Category: Faith

New Year’s Eve

On By Renee Yann, RSMIn Christmastide, Courage, Eternal Life, Faith, spirituality6 Comments

December 31, 2024

Memory – Andrew Lloyd Webber

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We stand now on the far western shore of the Year of Our Lord, 2024.  It is well near evening.  Our memories are silhouetted against the deep magenta sky as they sail beyond the shimmering horizon.  We have lived, laughed, lost and loved in ways never to be repeated, yet never to be forgotten.  The great turning of time goes relentlessly on, but we have written our story in its indelible trail.

The stroke of midnight on December 31st – magic, mysterious, holy. 

With fireworks and reveling, popular culture will invite us to the brash celebration of our presence within this point in history.  But, at the altar of our hearts, we recognize this long evening of reminiscence as a time of quiet thanksgiving and petition.  It is a time of awe and trust in the power of our Almighty God.

Like flint struck against the steadfast soul of God, we have been given the spark of life.  We are God’s fire at this moment in time’s long unwinding.  Tonight, we turn our spirits to those beside us, behind us, before us, and we pray in thanksgiving and hope for them.

Together, we sink into the dark infinity of our Creator who sustains all life beyond our worries, fears and limitations.  With innumerable universes, God balances us in the palm of Mercy.  As the midnight shadows fall, God closes Divine fingertips over us in grace and protection.

In the split moment between two years, we too become infinite – fire in God’s darkness, spark redeemed beyond time. In 2025, we will forget this transcendent moment.  The bright light of daily living will blind us to that piece of divinity shining in our souls.  But tonight, let us remember.  As midnight passes by, may our spirits kneel within us to the Awesome Mystery who holds us, as one, eternally within Itself.

Music: Auld Lang Syne

For Your Reflection

  • What feelings or reactions do I have after reading this reflection?
  • Do my feelings or reactions remind me of any passage or event in scripture, especially in the life of Christ? 
  • What actions might I take today because of my response to these readings

Suggested Reading: Psalm 90: 10-17

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Coal and Tangerines

On By Renee Yann, RSMIn Christmastide, Faith, spirituality1 Comment

December 24, 2024

Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy – Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

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One of the treasured rituals of my childhood home was the filling of the Christmas stockings.  They were simple times, and my family lived simply – so the items we anticipated might be surprising today.    Each year, there might be a new pencil, a silver dollar, an emory board, and maybe a comic book and bubble gum.  

But two staples that appeared yearly were a piece of coal and a tangerine.  These two constants were oddly comforting to my young heart.  They came to represent important truths: we are not perfect (coal from Santa), and there is the hope of spring freshness even in the winter. (tangerine) 

As you and your family gather in this holy season, may you be warmed by the goodness in your own hearts.  In your “stockings”, there will “coal” and “tangerines”.   May each of them, in their own way, bring you an awareness of gratitude and peace, anchoring your heart in recognition of the love that blesses your life.

This beautiful holy season is the time to wrap ourselves in the circles of faith, family, and friendship that sustain our lives.  It is a time to remember, to be grateful, and to hope.  May these holidays and holy days renew and bless you and your loved ones.  May Christians be deepened and confirmed in the grace and love of Jesus Christ.  And for all of us of every faith, may this be a time of peace, good health, and joy.

Music: Tangerine – one of my Dad’s favorite songs

For Your Reflection

  • What feelings or reactions do I have after reading this reflection?
  • Do my feelings or reactions remind me of any passage or event in scripture, especially in the life of Christ? 
  • What actions might I take today because of my response to these readings?

Suggested Scripture: Wisdom 18:14-17

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Gifts of Darkness

On By Renee Yann, RSMIn Courage, FaithLeave a comment

December 22, 2024

Winter Moon – Dulin

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For me, there is always something magical about dark winter mornings.  I think the feeling might be left over from childhood.  Stretching on tiptoes then, I would peek over the window sill into that rich darkness to see if it had snowed.  Had the silent night left a white playground awaiting me in the first glimmer of the morning?  

The magic too may be a residue of many Christmas mornings when I would peer into the darkness for a glimpse of a vanishing Santa, hoping to surprise him before his undiscovered retreat.  Even today on a winter morning, before I brew my tea, I look out into the darkness for the promise and surprise of the new day.  Something of childlike hope stays in all our grown-up hearts.

