March 3, 2008

We are into the third month of the year. And spring is getting nearer—even if it doesn’t feel so much like it right now with a 3 degree temp and a wind chill of – 20!

Our Sister Mary David Miranowski, age 90, died the evening of February 29th, Leap Day. May she be living in peace and joy with the Lord. I will always remember her for her beautiful handwriting and for the delicate and dainty crowns she made of blessed palms. Sister David’s funeral will be Wednesday, March 5th.

March is Food Share Month. Yesterday was the 10th Annual Share Sunday event at Our Lady of Lourdes School here in Little Falls. The program was a Talent Show divided into four categories. I’m glad I didn’t have to be a judge. I enjoyed the dance routine of the littlest ones (ages 3-5), the middle-school student dancers (ages 11 – 14), the cello, violin, harmonica, guitar and accordion players. I always wonder, "How do they do that?" when I see a magic show. Casey and Bethany’s magic show made me wonder that again. There was a grand raffle, a quilt raffle, and lots of gift baskets. All proceeds went to the Morrison County Food Shelf and Oasis Share-A-Meal…a very worthy cause.

Earlier this morning, I was reflecting on today’s Gospel reading (John 4:43-54).
It is the story of the royal official coming to ask Jesus to help his sick son. At first, the official saw in Jesus a wonderworker, someone whose help he desperately needed. It was only later that he became a believer—a true follower of Jesus. My question to myself was, "How much of my prayer is prayer of petition only?" Quite a lot.

But I find myself more spontaneously praying prayers of praise, adoration and thanksgiving. That was certainly the type of prayer that St. Francis had at the end of his life.

Have a good week.
Pax et Bonum.
Sister Mary Lou