OMG-It's Christmas Is All About!

It is hard to believe that we are midway through Advent and that in a short time we will be celebrating the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem over 2000 years ago! Of course, there has been no shortage of reminders that Christmas is coming from the commercial world! The last syllable of Trick or Treat was hardly out of the mouths of ghosts and goblins when tinsel (does anyone use that anymore??) trees and candy canes lined store shelves! I find this hard to bear, after all how can I enjoy my Thanksgiving turkey leg when commercials are telling me I already missed pre-Black Friday and I'd better arise at 3 AM to get a good spot in line for the (real???) one the next day! As Charlie Brown would so aptly put it...YIKES!!!

Now please do not think me a Scrooge (although it is my favorite Christmas story as I'm a sucker for conversion stories!). I do love Christmas and all the festivities that go with this wonderful day. It just seems to me that we (as a society) are getting further and further away from the reality of what we are truly celebrating - a holy day. A day when in the simplest way, on a starry night a little babe was born. A birth witnessed not by the mighty and strong but by simple shepherds tending their sheep on what seemed another ordinary night and acknowledged by those who were wise enough to recognize the wonder of a star. So in these last two weeks of preparation, (Jackie save a turkey leg for me!), let us try amid all the distractions the commercial world may bring, to attend to our tasks with the patient simplicity of the shepherds. May we have the wisdom, to enjoy with wonder the special stars, our family and friends, who journey with us throughout the year helping us to witness again and again the LOVE of God who came to earth to teach us how to live. Christmas Blessings or as Tiny Tim would say: "GOD BLESS US EVERYONE!"

Thanks?Giving

Well, it is that time of year. Yes, where did the time go? It seems like only yesterday that we were ushering in 2010 and here we are getting ready for Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving, Turkey Day whatever you call it, it is a day we set aside to be with those we care about and give thanks to God for the blessings we have received both long term as well as in the present year.

Actually, this is my favorite holiday of the year and I look forward to being with some very special folks, sharing memories and making new ones to share in the years ahead. But there are times when I look around at all the struggles going on in the world, our church, our country, and in my own experience - wars, hunger, corporate greed, a threatened environment, disease and violence against others for just being who they are meant to be- and I say Thanksgiving??? How much can I really be thankful for this year? As I was struggling with this thought, as often happens, a wonderful Carmelite sister that I was running a retreat with shared with me a writing she had come across. It spoke right to my heart and gave me a clear reason why I can have an "attitide of gratitude" this Thanksgiving. May it help to fill your heart with gratitude as well and may you have a blessed Thanksgiving Day.

A THANKSGIVING THOUGHT

We can't be thankful for all things-

at least not with any degree of honesty

at least not with any sense of integrity.

Some things are simply too painful, too sad,

too tragic to be thankful for them.

But we can be thankful in all things:

Thankful for family and friends

who stand beside us in difficult times.

Thankful for new thoughts and new feelings

that lead us through dark hours.

Thankful for signs of hope in an otherwise

bleak and barren landscape.

Thankful for the peace that wells up unexpectedly

from within when we are not at peace.

Thankful for a touch of humor to lighten

our heavy load.

There is so much this season

that we will remember

and for which we will indeed be thankful.

But when we cannot be thankful for all things,

grant us the grace to remember

that we can at least be thankful

in all things.

Deepen in us, gentle Lord, this faith

in your graciousness, this faith in our resiliency

that we may indeed be thankful. Amen.

-Author Unknown

A MINER/MINOR MIRACLE???

This week all eyes were focused on the rescue of 33 miners in Chile. Actually though people have been watching and praying for these men for the past 60+ days. Watching, waiting, praying. It did not matter where you were from or what beliefs you held, the compassion that runs through all of humanity was in full view - a compassion that we somethings look long and hard to see in each other at times-it was there in the hearts and hopes of humankind. Who can forget the image of that first miner appearing and the sight of his young son bursting into tears as he saw his father! That same scene repeated again and again for approximately 24 hours as families were reunited. Gratitude expressed again and again to the rescuers and engineers but most of all to God who answered their prayers. All 33 returned safely-a miracle for sure!

