Lenten Joy?

Living in the Present

March is Women’s History Month—a time to honor the remarkable achievements and contributions of women throughout history and in today’s world. And this week we danced an Irish jig on St. Patrick’s Day. Today we celebrate St. Joseph who followed his dreams in the daytime of falling in love with Mary and in the twilight heeding the directions from the Almighty. Next week the calendar marks the Feast of the Annunciation marking nine months until Christmas. All this while Lent overshadows them all. Living in the present moment helps us take each occasion to reflect on its meaning. Whatever the meaning or message, Lent beckons us to be aware, pay attention, and become absorbed as in our Franciscan actions of gazing, considering, and contemplating so that we can better imitate Jesus.

Growing Awareness as Holy Week Begins

I have been trying to be more aware of all that happens around me and within me. Both are challenging. I have been living a lot in the future. To live today, knowing it has value for what it holds and not just for what I can accomplish for tomorrow, is my growing awareness. It is today that I must enjoy the ride. If I do not radiate hope today, there will be none for tomorrow. If there is no incarnating or deepening or living with passion today, there will be none tomorrow. Being aware, aware, aware is the only guarantee of recognizing God’s dream today or tomorrow.

Awareness within is even more challenging as life swirls around me. If I look deep within, can I see hope in my own heart? Is there a great love for my calling or treasured relationships? Do I see myself as one that I encounter with passion each day? How real is the self-respect? Being aware, aware, aware is the only guarantee of recognizing a growing reflection of a loving God within my very self.

Please continue to journey with me as we walk toward Calvary knowing that there is an empty tomb just over the horizon.

Sr. Joyce Shanabarger