Where is Hope?

 

    What do you do when you receive news that pushes the bottom out of your heart, news that fractures any sense of stability you‘ve held on to despite the pandemic? I think about how many people have been in that position of getting news that someone they love has had their world turned upside down by addiction, accident, job loss, or other calamity. This, on top of pandemic, can shatter most anyone.

    When someone gets this kind of news, the question often surfaces: What can I do to help the situation? Often the answer is “not much” or even “nothing.” This feeling of being alone and without help when there is a crisis is enough to raise a cloud of frustration, even despair in most of us.

    Questions arise: How much more can a person carry?  Where is God in all this mess? In her head a Christian knows the answer is that God is present in the midst of it, but this question itself comes not from the head but from the heart. Answers are less black and white and more a matter of faith or trust.                  

    But where in this maelstrom of pain, disappointment, and helplessness does a person with faith find any hope? If God is there, hope has to be there as well, but in our current days where so much is nebulous, hope can be hard to find. Sometimes it helps if we try to open our ears and eyes, then look around.

    Do you notice the food servers and dish washers in that small restaurant where you picked up a lunch? They likely need to be there despite health risks. How about the folks who collect the trash you put curbside? Have you thought about how medical workers and teachers risk their health to do their jobs? What about generosity of carpenters who make free in-home desks for poor kids who have to go to school online? Each one is a manifestation of God’s care for us.

    But it’s not just adults who reveal God’s presence. What about kids who step up to do odd jobs for neighbors? How about kindergartners who make cards for shut-ins? Then there are older kids who go out of their way to relieve their parents by giving extra attention to their siblings.

     In other words, God is revealed in the actions of people who reach out to those who need help, and believe it or not, there’s a lot of that giving going on all around us. I think we see it, but often it doesn’t register as something special. The Uber driver, the cop on the corner, the grocery store clerks, postal workers, and many others are risking health to be of service and trying to keep their businesses afloat.

    When hopelessness, anxiety, and frustration surface in our daily lives during these trying times, try to recall the nearness of God’s love by paying special attention to its manifestations in our neighbors and even ourselves. Hope is around and within; we just need to pay attention to the ubiquitous signs of its presence.

                   
           Sr. Colleen Winston, OSB

Hope

          When I went to college, I had to take a couple of fine art classes.The choices were between drama, music or art.  I knew drama or music would not be my best venture so I chose art.  I must

say that I actually enjoyed the class and wound up getting an A in it! (The teacher graded on where we were at the beginning of class and where we progressed by the end of the class). I had nowhere  to go but up.

          I had to hope that I would succeed in Art. In talking with my sister, I remember saying, “Do you remember I think our grandfather was artistic maybe it is in the genes.” My Sister quickly replied that all her jeans were in the wash! What is this memory teaching me at this particular time?

          It is now August and we are months into the COVID 19 pandemic with no end in sight. We are on a new venture. e have safety choices to make, will we choose wisely?  Are we able to find our

best method of coping?  We question and pray for a favorable outcome.  Perhaps like my art class, we must not give up hope. Perhaps in persevering, we will discover our right brain in adjusting to new situations. The virtue of hope will not disappoint us and hopefully it will lead us closer to God, whose genes we all possess.

                                Sr. Barbara Woeste, OSB

Hope/New Life

What a weird winter this has been! Temperatures are above normal: snowflakes scarce, sunny days promise spring, worry that it’s too soon, rainy and dark days, kids playing outside with no coats. What does it mean --global warming?

At the time of my last blog (July 2019), we were sadly remembering the loss of our eight mighty oaks sheltering the sidewalk to our front entry. At that time I compared the remaining trunks to the tombstones of some of our Sisters, giants whose lives and work made lasting impressions in our lives and in the history of our community.

A few months later, there appeared eighteen young saplings planted out in front. Someday they will form two “groves”, nice shady places to talk, to welcome visitors. They’re twice my height and have a protective screen around their trunks to stop the hungry deer from stripping their bark. But – is it my imagination, or wishful thinking, that tiny red buds seem to be emerging from their young branches? A promise of new leaves! The first signs of daffodils, irises, and “Ghost” lilies are sprouting in all their regular places. I hear the timorous song of returning birds.

I think of Sr. Eileen making profession of first vows this past Saturday. And I think of one visitor in particular, a woman who expresses interest in joining us, and the hopes the two of them give us for new life in our community. The reading (Matthew 17:1-9) for that ceremony, included within first vespers for the second Sunday of Lent, spoke of the Transfiguration that the chosen apostles were privileged to witness. “Lord, it is good for us to be here!” It was all so appropriate.

