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Something New?

April 5, 2019 - Sr. Rose’s Reflections | St. Francis of Assisi                          

Are you having the BEST Lent ever? What is making it the best? What do you have to leave behind for it to be the BEST?

In the first reading from Isaiah, God says, “Remember not the things of the past, the things of long ago consider not, see, I am doing something new!”

Often we get so stuck on the habits and sins of the past that we just keep right on repeating them. Or we might let one great offense fester in us and grow instead of letting it go. Sometimes it is about how we see the sin in others, for example, the woman in the Gospel this weekend, that we forget about what is going on in us.  

Jesus reminds us that our sinful habits are the result of losing our focus. When sin or bad habits might condemn us, turning to Jesus we can hear, “Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on do not sin any more.”

It is only in following Jesus that we can forget what lies in the past and yearn forward to the “new life”—leaving the darkness for the light of Christ! On this the fifth week of Lent, we come before Jesus, asking for healing and merciful love that changes our hearts. And we boldly ask God to create something new in us! Will we know it when it happens? Will we see it in each other? With God all things are possible! Easter joy and hope await us all!

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Me, Transfigured?

March 15, 2019 - Sr. Rose’s Reflections | St. Francis of Assisi                        

What really happened on that mountain top? We read that Jesus took his companions to the mountain to pray. And what happened is described as a glimpse of eternal life, the glory of God, and the life of the world to come. It reminds us of our purpose on earth—to know, love, and serve God AND to be happy with God in heaven.

This gospel coincides with the Period of Purification and Enlightenment in the RCIA process. The whole Church joins in a season of asking for insight into what in our lives need “enlightenment” or focus. What needs to be purified? What do we wish to see more clearly? What are the hungers and thirsts in our lives? What keeps us bound and unfree?

This weekend we are invited to reflect on a time(s) in our lives when we entered the clouds and fogs of life and found clarity and hope. Notice the many ways we ask for that clarity in our prayer at Mass this weekend and throughout our 40-day observance of Lent. When Jesus’ followers looked at the transfigured Jesus, what did they see? In our praying, in our spending time in the silence of Lent, are we beginning to see ourselves as the beloved daughters and sons of God? Are we paying attention and listening? Are we too preparing to be happy with God in heaven?

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National Catholic Sisters Week, March 8-14

#NCSW2019

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Full and Hungry Too

March 8, 2019 - Sr. Rose’s Reflections | St. Francis of Assisi                        

When do you experience temptation? What do you do to resist? Can you resist? Do you have a proven strategy? What would you most need in order to not give in to temptation?

“Be with me Lord when I am in trouble.” That’s my usual go to prayer when I am tempted. I usually know when I am in trouble. Sometimes, I simply say, “Lord, help me!”

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus gives us the example in his encountering temptations. Eleanor Stump explains both the temptations and Jesus’ ability to resist in this way:

“Jesus’ rejection of Satan’s urging gives us a pattern for our lives. In our suffering, when those things we think we need in order to live are denied us, we do not have to be desperate. When we are hungry for what we do not have because our Father God has not given it, we still have the Word of God, which comes into us and can fill us. Jesus, who is the cornerstone of the Church, is our bread at the same time. And so we can be like him: full—even when, in the stony parts of our lives, we are hungry, too.”

http://www.liturgy.slu.edu/1LentC031019/reflections_stump.html

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What’s in Your Heart?

March 1, 2019 - Sr. Rose’s Reflections | St. Francis of Assisi                        

The Gospel for this Sunday ends with these words: “from the fullness of the heart the mouth speaks.”

The other Scripture readings remind us that “the fruit of a tree shows the care it has had, so too does one’s speech disclose the bent of one’s mind.”

I am very fond of words. Words can be very powerful. Words can be used for good or for evil. Words can praise and words can hurt. We often use the expression “Actions speak louder than words.” But that doesn’t erase the power of words.

Our words say so much about us. What will your words say about you this week? Are the words you speak coming from what is in your heart?

