Happy Friendship Day

World Friendship Day - JULY 30th

Some may say it was merely a coincidence. For me, it was more like a Godincidence. A couple of weeks ago, a dear friend asked if I might write a blog for the International Day of Friendship. Being my friend, I gladly agreed to do so. Today, July 22, is the Feast of Mary Magdalene, my patron saint, a fitting day to write about friendships. Among the cards I received for my name feast day, one stood out as it speaks about friendship.

“The friendship we share is a rare and remarkable thing. The easy, natural way we relate to each other means so much … it's what makes me comfortable just being myself. I believe that ours is one of those friendships too wonderful to have happened by chance. Common interests may have brought us together, but I know it was the grace of God that made us friends!”

It most certainly felt like more than a coincidence to be gifted with this card on the day I was about to write about friendship. A Godincidence. “The grace of God made us friends.”

““Whatever our souls are made of yours and mine are the same.” ”

— Emily Brontë

While I was thinking about friendship, I paged through John O’Donohue’s book, Anam Cara, Gaelic for Soul Mate. This reminded me of a beautiful quote Jeopardy host Alex Trebek shared in his book “The Answer is…”  To describe his relationship with his wife Jean, he mentions the quote from their favourite movie, Wuthering Heights: “Whatever our souls are made of yours and mine are the same.” Alex then describes his relationship with Jean with these words, “That’s the way I look at our relationship. We are one soul in two bodies.” Soul mates share enduring affection, esteem, intimacy, and trust. Friendship is a lifeline. Connecting with like-minded people who genuinely care about one another is a gift from God. Indeed, “The most wonderful places to be in the world are in someone’s thoughts, someone’s prayers, and in someone’s heart.” (Helen Barry)

““The most wonderful places to be in the world are in someone’s thoughts, someone’s prayers, and in someone’s heart.” ”

— Helen Barry

I consider myself hugely blessed. I have amazing friends and soul mates. Nothing could replace what their friendship has meant and means to me. Their love, support, and care are invaluable treasures. I am blessed to have such dear friends who have known me for decades and we have shared both the light and shade of each other. Friendships of any length are based on a continued, mutual forgiveness. In one of Richard Rohr’s recent daily meditations, he speaks of the dance of repair, a healing dance between friends. Anyone who is blessed with dear friends knows that without tolerance and mercy a friendship can die. As David Whyte puts it, friendship is a mirror to presence and a testament to forgiveness. Friendships support us and enrich our lives. Furthermore, according to science friendships can, among other things, slash our risk of mortality in half.

The Age of Innocence Credit: Marco Mancinelli

On this International Day of Friendship, connect with your friends and give thanks for the gift of friendships, especially those that survived hiatuses, silences, distances. They are the connections that never die.

-Sister Magdalena Vogt, cps | Guest Blogger

Communing with a Ruff-Legged Hawk

I would have to say, the biggest highlight of the year for me, was the opportunity to commune very intimately with a ruff-legged hawk this past December 7, 2023. The encounter has forever changed me, having ingrained in me an even deeper spiritual connection to all of Creation. I witnessed the hawk being attacked by a vulture on one of the back roads between Thedford and Arkona, Ontario. As I drove closer, the vulture lifted off leaving the hawk lying on its back on the road. I stopped and approached the magnificent creature with the intent to move it off the road and out of the way of greater harm. When I spoke with it, the hawk looked me directly in the eyes. It felt as if he was looking deep into my soul. The environment around us dissolved and I was witness to all of Creation as seen through the hawk’s eyes. I heard (in my mind) “I see you for who you are.” It was nothing short of miraculous!

Not able to come to a solution about how to help this injured raptor, I placed him on his belly in the soft grass at the side of the road, apologized for being human and unable to help more, and left. Imagine my complete surprise the following day, when travelling the same route, a little head perked up at the side of the road very near the same spot I had left him! Gordon (named for the road on which we met) was trying to eat a morsel of the road kill over which he had been attacked. I pulled over a second time, withdrew a light fleece blanket from the back of the Terrain and approached the bird. He seemed to remember me, the crazy lady who talks to birds. I bundled him into the blanket, thanking him for the second chance to help him get medical care. He travelled with me, nestled against me, fastened under the seat belt with care not to irritate his injured wing. I noticed also that his upper beak had been broken at the tip. This would have made it more challenging to eat, no doubt.

It took a while and a couple of stops to get him to Salthaven Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre where, after a few days, it was determined that his injuries would significantly reduce the quality of his life and that he would not survive in the wild at all. He was released to the Great Beyond on Tuesday December 12th. His spirit soars freely now and I know that he will continue to teach me much over the coming months. Be sure to watch for the release of my second book, Omens of Change, where he has found a new life.

© Laureen Giulian, Author of Moon of Change https://laureengiulian.ca/books/moon-of-change/ 

Keep Alert. Keep Awake.

ADVENT I - An Advent Reflection on Mark 13: 33-37

(Advent Reflection on Mark 13:33-37)

Dear Jesus,

You came to us, so long ago, as a precious babe lying in a manger.  Shepherds and Magi, alert and awake to their surroundings, came to visit. 

Years later, thousands of others heard your messages, the greatest being, to love God with all your heart and to love your neighbour as yourself.

At times, there were misunderstandings, “Lord, when did we see you hungry, thirsty or sick?”  You explained that whatever is done to the least of us, it is done to you. I believe that means you are always with us. 

Yet, you said, you will come again.

Since we do not know the day or time, you told us to always keep alert and awake.  This, however, is humanly impossible. Remember how you asked Peter and the sons of Zebedee to stay awake but they didn’t, not even for an hour?  You rebuked them, yet, continued to love them and forgave them.  Will you not do the same for us?  If that is so, then we need not worry.

We’ll try our best, Lord, to be awake and alert to the needs of others, to love one another and to love you.  We will, however, fall asleep, from time to time. When we do, may we, with each new awakening, rise up and start anew.

We do not know the future.  Thankfully, we believe and trust in your love and mercy.  For this, we are truly grateful.

As for the present, we will take your teachings to heart and strive to live in hope, peace, joy and love this advent season and all other seasons to come.

Amen.

Written by: Fernanda Estoesta, Associate of the Sisters of St. Joseph 

33 Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. 34 It’s like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with their assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch.

35 “Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. 36 If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. 37 What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’” - MARK 13: 33-37

IMAGE: Unsplash/Waldemar