Feast of St. Francis

Today marks the 800th anniversary of the death (or Transitus) of Saint Francis of Assisi, with his feast day celebrated on October 4. St. Francis, the patron saint of nature, was known for his deep love and reverence for God’s creation, seeing all of creation as one shared family.

As the Season of Creation ends, let us continue to be people of peace, simplicity and those who care for all of creation. Creation is both gift and sacred responsibility for all people. Each one of us is called to care for our planet. May we listen deeply to the cry of our Earth and those affected by environmental harm. As we celebrate St. Francis’ Feast Day let us recall his prayer for peace.

Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi (Prayer for Peace)

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy.

O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console,
to be understood as to understand,
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

May the spirit of Saint Francis deepen our commitment to protect all life and our world.

 

.

Litany of St. Angela

 

Litany of Angela (Barbara Becnel, OSU, adapted)

For the unity of heart and will and for the courage to change with the times, . . .

Angela who waited on the guidance of the Spirit, hear our prayer.....

For discernment when to support and when to challenge

Angela, comforter of those who mourn, hear our prayer

Angela, woman of vision and woman of daring, empower us…..

Angela for harmony and well-being intercede for us.

Angela, woman filled with the wisdom of age, give us the wisdom we need to act.

Angela, peacemaker and reconciler of broken relationships, hear our prayer        

Angela, for perseverance to follow the Spirit give us the wisdom and courage we need.

Angela, we pray for the humility to realize that we have God and all creation on our side   

Angela, peacemaker and reconciler of broken relationships, hear our prayer

Angela, who was a woman of optimism and joy give us the wisdom we need to act.

Angela, friend of those in need; woman of prayer who found her refuge at the feet of Jesus empower and strengthen us.   

Angela, pilgrim traveler through life and one who delighted in the unexpected, assist us in our need.

St. Angela was a woman of her times and cared for all people. May we model St. Angela's way caring for one another, helping one another, and seeking Jesus in all that we do.

For All That Has Been...

On Friday and Saturday we celebrated the ending of our Province as we are becoming a Region. It was a time to remember, celebrate and believe. The theme for these days was Dag Hammarskjöld's diary entry, “For all that has been — Thanks. For all that shall be — Yes.” It was a truly wonderful experience.

On Friday, we prayed in thanksgiving and hope. We had the opportunity to name someone who had touched our life or an experience that had impacted our life. As we shared we were invited to place a stone into a bowl of water. After everyone had shared  we processed outdoors to a tree that was to be planted on our property and blessed the tree. Each table brought their bowl with the stones and water and poured it into the potted tree. After each group poured their bowl we sang  “For all that has been we say Thanks, O Lord. For all that shall be we say Yes, O Lord. For the life that we share we say Thanks, O Lord.” It provided a beautiful mantra for the ritual. We then shared a video of remembrance of our sisters past and present using the song Standing on the Shoulders. After a short break we shared our hope for our new region. These hopes were written on a leaf and then placed on the model of the banner that is being made for us. We wanted a visible remembrance of the day and look forward to receiving the banner after it is quilted.

On Saturday we celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving with our associates, friends and colleagues. It was a wonderful way to complete the weekend of celebration. As we move into our new reality as a Region it will be a time of transition and hope. May we continue to be women of gratitude and hope as we move forward into the future.

We Remember and Pray

 

On Friday, September 11, 2026, we commemorated the 25^th anniversary of 9/11. In the days prior we experienced many remembrance programs, and the focus was on that day when the world changed forever. Many recalled where they were and what they were doing on that day. It was a time to remember and honor those who were lost that day and those who were lost as a result of that day.

I have clear and vivid memories of that day and yet as each year passes, I am struck by the new things I am learning about those who were impacted that day. This year I was particularly stuck by the coverage on the first recorded fatality, Fr. Michael Judge. Fr. Judge voluntarily went to the site to pray with rescue workers who were entering the tower. The images of his death will forever be in my mind and heart.

As we mark this 25^th anniversary may we once again become the nation we were on September 12^th. May we become once again people who seek peace and harmony in all we do. Let us continue to pray for all who paid the ultimate price that fateful day and seek peace in all we do.