But sometimes, darkness can be scary.  It can cause us to lose our way.  It can cover the familiar with a grey veil of unfamiliarity. But darkness can also reveal what we might otherwise overlook.  The magnificence of the stars can only be realized in the dark. The gentle revelation of moonlight on the water is a gift only of the night.

My father died suddenly when I was still a young woman.  His death was devastating to me and my family and I wondered why God had seemed to forget us.  The deep mourning lasted for months, but I remember one night in the midst of it that changed everything.  

It was a clear, almost purple evening.  I had walked to the window, my soul still filled with the silent tears of a long bereavement.  I stared out into the darkness and saw the first brilliant evening star singularly poised in the velvet blackness.  In that moment, I knew that under all our pain, the love and justice of God still anchored the world.  I knew that in time more stars would break through and eventually the first rays of sun.  I knew that the darkness contained much more than I could ever see or understand and that my father was safe in its embrace. I understood that the deep light of faith is often wrapped in the shawl of night.

This is a time of year when we remember the gifts that have come to us out of the darkness.  Advent is a time when we await the Divine Word Who “when the night was midway through its course, and the whole world was still, leapt down from heaven to earth.” (Wisdom 18:1) .

During this time of faith and magical memories, may each one of us find our light in the darkness. May that light fill any night inside us with promise, hope, forgiveness, and thanksgiving.  May it lead us to the confidence that under all our experience, God anchors our world in love.

For Your Reflection:

  • What feelings or reactions do I have after reading this reflection?
  • Do my feelings or reactions remind me of any passage or event in scripture, especially in the life of Christ? 
  • What actions might I take today because of my response to these readings?

Suggested Scripture:

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Hannukah / Mercy Anniversary

On By Renee Yann, RSMIn Faith, spirituality6 Comments

December 12, 2024

Shma Israel – The Soul of Jewish Music

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As Sisters of Mercy around the world, celebrate our 193rd Anniversary, we find ourselves in a great season of faith and gift-giving shared by those of many faith traditions!  

Christians are in the midst of the season of Advent, also a time of fasting and prayer.  Soon the exchange of gifts on Christmas will symbolize the love and peace we wish to give to one another in imitation of Christ Who was Gift to us.

But today I would like to speak of the beautiful celebration of Hanukkah, or the Feast of Lights.  Those of Jewish faith remember in this feast the reclaiming of the Temple from their ancient enemies. Once the Temple Mount in Jerusalem had been reclaimed, the Temple had to be rededicated. According to tradition, only one jar of sacramental oil was found, enough for one day. Miraculously, the oil burned for eight days, thus the eight days of Hanukkah.

This stirring faith story is one that all of us, whatever our tradition, can hear with joy and comfort.  For indeed, God’s mercy is so generous that it abides with us always — for one day, for eight days, for all of the days that we live.  God is with us — just like the Lights of Hanukkah — and there is nothing that can ever separate us from that Love and Presence.

It is a painful and challenging time for so much of our human family around the world.  Caught in the tangle of wars, geographic displacement, and threats of political tyranny, we may be tempted to lose hope.

But God unfailingly abides with us.  Remember this and rejoice when you see the lights of Hanukkah or Christmas; when you experience the generosity, forgiveness, encouragement and good will of those with whom you work and live.

Thank you for the Light each one of you offers to Creation.  All Sisters of Mercy around the world pray in gratitude for you today.  May that miraculous gift shine in your hearts and in the hearts of your families in this special season. Please pray for us as well.

For Your Reflection:

  • What feelings or reactions do I have after reading this reflection?
  • Do my feelings or reactions remind me of any passage or event in scripture, especially in the life of Christ? 
  • What actions might I take today because of my response to these readings?

Suggested Scripture: Maccabees 4: 36-61 – The Rededication of the Temple

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Judgment

On By Renee Yann, RSMIn Conversion, Courage, Discipleship, Eternal Life, Faith, spiritualityLeave a comment

Feast of Saint Andrew, Apostle
November 30, 2024

Today’s Readings:

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/113024.cfm

The judgments of the Lord are true,
and all of them are just.

