A Pearl of Great Price

Harbor at Nantucket, Massachusetts

This weekend I attended mass at a nearby parish.  I sat in the congregation a little uncomfortable at the strangers around me.  Only one kind soul greeted me with a hello while another young lady a smile.  All the other parishioners were absorbed in their own matters unaware of the visitor among them. A natural reaction I get in most Catholic churches.  Perhaps a husband next to me or a child by the hip would have elicited a little more attention. (Hopefully not the screaming child sort

of stares!)  I do not mind being left alone.  It gives me more private time with Jesus!!

When I peeked up at the crucifix on the wall behind the altar, I immediately felt peacefulness.  My mind that often spins incessantly with negative and self-deprecating thoughts began to quiet down as I admired the crucifix and the beautiful stain glass window above it.  Christ died for us!  It is hard to imagine anyone desiring to die for ALL of us fallen women and men so torn up, battered up, messed up physically and mentally. We dismiss Him.  We are too busy to pray to Him.  We often forget Him as we scramble throughout life consuming and hoarding!

How many of us rather sleep in on a Sunday morning than get up early to attend mass?  How many of us , if we do go to mass, don't even listen to the readings or the priest's homily?  We are wondering when that out of tune choir will stop singing or the long communion end!  We lose focus on the fruit of the mass:  To worship Our Lord, breaking bread and wine with one another as a community.  Celebrating Christ's death and resurrection with the utmost reference and respect. 

In the gospel reading, the merchant sold all he had to purchase a pearl of great price.  Something so rare and so extraordinary that he could not let it go!  Are we willing to let go of our own habits and hang-ups to grow closer to Our Lord?  Are we willing to step out of our own selfishness and open our arms wide to help the foreigner, the disabled, and the prisoner?  What is considered a pearl of great price in our hearts - some expensive meaningless "thing" or Jesus Christ?

What are we willing to sell to live a fuller life of great price?  A life of freedom and love.  A life with God at the center.  He loves us so very much! How can we turn away from Him?

-J.

Resurrected from the Past

Summer 2017 has arrived and as my life settles down just a wee little bit I got to thinking about this blog.  Boy, has my life changed since August 2016 when I last penned a post.  I thought it would be nice to resurrect my blog, adding a few reflections as the Holy Spirit moves me.

In the past year, I have entered a new career in healthcare.  My very good income and absence of maintaining a house allows me to travel more.  In 18 months I have traveled to Rome, Vatican City, and even the Holy Land.  Just last month I was blessed to participate in a mission, helping the people of Piura, Peru rebuild from the devastating floods that hit the city this past Spring.  Despite their immense poverty, the Pervuvian people have a joyfulness and faithfulness.  I will share some of my stories from this incredible trip.

I celebrate my accomplishments  as well as learn from many mistakes.  (Speeding through a school zone on driver's auto pilot is a costly no no!) I've e experienced times of misunderstanding, selfishness, and even anger.  Life is hard.  Life is a challenge.  Life is worth living even as I go through the highs and the lows.  I know I would never have grown into the mature woman of today if it wasn't for my closeness to Our Lord and Our Blessed Mother. 

I have taken a long sabbatical away from my Lay Dominican commitments.  I found my life transitions were a bit overwhelming and needed time to discern my vocation.  I am pleased to say thay I am now back to following the rule as a Lay Dominican to the best of my abilities. 

 Now that I have traveled to pilgrimage sites and participated in mission work I understand the importance of evangelization.  What better way to share the Word than returning to the blogsphere?  It is nice to be back to the writing that I love.

-J.