Often today I hear people say there aren't any miracles anymore-that God has abandoned us - and yet, an event occurs that focuses our hearts and minds on the infinite goodness of God. This week it was the miracle of the miners-last year you will recall the miracle on the Hudson. Not minor events for sure but we need to open our awareness to the everyday, the minor miracles that do take place in our lives. I recall my mother talking about minor miracles every time we cleaned up the mess we had made with our toys without being asked but besides that there are those unexplained, unexpected interventions of God in our lives that we too often miss or explain away. When was the last miracle in your life? Nothing that would attract CNN to your door but just those little events where God's mercy, love and compassion are revealed. A time perhaps when you felt hopeless and hope walked into your life on the feet of a friend. Only you can answer for yourself. It is all about being open and being aware of God's active presence in our lives-allowing God to be God in your space and accepting that things do occur that cannot be explained any other way. Yes, the rescue of the miners was no minor miracle but I don't think any miracle is minor (sorry Mom) from the changing of the seasons, to the birth of a child, to the butterfly that lands on your shoulder just when you are missing someone you've lost. Miracles, those glimpses of God in our lives, surround us. Be open, be aware, BElieve!

Women and Spirit

Yesterday, I was priviliged to be a part of the opening reception for a wonderful new exhibit held on Ellis Island, NY. It is entitled "Women and Spirit: Catholic Sisters in America" This exhibit reveals the mystery behind a small group of innovative American women who helped to shape the nation's social and cultural landscape. In it, one discovers the quiet courage of these women during many dramatic moments in U.S. history, including the Civil War, the Gold Rush, the San Francisco Earthquake, the Civil Rights movement, Hurricane Katrina and beyond.

As I journeyed on the Ferry toward Ellis Island, three military helicopters flew in formation toward midtown Manhattan. It reminded me of the many leaders who would be at the U.N. that day to discuss the many crisis' that face our world today. I thought how these powerful men and women could learn from these sisters who were seemingly powerless and yet relying on the one power, the power of their faith in God, made a lasting impact on generations of Americans through the work they did and continue to do today. Women and Spirit is not just a dry historical timeline of the work of sisters past and present, but rather an awe inspiring experience that will touch your heart as it enlightens your mind.

To tell you everything would go beyond the limits of this post so I invite you to take the journey to Ellis Island, sometime between now and January 22nd and "Discover A World Few Have Seen, But Millions Have Shared." To learn more visit their wonderful website: www.womenandspirit.org and share the info with your family and friends. I will be going back to see the exhibit again. Hope to see you there.

Time To Retreat

As I write this I am getting ready to go on my annual retreat. Often when we think of that word it may conjure up an image of going backward or moving away from something in a stance of defeat but that is not the case. My reflection today brought me to see this word through my experience of teaching little ones phonics for many years (perhaps more than I'd like to own up to!). Each year we would get to the topic of prefixes such as un-, pro- and re- to name a few. Adding these little sounds to the beginnings of words impacted their meaning in some way. In the case of re- it usually meant (we all know that our language has many exceptions to the rule!) to do again. It was pretty easy to explain that rewrite meant to write over again, or how remake was to make again and my second graders could always come up with examples of their own. But today, as I am thinking about my upcoming retreat, I am thinking that it is truly a gift to be able to re-treat myself each year by spending this special time with God. Throughout the year I may treat myself to an ice cream or a movie but those things as scripture tells us are passing. To treat myself, to be in the presence of God in this special way, to let go, if only for a week, of the many things that often distract me from God's presence in my life is a blessing that takes root within and remains to be drawn upon throughout the year. So I am off to RE-Treat myself to a wonderful week. A week of quiet reflection and conversation with my God. A week to rest, renew and refresh body, mind and spirit. What about you? Can you take some "Mary Time" out of your "Martha World"? It is hard sometimes to let go and let God, but go ahead treat yourself and perhaps you'll be re-treating for years to come.

