November 2025
Reflections of God's Goodness
The good God has given me so many good things. I am thankful for my family, good friends, good food, beautiful music and art. I love looking into the bright face of a young person, excited about the challenges ahead. I am in awe of looking into the sweet face of a newborn baby!
Each of these things reminds me that God, the giver of all good gifts, is with me. I thank Him for his active presence in my life. Jesus promised to be with us always, and He is. He sent the Holy Spirit to actually dwell within us.
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name: you are mine.” Isaiah 43:1b
YOU ARE MINE! WE ARE HIS! How often we forget how close He really is. How can we wake up to this wonderful reality?
In his book, "The Practice of the Presence of God," Brother Lawrence says, “Think often on God, by day, by night, in your business, and in your diversions. He is always near you and with you; leave him not alone.”
No matter what we are doing, God is right there with us. Washing the dishes, or the car, changing the baby or cooking dinner, we are assured of His presence. God is interested in everything about our lives and everything we do.
Further, “Thomas Aquinas taught that God is in all things, ‘by essence, presence, and power’ and that God providentially cares for every aspect of His creation. Therefore, we should expect to see signs of his presence and activity in nature and in human affairs.” (Bishop Robert Barron, October 24, 2025)
It sounds simple, but we are so easily distracted. Maybe we can practice the presence of God by placing reminders at home and at work. Practice in this sense means finding ways to help us become more aware, like holy cards or pictures, framed scriptures, a small crucifix, placed where we can see them.
“I command you: be strong and steadfast! Do not fear nor be dismayed, for the LORD, your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
This month I pray that each of us will receive the grace to become more aware of His presence in every moment of our lives. I am thankful for each of you, too. Wishing you a joy-filled Thanksgiving. Please enjoy this prayer of thanksgiving in the style of Brother Lawrence.
Blessings,
Sister Mary Ann Barnhorn, SNDdeN
“And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17
Read the previous reflections:
Sister Mary Ann Barnhorn reflects on how we can feel God's presence in our lives with gratitude and intentional practice.
Sister Mary Ann Barnhorn reflects on spreading God's goodness and how we are called to love others whenever we meet someone who needs it.
Sister Mary Ann Barnhorn explores how Jesus wants us to bring the children in our lives and around the world to him in prayer. There is much we cannot change, but we can pray for a heart like and for children.
Reflecting on Pope Leo XIV's message of peace, Sister Mary Ann Barnhorn explores how Jesus's gift of wholeness through the Holy Spirit brings true peace to our hearts and world. Discover the deeper meaning of 'Shalom' and how God's peace makes us whole and holy.