November, 2020 - Gratitude in Challenging Times

Psalm of David 138  (English Standard Version)

I give you thanks, O LORD, with my whole heart; 

before the gods I sing your praise;

I bow down toward your holy temple and give thanks to your name 
for your steadfast love and your faithfulness for you have 
exalted above all things your name and your word.

On the day I called, you answered me; 

my strength of soul you increased.

All the kings of the earth shall give you thanks, O LORD, 
for they have heard the words of your mouth,

And they shall sing of the ways of the LORD, 

for great is the glory of the LORD.

For though the LORD is high, he regards the lowly, 
but the haughty he knows from afar.

Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; 

you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies, 

and your right hand delivers me.

The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O LORD, 

endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.

Welcome to November 2020. This month we face many challenges: a very difficult election season, living within a pandemic with all its problems, and a Thanksgiving which may need to be celebrated in new ways.

What all this calls to my mind are some experiences I had when I was assigned to teach at Xavier University in New Orleans, Louisiana, a historically Black Catholic University, founded by St. Katharine Drexel. Sister Ivan, a Sister of the Blessed Sacrament, was concerned that I know about the rural areas from which some of Xavier’s students came. Therefore, she took me to Church Point, a small town where some of our Sisters ministered. I was looking forward to the visit, but did not realize the lessons I would learn on that trip.

After showing me the small parish church and convent, she took me to visit an elderly couple who lived nearby. Their home was a tiny wooden house which was in very poor condition. However, we received a warm reception in the midst of bursts of praise and thanksgiving to God. I heard no complaints. Instead, the conversation was continually punctuated with expressions of praise and thanksgiving to the Lord. That was the first lesson I learned. 

Then, while I taught at Xavier, I also became involved in campus ministry and was with the young people during their prayer time. They echoed the joyful spirit of their elders as they spontaneously praised and thanked God, in spite of some very difficult circumstances from which they had come. This included thanking God for waking them up in the morning!!!

I am not a morning person!! However, to this day, when I struggle to get out of bed, I try to remember to thank God for “getting me up in the morning.” Sometimes, teachers learn from their students too.

*******************

These days are very difficult for just about everyone, some even more than others. However, an attitude of gratitude can lift one’s spirits and help one through troubling times.

In the booklet, Our Daily Bread, I read the story of Martin Rinkart, a clergyman who served in Saxon, Germany, for more than thirty years during a plague and wars in the seventeenth century. In one year, he conducted over 4000 funerals, including that of his wife. Because of food shortages, often his family went hungry. However, he had a strong faith in God, and he continually gave thanks to him for what they did have. He even composed a hymn of gratitude, still popular today: “Now, thank we all our God.”

With the realization of the circumstances during which the hymn was written, it might be meaningful to reflect on the verses to the hymn:

Now thank We All Our God

1

Now thank we all our God
With heart and hands and voices,
Who wondrous things has done,
In whom his world rejoices;
Who from our mothers’ arms
Has blessed us on our way
With countless gifts of love,
And still is ours today.

2

O may this gracious God
Through all our life be near us,
With ever joyful hearts,
And blessed peace to cheer us;
Preserve us in his grace,
And guide us in distress,
And free us from all sin,
Till heaven we possess.

3

All praise and thanks to God
The Father now be given,
The Son and Spirit blest,
Who reigns in highest heaven;
Eternal, Triune God,
Whom earth and heaven adore;
For thus it was, is now,
And shall be ever more.

God has many kinds of flowers in His garden. Not all of us can compose hymns, but we all can express our gratitude to God in our own unique ways. Some common ways are the following:

• Writing poetry
• Journaling
• Painting/Drawing
• Helping someone in need
• Forgiving someone
• Giving something to those in need
• Donating to an organization helping others
• Volunteering to help those in need
• Listening

There are many other ways to show gratitude to our Lord and others. If you would like to share some comments or suggestions on gratitude, send them to me at srannettemarie@gmail.com during the month of November.

Comments/ Suggestions:

Stephanie Morris, ASBS. Ph.D. Historian, Certified Archivist, Emerita

Mother Katharine wrote that “The ordinary soul does not do enough thanksgiving. For all eternity I shall sing the mercies which we ought to begin on earth.”  We can sing of God’s mercies when we see a beautiful sunrise or sunset. A comfortable, sunny day can lift our hearts in praise and gratitude. It doesn’t have to be a lengthy aria; a short aspiration – Thank you, Lord, for bringing me safely home from my errands – can be a joyful song of praise. Do you say grace before or after meals? This is another simple way of showing gratitude. You might also thank the cook! If you, like me, did the cooking, we can thank those who grew or provided the food and we can thank God for having the means and skills to prepare the meal.

