From The Heart

A Sacred Time – A Reflection for the First Sunday of Lent

Mission Helpers of the Sacred Heart — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 20:05:00 +0000

By Marilyn Dunphy, MHSH

[Readings: Genesis 9: 8-15; Ps. 25: 4-5, 6-7, 8-9; 1 Peter 3: 18-22; Mark 1: 12-15]

As you contemplate the season of Lent, you might consider reflecting on its meaning to you now as well as at other times in your life. For me, growing up in the ‘50s and early ‘60s, Lent was a time set aside for repentance, for “giving up” things that I liked, such as desserts or movies or even the sleep I could have had if I didn’t attend daily Mass.

In the parochial school I attended, participation in the weekly Stations of the Cross on Friday afternoons was mandatory, thus adding to the sense of obligation. While even then I appreciated the sacred nature of Lent experienced through the “smells and bells” of the pre-Vatican II Church, the emphasis was on self-denial and sinfulness. The season often seemed interminable, oppressive and stark.

Today, Lent is a time that I actually look forward to, as the season seems to invite me to deeper contemplation. My focus is not on deprivation, but on deepening my relationship with Jesus through prayer. I think the change occurred when I started to go on weekend and then week-long silent retreats each year. At first, these retreats truly felt like desert experiences. Even though there were 30 or 40 other people in the retreat house, we passed our time (and each other) in silence. Time took on a whole different feeling, with no particular structure to the day. All the familiar distractions of television, email, internet browsing, phone calls etc, had been left behind.

In that environment, I was tempted to throw myself into reading the many spiritual books in the library, but I had a graced insight that this would only be a further distraction. So I entered into what at first seemed like the unwelcome, solitary work of looking deeply into my own heart and mind, asking myself where I was in relationship to God, and what I (and God) wanted that relationship to be.

At first, this situation seemed almost as frightening as facing any amount of wild desert beasts. I was not sure I wanted to head in this direction, and was afraid of what I might hear as answer in prayer. But with trust in God and the patience of a skilled spiritual director, I was able to pass out of that narrow, somewhat desolate place in which I found myself. What opened up for me was an abundance of new life.

The God who made a covenant with each of us waits for us to approach. The psalmist reminds us that God’s ways are love and truth, that God is kind and full of compassion, desiring to guide us through our own personal and communal wildernesses. With humility and trust, perhaps we can all spend some sacred time with God this Lent, knowing that God will provide us with what we need.

Lenten Prayer

Give yourself permission to carve out some time each day for prayer. Give it whatever time you can, although 30 minutes or more is desirable.

You can pray with the scripture passages of the day, or with the many fine Lenten reflection books and guides that are available. You can also simply pray from your own experience.

Tell God what is on your mind and in your heart. Be sure to include a time of interior silence to listen to what God is saying to you. Sometimes, just resting in the presence of God is the best prayer.

Lent—A Time for Creative Contemplation

Mission Helpers of the Sacred Heart — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 19:08:30 +0000

Sister Agnesine Seluzicki, MHSH

As the days begin to lengthen, unfolding gradually the promises of new life, the Church enters into its movement toward the great feast of Life – the Resurrection – with the celebration of Ash Wednesday. For the next forty days, we will be invited to enter into a virtual desert experience, an experience where one can hear more deeply, within one’s own heart, the voice of God. How is this to be accomplished? The readings and prayers at the Mass on Ash Wednesday set the tone. The first reading for Ash Wednesday from the prophet Joel begins,

Even now, says the Lord,
return to me with your whole heart,
with fasting and weeping…
Rend your hearts, not your garments,
and return to the Lord your God.

Saint Paul, in his Second Letter to the Corinthians, follows this up with the exhortation, “…We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God…Behold, now is a very acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”

As you present yourself to be signed with ashes and hear the words “Repent, and believe in the Gospel” or “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return” accept this invitation as a call by our God to a renewal of life. Allow yourself to look at any excesses that may have crept into your life, which are blurring Gospel values. Settle on the ways in which you are able to find your fasting and desert experiences.

Be creative! Your most contemplative experiences might just occur on a crowded subway or while performing some unpleasant task. Your fasting might come from five minutes of listening to that boring individual whom you usually tune out. And, what of a smile to that harried employee at the check-out counter? Or, that effort to keep from judging others or from complaining.

