For Father’s Day, a word about kindness…

By Sr. Laura Coughlin

In the last few days I’ve been completing final assessments for my summer coursework here at BC.  To stay disciplined, I’ve avoided the news. Thus it is only today that I read of the nine members of the Emanuel AME Church in Charleston who were gunned down by a White young adult with a grudge against Black people. 

In what follows I do not intend more hand-wringing about the back-and-forth of violence in the U.S. – racial or otherwise.  The news outlets have already begun the usual banal round of provocations.  These offer about the same level of insight into things we didn’t already know as weather forecasts do in Phoenix.  But one news piece captured my attention: 

“Suspected South Carolina shooter 'almost didn't go through with it because everyone was so nice to him'.”  (NBC)

Having just finished a logic class with Tolkien scholar, Peter Kreeft, I am more acutely aware of the danger of ambiguous terms.  In light of that learning, I have to wonder, “what did the shooter mean by nice?”  Did he mean, more precisely, that they were kind to him?  Is it possible that what he really meant to say was that the virtue of those he gunned down was demonstrated in the simplicity of their welcoming him – a stranger? 

To be kind in general is to be friendly, generous, considerate.  But the origin of true kindness is the Holy Spirit.  In Saint Paul’s elaboration of the Spirit’s fruits, kindness follows patience and precedes goodness.  It is further equated with gentleness, and demonstrates the Spirit’s action in bringing a person to Christian maturity.  Did the shooter perceive these qualities in those he described as nice?

There are further questions.  Why, when the police interrogated him, did Roof lack the more precise word for what he experienced in the presence of those assembled to worship God?  Would the outcome have been different if he had grasped the true meaning and source of the more precise word?  Would greater accuracy in language have helped him to recognize the invisible hand of God in the comportment of those he killed? 

The news manufacturers will not ask these kinds of questions.  Instead they will shift from shock to anger-laden provocations related to state-sponsored executions and gun rights.  And in this shift we are about to miss the point of this particular story – that imprecise knowledge, exemplified in the word nice,  led the killer to note the ambience of Christian unity, but failed to provide the content necessary for the recognition of kindness and its resultant openness to conversion. 

In fact, the nine victims delayed for an hour, and nearly prevented, their own deaths through their kindness to the gunman.  A cynical reader will look at those emphasized words and respond that kindness is an ineffective and unreliable deterrent to crime, and such a person will prove his point in the phrase nearly prevented.  In fact, one NRA board member has nearly expressed this opinion in his criticism of the church’s pastor, Clementa Pinckney, who opposed a conceal-carry law.  The kindness of Jesus Christ, it would seem in this view, requires a contingency plan.

But the idea that such a thing exists is the great lie of modern culture as it turns more vigorously away from God and into the false ideal of human control.  Dylann Roof had a conscience and possessed agency.  If this were not true, he would not have procrastinated in making a decision.  Dylann Roof is not a monster, but a human being who acted sinfully against people living in the love of Christ.  His victims could not have known when they welcomed him how directly their lives would reveal Jesus in the figure of the innocent lamb. 

What a great temptation it is to hedge our bets against the “lamb who was slain”.  The lamb, after all, is consumed in both Old and New Testaments by those who are unworthy.  Who would want to be in such a position?  But Jesus, through his own vulnerable humanity, invites all of humankind to the love of the Father.  When Christ was crucified, the Apostles did not cry, “vengeance!”  Rather, they sought to spread the word that we are brothers and sisters in Christ; that we must seek no alternatives to the kindness of the Word that penetrates hearts, converts sinners, and reveals the love of the Father for all His children.  This is the lasting witness of the faithful gathered to study the Lord’s word that night in Charleston.  Can we be challenged by their kindness to the stranger, and interpret its seeming ineffectiveness in the light of Christ’s victory over death through, and not apart from, the cross? 

These men and women, varied in age and background, but unified in faith, could not have known how much they were risking in their simple act of kindness – that reality, and the purity of their welcome to one who would betray them, was held in the secret of the Father’s heart, and is rewarded there as well. 

"El Paso"

by Denise Morris

Several months ago while meeting with my spiritual director, I was in deep discernment about whether to enter religious life or dismiss the nudging idea of community that had been bubbling on the back burner for several years. Being a practical person who unfortunately spends more time in my head than my heart, I was exhausted trying to reason everything out. (As if you can reason with God…) During our discussion, my director posed a question that still resonates: “What will move you forward?”

No sooner had he asked the question, my heart quickened. I immediately knew what I needed and wanted to do. I had oscillated long enough at the proverbial fork in the road, hesitating while the proverbial grass grew under my feet. It was time to take a step forward and enter religious life.

