VIRIDITAS: SOUL GREENING
Interviewed by Sister Malia Dominica Wong, OP
Hawaii Catholic Herald
We are still in the Easter Season relishing the resurrection of Jesus, marveling and rejoicing with prolonged Alleluias. But how does this affect the ups and downs that we daily experience? St. Augustine, in speaking of those who have been born again in Christ, exults, “If you wish to know what praises to sing, the answer is: ‘His praises is in the assembly of the Saints; it is in the singers themselves.’” He continues, “If you desire to praise Him, then live what you express. Live good lives and you yourselves will be his praise.”
It is now five months since we arrived here at Carmel Hawaii. For me, there was not much to adjust to as Carmel is a global family which shares a lot in common wherever we are. Our Hawaii monastery is surrounded by mountains and trees watered frequently by the rains. We do not have to do anything to make this place green, God takes care of everything. We just need to be open to receive the gifts with a grateful heart. As St. Paul said, “We live and move and have our being in God.” St. Therese also said, “Everything is grace.” Yes, to live a good life is one way to keep the soul green. Faith assures us that God is always working through us even when silent. We trust and hope in God for everything.
Last month I experienced the first trying moment in my life away from my homeland. I knew the challenge would be just the beginning. My mother and brother were admitted to the hospital one following the other, a week apart. It was not easy for me to handle this as there was nothing I could do; I felt helpless. I asked my sisters in the community here, and also in the Philippines to pray for them.
Thanks be to God, after three weeks both of them were discharged. My mother got better. But my brother, after a week at home, on the first Saturday of the month, April 6, he passed away. It was an excruciating experience for my family. As I went through this difficult moment, these words struck me, “Continually, we carry about in our bodies the dying of Jesus, so that in our bodies the life of Jesus may also be revealed. While we live, we are constantly being delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus may be revealed in our mortal flesh.” (2 Cor. 4:10-11)
I found encouragement in that Scripture passage. The words of John 8:42 also spoke to me; “The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone.” Many things will happen to us as we journey forth in life. We just have to remember and trust in the Lord who is always with us.
Our holy mother St. Teresa says in one of her writings: “On another day, the Lord said this to me: ‘Believe me, my daughter. It is to those whom the Father loves most that he sends the greatest trials; for love and trials go together.’”
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Thank you and God bless!
Sister Mary Francis of Jesus Crucified is from the Monastery of Cagayan de Oro Carmel in Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines. She is 17 years professed and now a member of the Carmelite Monastery of the Holy Trinity in Kaneohe.