 |
Advent Reflections by Missionary Sisters - Second Sunday December 6, 2009
Again this year during Advent, four Missionary Sisters have prayerfully reflected on the readings for each week and have chosen one on which to share their thoughts. This week’s reflection is by Sr. Grace Waters, MSC. These short reflections challenge us as we prepare in waiting for Christ’s coming.
Second Sunday of Advent
December 6, 2009
Bar 5: 1-9, Phil 1:4-6, 8-11
Advent is a time of Wonder!
The liturgical season is a reminder of how God’s plan of salvation is continually being fulfilled with every generation. In spite of all the turmoil in our world and society God is faithful to all of creation. Advent is a time of wonder, a time of reflecting on God’s love for us!
Today’s first reading from Baruch is only one of many ways that God tells us of our identity in Him. “We are named by God forever the peace of God’s justice and the glory of God’s love”. (Baruch 5:4) Being named means to be possessed and loved by the one who names the individual. (The Jerome’s Biblical Commentary)
The second reading relates the same message to the Philippians from Paul. Paul reminds them not to forget who they are and whose they are. John the Baptist in the Gospel was ‘named’ by Jesus as the greatest prophet. John was chosen by God to announce how God’s love is now being fulfilled in a new way through Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God.
My personal experience of being identified as one loved and possessed by God is when He allowed the interruption of my daily routine of religious life. Decreasing religious vocations, closing of institutions, changing of community structures had me spinning. The last 30 years God turned my little world upside down, only to put me on the right side of His immense world!
God also led my community to return to a greater awareness of our founding charism. We rediscovered the wisdom of the first rule of 1882, written by St. Frances Xavier Cabrini our Foundress.
“In order to accomplish more completely the good the Institute proposes to do on behalf of our neighbors, it would be helped by persons of good will. They would generously offer themselves for the service of others under the title of Coadjutors, women and men (Companions) of the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. They could be chosen from every state, age and conditions so long as they wish to be of service. These Coadjutors will have suitable rules which direct them in their conduct and practices. However, the practices proposed for their regulation should not in the least infringe on the duties of their state.” (Oct 15, 1882)
Returning to our roots we were called toward new life by developing Cabrini Mission Corps, Cabrini Lay Missionaries, Cabrini Companions and working with the laity who are directly involved in all of our ministries. These are the individuals who are our prophets of today.
“They also are called (named) by God from whom they receive a mission on behalf of the Church and the world”. (The Vocation and the Mission of the Lay Faithful in the Church and in the World, John Paul II, December 1988)
I pray that we are opened to the God of Wonder who sets new life before us during the Advent Season!
~ Sr. Grace Waters, msc
|
|
|
Nephew of Maria Bienes
Mary Peterson Bizzo
Judy Dorros
Joe Lanski
Dennis O'Hara
Mary Capece O'Hara
Barbara Beck Peterson
Elizabeth Plata de Padilla
Robert and Zachary
James Rodriguez
David Wetula
Joseph Wetula
|
|
Mayli Bienes Barbara Peterson Grande Kiril Miltenov
|
|
|
Contact Us