August 11, 2019 - Stewardship

August 11, 2019  -  Good Stewards 

Reading I:  
Wisdom 18:6-9

Psalm:  33

Reading II:  Hebrews
11:1-2, 8-19

Gospel:  Luke
12:32-48

In today’s Gospel, Luke presents Jesus teaching his disciples about being good stewards. In the parable, the master returns from a wedding and is happy to find that his servants have been good stewards. They have taken care of his properties in the way he wished.  In fact, he is so delighted with their stewardship that he prepares a banquet for them and serves them himself.

Jesus reminds his listeners that they do not know when the second coming of the Master (Jesus) will be. He urges them to be prepared for that coming by being good stewards of all the gifts he has given them.

The thought of stewardship always reminds me of  St. Katharine Drexel and her family.  Katharine's father, Francis Anthony Drexel, was a devout Catholic who became a rich Philadelphia banker.  He considered himself as a steward of the wealth he had accumulated. He believed he was to use it for his family and those in need.  Often missionaries to the Indians would come to ask assistance for the needs of the people on their missions.

Mr. Drexel’s wife, Emma Bouvier Drexel, was also very devout and had the same belief that she was to use money to help those in need. At a time when the slaves had recently been freed, it was difficult for them to find jobs because of lack of education and opportunities.

Each week, Emma with the assistance of the children: Elizabeth, Katharine and Louise, welcomed needy people at their door. They distributed food, clothing, rent money, etc. to those in need.

Both parents wanted their children to be sensitive to the needs of the poor. Mr. Drexel took the young women to see the Indian missions and meet the people in person.  Mrs. Drexel had the children converse with those coming to the door so that they would recognize them as human beings like themselves who had just come on hard times.  The result was that as adult women they each continued to reach out to people in need.

In fact when St. Katharine took the three vows of a religious: poverty, chastity and obedience, she added a fourth personal vow to be the “Mother and Servant of the Indian and Colored Peoples.” She also founded the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament to help her minister primarily, but not exclusively, among the Indian and Black peoples. The ultimate goal was that all be united as children of one heavenly Father.

Most of us are not wealthy. However, we all have something to contribute to the good of others.  Some have time to visit the elderly, the lonely, the sick and/or those in prison. Others have talents which can help others. I have heard of people giving haircuts to homeless people. We hear of people fixing buildings, etc. on the missions and in low-income areas. We have people cooking meals for those in need. Finally, there are some who do have the money to contribute to many good causes.

Whether our treasure is in time, or talent, or money, when we share with our brothers and sisters, we are good stewards of the gifts that our Father has entrusted to us for the good of all. 

 Reflection Question:  Which of the Lord’s gifts might I use to help a brother or sister this week?

Spanish Translation of Reflection Above...

Good Stewards

En el Evangelio de hoy, Lucas presenta a Jesús enseñando a sus discípulos acerca de ser buenos mayordomos. En la parábola, el maestro regresa de una boda y está feliz de descubrir que sus sirvientes han sido buenos mayordomos. Se han ocupado de sus propiedades de la manera que él deseaba. De hecho, él está tan encantado con su mayordomía que prepara un banquete para ellos y los sirve él mismo.

Jesús les recuerda a sus oyentes que no saben cuándo será la segunda venida del Maestro (Jesús). Los insta a estar preparados para esa venida siendo buenos administradores de todos los regalos que les ha dado.

La idea de la mayordomía siempre me recuerda a Santa Katharine Drexel y su familia. El padre de Katharine, Francis Anthony Drexel, era un católico devoto que se convirtió en un rico banquero de Filadelfia. Se consideraba un administrador de la riqueza que había acumulado. Él creía que debía usarlo para su familia y los necesitados. A menudo, los misioneros de los indios venían a pedir ayuda para las necesidades de las personas en sus misiones.

La esposa del Sr. Drexel, Emma Bouvier Drexel, también era muy devota y tenía la misma creencia de que debía usar el dinero para ayudar a los necesitados. En un momento en que los esclavos habían sido liberados recientemente, les resultaba difícil encontrar trabajo debido a la falta de educación y oportunidades.

Cada semana, Emma, ​​con la ayuda de los niños: Elizabeth, Katharine y Louise, dieron la bienvenida a las personas necesitadas en su puerta. Distribuyeron comida, ropa, renta, etc. a los necesitados.

Ambos padres querían que sus hijos fueran sensibles a las necesidades de los pobres. El Sr. Drexel llevó a las jóvenes a ver las misiones indias y conocer a las personas en persona. La Sra. Drexel hizo que los niños conversaran con los que venían a la puerta para que los reconocieran como seres humanos como ellos que acababan de pasar por momentos difíciles. El resultado fue que, como mujeres adultas, cada una de ellas continuó llegando a las personas necesitadas.

