Third Sunday in Ordinary Time January 22, 2012 Mark 1, 14-20
As I write this many thoughts are going on in my head as: Praying for Sister Marie Julianne, Christian Unity week, and for me here in the DR the novena for the Nuestra Seņora de La Altagracia , our Patron and name of the Chapel in our barrio. As we look at the Gospel for today, we can see many themes or ideas as Jesus begins his Public life. There is the call for all to repentance and conversion and the call to leave all and follow Him. The call to repentance and conversion is for all, no one is excluded. Wow, A great thought, no one is excluded, white black, yellow , Americana, African, Haitian, Indian, poor, rich, thin, fat, tall , short, all are welcome( a great song , I always like to hear it when I come home) so all are welcome to conversion, which as you and me know is a daily ongoing call and that never ends. Conversion , as I see it, is a wonderful new beginning, old ways, thoughts, actions can be changed and seen in a new light but what a risk and sacrifice at times, however we are called today in the Gospel to begin with Jesus his public life and to change. Since Iīm in education , I canīt leave behind my children as they are a big part of my work but after Christmas, there are changes, some for the good and some for the well letīs put it this way, they need more time to be converted. But why is it so easy to see it in children and for ourselves a little less visible, maybe the simplicity which is a characteristic we all have to work on as it is part of us, as Sisters of St. Mary. But I really would like to speak a few minutes on the second theme which is the call to leave all and follow Christ. As sisters of St. Mary, we have all experienced the call to leave all and follow Christ. But as we prepare for the chapter, to go deeper maybe it is good to think about it today. Am I just on the shore and really havenīt gotten my feet wet? Am I settled in my work and canīt see new ways or new horizons to go forth? As we are truly united theses days in prayers and thoughts for all whom we are asked to pray for, letīs find our strength in the only person who can help us to go forth. May the Blessed Trinity lead you forth in the challenges to make the Kingdom of God real in the world. - Sr. Rose Ann
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