Woman of the Gospel

Today is the feast of St. Mary Magdalene, one of Jesus' faithful disciples. It was she who stayed at the cross when others ran and who was the first to run after seeing the Risen Jesus proclaiming the Good News....the Gospel message....the foundation of our faith......He is Risen! It is no wonder that this wonderful disciple was chosen to be the patron of the Dominican Order, the Order of Preachers. Each July when this feast comes around, I ponder how blessed I am as a Dominican sister to be connected to Mary Magdalene-the first preacher of the Good News. She proclaimed this Good News to those who were quick to question not ready perhaps to accept it - especially from this source. Yet, she was the instrument God chose to bring the message of our salvation to the world. Her feast reminds us that as Dominicans we are all called-men and women alike-to proclaim the Gospel with our words and especially with our lives. St. Mary Magdalene, pray for us!

Miracles-They Do Exist!

With all that's going on in the world today, I often hear folks say: "Aren't there any miracles in the world any more because we could surely use one!" It's easy to feel this way. If we think about all that's going on - oil spills, earthquakes, wars, tornadoes, institutions that we once trusted and believed in under a cloud of uncertainty, people starving while one athlete or rock star's salary could feed a nation, why wouldn't we question the presence of miracles in our time. Yet, just yesterday, I held a miracle within my arms. Her name is Jasmine Veronica and she was just 4 days old. As I looked down on this miracle of life, it occurred to me that each of us was once that small, unassuming miracle in someone's arms. Yes, each of us is God's miracle sent into this world to bring a unique picture of God's love to humanity. So while it is true that when I look around and see all the things that are plaguing our sisters, brothers and all of God's creation it is easy to say:" aren't there any miracles any more?" but I need not look any further than within myself, to my neighbor or the rising of the sun, to realize that miracles abound each day in many unannounced ways. They come without trumpets blaring or lightening from the sky but in the endless ways that we bring the face of God to each other. Thank you, Jasmine Veronica, for being God's gentle reminder that there are still miracles today!

In My Life.........

A high school friend of mine recently turned 60 (yes 60!) and I traveled out to Brooklyn to share this momentous event with her and several of her friends. I don't get to see Terry too often what with her living in PA and me in NY but over the years we have always managed to stay in touch. It was a lovely spring evening, and when I arrived I realized that I did not know most of the folks who were there, reminding me that over the years our divergent paths have led us to many other relationships beyond those early high school days. It did not take long though to become very comfortable in this group for I discovered that two things connected everyone who was there....our love for Terry and of the Beatles! Yes the Fab Four were certainly high on our experience charts. Terry (always the creative one) gave a presentation that night reflecting on her life's journey to this point and at the end of each phase related it to a Beatles classic which we sang with much enthusiasm! As the evening wore on it became evident that no one left a stranger to another for we shared a special bond through the stories and music that so shaped our lives. Recently, I was speaking to a group of junior girls at a high school and one remarked that she LOVED the Beatles. I was surprised that she even knew about them but then found out about"Guitar Hero". When I told her that I had been at their Shea Stadium concerts in the 60's she looked at me wide eyed. I wondered if she was impressed that I saw them or that I was that old, but regardless it left some impression on her and the group!

Since my experience at Terry's party, I have reflected on what other events, people which have touched my life and has transcended other generations. There are many to be mentioned for sure but I think the bottom line for most of us has to be our belief in loving and caring God. As much as I can find fond memories and comfort at times in hearing a Beatles song, there is nothing that compares to the realization of how God has touched and shaped my life. The Beatles told us that "All You Need Is Love" but over the years as my relationship with God has unfolded, I've discovered that I don't need love because I have LOVE within me always - the LOVE that is God - the Love that is constant - the LOVE that never ends - the LOVE that transcends all others. I have been blessed to experience this LOVE in my life and share it with others along the way. Through their music, the Beatles taught me much about life and perhaps they put it best when they sang: "to lead a better life, I need my love to be near" because I've discovered when God is near to me I can just "Let It Be"!

