Prayers and Reflections for Lent February 13 – March 31, 2013

Written by the Toledo Area Vocation Directors

Women religious ministering in and around the Diocese of Toledo

Sister Marilyn Marie Ellerbrock, SND Sisters of Notre Dame

Sister Julie Myers, OSF/S Sisters of St. Francis, Sylvania

Sister Durstyne Farnan, OP Adrian Dominican Sisters

Sister Margaret Manion, OSU Ursuline Sisters

Sister Barbara Jean Miller, OSF/T Tiffin Franciscan Sisters

Sister Amy Junk, CPPS Sisters of the Precious Blood

Sister Rose Marie Golembiewski, RSM Sisters of Mercy

Sister Cecelia Mary Sartorius, lsp Little Sisters of the Poor

Dear Reader, As we begin this season of Lent, the women religious in and around the Diocese of Toledo are pleased to offer you a series of reflections based on daily scripture. These Lenten reflections are a gift from us to you as a way of assisting you to slow down your daily pace, to take time for prayer and reflection, and to prepare your heart for the joyous celebration of Easter. Please feel free to share these daily reflections with friends, co-workers, family, or use them with your class or prayer group. The various reflections are written by Sisters of several congregations of women religious in and around the Diocese of Toledo. We have formed a team of Vocation Ministers to collaborate our efforts to promote and encourage vocations to religious life. We hope that these reflections will also provide you and your contacts with a simple introduction to who we are and what we are about. Know that we are available to assist you in your ministry, particularly as it applies to encouraging vocations in our Church. Please feel free to contact any one of us directly or through Yvonne Dubielak in the Office of Vocations at 419-244-6711, ext 323. Let us pray for one another during this season of fast, abstinence, and good works! In Christ,

Sr. Marilyn Marie Ellerbrock, SND Sr. Julie Myers, OSF/S Sisters of Notre Dame Sisters of St. Francis, Sylvania

Sr. Durstyne Farnan, OP Sr. Margaret Manion, OSU Adrian Dominican Sisters Ursuline Sisters Sr. Rosario Flor, lsp Sr. Barbara Jean Miller, OSF/T Little Sisters of the Poor Sisters of St. Francis, Tiffin

Sr. Carolyn Brink, RSM Sr. Amy Junk, CPPS Sr. Rose Marie Sisters of the Precious Blood

Golembiewski, RSM Sisters of Mercy

Identity Crisis Sunday, February 17, 2013 First Sunday of Lent Filled with the Holy Spirit, Jesus returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the desert for forty days. Luke 4:1

THE SCRIPTURE SAYS that Jesus was led into the desert by the Spirit. It seems that the Spirit had a purpose in leading Jesus there. Jesus had just been baptized and declared the beloved Son of God. What a revelation that must have been for him! He must have had a sense that life as he had known it was about to change in a dramatic way. He would be leaving his life in Nazareth with his parents and beginning his mission to bring about the kingdom of God. It must have been a time of confusion for him, not knowing how to go about that task. The devil tried to take advantage of this confusion by suggesting short cuts to his mission which would not have been according to the will of his father. In the forty days in the desert, Jesus came to clarity of how his father wanted him to fulfill his mission. He emerged from this time strong in his understanding of who he was and what he was sent to do.

Can you recall a time in your life when you experienced a call to change your life in a significant way? How could the Spirit assist you in such a moment?

Sister Carolyn Brink, RSM Sisters of Mercy Toledo, Ohio

Deuteronomy 26: 4-10; Psalm 91: 1-2, 10-11, 12-13, 14-15; Romans 10: 8-13; Luke 4: 1-13

Be Holy Monday, February 18, 2013 Lenten Weekday “Your words O Lord are Spirit and Life” John 6: 63b

IN THIS FIRST FULL WEEK OF LENT the readings lay out a path for our whole lives. First, we have the Ten Commandments in Leviticus and in the Gospel of Matthew; Jesus tells us what we must do to inherit the kingdom:

“I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you game me drink, A stranger and you welcomed me, Naked and you clothed me, Ill and you cared for me, In prison and you visited me.”

