St Mary Mission - Tohatchi, New Mexico

12/25/2023

Wishing everyone a safe and Merry Christmas! Our prayers are with you all as we ponder the miracle of the Christ Child of this blessed day!

Christmas...
Ponder Love Incarnate
Embrace the Child of Wonder
Acclaim Christ Born Anew
Celebrate Joy in the Presence of Mystery
Echo the Song of the Angels

~S. Rose Marie Weckenmann, OSF

~Artwork by: S. Michelle Corliss, OSF

12/22/2023

4th Sunday of Advent Reflection

SUNDAY REFLECTION for December 24, 2023

1st Reading: 2 Samuel 7: 1-5, 8b – 12, 14a - 16
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 889: 2 - 5, 27, 29
2nd Reading: Romans 16: 25 - 27
Gospel: Luke 1: 26 – 38

REFLECTION

On the day leading up to this fourth Sunday of Advent, the Church prays the final O Antiphon: O Emmanuel, God with us. . .” In case we’ve not gotten the message, the readings today remind us again and again. The prophet Nathan responds to King David in the second book of Samuel: “Whatever is on your heart, go and do it. God is with you.” And in the familiar Gospel passage from Luke, the angel Gabriel says to Mary, “Rejoice, oh highly favored one! The Lord is with you.” That same assurance is given to us. Whether things are going well for us, or troubles complicate our lives, God is with us. Whether we are strong and healthy, or suffering pain or discomfort, God is with us. Never do we need to experience joys, or challenges, alone. God is with us. Merry Christmas!

PRAYER

O Emmanuel, surely I am highly favored since you are with me always. I thank you for that assurance. Make me ever more mindful of your continual presence and care.

~Christa Franzer OSF

12/14/2023

Sunday's reflection

Pray With Us

Our Weekly Reflection December 17, 2023

1st Reading: Is 61:1-2A, 10-11
Responsorial Psalm: Lk 1:46-48, 49-50, 53-54
2nd Reading: 1 Thes 5:16-24
Gospel: Jn 1:6-8. 19-28

Reflection

Today’s readings prepare us for one of my favorite weeks of the year – the week of the “O Antiphons”. Today’s readings remind us that “The spirit of the Lord God is upon us”. “We rejoice heartily in the Lord”. We pray Mary’s Magnificat “My soul rejoices in my God”. We are called to “rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks”. Finally we listen to John the Baptist saying, “I am the voice of one crying out in the desert, ‘make straight the way of the Lord,’”.

Praying the O Antiphons

In praying the O Antiphon for each day, pray for today’s world.

December 17
O wisdom of our God Most High,
Guiding creation with power and love:
Come to teach us the path of knowledge!

December 18
O Leader of the House of Israel,
Giver of the Law to Moses on Sinai:
Come to rescue us with our mighty power!

December 19
O Root of Jesse’s stem,
Sign of God’s love for all His people:
Come to save us without delay!

December 20
O Key of David,
Opening the gates of God’s eternal Kingdom:
Come and free the prisoners of darkness!

December 21
O Radiant Dawn,
Splendor of eternal light, sun of justice:
Come and shine on those who dwell in darkness and in the shadow of death.

December 22
O King of all nations
and keystone of the Church:
come and save us, whom You formed from the dust!

December 23
O Emmanuel,
Our King and Giver of Law:
Come to save us, Lord our God!

~Jean Marie Cleveland, OSF

12/08/2023

Sunday's reflection

Reflection for
2nd Sunday of Advent
1st Reading: Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11
Responsorial Psalm: Ps. 85: 9-14
2nd Reading: 2nd Peter 3: 8-14
Gospel: Mark 1: 1-8

“Countdown to Christmas”
We know we are in a countdown to Christmas because the Hallmark Channel tells us so when they begin to show Christmas movies in mid-October. We are indeed in our own countdown to Christmas, but we call it Advent. During this time of preparation, we receive a special call: an invitation to change our lives. This is not an easy task. Changing our lives may seem almost impossible. It may have seemed this way to the Israelites when after years of servitude and exile they were to be set free. Psalm 85 tells us they had prayed for this gift of freedom for a long time and envisioned what it might be like. Prosperity, justice, peace, love and truth, and
along with prosperity, good fortune. During this time of waiting and hastening we are called to remove any obstacles that stand in our way. God works in God’s own way so it’s important to be prepared.
The first reading gives us these instructions: “Make the road straight and smooth, fill in the valleys, level off the hills, smooth out the ruts, and clear off the rocks.” In doing this “cleaning out” in our lives we make ready for our encounter with God.
In Mark’s gospel we read that John the Baptist came ahead of Jesus. He baptized the people preparing them for the coming of the Messiah. By our Baptism we have been prepared to open our minds and hearts to the coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus
Christ.