Scattered

Haven't been here for a while. Guess you could say I've been a bit "scattered". Interestingly enough, in today's Gospel that exactly what Jesus tells his followers that's what is going to happen to them in the days to come. Yes, scattered due to fear of Jesus' arrest and ultimate crucifixion and yet in Acts today we also hear of some scattered disciples. Paul and company scattered about not out of fear but to boldly proclaim the Good News of Jesus death and resurrection. Now let's remember hindsight is 20/20 and the disciples are now filled with the Holy Spirit impelling them to preach Jesus the Risen Savior. As I read this though I thought...what about us? Or perhaps more rightly so, what about me? I certainly believe in the Gospel message and have received the Holy Spirit in Baptism and Confirmation, should I not be impelled to preach the Gospel either in word or action as boldly as the early disciples? What holds me back? Is it that I am scattered about too many things and not focused on the call to discipleship that I have been blessed to receive? As I begin this new week of ministry, I pray I can hold these thoughts before me and not let myself get scattered among the distractions that turn my focus away from the work God calls me to do.

A Tale of Two Cities

Last weekend my ministry called me to two events both focused on vocations. The first was in Newark, NJ where evening Mass was celebrated by Bishop Myer at the Cathedral followed by a reception. The following morning I was going in another direction (to my home diocese-Brooklyn) to Our Lady of Hope in Middle Village, NY for another beautiful Mass celebrated by Bishop DiMarzio followed by a reception. Both events were lovely. Present at each reception were representatives from various religious orders and diocesan priests and people of all ages and cultures came to look at the displays and partake in refreshments. It was wonderful to talk to the older people who told stories about priests, sisters and/or brothers and the positive influence they had on their lives. For the younger folks, it was a chance to ask questions, find out what sisters, brothers, priests and deacons really do and where they serve. Some were straight forward, others a bit shy but in each (whether in Newark or Middle Village) had one thing in common - they were looking for a deeper understanding of this vocational choice.
As the weekend drew to an all too quick conclusion, I began to reflect on those who attended and I thought of the approaches they took to gathering their info. I guess you could call them the "seekers" and the "sneakers"! Each had a yearning to discover God's plan for their lives. The seekers were more direct and straightforward in their approach. The "sneakers" seemed to tiptoe around the subject a bit more not wanting to reveal their hand so to speak either to the representatives or God and should someone broach the subject to them were ready to move away from the table politely but quickly!
I reflected upon my own journey at that age and thought I was definitely a "sneaker". Oh yes, I felt God's call, God's nudge so to speak but I did not want to be so direct as to ask a sister or priest what I should do.....I would go through those "nun" catalogs with my girlfriend Jackie and we'd make comments about the funny veils or dress that sisters wore but it took a long time for me to reveal that I might like to be one of them! I told God that He was barking up the wrong tree and there were plenty of other girls who'd love to answer the call. I had my "sneakers" on and both physically and spiritually was ready to run in the other direction!
But.....God had other plans and would not give up on me! Eventually, the nudges became stronger and I yearned to deepen that relationship God had been nurturing so lovingly. Yes, it was time to take off the sneakers and begin to walk the journey unshod for I knew I was now walking on holy ground.

Believing and Be-living

On a beautiful sunny Saturday morning, I recently attended a high school youth conference at which the keynote speaker asked a simple question: "Who do you believe in?". With great enthusiasm the group responded: "Jesus!" He continued to ask the question over and over directing it to one side of the auditorium or the other and each time the response got louder and even more enthusiastic than my elder ears could imagine possible as each side of the aisle tried to outdo the other. Then, after the last exchange he challenged them with this simple phrase: "Well, if you say you believin' - you better be-living!". Silence pervaded as the depth of the statement sank in among the youth and adults alike. How easy it is to say I believe and how difficult at time to truly be-living what Jesus calls us to in life. As I looked around at the over 300 teens who had made the journey from all over the NY area to be here early on this Saturday morning-I thought of myself at that age and wondered if I would have been there. I also thought of myself and how I grumped around the kitchen earlier that morning, trying to get a sufficient infusion of caffeine, and thinking: " Why am I doing this so early on a Saturday? I'd love to go back to bed!" Then I looked around again at those youthful faces filled with enthusiam and love for Jesus and I knew why I was there - to see a future for our Church and society - a future filled with hope. As they day went on small and large group presentations continued and the energy level never diminished. As we concluded with Eucharist we sang "We Are The Body of Christ" and the voices of women, men, young, old, black, white, rich, poor , religious and laity were truly a physical expression of our mystical union in Christ. Heading back home I could not help but pray, Lord help my beleiving and may all my be-living be done in You! Amen!