I’ve just become introduced to a new spiritual practice called “Visio Divina” or “Divine Seeing.” In this practice one is invited to slowly, prayerfully, and contemplatively behold a piece of visual art (e.g.: an Icon, holy card or painting), by gazing upon the art and reflecting on how God is speaking to you. You may discover surprise, excitement, or even disturbance. In the next few weeks, find some Icons or photos or paintings of people hungry, dressed poorly, sick, or imprisoned that remind you of the Gospel today and contemplate what new insights God reveals to you through art. The Psalm refrain today is a meaningful one to sing or carry in your heart during Lent: “Your words, O Lord, are Spirit and Life.” Why not adopt this as a mantra for yourself this week? Will you adopt this mantra? How does God speak to you through art?

Sister Durstyne Farnan, OP Adrian Dominican Sisters Adrian, Michigan

Leviticus 19: 1-2, 11-18; Psalm 19: 8-10, 15; Matthew 25: 31-46

You Are Known Tuesday, February 19, 2013 Lenten Weekday “Just as from the heavens the rain and snow come down.” Isaiah 55: 10 “Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” Matthew 6: 8 “Look to God that you may be radiant with joy and your faces may not blush with shame.”

Psalm 34: 6 THERE IS SOMETHING SO NATURAL about the readings from Scripture. This gift of rain and snow that nourish the earth is a window into seeing the nourishment that is available to us when we look or acknowledge our need for God. In acknowledging God we begin to see that inner courage is not of our own making. We understand why someone was there to lend a hand when we least expected it. It was not a coincidence that we called or texted someone when we had an inner urge to do so. That call/text made a difference for the other person. Turning inward to respond to happenings outside of us can make Matthew’s reading a living reality, “Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” Our hearts naturally long for this inner connection. Being present to Divine Love transforms our understanding of the ups and downs of life, the successes and disappointments, the times of acceptance and rejection. It helps us understand that we are all connected to this gift of life. Are you aware of this inner connection? You are being invited to deepen it?

Sister Barbara Jean Miller, OSF/T Sisters of St. Francis Tiffin, Ohio

Isaiah 55: 10-11; Psalm 34: 4-7, 16-19; Matthew 6: 7-15

Something Greater than… Wednesday, February 20, 2013 Lenten Weekday The word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time: “set out for the great city of Nineveh, and announce to it the message that I will tell you.” Jonah 3: 1-2

“This generation seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it, except the sign of Jonah” Luke 11: 29

WE, TOO, ARE CALLED to announce God’s message in our lives, with our lives. There is a great message for us in today’s readings. First, let us look at Jonah—“the word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time”. Well, that is simply because Jonah ran from God’s first request because he did not want to speak to the people of Nineveh. Jonah had his own thoughts and feelings for these people, yet he honored God and carried God’s message to the people. Do we hear God’s calling to us the first time, or the second time? How many times does it take for our hearts to recognize God’s voice within? Secondly, let’s look at the King of Nineveh—“he rose from his throne, laid aside his robe, covered himself with sackcloth and sat in the ashes.” This tells us he responded as a servant-leader with humility and a listening heart. He acknowledged God in the person of Jonah by his very response. Now, let’s take a look at God—in the gospel, Jesus tells us that “this generation seeks a sign, but no sign will be given except the sign of Jonah.” What is the sign we look for if we keep ignoring the signs already given us through our daily lives? Jesus dwells in our midst to be lesson, laughter, joy, and sign of God’s promise of love in our world. Let us humble ourselves by taking off our fine robes of ego and arrogance and putting on sackcloth of simplicity and hope to live as servants of God. The readings remind us that we are not about ourselves—“there is something greater than Solomon here; there is something greater than Jonah here; and….there is something greater than [Julie] here.” Let us be about God’s sign and symbol to the people of our great city sharing the message that God tells us to share. What is the message God puts on your heart? How do you choose to proclaim it?