And so we pray: Holy God, help me to examine the words I use in conversation with my family, my friends, my co-workers, and anyone you place in my path.

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Choosing Love Instead of Hate

February 22, 2019 - Sr. Rose’s Reflections | St. Francis of Assisi                        

When you refuse to escalate the violence, you are, in fact, “doing good to those who hate you.”

What does it look like to “refuse to escalate the violence?” It is hard to imagine that, isn’t it, since we have so many media images of the opposite. We see and perhaps even experience violence of all kinds—gun violence, drug violence, domestic violence, hate crimes.  

Doing good to those who hate is quite challenging. No one says it is easy. But Jesus did offer some difficult and practical advice about how to do unto others as God does to us. And we have modern day examples of persons who modeled that there is power in non-violence. Martin Luther King, Jr., St. Oscar Romero, Sister Dorothy Stang, and Pope Francis are among the persons who come to mind.

Studying how they preached and more importantly how they lived, offers us insight into what Luke’s gospel is calling us to in loving our enemies.

Many years ago I had the opportunity to visit The King Center in Atlanta. There I learned Martin Luther King, Jr.’s six principles of nonviolence.  

Nonviolence is a way of life for courageous people.

Nonviolence seeks to win friendship and understanding.

Nonviolence seeks to defeat injustice not people.

Nonviolence holds that suffering can educate and transform.

Nonviolence chooses love instead of hate.

Nonviolence believes that the universe is on the side of justice.

I have those principles hanging on the wall. Some of them I know by heart. Others are slowly converting my heart. Will we choose love over hate?

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Blessing or Woe

February 15, 2019 - Sr. Rose’s Reflections | St. Francis of Assisi                         When we reflect on the Beatitudes, how do we feel? Are we encouraged or discouraged? Are we happy or sad?

Luke’s presentation of the Sermon on the Mount is sometimes referred to as the “Upside Down Kingdom” or “The Great Reversal.” The Beatitudes are often described as the “higher law”—higher than the Ten Commandments. What does that reversal or upside-down-ness teach us? How does it inform us about what to expect in the next life? Will it be bliss or woe?

The meaning of the word “beatitude” is a state of utmost bliss, supreme blessedness and exalted happiness. The meaning of the word “woe” is great sorrow, distress and desolation. Which do we choose?

The beatitudes tell us how to live on earth so that we can live forever in heaven. When we listen to and reflect on Luke’s gospel, we realize that we have choices to make. Do we seek blessing or woe?

Throughout Luke’s gospel, Jesus advocates for the lowly and critiques those who do not use their status and wealth wisely.

Jeremiah challenges us with a contrast/comparison of the tree planted beside the water and the barren bush. Do we choose to place our trust in ourselves and human beings alone? Do we choose to place our trust in God?  Blessed are they who hope in the Lord. May we sing that refrain with boldness and joy realizing that Jesus invites us in the words of Pope Francis  “to leave behind all that is passing, to be a source of reassurance to those around us, and to give freely to all those in need.” 

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Here I Am, Send Me

February 8, 2019 - Sr. Rose’s Reflections | St. Francis of Assisi                        

But I am sinful, of unclean lips, unworthy, unfit, and unqualified to be a follower of Jesus! These are the excuses we hear in the Scriptures this weekend. How then do we get to saying YES, to saying “Here am I, send me?”

At Mass, we often have children run to the altar for the dismissal for Children’s Liturgy of the Word. Sometimes I think some are racing to be the chosen one to carry the Book of the Gospels as they leave us. Others join them a bit slowly, and some reluctantly led by an older sibling. Whatever the motives for racing or plodding, they do all leave giving us witness to “Here I am, send me.”

When’s the last time you responded to a “call” that stretches you out of your comfort zone? Did you quickly disqualify yourself with reasons not to respond with an enthusiastic YES? What does it take to get to YES?

Every time we are with the community at Mass, we ask to be healed multiple times. We publicly admit that we are sinners and we ask for mercy. At the invitation to Communion we pray “Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof.” We follow that with our act of trust in God’s mercy: “Only say the word and my soul shall be healed.”