Wholey Week

We are at the beginning of Holy Week, that time in the liturgical year when we are called to reflect upon the events that took Jesus on the road to his death, resurrection and ultimately our salvation. As I thought about this today and reflected on the Gospel of John 12: 1-11 I thought....AAH...the stage is set, all the players are in place and the journey to Calvary about to begin. For Jesus is hanging out with his friends, Martha, Mary and Lazarus and Mary brings out the fine ointment to anoint his feet which as we read "bothers" Judas the one whose kiss will lead those feet on he path to the cross. Yes, Holy Week begins. I remember so vividly my grandmother taking me (not often voluntarily) to church during these days-reminding me that Today is: Spy Wednesday; Holy Thursday; Good Friday and so on. I was too young then to get it but went to the services and experienced (as much as I could) the essence of what was going on - what I was there for. That was many years ago and I have experienced this week we call holy in many different ways since then, be it in the chapel of my Dominican Sisters, the streets of Manhattan at the Pax Christi Good Friday walk, the local parish church or in the sanctity of an old California mission church. Each a different but blessed experience. Lately, it occurs to me that we should perhaps look at Holy Week in a more personal way for we are not mere observers of the Passion/Death/Resurrection of Jesus, not just recalling a miraculous but past event in our church history, but rather are we not as part of the Mystical Body called to fully experience, in the most personal way possible this road to salvation? It's not enough to just participate in Holy Week but we must be Wholey Week! We must put ourselves completely into these events, body and soul and through whatever forms of prayer/comtemplation/action we choose know that our spiritual feet are experiencing that same path. Let this year's Holy Week be truely a Wholey Week for you and may the joy of the Resurrection fill your spirit on Easter!

I'm Back!

February was quite a month whereby both the expected and unexpected had me on the run. Things began typically enough and then came the snow. On 2/10 in the midst of a raging snowstorm, I received the bad news that my dear friend Joie had passed away. After getting our car dug out we made the journey to Poughkeepsie to be with his wife Barbara. We did not get back until after the funeral which was during another snow storm on 2/16. Then it was a quick turnaround to get ready to go to Modesto, CA and prepare for presentations to the students on St. Dominic and then faculty on Dominican Spirituality at Central Catholic High School. A wonderful school! Great young men & women guided by a dedicated faculty and staff. I got home just in time for another snow storm! About 2 feet this time and we were without power and heat for two days. We survived of course and thought there were inconveniences it was good to have time even in the dark to slow down and reflect. Well, we have said good bye to Feb. and here we are in March. Yes, many things are planned but perhaps the lesson of Feb. was to take time to appreciate those loved ones around us and all the blessings we often take for granted.

Yikes

How did it get to be February already! Things have been so busy lately that I'm not sure what happened to the groundhog! Shadow or no shadow?? Let me know. Speaking of shadows........
it is said we all have a "shadow side". That hidden side of ourselves that we often are reluctant to show (an perhaps at times with good reason!!). However, I think it is just this side of us that Jesus asks us not to hide......not to place under a bushel basket but rather let it come into the light for others to see. After all, it is a part of us for better or worse - a part of who we are - a part of God's special and unique creation known as "me". So bring it forth, acknowledge it, make friends with it and bring it into the light so that we may serve God in the fullness of who we were created to be!