Sister Julie Myers, OSF/S Sisters of St. Francis Sylvania, Ohio

Jonah 3: 1-10; Psalm 51: 3-4, 12-13, 18-19; Luke 11: 29-32

Give Thanks To the Lord Thursday, February 21, 2013 St. Peter Damian “Ask and you will receive. Seek and you will find. Knock and it will be opened to you.” Matthew 7: 7

WHY IS IT THAT when we pray we are always asking, seeking, or knocking? Most of our prayers come with an urgent plea to get something. We study today’s gospel and it invites us to ask, seek, and knock. We are told to come before the Lord with boldness and place our requests before Him. As we journey this Lenten season we are encouraged to open our heart and mind in prayer and never cease asking. Jesus has told us that what we ask for in prayer will be given to us. However, when we feel that we will not receive an answer to our prayer we become lazy. Perhaps there is another aspect to prayer that we are overlooking. God hears our prayers. We do not have to keep on begging; we only have to ask and then begin “thanking”. The word often forgotten is “Gratitude”. When we pray with gratitude, it lifts the burden we feel and opens us up to the answers God may be sending our way. Here is where our faith comes into play. The readings for today give us a clear picture of asking but also of giving thanks even before we see the result of our prayer. PRAYER: Lord, I ask for the courage to pray and faith to know that you have answered and will give me what I need. Thank you, God, for the answers I cannot see. Help me to walk by faith in You.

Sister Rose Marie Golembiewski, RSM Sisters of Mercy Toledo, Ohio

Esther 12: 14-16, 23-25; Psalm 138: 1-3, 7c-8; Matthew 7: 7-12

Strengthen Your Brothers and Sisters Friday, February 22, 2013 The Chair of Saint Peter

“Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Matthew 16: 19

PEOPLE “CHAIR” MEETINGS. College professors are promoted to “Chair of the Department.” A wealthy person might (in England, at least) “endow a chair” in some field of study he or she wants to perpetuate. It’s all about teaching, and learning—for which one sits down in a chair. This feast celebrates the teaching authority of the Holy Father and the other bishops—the Church—given by Jesus himself, who astonished his contemporaries by “teaching with authority.” In a society in which “anything goes”—in which the values often seem to be convenience, personal desires, and what “everybody is doing”—it is easy to lose track of what is “right”. In matters of faith and morals, the successor of Peter speaks with the very voice of God. The Church continually calls us back to real values, to clear thinking, to truth. Do I have the humility to be instructed? Do I examine my values? Do I dare to be better than my society—and even challenge it? Do I support those who do? Do I sit before that awesome chair? Accept with favor, O Lord, we pray, the prayers and offerings of your Church, that, with Saint Peter as her shepherd, she may come to an eternal inheritance, for it is through his teaching that she holds the faith in its integrity. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. (Prayer over the Offerings of the Mass.)

Sister Paula Gero, CPPS Sisters of the Precious Blood Dayton, Ohio

1 Peter 5: 1-4; Psalm 23: 1-6; Matthew 16: 13-19

Love That Knows No Bounds Saturday, February 23, 2013 St. Polycarp

“Be perfect as your Heavenly Father is perfect” Matthew 5: 48

“I’M NOT PERFECT!” How often I declare my imperfections as an excuse and as an attempt to lower my own expectations and those of others. If I’m not expected to be perfect, then perhaps I can slide by with less effort. While reality calls me to face the many ways I fall short of the mark each day, Jesus also calls me to continue to strive for my best. He holds out for me living the perfection of His Heavenly Father as my “finish line.” One translation of this line from Matthew’s Gospel helps to define more clearly what this perfection entails: “Your love is to have no bounds just as your Heavenly Father’s love knows no bounds.” It’s not so much about doing things perfectly as allowing myself to be continuously stretched beyond all bounds to include all in my love. What boundaries do I tend to place on my love of others? How can I live a more inclusive love today?

