[caption id="attachment_3477" align="alignright" width="200"] Blog by Sr. Cathy Arnold, OP[/caption]
When was the last time you witnessed what you considered a miracle – within and/or around you?
Recently, in the Akron Motherhouse, we hosted a prayer service with a focus on increasing awareness of racial injustice and praying for greater racial harmony in our city, nation, and world. Six members of the Choir of the House of the Lord Congregation led us in praise and worship. One song that touched me was “I’m Looking for a Miracle.” I had to stop and ask myself, do I look for miracles each and every day? Am I looking for a miracle this Christmas? Am I open to the abundant graces of God’s love flowing in and around me at all times?
I have to confess that sometimes during Advent I get stuck on the fact that in our world today, lions do not lay down with lambs, and swords in the shape of bombs are a far cry from plowshares. In essence I can forget to look for and accept the grace that surrounds me. I forget to express gratitude and to look for signs of hope. I forget to note that God’s kingdom is here, even as I feel the pain of not yet.
So, with a greater sense of hope I left the prayer service, eager to see the miracles all around me – love and care of sisters for each other; beauty in the trees, the snow, the faces of those I meet; goodness and compassion in those who walk with me as friends, family, community; and courage in those who are treated by our societal systems as inferior or outcasts.
My most favorite miracles are the ones when I see someone show compassion to another, when someone stops to truly encounter another - to look, see, touch, and serve. These miracles make me cry. My other favorites are the Earth and sky and all of nature. As snow is falling in Akron these days, I marvel at the beauty and sustenance of life which surrounds us. God is good!
Today I pray we may each receive all the love, beauty, compassion, and courage God in Christ Jesus wants to give us. Then, may we share these gifts with those around us.
On this coming third Sunday of Advent, we are reminded to ‘Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.’ While this may sound impossible, I think giving thanks and looking for miracles might be the way to go.
Click here to contact our Sisters who know a lot about discerning one’s life’s call.
https://oppeace.org/become-a-sister/
Click here to listen to a version of the song, “I’m Looking for a Miracle.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qxC18kKswg
Blog by Sr. Cathy Arnold, OP[/caption]
When was the last time you witnessed what you considered a miracle – within and/or around you?
Recently, in the Akron Motherhouse, we hosted a prayer service with a focus on increasing awareness of racial injustice and praying for greater racial harmony in our city, nation, and world. Six members of the Choir of the House of the Lord Congregation led us in praise and worship. One song that touched me was “I’m Looking for a Miracle.” I had to stop and ask myself, do I look for miracles each and every day? Am I looking for a miracle this Christmas? Am I open to the abundant graces of God’s love flowing in and around me at all times?
I have to confess that sometimes during Advent I get stuck on the fact that in our world today, lions do not lay down with lambs, and swords in the shape of bombs are a far cry from plowshares. In essence I can forget to look for and accept the grace that surrounds me. I forget to express gratitude and to look for signs of hope. I forget to note that God’s kingdom is here, even as I feel the pain of not yet.
So, with a greater sense of hope I left the prayer service, eager to see the miracles all around me – love and care of sisters for each other; beauty in the trees, the snow, the faces of those I meet; goodness and compassion in those who walk with me as friends, family, community; and courage in those who are treated by our societal systems as inferior or outcasts.
My most favorite miracles are the ones when I see someone show compassion to another, when someone stops to truly encounter another - to look, see, touch, and serve. These miracles make me cry. My other favorites are the Earth and sky and all of nature. As snow is falling in Akron these days, I marvel at the beauty and sustenance of life which surrounds us. God is good!
Today I pray we may each receive all the love, beauty, compassion, and courage God in Christ Jesus wants to give us. Then, may we share these gifts with those around us.
On this coming third Sunday of Advent, we are reminded to ‘Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.’ While this may sound impossible, I think giving thanks and looking for miracles might be the way to go.
Click here to contact our Sisters who know a lot about discerning one’s life’s call.
https://oppeace.org/become-a-sister/
Click here to listen to a version of the song, “I’m Looking for a Miracle.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qxC18kKswg 