PRUNING
(By: Karla
Wagener, March 1, 2020)
Today is a
hot day, but not so hot to be totally unbearable. It is rather nice in the shade. As I sit here I can hear the Willow tree
whispering sweet notes of music. The
leaves and branches wave to me and dance gently in the periodic breezes as they
pass by. A moth-type butterfly flies
over some plants. Another larger orange
one flies above and off to another garden.
The white-greyish clouds speak of rain, but no rain comes. The golden-orange butterfly returns then
flies off to its first location. I can
hear promise all about me. Something
tells me the great problems facing the World can be dealt with. Perhaps this is the greatest secret to be
revealed, to believe, to have faith!
I remember
the black woman guard at the door at my son John´s workplace in the library at
Georgetown University. I had gone there
with my other son, Angelo, to meet with John.
The guard kept saying while pointing at me, ¨She is a powerful
woman¨. She said it like it was a chant
from a Baptist Church revival, and she said it many times while we were all
chatting together.
It took me
off guard and I didn´t know quite what to say.
Now, much time later, I think, ¨If I am a powerful woman it is from a
great love and faith that goes beyond me¨.
I continue to think, (with a little bit of jest), ¨with such capable, presentable
sons it is inevitable, (not to mention my lovely daughter¨!)
So, I watch these dancing, singing
leaves. The Willow will be pruned this year
so that it can become more aesthetic and healthy. The dancers will be minimized at first. New sprouts will begin to appear, and will
grow with much force. Cocoons will be
formed within the branches. The weight
will be taken off of it and new leaves will once again grow. The show must go on!
The Willow
tells me and reminds me of what Jesus said, ¨Constance will save you¨.
Basically,
I just want you to know that I am here praying for everyone and everything and,
well, maybe the next secret is that I am experiencing results from my
prayers! I have found refuge and
strength, answers, beneath the Willow.
¨And if I
found a way to show you how I feel, and if my words were real, would it make a
change in you¨?
Two more
secrets:
You may not
yet be prepared to hear so brace yourselves.
1. Forgiveness as remedy for human frailty. We must forgive because mistakes are
inevitable.
It can be
an exemplary source for the future. It
is a part of human nature and only through mercy and compassion can better
possibilities and solutions develop.
2. Legion of Mary. This lay group of the Catholic Church can be
an exemplary source for the future. It
is almost inconceivable to imagine cases of pedophile in this organization. This gives us something pertinent to think
about. Perhaps the basic mechanisms of
it should be delved into and its modality of personalized attention to its
members. ¨Why, oh why¨, I ask myself,
¨is it that a group put together mostly by women should be more free of mishap"?
On the other hand, it is an entity which makes
an effort to do good works and is basically non lucrative so it is freer of
money complications and corruption.
I plead you look into this and consider the
prospects available by cashing in on the benefits of such a structure, and
knowing it more. This group could
possibly be able to afford methods to make better ways of organizing processes
and be a clearer image of the ideal we are searching for. It is important to mark the ability to manage
with firmness while maintaining tenderness and love.
It is no secret that constancy leads to success
and of the importance to be open to alternatives when dealing with what seems
impossible and know that God is always present to help and guide us. We must ¨look up¨ to that help and comfort;
let go of the burdened child within us.
March 9, 2020
BURDENED CHILD
Many of us as children have been concerned with
the grave problems the World faces.
Some try to do what they can to cure or better
the symptoms of the problems by doing acts of charity, social work, aid relief,
etc.
A few believe it is necessary to get to the
roots of the problems and find a way to cure the underlying basic issues at the
core of humanity in individual, specific handling of everyday
relationships. Perhaps a balance between
these two methods of action is the best policy.
Find comfort in giving compassion, especially
to the one closest!
The burden is lifted in a light yoke.
When pruning remember not to prune more than a
third of the plant!