 

God of compassion, we remember the sorrow of this day.
We hold in prayer the innocent lives lost.
We honor the courage of first responders.
We lift up families who still grieve.

Lord Jesus, you embraced the Cross of human suffering.
You know our fear, our pain, our loss.
Let your mercy bring healing and hope.
Let your love overcome hatred and division.

Holy Spirit, breathe peace into our world.
Strengthen us to walk the way of compassion.
Make us witnesses of the Cross of Christ.
May love be the last word, now and forever.

Amen.

A Labor Day Prayer

 

As the sun rises to bring in the new day:

We remember those who descend into the earth, their work begins in darkness, pulling from the earth the resources we steward.

We remember those who work inside a building away from the light and brightness of the day.

We remember those who work outside in the harsh elements of our world, the bitter cold and sweltering heat of extremes.

We remember those who do not have a job to go to, who are struggling to meet the needs of their daily living expenses, for whom the day becomes long and arduous.

As the sun sets to bring in the evening of rest:

We remember those who work in the night.

We remember those who are trying to recover from their labor and toils of the day.

We remember those who participate in unsafe and dangerous work.

We pray for a renewed sense of dignity in their lives and in their work.

God, in your goodness, you have made a home for the worker. Make a place in our hearts for compassion to the men and women who labor tirelessly for basic necessities. Ensure a place for the men and women who are struggling to find work. Grant us your wisdom to greet and care for those who are unable to work due to illness or circumstances that prevent their participation. Be with the children who are not able to run and play but instead must put in a hard day’s work to help their family afford to eat, to live. Be with us all, Christ Jesus, as we go about the busyness of our work. Hold us accountable not only for our actions, but most importantly to each of our neighbors. May we continue to work together to bring about your reign! We ask this in your holy name, through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen. (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops)

Season of Creation

This year, the Season of Creation invites us to reflect on the prophet Ezekiel’s vision (47:1–12) of a life-giving river flowing from the temple of God—growing without stopping and bringing life wherever it flows. The Season of Creation begins on September 1 and ends on October 4th, the Feast of St. Francis.

Water heals, restores, and helps creation flourish. It also calls us to recognize the damage we have done to our common home, embrace our interconnectedness, and take responsibility for healing and restoration.

Religious leaders from around the world invite us to enter this year’s Season of Creation: Living Water as a journey of faith and action. May it inspire us to transform awareness into action and commitment into hope, so that the healing of the Earth and human well-being may flourish together.

Watch and share the full video: https://youtu.be/xVVZ8LSpcRk

Who Do You Say I Am?

Today's Gospel for the Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time shows us Jesus asking this question of those who were closest to Him. He asks this of Peter someone who He considers a friend. He has watched Peter give up his livelihoodand his daily routine to follow Him. This moment allows Peter to acknowledge if he understands why he has sacrificed so much. Peter understands that Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Peter gives Jesus the answer that shows he understands: "You are Christ, the Son of the Living God." He fully understands what Jesus' purpose is.

I love this Gospel as it was the Gospel for my Reception, my First Profession and my Final Profession. This day some thirty-nine years ago I professed my First Vows as and Ursuline Sister of the Roman Union Eastern Province. Over these years I have often reflected on this Gospel. My answer has grown deeper over the years. I have seen many changes in my community over these years but my rootedness to living the Gospel has not changed. This is a day, whereever I am or whatever I am doing I take time to reflect on what has been and pray for the grace to accept what is to come.

Like Peter, we too, are called to action. We are called to live our lives knowing who Jesus is for ourselves. Our understanding of Jesus continues to grow each day when we surrender our lives to Him. We are called to continually find our treasure and share it with others. May our loving God continually call us to a deeper relationship so that we have the courage to go out and tell the good news to all.

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.

Pray for Venezuela

On Wednesday our brothers and sisters in Venezuela suffered two devastating earthquakes resulting in tremendous damage and loss of life. Aid has begun to arrive, and many nations have begun to send support and rescue teams. There have been many rescues and stories of those who sacrificed their lives protecting others. Catholic Relief Services share the prayer below for Venezuela. Let us continue to pray for the victims and those who are serving as rescue workers.