Sister Marilyn Marie Ellerbrock, SND Sisters of Notre Dame Toledo, Ohio

Deuteronomy 26: 16-19; Psalm 119: 1-2, 4-5, 7-8; Matthew 5: 43-48

God is Here Sunday, February 24, 2013 Second Sunday of Lent Peter and his companions had been overcome by sleep, but becoming fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with Jesus. Luke 9: 32

CAN YOU IMAGINE what it must have been like for Peter and his companions to wake up from sleep and see Jesus before them shining in His glory? The scripture says that they wanted to put up three tents for Jesus, Moses and Elijah to make this moment last. However, the vision soon faded and they were alone with Jesus. Sometimes we are blessed to experience moments like this when God is very real to us. It might be an event in nature such as a beautiful sunset. Perhaps a prayer for healing of someone we love is answered. Perhaps it is the miracle of the birth of a child. These moments are granted to us to strengthen our faith. At times when we need to renew our faith it is helpful to remember these times when God was very real to us. Can you recall a time when you experienced God’s presence in your life in a powerful way? How could remembering that experience strengthen your faith today?

Sister Carolyn Brink, RSM Sisters of Mercy Toledo, Ohio

Genesis 5: 5-12, 17-18; Psalm 27: 1, 7-9, 13-14; Philippians 3: 17—4: 1; Luke 9: 28b-36

Compassion and Mercy Monday, February 25, 2013 Lenten Weekday Jesus said to his disciples: “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” Luke 6: 36

God’s mercy is limitless. We are never rejected. We are always forgiven, and we are always loved. God has compassion and offers mercy; he wants to help with outstretched arms. Why do we fail to do the same for others? We must remember to love the person, not their actions. How can I respond in a loving, merciful way to the individual person?

Sister Margaret Manion, OSU Ursuline Sisters Toledo, Ohio

Daniel 9: 4-10; Psalm 79: 8-9, 11, 13; Luke 6: 36-38

Practice What You Preach Tuesday, February 26, 2013 Lenten Weekday “If you are willing and obey, you shall eat the good things of the land.” Isaiah 1: 19

THE SCRIPTURES TODAY have a few recommendations for us. I am reminded in the first reading that if I am willing to cease doing evil, make justice our aim, redress wrong, hear the plea of the orphan, defend the widow and obey God, my sins will become white as snow. Does being willing and obeying God seem doable to you too? To obey is more possible than I think. It means to listen. This season of Lent is a time for me to “listen” deeply to what God has to say to me and reflect on how I will respond as a Christian. Matthew’s Gospel suggests a few things for us to implement:

Practice what we preach; Be a servant; Put on humility.

From today’s readings are you being challenged to change something in your life this Lent? Are you willing to do it? Are you open to listening for God’s word to you? If so, take courage and do it. That’s what Lent is all about: Following Jesus. How will you preach today?

Sister Durstyne Farnan, OP Adrian Dominican Sisters Adrian, Michigan

Isaiah 1: 10, 16-20; Psalm 50: 8-9, 16bc-17, 21, 23; Matthew 23: 1-12

Doesn’t Seem Fair Wednesday, February 27, 2013 Lenten Weekday “Heed me, O Lord, and listen to what my adversaries say. Must good be repaid with evil that they should dig a pit to take my life?” Jeremiah 18: 19

THE LENTEN SCRIPTURE TODAY REMINDS us that even when we do good, we can be repaid with evil. Suffering in the form of misunderstandings, untruths, poor judgments, jealous comments or actions, gossip, lack of concern, inconsiderate behavior or name calling—to list a few—is part of our human experience. These experiences are not foreign to Jesus since he was treated in similar ways. What is important is the question asked to the mother of the two sons of Zebedee, “Can you drink the chalice that I am going to drink?” No one can escape suffering. We have a choice about the challenges in our life. Do we rely on Christ’s transforming presence or do we complain and return in kind to others? Where am I being invited to pick up the cross of suffering with Christ so that this transforming love can be known by others?

