At Serra Retreat in Malibu, Sr. Monique Tarabeh experienced "a transformative journey into the heart of spirituality, helping each of us to envision God in a way that resonates deeply with our unique spiritual path."
"The scapular represents for me the comforting presence of the Blessed Mother in my life and her maternal protection each and every moment and in all situations," writes Sr. Molly Fernandes.
Communion calls me to individual action and prayer as I receive and return to my place with Jesus Christ truly within me, writes Dominican Sr. Jeanne Harris.
In today's reading, the only task Jesus defined for the disciples was to drive out unclean spirits. Like them, our baptism commissions us to help others know the presence of God — in spite of situations and attitudes that obscure our vision of what God wants for our world.
The recent Giving Voice National Gathering "challenged me to surrender my ideas of what the future of religious life will look like and to put greater trust in God," writes Sr. Kathryn Press.
"We need not be afraid or troubled" about changes in religious life, writes Sr. Judith Shaeffer. That's because "evolutionary development is at the heart of our Creator's plan."
On the "sixth day, the day before the Sabbath," writes Sr. Magda Bennásar, "we are invited to 'ascend' the mountain with fellow community members, mirroring Jesus' journey with his disciples."
Scripture for Life: Jesus insists that God is reigning in the universe. He promises that we can get caught up in God's reigning if only we are open to do so.
I'm a witness to God's mystery in every person I accompany, both past and present. God's healing presence in spiritual accompaniment touches and heals us both in unique ways.
Sr. María Elena Méndez Ochoa describes the "nonnegotiable" elements of consecrated life as the heart that gives identity and purpose to religious women.
Servant of Jesus Sr. Angèle Gapio brings a message of peace to rebels and solidarity to the displaced in the war-ravaged region of Ituri, in the Bunia Diocese in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
"To be 'life' in the midst of death is, without a doubt, to maintain hope in the presence of so many signs of death, and to accompany a people whom we see dying little by little," writes Sr. Nadieska Almeida.
Having grateful eyes, writes Sr. Nodelyn Abayan, "is about appreciating the beauty in the ordinary, recognizing value in my every experience, and acknowledging the kindness and effort of others."
"I find working with youth and refugees very rewarding because both groups are eager to engage in training and are willing to learn from their peers," writes Sr. Zipporah Ngoiri Waitathu of Uganda.
"My superiors were skeptical when I expressed my desire to study journalism, an unconventional choice within the convent walls," writes Sr. Adelaide Ndilu. "The fulfillment of my dream was worth the wait."
This day traditionally marks the beginning of the monsoon season. Just as John the Baptist ritually cleansed the faithful of their sins in the Jordan River, the belief continues today.
Scripture for Life: Today's Liturgy of the Word is a not-so-subtle call to live as a new creation. Instead of cowering in the storm, we can be people of the Resurrection — and discover how whirlwinds can blow us into deeper faith.