June 2014
Reflections of God's Goodness
The warmth of June is more welcome than ever after such a long and frigid winter! As the summer days get longer, we hope and plan for more time to spend with the people we love. This is an awesome time in the life of the Church as well.
As Pentecost draws near, we are reminded to open our hearts and minds to the Holy Spirit, the very presence of God within us. Pray for the action of the Holy Spirit, actively giving us the power and the gifts we need to live happy and holy lives.
The Holy Spirit, coming anew to us at Pentecost brings us the power to pause, consider, and act out of love, kindness, and compassion. Our effort to live Christ’s call to sacred friendship never ends, but it isn’t always easy! We know that Scripture says we are to “count others more significant than ourselves,” but who among us can say that comes naturally?
Sometimes we want our own way and other times we miss opportunities for empathy or reaching out, especially when there is nothing in it for us! Even in our relationship with God, we sometimes move away or create distance to avoid facing our own selfishness.
Pope Francis encourages us to let the
grace of meekness and the Holy Spirit help us defend ourselves from…being self-sufficient, proud, arrogant and having a heart hardened against God. (And each other.)
In other words, we need each other and we need the help of God to live in love. The gifts of the Spirit, given and shared with one another, give glory to God and infuse our relationships with sweetness and life.
It has been said that “Friends are like flowers in the garden of life” and this simple thought captures the joy of friendship. Think of your most precious, closest friend and your best times together. Doesn’t your heart swell with love at the memory? Don’t you want to reach out somehow to brighten their life? Friends bring us joy!
I pray that the Spirit will bless these long summer days with joy and peace—and the makings of many delightful memories of the sacredness and joy of friendships.
Happy Summer!
Sister Mary Ann Barnhorn
Director of Development
St. Paul said, “For this reason I remind you to kindle afresh
the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hand.
For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.
