Patience is most perfect when it is least permeated by care and worries. If the good Lord wishes to prolong the hour of trial, do not complain and look for the reason; but remember always, that the children of Israel had to remain forty years in the desert before reaching the Promised Land.
– St. Padre Pio
Life as a Sister: Social Justice
Jesus said to the crowds: “Everything that the Father gives me will come to me, and I will not reject anyone who comes to me, because I came down from heaven not to do my own will but the will of the one who sent me. And this is the will of the one who sent me, that I should not lose anything of what he gave me, but that I should raise it on the last day. For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in him may have eternal life, and I shall raise him on the last day.
– John 6:37-40
Life as a Sister: Talk to a Sister
When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him. He began to teach them, saying:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are they meek, for they will inherit the land.
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.”
– Matthew 5:1-12a
Life as a Sister: God Moments
Brothers and sisters: If there is any encouragement in Christ, any solace in love, any participation in the Spirit, any compassion and mercy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, with the same love, united in heart, thinking one thing. Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory; rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves, each looking out not for his own interests, but also everyone for those of others.
– Philippians 2:1-4
Life as a Sister: Your Gifts and Talents
All your works shall thank you, O Lord,
and all your faithful ones bless you.
They shall speak of the glory of your reign,
and declare your mighty deeds.
To make known your might to the whole human race,
and the glorious splendor of your reign.
Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom;
your rule endures for all generations.
You are faithful, Lord, in all your words,
and holy in all your deeds.
You, Lord, support all who fall,
and raise up all who are bowed down.
The eyes of all look to you,
and you give them their food in due season.
You open your hand and satisfy
the desire of every living thing.
Let my mouth speak the praise of the Lord;
let all flesh bless the holy name
forever, for ages unending.
– Psalm 145:10-16, 21
Life as a Sister: Meet a Sister
True wisdom, then, consists in works, not in great talents, which the world admires; for the wise in the world’s estimation…are the foolish who set at naught the will of God, and know not how to control their passions.
– St. Bridget of Sweden
Life as a Sister: Using Your Gifts
O sing a new song to the Lord,
who has worked such wonders,
whose right hand and holy arm
have brought salvation.
The Lord has made known salvation,
has shown deliverance to the nations.
God has remembered faithful love
and truth for the house of Israel.
All the ends of the earth have seen
the salvation of our God.
Shout to the Lord, all the earth;
break forth into joyous song,
and sing out your praise.
Sing psalms to the Lord with the harp,
with the harp and the sound of song.
With trumpets and the sound of the horn,
raise a shout before the King, the Lord.
– Psalm 98: 1-6
Life as a Sister: Meet a Sister
Jesus is honey in the mouth, music in the ear and a shout of joy in the heart.
– St. Bernard of Clairvaux
Life as a Sister – Living out the journey
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and all within me, the holy name of God.
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and never forget all God’s benefits.
It is the Lord who forgives all your sins,
who heals every one of your ills,
who redeems your life from the grave,
who crowns you with love and compassion,
who fills your life with good things,
renewing your youth like an eagle’s.
The Lord is compassionate and gracious,
slow to anger and abounding in love,
not always finding fault,
nor persisting in anger forever.
God does not treat us according to our sins,
nor repay us according to our faults.
– Psalm 103: 1-5, 8-10
Life as a Sister: Deepening Your Relationship with God
Oh my Jesus, give me Your strength when my weak nature rebels against the distress and suffering of this life of exile, and enable me to accept everything with serenity and peace. With my whole strength I cling to Your merits, Your sufferings, Your expiation, and Your tears, so that I may be able to cooperate with You in the work of salvation. Give me strength to fly from sin, the only cause of Your agony, Your sweat of blood, and Your death. Destroy in me all that displeases You and fill my heart with the fire of Your holy love and all Your sufferings. Clasp me tenderly, firmly, close to You that I may never leave You alone in Your cruel Passion. I ask only for a place of rest in Your Heart. My desire is to share in Your agony and be beside You in the Garden. May my soul be inebriated by Your love and fed with the bread of Y0ur sorrow. Amen.
– St. Padre Pio
Life as a Sister: God Meets Us Where We Are