Our procession to receive the Body and Blood of Christ is an act of faith and trust that God’s bounteous, loving mercy makes us fit to be sent! Communion fortifies us with strength and goodness, courage and resilience, and a fitness for being sent. Why then, after praise and gratitude for the gift of the Eucharist, would we not stay for the final blessing? Our procession out of church, as a community, led by our priest, is that response Jesus seeks. Here I am, send me!

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Sometimes It Hurts

February 1, 2019 - Sr. Rose’s Reflections | St. Francis of Assisi                        

February is the time for pruning! My dad taught me when to prune rose bushes.  My brother taught me about grafting pecan trees. There’s something to this notion of “cutting back” or “adding possibilities” for new growth that parallels our faith journey. We keep the rooted parts, cut off some of what is lifeless or not life-giving, and give room for new growth.

Our readings this weekend invite us to expand our hearts to prophecy, to love and perseverance. It is never easy to change for the sake of growth. That is, however, exactly what the prophets do. They exhort us firmly and sincerely to do what is right, always with LOVE. When love is absent or waning, we “graft.” We find the goodness and love in those around us, those who wish us well, and those who will help us to become the best version of ourselves that God created us to be. God loves potential.

This weekend we have the potential to express love, loyalty, and perseverance in new and profound ways. We will be tempted to give in to imperfection in ourselves, our community, and our Church. We pray for our love to increase, for our perseverance despite distress, disappointment, and hurt at the transparent disclosure of abuse of minors by clergy in the Catholic Church. We pray for strength and courage to be prophets who name the wrong, who advocate for the victims, and who resolve and recommit to goodness and holiness among us.

“Do not be crushed….for I am with you to deliver you.” God’s promise is one we take to heart!

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Meal and Sacrifice

Sister Rose’s Reflection for The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

Each Sunday we are offered the meal that sustains our faith. Our participation at Mass through prayer, Scripture and song, our reception of the Eucharist and our being sent forth are all elements of the Eucharistic celebration. We remember God’s activity in our lives, we ask for forgiveness, and we resolve to act—to live the Gospel message in every aspect of our lives throughout the week.

Accustomed as we are to think of all the healing and miracles we read about in Scripture, the communal aspects of a meal shared, the satisfaction that comes from nourishment, we also know that the Eucharist is about sacrifice. We remember that Jesus emptied himself, even unto death, out of love for us.

In the Responsorial Psalm this weekend, we ask ourselves, “how shall I make a return to the Lord for all the good he has done for me? …. to you will I offer sacrifice…” What is the sacrifice that love demands or asks of us? We often see and hear what sacrifices parents make for their children. We can see what sacrifices wives and husbands make for each other because of love. Where do you experience sacrifice in your life?

Sacrificial love is self-sacrifice with the pure motivation to alleviate the suffering of others. Sacrificial love says I love you even when you are not very lovable. Who are the suffering among us?

These are some of the images of suffering that come to my mind: images of children taken away from their parents at the border; images of families who have lost children to gun violence in schools or who are affected by that violence because they were there to experience it; images of persons who, because of skin color, gender, sexual orientation or anything that makes them “different” or “the other,” are to be feared, held suspect and become the object of others’ hate; images of women and children who become the objects of sexual desire; images of persons who work multiple jobs and still cannot find affordable housing; images of those living with diseases of addiction, mental illness.

Pope Francis offered this reflection on the Solemnity of Corpus Christi:

Let us ask ourselves, in adoring Christ who is really present in the Eucharist: do I let the Lord who gives himself to me, guide me to going out ever more from behind my little enclosure, in order to give, to share, to love him and others?

What is my response of love and sacrifice to those who are suffering? How does my understanding of Eucharist send me forth to act?

