Section:
companions
2008 Annual Retreat Day
Are you breathing?
Are you inspired?
Are you a living prayer?
Sister Julie McCole guided sisters and companions attending the March 1 Gathering Day at Our Lady of Angels Convent to appreciate their lives as living, breathing prayer. Using the example of St. Francis and St. Clare, Sister Julie led us to examine and appreciate our breath and identify the inspiration that fills our lives, though often going unnoticed, on a daily basis.
Remember when impulsive, emotional Francis met the Leper? His life from that point on was never the same. Francis was inspired. Have you had an encounter with another person or an event that was so memorable you have never forgotten? Have you met your “Leper?” If something from a life encounter has been integrated into your being, your memory, then you have experienced inspiration. God leads each one of us through divine inspiration through the lifting up of our hearts in caring for another, through the very “ordinary” events of our daily lives.
Steady, thoughtful Clare found inspiration through her gazing and contemplation of the San Damiano Cross. Clare knew she wanted to be like the poor Christ in every way. She found holiness in the everyday, “ordinary” acts of her life. She tended to her sisters as a mother looks after her children and family. Clare washed her sisters’ feet, cared for them when they were ill, and provided food for her family of sisters.
St. Clare was a reflection of God’s love in all that she did. We also are a reflection and example of Jesus for our families, friends, and in our daily work.
When you look into the mirror today, celebrate the living prayer that you are!
