Pope Francis

 On Easter Monday most of the world arose to the news that Pope Francis had died at his residence. The cause of death was a massive stroke. When I first saw the news on my phone I had a momentary sense of disbelief. I quickly turned on the television and the first news item I saw was that indeed Pope Francis had died. I had an instant overwhelming sense of sadness. I remember being in my classroom after school when Francis was elected. A few of us were watching the news from the Vatcian and when he first came out on the balcony I remember being struck by his humility and his smile. I remember being so touched by him when he asked the crowd to pray for him. Francis asked the world to pray for him as he began this new role.

I have several memories of being in his presence at different events. I had the honor of accompanying our Choir to Rome as they were to sing at a Mass with Pope Francis. The choir sang beautifully at the Mass with the Sistine Chapel Choir. We were seated behind the altar where Francis was presiding so we had an upclose view of him. What stood out for me at this event was his tender smile that radiated a deep joy. On that same trip we had the opportunity to go to a Wednesday general audience with the Pope. Our tour guide had alerted the choir director to be ready when our school's name was announced to break into song. The choir was ready and sang an Alleluia and as they did Pope Francis was tapping his foot to the music. It was a moment of joy and the girls where thrilled with his reaction

When Pope Francis came to New York I had the opportunity to go to Madison Square Garden for the Mass. It was a wonderful experience. After standing in line for over three hours we finally went through the security gates and entered the Garden. Our seats were up on the second level but were very close to the altar so we were able to see everything. It was an expereince of grace and the love for Pope Francis was papable.

Pope Francis lived his life welcoming all -- rich, poor, outcast -- as his brothers and sisters. He worked tirelessly for the poor and less fortunate. May we remember all that Francis taught us and live our lives at the service of others. May he rest in peace.

Easter Blessing

 

Alleluia! Happy Easter!

A friend shared this reflction with me and I found it perfect for the celebration of Easter. 

Today, we stand before the silence of the tomb of our Savior, Jesus. A profound silence, which invites us to enter into ourselves and question ourselves. 

What have I offered of myself out of love for others?

To what path of peace and justice is Christ calling me today?

What is it that holds back my confidence in following Jesus without fear?

From that silent tomb, a light emerges, a joy that nothing, not even the power of men, can extinguish. This Easter light illuminates the darkness of our lives.

May it illuminate you, wherever you feel closed in...

May it become a source of strength, peace, and confidence, so that you can accomplish what Christ is calling you to do today.

Passion Sunday

 

Today we celebrate Palm Sunday the beginning of Holy Week.  For the next week we will recall Jesus’ suffering, death and resurrection. The Gospel for today is Luke’s Passion Narrative. Mass began with the palms being blessed recalling Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Every time I hear the Passion Narrative something always strikes me. Today I found myself listening as the centurion says, “this man was innocent beyond a doubt.” The second thing that struck me was the interchange between Jesus and the two thieves crucified with Him. One of them recognized the gift and value of God and asked Jesus to remember him. We too are called to recognize the gift of Jesus. This week during our journey to Calvary with Jesus may we increase our faith knowing that our loving God is always present to us.

Blessings on this Holy Week.

Fifth Sunday of Lent

 

Today we hear the familiar story of the Woman Caught in Adultery. What should we focus our vision on right now? We should focus on God. On what God is doing right now. In this story what Jesus does in the present moment is what holds value – not just for the woman but for all those gathered around trying to make sense of who Jesus is and what his brand of faithfulness actually entails.

Jesus refuses to get into the debate about the value of the law. Instead, he asks those gathered around to consider their own faithfulness. The scribes and Pharisees have dragged this woman into the temple area in order to exploit her sin for their own purposes. Jesus does not engage in this enterprise at all. Have you ever wondered – what in the world is he writing in the sand? What a strange reaction. Maybe he’s writing out a list of their sins or hinting at them. Whatever it is, though, it works, and everyone leaves, including the judgmental religious leaders. Instead, he waits for the crowd to disperse, and then engages the person. Jesus does not address her sin, he addresses her fear of condemnation, assuring her that she is not condemned. She is not perfect as we too are imperfect.

I remember being on retreat once and the director had me reflect on this scripture. We were at a house near a beach, and she encouraged me to go and walk on the beach and to sit on the sand and write what I heard Jesus saying to me. It was an extremely powerful prayer experience. I sat on the beach for a long time and kept writing in the sand smoothing it out and writing again. As I sat there, I kept thinking about the woman and what she must have felt. In the end she felt Jesus’ love and mercy and that is all that mattered.