The holiday season, that begins after Thanksgiving (or Halloween) and stretches to Epiphany, can be a very hectic time–with too much rushing, shopping, partying, clutter and chatter. Indeed, too many things are done out of duty and too few with quiet, gentle love.
The simple story of the humble birth of Christ calls us, instead, to STOP–turn off the TV, radio, cell phone-- and contemplate God’s lavish love. When we do, we are overcome with awe at the Joy, Peace and Love of that holy night. We know we have no gift or love to equal God’s. All we have to give is our self. That’s the only gift God really wants or needs from us. Here’s a hint of a help: don’t let all the technological “chatter” drown out your spiritual life; take some quality time each day to pray. Make a date with Jesus, 15 minutes or a half hour just for being with Him.
We can also celebrate the Holy Child by caring for his kin: the lonely elder, widow, teen or child, the poor and hungry next door or around the world.
Why not start the New Year with cleaning the garage, a closet or a drawer and giving to a Thrift Shop? Or you could take the time to really listen to another, to your own heart, and to the Child in the crib.
In 2010, daily, offer yourself, your day, work, words and thoughts to God. In doing these things you will find Christ present with you, and others will find Christ present in you, too.
The Word became flesh in Jesus. He gave himself completely for love of each of us.
How will you give yourself to God?
If you’d like more ideas or support consider the different ways you can share the life of the Benedictine Sisters of Florida: Oblate, Volunteer, or vowed member.
Ask about a chance for a visit with us.
Contact: Sr. Mary David, OSB
http://www.floridabenedictines.com/ or
call: (352) 588-8320
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
“Christmas Peace” by Sr. Mary David Hydro, OSB
What do those Benedictine Sisters do? Here’s one answer– We have quite an active peace/justice committee: we pray for peace, work for peace by lobbying our legislators, try “to respond with the compassion of Christ” as our Corporate Commitment says, to human “hungers” –we feed the poor, teach, encourage, welcome...
As part of a nonviolent, loving community we live in peace together. This in itself is a witness to our fearful, violent, individualistic society of another way.
We know Peace is one of those human hungers that the world is in great need of today.
Since the 5th anniversary of the beginning of the war in Iraq, it is almost 2 years now, several of us vigil out in front of the Monastery on Mondays with signs, “Pray for Peace”.
On a chilly, late December afternoon, standing on the street as hundreds of cars passed, I thought of Mary and Joseph’s trip to Bethlehem and the cold they endured. It was only 50' here, but that is cold for Florida. I offered the briskness to God as I prayed for peace in the world and in the hearts of those passing by. I am certain we will never have peace in the world if we don’t have peace in our hearts. Many waved and honked; they seem encouraged by seeing our faithful reminder. This simple act of standing out and standing up for peace is prayer indeed. The waves and honks brought smiles to our faces and were returned with a wave that was truly a Benediction. Could they sense the prayer for peace we offered for them and all they hold in their hearts?
We call the Holy Child born in the stable in Bethlehem the Prince of Peace. We wish family and friends Christmas Peace. We are called by God to be people of peace. What does that mean for you?
For Christians who share the gifts God has given–every day can be Christmas–every day our prayer “Christmas Peace to you!”
Come Join the Benedictine Sisters–in our praying/working for Peace, in our Corporate Commitment actions. Share in the Benedictine spirit and community as an Oblate, Volunteer, or vowed Sister.
Check our webpage http://www.floridabenedictines.com/
or Call: (352) 588-8320
As part of a nonviolent, loving community we live in peace together. This in itself is a witness to our fearful, violent, individualistic society of another way.
We know Peace is one of those human hungers that the world is in great need of today.
Since the 5th anniversary of the beginning of the war in Iraq, it is almost 2 years now, several of us vigil out in front of the Monastery on Mondays with signs, “Pray for Peace”.
On a chilly, late December afternoon, standing on the street as hundreds of cars passed, I thought of Mary and Joseph’s trip to Bethlehem and the cold they endured. It was only 50' here, but that is cold for Florida. I offered the briskness to God as I prayed for peace in the world and in the hearts of those passing by. I am certain we will never have peace in the world if we don’t have peace in our hearts. Many waved and honked; they seem encouraged by seeing our faithful reminder. This simple act of standing out and standing up for peace is prayer indeed. The waves and honks brought smiles to our faces and were returned with a wave that was truly a Benediction. Could they sense the prayer for peace we offered for them and all they hold in their hearts?
We call the Holy Child born in the stable in Bethlehem the Prince of Peace. We wish family and friends Christmas Peace. We are called by God to be people of peace. What does that mean for you?
For Christians who share the gifts God has given–every day can be Christmas–every day our prayer “Christmas Peace to you!”
Come Join the Benedictine Sisters–in our praying/working for Peace, in our Corporate Commitment actions. Share in the Benedictine spirit and community as an Oblate, Volunteer, or vowed Sister.
Check our webpage http://www.floridabenedictines.com/
or Call: (352) 588-8320
Friday, December 18, 2009
"The Choice Is Yours” by Sr. Mary David Hydro, OSB
The number of priests and Sisters is down. Why?
Times have changed from pre-Vatican ll days. The Church does not hold the same central place in a family’s social life today. Many youth are unchurched. Yet for the active/practicing Catholic, there are many more opportunities to serve in the Church than in years ago. Our society today offers many more temptations to materialism and individualism. Our busy lives can even keep God on “call waiting.”
I don’t think God is calling less persons to religious life today. You know what the Gospel says, “many are called but few are chosen”. When Jesus calls, people don’t always listen. Jesus is very respectful of our freedom, so he waits and wants us to make the choice to follow him. His is a daunting challenge. He wants all of us–no turning back if you choose to follow him. His is a call to holiness/wholeness, to really sharing his life by giving him All of yours.
He gives us the courage to follow him in the Eucharist and in community with Sisters. Will you dare to be open to the call? Can we help you listen and respond?
For further information check out
http://www.floridabenedictines.com/
Times have changed from pre-Vatican ll days. The Church does not hold the same central place in a family’s social life today. Many youth are unchurched. Yet for the active/practicing Catholic, there are many more opportunities to serve in the Church than in years ago. Our society today offers many more temptations to materialism and individualism. Our busy lives can even keep God on “call waiting.”
I don’t think God is calling less persons to religious life today. You know what the Gospel says, “many are called but few are chosen”. When Jesus calls, people don’t always listen. Jesus is very respectful of our freedom, so he waits and wants us to make the choice to follow him. His is a daunting challenge. He wants all of us–no turning back if you choose to follow him. His is a call to holiness/wholeness, to really sharing his life by giving him All of yours.
He gives us the courage to follow him in the Eucharist and in community with Sisters. Will you dare to be open to the call? Can we help you listen and respond?
For further information check out
http://www.floridabenedictines.com/
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