Falling Leaves

The leaves have not turned to autumn colors this year--at least not yet. Many trees have died because of the dry weather we have had. It is still very hot and I long for the cool breezes, the soft autumn smell, the fall rains and the wonderful colors. It is a time for learning to thank God for what is and appreciate the blessings of the day.

It is difficult to discern God's call when I am not able to bask in what is because I have figured out what should be and then demand it. God answers my prayers in mysterious ways. Look for God's call in what is not what is expected.

Preaching about God

Today is the feast of St. Dominic whose heart was so full of God's word that he could not keep it in. He preached. I think of how we might preach even if we are shy or not prone to stand on street corners or in pulpits announcing God's presence. We are all called to preach with our lives. I think in our world, there is a strong message in our living together in community. We are such an individualistic society. Living together in harmony with people we have not specifically chosen is very rewarding, if not always easy. It does preach something our world needs to hear.

My Deepest Joy

Fredrick Buechner says that vocation is the "place where my deep joy meets the world great need." The world's needs are many and great. I am aware of them. But what of my deep joy? Can I name it? And how is it related to any or all of the world's needs. What sounded simple at first leads me to a great exploration. What do you think about this quote and where are you in the pursuit?

Good Morning and happy feast of St. Anne. I am looking forward to our celebration tonight here at St. Anne Convent. There will be many of us coming together for Mass and dinner. These special days are always full of joy in being together. This one is especially nice since summer seems like a more relaxed time.

Many blessings on you today.

What are your thoughts today about God's will? I like to think about it as very different from our human will which we often associate with willfullness. God's will is huge. It allows for us to make any choice and then in that space where the choice lands us, opens up for us a million more ways for us to find God, see God, love God and come to union with God.St. Catherine described it as an abyss of love enfolding us in nothing but mercy.Search for God's will. Do. But remember it is always opening up rather than closing the way for us and is surrounds us with love.

Discernment Opportunities

Sometimes when we are making a major choice or trying to determine how God is calling us to live out our commitment, we can get into a rut in our own minds--going round and round and getting nowhere except back to the place where we started. Sometimes, saying out loud what is going on in our heads and hearts helps us more a step forward. Even better is saying these things aloud to someone else. Feedback helps. What someone else hears us saying can be very insightful.

So...
If you are going round and round about how God is calling you--to married life, single life or life as a vowed religious, here is a great opportunity.

An Evening of Discernment at St. Anne Convent/Moye Spiritual Life Center on September 6, 2007. We will begin at 7 PM and end at 11 PM. Why not join us. Contact Sr. Fidelis Tracy CDP at vocation@cdpkentucky.org

Discernment again

I have been thinking about discernment of God's call and reflecting on the element of freedom. Perhaps, the most important part of knowing how we are to respond to various things in life is being free. Often I find myself unable to allow God to speak because I have already closed off various possibilities. And the reason I close them off is fear. Sometimes it is fear of the implications of a particular choice and sometimes it is a more basic fear--such as being afraid of failure or of not not being liked, etc. What do you think?

Communications Day

We are having a day for mother's and their high school daughters here at St. Anne Convent. There will be some great input on communication skills with time to practice together. But that is not all, there are activities planned that will be fun for mothers and daughters to do together. Do you know anyone who might like to attend? It will be on February 25 from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Lunch and Mass are included. Let me know. Sr. Fidelis