As I Have Loved You

On By Renee Yann, RSMIn Community, Jesus, Love, Mercy, Uncategorized1 Comment

Friday, May 4, 2018

Readings: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/050418.cfm

Today, in Mercy, Jesus speaks his most loving words to his disciples. We can see them gathered around Jesus in the candlelit room. They are both dreading and longing for these precious words, both a confirmation of love and declaration of departure. But the words give them courage and they feel resolve rising in their hearts to be all that Jesus hopes them to be.

These same words follow us down through the ages, comforting and strengthening us to be all that Jesus dreams for us.

(Photo of Motherhouse of the Sisters of Mercy in Merion, PA, USA.  Note highlighted motto at top of photo. It has comforted and impelled many a Mercy heart. The magnificent song from Bob Dufford, SJ captures all of Jesus’ Last Discourse in John’s Gospel. PS: For those of you who know Sister Kate, she is one of the Sisters kneeling in adoration.)

Merion chapel shaded

Brothers Forever

On By Renee Yann, RSMIn Eternal Life, Faith, Love2 Comments

Thursday, May 3, 2018

Readings: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/050318.cfm

Today, in Mercy, we celebrate the feast of the Apostles Philip and James. One might wonder why they are paired, as it might seem more likely to join Philip with his friend Nathaniel, and James with his brother Jude. Instead, what connects Philip and James is that their relics were brought to Rome and buried on the same day – May 3. After having worked and given their whole lives to God, these brothers in Christ were destined to be side by side until eternity. Being buried beside our beloveds is a theme throughout biblical and other cultures. Consider the beautiful story of Ruth and Naomi to which today’s song refers. To be so buried suggests that we have found a union of heart in life which endures through death. It is a union based in a shared Love of God. May we be so blessed.

The relics of Philip and James are buried here in Rome under St. Peter’s Basilica.

This tender song reminds us that love endures beyond death.

God Has Filled All Things Everywhere

On By Renee Yann, RSMIn Creation, JesusLeave a comment

Wednesday, May 2, 2018

Readings: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/050218.cfm

Today, in Mercy, we celebrate the feast of St. Athanasius who lived in 4th century Egypt. During his lifetime, the Church struggled with the heresy of Arianism which questioned whether Jesus was really God. Athanasius was named a Doctor of the Church for his steadfast defense of the doctrine of the divinity of Christ. Some of Athanasius’s writings are suggestive of the theology of our great modern theologians, and so necessary for our spirituality today.

The universe unfolds in God, who fills it completely. Hence, there is a mystical meaning to be found in a leaf, in a mountain trail, in a dewdrop, in a poor person’s face. The ideal is not only to pass from the exterior to the interior to discover the action of God in the soul, but also to discover God in all things. (Pope Francis-Laudato Sí, 84)

If we live at a distance from God, the universe remains neutral or hostile to us. But if believe in God, immediately all around us the elements, even the irksome, organize themselves into a friendly whole, ordered to the ultimate success of life. (Pierre deChardin, SJ – Christianity and Evolution)

A Sacred Peace

On By Renee Yann, RSMIn Faith, Hope, Jesus, peaceLeave a comment

Tuesday, May 1, 2018

Readings: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/050118.cfm

Today, in Mercy, Jesus continues his loving assurance that He is with us always. He promises his followers peace, but not “peace” according to our human understanding. Instead, it is an immutable trust born of deep union with God and dependence on God’s protection. It endures and survives storms and darkness. Its gaze is focused on eternity. It is the peace that Jesus has demonstrated in His own life. How do we attain it? By imitating Jesus in the ordinary routines of our days – faith, trust and above all, love.

God’s Indwelling Love

On By Renee Yann, RSMIn Faith, Love, spirituality2 Comments

Monday, April 30, 2018

Readings: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/043018.cfm

Today, in Mercy, we are with Jesus as he continues to prepare his disciples for his departure. Jesus assures them that, if they keep his commandments, they will never be alone. Their faithfulness will allow the Presence of God to infuse their lives. We know when we have encountered someone whose life is filled with God. They don’t have to preach it – it pours out from them in kindness, peace and strength. May we welcome that Presence into our hearts by loving God and our neighbor.