Sister Rose Kruppa, CDP, Pastoral Associate for St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church © My St. Francis Discipleship Newsletter

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We Remember

Sister Rose’s Reflection for the Third Sunday of Easter

“The two disciples recounted what had taken place on the way, and how Jesus was made known to them in the breaking of the bread.” Do these words of the Gospel sound familiar? Do they remind you of what takes place at Mass each weekend?

Try to pay attention in a new way, asking to be made aware of how the Scripture readings, the prayers of the priest, including the Eucharistic prayer, and the words of the songs we sing recount the ways that Jesus shows us the way. Listen for all the times during the Mass that we ask for forgiveness, for mercy and true repentance.

The highlight of the Mass, of course, is the presence of Jesus in the breaking of the bread. Listen carefully to the words of our Communion song. As we walk in procession, within and with our community, we celebrate our belief and we express our gratitude. We realize that we are the Body of Christ, receiving the Body of Christ.

Marty Haugen reminds us in the lyrics to “We Remember”: “We remember how you loved us to your death, and still we celebrate, for you are with us here; And we believe that we will see you when you come, in your glory, Lord, we remember, we celebrate, we believe.” https://youtu.be/FzmLi3nddjI

Sister Rose Kruppa, CDP, Pastoral Associate for St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church © My St. Francis Discipleship Newsletter

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Closed Doors

Sister Rose’s Reflection for the Second Sunday of Easter

Why and when do we hide behind closed doors? We know that Jesus’ disciples hid after his death. They went into hiding, disappointed and afraid. We go into hiding too, don’t we? Perhaps it is because we have so much to do, expectations of others are so high, we are having trouble with priorities—and on it goes. We close doors, we doubt that our faith is enough, we doubt that others will be there for us, we doubt other people’s motives—and on it goes. We hide behind closed doors, and we close doors.

In the Gospel reading this weekend, Jesus begins every encounter with the words, “Peace be with you.” This is Jesus’ invitation to give up the fear and to spend time with him. “Peace be with you” might be just the disarming welcome that helps us to overcome whatever is closing the doors to new encounters.

So let’s try it! For the next few days (or weeks), try using the words “peace be with you.” Use it as a greeting. Use it as a prayer. Try not to be so busy. Take time for Mass on Sunday with the community. Encourage others, pray more, and name other things that take us out of hiding, into the Light of Christ! See what happens when we come out from behind closed doors.

Sister Rose Kruppa, CDP, Pastoral Associate for St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church © My St. Francis Discipleship Newsletter

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These Feet

Sister Rose’s Reflection for Easter Sunday

“Do you realize what I have done for you?” Jesus asks at the Last Supper. The next three days provide us with an opportunity to reflect not only on foot washing, but also on where it is that our feet take us. The foot washing we experience is a beautiful expression of “service” and willingness to include and to respect the dignity of every person. Pope Francis models that each Holy Thursday when he intentionally seeks persons “least likely” to have a Pope wash their feet. Could we do the same?

Good Friday takes us on foot to The Way of the Cross. If we walk that journey with Jesus, we understand, perhaps in new ways, what Jesus has done for us. In our reflections on this day, we might ask ourselves what are we willing to sacrifice for the good of another? Where do our feet take us when we accept that everyone, no exceptions, are our neighbors?

And finally the Easter Sunday readings have the wonderful, excited, sometimes overwhelming understanding of the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise to be with us always. He appears first to the women outside the tomb and they RUN to tell the others. The feet of those who follow Jesus get worn out, calloused and often are dirty.

As we celebrate the Paschal Mystery, the institution of the Holy Eucharist (a meal that we get to celebrate at every Mass), the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus, let’s be mindful of our feet and where they take us. We choose the path; we choose our companions. We choose to follow Jesus. And that means that what Jesus has done for us is what we are called to do for others.

Sister Rose Kruppa, CDP, Pastoral Associate for St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church © My St. Francis Discipleship Newsletter

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Of Women, Perfume and Tears

Sister Rose’s Reflection for Palm Sunday

Imagine the scene: A woman, an alabaster jar of perfumed oil, the anointing of Jesus by the woman who anticipates the anointing of Jesus’ body. She is criticized by those around her. She continues her acts of love and attention, caring for and valuing what she could do for Jesus. He speaks for her. He defends her. He affirms her. “She has done what she could.”