Instead of Peter’s proposed tents, let us build a welcoming community for new members, and a heartfelt prayer of gratitude, as we come down from this mountain of exhilaration.

         Sr. Mary Carol Hellmann, OSB

Living in Hope

            It’s hard to read the paper or watch the news with so much oppressive suffering in our world, and growing divisiveness and violence in our own land. I understood when a friend mourned:  “This is not the country I know.”  What are we becoming?  What can we do?

With the psalmist, we can cry out with and for our brothers and sisters:  “Awake!  Why do you sleep, O Lord?  Rise up!  Do not reject us forever. Why do you hide your face, why forget our pain and misery?  We are bowed down to the ground; our bodies are pressed to the ground.  Rise up, help us!  Redeem us as your love demands.*(Ps. 44)   Let not the oppressed turn back in shame; may the poor and needy praise your name. (Ps. 74)  (from the New American Bible c. 1981)

We can address these words to ourselves:  Do not hide in your comfort.  Rise up!  Open your eyes. Listen with the ears of your heart.  Remember, the pain and misery of others - the oppressed, the poor. Do something for which others will praise God.  Remember, love is the only thing that lasts.

            What are we becoming?  Only God knows, but if you believe there is much, much more good than evil in our world, and I’m convinced there is, we live in hope.

              P.S.    Recently I saw the film, “Pope Francis: A Man of His Word.”  It is well worth seeing, a vision-expanding experience.  Pope Francis is urging us, through word and example, to enlarge our hearts, to widen our view, to heed the cry of the poor, to work for peace, to seek justice, to bless and care for the earth, and to reach out to others in love, acceptance and reverence.  He radiates the love of God.

            Sr. Sharon Portwood, OSB

Being Pollyana?

Just recently I was called “too Pollyanna” when raising hope and possibilities in a challenging situation.  My optimistic perspective came not from a place of naivety or denial but from a belief in the innate potential and resiliency of the individuals involved. It came from an attitude of choosing not to get stuck in the moment but to take note and see what could be possible. To identify what strengths lie hidden waiting to be untapped. It is about a stance which seeks to understand and foster compassion.

The fear, violence and disconnect of our times give us an opportunity to choose how we will respond. To choose to connect with our neighbors, greet the stranger we meet, and engage in practices (e.g. prayer, meditation, volunteering) which increase our compassion capacity. To find ways to celebrate what is right in the small daily moments and encourage one another on this journey. 

We each control our piece, our attitude and our way of interacting with the world. I will continue to be “too Pollyanna” if it sends out positivity, connects me to others (both far and near), and celebrates the strengths and possibilities in this world. And on those days when my optimism is tinged with weariness I will take a deep breath, offer a prayer and regroup for another day of raising hope and the possibilities of what can be.   

Sr. Kimberly Porter, OSB

The Sacred Triduum and Hope

       The Celebration of the Sacred Triduum begins on Holy Thursday with the Mass of the Lord's Supper.

On Friday we will meditate on the mystery of Christ's death and we will adore the Cross.

Holy Saturday we will contemplate Jesus lying in the tomb and with Mary, His mother,and  strive to keep alive the flame of hope in Christ's resurrection.

Then at the Easter Vigil, the Alleluia will resound again as we celebrate the Risen Christ, the  center and fulfillment of the universe and of history.

       Through these statements Pope Francis in his Vatican Radio address on 04-01-2015 urged us the "faithful" to open our hearts to a "present that is full of hope in the future."

       In our chaotic violence-filled world, where is our hope?  Let us accompany Jesus as closely as we can so that

our hearts beat as one with His.  Let our hearts be as close with him as we are when we companion a beloved relative or friend in their dying days. Let our feeling of helplessness to be absorbed in the unifying love of the Holy Trinity.

       As we share presence with Jesus let us keep awake and imbue  this act of total commitment into our hearts and conscience; that this sign may be imprinted upon  us. Let us reach out to one another within our local community, and throughout the world to become a committed force of love and mercy through prayer and actions.

       As members of Jesus' Body through our baptismal promises, it is imperative  that we strive for this perfection in faith and love. Then maybe we will again be able to be beacons of hope.

       Sr. Joan Gripshover, OSB

The Choice: Skepticism or Hope

       It's so easy to be a skeptic today! It's easy to rail against systems and people who are supposed to work for our benefit but fail us.

       I think today's political stage is so chaotic in part because it acts like a great pressure release valve for  the frustration and anger many people feel about systems that make their life difficult. Lots of things are broken, and people are searching for a "fixer." Candidates who promise something simple and certain get lots of attention. Desperation seeks quick solutions.

