With God Life Never Dies

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These past few weeks have afforded plenty of time to think, pray, listen, and feel deeply! Intensity is the word that best describes all we have been living here at the House of Prayer. A few years ago, I had the privilege of praying through a thirty-day retreat, one of the most profound spiritual experiences of my life.  It feels as though that is what I am doing again during this time of increased solitude! It is quite the journey thus far, sinking into the reality of this time and uncovering hidden treasures in its wake.

Pope Francis in his special “Urbi et Orbi” blessing said that, “God’s strength (is) turning to the good everything that happens to us, even the bad things. God brings serenity into our storms, because with God life never dies.”  How is that for “intense!” What a challenge to believe God is with us in all of this, God suffers with us in all of this, and most especially God comes with peace in the midst of all the suffering, transforming it into something good.  And I, I don’t want to miss out on that.

I don’t just want things to go back to “normal”.  I desire to be changed by this. I want to be open to the reality of God in my life in a new way, and most of all, I long to be faithful to that reality.  I am grateful for the pain I feel when I realise that many people in other parts of the world have been living this ‘self-isolation’ all their lives. That there are many who have not been free to enter churches and worship, receive Eucharist, or be with their loved ones.  I am much more aware of these people now.  I am grateful for a small taste of this. It is painful, yes, but I feel more united with my brothers and sisters in some small way.  And each time Glenn and I celebrate Eucharist this truth becomes even more poignant.

  Last week I got a message from Sr. Lise Paquette (my Provincial Superior) explaining to me a request from Bishop Albert Thevenot (Bishop of the diocese of Prince Albert ). Bishop Albert asked our sisters to place the Blessed Sacrament in the front window of our residence. At this time, in Prince Albert, as in so many other places, there are no public masses or celebrations. This is one creative initiative, along with so many others, where we see in a tangible way that God is present in the heart of the suffering, waiting to be recognised amidst the pain and felt absence!  Christ cannot be isolated!  This gesture, along with so many others, is to me a sign of profound hope and solidarity.  Each day the Blessed Sacrament will be placed in the window, waiting, blessing, present, until the churches are once again opened!  Such a deeply hopeful gesture!

Blessed Holy Week everyone! It truly is a special one!  No matter how the future unfolds we know how the story of this time ends!  Resurrection!  Because, “God’s strength (is) turning to the good everything that happens to us, even the bad things.   With God life never dies.” Shalom!   Chantelle


 Here is a link to the special “Urbi et Orbi” [To the city (of Rome) and to the World] Blessing of Pope Francis that I referred to.  It is well worth the read if you are interested!
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2020-03/urbi-et-orbi-pope-coronavirus-prayer-blessing.html

Comments

  1. GlennApril 7, 2020 at 2:40 PM

    This Comment Comes from Ann Petrus, Sister of Divine Providence, San Antonio Texas. Thanks, Ann.
    I’m engaged in a favorite activity: porch-sitting; enjoying a snuggly feeling, gift of yesterday’s cold front. The chilly breeze is a delight since we may not feel it again until November. Pecan trees’ leaves assure us that spring is here. A black and white cat just ran up a tree to escape a dog.

    Below the level at which I delight in my surrounding lies a pervasive awareness of “the virus.” It’s a deep concern for the people I love and the whole human race, and gratitude for people who risk their lives helping others. Also, there’s a profound uncertainty like I have never known. What’s going to happen to us? I’d like to run up a tree like the cat and escape this virus-menace.

    There’s a third level further down inside; it’s the center of my center, the Providence place. This is the secure bedrock where God’s faithful love teaches us to trust and where peace reigns. I often find this place on the porch.
    Please stay well.

    ReplyDelete

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