Father's Day

Today we celebrate Father's Day. It is a day when we honor all fathers, and father figures. As we celebrate this day let us pray for all father's that they may continnue to be blessed and respected for all they do. Happy Father's Day to all.

God took the strength of a mountain,

The majesty of a tree,

The warmth of a summer sun,

The calm of a quiet sea,

The generous soul of nature,

The comforting arm of night,

The wisdom of the ages,

The power of the eagle's flight,

The joy of a morning in spring,

The faith of a mustard seed,

The patience of eternity,

The depth of a family need,

Then God combined these qualities,

When there was nothing more to add,

He knew His masterpiece was complete,

And so, He called it ... Dad

Make a Difference

Today we celebrate the Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time. In our Gospel today we hear the story of the sending out of the disciples. Jesus was moved with pity at the sight of the crowds for they were like sheep without a shepherd. Gathering the disciples he told them, "The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few, so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest." Jesus sent the twelve out with authority over unclean spirits to drive them out and to cure every disease and every illness. He further instructed them to give without cost and preach to all people.

This probably felt like a tremendous burden for the disciples. They were to go where they would potentially be rejected. These were fishermen not scholars. Humble men who were doing as they were told. Jesus called his disciples to make a difference. He sent them out to cure illnesses and preach the good news. Today we are called to do the same. We are called to make a difference in our world. Our world is very troubled right now and we are called to rise above that trouble and reach out in compassion and mercy.

There is a wonderful story of a young child on the seashore. The child is standing amid thousands of starfish who are on the shore out of the live giving water they needed. The child was standing there picking them up and tossing them back into the ocean. An older man came upon the sight and stood laughing at the child. He told the child, "You can't possibly save them all." As the child pitched another starfish back he said to the man,"Made a difference to that one." I love this story as it shows what we are called to do. We are called to simply make a difference in the way we can. Our loving God calls us to act justly, love tenderly, and walk humbly with God. Let us strive to make a difference in the way we can.

Feast of Corpus Christi

Today we celebrate the Feast of Corpus Christi. Corpus Christi is Latin for the “Body of Christ.” In the Catholic Church in the West, Corpus Christi is celebrated as a solemnity on the Sunday following the Most Holy Trinity Sunday since the liturgical reforms of Vatican II. At its core the solemnity is a celebration of the Tradition and belief in the Eucharist as the Real Presence of the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. In the Eucharistic prayer we hear proclaimed, “the bread of life, the cup of salvation.”

Bernadette Farrel has a song, “Bread for the World” which spoke deeply to me today.

Bread for the world A world of hunger Wine for all people People who thirst May we who eat Be bread for others May we who drink Pour out our love

Lord Jesus Christ You are the bread of life Broken to reach and heal the wounds Of human pain Where we divide Your people You are waiting there On bended knee To wash our feet with endless care

Lord Jesus Christ You are the wine of peace Poured into hearts once broken And where dryness sleeps Where we are tired and weary You are waiting there To be the way which beckons us Beyond despair

May we take time this day to reflect on the meaning of Jesus’ real presence in the Eucharist. Whether you participate in a Eucharistic procession or simply spend time in prayer this day may we continue to see Jesus as the bread of life and the cup of salvation.

Trinity Sunday

Today we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Trinity. The Holy Trinity has been something that theologians have defined for a very long time.  Does God love me? It is a question that we most often ask. In our Gospel today we hear the familiar story from John’s gospel that “God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.” God’s love is always there for us.

In our world today there is so much pain and suffering. Watching the news can be painful at times. There are arrests, protests, hunger strikes, and violence. Our political situation continues to be contentious. I often find myself asking the question, why do we treat one another so badly? It is a question that is totally opposite of the quote from John’s Gospel.

As we are called this day to be people of faith, hope and love, let us take to heart the call in our scriptures today. The call is to be a people of peace, hope, and love. May we take time this day to look into our hearts and see what God is truly calling us to. We are called to act with justice, we are called to love one another, we are called to walk humbly with our loving God. Our loving God invites us to act with compassion, to have hearts full of gratitude. Let us live in the hope of God’s promise for each of us.

