On September 8, the Sisters of Notre Dame Community at the Providence Mother House welcomed twelve students and two of their teachers from Sakura no Seibo Junior College in Fukushima, Japan. The students shared some beautiful pictures of scenic places in and around Fukushima trying in their best English to explain the images they shared. One of the teachers tickled our imaginations as he performed a few magic tricks much to the delight of all present. The students also described the preparation of some unusual foods that are served in their part of the world. After refreshments were served, the students gave each Sister a tantalizing game which involved matching small pictures which had to fit with other parts of pictures to form a whole. The challenge was that the paper could only be arranged by folding. The Sisters enjoyed immensely the visit of these lovely young women who are in regular contact with our Japanese Sisters.
Where in your life are you called to be merciful rather than punitive? Where can you lessen the violence in your daily life? In the way you speak to others? Toward the homeless or those on the margins of society? Instead of waiting for a natural or human-made disaster, how about practicing a habitual and deliberate act of mercy. It is an act that you will never regret.
Suggested Action: This week, make a conscious effort to show mercy and kindness, not once randomly, but twice or three times intentionally.
Suggested Petitions: We pray in thanksgiving heavenly Father for the boundless mercy and compassion you show us. We pray too for those suffering who do not know or perhaps do not believe in the mercy and grace of God, Look upon us, O God, Creator and Ruler of all things, may we feel the workings of your mercy in our hearts and in our lives. Show us the ways to serve you so others may know that You love them with an unconditional love. All glory and praise be to You. (Adapted)
