​MY RELATIONSHIP WITH MY ADULT CHILDREN - A REFLECTION OF MY RELATIONSHIP WITH OUR TRINITARIAN GOD
"... in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." (Matthew 28:19)
 
I believe in a loving God. A God who is parent, sibling, and friend – Father, Son & Holy Spirit - rolled into one. In an imperfect way my relationship with my own adult children is a metaphor for my relationship with God.
 
GOD THE PARENT. In my children’s life experience, I am the one who gave birth to them. When I held each one of them for the first time, I loved them completely. Like God, the parent, I rejoiced in their birth. I have been there holding them, caring for them, loving them, disciplining them, guiding them, listening to them, waiting for them to come home, delighting in time spent together. When they were children, my primary role was as mother. There were times when they were angry with me because I disciplined them. At times they came to me because they were hurt and needed a kiss or to climb into my lap for a hug and a quiet moment with my arms around them. When they accomplished something, they would shout out the name they called me, “MOM”, to make sure I saw them. As adults they still call me and need me as Mother. They will always be my children, but they are now adults and they don’t need a mother as much as a sister-in-Christ.

GOD THE SIBLING. I believe that God has no grandchildren. Through our Baptism, we are sons and daughters of God. Therefore, when God grants us the privilege of having a child, we have the responsibility and honor of raising a "sibling" to be part of the Kingdom of God as a disciple of Jesus Christ. Consequently, when each of my children turned 18, I began to think of them and walk with them as a “sister-in-Christ.” I now conclude letters I write to them with “love, Mom, your sister-in-Christ”. Seeing those words written on paper helps me to also work on living it out in life. I am an older sister who has life experiences they can tap into. Often as adults, they need me as someone who will listen to them, care for them, talk through ideas, directions, and possibilities. They can turn to me as someone who has walked the walk, knows the feeling, and can relate to them. But then there are those times when my children call, they just need a trusted friend.

GOD THE TRUSTED FRIEND. My good friends are those people I’ve laughed or cried with, and walked with through various adventures. They’re the people who know my good side but also challenge me, to be the best I can be. They are the ones I can sit with in silence admiring an amazing sunrise or contemplating the flames in a campfire. Even when I have not spoken to them for a while, I know they are there for me if needed just to listen or come over for a game night or assist in a project or situation. I am blessed with a husband whom I consider my best friend. Together we had the privilege of raising 4 children into adults with whom we now enjoy spending time. I love it when they call just to talk or ask to spend time with me, not as mom, but as a trusted friend. I love that we can accompany each other and challenge each other to be the best versions of ourselves as we walk together and make memories that solidify our friendship.
Our Trinitarian God responds as we pray! My children calling on me as Mother or Older Sister or Trusted Friend, depending on the circumstance and their need, is an imperfect metaphor and reminder of how I can call upon God in my need. Reaching out, in prayer, to God the Father or God the Son or God the Holy Spirit. One God, present to us all, in three almighty ways. 
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Sara Fontana
Wildflowers Community
​League City, TX

Last weekend, I planted our vegetable garden. For those in warmer climates, it might seem a little late to be planting, but in the Upper Midwest of the U.S., mid-to-late May is the earliest we can plant.

As I tucked the delicate little plants into the dirt, I began to think about hope. There is a lot of hope in planting a garden. There is the hope that I will get more than a sore back from all the work. There is the hope that the rabbits won’t eat the green bean plants like they did last year. There is the hope that the sun and the soil come together in their divine dance to produce a bountiful crop of tomatoes, cucumbers, peas, green beans, onions, leeks, and lettuce. There is the hope for the garden-fresh dinners to come.

But there is a deeper hope when I plant a garden.

There is the hope that I will be here to harvest the vegetables. There is the hope that my home, my family, my life as I know it will be here when the tomatoes are at their most abundant. There is the hope of more days, weeks, and months to come. Though, there are no guarantees.

We read in Hebrews 11:1: “Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen.”

It is easy to lose our faith and our hope in a world of turmoil. It is easy to slip into a “woe is me” or “what’s the point” thinking. Why plant a garden if there is not hope for tomorrow?

