September Continued

Growing in God

            I don’t know where I got the idea that once I graduated college that I was done learning and finished growing. For some reason I thought that I knew it all. Now maybe this is a notion that all cocky youths eventually shake. I’m not quite sure. Here I am at age thirty-three, thinking that with the numerous trials and tribulations that I’ve had over the course of my life that God has given me enough. 

            A month ago, I became a first-time aunt to a healthy and beautiful baby girl. However, my brother (and the baby) live in Texas. Due to health reasons, I am unable to have my own children, so I have been buying and making presents for this baby like crazy! I so badly wanted to be in attendance for my brother and my sister-in-law for this joyous occasion, but I couldn’t due to the pandemic.

           Then, I found out that someone extremely close to me, who I had not had contact with, contracted covid-19. The pandemic had been in my backyard for months but now it felt like it was in my bubble of safety, and fear was striking my heart daily, hourly, and sometimes minute by minute. Tears would stream down my face without warning. I found myself on the precipice a choice: grow or wither. Was it really a choice though?

            All this during the month of August, I decided to take a week-long silent retreat. I hoped that spending time with God would help in some way. Every day I prayed for the grace to be willing for acceptance. I wasn’t quite sure as to what I was accepting – I left that part open to God. As I prayed through psalms, various passages, and led through contemplation, I could feel that ache in my chest releasing. The anxiety was easing. I found deep solace in Psalm 131, just resting in the Lord. Not worrying over great matters.

            I cannot change that this person contracted covid-19. (They are alright now. Thank goodness.) I cannot change that my brother lives far away. I cannot change that I am barren. I can change how I respond to these situations. Am I putting love into the universe? Am I speaking with kindness and compassion? Am I praying daily? Am I looking for God in all things? 

            This is my growth and it is extraordinary. This truly is a gift from God. I hope to keep flourishing and changing with God’s great goodness. Even when it seems like the world is crashing down, there is still immense beauty in the world. 

Psalm 131

A Song of Ascents, of David.

 O Lord, my heart is not proud, nor my eyes haughty;

Nor do I involve myself in great matters,
Or in things too difficult for me.
Surely I have composed and quieted my soul;
Like a weaned child rests against his mother,
My soul is like a weaned child within me.
O Israel, hope in the Lord
From this time forth and forever.

In Mercy,

Jennifer Paragano

Practice Kindness ~ Be a Blessing

As seen in the movie A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, journalist Lloyd Vogel interviews a hero and is stunned and shocked that his assignment is Mr. Rogers.   Where is the bravado?  It's a kid's show.  Mr. Rogers a hero?  All heroes have a superpower---What could his possibly be?  Unexpectedly, each interview with Mr. Rogers reveals he is humble, gentle, caring....and mostly that he exudes Kindness from every interaction and believes that every person is valuable and precious.   Mr. Rogers has been quoted as saying, “There are three ways to ultimate success. The first way is to be kind.  The second way is to be kind.  The third way is to be kind.”  That's his superpower!

Kindness may appear very mild and meek, but truly kindness takes courage, selflessness, sacrifice, doing for someone and not expecting a return.  That's a superpower!

sn't kindness what's needed most at this moment in time during this pandemic?  While our in- person gatherings, and everything from grocery shopping, to hair salons, to attending Church Services has been limited, our ability to practice kindness, to make a difference in someone's life in this moment can flourish. An unexpected phone call to someone that says I'm thinking of you, a heartfelt thank you to the grocery worker, noticing someone suffering or lonely, a plate of dinner for someone who is homebound, or listening attentively (what a great kindness that is!) lets others feel most importantly they are known, valued and loved. 

Jesus says… Whatever you did for the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. Matthew 25:40.  Love one another as I have loved you. John 15:17. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and all your strength. The second is this, you shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no greater commandment than these.  Matthew 22:37

Father James Martin has said, "Many things have been canceled because of coronavirus.  Love is not one of them."  Practicing kindness gives us a chance to see with the eyes of our heart, to keep love flowing. We can be a blessing!  Scripture says, we are called to be a blessing, 1Peter3.

In a goofy movie of years ago (St. Ignatius says we find God in all things) Noah (Steve Carell) and God (Morgan Freeman), do a dance throughout the whole movie.  But it's the last lines that are so meaningful.

Noah wanted to do something big and asks God, “How do I change the world?” God replies, “One simple act of kindness at a time.  Simple. Kindness.  Our true superpower - Be a Blessing!

In Mercy, 

Donna McCabe

What exactly is a walking path? Is it rocky, covered with leaves, smooth, flat or hilly? Might one need a walking stick? Shall we travel together as friends? Sometimes it feels good to just walk quietly alone.   

I am fascinated with paths. It may seem an odd thing to like. Over the years I have taken to photographing them because I like the vantage point…looking down a path. Maybe it comes from growing up in the country. I love them all - mountain path, river path, forested path, open path, and garden path.  

Our family was touring around on a once in a lifetime trip to Germany. We stayed with our exchange student family and rented a car to travel about and see the sights. Ever since I was a little girl, I have loved castles and it was a dream of mine to visit the famous “Cinderella castle” Neuschwanstein. Dreams really do come true! I was smiling with so much happiness. We made many wonderful family memories. It was absolutely perfect!

Of all the sights and pictures from our trip the one that sticks with me all these years later is not of a Castle. My most cherished photograph is of a simple path with a fence and mountains in the background. A walking path beside a magnificent church. I guess you could say we sort of stumbled upon this setting, following signs like tourists to the pilgrimage church Weiskirche (Church in the Meadow). While we were soaking in the gold and gilded church, I turned around and saw my path. You know I had to snap a picture. There I was thinking of people gone before, walking this path to pay homage and pray while soaking in the majesty of nature. The whole setting had a feeling of holiness surrounding it. 

Today, I wonder – was it a simpler time or a more complex one. Why is there always so much division in the world? Why can’t people just get along and see each person as a wonderful gift from God… 

Recently, I discovered some paths in Proverbs.

“Therefore, walk in the good and keep to the paths of the just” Proverbs 2:20. 

“Her ways are pleasant ways and all her paths are peace.” Proverbs 3:17. 

“In the path of righteousness there is life” Proverbs 12:28.

“Walk with wise men and you will become wise.” Proverbs 13:20. 

I am also reminded of a song verse, “Lord, come show me the path of life, we will walk ever joyful near to your side.”

So, let us lead by example and follow a good path. Let us pray for an end to divisions. Let us pray to help others choose right from wrong. Let us live in peace, choosing our paths carefully. Let us walk and sprinkle the faith, hope and love that this world so needs. 

My favorite walking path is Schwab Gardens at my alma mater Saint Francis University. As a young college student, many days were spent finding myself and listening to God. At the entrance is a sign that reads – 

My wish is that we carve out time each day, each week….to walk quietly and Find God. And Jesus said to them in reply, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it.” Luke 8:21

With Blessings,

Jennifer Sparrow