Pentecost Sunday

The word Pentecost comes from the Greek word meaning “fiftieth.” The feast is celebrated fifty days after Easter Sunday, which is why it always falls at the end of the Easter season. The event of Pentecost is described in Acts 2. The apostles were gathered in Jerusalem when a sound like a mighty wind filled the house, and “tongues as of fire” appeared and rested on each of them. Filled with the Holy Spirit, they began to speak in different languages, proclaiming the mighty works of God to Jews from many nations who had gathered in the city.

Pentecost is important because it reveals the Holy Spirit’s mission in the life of the Church. Jesus did not leave his disciples to carry out the gospel by their own strength. He sent the Holy Spirit to guide, sanctify, strengthen, and unite them.

Pentecost is often called the “birthday of the Church.” I remember as a child celebrating this special day with my family. It was a day that included a special meal and a cake for dessert. We celebrated the Holy Spirit in a special way that day.

One of my favorite Pentecost hymns is Send Us Your Spirit by Dan Schutte

1. Send us your spirit O Lord. Evening enfolds us and holds us too near. Wake the morning light. Make our living bright. Shine on our darkness O Lord. 

 2. Hold us with mercy O Lord. Sorrow has spoken, has broken our hearts. Clothe us in your care. Be the life we bear. Feed us and fill us O Lord. 

3. Teach us your wisdom O Lord. Shadows have clouded, have crowded our sight. Give us hearts that see. Set our loving free. Hear us and help us O Lord.

4. Send us good summer O Lord. Winters have chilled us and stilled u too long. Give us love's own fire. Be our true desire. Send us yoru spirit O Lord. .

            © Daniel L. Schutte and New Dawn Music, 1985.

May we see the Spirit among us in a new way today.

Pace e Bene

On May 13, ACWR (Archdiocesan Council of Women Religious) held a meeting at Mariandale Retreat Center featuring a presentation by Pace e Bene, an organization dedicated to fostering justice, peace, and the well-being of all through education, resources, and action for nonviolent change.

Sam Chawla-Rios, representing Pace e Bene, presented the unique work of this organization and its approach to navigating the complexities of working for peace. Sam explained the “two hands of peace.” One hand is raised to stop evil, refuse cooperation with it, and take a stance of nonviolent interference. The other hand is extended in love and compassion, saying, “I have faith that you can do better.”

Sam also spoke about the different dimensions of peace: peace within ourselves, with one another, within society and culture, and with the earth. He introduced the Gandhian “Iceberg” model, in which direct action is the visible portion, while constructive programs for peace and self-purification remain largely hidden beneath the surface.

The visible aspects include protest, safety teams, singing revolution, contact with government representatives, support for legislation, non-cooperation, boycotts, preparation for shutdowns, and illuminating injustice by speaking openly about it.

The less visible aspects include communication skills, empathy circles, active listening, and fostering the capacity to love through grief circles, where immigrants can express their fears and hopes. This work also encourages a shift in consciousness toward the “Beloved Community,” supported by art, music, and writing, such as Love Letter to an ICE Agent by Kaira Jewel Lingo. The hidden dimension also emphasizes peace within oneself through meditation, prayer, slowing down, limiting exposure to mainstream news, seeking out nonviolent news sources such as Nonviolent News, finding beauty, and continuing to learn.

Sam encouraged everyone to reflect on their own spheres of influence and to engage in this important work, recognizing its demonstrated effectiveness. 

How can you practice nonviolence this week?

Mother's Day Prayer

 

Today we celebrate Mother's Day. This is a day to honor all mother's living and deceased. Let us pray for all mother's this day that they may know our gratitude for all they have done.

A Prayer in Gratitude for Our Mothers

Good and Gentle God,
we pray in gratitude for our mothers and for all the women of theory who have joined with you in the wonder of bringing forth new life. You who became human through a woman, grant to all mothers the courage they need to face the uncertain future that life with children always brings.
Give them the strength to live and to be loved in return, not perfectly, but humanly.
Give them the faithful support of husband, family and friends as they care for the physical and spiritual growth of their children.
Give them joy and delight in their children to sustain them through the trials of motherhood. Most of all, give them the wisdom to turn to you for help when they need it most.

