Nurturing Seeds Sown

 

Nurturing Seeds Sown & Nurturing Plants to be Grown

                                                                 

   


  

“But as for the seed that fell on rich soil, they are the ones who, when they have heard the word, embrace it with a generous and good heart, and bear fruit through perseverance.” Luke 8:15

 

     Even though I don’t consider myself a gardener, I’ve begun to see myself as a “nurturer of seeds & plants.” There are the spiritual “seeds” that are being planted in me during this canonical novitiate year here at the CDN. And then there are the actual plants at the novitiate that I’ve been given responsibility to care for……. but, back to this part later.  

     Let me start with the spiritual “seeds” that are being planted, “seeds” such as deep listening, living into community and the vows, openness to new ways of prayer and contemplation, to name but a few. I hope that the spiritual “seeds” fall into rich soil, but that’s not something I can always control, so I give that part over to God. I try to water the “seeds”, but at times circumstances prevent me from doing that, so it is then that I hope one of my Sisters come to help me water my “seedlings.”  I know that some “seeds” take longer than others to mature and bear fruit, so I accept that I may not see the harvest, for now, of all the nurturing given to me while here at the CDN. But I will take these “seedlings” with me when I leave here and hopefully they will grow as I continue to discern my vocation as a religious sister. It will take much perseverance for this growth journey.

    

  As for the actual plants that I am caring for, because my room at the CDN gets lots of sunlight, my sister novices felt that it would be best if several “in need of nurturing” plants were kept in my room for a time. I was also given a flower bulb as a gift to “nurture” over the Advent season to see how I would do with growing it and growing my prayer life during this holy season. Along with the rest of the CDN community, I helped plant Jonquil bulbs here in Chicago to celebrate the 200^th anniversary of the Dominican Sisters here in the United States. I hope to be here to see the Jonquil flowers come up when they blossom. 

So, gardener or not, I am learning to plant, care for and nurture some of God’s budding creations, both literally and spiritually. And just like with my spiritual “seedlings”, I pray that God is watching over all his creatures, especially this budding one. Blessings for a fruitful Advent. 

   

A reflection from Lk 3:1-6

“Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths."

Have you ever helped someone preparing for their wedding or a big event in their life (like making first or final vows?) I happened to help my sister to prepare for her wedding.  Months before the wedding, she studied the doctrine of marriage, searched for churches, readings, and songs that were appropriate and to prepare for the ceremony, including food menus, wedding decorations, and much more.  Also, she made sure that she would be the most beautiful person at the wedding by controlling her diet, eating healthy, exercising, and of course she went to the beauty salon to trim and fix everything she needed to help her be her best at the wedding day.  With my sister, our family also helped to clean the house and everything we could think of in order to welcome the groom and his family…the biggest day of her life.

            The first white snow at the CDN.                                         Sunrise at the lake

In today’s readings, God also invites us to prepare the way for God, to “make a straight path” for God's coming. Is it also the biggest day of our lives? Don’t you think God also wants us to be the most beautiful person God has created us to be?  Is it also our call for this journey?  I’ve known some of the sisters and brothers who are preparing for their vows or preparing for different stages of their lives in the coming year. Normally, we take time to prepare for the next stages of our lives so that we can be the best person wherever God leads us, like my sister for her groom and his family. She was happy, joyful, and filled with hope and love.

During the advent season, the church is inviting each of us again to relook into our lives, to quiet down, to listen, and to prepare ourselves while waiting for God's coming. Many times, during my day when I have a chance to pause and listen, I can see God is constantly calling me to continue my journey in life with blessings, hopes, and love.  I am praying that God will help each of us to see and be able to listen to God's voice within us and around us, as we approach the road ahead of us. I pray that God also gives us strength, courage, and wisdom in order to prepare for the next stage in our lives and to “prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths" so  “all people will see God's salvation” through us.  Let us pray!

