hand: Everything in time
Word in the Hand: Everything in time: Gospel Matthew 11:25-30 Jesus exclaimed, ‘I bless you, Father, Lord of heaven and of earth, for hiding these things from ...
SATURDAY, JULY 5, 2014
Loving the Invisible by Colleen Gibson, SSJ
{A poem before I leave for my vow retreat tomorrow... peace & prayers to all.}
How do you love
a lover invisible?
The One who stirs
your heart into a frenzy
without a sight or sound.
Simply a glance of grace
a split second of connection
and there it is.
Then the light shines brighter
Reflection gives off beauty
never before seen.
Your heart aligns with your soul
and you are bound up in love.
And in a moment quite like panic
you realize that you can't put
your feet on solid ground.
This one invisible, in-perceivable
has bound you and will hold you
so that there is no way to steady yourself.
You must lean in and trust,
In that you will be held
And suddenly as darkness turns to light
The invisible will take shape
And what you can't even imagine,
a lover invisible
will become clear.
How do you love the Invisible?- Love visibly.
"One of the experiences of prayer is that it seems that nothing happens. But when you stay with it and look back over a long period of prayer, you suddenly realize that something has happened." #HenriNouwen, THE GENESEE DIARY
Saturday, July 5, 2014
"The movement of God's Spirit is very gentle, very soft - and hidden. It does not seek attention. But that movement is also very persistent, strong, and deep. It changes our hearts radically." #HenriNouwen, LIFE OF THE BELOVED
Friday, July 4, 2014
"What I must do first of all is be faithful. If I believe that the first commandment is to love God with my whole heart, mind, and soul, then I should at least be able to spend one hour a day with nobody else but God. The question as to whether it is helpful, useful, practical, or fruitful is completely irrelevant, since the only reason to love is love is itself. Everything else is secondary." #HenriNouwen, THE ROAD TO DAYBREAK
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Henri-Nouwen-Society/177672622272908?fref=nf
Thursday, July 3, 2014
Henri Nouwen Society
". . . your heart is gentle and humble. You do not force; you do not pull or push; you do not coerce. You want us to come freely to your heart and trust that we will find there the peace and joy we most desire. You do not put any requirement on us; you do not expect any great act of generosity; you do not hope for heroic gestures or dramatic signs. The only thing you want is trust. You can only give your heart to those who come to it in trust."#HenriNouwen HEART SPEAKS TO HEART
". . . your heart is gentle and humble. You do not force; you do not pull or push; you do not coerce. You want us to come freely to your heart and trust that we will find there the peace and joy we most desire. You do not put any requirement on us; you do not expect any great act of generosity; you do not hope for heroic gestures or dramatic signs. The only thing you want is trust. You can only give your heart to those who come to it in trust."#HenriNouwen HEART SPEAKS TO HEART
Wednesday, July 2, 2014
Tuesday, July 1, 2014
Celebrating Faith: Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteo...
Celebrating Faith: Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteo...: "Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, they shall be satisfied." Today, what is right; tomorrow, a mistake. ...
Monday, June 30, 2014
Saturday, June 28, 2014
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Friday, June 27, 2014
A Nun's Life Ministry: Discover and Grow in your vocation
Several Monroe IHM Sisters have a wonderful Ministry called a Nun's Life.
http://anunslife.org/
They share on You Tube, Facebook and on Blogger. What a great service they are providing! Enter in and discover! If you need a helping hand in your own discernment, get in touch with us!
Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Scranton, PA
Director of Vocations
www.sistersofihm.org
Global Sisters Report
Something you may want to follow via e-mail or Facebook: Global Sisters Report
http://globalsistersreport.org/
Global Sisters Report is an independent, non-profit source of news and information about Catholic sisters and the critical issues facing the people they serve. Our network of journalists report about their lives and works and sisters write commentary from their perspective.
http://globalsistersreport.org/
Global Sisters Report is an independent, non-profit source of news and information about Catholic sisters and the critical issues facing the people they serve. Our network of journalists report about their lives and works and sisters write commentary from their perspective.
Mission Global Sisters Report is a dynamic online community that reports on and gives voice to women religious around the world.
Values
Integrity: We are committed to thorough, objective reporting and fair-minded commentary. Our process is transparent.
Diversity: We respect and are inspired by the diverse experiences of sisters in a changing world.
Community: We believe the everyday lives of sisters are a model for strengthening networks and relationships.
Daily-Meditation--Spiritual-Courage
Spiritual Courage
Courage is connected with taking risks. Jumping the Grand Canyon on a motorbike, coming over Niagara Falls in a barrel, or crossing the ocean in a rowboat are called courageous acts because people risk their lives by doing these things. But none of these daredevil acts comes from the centre of our being. They all come from the desire to test our physical limits and to become famous and popular.
Spiritual courage is something completely different. It is following the deepest desires of our hearts at the risk of losing fame and popularity. It asks of us the willingness to lose our temporal lives in order to gain eternal life.
Text excerpts taken from Bread for the Journey, by Henri J.M. Nouwen , © 1997 HarperSanFrancisco. All Scripture from The Jerusalem Bible ©1966, 1967, and 1968 Darton, Longman & Todd and Doubleday & Co. Inc. Photo by V. Dobson.
Posted in Daily Meditation Leave a comment
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
Words That Create Community
The word is always a word for others. Words need to be heard. When we give words to what we are living, these words need to be received and responded to. A speaker needs a listener. A writer needs a reader.
When the flesh – the lived human experience – becomes word, community can develop. When we say, “Let me tell you what we saw. Come and listen to what we did. Sit down and let me explain to you what happened to us. Wait until you hear whom we met,” we call people together and make our lives into lives for others. The word brings us together and calls us into community. When the flesh becomes word, our bodies become part of a body of people.
Text excerpts taken from Bread for the Journey, by Henri J.M. Nouwen , © 1997 HarperSanFrancisco. All Scripture from The Jerusalem Bible ©1966, 1967, and 1968 Darton, Longman & Todd and Doubleday & Co. Inc. Photo by V. Dobson.
http://wp.henrinouwen.org/daily_meditation_blog/?p=3048
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
Celebrating Faith: Blessed are the poor in spirit
Celebrating Faith: Blessed are the poor in spirit: "Blessed are the poor in spirit for the kingdom of heaven is theirs." Come my children, this is your reward, this is my kingdom ...
Daily-Meditation--Flesh-Become-Word
http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Daily-Meditation--Flesh-Become-Word.html?soid=1011221485028&aid=ergkIkOpTs0
Tuesday June 24, 2014
Flesh Become Word
The word must become flesh, but the flesh also must become word. It is not enough for us, as human beings, just to live. We also must give words to what we are living. If we do not speak what we are living, our lives lose their vitality and creativity. When we see a beautiful view, we search for words to express what we are seeing. When we meet a caring person, we want to speak about that meeting. When we are sorrowful or in great pain, we need to talk about it. When we are surprised by joy, we want to announce it!
Through the word, we appropriate and internalize what we are living. The word makes our experience truly human.
Henri Nouwen
Tuesday June 24, 2014
Flesh Become Word
The word must become flesh, but the flesh also must become word. It is not enough for us, as human beings, just to live. We also must give words to what we are living. If we do not speak what we are living, our lives lose their vitality and creativity. When we see a beautiful view, we search for words to express what we are seeing. When we meet a caring person, we want to speak about that meeting. When we are sorrowful or in great pain, we need to talk about it. When we are surprised by joy, we want to announce it!
Through the word, we appropriate and internalize what we are living. The word makes our experience truly human.
Henri Nouwen
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