Year of Jubilee: Look in Each Direction

by Sister Brenda Rose Szegedy, OSF

Look back and thank God!
In this our sixtieth year of vowed life as Sylvania Franciscans, our profession class of 1963 has been meeting monthly to simply look back upon the blessings of our lives and share them in a spirit of gratitude. This has truly been a treasured time as we recognize among us a supportive community of shared Sisterhood.
What have been the disguised blessings that have transformed your way of seeing your present reality?    Lessons learned?  Truths revealed?

Look forward and trust God!
A simple quote by Ralph W. Emerson reveals a great Truth, “All that we have seen teaches us to trust our Creator for all we have not yet seen.”  Our challenge today and every day is to look toward an unknown future with renewed trust in the Promise of Jesus, “I Am with you always.”   We are called again and again to move beyond our comfort zone for the “something new” God wants to do in us.  It is good to remind ourselves that we are all in the process of becoming!
What hinders you at this present time from moving beyond your comfort zone?

Look within and find God!
When we seek God’s Presence in the sanctuary of our hearts, we then seek that same Presence in all those we encounter each day.  The life we have professed embraces God as our first priority, and we come to see our vows as a living, dynamic, ever-growing relationship with our God and the people of God.
Reflect on the spiritual depth of your relationship with God at this time.

Look around and serve God!
Our mission as Sylvania Franciscans is “to live the Gospel in joyful servanthood among all people…”  The mission to which each of us is called never dies, and the quality of love and compassion with which we serve is our living legacy.  Each day is a new opportunity to respond with a willing heart as Jesus sends us forth.
How open will you be to receive Me in each person you meet today?  How empty of yourself can you be to spend time with Me in a sick or lonely person?