De hecho, cuando Santa Catalina tomó los tres votos de un religioso: pobreza, castidad y obediencia, agregó un cuarto voto personal para ser la “Madre y Sierva de los Pueblos Indios y de Color”. También fundó las Hermanas del Santísimo Sacramento para ayudarla a ministrar principalmente, pero no exclusivamente, entre los pueblos indios y negros. El objetivo final era que todos se unieran como hijos de un Padre celestial.

La mayoría de nosotros no somos ricos. Sin embargo, todos tenemos algo que contribuir al bien de los demás. Algunos tienen tiempo para visitar a los ancianos, los solitarios, los enfermos y / o los encarcelados. Otros tienen talentos que pueden ayudar a otros. He oído hablar de personas que cortan el cabello a personas sin hogar. Oímos de personas arreglando edificios, etc. en las misiones y en áreas de bajos ingresos. Tenemos personas preparando comidas para los necesitados. Finalmente, hay algunos que tienen el dinero para contribuir a muchas buenas causas.

Ya sea que nuestro tesoro sea a tiempo, o talento o dinero, cuando compartimos con nuestros hermanos y hermanas, somos buenos administradores de los dones que nuestro Padre nos ha confiado para el bien de todos.

 Pregunta de Reflexíon:  ¿Cuál de los dones del Señor podría usar para ayudar a un hermano o hermana esta semana?

Comments:

Stephanie Morris, Ph. D, Historian, Certified Archivist, emerita

What are the gifts the Lord has given me?  I have a voice – I can call a shut-in or relative with whom I have not spoken in a long time. Can you knit? This summer’s heat does not cry out for a scarf or hat or lap robe (the air conditioning might warrant the last). But we could make these small items in readiness for clothing drives that happen in the fall and winter. Are you going food shopping this week? Could you purchase an extra box of cereal for a food drive? We don’t have to feed thousands as Our Lord did on a mountainside; we can help one person or one family with a small gift of food as part of a food drive.

Pat Chiaffa, ASBS

Deborah Rexrode, an elder at First Presbyterian Church in Charlottesville, VA, wrote the following statement regarding the challenges of stewardship as it applies to the church, “Stewardship should be a part of everything we do throughout all the seasons of our ministries… It is a spiritual discipline and a way of living that helps us to manage what God has entrusted to us and to teach others the true joy of giving as a response to God’s generosity. We are called to be good stewards of all that we have: stewards of time, stewards of gifts, stewards of resources, stewards of relationships, stewards of ministry, stewards of the knowledge of God, stewards of the people in our community of faith, stewards of the mysteries of God.”

Deborah developed her thoughts in alignment with the seasons of the year, which led me to think about stewardship in light of the seasons of life. By changing the phrase ‘seasons of our ministries,’ to the ‘seasons of our life,’ we have a doable guide for following Jesus’ call to Stewardship. 

I must confess that I am still growing in my sense of stewardship. I struggle with being generous with my treasure, time and talents.  When I view Stewardship as a big-ticket item, I shy away from doing anything. I hide behind excuses - there is just not enough time, my resources are limited, and my talents are puny. However, pondered in light of Deborah’s expansive definition, I am able to truthfully acknowledge my status (busy life, budget-conscious, trying to discern the talents through which I can serve) and look for smaller ways I can contribute to Jesus’ call to live a lifestyle of Stewardship. For starters, I can stop grumbling about how tired and time-deprived I am as a result of all the moving activities I am involved in with mom’s house cleanout and relocation. I can simply offer this season of caregiving up to the Lord. I might not be able to end the plight of the beggars outside the places I shop or the roads I travel, but I can offer a dollar, a smile and a sincere, “God Bless You.” I can pick-up someone’s trash (minus my critical judgment of their fitness as a human being) and say “thank you” to the Lord for the gift of our beautiful earth. These small actions, performed with awareness and gratitude for life itself, help me become more God-centered and less self-centered. 

In the season of my childhood, the slogan of the household was, “It’s every man for himself.” We were a family that erected tall fences as barriers to keep others out. I can remember that I shared NOTHING! You touch my toy and I’ll knock you out!  Small wonder I had no friends. I was sad and lonely. Fortunately, I outgrew that season. It certainly influenced my parenting style when I entered the season of parenthood.  No doubt the messages we receive from our parents as children have an impact on how we interpret the world in which we live. A spirit of giving instills sharing and openness; while the habit of holding tightly produces fearfulness and isolation. We see this in large scale today as countries zealously defend their borders, deaf to the cries of the suffering people calling for compassion.

When I retire and begin still another new season of life, I hope to contribute time to my community without the restraints I currently impose on myself.  For today, I will look for smaller-scale opportunities to be a conscientious steward of all God’s gifts.

