Posts by Sr. Marilyn Marie

Yesterday’s Scripture reading about Abraham being put to the test and being asked to sacrifice Isaac always leaves me feeling a bit uncomfortable, to say the least.  It just doesn’t seem to make a whole lot of sense.  Abraham and Sarah were good and faithful people, they hoped and prayed for children, God gave them…

Around noon yesterday, our dear Sister Mary Carola Billat entered eternal life and the fullness of God’s incredible goodness.  When I think of Sister Mary Carola, I think of her never-failing smile, the twinkle in her eye, her loved nickname “Crayola,” and the delightful rapport she had with junior high students.  She definitely knew how…

Living in a society that constantly bombards me with words can lead me to take my words less and less seriously.  It seems at times as though my words have little consequence, and yet I’ve also experienced the tremendous impact words can have.  I’ve been comforted by a simple encouraging word, and I’ve been stunned…

As we begin this Lenten season, there may be a variety of things running through our minds and hearts.  Some people I know experience Lent as a true season of penance; they can’t wait until it’s over for another year! Some take it in stride as a necessary part of the liturgical year; they more…

Today’s Gospel reading from the Gospel of Mark is one of my favorites. As I reflect on the friends of the paralytic who brought him to Jesus for healing, I’m reminded of the power of intercessory prayer and the gift of so many in my life who have helped me grow closer to Jesus. But…

St. James’ letter in the New Testament is a reminder of how practical our faith is to be. In today’s first reading, he exhorts, “Act on this word.  If all you do is listen to it, you are deceiving yourselves” (James 1:22).  Another translation speaks of Christians as “doers of the Word.”   There are certainly…

The Scripture readings for today’s liturgy speak of signs and faith.  In the Gospel, we read of one of the few times that Jesus expressed frustration over an obvious lack of faith. The Pharisees request — We want a sign. We want proof. — ended with Jesus leaving their midst and finding others to whom…

Today, we celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, a day when we commemorate the first appearance of Mary to St. Bernadette.  Along with the appearances at Fatima and Guadalupe, Mary’s appearances at Lourdes are among the most popular in Church tradition.  In reflecting on this feast, I was struck by the fact that…

Today we celebrate the feast of St. Josephine Bakhita. After being held as a slave for many years, she eventually gained her freedom and entered the religious community of the Canossian Sisters in Italy.  Most of her life then consisted of serving in the kitchen and as keeper of the door. It strikes me that…

We all know of people whose presence can light up a room, put everyone at ease, and bring out the best in those present.  Today’s Gospel reading from Mark relates that Jesus had this effect on people.  Everyone flocked to him, wanting to be near enough to him that they could touch the tassle of…