October 2024
Reflections of God's Goodness
Pope Francis speaks about Christian relationships as encounters. That is to say, meeting others attentively and lovingly because we are loved.
The news is full of “encounters,” yet many are encounters of disagreement, anger or violence. Even in our own families, it is often difficult to talk about religion or politics without anger rearing its ugly head or disagreements that cause division or estrangement. People, friends, families can no longer have civil conversations about anything they disagree about. We can do better.
“Know this, my dear brothers: everyone should be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath, for the wrath of a man does not accomplish the righteousness of God.”
We can do better if we are willing to open our minds and hearts and humble ourselves, knowing that none of us have the whole truth or the ultimate knowledge or perception in any given situation. We cannot separate our life here on earth from our relationship with Jesus. Jesus tells us to follow Him, to listen to Him. When we do that, we will better be able to fulfill His command to “love one another.” Jesus says,
“ … I am the way, the truth and the life.”
God makes the difference. When we remember that together we are connected to God and that “... our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we also await a savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.” Phil 3:20, then we can approach each other in love, accepting our differing opinions and perspectives as part of our human condition. Seek the Lord and His understanding.
“Your kindness should be known to all. The Lord is near. Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God.”
Think of this, the world needs our Christian witness now more than ever. If we can follow Jesus and truly love as He loves, we can turn our world around. Collectively, Christians can change people one encounter at a time.
We are supposed to stand out, to live differently than the culture. If this is to happen, we will need to get back to basics. Daily prayer, Mass as often as possible, adoration, and evangelization. It takes loving each person we encounter.
“This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Friends, I pray that we are up for the challenge. May God give us the grace we need to follow Him, to be like Him, to love like Him.
Blessings,
Sister Mary Ann Barnhorn, SNDdeN
“I have told you this so that you might have peace in me. In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world.”
Read the previous reflections:
Discover how Christian relationships, rooted in love and attentiveness, can transform the way we engage with one another. Sister Mary Ann Barnhorn, SNDdeN, reflects on the importance of listening, humility, and following Jesus to heal divisions and strengthen our witness in today's world. Let's strive to love as He loves, one encounter at a time.
As the new school year begins, our roles as parents and grandparents are more important than ever. Guide and nurture your children with unconditional love, faith, and prayer, helping them navigate a world that often overlooks God's love. Explore ways to support their spiritual journey and discover the profound impact you can have on their lives. Blessings from Sister Mary Ann Barnhorn, SNDdeN.
Summer is going by fast. It’s August already, and I want to hold on to the best of summer — fresh vegetables and fruits, the many flowers in full bloom and green everywhere. I see the beauty all around me and I thank God for the magnificence of His creation. What a gift God has given us!
Why is it that we often don’t recognize Jesus? Remember the disciples who were walking along a road when someone joined them. Not just someone, but Jesus Himself, risen from the dead! But they didn’t know this person and continued to tell Him the story of Jesus life, death and resurrection, thinking He knew nothing about it.