• Author Unknown
• 
  
  
  

Fifth Sunday of Easter

 

Today we hear the familiar story from John’s Gospel (John 14: 1-12) that assures us that in God’s house there are many dwelling places. Jesus assures us that om God’s house there are many dwelling places. In God’s house we all belong. There are many places in God’s house, and we all belong.

As I prayed this morning, the song Room at the Table by Carrie Newcomer kept coming to mind. The lyrics are:

Let our hearts not be hardened to those living on the margins
There is room at the table for everyone
This is where it all begins this is how we gather in
There is room at the table for everyone

Too long we have wandered burdened and undone
But there is room at the table for everyone
Let us sing the new world in this is how is all begins
There is room at the table for everyone

There is room for us all
And no gift is too small
There is room at the table for everyone
There's enough if we share
Come on pull up a chair
There is room at the table for everyone

No matter who you are no matter where you're from
There is room at the table for everyone
Here and now we can be the beloved community
There is room at the table for everyone

Songwriter: Carrie Ann Newcomer

This song has always had a profound impact on my heart. Jesus tells us that there is a place for everyone in God’s kingdom. Let us continue to have faith in the promise of Jesus that we will always be with God. God is love and all who live in God shall always be with God.

Good Shepherd Sunday

 

The Fourth Sunday of Easter is traditionally called Good Shepherd Sunday. John’s Gospel focuses on Jesus as the Good Shepherd. In a homily I heard the priest referred to mothers as being the Good Shepherds. They bring us into the world, shepherd and protect us. Mothers are always here in the background protecting and guiding us. Mothers give life and show us how to live. Guide us on our journey through life. Let us always give thanks to our mothers for giving us the gift of life and guiding us through it.

Today we also celebrate the 63rd Annual World Day of Prayer for Vocations. Known as "Good Shepherd Sunday," the day focuses on urging the faithful to pray for, and raise awareness of, vocations to the priesthood, diaconate, and consecrated life, encouraging young people to respond to God’s call to service. 

Pope Leo XIV’s message for 2026 emphasizes "The Interior Discovery of God's Gift," highlighting vocations as an intimate dialogue with God in a noisy world, requiring silence and prayer to hear His call. Let us continue to support one another as we continue the journey of life. May we pray for and with one another as we seek the Lord’s desire for us.

Road to Emmaus

 

Today we hear the familiar story of the road to Emmaus. The two disciples are on their way from Jerusalem to Emmaus. They were conversing about all the things that had occurred. We hear how energized they had been by the life they had experienced in Jesus, and about how they were reeling from his suffering and death. And then a stranger walked with them, asking them why they looked so downcast. How could he not know about the things that had happened? Whoever this stranger was, they felt comfortable enough to share their raw disappointment about what had happened to Jesus. They had hoped that Jesus would be the one to redeem Israel. Their hopes were dashed.

In many ways the disciples represent us. At the Eucharist Jesus joins us in a special way. Jesus is always with me, guiding me, helping me to be joyful, and to give me hope and joy. One of my favorite songs for this time is In the Breaking of the Bread by Michael Ward. It reminds me that God is at work in us, as God was through Jesus, leading us to walk through the loss of the past, and any turmoil in the present, into the future that God dreams for us.

"In the Breaking of the Bread" by Michael Philip Ward

1) In the walking on the road, we saw Him. In the telling of our hopes, we saw Him. In the burning of our hearts, we saw the Lord. At the meal He took the bread and then He blessed it, broke it, offered it.

Refrain: In the breaking of the bread, we saw Him! Suddenly our eyes were opened, and we knew he was alive.

2) We set out to find His friends to tell them. We went to Jerusalem to tell them; and with joy we told them, "We have seen the Lord!" And as we were speaking there, He stood among us, blessed us, said to us, "Now my peace I leave with you."

3) But then we became afraid without Him. In the darkened room we stayed without Him, waiting for the One He said that He would send. Then the Spirit of the Lord came down upon us, filling us, changing us, giving us the strength to say:

 4) We ran out into the street to tell them, everyone that we could meet, to tell them, "God has raised Him up and we have seen the Lord!" We took bread as He had done and then we blessed it, broke it, offered it.

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!