What’s Your Sign?

Blog by Sr. Barbara Kane, OP
Blog by Sr. Barbara Kane, OP

Jesus is the image of the invisible God – Colossians 1:15

Several weeks ago, two sisters and I drove east from Ohio to Rhode Island. This was the same week as Pope Francis’ visit. As we traveled east on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, we saw huge electric traffic signs reading, “Pope Francis in Philadelphia. Take alternate route.” In New York, the signs read, “Major event in NYC. Expect delays.” Likewise in New Jersey, we were advised, “Major event. Make alternate plans.” We weren’t able to attend the festivities but we did watch and listen to the Pope’s words and actions throughout his visit. Continue reading →

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The Fierce Urgency of Now

Nancy Garson, OP
Blog by Sr. Nancy Garson, OP

In today’s Gospel (Luke 9:57-62) Jesus speaks in an unfamiliar way, one that left me wondering what was going on. This gentle, forgiving Jesus tells us if we wish to follow him there is to be no concern for practical questions like where to lay your head or whether or not you should bury the dead, or grieve your losses. No hesitations. “Let the dead bury the dead.”

To understand this surprising approach, we need to look at the bigger picture. Jesus is on the road to Jerusalem, his death is in sight and there are so many people who still need to hear his message. He must have been anxious to focus on what mattered most to him, even as it seemed the disciples just weren’t getting it. Continue reading →

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Nature: Can We Live with It?

Blog by Sr. Pat Thomas, OP
Blog by Sr. Pat Thomas, OP

OK, so I had another morning when I had to go out and clean out the crape myrtle leaves from my car’s trunk and around the windshield. Every morning? Really? And if you do not clean out the leaves and gunk, there will be a dark residue forming that makes you think the car is corroding.

But have you ever seen a crape myrtle in bloom? There is a very, very faint scent to the flower and it does not last long. There are white crapes, red or rose colored ones, and sometimes a deep ruby colored flower. Being upset with nature or enjoying the fruits of its growth, which defines you? Continue reading →

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Don’t Let The Sun Go Down While You Are Still Angry

Blog by Sr. Anne Lythgoe, OP
Blog by Sr. Anne Lythgoe, OP

“And don’t sin by letting anger control you. Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil.”

Ephesians in 4:26-27

Hello, my name is Anne and I was addicted to Angry Birds. Yes, I played and won the original iPhone game – that hilariously funny collection of avian aviators who swoop down to eliminate the evil green pigs. The game is so uber popular, it spawned numerous versions, and boasts 263 million monthly users. But after I succeeded in the final challenge, defeating the King of the Pigs who stole the eggs, I rested on my laurels and hung up my slingshot. Continue reading →

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Luke’s Beatitudes: Blessings and Woes

Blog by Sr. Janet Schlichting, OP
Blog by Sr. Janet Schlichting, OP

Dorothy Day, great pioneer of the Catholic Worker movement, was once accosted by a fellow Catholic who was of the opinion that Day’s radical stance of living for and with the poor was a bit over the top. Day replied to him, “Go home and read the four gospels. Then we can talk.”

Can we talk frankly about the demands of the Beatitudes and Woes as presented this week in Luke 6:20-30?

First we have to take the nice music away – you know, the kind that makes the beatitudes feel smooth and lovely. Then we have to get out our brushes and brooms and whisk away the glitter, and then question the notion that these words are sweet and silky to “taste and see.” Quite frankly, Luke’s beatitudes are harder to hear and harder to chew than those in Matthew’s Sermon on the Mount. Continue reading →

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