Mother Theodore followed the death announcement with a telling of this young (aged 21) sister’s story. We learn that she lived her faith and her vocation in a most holy and virtuous way, and she approached her death with serenity.
In prayer this week, perhaps we can consider what words of Jesus are hardest for us to accept. Can we speak honestly with Jesus about them?
When we pray this week, perhaps we can discern what person(s) God might be calling us to comfort or with whom to share joy.
Perhaps during a walk or while sitting quietly, we can reflect on who or what has conveyed God’s love to us today and offer a prayer of thanksgiving for that gift.
Perhaps in prayer this week, in addition to asking for our immediate needs, we might focus on the deeper experience of the gift of the Bread of Life.
In struggles we may be facing, we, too, may need someone to lovingly challenge us and guide us in realizing the effects our shortcomings have on us and on those with whom we live, work and worship.
Mother Theodore’s letter to Bishop Bouvier struck me as a type of prayer. It included praise of Providence, thanksgiving for favors received, petitions of need and a prayer of lamentation. She acknowledges those whose spirituality and actions were Providence for the Saint Mary-of-the-Woods community.