Smile :)

Inspired by the Nashville Sisters and their smiling faces (see ‘Do Not Be Afraid’), here are some reasons why we should always wear a smile…

Smile - sunshine is good for your teeth. - author unknown

Keep smiling - it makes people wonder what you’ve been up to. - au

If you would like to spoil the day for a grouch, give him a smile. - au

A smile is an inexpensive way to change your looks.  - Charles Gordy
        (I would even dare say ‘improve’ your looks.)

I hope you’re smiling now and thank you to all who’ve put a smile on my face.

Do Not Be Afraid

While I was studying theology in Washington, D.C., I met this undergraduate student Andie Wray.  We ministered together in Exodus Youth Ministries in a very poor part of the city.  It is so good to see over the years, Andie graduate, become Sr. Anna, and now a fully professed sister, she is living in Australia helping with World Youth Day.  I saw this article and just had to share it with you.  She is the sister second from the right.  She always has a big smile, and a wonderful performance quality voice that she uses in ministry.

Sister Anna, a Dominican [sic], has her own pilgrim story to tell of the influence World Youth Day had in calling her to religious life.

“Being in Rome for World Youth Day (in 2000) really was a catalyst for my entering religious life,” she said. “I had no intention of being a sister then, but I did hear the offering of the church and the Holy Father, ‘Do not be afraid to live the Gospel directly.’ And that is something I have tried to do ever since.”   Read the Article

N.B. The youth referred to in World Youth Day is not teens, but our equivalent of “Young Adult” ages 18-39.  This is the age group that World Youth Day is directed toward.  I went to the WYD in Toronto, and I know others have been to some of the others in Denver, Rome, Germany.  Anyone going to Australia?

My Bouquet of Flowers

 

I’ve been looking everywhere for a reflection for Holy Week that is on a happier note… my bouquet of flowers.  In Jesus’ words, ‘do not look gloomy’ (Matthew 6:16).  And then I found this quote:

The cross is not pain, or annoyance, or bitterness.
It is the holy wood on which Jesus Christ triumphs…
and where we triumph too,
when we receive what He sends us
with cheerful and generous heart.
                                         - St. Josemaria Escriva