Sisters of St. Francis of the Holy Cross in Green Bay, WI
Reflection for Jan. 1, 2017

Reflection for Jan. 1, 2017

by Sister Francis Bangert

Sunday celebrates three important events -- the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God; the World Day Prayer for Peace; and the New Year. In the Book of Numbers the Lord gives Moses (and us) a blessing for safety, peace and mercy. In Paul’s letter to the Galatians, we are reminded that it is through Mary that God sent his Son to free us from slavery and sin for adoption as sons and daughters, so we could call God “Abba, Father.” In Luke is the unfolding of God’s plan which Mary did not totally understand with her “Yes” but kept all these things in her heart. The readings speak of blessing and peace, promise and fulfillment, freedom and commitment.

A friend recently sent me this poem by Dawna Markova, appropriate for today.

I will not die an unlived life.
I will not live in fear
of falling or catching fire.
I choose to inhabit my days,
to allow my living to open me,
to make me less afraid,
more accessible;
to loosen my heart
until it becomes a wing,
a torch, a promise.
I choose to risk my significance,
to live so that which came to me as seed
goes to the next as blossom,
and that which came to me as blossom,
goes on as fruit.

How will our lives bear rich fruit in this New Year? Peace and all good.

Thank you Sr. I'm going to share that one! Peace in the New Year!

Thank you, Fran, for your concise summary of the message in this Sunday's Scripture passages and the beautiful poem. Have a Blessed New Year!

Yes! And how shall we "blossom for God this year?" And what "good fruits shall we bear Him?" I am reminded of St. Francis of Assisi and the story of the almond tree. "Speak to me of God," said Francis to the almond tree. And the almond tree blossomed.

The part of the poem that said, "to loosen my heart until it becomes a wing." was so inspirational to me. How often do I close my heart to others, especially those who are not like me? How often do I close my heart to our God who so desperately wants me to hear His voice? In the New year, I pray that God will open my heart until it becomes a wing. Thank you, Sister Fran, for your inspiration. Prayers of Peace to YOU, Loretta

What a beautiful poem and path for our lives. Thank you, Sr. Fran!

God's Richest Blessings to all our of the Sisters in 2017. Please keep praying for all of us.

Powerful reflection on the readings and a beautiful poem to start the new year. Thank you, Sr. Fran!

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