Inspired by Scholastica

  Inspired by Scholastica   Angels Watching Angels are watching over me etched in stained glass windows in our choir chapel.   The angel straight across from me has majestic silver wings and a long simple staff.   When the sun comes through I am thrilled by the beauty of the colors shimmering above the wooden choir stalls, shining on all the pray-ers.   I like having angels around me ready to protect me from danger, to lift my spirits when I am sad, to give me courage when I hesitate.   Angels radiate God’s glory remind me that I am cared for. They keep me from stumbling or straying or forgetting that I have been chosen to bring that radiance to those who may need a reminder that angels are always there-- Do not be afraid.   Barbara Mayer            

  A Listening Church This October, representatives from all over the world will meet again in Rome to discuss the issues they have been studying for the final phase of the synod. While some may dismiss the event as inconsequential, Pope Francis sees the synod as reflecting his vision for dialogue and decision-making in the church. This sounds like a monumental task considering there are so many different cultures, languages, experiences, and needs of the worldwide church. Pope Francis took a great risk in calling this world-wide synod in 2021. He realizes he cannot know what is happening in every corner of the world and decide how to respond to its needs and issues. He must remain true to the Gospel and the commandments yet realize this is a very different world from the world at the time of Christ. Adaptation seems to be very essential at this time in our history. For example, in some countries there are not enough priests to care for the people. Often married men are appoin...

  A Woman of Courage To climb a mountain, the highest mountain in the world, Mt. Everest, is a challenge beyond my comprehension. Yet Lhakpa Sherpa, a poor, uneducated woman from Nepal, climbed to the top of Mt. Everest ten times. No other woman has ever accomplished this feat. In 2022, her last climb, at age 48, was celebrated by family and fellow Nepalese along with journalists and many admirers. She is an inspiration to Nepalese women and women around the world. Lhakpa worked doing dishes and cleaning houses to earn money for the equipment to make the climb as well as to raise her two children. She walked a lot but did not have any training in climbing mountains.   She overcame an abusive husband and other setbacks, but she achieved her dream.  “Never give up,” she writes on her website. “Keep going and follow your dreams no matter what. We make our own world. Don’t try to do everything but do what you love. And someday you might climb your Everest.” That’s great advic...

  Inspired by Scholastica Psalm 16 (adapted) Watch over me, Lord, place your protective cloak over my weak, frail body. Help me in my need. You are my savior You lift me up.   I used to honor false gods, wealth, fame, security, things that are useless. Now I put them aside and honor your name.   Lord, you are my God, You lead me and guide me, You lift me up when I fall. Take away my broken spirit to live with you forever.   God teaches me and all those who long for life what we must do. He is here with us, we can stand firm.   I rejoice in my God who dwells in me and steadies my steps. I walk secure.