Liturgical Seasons

A Winter Lenten Challenge

February 21, 2021 | Rose of Sharon | Lent, Liturgical Seasons, Personal Reflections, Poetry

Ice, snow, no electricity, no water, schools, churches and business shut down. The recent week-long Arctic blast was the start of a Lenten season that I have never experienced before. The freezing temperatures presented many challenges for us in Texas and other southern states that rarely experience such frigid weather. However, being shut in with no place to go and minimal distractions turned out to be a blessing! My prayer life was more focused, plus I had more time to write, which was something I was longing for.

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Into the Desert: A 40-day Summer Fast

June 26, 2020 | Rose of Sharon | Church in Crisis, Ordinary Time, Peace, Prayer

A Peaceful Option for These Heated Times

Photo credit: Patrick Schneider – Unsplashed

Just what are we to do?  

“What are we supposed to do?” This question arose recently in a small group discussion with some of my family and friends. We had decided to get together (via an online meeting) to try and make sense of the unsettling things that have been happening in our country and beyond. As Christians, we pondered the classic question of what would Jesus do? We knew prayer was a definite answer. In addition to prayer, we also felt a need for action.

 And then someone brought up fasting.

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A Happy Birthday (With Some Amazing Gifts!)

May 31, 2020 | Rose of Sharon | Easter, Prayer

Pentacost

Happy Birthday Everyone!

OK, for the small percentage of people who are actually born today (May 31st) this happy birthday wish might make sense, but the rest of you might be wondering about this joyful greeting. Today we celebrate the feast of Pentecost, also known as the birthday of the Church – not the church building – but the people who are the Church.

Christ promised his disciples that he would send the Holy Spirit to help them after he ascended into heaven, and on Pentecost, the birthday of the Church, they were granted the gifts of the Holy Spirit. These “birthday gifts” from the Holy Spirit were pretty amazing! Continue reading →

After This Our Exile

April 7, 2020 | Rose of Sharon | Guest Blogger, Lent, Prayer

After This Our Exile
A Prayerful Reflection on the Pandemic

By guest blogger: J. M. Pridotkas

“This our exile…”

I learned the beautiful prayer “Hail, Holy Queen” as an adult, by hearing it prayed by others in prayer groups and on EWTN’s broadcast of the Rosary. I’ve always thought of it as referring to the state of our life here on earth before we see Jesus in heaven (“…show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb Jesus…”). I see it in another light now because of the current COVID-19 pandemic. Continue reading →