Sunday Scripture - Reflection for March 10, 2024Scripture Reflection: March 10, 2024 - 4th Sunday of Lent 2 Chr 36:14-16, 19-23 Ps 137:1-2, 3, 4-5, 6 Eph 2: 4-10 Jn 3:14-21 Reading 1 History lesson – our sins continued mounting – we disgraced the temple. God was patient and warned us, and we disrespected the warnings. We ignored the warnings and our enemies destroyed the temple and took us captive until Persia came into power was charged to build God a house in Jerusalem and gave us back our freedom to be with our God. Responsorial Psalm Reflection on the history lesson when we were captive in a foreign land. We must not forget this lesson. Jerusalem is ahead of my joy. Reading 2 God gives us unending mercy and love despite our sins and transgressions. He has saved us through our faith. Let us gracefully accept our gift from God, the promise of Heaven. Gospel What a joy to read! Probably the first verse I learned as a child – God so loved the world… He gave us His Son, not to condemn us, but to bring us light and eternal life despite our sins and transgressions. This is our promise and our faith we must not ever lose. Remember the glorious Love we constantly receive for our Lord. Millie Foster Still Waters Community Fort Bend, Sugar Land, Texas
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By Tammy Townsend Denny, TI Executive Director This week in the office, Jenny, TI’s member and donor manager, noticed the unusual necklace I was wearing. I shared with her that it was a necklace I bought from an organization in Beijing that rescues women from human trafficking. I visited the organization when I was in China in 2013 and met some of the women who create these beautiful jewelry pieces. A casual observer would never know that some of the women had been sold into prostitution by their families, some had been lured into Beijing on false promises of work, and others had been dumped on the streets by families who could not afford to feed them. After explaining the necklace’s story to Jenny, she asked in that kind-hearted, humorous way that only friends who’ve known you for a lot of years can ask: “Do you ever associate with organizations that aren’t depressing?” (For clarification, she was referring to organizations that I have supported and volunteered with through the years. She didn't mean Theresians -- she loves all of you!) I thought about her question for a moment. Do I wallow in the ugliness of life? Perhaps, at times. Am I attracted to despair? Maybe. But I believe there is more to the story that I didn’t realize until she asked the question. “The necklace for me is a symbol of hope,” I finally explained. “It’s a reminder that, yes, there are horrible, awful, hideous things in this world but there is also hope.” The women who made the necklace are hope. The organization that helps them rise above a life of prostitution is hope. There is hope as the women take computer classes, learn to care for themselves, and address the traumas of their lives. Brian Doyle, in his book Grace Notes, writes that “the very essence of our common belief, the polestar by which we steer our lives, is the fact that a thin young Jewish man two thousand years ago insisted that life defeats death, hope defeats despair, light defeats darkness.” In that comfortable, clean, and safe space in Beijing over a decade ago, I saw the life, hope, and light of Christ radiate above the death, despair, and darkness of the women’s former lives. And isn’t that what we are invited to experience and contemplate in these days leading to Easter – a conversion of heart that leads to a new life of hope? Doyle goes on to write, “It may be that the human capacity to hope, to dream what might be, to have visions, is finally the reason we are here, the reason we evolved to this point, and our greatest responsibility as creatures of the Lord.” Then, he asks us to “chew on” some questions like: “Could our genius for hope be the only tool that in the end defeats suffering?” I don’t know but I hope so! Sunday Scripture - Reflection for March 3, 2024Scripture Reflection: March 3, 2024 - 3rd Sunday of Lent Ex 17:3-7 Jn 4:5-42 Our human bodies are comprised of sixty percent water. Doctors recommend that we drink six to eight glasses of water each day. It is no surprise that Scripture places such an emphasis on the necessity of water in both the first reading and in the gospel this Sunday. Stories of the Israelites complaining to Moses that they would die of thirst, and Jesus offering the Samaritan woman Living Water, reminded me of a recent sweet occurrence. Carson is the newest member of our family. His new parents sent out a video of one of his first baths. Carson was a bit fretful as his mom ever so gently lowered his head under warm tap water. An amazing thing happened next. As the warm liquid washed over his precious head, his body relaxed, and he smiled. There was complete trust and no fear. This ritual was a foreshadowing of his Baptism, where the Living Water of the Holy Spirit will initiate Carson into God’s family, where we find trust and no fear. Yes, water is crucial to life. The Israelites, the