Horizons - Martin Luther King Jr. followed the urging of the Spirit into ministry and the pages of history. His clarion call for justice and equity is still ringing out if we unclog the ears of our hearts to hear it.
During lockdown I joined an online retreat for the anniversary of the conversion of St. Ignatius Loyola. One day we were asked to recall our spiritual journey. Today I share with you the road I traveled with Christ.
Each experience as an Indian missionary in Peru has taught me to surrender myself to God and to cherish inner peace. Following Jesus' footsteps, I love my mission of being with the people of God.
Religious life thought it could go on in a system that was sick — patriarchy. But the crisis in religious life has brought home how important it is to work for a healthy church and society.
Sisters don't have a direct line to God. But prayer requests highlight people trust me and find comfort in my actions when they need additional support.
Horizons - Is signing a petition or donating money enough, or are we called to change the way we live? Are we open to the Spirit who calls us into relationship with individuals affected by systemic injustice?
Almost two years of dealing with the uncertainties of living in a COVID-19 world have taught me several lessons that have been invaluable in moving forward in my life after having lived for 85 years.
The butterfly pea plant had no complaint when I moved it from place to place. It continued to grow in the sunlight of God's presence. Yes, I had received a message from God, through God's tiny creation.
On that first day of the first month, we needed to make promises to our good selves: I prefer the word "promise" because it has more weight and age than the word "resolution."
In a modern Christmas story, refugee families from Chile and Brazil travel more than 7,000 miles, mostly on foot, for two or three months. They're seeking new lives in Florida, but often find there's no room at the inn.
Horizons - In early 2021 I knew that the stress of my ministry wasn't sustainable. But crafting an intentional exit plan and exploring different ministry options seemed like an impossible luxury, given the relentless pace.
I am fond of the feast of the Epiphany: three people, traveling many miles, bearing gifts for a king, arrive to meet Jesus. The story reveals something more of the face of God, and perhaps that revelation, that epiphany, is the point.
A morning glory opens in a vacant lot. A fish bumps the surface of a lake. (Amen.) Falling on our knees we say all there is to say about how we are to be here. Our mere astonishment has ripples.
As people who share with Mary in her joy of Incarnation, let us become people of Visitation: moving out of our comfort zones and going out to share in the joy of others and mourn with those who are mourning.
What do the words "no room for you" sound and look like to people often not welcome in society? Do people who are often left out hear words of welcome that are not really welcoming? Do they hear voices that say, "Come in," but know they are not really wanted?
Contemplate This - We will have many choices to make in the months and years ahead. As the New Year begins, try to remember who you really are and how you will choose to respond to the future that is calling us.
Christmas among the poor and simple Indigenous people of the remote village of Ratanpur, in the Aizawl Diocese, was a unique experience. My heart remains there. I constantly ask myself if I can do something for them.
For Australians, celebrating Christmas down under is different. So for those to whom a hot Christmas is a foreign concept, here's a sun-tinged window into the reality.
Jesus issued the invitation: "Come follow me." His teachings, his invitation and his life are still with us today. Common as we may be, the rest is up to us. And how beautiful it is to be "common."
Kindly keep your physical eyes closed and inner eyes wide open. Decorations may sparkle this time of year, but pain and injustice abound. This pandemic Advent has brought a new light of interconnectedness and solidarity among people of goodwill who fearlessly advocate for peace and betterment of all.