Author Archives: Mary Ann

Stones

Jesus_und_Ehebrecherin

Rembrandt, Jesus und Ehebrecherin
Courtesy Wikimedia Commons
Reproduced in the March 2013 edition of Give Us This Day

Who did I stone this week? Did I hurl negative words? Put-downs? Blame? Scorn? Did I put on an attitude of superiority? Did I cause injury by my indifference to others’ needs?

Who stoned me this week? Was I wounded by someone’s actions or words? Did I cast stones at myself for not being perfect? Did I damage my self-esteem by comparing myself negatively with others? Who did I turn to in my shame and pain?

God loves us unconditionally and asks us to do the same for ourselves and each other. Just for today let me be intentional about building up the kingdom of God by building up all those I encounter – including myself –  with kind words, generous actions, and responsible behavior.

Spiritual starvation

Hijo_prodigo 2013-02-24 (06.28.07-575 p.m.)

Prodigal Son and Compassionate Father
http://www.cruzblanca.org/hermanoleon/

In what ways am I starving today? Am I too busy to feed myself with alone time? Am I too self-centered to feed myself with the awareness of others’ needs? Am I too complacent to feed myself with new ideas? Am I too afraid to feed myself with friendship and loving companionship?

When I am starving, who will feed me?

Who would be pope

My dear friend Jerry has exhorted me to let it be known that the Church needs leaders who are more simple, down to earth, and directly connected to the people.

Jesus said, “So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you.” John 13:14-15

Humility is the watchword of the follower of Jesus. Humility allows me to admit my dependence on God, to surrender my life and will to God’s care, to take responsibility for my actions, to reconcile with those I have harmed, to love my neighbor as myself, and to love and forgive my enemies.

Humility allows me to be a trusted servant who does not govern. Humility allows me to welcome the knowledge and wisdom of people from all walks of life. Humility allows me to hear and respond to the cries of the poor, marginalized, abandoned, and abused.

Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.” Matthew 18:3-5

United States Postal Service

Australia_bday

unwrapped in Australia

 

How amazing to see the tiny gifts I wrapped and sent to my friend in Sydney, Australia unwrapped on the other side of the world. All the way from Massachusetts to Sydney for about $5.

USPS: Any time you need a poster child, I am she.