A few days ago as we were gifted with primo family time with our Little Sister Hallel and her Community of the Lamb as they inaugurated their beautiful humble little monastery - Lumen Christi! You can watch the entire event on line! Here is their site where you will find the link... http://www.communityofthelambusa.org/index.html
As Simon was saying goodbye to Hallel on Sunday the 15th - his grandpa Pat's birthday - both Hallel and Simon were recalling that in just a few days they would also be celebrating their birthdays! Hallel on the 18th and Simon's 9th birthday on the 20th! Simon as the oldest grandchild, and having birthdays so close are a couple of the reasons that he and Hallel are so close! Hallel also has great compassion for Simon's struggle within the autism spectrum. We have learned by the example of the Lamb in the forms of John, Simon and Patrick as we are taught the lessons we learn by embracing our Most Cherished Cross and finding LIFE... So powerfully and beautifully the Community looks to the example of the Lamb without blemish that went to it's death for the world - Christ. Often in conversation with those in the Community we are reminded that this person or situation is revealing the Lamb to the world of darkness!
Simon recognized the first time the Little Sisters came to see us on the farm about 5 years ago - "We are all family?" he joyfully announced as we gathered at Ruth's for breakfast together. Simon has a beautiful loving spirit and can really grasp the deeper level of things. His kindergarten teacher told us that he took the class to a deeper level of faith in his bringing Mary and Jesus more to their class. My parents are seeing that our kids are so gifted to have the Community in our lives! The depth of their spirituality that permeates all that they do. We are truly blest and grateful that the Lord called our daughter, Susan, to be his bride! Our family has expanded to include so many others - we are truly all family!
The kids learn to help with the meals - taking the food down to the hall where we are all gathered to eat, and helping with the dishes...
Simon leading the birthday procession - Happy Birthday Simon! Today in the first reading from I Timothy - St Paul tells us - "pursue righteousness, devotion, faith, love, patience, and gentleness. Compete well for the faith. Lay hold of eternal LIFE, to which you were called..."
A friend put this on facebook yesterday and it is so great that I had to share it here! This is just what St Paul is saying to us - we need to sweat for the good and to resist the temptations and lies that try to mislead us!
Lord, we are all a buzz with the new interview of Pope Francis and how he is asking us to continue to recognize the sin and hate it, yet to love the sinner! Lord, please may the Truth be recognized in the darkness, and not taken in a wrong way. Today we remember those in Korea that went to their death to protect their Faith and The Church! Pray for us this day of confusion that the LIGHT may reach around the world and our Church may stand strong yet loving towards all the world. Bless dear Simon on his day of birth, and may his struggles with autism be a sign to those that know him that he can walk in your path carrying his Most Cherished Cross - autism. Jesus, we trust in YOU. Amen and Hallelujah
Bless-bless, Barb
So powerful to share in the beauty of those that are answering the call to belong to Jesus alone! I know that Simon will be asking the Lord what He wants for him as he grows in his faith and LOVE of Jesus and his Bride, The Church!
Holy Now by Peter Mayer - prayers this day that the Truth of our wonderful Church may be embraces along with the personal call of Jesus to each one of us to LOVE and forgive as He did!
We love you Simon! Happy Birthday. Martyrs of Korea, pray for Simon and all your Church
No comments:
Post a Comment