Yesterday at Mass in the nearby parish Church, the Elder priest gave a poignant homily. He began by speaking about the beauty and magnificence of a large forest fire-paradoxical though that may be; the vivid reds and oranges of the flames, the crackling sounds of the branches and underbrush, the fury of the wind, the sight of a chimney rising from the ground like a tombstone over a grave. He then compared it to sin, which he said has it beauty to the beholder, its allure, its ability to mesmerize the one who sees the temptation. In its wake it also leaves destruction, as does the fire. That was his focus.
I went on to think about how from a forest fire comes new growth, fresh green bushes and grasses, new trees that grow tall reaching for the new found sunlight. When I was in Yellowstone Park I witnessed the new growth rising from the destruction of a recent forest fire and it was amazing to see, the bright green among the black stumps and ashes.. So from sin that is repented comes new growth for the soul reaching for the light of grace. The season of Lent is one of repentance and growth. Isn't it interesting that it comes in Spring?
Cape Cod Cathy

Justice, Peace and the Integrity of Creation

A week ago plus, on the 12th, the Boston Associates were treated to a presentation by Cecile Mejier,RSCJ. After her presentation I came away not only with a clearer picture of the RSCJ relationship with the UN but also with a much clearer picture of JPIC(Justice,Peace and the Integrity of Creation). These are the current watchwords of the Society. For Lent we have received a packet of readings, thoughts and questions pertaining to JPIC for everyone's reflection, sharing and planning.

Justice, Peace and the Integrity of Creation. What mammoth ideas. How does one break them down into manageable bites? By putting one foot in front of the other and doing the next right thing, I suppose. For example as International Commission Chairperson for the Fall River Diocese Council of Catholic Women, I have chosen the ministry of educating the women about immigrants and refugees. Last year a small group read three books on the topic and saw a video. All of the individual councils contributed to boxes of kitchen supplies which we sent to the United States Council of Refugees and Immigrants satellite Program in Vermont.  This year at our March Board Meeting which all members are invited to attend, we are having speakers from this Vermont Program as speakers. We are collecting bathroom supplies. We share monthly newsletters from USCRI. Hopefully the women will become more knowledgeable about immigrants and refugees and reach out helping hands themselves. In this way I try to live out the message of support for Justice and Peace to God's people.
Hope the sun is shining where you are:)
Cape Cod Cathy

A whole new world

This is the beginning of another new world for me. For a long time I have been following Reflections of an RSCJ written by a good friend. It has been a source of meditation and prayer. Then I discovered All This and Heaven Too, and Lilies of the Field, and Communite and Caritas and thought to myself-this is what I have been searching for - s soul community with whom to share spiritual ideas in the context of everyday living. Thank you each one for giving me this inspiration and opportunity. As an Associate I have a once a month group with whom I share and sometimes in my AA meetings I am able to share spiritually, but I feel this will give me open space. Our Blessed Lord really does give me what I need although not always on my time schedule:-) Off to teach a class in Human Development. Thanks again.
Cape Cod Cathy