Jericho Walk

 

Last week I had the privilege of participating in the LCWR (Leadership Conference of Women Religious). One of the most moving parts of the experience was participating in the Jericho Walk. The Jericho Walk is a form of non-violent public witness rooted in the Hebrew Scriptures, developed by the New Sanctuary Coalition in New York City dedicated to upholding human rights. Jericho Walks have been held around prisons, detention centers, where violence has happened in cities and in places where injustice is present.

The walk consists of gathering in a line and encircling the place where violence is present. We walked around the pool where a centerpiece naming and lamenting the injustices prevalent in our world were listed on beach balls in the water. During the traditional Jericho Walk, there are seven circuits of a route circling the object of prayer. During each circuit, we remained in silence, except for the sound of the shofar, the drum which guided our steps and the readings. During each circuit, three lamps of light and hope were placed into the pool representing our commitment make our actions match our words as we go forth from this space.

Between each circuit, we prayed the litany of saints, invoking the spirit of those who have spoken truth to power in our past and who represent the founders and foundresses of some of the congregations who were present.

It was a truly moving experience to see hundreds of sisters walking around the pool, standing in reverent silence, and praying for peace in our world. May we continue to seek peace in all we do.

Dreams Come True

On Wednesday, August 5th a dream became a reality. Earlier this spring, the Academy of Mt. St. Ursula Modern Band, sent in a demo tape to the New York Yankees. Weeks passed before a response came from the Yankees organization. The Modern Band did such a wonderful job that they were invited to sing the National Anthem at the Stadium. After weeks of practice they came to the Stadium to sing infront of thousands of fans. Although the start of the game was delayed by weather, it turned into a wonderful evening filled with school pride. The students delivered a beautiful performance, and we couldn't be prouder of the way they represented the Academy. The dream began with a simple recording and became a reality infront of countless fans, families, and friends.

This experience showed me the importance of persuing our dreams. We should not be afraid to take the risk and try things we never thought possible. Our loving God will never abandon us and will stand beside us always. We need to simply remember to ask for what we need.

Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

This Sunday we celebrate the Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. The liturgical readings focus heavily on the boundless, compassionate generosity of God and His ability to turn human scarcity into absolute abundance. In our readings we hear about God’s boundless generosity and His enduring love. The gospel is an excellent example of the fact that Jesus was fully human and fully divine. We begin hearing about the death of John the Baptist. Jesus did not have much time to grieve this loss as there was work to be done.

The Gospel continues with the story of the feeding of the five thousand. Jesus heals the crowds and multiplies the five loaves and two fish to satisfy over 5,000 people. Jesus took the bread, blessed it, broke it and shared it. This action foreshadows the institution of the Eucharist.

As we take time to pray this day let us remember Jesus’ humanity – he understood the pain and suffering that comes from profound loss. Jesus reaches out with deep compassion. Perhaps this is our call today – to reach out to others with deep compassion. 

Seventeenth Sunday of Ordinary Time

Today’s readings challenge us to evaluate what we truly value and treasure in our daily lives. In the first reading God invites Solomon to ask for anything, and he chooses an understanding heart over wealth or power. Solomon asks God for an understanding heart instead of power and might. Wisdom is the ability to see the world through God's eyes and make choices that align with His will. What would I ask God for?

The parables of the hidden treasure and the pearl of great price show that the Kingdom of God demands total commitment. In both stories, the finder sells everything joyfully because the prize outweighs the cost. Following Christ requires letting go of attachments that keep us from putting God first. One of my favorite songs is Dan Schutte's I Found the Treasure. This song became the theme for my final profession as an Ursuline Sister. It spoke to me some 39 years ago and still speaks to me today. It reminds me of all that I am called to embrace and follow.

Lord, to whom can I go?

You alone speak the words of life.

You alone on the earth

or in heaven above

are my Savior and my Lord.

I found the treasure in a field,

that neither time nor death can steal.

I will sell what I have,

give all that I am,

to hold this treasure as my own.

Jesus, Lord of my life,

I can ask for nothing more

than to see and believe

that my life lies in you,

in the kingdom of my Lord.

© Daniel Schutte and New Dawn Music 1985.

After the Storm

Yesterday was a day where the weather forecast called for severe storms throughout the day. It was a day where I found myself cleaning out old papers and shredding papers that I no longer needed. It was an interesting day in that I kept waiting for the storms to come while I was trying not to overheat the shredder. Needless to say there was another lesson in yesterday's attempt to clean out. I found out that the shredder would not allow me to go as quickly as I desired. I wanted to get the task done but had to wait for the shredder to cool down before I could continue.

The storms came and were very loud. The thunder was incredibly loud and the rains were intense. Watching the news later I saw how much rain fell in various places. There was flooding, plane delays and loss of power. Today the sun in shining beautifully and the weather is the total opposite of yesterday. After the storms a new day dawns. Perhaps this is what God is calling us to this day. Today is a reminder that God is always with us and keeps us enfolded in love and mercy. May we remember this day the God who loves us into life and keeps loving us more each day.

My Happy Place

 It seems that one of the best parts of summer is visiting what I like to call "my happy place." This morning I had the opportunity to visit one of my favorite beaches. It was a beautiful, clear day and because it was early the beach was not crowded. I walked down to the water and stood there just staring at the water. Before long I was completely mesmerized by the beauty of the water. The waves were gently breaking on the shoreline and I was struck by the reality that no two waves were alike. I was struck when a family -- mother, father, and two small children. The younger of the two, a toddler, kept trying to walk into the water. Her mother and father took turns trying to guide her ever so gently away from the water. Eventually the father reached down and picked up his wayward child.

Being by the water gave me the opportunity to reflect on the magnitude of God's abundant love and care for each one of us. I found myself relishing the beauty and peacefulness of the ocean. Everything I had been thinking about and stressing over was now out of my mind and heart. It was time for peace and serenity. Perhaps this week we can take some time to relish in God's infinite love for each one of us. May the God of love and peacefulness guide our hearts and minds.

250th Anniversary

 

This weekend we celebrated the 250^th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The celebration of 250 years was marked with tributes, firework displays, tall ships in the Hudson River, speeches, reenactments and great joy. During the celebration, we were also experiencing a major heat wave where temperatures were well over 100 degrees. There were shark sightings and at least one person received a shark bite, dangerous riptides, and storms that knocked down power lines. People were warned to hydrate and stay indoors as much as possible.

Perhaps one of the most beautiful parts of the celebration was the special on the Statue of Liberty. The Statue of Liberty ("Liberty Enlightening the World") is a universal symbol of freedom, democracy, and the United States' immigrant heritage, gifted by France in 1886 to honor American independence and friendship. It represents Enlightenment, opportunity, and the abolition of slavery, welcoming millions to America as a beacon of hope. On the base of the Statue is the poem written by Emma Lazarus entitled The New Colossus welcoming those who came to America’s shores seeking freedom.

Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
"Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she
With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

Even though Ellis Island no longer welcomes immigrants Lady Liberty remains a symbol of welcome and hope. May we continue to welcome those who seek liberty and freedom from oppression. As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, may we seek peace and justice in all we do. May God bless the United States of America.