Jesus’ words are powerful! “Let her alone. Why do you make trouble for her? She has done a good thing for me…Amen, I say to you, wherever the gospel is proclaimed to the whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her.”

An unnamed woman ministers to Jesus right before preparations for the Passover meal. In the end, Jesus is buried in a tomb under the watchful eyes of two women. When everyone else ran, thinking all was defeated by the death of Jesus, they stayed. No wonder then, that Jesus first appeared to a woman who was watchful and caring, once more.

“She has done what she could…and what she has done will be told in memory of her.” Wherever the gospel is proclaimed, throughout the whole world! Imagine all that is told in memory of her.

What does it mean for us to embrace Jesus as the Lord of our lives? What parts of ourselves are waiting for us to surrender, to lavish on Jesus!

Sister Rose Kruppa, CDP, Pastoral Associate for St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church © My St. Francis Discipleship Newsletter

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Death and New Life

Sister Rose’s Reflection for the Fifth Sunday of Lent

“Unless” is such a powerful word. Think of how we use it on a daily basis. Often it is a condition for something else to happen. For example, unless the weather changes, I will be there. Unless you clean your room, no video games. Unless you lose the weight, your knee will keep hurting.

Jesus uses the same word unless to describe what needs to die in order for new life to occur. “…unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat, but if it dies, it produces much fruit.”

All of us experience “death” experiences throughout our lives. Even Shakespeare said, “Gone are my salad days, when I was green.” We all know that one refers to the death of youth! If you make a list of “deaths” they might include the loss of a job, the end of a relationship, missing a promotion, the end of singleness when you get married, the birth of a child that changes your focus entirely. We can probably name lots of “deaths” be they little or big! Can we also identify the “fruit”—the new life that comes from those deaths?

In order for the seed to become all that God intends it to be, the seed has to give up something of what it was. The same is true for us. In order to be all that God intends us to be, something in us dies or changes too.

Our practice of charity—doing good for others—is often a dying to self. We give up our time to be there for someone else. We put others before ourselves.

We do that in parish life too when we give our time, talent and treasure to keep our parish the hospitable, welcoming, and generous parish it is. Sometimes we let some things die in our traditions and customs to make room for new life.

What can die in us for the sake of new life? What will make that happen? Who will help us?

Sister Rose Kruppa, CDP, Pastoral Associate for St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church © My St. Francis Discipleship Newsletter

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Living in Watchfulness!

Sister Rose’s Reflection for the First Sunday of Advent

Our parish’s theme for Advent is Living in Watchfulness; Waiting in Wonder. Watching is different than waiting. Waiting is rather passive; watching implies activity and engagement. When we watch we pay keen and sharp attention. We are alert with all of our senses and ready for Jesus to come into our lives and into our world. We don’t just wait for life to happen, we are helping with the building of the Reign of God on earth.

Watching and being ready for Jesus to come into our lives means that we are spending some extra time in silence and in prayer. We pray that we become more and more aware of what is being born in our personal lives, in our family lives, in our community, and in our parish. How is Jesus coming to life in me? How am I awakening a knowledge of Jesus in my children and in my marriage or my vocation? What light is the coming of Jesus shedding on the events in our world today? Are we passively waiting for it all to get better or are we working to be beacons of compassion and voices of justice?

Jesus tells his disciples and us to not be found sleeping! Living in watchfulness means being a light in the darkness, creating paths to peace, promoting reconciliation and generating new hope for all. One way to do that is to participate in our Taizé prayer experience this evening, Dec. 1 at 7 pm in the church. It’s an excellent opportunity to practice living in watchfulness.

Sister Rose Kruppa, CDP, Pastoral Associate for St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church © My St. Francis Discipleship Newsletter 12.1.17, First Sunday of Advent