VIRIDITAS: SOUL GREENING
Interviewed by Sister Malia Dominica Wong, OP
Hawaii Catholic Herald
We need to nurture the spiritual life in us every day. I remember hearing on a TV report on how meditation in the secular world helps people to become more focused and at peace. When we take it up a notch, to another level and bring in Jesus and reflection on the Scriptures, then the natural act of meditation becomes a wonderful way to start the day. Even if we are kind of sleepy, God works through that drawing us into closer union with him.
I like to read the writings of Blessed James Alberione, the founder of the Pauline family, and those of Venerable Thecla Merlo, our co-founder. I also find biographies of the saints inspiring. Of course, there is also the Eucharist as received in attending daily Mass through which I can feel in communion with people all over the world. As Catholics, we share that bond in the body of Christ. Being a part of such a community gives me strength. As a Daughter of St. Paul, the aim and goal of my spirituality is that Christ may live more in my mind, will and heart so that like St. Paul, I can say, “I live now, not I, but Christ lives in me.”
Once we see the value of something and make it a priority in our lives, we will have the motivation to do it. Even 10 minutes a day spent in meditation is good. When you know how much it can benefit you, you’ll wake up and say, “Yes, I really want to do this. This will be so beneficial for my spiritual life, for Jesus, for the world.” I like to make my half-hour meditation at 5:50 a.m. Sometimes, it is not easy to meet the time. Even before I can get to the chapel, the alarm might go off and I find myself pressing the button and turning the other way. At times like that, I set an intention to help me get out of bed. I’ll say something like, “for vocations,” or “for the end of terrorism,” as I start moving. Right then, that is the first act of love I’ve made of the day.
There are many ways to meditate. I like to begin with a prayer to the Holy Spirit. You can use one that is already composed, or make up your own simply asking the Holy Spirit to enlighten and guide you. Next, read a little from Scripture or a spiritual reading book. I like to read the Scriptural readings for the day. You don’t have to read a lot, just read a few lines once, twice or even three times until something catches your attention. Sit there and say, “Holy Spirit, what do you have to say to me today?”
Sometimes nothing may seem to be coming, while other times it might be like, “Oh, wow! Yes, I’m really getting inspiration from this.” Let the Holy Spirit calmly come. Say aloud, “Holy Spirit, come,” as you pray over it. Lastly, look at the day ahead and see how you can apply what you learned either through taking a simple thought or word with you, or making a resolution like, “Today, I want to be a little more understanding of people.” Bring in Jesus.
Sister Diane Kraus is a Daughter of St. Paul, 39 years professed. She lives with her community above the Pauline Books and Media Center on Bishop Street and works in the bookstore and in evangelical outreach. Her older sister, Sister Susan John, is in the same order.