Sister Barbara Jean Miller, OSF/T Sisters of St. Francis Tiffin, Ohio

Jeremiah 18: 18-20; Psalm 31: 5-6, 14-16; Matthew 20: 17-28

Christ Carries Us in Our Poverty Thursday, February 28, 2013 Lenten Weekday “There was a rich man who dressed in purple garments and fine linen and dined sumptuously each day. And lying at his door was a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores. When the poor man died, he was carried away by angels to the bosom of Abraham.” Luke 16: 19-20, 22

TODAY’S READINGS CERTAINLY complement each other in meaning and lesson. Jeremiah puts forth the gift of trust. Who do we give our trust to — the human person or the Lord? The season of Lent calls us to stop our busyness and reflect upon our works and efforts and daily life. What empowers or gives energy to your work and efforts? Is it a source that fills you to overflowing in order that you are able to continue giving joyfully or is it self-fulfilling that keeps you empty and always working to fill that which can never be full? “Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose hope is the Lord.” Hope is like water for the soul which nourishes and refreshes and gives life! In Luke’s gospel, Jesus is telling a parable and makes it clear that his compassion and love is what carries us in our poverty. He also reminds us that our possessions, wealth, and greed can bury us, create chasms, and eventually prevent us from reaching out to others. So, who do you trust and hope in? How do I share or even give away what I have? Do I do it willingly or begrudgingly or not at all? Do I create chasms by my lived choices and responses to situations? What must I do to allow Jesus to be a bridge and to fill the empty spaces in my life?

Sister Julie Myers, OSF/S Sisters of St. Francis Sylvania, Ohio

Jeremiah 17: 5-10; Psalm 1: 1-4, 6; Luke 16: 19-31

Remember the Marvels of the Lord Friday, March 1, 2013 Lenten Weekday “And they took him and threw him into a pit.” Genesis 37: 25-26 IN THE READINGS TODAY, we are asked to reflect and ponder our own attitude about jealousy and the rivalry that sometimes exists in family and friends. Envy is a deep human emotion that can lead to serious consequences to another as well as to self. It is a reality that someone is more talented or just luckier than we are. Do we rejoice in another’s gifts? Today’s story of Joseph and his brothers bring forth how cruel and hardened we can become if we give into jealousy and resentment. They left their brother to die in an open pit and sat down to eat lunch. Have we left another alone in the school cafeteria? Do we make fun of another who gets better grades? Do we try to ruin the reputation of someone by gossiping behind their back? The readings for today are asking us to remember Jesus who was rejected, betrayed and handed over to die. He willingly said YES. How wonderful are the marvels of the Lord. PRAYER: Help me Lord, to be open to your presence in all the persons I meet today. Give me the spirit of rejoicing with those who rejoice and weep with those who are weeping.

Sister Rose Marie Golembiewski, RSM Sisters of Mercy Toledo, Ohio

Genesis 37: 3-4, 12-13, 17-28; Psalm 105: 16-21; Matthew 21: 33-43, 45-46

Remember God’s Unconditional Love Saturday, March 2, 2013 Lenten Weekday

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits. Psalm 103: 2 WHEN WE REMEMBER the love that God has for us we have hope. When we have hope we can help others recall that God’s love is total, generous, all-embracing and never-ending. The readings for today’s liturgy tell us about God’s love over and over again. Micah says, “Who is there like you, the God who removes guilt … delights in mercy, and will again have compassion on us…,” and Psalm 103 lists many examples of God’s mercy and compassion. Jesus tells us the story of the prodigal son whose father welcomes him with a big “bear hug” and a celebration in his honor. In all of these examples we see love from God’s point of view – that is, there are no conditions. God’s love is always free and it is always available. There are, however, always two sides to any relationship. From God’s point of view love is always there for us. How do we see love from our point of view? Do we respond gratefully by continuing to remember especially during the celebration of the Eucharist? Do we take it for granted because it has always been there? Are we so bold as to think that it is our due? If we truly follow in the footsteps of Jesus, our love for others will continue to become less conditional and more like the unconditional love that God has for us. Over time we will be able to pardon those who do us wrong, and extend kindness and compassion to them. Who knows? We may even become more like the God who delights in mercy! Loving God, we thank you for your mercy and compassion. Be with us, we pray, as we attempt to follow in the footsteps of your beloved Son, Jesus.

Sister Amy Junk, CPPS Sisters of the Precious Blood

___________________________________________________________________________________________ Micah 7: 14-15, 18-20 Psalm 103: 1-4, 9-12, Luke 15: 1-3, 11-32