As we commemorate the sufferings and death of Jesus during Lent, let us remember that Jesus lives and that in our remembering, returning, reconciling and repenting we are responding to the call of our living God who calls us to life in the risen Christ.

St. Valentine’s Day – What’s in a Name?

Mission Helpers of the Sacred Heart — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 17:44:13 +0000

By Sister Kathleen M. Lehner, MHSH

Who was St. Valentine? When did he live? Why do we honor him?

The exact person we honor on February 14, St. Valentine, is hidden in the obscurities of the first three centuries of Church history. The feast may be in honor of a priest, Valentine, who was known to counsel and marry young couples. This was at the time when Roman law persecuted Christians, so Valentine eventually incurred the wrath of Emperor Claudius II and was imprisoned. When Valentine turned his attention to converting the Emperor himself, Claudius had him put to death.

The feast may also be in honor of several other martyrs, all named Valentine, or Valentina, the feminine version of the name, which is derived from the Latin “valens,” meaning “worthy” or “courageous.”

From this little piece of history we can glean something about St. Valentine and the general atmosphere in which all our early Christian ancestors lived. Many people carried the name Valentine or Valentina. No doubt it was to inspire them to face courageously the dangers of being Christian in the Roman Empire at that time.

The custom of giving children significant names has been prevalent all through history. Families like to repeat names from generation to generation, tying generations together and giving children inspiring forebears. This is also the idea behind giving a saint’s name at Baptism and Confirmation. Hopefully, the named saint will become an inspiration to the child for life.

What about your name? Is it from our list of Christian ancestors? Or a revered family forebear? You may have more than one name to live up to. Perhaps you also chose a favorite saint’s name for your Confirmation name; or you took the name of a friend or relative because you admired her or him and wanted to model yourself after that person.

Saints and significant people can play an important role in helping us to develop our potential. This is another way we serve one another in the Mystical Body to which we belong. Spend some time reflecting on how you can become the quality person your name calls you to be.

Come Aside and Rest

Mission Helpers of the Sacred Heart — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:56:59 +0000

A Reflection by Sister Mariel Ann Rafferty

It is a cold, brisk winter day. I have paused at this bench in the courtyard of our Mission Helper Center. Not too long ago, I sat on this bench as I grieved the death of Sister Helen Hiehle, my dearest friend of 43 years. The bench became a special place for me in the deepening realization of Helen’s joy in seeing the face of God.

I wonder how many people have sat here during the spring and summer months…a few teens preparing for confirmation, perhaps…someone receiving guidance from a spiritual director…a novice meditating on her call to serve God….A Sister Jubilarian reflecting on her sixty or more years as a Mission Helper…a mother concerned about her teenage children…. someone praying for the courage to approach another for reconciliation…a young man or woman discerning a call to become a missionary!

Countless people have sat here with others, or alone in silence, to experience God’s presence and the whisper of God’s voice.

Listen! Is Jesus inviting you to “Come aside and rest awhile”? Come! In your imagination, sit awhile on this bench with Jesus. Take a few minutes to speak with Him in this sacred place and be sure to listen.

You will be surprised at all that stirs within your heart!

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity: Day 8 (Final) Prayer and Reflection

Mission Helpers of the Sacred Heart — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 17:00:12 +0000

Day 8: United in the Reign of Christ.
Scripture
I Chronicles 29:10-13, It is in your hand to make great and to give strength to all.
Psalm 21:1-7, You set a crown of fine gold on his head.
Revelations 3:19b-22, To the one who conquers I will give a place with Me on My throne.
John 12:23-26, Whoever serves me, the Father will honor.
Meditation
Jesus Christ has humbled Himself and been exalted and shares His reign and exaltation with all people.
David’s hymn expresses the truth that everything happens by grace. Christian tradition gives it a Messianic sense; Christ is the true King, full of blessing and life, the perfect presence of God among people.
The Book of Revelations constitutes a message to the Church in all times and places. Those who admit Christ into their homes will all be invited to share with him in the banquet of eternal life. The promise regarding sitting on thrones, previously announced to the “twelve”, is now extended to all who are victorious.
Christians are aware that unity among them is above all a gift of God. It is a share in Christ’s victory over sin, death and the evil which causes division. Our participation in Christ’s victory reaches its fullness in heaven. Our common witness to the Gospel shows the world a God who does not limit or overpower us. We announce to the people of our day and age, that Christ’s victory overcomes all that keeps us from sharing fullness of life with Him and with each other.

