What do you think of this remark? “The worst purchase I’ve ever made was a 2020 planner.” Of course, it’s a joke, but is it? May be some of us had similar thoughts!? Pretty much all of last year Covid-19 had us in its grip. Time and again, just when we thought that the worst is over, a new virus variant emerged, forcing us back into restrictions and additional precautions. At the same time, we feel growing resentment and resistance to the restrictions.
Yet, in light of Divine Providence we know the past year, each of its 365 days had a purpose and included many lessons for us to learn. Perhaps the exterior restrictions were meant for us to grow in inner freedom. How about the many home projects we could have tackled or the many resolutions concerning our eating habits could have been easily kept. The virus only apparently makes us think that the world is on pause but we can always move forward with a lot of our goals and strivings.
If nothing else, 2021 taught us that time matters, that it’s a free gift inviting us to sanctify it with our efforts to make of ourselves a gift of love for others. The Blessed Mother, our covenant partner, is our model and teacher on how to view each day as an opportunity to live with trust in Divine Providence and charity to all. From the shrine, she wants to direct us to follow her paths.
With Prayers from the Confidentia Shrine,
Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary
P.S. Please check our website calendar for upcoming retreat and workshop opportunities.