02.26.2025 | Ordinary Wednesday

It's a bit overcast here in the Carondelet Garden on this last Wednesday in February.  The clouds should thicken up a bit this afternoon with a slight chance of a rain shower.  We may even see 70-degrees!  What a difference a week makes!

The warmer temperatures have been so welcome here in the Garden.  The sanctuary that is a garden is not lost on this old man.  I am often reminded of why Jesus went alone to the garden to pray.  It is a gift of getting older when you come to the realization that prayer happens where you are.  Praying in a church is not better than praying in the garden, or on the street, or in your bedroom.  It is simply about being present with the Creator and the knowledge that our Creator is with us wherever we are, whatever we are doing!

Thomas Merton, the American mystic once said, "Pure love and prayer are learned in the hour when prayer has become impossible, and your heart has turned to stone."  In these troubled times it is easy to feel as if prayer has become impossible.  It is even easier to allow our hearts to turn to stone.  Yet, even then, prayer is possible.  Prayer is necessary.  Prayer still works.  Even if it is in anger or frustration.  The Psalmist often railed in anger and pain.  Sometimes that's all we have.  

St. Julian of Norwich teaches us to "Pray inwardly, even if you do not enjoy it.  It does good, though you feel nothing.  Yes, even though you think you are doing nothing."  Sometimes we just need to pray.  A simple prayer is enough.  Anne Lamott says she believes in three simple prayers:  Help!  Thanks!  and Wow!  I can't disagree.  

I keep holding on to faith.  I am still holding out hope.  I am wrapping my arms around love.  Be good and be kind to yourself this week.  Hold on to all the faith, hope and love you can.  That's all the news from here in the Carondelet Garden.