For Your Reflection

On this last day of our week of prayer for Christian Unity we celebrate the Reign of Christ. Christ’s victory enables us to look into the future with hope. This victory overcomes all that keeps us from sharing fullness of life with him and with each other. Christians know that unity among us is above all a gift of God. It is a share in Christ’s glorious victory over all that divides.

In what ways do false humility and a desire for earthly glory manifest themselves in our lives?
How do we express together our faith in the Reign of Christ?
How do we live out our hope in the coming Kingdom of God?

Prayer
Almighty God, Ruler of All, teach us to contemplate the mystery of your glory. Grant that we may accept your gifts with humility and respect each person’s dignity. May Your Holy Spirit strengthen us for the spiritual battles which lie ahead, so that united in Christ we may reign with Him in glory. Grant this through Christ who humbled himself and was exalted, who lives with You and the Holy Spirit, forever and ever. Amen.

Source: Greymoor Ecumenical and Interreligious Institute

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity: Day 7 Prayer and Reflection

Mission Helpers of the Sacred Heart — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 17:00:52 +0000

Day 7: Changed by the Good Shepherd.
Scripture
1 Samuel 2:1-10, Not by might does one prevail.
Psalm 23, You are there with your rod and your staff.
Ephesians 6:10-20, Be strong in the Lord.
John 21:15-19, Feed my sheep.
Meditation
Hannah’s realized that some things happen only with the help of God. It was through His will that Hannah and her husband became parents. In what would seem to be a hopeless situation this text is an example of victory.
The Good Shepherd of Psalm 23 guides his sheep even through the darkest places, comforting them with his presence. Those who place their trust in the Lord have no need to fear even the shadows of disunity, as their shepherd will lead them to dwell together in the Lord’s own house.
St. Paul urges us to “be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power” by putting on spiritual armor: truth, righteousness, proclaiming the Good News, faith, salvation, the word of God, prayer and supplication.
The Risen Lord urges Peter and each disciple to discover in himself a love of Him who alone is the One True Shepherd.
The witness to Christ that has been confirmed in us obliges us to act jointly for the sake of unity. We have the ability and the knowledge to bear such witness! But are we willing? He invites us to cooperate with Him unconditionally thus we will be able to help one another on the road to unity.

For Your Reflection

On this day the Bible texts show us the Lord strengthening His flock. Following the Good Shepherd, we are called to strengthen each other in the Lord, and to support and fortify the weak and the lost. There is one Shepherd, and we are his people.

How does the Good Shepherd inspire us to comfort, revive, and restore the confidence of those who are lost?
In what ways can Christians of various traditions strengthen each other in confessing and bearing witness to Jesus Christ?
For us today, what can be the meaning of St Paul’s exhortation: “Be strong in the Lord…. put on the whole armour of God”?

Prayer
Father of all, you call us to be one flock in your Son, Jesus Christ. He is our Good Shepherd who invites us to lie down in green pastures, leads us beside still waters, and restores our souls. In following him, may we so care for others that all see in us the love of the one true shepherd, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.

Source: Greymoor Ecumenical and Interreligious Institute

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity: Day 6

Mission Helpers of the Sacred Heart — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 17:32:18 +0000

Day 6: Changed by God’s steadfast love.
Scripture
Habakkuk 3:17-19, God, the Lord is my strength.
Psalm 136:1-4,23-26, His steadfast love endures forever.
1 John 5:1-6, This is the victory that conquers the world, our faith.
John 15:9-17, No one has greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
Meditation
It is faith in God that keeps hope alive. Habakkuk’s lamentation turns to joy in God’s fidelity that supplies strength in the face of despair.
Psalm 136 confirms that the memory of God’s steadfast love in Israel’s history. Because of God’s intervention, the people of Israel experienced extraordinary and surprising victories. Recalling God’s great works of salvation is a source of joy, gratitude and hope, which believers have for centuries expressed in prayer, hymns of praise, and music.
The epistle reminds us: “that which has been born of God” is what overcomes the world. Victory in Christ involves a change of heart, perceiving earthly reality from the perspective of eternity, and believing in the final victory over death. This victorious force is faith, the source of which is God. And its most perfect manifestation is love.
In the gospel, through His death on the cross, Christ assures His disciples of God’s love. He invites and challenges them to show love to one another. Even when progress to full visible unity seems slow, we do not lose hope. God’s steadfast love will enable us to overcome the deepest divisions. That is why the victory that conquers the world is our faith and the transforming power of God’s love.

