Reflection: Matthew 18:1-5, 10, 12-14

Matthew 18:1-5, 10, 12-14 (20th Week of Ordinary Time)

In today’s Gospel, Jesus calls a child forth in response to the disciples’ question: “Who is the greatest in the kingdom?”  As he often does, Jesus does not respond directly to their question.  Instead, he calls a child over and tells them that if they want to enter the kingdom of heaven, they must be like this child! Did the disciples understand what Jesus meant? I doubt it!

Perhaps we need to ask ourselves:  how do we need to be like a child?  Jesus is not telling us to be “childish,” but to be “childlike!” What does this truly mean? What characteristics did Jesus associate with a child?  What “childlike qualities” does Jesus want us to nurture?  We can learn a great deal from children.  They are “just who they are” – and that is enough!   Let us also trust that this is what Jesus desires of us!

Reflection: Ezekiel 1, 2-5, 24-28c

 

Ezekiel 1, 2-5, 24-28c (20^th week of Ordinary Time)

In this reading, Ezekiel experiences “the hand of God coming upon him.”  What a powerful and perhaps frightening experience this must have been!  Given the fire, wind and four creatures that had wings, this reading could be the setting for one of today’s adventure movies.  In the midst of this, Ezekiel heard what he interpreted as the voice of God speaking to him!  Did Ezekiel wonder if it was his time to die?  Were horrible things about to happen to him?  Then Ezekiel is given a vision of what looked like a throne with a figure seated on the throne.  He must have thought he was losing his mind.  Could this possibly be real? 

Most of us do not have visions or apparitions.  If we did, we might wonder if we were going crazy.  However, there are times when we do not recognize “God is with us.”  God may seem absent or distant. At these times, we need to look intently for the signs (perhaps subtle ones) that God IS with us!  Let us pray for the trust to believe that God is always with us, especially during the confusing and bewildering times!

Reflection: Matthew 14:22-33

Matthew 14:22-33 (20th week of Ordinary Time)

Today’s reading from the Gospel of Matthew is the story of the apostles being tossed about by a violent storm at sea.  The wind was so fierce that the apostles were terrified that their boat would sink and they might even die! When Jesus walked on the water toward them, it seems that they would have been reassured. Instead they became even more afraid.

Even when Jesus spoke to them and reassured them that it truly was him, they still did not believe!  Peter replies, “If it really is you, Jesus, let me come to you.” Peter needed proof that this “apparition” truly was Jesus.  Jesus heeded Peter’s request by simply replying, “Come.” 

We all have some doubts inside us like Peter did. We often ask for “proof” of Jesus’ presence, Jesus’ call. In turbulent or painful times is Jesus also asking us to trust?  Are we willing to take the risk, step out and make that “trust walk,” believing that Jesus will enable us to get through our difficult times?  Let us pray for the grace to trust that Jesus is always with us — especially when we need him the most! 

Come to the Hope@ the Dome Youth Rally!

Have you heard about Hope @ the Dome Youth Rally on October 11, 2014? Sister Rachel is inviting all high school youth to attend! Register and find more information at www.thedome.org/hope.

Get our Simply Divine cookies at the Indiana State Fair!

Are you in the Indianapolis area? If so, stop by the state fair and check out our Simply Divine cookies in the DuPont Food Pavilion. 

 

New Vocations Leadership

The vocations department of the Sisters of St. Benedict of Ferdinand, Indiana, has a new leadership team of co-directors Sister Teresa Gunter and Sister Anita Louise Lowe. Providing assistance are Sisters Jackie Kissel, Rachel Geracitano, Jill Reuber, Barbara Jean Luebbehusen, Kathy Cash, Sarah Youngwirth, Jane Will, and Judy Dewig.

Read more on our web site.

A morning light

"My God turns my darkness into light." ~ The early morning light is beautiful this morning!

Winter Wonderland

This winter has been particularly long and harsh, but we've found some beauty in it. Enjoy these shots around the monastery during the snowy season. (Photos taken by Sister Kim Mandelkow.)