 

Over the last several weeks, the theme of ‘steps’ continues to emerge in my prayer and daily life. And I am extremely grateful, because I believe “steps” to be a very healthy metaphor for discernment. I have no doubt that God is very close.

As much as I try (and believe me, I do try) to control an outcome or determine the end result of any endeavor, I know that I am powerless to do so. I’ve also discovered (okay, maybe finally admitted to myself) that my decisions (and indecision)  sometimes are overshadowed by a fear of failure. St. Peter and I have a lot in common. For both of us, attempts that might result in anything resembling failure feel threatening to our sense of security.

To walk on the water, Peter had to take that first step… then another… and another… not knowing whether he would sink or swim, literally. When he stepped with faith, he was fine. It was when he stepped with fear that he faltered.

My ego enjoys pelting me with the same discrediting doubt that Peter probably experienced: What if things don’t work out? What will people say and think? What if religious life isn’t a good fit? What if you’re not happy? But my God desires to comfort me with gentle, encouraging invitations that prompt me out of the boat: Let go. Keep your eyes on me. Take a step. I’ve got you.

As unnerving as it can be at times, I am taking a step forward in faith. And it’s liberating! Just like Peter, I don’t know where this journey will lead (or end!?), but I’m learning to trust the process. I’m learning to enjoy the journey and not the destination, as the popular saying goes. There’s no exhilaration at the end of a roller coaster ride, right? The excitement and elation occur throughout: anticipation as you ascend the summit, fear and adventure as you plummet into freefall, thrilling trepidation as your ride turns topsy-turvy at times…  Any great ride or journey is accompanied by all of these feelings and more. But if we’re honest, it’s these emotions and experiences that cause us to feel the most ALIVE!

I’m moving forward—not because I’m absolutely, positively, without-a-doubt, 100% sure that this is exactly where God is calling for the rest of my life—but because that small nudging voice keeps beckoning and inviting … Come! ... and because standing still in the same spot any longer is paralyzing and prohibits me from acquiring new information. Taking a step forward broadens my perspective and provides helpful and needed information to further discern my call and deepen my commitment. And as a good friend likes to remind me, “If you sit on the fence too long, you start to get splinters in your backside!” Touché.

God continues to confirm for me in strikingly obvious (and quite humorous) ways that I’m moving forward in the right direction. The latest confirmation occurred a few weeks ago as I was reflecting on my move in August to El Paso, where I am planning to begin formation with the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati. As I was considering the move, the timeline, things to take and things to leave behind, I suddenly remembered from language classes several years ago that the Spanish word “El Paso” means “step.”

God winked…  and I smiled back.

Join with Sister Paris as she professes final vows!

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My Push/Pull Vocation Story

by Judy Donohue

I was called by God, I was gently drawn by God and urged by the Holy Spirit into my vocation.

In 2001, I interviewed and was offered a Chaplain job at St. Joseph Hospital in Lexington, KY and began working on June 11, 2001. Later in 2003, Sr. Angela Wethington, SCN was in the hospital for shoulder surgery, and I visited her each day with Holy Communion. Two months after her discharge, I received a letter inviting me to be an Associate with the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth. I had some reservations, but decided to check out one weekend and see what they were about. 

I went to my first weekend in February 2004 and loved it! The Sisters and Associates were educated, progressive, open, and fun. Occasionally I wondered if God was calling me to be a sister. I went on a discernment weekend in 2006 to further explore that question. At this time, I wasn’t moved to enter, and was satisfied with my nice ministry job, my house, two cats, and family close by. Why change? My life was going well and I did not feel any great desire to change or call from God.

With time, my mother needed to go to a nursing home, both cats died, and my job grew increasingly stressful. I was miserable. On January 12, 2013, I attended Sr. Lucille Massey’s funeral at the Nazareth Motherhouse. Before she moved to the Motherhouse, she was a volunteer in the Pastoral Care Department at St. Joe’s. She would have been 101, if she had lived another week. 

Later, I ate lunch with Sr. Teresa Kotturan and Sr. Susann Gobber. Sr. Teresa mentioned to Sr. Susann that she thought I had a vocation. The next day when Sr. Susann and I went walking, she told me. It was like sunshine coming into my darkened soul. God did have a plan for my life and wanted me happy and joyful. Could I join this late in life? I called the Vocation Director, Sr. Nancy Gerth, and shared the conversation. I asked to enter discernment, and it was granted. The next step was to apply to enter the community. I filled out all the paper work.