For Your Reflection

How does the Good Shepherd inspire us to comfort, revive, and restore the confidence of those who are lost?
In what ways can Christians of various traditions strengthen each other in confessing and bearing witness to Jesus Christ?
For us today, what can be the meaning of St Paul’s exhortation: “Be strong in the Lord…. put on the whole armour of God”?

Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, by your resurrection You have triumphed over death, and have become the Lord of life. Out of love for us You have chosen us to be Your friends. May the Holy Spirit unite us to You and to one other in the bonds of friendship, that we may faithfully serve You in this world as witnesses to Your steadfast love; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.

Source: Greymoor Ecumenical and Interreligious Institute

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity: Day 5 Prayer and Reflection

Mission Helpers of the Sacred Heart — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 17:00:12 +0000

Day 5: Changed by the peace of the Risen Lord.
Scripture
Malachi 4:5-6, He will turn the hearts of parents to their children and the hearts of children to their parents.
Psalm 133, How good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity!
Ephesians 2:14-20, To reconcile both groups to God in one body, putting to death hostility.
John 20:19-23, Jesus stood among them and said: Peace be with you!
Meditation
Malachi’s words convey God’s promise of sending God’s chosen one to establish harmony and respect in all households. He draws attention to one of the most difficult conflicts — the heartbreak in relations between parents and their offspring. This restoration of unity is not possible without God’s help. It is God’s emissary who performs the miracle of transformation in people’s hearts and relationships.
The psalm shows what great joy such unity among people can bring. Happiness consists in living in a human community in harmony, peace, trust and understanding. Living together in unity is not restricted to family members only – this is rather a declaration of the closeness between people who accept the peace of God.
The epistle tells us of Him whom the prophet Malachi announced. Jesus brings unity, because in His own body He has demolished the “wall of hostility” between people. Jesus puts an end to alienation. He transforms, heals and unites all that they may become “members of God’s household.”
“Peace be with you” is Christ’s greeting and also his gift. It is an invitation to seek peace with God and establish new, lasting relationships within the human family and all of creation. Jesus has trampled down death and sin. By the gift of the Holy Spirit, the Risen Lord invites his disciples into his mission of bringing peace, healing and forgiveness. As long as Christians remain divided, the world will not be convinced of the full truth of the Gospel. Peace and unity are the hallmarks of this transformation. The Churches need to appropriate and witness to these gifts as members of the one household of God built upon the sure foundation of Jesus as the cornerstone.

For Your Reflection

Today we celebrate the peace of the Risen Lord. The Risen One is the great Victor over death and the world of darkness. He unites His disciples, who were paralysed with fear. He opens up before us new prospects of life and of acting for His coming kingdom. The Risen Lord unites and strengthens all believers. Peace and unity are the hallmarks of our transformation in the resurrection.

What forms of violence in our community can we as Christians confront together?
How do we experience hidden hostilities that affect our relationship to each other as Christian communities?
How can we learn to welcome each other as Christ welcomes us?

Prayer
Loving and merciful God, teach us the joy of sharing in your peace. Fill us with your Holy Spirit so that we may tear down the walls of hostility separating us. May the risen Christ, who is our peace, help us to overcome all division and unite us as members of his household. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, to whom, with You and the Holy Spirit, be all honor and glory, world without end. Amen.

