True North Missionaries Journal

“Then the kingdom of heaven shall be compared to ten maidens who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them; but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps.  As the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept. But at midnight there was a cry, `Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ Then all those maidens rose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, `Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise replied, `Perhaps there will not be enough for us and for you; go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.’ And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast; and the door was shut. Afterward the other maidens came also, saying, `Lord, lord, open to us.’ But he replied, `Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour. Matthew 25: 1-13

 

After reading this gospel I really feel sorry for the 5 maidens who were not able to make it. They were even called foolish. At first I thought it was too much as a label. Looking deeper, I realized that this actually holds true to all the aspects of our lives. We become foolish/ we are foolish when we are not preparing for His coming, when we forget about God.

“Lord of wisdom and knowledge, praise to your name for ever. Lord teach me to be more loving and patient. May I be humble enough to follow all your commands, faithful in your promises and enduring to other demands that life may bring. May I choose to understand everyone and every opportunity in front of me. So that when You find me, You will know me.”

 

Candy

Philippians 1:29

Today I came across a letter I had written while in Teacher’s College entitled “Letter to Self: Why I want to become a Teacher”. Reading this letter after two years in the Mission is nostalgic, but also a reminder to me of convictions that helped me in defending the call to Mission.

For instance, is it really true that answering the call to Mission is sacrificing, turning away or shunning my past vocation? That I’ve lost it all because “I am not in my profession”? What dishonour p would it be to The Lord who carried me through years of study and discovery of a beautiful Calling if I were to think this way.

Its the contrary. My journey as a Teacher enhances my calling as a Missionary. I love writing Talks and Workshops because of all the Lessons plans I’ve conducted. I explore with excitement the many ways to Build Up New Leaders because of the many types of students I’ve taught in the classroom. I am the Missionary that I am because of Teaching. Teaching is my offering to the Mission, and to The Lord blessed me through that profession. I’ve never stopped being a Teacher.

But The Lord is clever, because I am not only living out this vocation, but others as well: Stage crew, Events Manager, Secretary, Human resources specialist…the list goes one. The Mission indeed challenges me to grow even professionally, answering dreams that I never even knew The Lord held for me so deeply. There is so much to gain. From Teacher to Missionary…and beyond!
“Upon thee I have leaned from my birth; thou art he who took me from my mother’s womb”. My praise Psalm 71:6. #godjournyingwithus

 

The LORD is SOOO AWESOME.

He Loves me SOOO much.

I am so overwhelmed with how much peace and joy the Lord gives me each and everyday.

He stays faithful, guiding me in every way.

Lord Jesus, You are someone that we should all share.

Why? Because you are so good, so loving, even when no one is there.

I can rely on you in ANYTHING and for EVERYTHING.

You will never fail. You can never deny who You are, what You do and how You do it.

You are guaranteed goodness, greatness, and perfection.

We can say, “With You, anything is possible.”

We can say, “Our shortcomings are forgiven because I am have an awesome God.”

You make my heart smile, my life joyful, my soul at peace.

Lord Jesus, I adore You, I glorify You, and I love you for loving me.

Thank You Lord and Glory to you alone.

I Am Joyful because You are with me.

Since I didn’t get to attend any True North Conferences this year, I was delighted to be able to attend the Marian Eucharistic Conference here in Winnipeg. Yes Lord, You still gave me the conference experience I longed for!

This conference was different. This conference was not like the many conferences I’ve been to. For one thing, I was surrounded by hardly any youth –mostly older men and women and religious sisters. Another, was the amount of speakers and the variety of sessions that took place within the weekend. What was so apparent however, was the presence and love of Our Mother at that conference.

As I reflected on my personal devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, I realized at times it was very one-sided. I admired her, yes, in all that she is and all that she inspires me to be. However, she doesn’t want my admiration. That was never what she sought. She wants me and my entire self, to be so in love with her Son. She wants so badly for all of us to be united with her Son that she is willing to help us get there, so long as we ask.

Fr. Joseph Christensen said “The Rosary is Mary’s hand. Take her hand.” So often I hold the Rosary, not realizing I am holding the hand of Our Mother. She is our surest help, the one I can count on for prayers. Just like in Cana, she tells Jesus our needs, and petitions for our miracles. Uniting my heart to her Immaculate Heart, brings me only closer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, for her heart is so united with His. Fr. Joseph also said “Do not be afraid to be lost in her. Her will is perfectly conformed to God’s will. She will give you her heart to dwell safely there. She has way more to give you, then you to give her.”

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Mary, beloved daughter of the Father, Mother of the Son, and Spouse of the Spirit, perfectly united with the love of the Trinity, let me grow in my devotion to you, not only as my intercessor, not only as my guidance, not only as my model, but as my own dearest and loving Mother.

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help, or sought your intercession was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto you, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to you do I come, before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in your mercy hear and answer me. Amen.

Ad Jesum Per Mariam.