       Amazingly, there is something buried in this maelstrom that unites everyone involved. Every single person believes there is a way out. Every one has hope! Looked at from this perspective, Donald Trump, Hilary Clinton, Bernie Sanders, Pope Francis and even Jesus all have something in common: the fervent crowds that follow them believe they have answers that can fix systems and better their lives. This seems especially obvious in the ministry of Pope Francis.

       Why has this man stirred the hearts of the world? One reason is, I think, because he exudes hope. He chooses to live and minister especially to the people who have little hope – the poor, sick, imprisoned, unemployed….  Like Jesus, people in need flock to him. Like Jesus, no one in our time has spoken quite like this, and he speaks with authority drenched in love and compassion.

       Hope is a power source; one can see that today in the crowds following both Francis and the presidential candidates. Hope contains a challenge though. It addresses what may come, not what is or was. This means work is involved. Hope lives not in a vacuum but in individuals. It gives them energy and impetus that must be tapped if it is to bear fruit.

       The French poet Charles Peguy (1873-1914) wrote that while "hope moves the world…and carries it," hope itself is carried by its two sisters, faith and charity. (Portal of the Mystery of Hope, 1912) The person with hope must believe in the cause and have enough love for self and others to do the work. It requires no work to be a skeptic or to accept simplistic answers to profoundly complex questions, so hope is often the "road less travelled," to use Robert Frost's famous image (The Road Not Taken, 1916).

       During this Lenten season we are conscious that Jesus didn't take the easy path. The path laid out by his Father took profound hope.  Knowing this, Jesus told us that if we want to be his follower, the cross must be our baggage too. Quick and easy answers weren't part of his life plan; we can't expect this to be true of ours.

       As the common saying goes, if something seems too good to be true, it very likely is not, whether it's a "solution" for an immigration problem or an international dilemma like ISIS. Hope demands more than wishing or commanding. Hope's power is unleashed when a community of seekers decides to turn from skepticism, join hands in faith, and walk forward through the chaos in shared wisdom, strength, and courage. Maybe Lent is a good time to examine how often skepticism slips into our thinking and nudges out the labor-intensive hope that wants to reside there.

     Sr. Colleen Winston, OSB

Fireworks, Gun Fire, Hope, Freedom, Grace and Prayer

     With a post due on July 2^nd the only topic that immediately came to mind is the 4^th of July. Since childhood I have enjoyed this day of being with family and friends, grilling, parades, and firework displays. While I do pray for our veterans this day, I was surprised that I failed to mention prayer or put it at the top of my list of enjoyments. Another surprise was that the thought of fireworks felt like a jab in my heart. 

     The word fireworks conjured images of the gun fire and violence throughout the world. I thought of the many places where people wonder each day whether it may be their last on earth. Many even fear of being captured by the enemy to live long days of torture and abuse. In an area close to home there have been so many shootings that children fear to walk on the street.  Then I questioned whether it is even logical to hope and pray for freedom throughout the world? 

     Actually, it isn’t logical. Only God’s grace empowers us to pray for freedom for all people. I pray also that those who define freedom as license will learn the true meaning of the word. While for much of my life I believed we were guaranteed freedom in America, I now realize that the only guarantee of freedom is in Christ. Scripture attests to this in many places, e.g.:

“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.” Romans 8:1-2.”

“You will know the truth and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32

     This 4^th of July, I will often say this little prayer in thanksgiving for freedom. “Lord, thank you for giving your life that we may be free. Bless all those who have served our country and continue to give their lives for our freedom. Meet their needs and watch over their families with favor and bounty. 

      Help me live my life in a way that glorifies You. Give me the strength to be a blessing in someone else’s life each day. Grant me the opportunity to lead others into the freedom that can be found only in knowing Jesus Christ.”--Adapted from “Prayer for Fourth of July from a collection by Mary Fairchild.”

                                           Sr. Victoria Eisenman, OSB

February Musings

     Outside my second floor window, a pervasive grayness chills the landscape with its bone-bare trees and swirling snow.  It evokes an unsolicited, fleeting feeling like that of being in Narnia, where it was “always winter, but never Christmas”.  Out of nowhere comes a phrase from the baccalaureate speaker at my college graduation many years ago: “You are the children of winter.”

      That is all I remember of the speech.  Most likely, the speaker encouraged us to meet the challenges that lay ahead and reminded us that it would not be an easy future that awaited us.  Wise decisions, hope, and trust in God would help us make a difference. 

      Now, the necessity of hope and informed action is more crucial than ever as the volume and speed of human and environmental crises mount.  While the advances of technology, medicine, psychology and science grow, so do drug problems, weapons of destruction, slavery and domination.  And the curse and saving grace is that we are all in this together. 

