The readings for today are challenging and required some real soul searching from me. From the first reading:
We instruct you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to shun any brother who walks in a disorderly way and not according to the tradition they received from us.
To the gospel:
Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You are like whitewashed tombs, which appear beautiful on the outside, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of filth. Even so, on the outside you appear righteous, but inside you are filled with hypocrisy and evildoing.
I was hesitant to tackle the idea of hypocrisy for my own fear of looking in that mirror. Do I walk the talk? Are the crosses that I wear whitewashed tombs hiding the truth? In a secular world replete with hypocrisy, am I any different? I truly pondered this for a number of days as I tried to put words on paper for this reflection. Of course, this is not the first time I wished I had been assigned a different set of readings. Then it happened: the realization that I am a beloved sinner. I have a Father who loves me beyond belief with all my faults and warts. He knows all of my human failings and, yet, He still loves me unconditionally with mercy.
Once my heart was open to the realization of my redemption, I could see the God winks around me. I spent a Saturday morning with like-minded (and open-hearted) people planning how we could be a Ministry of Care to our parish with more home visitation for those in need. I left that meeting with a smile in my heart. God is Good!!
The God winks and nudges to open my eyes to the good and hope in the future continued at a family gathering for my 93-year-old father-in-law. I was with young families walking the talk!! I saw these young parents presenting themselves as models that they may be imitated as Paul suggests. Their love and faith were evident – palpable – explicit! I’ve been in their homes and seen it on display. I was inspired and full of hope for the future. I had to share with each of them how touched and proud I was of them. One of the parents even said she knew that they were in a much better place than previously in their lives. As we discussed a recent loss that they had endured, the reliance on a loving God shone through. We talked and wondered how anyone could get through life without this faith, without believing in our loving Father and following Jesus. I questioned how anyone could get out of bed every morning and put one foot in front of the another and face the day. She agreed and shared how self-centered they had been and never want to return to that again.
Once again God used the challenge of the writing the reflection to open my eyes, to be willing to not only look in the mirror but to see the miracles around me of others looking and choosing Him.
This song sums it up for me: Thank God I Do – Lauren Daigle
Nancy Shirley
I returned to Creighton in December 2003 having previously taught at Creighton from 1980-1989 and involved in many campus activities including ILAC and CEC House. Since returning, assumed Faculty and Administrative roles on both Omaha and Phoenix campus prior to retirement August 2022. Served as the Nursing Director for ILAC from 2013 – 2021 and as a reservist in the Army Nurse Corps for 23 years.
I am a grateful child of God, wife, mother, nana, and retired nursing professor. My husband and I met at church and have walked this extraordinary journey together experiencing CEC in 2004 and growing more committed to our beliefs. In addition to my husband, I am blessed with a wonderful daughter and son, who in turn are blessed with wonderful partners. My son’s four children bring us all endless joy and delight. My daughter’s daughter (our youngest grandchild in Phoenix) has been a true gift beyond description. In early 2023, I became a Great-grandma!! I am now retired faculty at Creighton having taught nursing here from 1980-1989 and returned “home” in 2003 to teach nursing at all levels and to administer the undergraduate program on both campuses until 2022. My mantra has been My life is God’s gift to me; what I do with my life is my gift to God!!
Now in retirement, I appreciate more and more all the ways that I find God in my life especially through my family and garden and through music and song. I find listening to Christian music daily in the car keeps the right message in my head. It is, indeed, a blessing to be part of this ministry. Writing reflections is an opportunity to ponder the readings deeply in my heart and to share those musings and some music that further touches my soul. I am a recipient of God’s grace with each one I write.