Prayer
God of power and mercy, open our hearts in welcome. Remove the things that hinder
us from receiving Christ with joy so that we may share his wisdom and become one
with Him when He comes in glory, for he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever. Amen
- Author unknown

Reflection submitted by Associate Dot Lindsey

11/24/2023

Sunday's reflection

Reflection November 26, 2023
First Reading: Ezekiel 34:11-12, 15-17
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 23: 1-3, 5-6
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:20-26, 28
Gospel: Matthew 25:31-46

Reflection:

When Sisters and Associates volunteer to write the weekly reflection you are given your assignment a year in advance and don’t know what week you will be given. Imagine my surprise when I read the readings for today knowing that this week marks the 25th Anniversary of the passing of my beloved Dad and 25 years ago, I was honored to present a eulogy for my father which focused on today’s gospel.
Matthew’s gospel is a challenge; we can acknowledge that in every interaction we have, we could see the face of God, or we can turn away. I was fortunate to see the turning to instead of away through the life of my dad. My Dad was a Chaplin in the county jails, often following inmates upon their release to assist with clothing, transportation, fulfilling basic needs, he was involved with the St. Vincent de Paul Society, he was a eucharistic minister, he was the co-founder of a local nonprofit now in its 27th year of working with elders relieving isolation and loneliness.
As reflected in the first reading of Ezekiel my dad took care of his flock as he was a dutiful son, a compassionate brother, nephew, uncle and a loving husband and father, he had an outward glance, always seeking ways to bring comfort to others. When he was lost, battling alcoholism, he received grace and strength and on returning to the flock he was bandaged and made strong. His strength benefited many.

Prayer:

Thank you, Lord, for the life of my dad, through the witnessing of his life I have seen your grace, your compassion, your care of others lived out through him. Teach me to love as he always did, unconditionally.

Yogi Wess
Associate

11/18/2023

Sunday's reflection

Our Weekly Reflection for November 19th:

November 19: Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
1st Reading: Proverbs 31, 10-13, 19-20, 30-31
Responsorial Psalm: 128:1-5
2nd Reading: 1 Thessalonians. 5:1-6
Gospel: Mt.25:14-30

Today’s readings give us much to ponder. In the first reading from Proverbs invites us to entrust one’s heart to someone, and to put our trust in God who invites us toward goodness and responsibility. The women admired in this reading elevate women’s works and acknowledges her gifts of care of the poor and reaching out to the needy. It asks of us if we are discerning what is God calling me to do for others. Do I share my talents with others, at the same time discerning what is not mine to do and leave it to God’s gentle care. It is also a lovely praise of women who are graced with compassion. Coming to the Eucharist gives us the grace to be who God has called us to be and do in the world, sharing gifts and claiming our responsibilities.
The Responsorial Psalm from Proverbs speaks of a woman of valor who brings flourishing not only to those closest to her but also to those who are vulnerable, poor and needy. She provides for her maidens, opens her heart and brings blessings to her family and others. How can I implement such virtues in my life? Proverbs invites and teaches us how to gain wisdom, and understanding for the good of others.
Second Reading from Thessalonians reminds us not to put off until tomorrow. God’s invitation can come anytime and the need for us to be attentive and listen to the needs of others and the world. It calls us to walk in God’s ways which can be challenging, yet very rewarding and offers blessings.
Gospel reading from Gospel of Matthew is a familiar story of the “talents”. We are entrusted to wisely use our time and talents to share with others for the good of the world. As I ponder this story of God entrusting us with gifts we all have the choice to discern, develop and deepen our talents. We are equally invited to share our gifts for the betterment of the world we live in. It may be easier to let someone else figure out problems, than using my own gifts for the good of others. May I listen deeply to what God is calling me to do or just be present to others. May I have the grace to listening deeply. What is God calling for me to do today to share my gifts?
Prayer: Open my heart for the good of others and to listen deeply to God’s call that is unique to me. What is mine to do at this time in my life?