March 3, 2019 - Take a Closer Look

Eighth Sunday Ordinary Time C / Ash Wednesday

Reading I: 
Sirach 27:4-7

Psalm:  92

Reading II: 
1 Corinthians
15:54-58

Gospel: 
Luke 6:39-45

In today’s Gospel, the Lord asks us to consider why we notice the splinter in our brother’s eye and not notice the beam in our own eye. This seems to be a good reflection as we enter into the season of Lent. The Lord is asking us to take a closer look at ourselves.

Often when we criticize someone, we are noticing a fault of our own in that person. I knew a woman who talked so much that people avoided her. One time after talking with her sister on the telephone for a long time, she exclaimed, “My sister never stops talking!” She never realized that she did the same thing herself.

Another way is to listen to what people say to us. When they say something positive, that can be wonderful encouragement. Then, there may be times when they are critical. Sometimes they are wrong, but if we humbly listen, we might
be able to learn something which will ultimately help us.

Listening to ourselves is another door to self-knowledge. Luke chapter 6, verse 45 states that “the words of the mouth flow out of what fills the heart.” This might require an examination of conscience at the end of the day. In our hurried existence, we ordinarily do not reflect on our actions and words of the day.

During the Lenten Season, we are called to renew ourselves as we
seek to enter into a closer, more generous relationship with the Lord
and our brothers and sisters. Some of the traditional ways to grow in our relationships are through prayer, fasting, and outreach to those in need.
Let us ask the Lord what he wants of us this Lent.

Since St. Katharine Drexel went home to God on March 3, 1955, we celebrate her feast on this day.  She is the patroness of racial justice. You can join in the Feast Day Novena prayed daily between Feb. 22 - Mar. 2 by clicking this link to the SBS web Novena page. There you can view and download the Novena brochure.

 Reflection:  Let us ask St. Katharine to help the people of the United States to see every person as a beloved child of God, no matter what the color of their skin or their national origin. Let us embrace one another as true brothers and sisters of a loving Heavenly Father. 

Blog: The Rich and the Poor - Sept. 30, 2013

The Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time B

Reading I:  Numbers 11:25-29

Psalm:  19

Readings II:  James 5:1-6

Gospel: 
Mark 9:38-43, 45, 47-48


This week I am going to focus on the second reading, an Epistle from Saint James. The Epistles were letters written to the faithful to encourage them in their practice of the faith and to provide correction, when needed. They were read to the faith communities as they are read to us at Mass today.

Observing how some were accumulating riches and living in luxury while others were suffering in poverty,  St. James warns the rich that justice will ultimately prevail when we meet our Maker. If, because of circumstances or talent, people are able to accumulate large amounts of money and/or assets, St. James asserts that they have an obligation to share their wealth with those less fortunate.

A modern day example of following this teaching is the family of Saint Katharine Drexel. Although they were very wealthy, they considered themselves to be simply stewards of their wealth. It was a gift to be shared with those in need. However, they made sure that their daughters not only were taught to share, but also to get to know those whom they helped personally.

Several times a week, their mother gave money for food, clothing, rent, etc. to
the African Americans living in their area. It was shortly after the Emancipation Proclamation had been passed and the freed slaves had little education. Therefore, they often found it difficult to find jobs. Some actually went back to work for their former slaveholders in order to survive. Katharine and her sisters helped their mother to give out the aid and learned to talk with and get to know those
seeking help.

The missionaries on Indian Reservations often approached the Drexels for assistance in building churches and schools, as well as providing for the basic necessities for their people. When they were young women, the daughters traveled West and visited the missions that the family had helped.  Again they made direct contact with the people. That contact enabled the young Drexel women to see the humanity in all peoples and inspired the three sisters to continue the tradition of sharing with those in need.

Katharine actually gave up her life and inheritance to become the first Sister of
the Blessed Sacrament with special outreach to Native Americans and African Americans. The Community she founded sought to uplift and remind people that we are all the children of our Heavenly Father.  Therefore, we all have a right to be proud of  “who we are and whose we are.” The Sisters, their Associates, alumni, partners, and friends continue this mission today.

 Reflection Question:  We all have riches to share.  Whether it is money, talent, service, or simple acts of kindness, we are called to reach out to all our brothers and sisters.  Is there someone who needs my gifts today?

Spanish Translation of Reflection Above...

The Rich and the Poor

Esta semana me voy a centrar en la segunda lectura, una Epístola de Santiago. Las Epístolas fueron cartas escritas a los fieles para alentarlos en su práctica de la fe y para proporcionar corrección, cuando sea necesario. Fueron leídos a las comunidades de fe tal como nos las leen hoy en la misa.

