Inspired by Scholastica

        Slippery God   God cannot be regulated— he slithers into our thoughts whether we’re ready or not, appears when we least expect and pushes us into places we’d rather not go, cajoling us to run when we drag our feet, stretching us to be more than we ever thought possible.   God is there through all the ups and downs of our lives, carrying us when we get bogged down, hiding in the shadows at times, then stunning us with his translucent light.   We never know when or where he will push us in a new direction, save us from danger, encircle us with unbounded love.   We cannot run away from his abiding presence. He comes through shut doors and locked hearts. He never lets go.                                          ...

  Becoming Fire “I am come to cast fire on the earth.” (Luke 12:49) On that first Pentecost, Jesus appeared to his disciples and bestowed on them the Holy Spirit. And flames appeared on each of the disciple’s heads. The symbol of fire sent them forth to spread Christ’s love around the world. Jesus wanted them to become fire -- to ignite, to enflame the hearts of all people. Fire is a symbol of love, an all-embracing love. We have to have “fire in our bellies” to spread the Spirit’s love across the earth. Just as a small match can start a fire, so also our small efforts can spread our love to people everywhere. We are living in dark times. Wars and greed have made our world a dangerous place to live. Environmental abuse has caused our water and air to be polluted, our earth to be poisoned. Immigrants are being mistreated or barred at our borders. Guns are killing innocent people. We definitely need the fire of Christ’s Spirit to enflame our hearts and spread the Good News. ...

  Limping to God I come to you, God, weather-beaten and limping, asking for forgiveness for all the times I have failed to be faithful and attentive to all those around me, especially the elderly who have run the race, the poor, the lonely and abandoned, who need my care and concern.     Is there any hope for these old bones? What will it take to change my limp into a surge of energy and a ready step? Teach me to become more caring, more responsive, more aware. Give me eyes to see and the will to act on my good intentions.   Water my dried up spirit and shriveled body, expand my shrunken heart. Give me eyes to see what you are leading me to do even as my bones creak and my legs become unsteady. Make me remember that I am here to serve, to listen, to be ready to be your hands and feet today.   Barbara Mayer, OSB    

  Sisters around the Globe Until the National Catholic Reporter began publishing Global Sisters Report , very few people knew what Sisters in other parts of the world were doing. Even most Sisters were focused on their own ministries and did not realize what Sisters in Africa, Central and South America, China, and other places were doing. Most of us weren’t aware there were so many Sisters doing such important work for the Church and the world in distant lands. Global Sisters Report , an on-line news site, is published daily and brings these important stories to our IPads with the touch of a finger. It recently published an E-Book “Hope Amid Turmoil” containing some of their amazing stories. Many of us were astounded at the impact Sisters around the world are making in situations of poverty, war, violence, and danger. Their contributions in education, medicine, women’s rights, prison ministry, and care of orphans and homeless children are immeasurable. During the siege and b...

  Inspired by Scholastica   God Remembers Us   It is good to know God remembers us even when we don’t think of him. When are busy and our minds are preoccupied with many things, He thinks of us.   When we are engaged in conversation and full of things to say, God remembers us. When we are lonely, sad, depressed or grieving, he is beside us to comfort us.   When we are ill and in pain and cannot focus to pray, he is there. When we are sleeping, he is watching and often reveals himself to us.   God remembers each of us individually, not as a clump. He knows our past and our future He never forgets any of the trillions of people he created and loves.   Thank you, God, for keeping us in your loving care throughout all our days. Amen.   Barbara Mayer, OSB