On Wednesdays at the motherhouse (and first Sundays), we have to opportunity to deepen our relationship with God through Eucharistic exposition, adoration, and benediction. I do wish to make it clear that Jesus is just as present in the tabernacle as he is in the monstrance. For this reason, the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity have tabernacles that contain the consecrated hosts 24/7, so that we can adore our Lord: Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity, outside of Mass. Yet there is something nice about the rituals of exposition and benediction, as well as being able to see the consecrated host.
I just spent some time in St. Mary's Chapel. What's cool is that above the monstrance is our crucifix, so I reflected on God's forgiving, unconditional love, and constant care for us through each and every moment of our lives. Saint Paul wrote it better than I could:
"What then shall we say to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but handed him over for us all, how will he not also give us everything else along with him? Who will bring a charge against God's chosen ones? It is God who acquits us. Who will condemn? It is Christ (Jesus) who died, rather, was raised, who also is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us.
"What will separate us from the love of Christ? Will anguish, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or the sword? As it is written: 'For your sake we are being slain all the day; we are looked upon as sheep to be slaughtered.' No, in all these things we conquer overwhelmingly through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor present things, nor future things, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." -Romans 8:31-39, NAB
Last night we went to a picnic that the Serrans had for local priests and religious. It is a nice tradition. Good fellowship, food, BINGO, and prizes. It was a lot of fun, and I was happy that all of our new postulants (Rose, Lindsey, Leslie, and Holly) won at least one BINGO game. It sure is nice to have the them all with us. They even started wearing their habits today! They look very nice. What wonderful people, too! It was great to spend more time with them at the picnic last night, too. You can read about our lovely new postulants here.
Left to Right: Leslie, Holly, Lindsey; Rose
Serrans do a LOT for vocations to the priesthood and religious life. It is truly incredible. (Click here for their website.) My maternal grandpa was a Serran, so I feel a special connection with them.
I am including a couple of my favorite songs that I think relate well to the call to the religious life:
Love Song for a Savior by Jars of Clay
Give Me Your Eyes by Brandon Heath (this video has lyrics)
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I hope you all are having a nice August!
Thanks for sharing so well Sister Monica and a wonderful Happy Feastday tomorrow! St. Monica...pray for us!
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Sister Monica! Congrats on the new postulants and I am a fan of Jars of Clay as well. I actually got to see them in concert in Philadelphia about 10 years ago.
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