Heartsong

To say today has been ugly is an understatement. The rain has been heavy and horrendous and the winds have been howling and rattling the windows all day. It's the kind of day you just hope you don't have to go outdoors! However in the midst of it all today veiled behind the howl of the wind as it beats the rain against my office window there is another sound that has entered my consciousness-it is the birds and yes, they are singing. One wonders how these little creatures can sound so happy as I envision them being blown and whipped around-but they sing and it is a beautiful song that enters my heart and mind on this dreary Monday. It calls to mind the Gospel where Jesus reminds us to take note of the birds of the air and see how they are cared for by the Creator and how much more does our God care for us. A nice thought to begin the week. To know that regardless of the storms that may rise around and within us, our God is there and gives our hearts reason to sing.

To Be

"To be or not to be, that is the question" as Shakespeare wrote so long ago and is still relevant today. I say this because in recent days I have come across so many men and women who are asking themselves: "What is God calling me to be?". To be or not to be what???? This is the great question stirring in the hearts of many as they seek to find the path in life that will give significance to their call to live Gospel centered lives. Is it marriage, the single life, priesthood or being a consecrated religious sister or brother - that is the question. They are trying to discern where God is calling them and to be open to the movement of the Spirit within their hearts. I have spoken with men and women of varied ages, of various backgrounds and at different points in their spirituality but the common thread among them is their desire to serve God, their Church and their human family in a way that will make a difference. I am certain that God is calling them and many others at this time to the vocation of priesthood/religious life. It is a privilege for me to be in their presence as it strengthens and energizes my own vocation to listen to the fire in their own hearts as they seek to respond to the yearning that dwells within. Imagine the power of God's love that will emerge if they put their lives in God's hands and answer YES to the call. Let us hold them in our hearts and prayers. God needs them, the Church needs them, the world needs them, we all need them- TO BE so we can all BE for God and each other.

A Quiet Week?

As I looked toward this past week it seemed on paper to be a quiet one. One big event that I had planned on attending was canceled, my meeting schedule was held to two and it seemed that I was finally gong to catch up on paper work that had been leering at me from atop my file cabinet for weeks. The week started as such but then came the disastrous event in Haiti. As the world watched in horror, we here at our Motherhouse in Sparkill were focused with a much more personal view for we were seeing the pain and anguish through the eyes of our many Haitian employees who are like family to us. The morning after the quake they began to share the stories of not being able to contact family members, not knowing the fate of their mothers, fathers or their children who had not yet come to this country. There was the worker who had lost two cousins however her niece was found alive but had lost both of her arms. That afternoon we held a prayer service for the people Haiti and especially for our Sparkill Haitian family and their relatives. There was not much more we could do but perhaps at that point nothing more powerful that we could do but pray and shed tears together, hold each other both physically and spiritually as any family would do. We are beginning a new week, stories of sorrow and joy continue to come before us from all types of media and more personally through the front door of our Motherhouse each day. We continue to pray for our sisters and brothers in Haiti but more importantly we must continue to keep them in our heart's and minds eye as they recover, rebuild and write their own resurrection story on a new page of history.

Awesome

Sunday was Family Vocation Day on Staten Island. It was an awesome event. It was great having a chance to be with families who believe in the value of religious life and came to spend the day with us. So many young men and women are discerning where God is calling them. Be it married, single, religious life or priesthood they are trying to listen to God's voice within. I recall my own discernment time many years ago. It is sacred time. Let us hold these young men and women in our prayers.

Saturday night, Jan. 16th a special event is taking place at St. Paul the Apostle Church in Manhattan. It is called "Saturday Night Alive" and all young adults are invited. It begins after the 5:15 Mass at St. Paul's and ends around 9. There will be refreshments, prayers, presentations and great people to meet. Hope you can be there and bring a friend or two!

Happy New Year

Can you believe it's 2010! I think the good news is that 2010 may just be the year TO BELIEVE! I just returned from a conference of young adults who belong to the National Catholic Student Coalition. WOW, what a wonderful group of people who are committed to their faith and the Gospel call to social justice. They really "get it" when it comes to living as Jesus did. Being with them strengthened my belief that the future of our Church and society are in good hands when entrusted to individuals and groups such as these. God bless the NCSC and may 2010 be a year of blessing for all involved.