~Rosie Miller OSF

11/10/2023

Sunday's reflection

Our Weekly Reflection Nov. 12, 2023

1st Reading: Wisdom 6: 12-16
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 63: 2-8
Second Reading: 1 Thes. 4:13-18
Gospel: Matthew 25: 1-13

Reflection

Today’s readings reflect the themes of both searching for God and readiness for his coming. The reading from the Book of Wisdom reminds us that Wisdom does not really play “hard to get” but is ready and waiting for those who seek her in truth. She “hastens to make herself known, waiting at the gate.” This may not always seem so, but patient seekers are assured of this truth. Psalm 63 joins the readings together with this theme of longing and great need for God, as the reading from Thessalonians picks up the theme of hope for Christians grieving for lost loved ones. We are reassured that we will all be reunited with Christ in the resurrection. Again, the theme of waiting recurs in the parable of the Ten Virgins. All bring lamps, but not all are well-equipped with the oil of grace and the Spirit—the inner readiness that cannot be shared. In all of these messages we are reminded to be prepared, to long for God with all our hearts, and to be filled with hope.

Prayer

O God whom we seek and desire with all our hearts, grant us your Wisdom and grace as we wait for you in hope in the midst of turmoil. We face an uncertain future in this world. Grant us the oil of your blessing to light our lamps that we may be prepared for your coming as we strive to work for justice and to walk in your ways.

~Mary Lynne Calkins, OSF

11/02/2023

Sunday's reflection

10/13/2023

Sunday's reflection

READINGS AND REFLECTION FOR OCTOBER 15
TWENTY-EIGHTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

First Reading: Is 25: 6-10a
Psalm 23: 1-3a. 3b-6
Second Reading: Phil 4: 12-14, 19-20
Gospel: Mt 22: 1-14

What good news! Isaiah invites me today to meet up with God "at the mountain top", where a rich feast is already prepared for me by the hand of the Lord. All I must do is accept the invitation. Who would ever refuse such an invitation!

Another Good News comes from Paul. When you receive a letter from a friend, don't you open it immediately? We are always anxious to hear how things are going in their lives, especially to hear their good news. The letter today from our friend Paul says "God can do ALL things in him who strengthens, and even reminds me that God will give whatever I need. What great news!

Even Matthew's Gospel reminds me that God goes out ......looking for me.......to invite me to the plentiful feast. We already know that we have an invitation to the Final Wedding Feast. We have the remainder of our lives (long or short) to prepare our soul’s garment. How much time am I willing to put my sight on this goal? All that I must do is to accept. Again, that is such wonderful news!

O Generous Benefactor, Your richness, Your generosity, to me is unfailing, and continuous. Please accept my constant prayer of gratefulness.

Lorraine Geis, OSF

10/11/2023

Sunday's reflection

READINGS AND REFLECTION FOR OCTOBER 8
TWENTY-SEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

First Reading: Isaiah 5:1-7
Psalm 80: 9,12,13-16,19-20
Second Reading: Philippians 4:6-9
Gospel: Matthew 21:33-43

Today’s first reading from Isaiah parallels times within our own lives when after putting our all into something we discover our efforts did not accomplish what we had envisioned or hoped they would. We need to continue to remind ourselves that we are the instruments of God’s hands. Our intentions are not always God’s and therefore the outcome may not be as we envision but may take on a direction led by the hands of God.

Our second reading encourages us to be anxiety free. What a tall challenge! But Paul reminds us, that God’s peace, which is more than we can ever comprehend, will guard our hearts and minds, and never abandon us.

In today’s Gospel, Matthew reminds us of Jesus’ words, “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.” At different times in our lives each of us has been the rejector and or the rejected. God calls each of us to be gardeners of honesty, compassion, forgiveness, hope, acceptance, and empathy. May the seeds we plant nourish and sustain all who come to the gardens of our hearts.

Questions for Reflection:
How do I react to outcomes that do not go as I hope and envision?
How have I used God’s gifts in ministry and service to others?

Prayer:
Good and gracious God,
You are the master gardener! May we follow your example in our service and ministry to others. May the seeds that you have planted within us, produce a harvest of goodness to be shared with all in need of your loving grace. In Jesus’ name, we pray.

Jane Schaefer, Associate