The law of the LORD is perfect,
    refreshing the soul;
The decree of the LORD is trustworthy,
    giving wisdom to the simple.
The precepts of the LORD are right,
    rejoicing the heart;
The command of the LORD is clear,
    enlightening the eye.
The fear of the LORD is pure,
    enduring forever;
The ordinances of the LORD are true,
    all of them just.
They are more precious than gold,
    than a heap of purest gold;
Sweeter also than syrup
    or honey from the comb.
~from Psalm 19

Our Gospel tells the almost unbelievable story of hardy fishermen dropping their nets, family, and livelihood to follow an itinerant preacher. What could possibly make them do that?

There was a magnetism in Jesus that completely captured the first followers. His words, his judgments, his entire being reflected the Way, the Truth, and the Life. His call unleashed a force in theirs that they hadn’t known was there.

Today, in God’s Lavish Mercy:
On this eve of Advent, we ask ourselves, “Why do I follow (or fail to follow) Jesus? Are my judgments aligned with the Truth who Jesus is? What great attraction is drawing my heart to the next depth of holiness?

Poem: The Call – George Herbert (1593-1633)

Come, my Way, my Truth, my Life:
Such a Way, as gives us breath:
Such a Truth, as ends all strife:
Such a Life, as killeth death.

Come, my Light, my Feast, my Strength:
Such a Light as shows a feast:
Such a Feast, as mends in length:
Such a Strength, as makes his guest.

Come, my Joy, my Love, my Heart:
Such a Joy, as none can move:
Such a Love, as none can part:
Such a Heart, as joyes in love.

Music: After 300 yers, George Herbert’s poem was put to music by Vaughan Williams (1872-1958)

Near

On By Renee Yann, RSMIn Eternal Life, Faith, Gospel, Jesus, spirituality2 Comments

Friday of the Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time
November 29, 2024

Today’s Readings:

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/112924.cfm

Jesus told his disciples a parable.
“Consider the fig tree and all the other trees.
When their buds burst open,
you see for yourselves and know that summer is now near;
in the same way, when you see these things happening,
know that the Kingdom of God is near.
Luke 21:29-31

Jesus tells his followers to be attuned to the emergence of God’s Kingdom.

The reality is that the Kingdom of God already enfolds us, but it is difficult for us to see it with our human eyes. When we see a ripe peach or tomato, we know it is ready to come to the table. But are we able to see the Spirit of God ripening in the world around us? Are we ready to pluck grace from our everyday circumstances so that God’s Reign is released into the world?

Today, in God’s Lavish Mercy:
We prayerfully consider all that blossoms in our daily life. Where is the invitation to holiness within our circumstances? May God lift us to pick the fruit offered.

Poetry: Go to the Limits of Your Longing – Rainer Maria Rilké

God speaks to each of us as he makes us,
then walks with us silently out of the night.

These are the words we dimly hear:

You, sent out beyond your recall,
go to the limits of your longing.
Embody me.

Flare up like a flame
and make big shadows I can move in.

Let everything happen to you: beauty and terror.
Just keep going. No feeling is final.
Don’t let yourself lose me.

Nearby is the country they call life.
You will know it by its seriousness.

Give me your hand.

Music: Awakening – Tim Barabas

Thanksgiving

On By Renee Yann, RSMIn Charity, Community, Faith, Gospel, inclusivity, Jesus, Mercy, spirituality8 Comments

Thursday of the Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time-Thanksgiving
November 28, 2024

Readings for Thanksgiving Day:

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/112824-thanksgiving.cfm

And now, bless the God of all,
    who has done wondrous things on earth;
Who fosters people’s growth from their mother’s womb,
    and fashions them according to his will!
May he grant you joy of heart
    and may peace abide among you;
May God’s goodness toward us endure
    to deliver us in our days.
Sirach 50:22-24

Poetry: Thanksgiving Presence – Renee Yann, RSM

Music: Now Thank We All Our God

Faithfulness

On By Renee Yann, RSMIn Charity, Discipleship, Eternal Life, Faith, Gospel, Jesus, Mercy, Service, spirituality, sufferingLeave a comment

Wednesday of the Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time
November 27, 2024

Today’s Readings:

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/112724.cfm

Remain faithful until death,
and I will give you the crown of life.

Revelation 2:10

.In Luke 21, Jesus exhorts his disciples to remain faithful. Then he describes how fraught with difficulties that faithfulness will be: denouncement, imprisonment, false judgment, disavowal by family and friends, hatred, and even death. What is so terrifying about the Gospel that it evokes these responses in its enemies? What is so powerful about the Gospel that it will sustain its believers even through such trials?

