by Sister Susan Chase, SCL
God loves us! Our Triune God loves us deeply and completely. Out of that love, He sends the Son to become the Word made flesh, Emmanuel (God with us), to redeem us and to show us God’s Love in the person of Jesus Christ. God loves us! How difficult for us to truly believe this, to act out of this conviction.
Jesus loves us! Jesus’ love is particular. It is not the generalized love we sometimes hear someone say or even say ourselves. ‘Oh, I love everybody. I wish everyone well.’ In contrast, Jesus loves us in our uniqueness. Each one of us is “one-of-a-kind.” Jesus loves us as we are, sinful and imperfect. He is not waiting for us to improve or to become worthy of His love. Jesus always draws us closer, calling us deeper into his love and friendship. He never gives up on us, never withholds his love.
The Holy Spirit loves us! Jesus, returning to the Father, did not leave his disciples desolate. Rather, Jesus asked his Father to send the Holy Spirit – the Advocate, the Spirit of Truth – to remain with them always, “for the Spirit dwells with you and will be in you.” Through the Spirit dwelling within us, we are called today to preach, heal, teach, and comfort those around us.
It is important to take time during this winter season of nature’s rest to listen to what is going on in our inner self and recognize our need for God and how we are called to participate in the boundless love of our Triune God. We invite you to take time and attend one or more of our Marillac offerings to feel and experience the love God has for you:
Consider joining us during our autumn journey at Marilac Center for one of the following events:
Good Grief
February 15
9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Grief creates feelings of loneliness and isolation. Join Sr. Judith Jackson, SCL, as we share our stories and navigate the grief process together, moving from darkness to light, grief to renewal. Register by February 11.
Good Conversation: God Loves Us
February 20
9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Fr. Kevin Cullen, SJ, will delve more deeply into the work of the Synod on Synodality through the graces found in Pope Francis’ Encyclical, Dilexit Nos. Register by February 6.
Lenten Linger over Coffee
Five Tuesdays during Lent
9 – 11 a.m.
Join us as we continue our intriguing comparisons between the Church’s canonized Saints and the saints among us today.
Finding Beauty in the Margins
Tuesday, May 27, 4 p.m.– Saturday, June 1, noon
Awaken the creative beauty within and around you! Storyteller and artist Brother Mickey McGrath, OFPS, will offer a 5-day preached retreat which will include time for artistic expression, sharing, quiet prayer/meditation, and reflection. Register by May 17.
