Morning Novenas can be hard, yet it can be a blessing if we really enter into it. Today I visited my home parish for novena. Rosary begins at 4:45 a.m. with the aim of a 5 a.m. mass, and this morning of all other days the sacristan over slept and we were outside up to 4:48 a.m. The keys were not available. Isn't it ironic that the O Antiphon for today reads "O Key of David". Reference was made to the fact that whatever Christ opens is open and whatever is shut up is shut. Ah hah, the doors were locked.
Christ as Key demonstrated that through his authority he healed the sick, raised the dead, cause the dumb to speak, the deaf to hear, challenged injustices and fed the poor. Many of us has been given keys to the kingdom, the question is "how many of us are using it to liberate others from darkness(whatever form that may take); are we engaging the keys to assist those who really need help, or do we want to monopolize the gift?
I think as Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother, we do a great job with the keys that have been entrusted to us. Many of our sisters have helped and still continue to help the poor make a better living; they stretch out to assist others in their academic and medical pursuits. I think that as SSM's we do it without "blowing our own trumpets".
Today I pray that I may be a good steward of the key God has entrusted to me, in ministering to and with the youth of the Diocese of St. George's in Grenada. May I at least help to open the doors (including the doors to my heart ) so that the light can permeate the darkness within our soul.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Thursday, December 8, 2011
I was privileged and blessed to be at Novena that was being conducted by the Youth of St. Peter's Parish, Gouyave, Grenada, West Indies. The Youth coordinator for the parish was the one who shared on the scripture readings that day. Since then I have been contemplating her words and realise, how the scripture reading that day fits so well within the context of community and my existing ministy; reiterating that each member of community is important. Permit me to share some of the thoughts of Sharnika Charles:-
"Being church going Christians, the parable of the good shepherd is one we have heard time and time again. So many times that we probably no longer ask, “why would a shepherd leave ninety-nine sheep to go look for one that is lost?”
When we think about it from an everyday perspective, it makes no sense at all. More is put at stake when the shepherd leaves ninety-nine sheep unattended to go in search of one. Let us imagine that one sheep is worth one hundred dollars. This means, that to forget about one lost sheep while remaining with the ninety-nine is the more profitable option. By leaving ninety-nine sheep to search for one that is lost, the shepherd risks a further $9,900.00 as opposed to a single $100.00. Remember, while the shepherd searches for the lost sheep, there is the possibility of the others being stolen, eaten by wolves or getting lost also.
So why would the shepherd take such a risk? Not even an amateur businessman would take such a risk.
The shepherd knows better than any businessman, that to lose one is just as bad as losing all. Imagine a car with three wheels, a house with a missing pillar, or a lamp without a bulb. It simply does not work; because the whole is equal to the sum of the parts.
Figuratively, the action of the shepherd reminds us to always value each other, no matter how small or insignificant they may seem. Sometime, in our society we treat people as if they are inferior to us because they do not add up to our expectations. It is not our expectations that they must meet but the expectations of God, for we are all a part of his grand design, each with a very important role to play.
Secondly, the action of the shepherd reminds us that we must always look out for each other, because our lives are all intertwined. My actions affect your life and your actions affect my life".
Sharnika's remarks continue to echo in my ears. At times I tend to forget, especially when I am in the middle of something important, and one of the mentally challenged brothers come to the doors of the youth office, either asking for money, or being just annoying. Honestly speaking at times I want to say just go your way. Yet he keeps coming everyday to bless my life, even if I cannot understand it.
I thank God for the many ways in which God can come to us and speak to us. The question Sharnika posed that still echo's in my head as a youth officer are “why would a shepherd leave ninety-nine sheep to go look for one that is lost?” and So why would the shepherd take such a risk?
As the Diocesan Youth Coordinator I must always remember that the ones who are "outside of the existing ministry" is also important and that at times I need to take the risk to also go in search of them through our programming as well.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
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