Al observar cómo algunos acumulaban riquezas y vivían en el lujo mientras otros sufrían en la pobreza, Santiago advierte a los ricos que la justicia finalmente prevalecerá cuando nos encontremos con nuestro Creador. Si, debido a circunstancias o talento, las personas pueden acumular grandes cantidades de dinero y / o activos, St. James afirma que tienen la obligación de compartir su riqueza con los menos afortunados.

Un ejemplo moderno de seguir esta enseñanza es la familia de Santa Catalina Drexel. Aunque eran muy ricos, se consideraban simplemente administradores de su riqueza. Fue un regalo para compartir con los necesitados. Sin embargo, se aseguraron de que a sus hijas no solo se les enseñara a compartir, sino también de conocer a las personas a quienes ayudaron personalmente.

Varias veces a la semana, su madre les daba dinero para comida, ropa, alquiler, etc. a los afroamericanos que vivían en su área. Poco después se aprobó la Proclamación de Emancipación y los esclavos liberados tenían poca educación. Por lo tanto, a menudo les resulta difícil encontrar trabajos. Algunos realmente volvieron a trabajar para sus antiguos esclavistas para poder sobrevivir. Katharine y sus hermanas ayudaron a su madre a dar la ayuda y aprendieron a hablar y conocer a quienes buscan ayuda.

Los misioneros en las reservas indias a menudo se acercaron a los Drexels
para obtener ayuda en la construcción de iglesias y escuelas, así como en la satisfacción de las necesidades básicas de su gente. Cuando eran mujeres jóvenes, las hijas viajaron al oeste y visitaron las misiones que la familia había ayudado. Nuevamente hicieron contacto directo con la gente. Ese contacto permitió a las jóvenes mujeres de Drexel ver la humanidad en todos los
pueblos e inspiró a las tres hermanas a continuar la tradición de compartir
con los necesitados.

Katharine en realidad renunció a su vida y herencia para convertirse en la
primera Hermana del Santísimo Sacramento con especial alcance a los nativos americanos y afroamericanos. La Comunidad que fundó buscó elevar y recordar a las personas que todos somos hijos de nuestro Padre Celestial. Por lo tanto, todos tenemos derecho a estar orgullosos de “quiénes somos y de quiénes somos”. Las hermanas, sus asociados, ex alumnos, socios y amigos continúan esta
misión hoy.


  Pregunta de reflexión:   Todos tenemos riquezas para compartir. Ya sea dinero, talento, servicio o simples actos de bondad, estamos llamados a acercarnos a todos nuestros hermanos y hermanas. ¿Hay alguien que necesite mis regalos hoy?

Great is thy Faith - August 20, 2017

The Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time  A


Reading I:  Is. 56: 1, 6-7

Psalm: 67

Reading II: Rom. 11:33-36

Gospel: Matthew 16:13-20

In this Sunday’s readings, The main theme is the universality of God’s love and mercy. While Jesus’ original mission was to the Lost Tribes of Israel, it soon expanded to include the Gentiles (non Jews). This is well illustrated in today’s Gospel.

The heart of Jesus goes out to the Canaanite woman who had traveled from afar to seek healing for her daughter. Although Jesus explains to her that His mission is to the Jewish people, she senses the love and mercy in His heart. The woman then persists in her pleading on behalf of her daughter. The strong faith she exhibited, drew from Jesus the touching comment: “O Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.”

This is not the only example of Jesus’ openness to all people.
He cures the centurion’s servant, and he offers “living water” to a Samaritan woman. He even paints a Samaritan as a hero in his parable about the man attacked by robbers. When others walked by the severely injured man, a Samaritan stopped, bound up his wounds, took him to an inn and paid for his care. 

In this way, Jesus shows us that while it is important to care for our families, friends, and relatives, it is also important to reach out to others in an inclusive way. How is the Lord calling us to respond to the needs of others? It may be by simply being open to those who differ from us in some way: religion, race, nationality, philosophy, sexual preferences, temperament, or personality. To view us all as beloved children of God makes us accepting of all even when we disagree
with them.

On the other hand,  the Lord may be calling us to help someone different from ourselves, according to our specific resources,
gifts and talents. Pope Francis has encouraged Christians to follow the example of St. Katharine Drexel who reached out with her assistance to those who were of a different social status than she was. Taking the example of her wealthy parents, she assisted the poor with their material needs, education, and spirituality. She built many schools and churches for the needy.

In particular St. Katharine reached out to two oppressed groups of her time: African-Americans and Native Americans. The African Americans had just been released from slavery, but were not well educated. They had a difficult time finding employment and sometimes even went back to work for their former masters. 

