She was precise, direct and kind, or at least, that’s how I remember my second grade teacher, Sr. Yolanda, a Cuban nun in a sea of Spaniards at Colegio de la Inmaculada in Santurce, Puerto Rico. Every time our class entered the church, she’d say, “Make sure your knee touches the ground. Do it until you no longer can!” I have thought of her often over the years, especially as I’ve battled lower back issues that make kneeling tricky.
I’ve had a number of experiences that have helped me develop an awareness of kneeling as prayer—and how that prayer posture matters. Entering the site of the
Annunciation in Nazareth, where the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary. My first view of the Murrah Building bombing site in Oklahoma City. Witnessing the exhumation of Blessed Stanley Rother’s body as it was prepared for its permanent resting place. Without words or instructions, I knelt at each place. My spirit simply recognized and acknowledged the presence of God in each moment.
Maria thank you for your reflection today. Yes it's tricky trying to kneel after double knee replacement. I mentioned it to my pastor and friend and he said " if anyone gives you trouble tell them ( you wore them out by praying so much)" Jane that remind me of my 2nd graders that I am not teaching anymore. Although I did help out Tuesday with an online class that met for demonstration of the Sacraments of Reconciliation. I was acting as priest. Students came up and I went through the motions, while teacher said what was happening. I was to keep quiet. ( those who know me know that ain't happening). After couple of times saying "your penance are 1 hail Mary 2 Lords prayer etc. They were all falling asleep. Next student came up I said " your penance is 5,435 hail Mary's 1 million Lords prayer" that got them awake. Please pray for those who recovering from the storms in the southwestern part of the country. Ken
Ken, I hear ya about the knee replacement. I had my left one done. I only kneel on my right side, but I still pray!
Ken…this was classic. I love thinking up penances that are meaningful…Say the prayers and apologize to the person by looking them in the eye and saying what you did wrong. Very difficult. I suppose for a 2nd grader this would be condensed to “sorry”. :-).
peggyR. I’m not sure you did the wrong thing. I have purposely avoided political conversations so as not to offend or argue. Then later in prayer I question ‘am I NOT standing up for God and teachings of Jesus in my silence?’ Today’s readings are words aimed at that very subject in “brother against brother…mother in law against daughter in law”. Apologizing for the way we said something or when and where we had the discussion maybe but to apologize for the belief itself? True friendships are hard to come by so we don’t want to injure them, and each person has their faults we accept, but a true friend will let us have “faults” (at least in their eye’s) too. Sometimes we stand alone in our defense of the faith regarding political candidates who blatantly oppose God’s commands or whose motives are not Bible driven. Ask your friend’s forgiveness and for her understanding in your choice. If you tell her your choices are based on what has been placed in your heart by your faith will she accept you as you accept her choices made because in her eyes and experience she sees it differently? The one thing I have learned is that telling someone what I believe and why is so much different then telling someone what THEY should believe and why—-I’m so guilty of this! I am praying for you dear heart and for your friend! May you both hear our Lord in this situation and may His voice tell you that no matter who we support politically supporting the person right in front of us is the real answer.
Vicky, this was a beautiful and heartfelt post. Thank you for extending your heart and wisdom to us. Going back at the right time will be important. You are carrying it with you Peggy and know that it is unresolved. Mending relationships can be so gut wrenching, but the profound experience of grace in that healing is powerful. Blessings to both of you.
Oh my, Vicky! Another example of true love of our brothers, sisters, children, grandchildren and on and on. I will continue to read your suggestions and perhaps in the next few days I will call my friend and explain my that my choices are coming from my heart. You are absolutely correct, they really are from the heart. God bless you richly, Dear Lady. ❤️
Dear Lord, please help all the people in Florida who have been effected by the horrible weather that came across the state. And I want to Thank you for letting the storm pass my house with my children inside without incident. With my whole heart I love you and thank you for everything. You are so good to me. Sincerely AD
Thanks be to God!
Maria, what a reverent reflection. Thank you so much for honoring your 2nd grade teacher. She would rejoice at the flowers her seeds produced. I remember so many of the stories from Sister Dolores who taught me in my CCD classes. Sending light to all of you who have experienced brokenness in your friendships. Alas, I understand this well. May the mending produce much fruit. Amen.
Lord please hear our prayers and bring your light to all those experiencing natural disasters, as well as those in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur, the Sudan, in addition to all those suffering around the world - also for their strength, courage and resilience to continue walking in faith. Send them your light. Father in Heaven, have mercy on us and on the whole world! You sent Your Son, the Prince of Peace, for the salvation of the world. We pray that the Peace of Christ will reign in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur and Sudan. Please protect and send aid to those in need and all who are at-risk. We pray for peace and rebuilding– we who are working towards it and for all those who are suffering or in danger from conflicts. We pray for an end to violence and war – we pray for wisdom for all leaders who have a hand in this. Lord God please help those in most need of thy mercy. Amen.
Jane, I pray for her often!! ❤️
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*** What was 'all this' that made Paul fall on his knees before the Father? Ephesians 3:14-15, "When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth!" *** 'All this' is what Jesus has done to make available to us the direct access to God Himself especially in the midst of suffering in Ephesians 3:12-13, "Because of Christ and our faith in Him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence. So please don’t lose heart because of my trials here. I am suffering for you, so you should feel honored!" *** I believe God doesn’t require knees to be in relationship with us. That said, kneeling is still a beautiful choice, as it can stir us toward His presence. It is all about our "heart posture!" ******* When I first encountered Christ personally after going to church for years (I knew about Jesus, but I didn't know Him personally), I would prostrate myself every morning with my face into the carpet with my hands stretched out crying out to God until the sun came up!!! Jesus made that direct access available ✝️ *** Proverbs 21:2, "People may be right in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their heart." *** 1 Samuel 16:7, "But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider how handsome or tall he is. I have not chosen him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outside of a person. But the Lord looks at what is in the heart.” *** Matthew 15:8-9, "He (Jesus) said, “ ‘These people honor Me by what they say (or do). But their hearts are far away from Me. Their worship doesn’t mean anything to Me. They teach nothing but human rules.’ ” (Isaiah 29:13)" ******* Do you feel inadequate or ashamed or guilty if you don't kneel in church?...DON'T!!! When you encounter Christ in a personal way, you will expereince His love for you and that awesome love will knock you off your feet in worship and prayers ✝️ *** Kneeling only to Jesus in Philippians 2:10-11, "When the Name of Jesus is spoken, everyone will kneel down to worship Him. Everyone in heaven and on earth and under the earth will kneel down to worship Him. Everyone’s mouth will say that Jesus Christ is Lord. And God the Father will receive the glory!" *** Kneeling not to any others in Exodus 23:24, "You must not worship the gods of these nations or serve them in any way or imitate their evil practices. Instead, you must utterly destroy them and smash their sacred pillars!" *** Your heart posture in Matthew 6:5-8, "When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get. But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, Who sees everything, will reward you. “When you pray, don’t babble on and on as the Gentiles do. They think their prayers are answered merely by repeating their words again and again. Don’t be like them, for your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask Him!" Amen ♥️✝️♥️