Today, in God’s Lavish Mercy:
I ask myself, “Have I ever really suffered anything for the sake of the Gospel”? What would that suffering look like? Would it not be setting aside my selfishness for the sake of the neighbor – even the unloved neighbor? If we dare to do that, we will surely suffer.

Prose: from Walter Bruggemann in “God’s Neighborly Economy”

“Who is my neighbor?” (Luke 10:29)

The Bible is unflinching and unambiguous in its identification of the neighbor: widow, orphan, immigrant, the poor, lepers, the blind, deaf, lame … all those without viable resources or reliable advocacy.

Music: Take All the Lost Home – Joe Wise

Reap

On By Renee Yann, RSMIn Courage, Creation, Eternal Life, Faith, Jesus, Prayer, spirituality3 Comments

Tuesday of the Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time
November 26, 2024

Today’s Readings:

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/112624.cfm

I, John, looked and there was a white cloud,
and sitting on the cloud one who looked like a son of man,
with a gold crown on his head and a sharp sickle in his hand.
Another angel came out of the temple,
crying out in a loud voice to the one sitting on the cloud,
“Use your sickle and reap the harvest,
for the time to reap has come,
because the earth’s harvest is fully ripe.”
So the one who was sitting on the cloud swung his sickle over the earth,
and the earth was harvested.
Revelation 14:14-16

The Book of Revelation paints another image for us of the end times. We wonder about it, don’t we? The image of God reaping the harvest of which we are a part! Wow!

What will it really be like at the end of the world? Will it come in my lifetime? Will we see our beloveds again? Will we celebrate together the Second Coming of Christ? John wondered the same things we do, and today’s reading describes how he imagined the Parousia.

Today, in God’s Lavish Mercy:
We spend time in prayer, not so much imagining the unimaginable, but in asking ourselves if we are ready to receive the fullness of Christ for all eternity.

Poetry: For the Interim Time – John O’Donohue

When near the end of day, life has drained
Out of light, and it is too soon
For the mind of night to have darkened things,

No place looks like itself, loss of outline
Makes everything look strangely in-between,
Unsure of what has been, or what might come.

In this wan light, even trees seem groundless.
In a while it will be night, but nothing
Here seems to believe the relief of darkness.

You are in this time of the interim
Where everything seems withheld.

The path you took to get here has washed out;
The way forward is still concealed from you.

“The old is not old enough to have died away;
The new is still too young to be born.”

You cannot lay claim to anything;
In this place of dusk,
Your eyes are blurred;
And there is no mirror.

Everyone else has lost sight of your heart
And you can see nowhere to put your trust;
You know you have to make your own way through.

As far as you can, hold your confidence.
Do not allow confusion to squander
This call which is loosening
Your roots in false ground,
That you might come free
From all you have outgrown.

What is being transfigured here is your mind,
And it is difficult and slow to become new.
The more faithfully you can endure here,
The more refined your heart will become
For your arrival in the new dawn.

Music: The Ride of the Valkyries – Richard Wagner

Sometimes when prayer is beyond words, music may capture our feelings and speak them to God for us. I love to play this piece when praying these end-time passages.

Awake

On By Renee Yann, RSMIn Conversion, Discipleship, Eternal Life, Faith, spirituality2 Comments

Monday of the Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time
November 25, 2024

Today’s Readings:

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/112524.cfm

Stay awake!
For you do not know when the Son of Man will come.
Matthew 24:42,44

Our Gospel today is a repeat of one we had about two weeks ago, so I have focused our prayer on the Responsorial Psalm.

Stay Awake!

When I hear that phrase, I think of the cowboy movies that were popular when I was a kid. (and still are!) A couple of guys would be out in the desolate prairie, pitch dark all around. They would each take their turn on the watch after the boss’s exhortation to “Stay awake”!

Are you kidding me! We just rode all day on horseback, there is not a sound but crickets and hoot owls, there is a warm night breeze, and YOU EXPECT ME TO STAY AWAKE?

Today, in God’s Lavish Mercy:
We ask for the spiritual stamina to stay awake for God. The watch may be long, dark at times, and a little scary at others. But, as we will discover in prayer, God is already beside us in the vigil.

Poetry: Don’t Sleep – Rumi

For those of you who have troubled sleeping, this poem might be confusing. But the poem refers to the sleep of the soul, not the body.

Music: Stay Awake