“There is always the danger that we may just do the work for the sake of the work. This is where the respect and the love and the devotion come in – that we do it to God, to Christ, and that’s why we try to do it as beautifully as possible.”
“And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.”
October greetings to dearest Sisters in Christ!
When a patient is roomed at my Clinic, we offer him/her a cup of water. While encouraging hydration, there’s more. Studies show that this offering actually curbs anxieties. Everyone needs water. The overture brings an unsaid ‘sameness’, but also a boost in what is termed a ‘feeling cared for’ factor. Even if the cup is declined, the person exhibits a greater sense of calm. Love generates peace. We have long known this as Catholics. We know something else. The smallest act done with the greatest love has benefit for the giver too. Sacred Scriptures indicate the reward to be immense: Paradise can be won with such a gesture! What is done for God, finds God.
Our Lady, especially esteemed in this month, is the quintessential model of love’s recipient and provider alike. In her fiat, her own cup runneth over in the utterance of the Magnificat. St Augustine articulates the profound receiving and giving of our Blessed Mother: “Him Whom the heavens cannot contain, the womb of one woman bore. She ruled our Ruler; she carried Him in Whom we are; she gave milk to our Bread.” Her maternal milk: ever-ready refreshment to the Infant King of Kings!
Mary’s earthly life is shrouded in silence and hiddenness, but not idleness. The Nazareth years were likely teeming with the day- to-day activities of a maturing family. Particulars remain a mystery. A snapshot of 12-year-old Jesus lingers for our pondering – and Scripture reminds “but his mother treasured all these things in her heart” (Luke 2:51b). Our Lady is the woman wrapped in silence as one author entitles her, but not inactivity. When Jesus emerges into active ministry, Mary is nigh. She astutely offers that ‘cup of cold water’ when and how it is needed. Her pondering engenders wise action. The Wedding at Cana. Jesus’ days of preaching and teaching. The Way of the Cross. The foot of the Cross. The welcoming of John. The Upper Room. The Ascension. Mary supported and loved as St Therese (Feast Day, Oct 1) suggests “by little acts of charity practiced in the shade”.
Seven Sisters do well to ardently align themselves with the way of Mary – valuing our mission as a continual ‘offering of a cup of cold water’ through our sacrifices and prayers for the priest or bishop for whom we are committed to pray. Zurbaran’s exquisitely detailed, graceful piece, A Cup of Water and a Rose, captures something of a reminder of that closeness to Mary. In a real sense we journey with the priest as Mary stayed close to Jesus, in both the festive and intensely challenging moments. Mary will assist. Seek her ever-ready help! “Only after the last judgement will Mary get any rest; from now until then, she is much too busy with her children” (St. John Vianney, Seven Sister patron). In imitation, while silence and hiddenness are our modus operandi, we learn from Mary that this is the height and depth of action. Every breath of prayer has merit. Every sacrifice has worth.
Fellow Seven Sisters teach us too – to freely offer that cup and those little acts of charity in the shade:
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“When asked, my answer was immediately “yes”. My adoration Hour is on Saturday after the 8:00 am Mass. It has become a joy filled Hour knowing I am lifting Father up in prayer and I feel so close to God in that Hour. As a Seven Sister I find St. Margaret Clitherow a great intercessor for the priest I pray for. “Seeking a quietness in the day, in the midst of our usual routines, we steal away to pray for our beloved Pastor – unbeknownst by most – effecting eternal affairs.” This is a beautiful quote on our Seven Sister Apostolate booklet. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight…Heb 4:13a. This will be my 4th year now and I will continue this ministry as long as I am able.” (Margaret K, Minnesota)
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“What a privilege it is to be in this most needed and amazing effort. Our Priest prays for the Seven Sisters Apostolate by offering Masses – he is well on his way to 200 Masses that he has said for us!! He has been so very touched by our prayers and it is his way of giving back and blessing our Ministry!!! God is amazingly good!!! (Jean G, Washington)
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“Throughout the day, I find myself praying for priests for whom I prayed as a Seven Sister. Once in a 7 Sister’s heart, always in her heart! And that’s the truth!” (Barb S. Minnesota)
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“I totally LOVE being a Seven Sister and praying every Wednesday for our dear priest! More than likely this is his last year with us as he is a Dominican and will likely be transferred. He has bestowed many blessings on our parish in the time he has been given to serve us. … I am sure the Sisters we have now will continue with whoever God chooses for us next as our next holy priest!! I have been blessed to truly fall more in love with Jesus during this Adoration hour… Which I would never have known if it weren’t for being a Seven Sister” (Barb S, Minnesota – A different Barb S than above!).
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“The fruits of long, perseverant prayer shine forth in the Apostolate. This is one of so many quiet, but efficacious ways that the Lord is working in these dark days, raising up hidden saints and saving souls. I am so deeply glad to be a part of it. “Her priests shall be clothed in holiness/Her saints shall ring out their joy.” – Psalm 132:16. May it ever be so, and may we labor gladly to do our part in its fulfillment! (Olivia S, Wisconsin).
In parting, let us lend ear to another October saint, Pope St John XXIII (Feast Day, Oct 11), who affirms our gaze toward Mary for guidance. In his broadcast message of 27 March 1960, he asserted: “Devotion to the most holy Virgin Mary only tends to make our faith more robust, more prompt and more effective; to make our charity more ardent, and our Christian commitment more alive and more fruitful.” Mary, most perfect companion and mentor for Seven Sisters, stay with us and pray for us!
United in prayer and mission…
that our prayers may find the heart of every bishop and priest…
… eternal gratitude continues as you each remember to offer a wee Hail Mary for me every day…. “One Ave Maria makes hell tremble” (St John Vianney). Pray that I will not ‘spoil the beautiful work that God has entrusted…’ (St Teresa of Calcutta)
… your kind emails and notes and phone calls and generous support always arrive to my heart door at the right moment! Your financial sacrifices are for 100% furtherance of Apostolate. THANK YOU! The letters of testimony are so beautiful and edifying! Don’t stop writing to me. Eternal gratitude is mine for YOU! Be assured of my continued daily prayers for you at the altar.
Janette
+JMJ+
sevensistersapostolate@gmail.com