Having seen the Reservations on which Native Americans were placed after their lands were taken from them, St. Katharine built schools and churches to improve their lives. She reached out to all people, no matter what their faith, or lack of faith.  

Also, St. Katharine founded a Religious Community, the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, to assist her in all her ministries. Today, in addition to the Sisters, there is a lay branch of the Community called the Associates of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament. These men and women, comprised of married and single individuals, also continue to carry on the ministries.

 Reflection:   Is there someone or a group whom you could help with your unique resources, gifts, or talents? Let us open our eyes and hearts and listen for the whisper of the Lord who embraced all. 

Spanish Translation of Reflection Above...

Grande es tu fe

En las lecturas de este domingo, el tema principal es la universalidad del amor y la misericordia de Dios. Mientras que la misión original de Jesús fue a las tribus perdidas de Israel, pronto se expandió para incluir a Los Gentiles (no judíos). Esto está bien ilustrado en el Evangelio de hoy.

El corazón de Jesús sale a la mujer cananea que había viajado desde lejos para buscar sanidad para su hija. Aunque Jesús le explica que Su misión es para el pueblo judío, ella siente el amor y la misericordia en Su corazón. La mujer entonces persiste en su súplica en nombre de su hija. La fe fuerte que ella exhibió, sacó de Jesús el conmovedor comentario: “¡Mujer, grande es tu fe! Que se haga por ti como quieras”.

Este no es el único ejemplo de la apertura de Jesús a todas las personas. Cura al siervo del centurión, y ofrece “agua viva” a una mujer samaritana. Incluso pinta a un samaritano como un héroe en su parábola sobre el hombre atacado por ladrones. Cuando otros caminaban por el hombre gravemente herido, un samaritano se detuvo, ató sus heridas, lo llevó a una posada y pagó por su cuidado.

De esta manera, Jesús nos muestra que si bien es importante cuidar a nuestras familias, amigos y parientes, también es importante llegar a los demás de una manera inclusiva. ¿Cómo nos llama el Señor a responder a las necesidades de los demás? Puede ser simplemente abriéndose a aquellos que difieren de nosotros de alguna manera: religión, raza, nacionalidad, filosofía, preferencias sexuales, temperamento o personalidad. Vernos a todos como hijos amados de Dios nos hace aceptar de todos, incluso cuando no estamos de acuerdo con ellos.

Por otra parte, el Señor puede estar llamándonos a ayudar a alguien diferente de nosotros mismos, de acuerdo con nuestros recursos específicos, Regalos y talentos. El Papa Francisco ha alentado a los cristianos a seguir el ejemplo de Santa Katharine Drexel, que se acercó con su ayuda a los que eran de un estatus social diferente que ella. Tomando el ejemplo de sus ricos padres, ayudó a los pobres con sus necesidades materiales, educación y espiritualidad. Ella construyó muchas escuelas e iglesias para los necesitados.

En particular, St. Katharine llegó a dos grupos oprimidos de su tiempo: los afroamericanos y los nativos americanos. Los afroamericanos acababan de ser liberados de la esclavitud, pero no estaban bien educados. Tuvieron dificultades para encontrar trabajo ya veces incluso volvieron a trabajar para sus antiguos maestros.

Habiendo visto las Reservas sobre las cuales los Nativos Americanos fueron colocados después de que sus tierras les fueron quitados, St. Katharine construyó escuelas e iglesias para mejorar sus vidas. Ella extendió la mano a toda la gente, sin importar su fe, o su falta de fe.

Además, St. Katharine fundó una comunidad religiosa, las Hermanas del Santísimo Sacramento, para ayudarla en todos sus ministerios. Hoy, además de las Hermanas, hay una rama laica de la Comunidad llamada Asociados de las Hermanas del Santísimo Sacramento. Estos hombres y mujeres, compuestos de individuos casados y solteros, también continúan llevando a cabo los ministerios.

 Reflexión:   ¿Hay alguien o un grupo al que podría ayudar con sus recursos únicos, regalos o talentos? Abramos nuestros ojos y corazones y escuchemos el susurro del Señor que abrazó a todos.

March 26, 2017 - Cure of the Blind Man

The Fourth Sunday of Lent
- Year A

Reading 1:  1 SM 16:1B, 6-7, 10-13A

Psalm:  23

Reading 2:  EPH 5:8-14

Gospel:  JN 9: 1-41

“Live as children of light” (Eph 5:6)

Why would anyone want to live any other way? Even the blind man who had begged Jesus to cure him had to be willing to live differently after his sight was restored. No longer would he be able to depend on the charity of others to provide for him. He would be expected to support himself and accept the responsibilities of an
adult man.