The Western Province Board met on May 10, 2014, and I was accepted for entrance, but there were still many things to accomplish. Since I was to live in Louisville, KY, I had to quit my job, find a job there, clean out my house, and find a renter and find a place for my 2 new cats.

I sent my resume out to many places: Fr. Bryan Lambert knew Jerry Hegel who was the Human Resource person at Sodexo, the food service department of Jewish Hospital. I was offered a part time job, and later he made it full time with health insurance benefits. God was working. I put in my two weeks notice and began cleaning out my house. Two of my brothers and one sister helped take furniture, books, and clothes to Goodwill, the Catholic Action Center, and for storage in my brother Jerry’s garage. I asked Jerry if he would be interested in taking the cats. He said yes. Then a work friend, who had a property manager stopped by to visit. I asked his name and used him to find a renter for my house. Five days after everything was moved out, the house was rented. Two miracles!!

So many doors opened as God was gracing me to move forward. God gave me the push and courage to enter, because I did not have it before the lunch with Sr. Teresa. God pulled me and kept me in my community by my belief in the mission and by my general comfort with the community members I knew. God gives the graces when they are needed!!

“The Charity (Love) of Christ impels us.” 2 Corinthians 5:14 

Praise the Lord! 

Inspired by Our Sisters: Blessed Marguerite Rutan

By Sr. Meg Kymes

This month, my community, the Daughters of Charity celebrate the feast of Blessed Marguerite Rutan.  Blessed Marguerite was born in 1734 in the Lorraine region of France.  Her parents were hardworking, holy people who inspired Marguerite by their example.  When she was 18 years old, she asked to enter the Daughters of Charity in Paris, France and was accepted.  At 21, after joining the Daughters, she was sent to work in the Daughters’ hospital in Dax, France.  In addition to caring for the sick, she also reached out to street children and young pregnant women who had been abandoned, as well as distributed food and alms to families in need of resources.  She remained in Dax for the next 42 years. 

In 1789, when the French Revolution broke out, there was great persecution against members of the Church.  The Daughters were no exception to those persecutions.  Their homes, schools, and hospitals were taken over by soldiers as bunkers and field hospitals.  In 1792, the military officials falsely accused Marguerite and her fellow Daughters of robbery.  The following year, she was sent to prison and sentenced to death.  In April of 1794 she was executed.  In 2011, she was proclaimed, Blessed Marguerite.

Today, I see Blessed Marguerite as an example for us, in a day when many Christians are persecuted because of their faith.  I see her as an example for all people who are striving to care for those who are living in poverty in the face of persecution.  When Christians in the Middle East, Nigeria, and so many other areas of the world are being murdered, Blessed Marguerite can be an example of courage and strength for these people. 

Currently, many of my fellow Daughters of Charity are in these areas ministering to all people who are living in violence.  I am confident that they pray to Blessed Marguerite for the people they minister to and with.  Blessed Marguerite, pray for us! 

Thumbs Up to Service

By Sr. Cecilia Harriendorf

I was in Guatemala City, spending an overnight with the Daughters of Charity, who have served in Guatemala for the past 150 years.  They have a huge, block square complex, operate two hospitals, a school (grades one through high school) and provide a wide range of social services.

Peeking into a room, I saw what looked like an empty cafeteria.  I asked a few school girls walking by if I could buy a soda there.  They said no, but pointed me in the direction of a tiny store opposite the school.  After satisfying my thirst, I returned to the Daughters' complex and again inquired about the cafeteria.  This facility, it turns out, is a "Cocina de Probres" - a soup kitchen for poor people which serves dinner everyday at noon.

From time-to-time, I visit Guatemala City with two young women who are postulants with the New York Sisters of Charity.  I help with the three-and-a-half hour drive from Santa Cruz to the Capital, shop for supplies, etc.  I thought it would be great to work in the kitchen while the postulants are attending classes.

I asked the Sister in charge if this might be possible.  I told her I can cook, clean, chop vegetables, wash dishes, mop, anything; it didn't matter.  The only thing that mattered was that I wanted to be a part of their soup kitchen on those days when I was in the city.  I was asked one question.   Sister wanted to know if I would eat with the people who came to the kitchen.  "Of course," I said.  I had spent eight years eating with homeless men and women in New York City, why not Guatemala . . . 

However, Sister's question continues to impact my daily activities and my prayer life.  Will you honor the people you serve?  Will you be present to them?  Will you allow their presence to serve you?  Are you willing to receive as well as to give?  Is volunteering a job or a source of nourishment?

