November 2024
Reflections of God's Goodness
Sometimes we forget that we are spiritual beings living through human experience! How good God is to create the world and everything and everyone in it in a way that makes us all connected to Him and to each other. I don’t pretend to understand this in a concrete way, but I do believe it.
God created us for relationship. We are born into families; we live in neighborhoods and communities. As we go through life, we know and love many people. God has made us so that our relationships last beyond death.
One of the ways we are connected to the people we know and love who are now in heaven is through memories. Surely, memories are a special gift from God. Through our memories, we are able to experience the presence of people we love who are now in heaven. To me, memories are sacred. My family and friends in heaven are in the presence of the living Christ and are experiencing a new way of living and loving.
"We believe in the communion of all the faithful of Christ, those who are pilgrims on earth, the dead who are being purified, and the blessed in heaven, all together forming one Church; and we believe that in this communion, the merciful love of God and his saints is always [attentive] to our prayers"
This November, we can turn our memories into a prayer of deep gratitude for the lives and love of our family and friends who have gone before us. We can meet God in their presence, remembering and thanking Him for the goodness we experienced through them, as their love continues to encourage, inspire and radiate through our lives.
This November, remember how connected we are, not only to our loved ones in heaven, but also to all the believers, saints and angels. Give thanks and pray for the body of Christ on earth and in heaven. May their prayers and ours bring us peace for our living.
May you be especially blessed this November, through your memories and remembrances.
Blessings,
Sister Mary Ann Barnhorn, SNDdeN
Read the previous reflections:
Reflect on how we are deeply connected to God and each other, both on earth and in heaven. Through family, friends, and the communion of saints, our memories become sacred links to loved ones now in God’s presence. This November, join us in a prayer of gratitude as we remember and give thanks for the love, inspiration, and connection that unite us as one body in Christ, across life and eternity
Discover how Christian relationships, rooted in love and attentiveness, can transform the way we engage with one another. Sister Mary Ann Barnhorn, SNDdeN, reflects on the importance of listening, humility, and following Jesus to heal divisions and strengthen our witness in today's world. Let's strive to love as He loves, one encounter at a time.
As the new school year begins, our roles as parents and grandparents are more important than ever. Guide and nurture your children with unconditional love, faith, and prayer, helping them navigate a world that often overlooks God's love. Explore ways to support their spiritual journey and discover the profound impact you can have on their lives. Blessings from Sister Mary Ann Barnhorn, SNDdeN.
Summer is going by fast. It’s August already, and I want to hold on to the best of summer — fresh vegetables and fruits, the many flowers in full bloom and green everywhere. I see the beauty all around me and I thank God for the magnificence of His creation. What a gift God has given us!