When we ask the Lord to open our eyes, we too, must live our lives differently. We see this exemplified in the life of Saint Katharine Drexel. She was born into a very devout family, who had a chapel in their home where they spent time before the Blessed Sacrament. The Lord opened their eyes and touched their hearts with compassion for the poor and oppressed.

Mr. Drexel, a wealthy Philadelphia banker, and his wife could have closed their eyes to the plight of the poor and oppressed of their day. They could have spent all their time socializing with the elite of Philadelphia. However,  they became regular supporters of priests serving the Native Americans in very poor living conditions, especially on the Reservations in the West.

Emma Bouvier was Francis Drexel's second wife and stepmother to Katharine, whose mother had died shortly after her birth. Emma, who was distantly related to Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis, spent three days a week giving food, clothing, and rent money to the recently emancipated slaves. With little education it was difficult for them to earn enough money to provide for themselves and their families.

Katharine and her sisters were taught as young children to reach out to the poor as they assisted their mother in her charitable works. Emma made it a point to have the children get to know the African Americans who came to the door as people, and children of the same Heavenly Father. They learned to “engage with them” [be involved with and committed to] which affected the quality of relationships they later had with those whom they assisted.

It is interesting that at the 125th anniversary celebration of the founding of the Community of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament that “engaging with the people” was one of the gifts attributed to the Community.  It creates a special bond with all the people they serve. The influence of Katharine's parents has had a ripple effect:first on St. Katharine and her sisters, then on her Community, the Associates and all who follow her example.

On March 5, 2017, at the Celebration of St. Katharine's Feast Day at her shrine, Bishop Deliman of the Philadelphia Archdiocese reminded us that we too are being challenged to open our eyes to the needs of God's children today. Prejudice of all kinds is raising its ugly head. Let us ask the Lord to cure our blindness and give us the grace to respond to all our neighbors in a positive way.

Spanish Translation of Reflection Above...

Cura del ciego

“Vivan como hijos de luz” (Ef 5, 6)

¿Por qué alguien querría vivir de otra manera? Incluso el ciego que había rogado a Jesús que lo curara tenía que estar dispuesto a vivir de otra manera después de que su vista fue restaurada. Ya no sería capaz de depender de la caridad de otros para proveer para él. Se espera que se sostenga a sí mismo y acepte las responsabilidades de un hombre adulto.

Cuando le pedimos al Señor que abra nuestros ojos, también nosotros debemos vivir nuestras vidas de otra manera. Vemos esto ejemplificado en la vida de Santa Katharine Drexel. Ella nació en una familia muy devota, que tenía una capilla en su hogar donde pasaron tiempo antes del Santísimo Sacramento. El Señor abrió sus ojos y tocó sus corazones con compasión por los pobres y oprimidos.

Mr. Drexel, un rico banquero de Filadelfia, y su esposa podrían haber cerrado los ojos ante la situación de los pobres y oprimidos de su día. Podrían haber pasado todo su tiempo socializando con la elite de Filadelfia. Sin embargo, se convirtieron en seguidores regulares de los sacerdotes sirviendo a los nativos americanos en condiciones de vida muy pobres, especialmente en las Reservas en Occidente.

Emma Bouvier fue la segunda esposa y madrastra de Francis Drexel a Katharine, cuya madre había muerto poco después de su nacimiento. Emma, ​​que estaba relacionada distantemente con Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis, pasó tres días a la semana dando comida, ropa y dinero de alquiler a los esclavos recientemente emancipados. Con poca educación era difícil para ellos ganar suficiente dinero para proveer para ellos y sus familias.

Katharine y sus hermanas fueron enseñadas como niños pequeños para llegar a los pobres mientras ayudaban a su madre en sus obras de caridad. Emma hizo un punto para que los niños conozcan a los afroamericanos que llegaron a la puerta como personas, y los hijos del mismo Padre Celestial. Ellos aprendieron a “comprometerse con ellos” [estar involucrados y comprometidos con] lo cual afectó la calidad de las relaciones que luego tenían con aquellos a quienes ayudaron.

Es interesante que en la conmemoración del 125 aniversario de la fundación de la Comunidad de las Hermanas del Santísimo Sacramento, la “relación con el pueblo” fuera uno de los dones atribuidos a la Comunidad. Crea un vínculo especial con todas las personas a las que sirven. La influencia de los padres de Katharine ha tenido un efecto de rizo: primero en St. Katharine y sus hermanas, luego en su Comunidad, los Asociados y todos los que siguen su ejemplo.

El 5 de marzo de 2017, en la Celebración del Día de la Santa Katharine en su santuario, el Obispo Deliman, de la Arquidiócesis de Filadelfia, nos recordó que nosotros también estamos siendo desafiados a abrir los ojos a las necesidades de los hijos de Dios hoy. El prejuicio de todo tipo está levantando su fea cabeza. Pidamos al Señor que cure nuestra ceguera y nos dé la gracia de responder a todos nuestros vecinos de una manera positiva.