How’s Your Vine-Connection?

On By Renee Yann, RSMIn Eternal Life, Faith, Jesus, spiritualityLeave a comment

Sunday, April 29, 2018

Readings: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/042918.cfm

Today, in Mercy, Jesus enjoins us to remain in Him. It is a word choice that indicates that we already are in Christ, and have only to “hang in there”, so to speak. We can picture Jesus sitting in the Judean countryside, talking with his followers, as He fingers a wild green vine growing on the hillside. Such a vine can endure the severities of temperature, weather and time. But we might also picture Jesus breaking off a tendril of the vine and casting it into the dry dirt. His listeners see the lesson. No words necessary. Apart from God, our spirit cannot thrive. Let’s check our “vine-connection” today to nurture it where necessary.

Blushing a Little

On By Renee Yann, RSMIn Jesus, spirituality, Thanksgiving1 Comment

Saturday, April 28, 2018

Readings: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/042818.cfm

Today, in Mercy, Philip kind of puts his foot in his mouth. He tells Jesus, “Show us the Father and that will be enough for us.” Oh, really? Is that all, Philip? It seems like that might be enough for just about anybody, don’t you think?

And Jesus sticks it to Philip a little, “Have I been so long with you and yet you do not know Me? The Father and I are one.”

We might hear Jesus’ question echo in our hearts. Has God been with us throughout our lives and we are still slow to recognize His Presence? Do we need to wake up like Philip in order to see the face of God in nature, in our loved ones, in the joys and sorrows of our life, in all Creation? Has God already shown us more than enough to help us love and believe in Him? Maybe, blushing a little like Philip, we just need to say, “Thank You!”

Follow Him

On By Renee Yann, RSMIn Faith, Jesus, Love3 Comments

Friday, April 27, 2018:

Readings: Acts 13:26-33, Psalm 2; John 14:1-6

Today, in Mercy, Jesus delivers the comforting words, “Do not let your hearts be troubled.” Indeed, it does require an effort on our part not to worry about the many concerns that infringe on our peace. Jesus goes on to tell us that – in the long run -our life will be OK. There is already a place prepared for us in God’s heart. He then unambiguously tells us how to get there: “I am the Way.” Simple? Yes. Easy? No. Learn Him, follow Him – one step at a time. ( Couldn’t resist the song. 🤗)

The “Scriptures of Our Lives”

On By Renee Yann, RSMIn Faith, joy, spirituality, Thanksgiving2 Comments

Thursday, April 26, 2018

Readings: Acts 13:13-25; Psalm 89; John 13:16-20

Today, in Mercy, our readings continue to extol the blessings of salvation history as it culminates in the Resurrection. In Acts, Paul recounts God’s presence throughout the Jewish Scriptures . In John’s Gospel, Jesus speaks about the fulfillment of these scriptures in Himself. Psalm 89 allows us to offer thanks for God’s presence throughout the “scriptures of our lives.” Are there times in your life when you remember God’s presence most gratefully? Are there times God has carried you through to salvation? Mary sang her thanks so beautifully that I thought our prayer would be blessed by a song about her.

Be Clothed in Humility

On By Renee Yann, RSMIn Church, dying, Eternal Life, Faith, UncategorizedLeave a comment

Wednesday, April 25, 2018

Readings: 1 Peter 5:5-14; Psalm 89; Mark 16:15-20

Today, in Mercy, on this feast of St. Mark, we listen to Peter instruct the young Church in the way of Christlike leadership. Deep humility, born from a reverence for the mystery of the cross, empowers us to be true witnesses of the faith and to draw others into Christ’s love. As a student of Peter, Mark learned a first-hand account of Christ’s life, steeped in the mystery of life, death and Resurrection. Mark later shared that account with us in the gift of his Gospel.