Catherine's Cafe Vocation Blog

It feels like a long time since I’ve been able to say that!  AND, to say it with pride and not with regret!!  I had time to sleep in, time to visit with friends, time to admire the flowers and vegetables at a Farmer’s Market, and time to drive out to the country.  What I discovered in the process is how much I needed this time and, more importantly, how much time I had been squandering…because I had so much to do! Taking time off no matter how important your work is, is refreshing and clears the mind.   Even those who “go to where the work is great and difficult,” need time to relax!   And to discover that others are doing similar work, and enjoying it. The poet, Hafiz, says “Everything in existence does point to God.” Why can’t I remember that?! Can you remember that? When was the last time you took time off from your “important” work? Ruth Poochigian, O.P. Madison WI

One morning I heard a priest at Mass on T.V. saying that loneliness is a gift from God.  My first reaction, he must be crazy!   However, the more I thought about it I became convicted. Living alone has never been something I ever had to deal with before, because I have always lived with other people, beginning with my family, then a roommate and then communities in religious life.  It was never something that I thought I would ever have to experience in my life for a prolong period, especially after entering religious life. However, I here I find myself alone since the beginning of this year.   It got me thinking about aloneness and loneliness- what's the difference? In Luke  5:16  it says, "Jesus often withdrew into lonely places and he prayed."  Does this necessarily mean that he was alone or lonely?  I believe yes to both.  I also know that you can experience aloneness and loneliness in the midst of a crowd.  The tru...