Gladwish: A Summer Soap Opera in Three Acts

Unbeknownst to me, a simple request while on holiday at Bright’s Grove with a couple of friends, began an epic journey. How difficult could it be to drive into Sarnia to pick up two boxes of soap bars? My friend Sister Mabel’s earlier attempt had proved unsuccessful. After consulting a city map, she and I soon discovered why she had not succeeded on her first attempt. Now, we confidently set out. Heavy summer showers should have been an omen that not all would be well. Despite the downpours, initially we made good progress. In the pouring rain, we found Gladwish Drive but had no luck finding the address. We consulted a helpful man at a mechanical services place and learned that Gladwish Drive consists of two unconnected sections. We were on the wrong section. So, once again the mission was aborted, and we decided to return home.

After more extensive research, we discovered the section of Gladwish Drive where we needed to go. Ever more confidently, we set out for the third attempt, determined to be successful this time. A veteran of Toronto how could the much smaller Sarnia outsmart me? Surely the gorgeous sunshine was a good omen for success. All went well, until, to my dismay, we turned onto a road under construction. Road Closed! Local traffic only! Not deterred by this sign we soldiered on. However, luck was not on our side. We drove as far as we were able but there was no sign of Gladwish Drive. Finding our destination continued to elude us.

As we were about to turn around, out of the corner of my eye, I spotted a partly toppled road sign. You guessed it! Gladwish Drive! We had almost missed it. I had mistaken the little dirt road for the access to a business. Could this road lead us to success? Indeed, it did! However, though we found our destination, a note on the door of True North Distributors advised customers to pick up their order at the warehouse. Oh no, was my first reaction! Undeterred once again, we entered the office. There, on a low table, stood two boxes with Sister Mabel’s name on them! Mission accomplished! Finally, on this third attempt to pick up the soap bars for the homeless, this epic journey came to a successful end. The grand finale of the Gladwish Summer Soap Opera.

-Sister Magdalena Vogt, CPS and friends

National Love a Tree Day

National Love a Tree Day serves as a call to action. It nudges us to plant new trees, care for the existing ones, and spread awareness about their importance. This special day is a reminder to appreciate trees and all they do for us. They protect our soil from erosion and help maintain the balance of our ecosystems.

They also play a significant role in battling climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide. The day aims to encourage everyone to see trees as an essential part of healthy environment and our everyday lives.

Immerse yourself in a forest walk, breath deeply they will rejuvenate both mind and spirit,  let the trees love and uplift you.

For many years I have been part of a team dedicated to one of the most valued components to the City of London, our Trees,  if you are looking for examples of resiliency – let the trees lead the way. Drought, insect infestation, human encroachment, and many other factors have made survival a challenge.

And yet, they do!  The emerald Ash borer has decimated millions of Ash trees, Urban Forestry London working with partners (such as myself), keep on planting - and it works. Trees show us, how to adapt and build resiliency when given the chance for regrowth.

So, keep on planting, celebrate Love a Tree Day, May 16th, 2024

By Mary Hooydonk

Image: Jeroen den Otter@jeroendenotter/Unsplash

RESURRECTION

Wesley Tingey/Unsplash

RESURRECTION

by Ronald Rolheiser

I never suspected resurrection

To be so painful

To leave me weeping

With joy to have met you, alive and smiling, outside an empty tomb

With regret – not because I've lost you

But because I've lost you in how I had you –

In understandable, touchable, kissable, clingable flesh

Not as fully Lord, but as graspably human.

I want to cling, despite your protest

Cling to your body

Cling to your, and my, clingable humanity

Cling to what we had, our past.

But I know that … if I cling

You cannot ascend and

I will be left clinging to your former self ...

unable to receive your present spirit.

---

For some reason, we needed all the time legally given to a parent to name our daughter, or perhaps as I think back, the name chose her.  She was Kristina, our little spark of the divine child on this earth.  She died at the age of 15 on Easter Sunday such that if we mark linear and not spiritual time, we experience the anniversary of her death twice each year.  A dear spiritual companion hoped that one day we would no longer associate Easter Sunday with her death but with resurrection.  And a dear friend sent me Rolheiser’s poem some time later.

But thirty-three years later, I know that a coin’s two sides co-exist in symbiotic relationship. The seasons – spring, summer, fall and winter – are all contained within each other as well, held in a continuous flow of life and death.  Even our thoughts and beliefs would not exist without the teacher who led us to them. Surely, we would not know the Resurrection if Christ had not experienced the Crucifixion. The continuing miracle of Kristina’s life and death as One is our family’s ongoing, sacred lesson in the unity of All.  

Christ has died.  Christ has risen.

-Susan Hendrick, csj Associate

Good Friday

How dare we call this Good Friday! And yet we do. Why?

It is difficult to imagine the sadness and overwhelming grief of walking with a loved one through pain, suffering and death unless you have been there. Today as we walk with Jesus to Calvary, we may have some inkling of what the disciples were going through. This year, at this holiest of seasons, we have far too many clear pictures of innocent victims in so many nations around the world. Balancing our days by being lovingly aware and yet not crippled with grief is a challenge. Can we be brave enough to stand at the foot of their crosses in prayer and appropriate action with all these victims; or with one?

“because we know the end of the story”

Despite the agony of Jesus, His followers and now those who suffer in the name of “religion” find triumph in Jesus’ final message. We must not meet evil with evil but with love, compassion, and courage. Accept gratefully the graces of this season and move purposefully forward because we know the end of the story. I trust in Jesus’ message of hope.

-Maureen Condon, CSJ Associate

Image: Alicia Quan/Unsplash

Holy Thursday

Jesus, the Christ, was a faithful Jew and so it is no surprise that he gathered together his disciples to celebrate the Passover as had been done for generations.

With careful preparation he gathered them and for the most part He followed the long adhered to rituals of telling the story of the Passover, discussing the story, drinking wine, eating matzah, partaking of symbolic foods, and reclining in celebration of freedom. What a surprise it must have been for all gathered when He raised the bread & wine saying THIS IS MY BODY & blood which was to be offered up within the next few hours. Then he asked them to do likewise in His memory. Do this to Remember Me.

How do you handle change ?

We become so used to doing things in a particular way that when that changes we become uncomfortable, cautious, even suspicious. We’ve always done it this way ! How wonderful it is to see Jesus leading the way by calling us to creatively interpreting our faith and greater fidelity. There is more than one way BE Faithful.

 -Maureen Condon, CSJ Associate