Holy Spirit Missionary Sisters PO Box 6026, Techny, IL 60082-6026 319 Waukegan Rd., Northfield, IL 60093 Office of Vocation Ministry Phone: 847-441-0126, ext. 704 sspsovm@aol.com www.ssps-usa.org www.worldssps.org September, 2012 “I suspect Jesus was never more human than on the night before he died. Gathering his dearest friends around him, he wondered the same things each of us wonder in the face of death: ‘Will anyone remember me when I am gone, will anything I have done make any difference at all?’ Then he took bread, blessed it and broke it, and taught us, when there are no more deeds to be done, no more miracles to be worked, no more parables to be spoken, the greatest gift remains to be given: Real Presence. It is the gift each of us can give….” - - - Kathleen Chesto The above text says it all; we question the meaning of life, what is going to happen after we are gone and whether someone is going to remember us and the gifts that we had contributed to the whole human community. For this simple reason our minds are set on accomplishing things and getting into influential relationships. We want to feel important hoping that we have a better chance of preserving our name for future generations. On this Feast of the Exultation of the Holy Cross Jesus teaches us something quite contrary. We celebrate Jesus’ crucifixion; we celebrate his life given as a sacrifice for all of us. When he was hanging on the cross there was nothing much left to be done but to remain with us through the gift of the Holy Spirit. His mission was accomplished. In those quiet moments he wants to teach us an important lesson. Jesus reminds us that what is essential in our life is Real Presence which is unassuming and quiet. Presence, that each of us can render to our brothers and sisters who are near and dear to us. As we reflect on the Feast of the Exultation of the Holy Cross let us also reflect on our presence and our desires to make a difference in the world. Let us think whether our actions as numerous as they may be truly make any positive difference. If this is the case, we have understood Jesus’ message. Sincerely, Sr. Elwira Dziuk
Called by the Spirit, Embracing the World.