Monday, February 2, 2015

The Presentation mystery and Hallel

The last time we were together with Hallel was in KC in September 2013 for the dedication of the little monastery - Lumen Christi.  That means that it has been a year and 5 months and will be over a year and a half since we have gotten a "real hug" from our Little Sister Hallel.  Ruth was very pregnant with Luke, who was born on Nov 1st.  Then Nancy had Dominic in June and Maria had Romeo on grandpa Pat's birthday, Sept 15, 2014 - a year after this picture was taken.  That means that she has 3 new nephews to meet! 
Susan/Hallel with her dad and some of the little ones.
 
We have gotten the word that Hallel will be here in the U.S. for Easter, so we are all getting excited about sharing time with her in KC.  We know that we have to go to her, and a home visit is not to happen for another year and a half.  We are given time every 3 years for her to come home.  I have started to realize that she needs to find mass and time in prayer each day, and that it is a challenge to find that away from her community.  It is like we are asking her to leave her contemplation of her following Jesus, her spouse, as we intrude on her for 3 days of craziness!  It was quite evident that she was ready to get back to her Community after being snowed in with all her family in April of 2013... there were only 9 nieces and nephews then - now there are 12!
Getting to know 10 month old Bernadette - at Easter she will be 2 1/2 years old and talking and walking and still so sassy and spicey.  It will be good for them to see their Aunt Susan/Hallel!
I envision that we will be given a window to come and visit her and our family here in the U.S... our Little Sisters and Brothers of the Lamb!  How I would love to all gather as a united family with her, but probably it will be some here and some there.  When she left for France around the 4th of July, 2010 in the midst of John's cancer battle... about 5 carloads of Verlys headed down there over a weeks time to say goodbye in waves.  We all got there, but not together, so in a way it made for a better visit and more ability to share than with the big craziness of all of us with 12 little ones!   I am learning that all of us together, although wonderful and a heart-felt wish of mine, that it is for the most part overwhelming and robs us of the ability to share much one on one. 
 The two oldest niece and nephew - Simon and Mary- are closer to Hallel and remember her as Aunt Susan... Hallel has asked for a DVD of them on the farm, so I am working on getting that to send in her long late Christmas package!

I have shared in the past that I pray the rosary my own way...  Yes, I still do the mysteries of the day, but for each of the 5 each day I pray for my 5 children.  The first each day for my oldest ,Ruth, her husband and children from the moment we know that they are in the womb, the second for Nancy and family and on down the line.  Today will be the Joyful, and when I get to the 4th for Hallel it will be the mystery of the Presentation of Jesus in the temple by Mary and Joseph.  It also happens to be the feast of the Presentation today in The Church.  I have always felt that this is so appropriate in how we gave our daughter to Jesus willingly and with great joy and yes with some sacrifice too!  We love her dearly and miss her being in our lives day to day, yet we know of her happiness and that she lifts us up in prayer daily and has added to the depth and richness of our family as her Community has become our family, too!  It just feels special to be celebrating this feast today and with the anticipation of her visit to KC as well as this being her mystery in more ways than one... I am thinking of Hallel today, and how wonderful it is to have her Yes to her call!
It was such a gift to witness this beautiful moment of Hallel recognizing her LOVE/LIFE/LIGHT on the altar!  I have been missing my time spent in prayer with The Community and hope that will be a big part of our time with Hallel and the Community over Easter!

The Canticle of Simeon
Jesus, such a beautiful reminder this day of how we are all called upon to present ourselves and our children to You, and know and trust the plan you have for each one of us.  This much we know for sure... that we are called upon to die to self so that you can live in us!  It was so special this morning to hear John singing the words of Simeon, as he recognized them from night prayer shared with other seminarians in his year in the Seminary.  "Lord, now let your servant go in peace; your word has been fulfilled:  My own eyes have seen the salvation which you have prepared in the sight of every people:  A Light to reveal you  to the nations and the glory of your people Israel." Luke 2: 29-32  The Gospel for today.  Continue to guide and direct John in your path laid out for him.  Jesus, we trust in YOU.  Amen and Hallelujah
 Hallel with Simon..
Bless-bless, Barbara Luke


Yes, it hurts to see her so seldom, but what JOY when we are reunited after a year and a half!  I feel like I want to hug her and never let go... Maria used to do this to get my goat - hug me til I begged her to let go!
 Her prayers are with John as he continues to search and seek his path!
It will be fun to see the little ones - now bigger relate to her again!
Danielle Rose - Walk on water

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