      As the Spirit hovers over the land and waters, seeking those who will listen and hear....  let us pray and carry one another. 

       During these random musings, a beautifully bright, small and fragile redbird has alighted on the top limb of a tree on the hillside.  It flits here and there, with its mate nearby.  I am reluctant to leave.  How can it stand the cold?   Thank you, God, for this little gift.  I need it today. 

                        Sr. Sharon Portwood, OSB

Dwelling, Healing and Calling

I have been struck by the range of emotions as holiday cheer increases mixed with a deep sadness of the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary.  The following words from Psalm 147 keep coming to mind:

God heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

In less than a week we will celebrate Christmas…God becoming flesh in our midst.    God who knows our joy, sorrow, pain and hope.  God who mourns with us and moves us towards healing.  The scar remains however we abide in hope that God is with us and will bring us new life.  At Christmas we celebrate the birth of Christ, a tangible and concrete hope.  Our invitation is to continue to find hope in daily life with its subtleties and ups and down.  For God is truly dwelling in our midst, healing our broken hearts, binding our wounds and calling us to a deep abiding hope. 

Sr. Kimberly Porter, OSB 

Retreat Jottings

     The annual community retreat always leaves me with a spiritual high and this year’s was no exception. Directed by the Most Rev. Joseph L. Charron, C.PP.S., Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Des Moines, Iowa, the July 29 to August 3 retreat raised the bar for inspiration, or more truly, for the certain presence of the Holy Spirit. 

     The Word of God in the celebrations of Eucharist and Liturgy of the Hours, and in Bishop Charron’s person and conferences, spoke powerfully to all of us. While the soil outdoors baked in extreme summer heat, the community’s soul was drenched with grace. 

     We were reminded that “without silence words lose their meaning,” and that every day the Good News is that Jesus is knocking at our door with promise and mission for us. We were encouraged to be free, honest and humble enough to come close to Jesus and to respond to the will of God as Mary did. Yet conversion is an ongoing process, so forgiving and receiving mercy are integral to community life. Because we are tempted basically by “plenty, pleasure and power”, our religious profession calls us to be generous, hospitable and obedient as members of a monastic “communion”. 

     My favorite conference was on hope. Bishop Charron used the scriptural image of the potter shaping and re-shaping the clay to illustrate how God creates, shapes and sustains us so that, hand in hand with God, we become messengers of hope. Grounded in God’s powerful love, hope enables us to expect the positive, to grow in patience, forgiveness and generosity and above all, to trust God’s creativity without doubt. 

     The whole retreat provided a “time-out” and renewal for community members. We are grateful to God for Bishop Charron, for Sr. Martha Feder’s library offerings, for employees and for each other who made the 2012 retreat a highly holy journey.

      Sr. Martha Walther, OSB

A Meditation on Hope

              As my generation progressed through childhood, we memorized many prayers unfamiliar to children of today—Acts of Faith, Hope, Love; O Saving Victim; Anima Christi; Look Down and others. In times of distraction, blankness, busyness, these are automatic reminders. Community Liturgy of the Hours over the years has implanted psalms or their verse in memory as well. All of these fruits of the past move me to deeper pondering or reflection.

               In these early months of 2012 with conflict, violence, poverty, selfishness, animosity and natural disasters so prominent in our world, I find myself repeating the old memorized acts of faith, hope, love. The Catholic Encyclopedia states that these virtues have a three-fold strength: faith and hope are two inseparable moments of one action with love the joining force in the center. Without hope faith is weakened and love is blocked. For me this is a challenging concept for meditation on God and today’s world. I am moved to reflect on hope, perhaps because of the impact of two favorite people—Blessed John Henry whose whole life exemplifies these theological virtues and Emily Dickinson.

 Newman’s hope is evident in his conviction: “God has created me to do some special service; God has committed some work to me which has not been committed to another. I have a mission…therefore I will trust God—whatever, wherever I am. If I am in sickness, my sickness will serve God; if I am in perplexity, my perplexity will serve God; if I am in sorrow, my sorrow will serve God. God will never leave nor forsake me. I am in God’s keeping.” This reflection on God’s providence is for me an anchor of trust and hope, unitng faith and love.

               And then there is Emily Dickinson who wrote some of my very favorite lines:

               Hope is the thing with feathers

               That perches in the soul

               And sing the tune without words,

               And never stops at all.

Emily’s poetic definition of hope touches my imagination and moves my heart to what I hope is greater faith and love.

The lives of John Henry Newman and Emily Dickinson and their words can be a source of inspiration and hope as one ages in our changing world.

               Sr. Andrea Collopy