The Charity Charism of love of God through service to God's people, especially those who are poor and/or living on life's margins, is a principle that we - Daughters, Sisters and Charity Associates - seek to live in our daily lives and various ministries.    

It is with gratitude and humility that we offer ourselves.   We give because God has freely given to us.  We give because sharing can be an act of justice as well as an act of charity.  And St. Vincent de Paul, co-founder of the Daughters of Charity, would quickly add, "It is not enough to give bread.  The rich can to that.  It is only for your love alone that the poor will forgive you the bread that you give them."

So, here's a big "thumbs up" to all of you who regularly volunteer your time and talents -  in soup kitchens and schools, hospitals, parks and playgrounds, in nursing facilities and on behalf of a wide range of not-for-profit organizations.  Your care and concern helps fulfill a variety of social needs and is a sacred gift.  It can turn a simple activity into an act of love.

Ready, set, vows!

By Sr. Tracy Kemme

Retreating at Jesuit Spiritual Center in Milford, Ohio

At the opening Mass of retreat last week, the homilist invited each of us to name our desire.  What do I yearn for on these days of retreat?  To frame his question, he shared that when we go out to eat and settle on a menu selection, our body physiologically anticipates and prepares for tasting that particular food.  And so it is in the spiritual life.  In naming our desire, our hearts prepare to receive that gift from God. 

I knew what I desired.  I felt great hunger entering into those sacred days.  I’ll be professing first vows on June 27^th, and so I wanted God to speak to my heart and affirm unquestionably my readiness for vows.  I wanted a profound encounter with Jesus.  I anticipated a joyful, full-hearted week.

The thing about naming our desire is that it doesn’t mean we'll be satisfied the way we hope.  Almost as soon as I eagerly entered into the silence, it felt like God went silent, too.  I chose my menu entrée, but God clocked out without filling my order. 

Uninvited thoughts and reflections began popping up.  I cycled between feelings of restlessness and emptiness.  I came face to face with fears and doubts that must be buried deep within me.  I replayed vividly some of the most painful moments of letting go in my journey to sisterhood.  I experienced a resurgence of past emotions again tugging at my heart.  And, although I’ve felt deeply drawn to make vows throughout this year, the power of the word “vow” all of a sudden stopped me in my tracks in a way it hadn’t before.  This is a big deal!  Can I really do it?

Beautiful morning leaves on retreat

I was a little irked with God for being so inconsiderate and leaving me alone to grapple with all this.  Even things that usually bring me consolation on retreat like spotting deer, looking up at beautiful morning leaves, and sharing Eucharist with the community, left me unimpressed.  “You can do anything, right God?  Well, you’re not acting like it!"  I figured that since I’m kind of getting ready to vow my entire life to God, clear affirmation from God wouldn’t be too much to ask!

Good thing God puts up with my whiny teenager moments, probably with an amused and loving Divine Smirk.

I’ve learned that in times of discomfort, the only choice is to stay with it, enter into it, and ask God what it’s all about.  Somewhere in those days of struggle, a Bible passage surfaced in my heart.  I flipped to Luke 4:1-13 in which Jesus is tempted in the wilderness before catapulting into his public ministry.  What struck me immediately is that the story is drenched in the Holy Spirit.  Although Jesus wrestled with many things, he was led into the wilderness by the Holy Spirit and then emerged, “filled with the power of the Spirit.”  I sensed that I, too, was not alone.  It was all the work of the Spirit in me, even if I couldn’t feel it.  The word came to me:  Trust.

That evening, I walked the labyrinth, and a familiar melody began to play in my heart without me knowing how: “I will be with you; that is my promise.  I will be with you, forevermore.  Trust in my love; bring me all your cares.  And I will be with you, forevermore.”

I sighed with a softened heart as a new peace spread through my abdomen.  I felt held close, accompanied, and affirmed.  As God often does, God came to me in a way that I could not have expected, but it was, of course, just what I needed.  Sure, God could have blessed me with retreat days of palpable Presence.  But this experience somehow left me more firmly rooted and aware of my inner strength.

The wilderness was a needed reminder that there will be more wildernesses to come.  There will be temptations, and emptiness, and doubt along with the wonder, joy, and fulfillment.  Even knowing that and experiencing it acutely in the silence of retreat, I can think of doing nothing else with my life.  I can say yes to it all.

As in any vocational commitment, I come as I am to do the best that I can, with God’s grace.  I sense God inviting me to these vows that are not one-time declarations but an evolving journey, “You have all you need.  You are ready.  Trust.”

I go forth, filled with the power of the Spirit!