Samaritan woman, and Carson teach us that we cannot enter Eternity without Our Lord’s Living Water. Toni Hare Agape Garden Lafayette, LA A Swift LearningBy Tammy Townsend Denny, TI Executive Director This past weekend I was in Lake Charles, Louisiana for the Fleur de Lis District Morning of Prayer. Beth Eason, a member of the Theresians International Board of Directors and a Theresian in the S.I.S.T.E.R.S. community, hosted me at her home. During my stay with Beth, I had the opportunity to meet her 10-year-old granddaughter who is a “Swiftie” – a fan of the American pop music star Taylor Swift. One of the things you probably don’t know about me is that my favorite people to talk to are children before teenage snarkiness takes over their brains and elderly people who have long ago left behind the snarkiness of daily life. The stories, the insights, the openness of these two groups fill my heart with hope. Such was the case with Beth’s granddaughter who freely and graciously shared about being a Swiftie. When I asked her what her favorite song was, she said without hesitation, “marjorie” [lowercase intentional], then grabbed an iPad to let us listen to the song. I admit that while I love talking with kids, I am a bit judgmental about pop culture. My expectations for the “marjorie” song were pretty low. The best I hoped for was a catchy beat and some sappy, meaningless lyrics. But as I soon learned from Beth’s granddaughter, “marjorie” is a tribute to Taylor Swift’s grandmother, a lament of sorts. The song begins with some grandmotherly beatitude-like phrases: “Never be so kind, you forget to be clever Never be so clever, you forget to be kind.” And verse or so later, there are a few more beatitudes: “Never be so polite, you forget your power Never wield such power, you forget to be polite.” Within the lyrics of this pop song, I was surprised to hear a powerful message of resurrection, though I don’t know if that was Taylor Swift’s intention. She sings, “What died didn’t stay dead… You’re alive, so alive.” For me, the song brought to mind images of the disciples. Is this something they would have sung after the crucifixion? Are these words Mary Magdalene might have written? I invite you to set aside any judgment you might have about pop music and listen to “marjorie.” See what emerges for you. God’s message of love and hope can show up in some surprising places if you’re willing to open your heart and mind and listen. Continued prayers for you on your Lenten journey! Sunday Scripture - Reflection for February 25, 2024Scripture Reflection: February 25, 2024 - Second Sunday of Lent Gn 22:1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18 God put Abraham to the test. He called to him, "Abraham!" "Here I am!" he replied. "Here I am," Abraham answered to God's call. A test that he passed with flying colors. He trusted in the Lord and was willing to give his only son as a holocaust, and the Lord blessed him abundantly. As we go about our daily lives, we may not be sure if it is God's call that we are hearing. We usually don't know what is happening when important things happen in our lives. My awareness didn't come suddenly like it did for St Paul. It was a slow process of praying and being open to the Spirit before I realized that God was with me. Sometimes, I don't understand why things happen the way they do, but I trust that God is leading me the way I should go. Handing everything over to God does not mean that I stop trying. Trusting Him is trying to do all He says. I pray that I will continue to trust and have faith as Abraham did when my turn comes to obey his command. I hear his whispering in the silence of the Chapel, and I'm keeping my heart and ears open to His calling. Let us pray, "May the eyes of our hearts be enlightened, that we may know what is the hope that belongs to his call" (Ephesians 1:18). Margarita Prinz Day Luminaries Community, Lake Jackson, TX Sunday Scripture - Reflection for February 18, 2024Scripture Reflection: February 18, 2024 – First Sunday of Lent Gn 9:8-15 1 Pt 3:18-22 Mk 1:12-15 God’s love story with His creation is long-lasting. For the love of us: He repeatedly guided us, protected us, and corrected us. He made covenants and expected obedience. He sent His Beloved and only Son to redeem us, to give us life, and to show us the way. He wants us close, so Jesus Christ teaches us to get to His kingdom of glory and peace. God tells us through Jesus: “The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe in the gospel.” Eternal gratitude to our God and Lord. Thank you for always taking your beloved creation by hand! Thank you for keeping the covenants with Noah and Abraham! Thank you for Your unlimited mercy and love! Thank you for not hiding Your face from those who love you! Thank you always, The Holy, I am! My heart is full of joy and gratitude. Consuelo de Souza Silva East Valley and North Mountain Communities, Phoenix, Arizona Entering Lenten JourneyBy Tammy Townsend Denny, TI Executive Director As we enter the Lenten season, I would like to share with you a few resources that might help guide you through the next few