Our readings today present many images and parables. The first reading is clear in its image of a useless loin cloth. It reminds me of my reaction a number of years ago while participating in a bible study. I remember feeling appalled that over and over again, the Chosen turned aware from God. I thought why don’t they get it – how can they keep disobeying? It clearly was a cycle: disobey, punish, repent, gain favor only to rinse and repeat. Then I looked in the mirror – how was my behavior any different? Confession over the years was on replay. I seem to be always asking forgiveness for the same transgressions. Why should I expect that they would be any better than me? I believe the saving grace for me is found in the New Testament and the birth of Jesus. I can find true forgiveness and redemption and the motivation to do better. To more closely examine my behavior and to actually change it – maybe that is what maturing is about. It certainly is what growing in my faith is about.
I searched online for how faith is defined and discussed – I found the following that most fit for me:
FAITH means- belief, firm persuasion, assurance, firm conviction, faithfulness. Faith is confidence in what we hope for and the assurance that the Lord is working, even though we cannot see it. Faith knows that no matter what the situation, in our lives or someone else’s that the Lord is working in it.
I find that while Faith may not be able to be seen empirically, it is, indeed, evident all around us. I remember as a very small child having a chain necklace with a small glass ball and inside that glass ball was a mustard seed. As I recall, it came with a card that said something like, “If ye have faith like a mustard seed, nothing shall be impossible until ye.” I think my mother explained it to me about the size of a mustard bush/tree all from this tiny seed. So, having and believing in miracles was ingrained in me. It seems that the journey of life is replete with faith stories (my own and others) if we just open our hearts to see them. The parable of the seemingly impossible mustard plant from tiny seed to huge tree is evident in so many stories of faith.
Perhaps one of the most touching stories of faith involves a former Army colleague of mine named Will. He was being deployed to the MidEast and a mutual friend gave him a rosary to take with him. That in itself was interesting since Will was not Catholic but he took the rosary with him and carried it in his pocket every day. One day Will was walking along and as he pulled something out of his pocket, the rosary fell to the ground. He bent down to pick it up and at that moment a rocket came flying into the area. The miracle was that when Will stooped to get the rosary he was protected by a concrete barrier. If he had been upright, he would have been killed. Needless to say, this GodWink was a significant moment for him. When he returned stateside, he was excited to share this story and his desire to convert to Catholicism. I remember the goosebumps as he relayed his story and the clear presence of something divine happening on that day. He was forever changed that day and with each sharing of the story, changed the lives of those hearing it.
We may not always recognize the answer to our prayers. The story of the man on the roof during a flood and praying to God to be saved always hits home for me. He ignored the boat and the helicopter that came to rescue him. Instead, he waited and when he asked God why He did not rescue him, the reply was simple, “I sent the boat and helicopter!”
What Faith Can Do Miracles do happen – we just don’t always see them
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.
