Scripture Reflection: February 25, 2024 - Second Sunday of Lent
Gn 22:1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18
 
God put Abraham to the test.
He called to him, "Abraham!"
"Here I am!" he replied.
"Here I am," Abraham answered to God's call. A test that he passed with flying colors. He trusted in the Lord and was willing to give his only son as a holocaust, and the Lord blessed him abundantly.
As we go about our daily lives, we may not be sure if it is God's call that we are hearing. We usually don't know what is happening when important things happen in our lives. My awareness didn't come suddenly like it did for St Paul. It was a slow process of praying and being open to the Spirit before I realized that God was with me. Sometimes, I don't understand why things happen the way they do, but I trust that God is leading me the way I should go. Handing everything over to God does not mean that I stop trying. Trusting Him is trying to do all He says. I pray that I will continue to trust and have faith as Abraham did when my turn comes to obey his command. I hear his whispering in the silence of the Chapel, and I'm keeping my heart and ears open to His calling.

Let us pray, "May the eyes of our hearts be enlightened, that we may know what is the hope that belongs to his call" (Ephesians 1:18).
​
Margarita Prinz
Day Luminaries Community, Lake Jackson, TX

Scripture Reflection: February 18, 2024 – First Sunday of Lent
Gn 9:8-15
1 Pt 3:18-22
Mk 1:12-15

God’s love story with His creation is long-lasting.
For the love of us: He repeatedly guided us, protected us, and corrected us. He made covenants and expected obedience.
He sent His Beloved and only Son to redeem us, to give us life, and to show us the way. He wants us close, so Jesus Christ teaches us to get to His kingdom of glory and peace.
God tells us through Jesus: “The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe in the gospel.”
Eternal gratitude to our God and Lord.
Thank you for always taking your beloved creation by hand!
Thank you for keeping the covenants with Noah and Abraham!
Thank you for Your unlimited mercy and love!
Thank you for not hiding Your face from those who love you!
Thank you always, The Holy, I am!
My heart is full of joy and gratitude.
​
Consuelo de Souza Silva
East Valley and North Mountain Communities, Phoenix, Arizona

By Tammy Townsend Denny, TI Executive Director​
​
As we enter the Lenten season, I would like to share with you a few resources that might help guide you through the next few weeks.

Katie Kibbe, who offered a three-part virtual series for Theresians (available here, here, and here) and presented at the Houston Morning of Reflection, has written a wonderful piece entitled “Is Lent a Season of Self Improvement?” She invites us to ponder a Lent that is not about a “personal improvement plan” but rather is about “committing to love.”

On the Lenten episode of the podcast “Beyond the Habit,” hosts Sister Erin McDonald and Sister Colleen Gibson talk with author Sister Joyce Rupp about prayer and self-compassion. Listen here.

And, at The Light Project, they are offering a “One Tough Bloom” Lenten Bundle that you can order for $35. The bundle includes a journal, zinnia seeds, and a booklet of guided reflections. Week One begins with our patroness St. Thérèse of Lisieux!
Wherever and how ever you begin this Lent, please know that my prayers are with you!

Scripture Reflection: February 11, 2024 – 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time, 2024
Lev 13:1-2, 44-46
Mark 1: 40-45
 
Reflecting on today’s readings, I am struck by the contrast in Leviticus and the Gospel reading from Mark. Both deal with leprosy. In Leviticus, the person afflicted is commanded by the Law to go to the priest, who will determine if the person has leprosy. If so, then he is banished from his village for the rest of his life.

In the gospel reading, a man with leprosy approaches Jesus. Despite his uncleanness, he is not afraid to get “up close and personal” with Jesus. He has complete faith in Jesus’ compassion and ability to make him clean. What trust and courage! I am touched by the man’s humility and his lack of assumption about how Jesus will respond. The leper humbly makes his request for healing, but only if “Jesus wills it.” Jesus responds by immediately making the man clean!
​
What is the reason that the two stories end so differently? It is as simple and as complex as the presence of Jesus and his merciful love shown in the gospel. Jesus longs to “cleanse” us of whatever it is that needs healing in our lives. Just like the leper, we need to approach Jesus with humility, praying for the faith to accept God’s response – and trusting that “Jesus’ will be done.”   
 
Melanie Hartshorn
Spiritual Springs Community
Fort Bend, Texas

By Tammy Townsend Denny, TI Executive Director

​Have you checked on the leaders in your life lately?

The pastor at your church, how’s he doing? Your local or district Theresian leader, how is she? Your family’s matriarch, is she OK? Your manager at work, is she/he struggling or doing well? The chairperson of your homeowner’s association, the principal of your child’s school, or the owner of your favorite store, how are they this week?

Sometimes we may think leaders have everything figured out. They may speak with ease and seem to move gracefully through challenges. They may exude a confidence that makes us think they need no help.

But as we will read on the first Sunday of Lent, even Jesus had angels who ministered to him (Mark 1:13).

This Lent, I encourage you to consider giving to others (almsgiving) by checking on the leaders in your life. Pause and ask your pastor, your child’s principal, or your manager, “Is there anything you need – anything I can do -- that would make your work easier?” I challenge you to be the angel who ministers to and is there for the leaders in your life.

Scripture Reflection: February 4, 2024 – 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Mark 1:29-39

There was a long line of people waiting at the door of Simon’s House. There were many people wanting to meet the healer. The following morning Jesus went into the gardens, he sought the darkness of the wilderness to pray. Jesus kept going off to find quiet places to pray. Jesus prayed for the guidance of his Father.

What happened to Simon’s mother-in-law? Jesus simply takes her hand; her fever is gone, and she is lifted up. Her response to the miracle is to get busy serving him. This precious woman that has no documented name is Jesus’s first deacon.

Today we continue to be part of miracles. Perhaps some of us might go into the dark wilderness to get close to God in prayer. This is where we meet God, and sometimes our fears, face to face. It is in solitude and darkness that we find our purpose and learn to trust completely in God’s will. We can talk to him about anything. There are times we pray spontaneously. We do not have to wait in line for healing. Jesus knows your heart and is always waiting for our prayers. He is by our side, take your troubles to him, put your trust in our Lord.
​
Simons mother in-law gets busy serving in gratitude. Prayer often prompts spiritual restoration. With our purpose to love, healing begins. May we each be part of a community and family filled with the love of spirit. As with Simon’s mother-in-law we will grow in grateful love for the ways he raises us up.
Janice LeMond
Companions on the Journey Community,
​Austin, TX