In this Advent season….

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I could relate to Joan Durst’s post last week.  These short, dark, cold December days make me tired.  Usually when a dreary mood hits me, God quickly reminds me of the many gifts in my life.  I have a family I wouldn’t trade for the world and friends to match.  I have a warm bed, food in my stomach and a roof over my head … all shared in community with a group of really fine women here in St. Louis in the Collaborative Dominican Novitiate.

The other day, I went to the Missouri History Museum in Forest Park. 

The first exhibit I encountered was a very simple yet very profound one titled, “I Was A Soldier”… a photographic journal by St. Louis photographer Jerry Tovo.  Mr. Tovo’s stark, larger than life, black and white portraits are of men and women who have faithfully served our country but now count themselves among the 200,000 veterans who are homeless on any given night.  Another 1.5 million veterans are at risk of homelessness.  As I walked from portrait to portrait, I felt like I was experiencing a contemporary Stations of the Cross.  I could see Jesus Christ in each set of eyes into which I gazed.  I am so grateful for what I have.  I am so grateful for these men and women.  I am so sad and so ashamed for the reality this exhibit portrays. 
           
In this holy season of Advent, as I settle my mind and prepare my heart for the coming of the Christ child, I pray that my eyes will be opened to see Jesus already among us.  I pray for an end to war.  I pray that these faithful servants can one day be restored to wholeness.

For what are you praying?

Sr. Kathy Flynn

St. Louis, MO

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