weeks. Katie Kibbe, who offered a three-part virtual series for Theresians (available here, here, and here) and presented at the Houston Morning of Reflection, has written a wonderful piece entitled “Is Lent a Season of Self Improvement?” She invites us to ponder a Lent that is not about a “personal improvement plan” but rather is about “committing to love.” On the Lenten episode of the podcast “Beyond the Habit,” hosts Sister Erin McDonald and Sister Colleen Gibson talk with author Sister Joyce Rupp about prayer and self-compassion. Listen here. And, at The Light Project, they are offering a “One Tough Bloom” Lenten Bundle that you can order for $35. The bundle includes a journal, zinnia seeds, and a booklet of guided reflections. Week One begins with our patroness St. Thérèse of Lisieux! Wherever and how ever you begin this Lent, please know that my prayers are with you! Sunday Scripture - Reflection for February 11, 2024Scripture Reflection: February 11, 2024 – 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time, 2024 Lev 13:1-2, 44-46 Mark 1: 40-45 Reflecting on today’s readings, I am struck by the contrast in Leviticus and the Gospel reading from Mark. Both deal with leprosy. In Leviticus, the person afflicted is commanded by the Law to go to the priest, who will determine if the person has leprosy. If so, then he is banished from his village for the rest of his life. In the gospel reading, a man with leprosy approaches Jesus. Despite his uncleanness, he is not afraid to get “up close and personal” with Jesus. He has complete faith in Jesus’ compassion and ability to make him clean. What trust and courage! I am touched by the man’s humility and his lack of assumption about how Jesus will respond. The leper humbly makes his request for healing, but only if “Jesus wills it.” Jesus responds by immediately making the man clean! What is the reason that the two stories end so differently? It is as simple and as complex as the presence of Jesus and his merciful love shown in the gospel. Jesus longs to “cleanse” us of whatever it is that needs healing in our lives. Just like the leper, we need to approach Jesus with humility, praying for the faith to accept God’s response – and trusting that “Jesus’ will be done.” Melanie Hartshorn Spiritual Springs Community Fort Bend, Texas Have you checked on the leaders in your life lately?By Tammy Townsend Denny, TI Executive Director
Have you checked on the leaders in your life lately? The pastor at your church, how’s he doing? Your local or district Theresian leader, how is she? Your family’s matriarch, is she OK? Your manager at work, is she/he struggling or doing well? The chairperson of your homeowner’s association, the principal of your child’s school, or the owner of your favorite store, how are they this week? Sometimes we may think leaders have everything figured out. They may speak with ease and seem to move gracefully through challenges. They may exude a confidence that makes us think they need no help. But as we will read on the first Sunday of Lent, even Jesus had angels who ministered to him (Mark 1:13). This Lent, I encourage you to consider giving to others (almsgiving) by checking on the leaders in your life. Pause and ask your pastor, your child’s principal, or your manager, “Is there anything you need – anything I can do -- that would make your work easier?” I challenge you to be the angel who ministers to and is there for the leaders in your life. Sunday Scripture - Reflection for February 4, 2024Scripture Reflection: February 4, 2024 – 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time Mark 1:29-39 There was a long line of people waiting at the door of Simon’s House. There were many people wanting to meet the healer. The following morning Jesus went into the gardens, he sought the darkness of the wilderness to pray. Jesus kept going off to find quiet places to pray. Jesus prayed for the guidance of his Father. What happened to Simon’s mother-in-law? Jesus simply takes her hand; her fever is gone, and she is lifted up. Her response to the miracle is to get busy serving him. This precious woman that has no documented name is Jesus’s first deacon. Today we continue to be part of miracles. Perhaps some of us might go into the dark wilderness to get close to God in prayer. This is where we meet God, and sometimes our fears, face to face. It is in solitude and darkness that we find our purpose and learn to trust completely in God’s will. We can talk to him about anything. There are times we pray spontaneously. We do not have to wait in line for healing. Jesus knows your heart and is always waiting for our prayers. He is by our side, take your troubles to him, put your trust in our Lord. Simons mother in-law gets busy serving in gratitude. Prayer often prompts spiritual restoration. With our purpose to love, healing begins. May we each be part of a community and family filled with the love of spirit. As with Simon’s mother-in-law we will grow in grateful love for the ways he raises us up. Janice LeMond Companions on the Journey Community, Austin, TX |
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