Source: Greymoor Ecumenical and Interreligious Institute

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity: Day 4 Prayer and Reflection

Mission Helpers of the Sacred Heart — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 17:00:17 +0000

Day 4: Changed by the Lord’s victory over evil.
Scripture
Exodus 23:1-9, Do not follow the majority in wrongdoing.
Psalm 1, Happy are those whose delight is in the law of the Lord.
Romans 12:17-2, Overcome evil with good.
Matthew 4:1-11, Worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.
Meditation
In Jesus we learn what “victory” really means, that is, happiness with one another in God’s love through His overcoming of all that keeps us apart. In Jesus we can share in a new life which calls us to struggle against what is wrong in our world with renewed confidence and with a delight in what is good.
The words from Exodus give a categorical warning against engaging in wrongdoing and injustice. The attitude of the majority must not in any way provide an excuse. Nothing entitles a person to do wrong.
Psalm 1 draws attention not only to the need to observe the commandments, but especially to the joyful fruits of doing so. A person who loves the law of the Lord above all else is called happy and blessed.
In Paul’s admonitions we find encouragement to “overcome evil with good.” Only good can interrupt the endless spiral of hatred and the desire for revenge. He calls peace with others and understands our continuous struggle against our instincts to harm those who hurt us.
Matthew describes the Son of God’s struggle against Satan. Jesus’ victory over the temptations in the desert are fulfilled in His obedience to the Father, which leads Him to the Cross. His resurrection confirms that God’s goodness ultimately wins: love overcomes death. His presence calls Christians to act together in the cause of goodness. The scandal is that because of our divisions we cannot be strong enough to fight against the evils of our time. United in Christ, we are called to share in His mission of bringing hope to the places of injustice, hatred, and despair.

This day takes us deeper into the struggles against evil. Victory in Christ is an overcoming of all that damages God’s creation, and keeps us apart from one another. In Jesus we are called to share in this new life, struggling with him against what is wrong in our world, with renewed confidence and with a delight in what is good. In our divisions we cannot be strong enough to overcome evil in our times.

For Your Reflection

Where do we see evil in our own lives?
In what way can our faith in Christ help us to overcome evil and the Evil One?
What can we learn from situations in our community where division has given way to reconciliation?

Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, we thank you for your victory over evil and division. We praise you for your sacrifice and your resurrection that conquer death. Help us in our everyday struggle against all adversity. May the Holy Spirit give us strength and wisdom so that, following you, we may overcome evil with good, and division with reconciliation. Amen.

Source: Greymoor Ecumenical and Interreligious Institute

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity: Day 3 Prayer and Reflection

Mission Helpers of the Sacred Heart — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 20:38:26 +0000

Day 3: Changed by the Suffering Servant.

Scripture
Isaiah 53:3-11, The man of sorrows accustomed to suffering.
Psalm 22:12-24, He did not despise the affliction of the afflicted.
1Peter 2:21-25, Christ suffered for us.
Luke 24:25-27, Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things?
Meditation
The divine paradox is that God can change tragedy and disaster into victory. He transforms the enormity of history’s pain into a resurrection that encompasses the whole world. While appearing to be defeated, He is the true Victory whom no one and nothing can overcome.
Isaiah’s prophecy was completely fulfilled in Christ. After suffering enormous agony, the Man of Sorrows shall see His offspring. We are that offspring, born from the Savior’s suffering. In this way we are made one family in Him.
Psalm 22 is not only about Jesus. The Savior Himself prayed this psalm on the cross. In the second part of the psalm the lamentation changes into praise of God for God’s works.
Peter presents to us as an example: Jesus did not curse God, but submitted to the one who judges righteously. His wounds have healed us, and returned us all to the one Shepherd.
As with the disciples on the way to Emmaus, Jesus is our constant companion on the stony road of life, stirring our hearts and opening our eyes to the mysterious plan of salvation. The power of the cross draws us into unity. Here we encounter Christ’s suffering as the source of compassion for and solidarity with the entire human family. In our shared solidarity with all who suffer we learn from the crucified suffering servant the lessons of self-emptying, letting go and self-sacrifice. These are the gifts we need from His Spirit on our way to unity in Him.

For Your Reflection

This day calls us to reflect on the suffering of Christ. Following Christ the Suffering Servant, Christians are called to solidarity with all who suffer. The closer we come to the cross of Christ the closer we come to one another.

How can our faith help us in our response to long-lasting suffering?
What areas of human suffering are unnoticed and belittled today?
How can Christians bear witness together to the power of the cross?

Prayer
God of consolation, you have transformed the shame of the cross into a sign of victory. Grant that we may be united around the Cross of your Son to worship Him for the mercy offered through his suffering. May the Holy Spirit open our eyes and our hearts, so that we may help those who suffer to experience your closeness; You who live and reign forever and ever. Amen.

Source: Greymoor Ecumenical and Interreligious Institute