 

Interculturality

 

The Novitiate provides many opportunities for rich, intercultural living. Our collaborative Dominican community comprises persons whose heritage is within the United States, Canada, Ireland, Germany, Vietnam, Trinidad and Tobago, Grenada, Africa, the indigenous tribe of the Kalinago and much more. There have been many invitations for us to share our familial, native and cultural customs. Living abroad has helped me to articulate the treasures that I have experienced within my country and family so that others can understand my heritage. I am also enriched when others in turn share their heritage. As a community, we are open to and respectful of each other’s cultural expressions.

Daily we try to intentionally live in ways that honour the diversity among us. Admittedly, there are times when we are challenged by our differences. In these moments, open, honest and respectful dialogue enable us to come to a deeper understanding of the issues and to find mutually beneficial solutions. All of our differences are framed by a common Dominican identity and a commitment to be present to each other in community. These core values unify us and enables us to create a rhythm of being that is unique to us.

As a community, we participate in the inter-community novitiate programme, which provides further opportunities to interact with novices and formation directors from different parts of the world. I have been introduced to new foods, languages and music. Moreover, I have truly enjoyed the times when the novices have participated in each other’s cultural dances. I am truly thankful for these experiences of communion. As religious, we are a powerful and joyful witness to the world of inclusivity and unity in the midst of diversity. May we continue to honour the many ways in which God is present among us.

Our collaborative Dominican community 

Hyde Park Novices and Novice Directors

The Dominican way at the CDN: Prayer, Study, Community, Ministry & Joy

Prayer           

                  

Study

          

 

                                               

Community

   

                

                        

                                                         

Ministry

                                 

 

           

              

And Lots of Joy!!!

                     

 

      

Blessed Advent! 

Grace abounds

 

The maple tree that stands outside of my window is clothed in beautiful red, yellow and green hues. Many of its beautiful leaves now carpet the earth beneath, leaving many branches bare. The tree stands upright as its branches and leaves dance in the howling wind. Exposed to the unpredictable fluctuations in temperature and weather patterns, the maple tree’s beauty is unmistakable. Each morning it peers through my window and joins me in glorifying God for a new day. This tree is one of my daily reminders of God’s enduring presence in the midst of life’s challenges.

                                         

                                                        View of the maple tree from my window

 

              News of unprovoked violence, murder, illness and injustice as well as the deaths of cherished persons can be overwhelming. So many are battered by life. As I lift all of creation to God in prayer, I am reminded of the passion and resurrection of Christ, the source of our hope. God lovingly accompanies us on our journey in life. God not only empathizes with us but also experiences our sorrows, disappointments, joys and aspirations. The resilience of creation, in the midst of adversity, is a testimony that God’s graces are sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9). Like the maple tree, God generously gives us all that we need for every moment of our lives.

Therefore, the love of Christ is the lens through which we are called to reflect upon the hardships of life. My guides along this journey encourage me to hold the light and darkness of this world in tension. As Christians, we are invited to continue to be aware of the darkness that exists so that through our fervent prayer, unconditional love and faithful service, we can intentionally dispel or transform the darkness. The novitiate creates a sacred space through which joys and sorrows can be more deeply reflected upon in the context of God’s merciful love.

Left: Eucharistic adoration at St. James R.C. Church        Right: Altar of Remembrance for Deceased loved ones

Each moment of our lives is a gift from God. The sorrows that we experience in life can never eclipse the graces received from God. God’s mercy abounds anew each day (Lamentations 3:22-23). Thanksgiving Day commemorates God’s bountiful goodness to us and offers opportunities to testify to others about the graces received throughout the year. As we approach thanksgiving, we are invited to reflect upon our lives and the many ways in which God accompanies, sustains and guides us. The more that we embrace a spirit of gratitude, the more we are able to perceive God’s hand at work in the ebb and flow of our lives. In so doing, we are challenged to offer thanksgiving to God each day for the many ways in which God manifests God’s abiding love for us.

Left: Camaraderie with fellow novices during games night

    Centre: Beauty at the Botanical Gardens

    Right: Cathy Buchanan exudes joy during Cathy Arnold's birthday celebration