Previous Reflections
Lent 2020
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Is it perhaps true that everything is an experience of God, both the light and the dark? Light events seem easy to recognize as experiences of God. What about the dark ones? What about frustrated plans, illness, diminishment, difficult associates, inability to pray, and all the unanswers that are our constant companions?
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I can examine whether or not the suffering upon me is really necessary. What is the Reign of God asking of me at this moment? Necessary suffering can carry with it a glimpse of the Resurrection. As the saying goes, sometimes only a glimpse is enough.
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From: Sr. Mary Jo’s article entitled “Embracing and Experiencing New Experiences of God”
Lent 2020
Walking The Walk
Lent 2020 reminds us that we are called to consider the cross that is occurring in our own lives and in the lives of other people. The Corona Virus, the financial losses, and the treatment of immigrants and the poor to list just a few current concerns.
Granted, we do hear a lot of talk about these topics but more than just talk we need to pray and ask God to intercede. The Gospel tells us that when Jesus was 40 days in the desert the angels came to him and served Him.
With all the chaos and concerns now present among us, it is good to let psalm 91 speak to our hearts:
“For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.
They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.”
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By: Miriam Hogan, O.C.D.
Christmas 2019
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From The works of:
Mary Jo Loebig, O.C.D
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The Holy Night of Christmas
Soon, the Holy Night of Christmas will be upon us. It will bring a night, bearing light and warmth. Truly, this Holy Night wants to find a home within us.
Karl Rahner, S.J., tells us that there exists in our heart an inner land where, often enough, we go alone and where only God can find a way. Although Christmas is certainly a time for going out to others, it is also a time for entering that sacred sanctuary deep within us. Rahner even encourages us to sing our own song to God, and to believe that God hears us.
In the depth of that Holy Night, we will hear a gentle word of love telling us not to be worried about the future, but to trust the God who is making a path before us.
Inspired by K. Rahner, Everyday Faith, Holy Night
From The writings of:
Mary Jo Loebig, O.C.D
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Advent - 2019
We know that there are many old signs, symbols and songs and a number of new ones that attract our attention during this season before Christmas. Some are good, and some not so good. Yet, this year as in the past, we are called to go beyond the mere external symbols and celebrations and to enter more deeply into the reality of the coming of God into our lives and time.
One way to do this may be to mediate on the role of God's Mother in our hearts and in our prayers and to ask her to intercede for us to understand more deeply the mystery of the Incarnation. Thinking back, I remember when my own mother was pregnant with child. During this time, there was a special atmosphere of quiet peace and presence among us. Even when she was alone in a room and someone would approach her, there was a strong awareness of a third person being present.
Likewise, with Mary and her response to the Holy Spirit, she must have become aware of the sacred presence of Christ within her, and she prepared for His coming in the flesh. Now, as we await Christmas 2019, may we also acknowledge with gratitude God's gift to us of both His Son and His/Our Mother.
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By: Miriam Hogan, O.C.D.
Thanksgiving - 2019
For many people this year seems to be a time of chaos, conflict and concern both in our political life and in the Church. Yet, the Feast of Thanksgiving encourages us to look deeper into our current reality. Briefly stated, it can help remind us to thank God for His love and presence in our daily lives and in the lives of our loved ones past and present.
St. Thérèse (the Little Flower) wrote that this world is a ship and not a home. She finished her autobiography stating that "I go to Him with confidence and love.."
"Everything is God's gift. Whatever be the character of life or its unexpected events - to the heart that loves, all is well."
Finally, we pray for all of God's children and ask Our Blessed Mother to help us celebrate with renewed joy and Thanks.
By: Miriam Hogan, O.C.D.
St. Teresa of Jesus - Novena Prayer
To Love is to give all and to give oneself.
St. Thérèse
She Prays Within Me by Sr. Mary Jo Loebig, O.C.D.
Our Lady Of Mount Carmel - 2019
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O holy woman of tenderness and wise counsel
soothe a world that longs for simple joys and peaceful days.
With your gentleness, strengthen and renew all those who feel weighed down, and put all of us in touch with our own goodness.
Quietly, bring to harvest the season of growth within, and around us.
You, who hold our All within your embrace, tell us, again, that the best things in life are free, and usually are close at hand.
O Companion by Day and Comfort by Night, we believe that all true yearnings come from God and will be accomplished.
We place this cause in your hands. (Three Hail Marys. Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, pray for us.)
From The Writings of
Sister Mary Jo Loebig, O.C.D.
Picture by Sr. Romain, O.C.D.