Mission Report #34 - Afterwards

We are in our second full day in Indianapolis enjoying our time now with our son. Quanah, and his wife, Erin and I find myself with a nagging feeling of having no purpose.  Two and a half months of living with Sister was a life filled with purpose.  Now I find myself delving deeply into a time of reflection.  What did it all mean?  What have I learned?  What about me has changed?

I suspect the 3rd question will be answered most readily by friends. I've been already been told more than once that I seem quieter, more settled, that I don't react to things in the way people are used to me reacting.  I'm guessing that this is true.  Sister reminded me frequently, at the beginning of mission, to be watchful and be in the moment.  Disconnecting me from my camera and cell phone went a long way to accomplishing that task.  I am not, of course, completely disconnected, but, there is a discernible difference.

A life in mission is a life that takes the long view.  Effective change doesn't happen overnight and patience is taken and tested to a new level.  Change doesn't happen because of one's efforts to make change.  It happens in the responses of people to the invitation to change.  More often than not, our own desire for changing people's lot will suffer disappointment because of our own expectations.  When we are disappointed, we become frustrated and when we are frustrated, it is easy to say "what's the use".  Then something unexpected happens that makes all the frustration worth it.  One life is changed for the better and you see something new and wonderful start to grow.

Mission Report - #33 - Mass

We shared the blessing, this morning, of Mass in Sister's home chapel.  Fr. "Jarek" celebrated and we were also joined by Jane, Barbara, Fran, and Bobbi.  It was a beautiful morning with Jesus in celebration of his Mother's Annunciation.  Breakfast, coffee, conversation and many silly jokes punctuated the after time.  What a wonderful way to start our day.

Morning with Mary

Oil of gladness, source

Of spiritual joy, come

Anoint me in you.

Another wonder of our Faith to share with you

Information about the National Shrine of the Miraculous Medal can be found here.

Front of the Shrine

Two examples of the great art contained here.

Choir loft and organ

Painted Dome

Stained Glass Light shining through

Christmas still in bloom

Christmas still in bloom

Main Altar

Painted dome over the mail altar

Church length from the altar

Church length from the entrance

Large side altar

The lit candle signifying Christ's presence

Four of the smaller side altars

St. Meinrad Archabbey - Southern Indiana

Click HERE for history and information.  Sometimes the best way to present such a place is to simply let the pictures do the talking.

Meditation - Two Sermons

March 6th - the Thursday after Ash Wednesday

Charity

Pope Leo the Great,  in a sermon, encouraged us to always but especially during Lent, to enter into ourselves and reflect and evaluate the attitudes of our minds and hearts.  Where we find the fruits of love - charity - we find God's presence within us.  The greater our acts of charity, the more room we create for God in our heart and presence in our life.

No act of devotion, like works of mercy and charity, gladdens the heart of the Lord more.  Where He finds charity, He finds his own fatherly care.

And never fear for a lack of means to show charity.  Paul tells us "He who provides seed for the sower will also provide bread for eating; he will provide you with more seed, and will increase the harvest of your goodness."

March 7th - the Friday after Ash Wednesday

Repentance

In a letter from Maximus the Confessor, we are reminded that God's will is to save us and nothing pleases Him more than our true repentance.

We are told that repeatedly down through the ages in stories and parables in the Bible:

• The Good Samaritan who comforted and cared for the man who was beaten and robbed on the road;
• The forgiveness of a father for a returning and  repentant profligate son;
• The one sheep that was lost and the shepherd who sought him out to save him;
• The many times God called out to His people, heard their calls as they strayed and then cried out for forgiveness and saving;

God always forgives.  He never turns His back on us though we may turn our backs on Him.

God calls us to reconciliation and forgiveness.  By accepting His yoke, we discover that our burdens are not heavier but are made lighter.

Mission Report - #32

We have been confined by snow yet again.  Our week started out with handling matters within the house that would be distributed and/or sent to Mother's House later.  Yesterday, we were able to leave the house, thank you, God, for good neighbors, and made our way to Mother's House.  Impossible it was to enter there.  The snow was plowed so deeply and fully, we could not even find our driveway.  Since a ditch lay on either side of the entrance, guessing our way in was not to be considered.

So our week of work became a week of meditation, patience and prayerfulness.  Wednesday night we were able to conduct a Communion Service and disburse Ashes in the church hall.  Father was confined to his parish in New Madrid.  Highway travel was impossible.  

This morning, the Friday after Ash Wednesday, we are cautiously free to travel.  Sister is on the road and Don will be out taking care of some personal tasks today.  I am in and will enjoy the quiet, finish this week's bible study chapter, and start work on a surprise for our daughter, Krista.

Psalm 51: 3-4

3  Have mercy on me, God, in accord with your merciful love; in your abundant compassion blot out my transgressions.  4  Thoroughly wash away my guilt;and from my sin cleanse me.