Matthew 18:20

This evening, Courtney and I walked to Mass to find a building full of people and the altar set, but no Father!  Everyone waited around for a while, but eventually it was assumed that Father would not be coming (most likely due to transportation issues because elections were held today). As Nicaraguans always seem to be able to do, they managed with what was available - an ex-Capuchin led a service and several people from the congregation pitched in for the homily. We read the Word, broke bread, and shared peace and faith. It may not have been the traditional Mass, but it was beautiful..  truly reminded me of Matthew 18:20, "where two or three are gathered in My name, so too am I".

I always find it is easier to concentrate/understand the Mass if I have the readings in English.  Mom (bless her heart) has the Magnificat (daily Mass readings and reflections) sent to Nicaragua each month.  I just had to share the "Day by Day" reflection from today..

"Are you at peace in the midst of the painful challenges of life and of suffering? I am talking about substantial, deep peace, compatible with agitation, with all our daily upsets. May God grant you that grace, may he make you see in his pure light what he wants for you and what you can do for his glory and for those who are so dear to him.  The will of God! That is the only important thing under whatever form it presents itself, often that which is the most repugnant to our nature.  This dear, good God is a marvelous artist; he knows how to knead us, to work us in view of the work that he wants to do in us and through us. Everything is good to him: suffering, illnesses, the events of our lives, the joy even, when he wishes it, althoguh that is not the usual way. He detaches us from the world, from ourselves, from spiritual consolations, and leads us to loving him alone and into the happiness of which he is the principle, without any searching for his gifts. When you have left everything for him, you are sure of finding him, aren't you? ... Let us unite our sufferings, our self-denial, our sacrifices; let us pray a lot; let us act in complete union with our Lord, and let us ask him to use our poor gifts for those we love and for his Church."


-Elisabeth Leseur 
(-1914.. French married laywoman whose cause for canonization is underway)


ps - Ana, Matt and I are headed to El Salvador on Thursday for the anniversary of the Jesuit martyrs killed in 1989 at the hands of the military. After having learned about Oscar Romero and other religious in El Salvador all throughout college, I'm extremely excited not only to actually go to El Salvador, but  especially to go for the anniversary! Pray for safe (and meaningful!) travels!

May God grant you that grace, may He make you see in His pure light what He wants for you and what you can do for His glory and for those who are so dear to Him.
Peace to all,
-Isa