I prefer to believe that “whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully” (2 Corinthians 9:6). So, I keep tucking the little plants into the dirt with hope for tomorrow.

Scripture Reflection: May 19, 2024 – Pentecost Sunday
1 Corinthians 12: 3b-7, 12-13

As a college student back in the late 60s and early 70s, I was introduced to the Catholic Charismatic Renewal Movement, a movement that sought to help Catholics be more fully aware of the gifts that were given to us at our Baptism and Confirmation. In this passage I am reminded that we are “given individual manifestations of the Spirit for some benefit.” That benefit is not for us, but rather for the care of the Body of Christ. I can’t help but think of Saint Mother Teresa who selflessly gave to the poor all the gifts given to her by Our Lord.

We are taught that the eternal Love between the Father and the Son is the Holy Spirit. Since this is true, then it makes perfect sense that the greatest of all of God’s gifts is Love.
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This Easter Season has seen many of our Catholic youth receiving the sacrament of Confirmation. My prayer is that they, and we, daily place our gifts at the feet of Jesus to be used for the building up of His kingdom here on earth.

Beth Eason
S.I.S.T.E.R.S. Community
Lake Charles, LA

Gospel Reflection: May 12, 2023 - Seventh Sunday of Easter
John 17:11b-19
“Consecrate them in the truth. Your word is truth.”
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Fr. Ron Rolheiser, OMI tells the story of a doctor going out to dinner with her spouse. They are sharing a lovely meal in a fine restaurant when suddenly, a few tables over, another patron clutches his chest and passes out.

In that moment, even though the doctor and her spouse may be having an important conversation about their children, an upcoming getaway, or how to address the situation of a leak in their roof, by virtue of the Hippocratic Oath, she has been consecrated to drop everything and help the man who has passed out.

In baptism, we are consecrated, too, and this Gospel passage reminds us that it’s God’s truth we are set aside to personify. Early on in our Christian journeys, we learn that God is love. So, how do you personify love? When you wake up in the middle of the night to feed a hungry baby. When you buy lunch for the unhoused person sitting on the curb outside the gas station. And when you spend time caring for an elderly parent.

My husband has a morning ritual that reminds him of his “consecration.” As he puts his wallet in his pocket, places his wedding ring on his left hand, and grabs his keys, he reminds himself that he has been set aside to care for his wife and family, provide for them through his job, and to keep our home safe.

What are you consecrated for, and do you recognize it as living out God’s truth?

Heidi Clark
Wildflowers Community
Houston, TX​

​By Tammy Townsend Denny, TI Executive Director

Have you registered for the Gathering in Houston? The deadline is approaching quickly! (Scroll down for the link to register).

The Gathering Committee has worked diligently for many months to create an exciting weekend for you, featuring speakers Robin Hebert, Sister Francis Bisland, COS, and Sister Sarah Simmons, CSJ.

To hear one of our speakers, consider listening to “What Sisters Read” on the podcast Beyond The Habit. In this April 9 episode, Sister Sarah Simmons talks with Sister Erin McDonald and Sister Colleen Gibson about her favorite books. My guess is that some of her favorites might be your favorites, too! Click here to listen.

Please remember that financial assistance is available for the Gathering. Through the generosity of the Theresian Foundation and individual Theresian benefactors, a limited number of reduced registration fees of $125 are available. Simply complete the online registration form and check the box that says you would like financial assistance.

Gospel Reading Sixth Sunday of Easter
John 15:9-17
 
Such a beautiful and powerful reading this Sunday! God instructs us to remain in His love. We did not choose Him, but He chose us.
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I want to love God, but by loving Him, I must also love my neighbors. I do love them, but boy, am I quick to judge them. I try to forgive them, but I also find myself getting angry at them again and again. A harsh word is exchanged, and I ignore them; I only criticize them - like I am perfect...

It’s so easy to say love the Father, but loving others, even in the Father’s name, can be tough! I am so grateful that He loves us, and Jesus, I am trying to love others without judgment, but boy, do I need your help in this department!

Cindy Fontenot
Women of Hope Community
Lafayette, LA