October 16, 2016 - Persistence in Prayer

The Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time  -  Year C

Reading 1:  Exodus 17:8-13
Psalm 121: 1-8
Reading II: 2 Timothy 3:14 - 4:2
Gospel: Luke 18: 1-8

A lesson from Exodus about persistence in prayer stands out as Moses kept up his hands raised in prayer while the conflict with the Amalekites was going on. As long as he persisted in prayer, Israel was winning. However, Moses could not continue that pose long without the help of Aaron and Hur who held up his arms when they began to droop. That was necessary until the evening so that the Israelites could win the battle.

That is how the Christian Community functions. Some are working diligently to spread the Gospel while others are supporting their efforts through prayer and sacrifice. In Monasteries and Houses of Prayer, that can be the main ministry. On the other hand, active Religious and other Christians offer their prayer and work for the good of all, especially for those who request their prayers.

Just as Moses appreciated the support of Aaron and Hur, we are grateful for those who help us in our challenging situations. It requires persistence and faith that the Lord is hearing us when there seems to be no solution to our problems. We need to trust that the Lord knows when and how to respond to our requests. We also need the comfort of those who provide kindnesses and support when things are difficult.

Each morning we, as Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, pray for our families, friends, the Pope, world leaders, etc. We also pray especially for the intentions of those who pray through the intercession of St. Katharine Drexel here at the Shrine or elsewhere.

Lord, help us to be steadfast in our prayer no matter how long we must persevere, trusting that you know best how and when to respond.

July 31, 2016 - Seek the Things That Are Above

  

The Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time 

Year C

                       

                                                   Reading I: Ecclesiastes 1:2; 2:21-23
                                                   Responsorial Psalm: 90:3-6, 12-14, 17
                                                     Reading II: Colossians 3: 1-5, 9-11
                                                            Gospel: Luke 12:13-21

In Louisa May Alcott's book: Little Women, Ch. 40, she says, “Love is the only thing that we can carry with us when we go....”  Since in heaven we will see the Lord, we no longer need faith or hope. Love is what is eternal. When we die, our possessions, our titles, our accomplishments are left behind. The legacy we leave is only of worth if it is the fruit of our love on earth. What we take with us is the quality of our love.

In our world today, often a person’s worth is measured by his/her possessions, titles, and accomplishments. The Lord wants us to see with different eyes. An elderly Sister friend of mine used to worry about her niece Frances who was in a mental institution.  Frances was a normal child until at the age of five. Then, she fell off a high porch and suffered brain damage. She developed severe epilepsy at a time when medications could not help. She was an only child, so when her parents passed on, she was placed in an institution with people who had serious mental problems.  The aunt was the only relative who would visit her. When my Sister friend was close to death, she shared with me her concern that her niece would no longer have visitors once she went home to God.  I offered to visit Frances when I could.

One time when Frances had fallen and broken her arm, I was expressing my sorrow that she had to deal with the pain and inconvenience.  Her response surprised and edified me: “Jesus suffered for me, so I can offer my suffering to him.” She would always take the time to introduce me to the other patients. I could tell by their responses that she was well-liked because of her kindness to all. Frances died at about 65 years old after about 60 years in an institution.  She had no possessions, no titles, no accomplishments by worldly measure. However, she had shared love. That was all her heavenly Father asked of her.

Another lesson I learned occurred when I was serving as a parish minister in a remote mission in Many Farms, Arizona on the Navajo Reservation. There was an elderly man from the East who intended to leave his money to the Missions when he died. He had been a contractor and had accumulated a large amount of money. He was advised to give the money to the missions while he was still living and visit those missions he was helping.

When he arrived at Many Farms, I served him dinner. As we were eating, he shared his story. He had an adult son who had been bedridden and unable to talk all his life. All he could do was hug people. This gentleman taught religion classes in his parish. Each year, he would have his healthy sons help him to bring the invalid son to class. The lesson was to see what is most important in life. The father would simply say. “All my son can do is love.” What a powerful lesson that was! Again, this young man had no possessions, titles, or worldly accomplishments. However, he had done what was most important: he had expressed love.

It is so easy for us to get our priorities out of order.  We are bombarded with advertisements which encourage us to accumulate items which are wants rather than needs. Our time can be squandered on things that are unnecessary. Let us ask the Lord to help us to keep our priorities in order. Perhaps, as we listen, we may find that we need to make some adjustments.
                                                             
                                                            *************

St. Katharine Drexel challenges us to relish what is of lasting worth in her encouraging words: “Let your heart delight in the love your God has for you, personally, individually.”