PRACTICE REAL LOVE
by Sister Yvette Bellerose
We live in unprecedented times experiencing forest fires, flooding, hurricanes, and tornadoes. This ongoing pandemic is producing worldwide havoc. In the US alone, there have been nearly 7½ million confirmed cases and 212,000 deaths. News accounts record the risks of health care workers. Reporters witness also to success stories as folks are wheeled through hospital doors. We see families sharing childcare to lessen workday disruption. We hear of multiple foodbanks and food trucks supplying meals for people who cannot handle soaring food prices.
Sadly, many cannot accompany loved-ones to death, nor ritualize losses. Yet, prayer groups and churches find creative ways to gather. Outdoor services and ZOOM fill the gap.
We are continuously called to pray: “Let’s not just talk about love; let’s practice real love. This is the only way we’ll know we’re living truly, living in God’s reality.” (I John 3:18, MSG* ) – Sister Yvette Bellerose
Scripture taken from The Message. Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group.
Sr. Yvette Bellerose, SSA (Sisters of St. Anne), has served as a province leader, meeting facilitator, and designer of programs in spirituality for various religious communities in the Eastern and Southern USA, Eastern Canada, Belgium, France, and Rome, Italy. She is the co-founder of “Gatherings of Women in Faith.” Each year, The Sister Yvette Bellerose Award is presented at Anna Maria College in Paxton, MA, to a student who exhibits a commitment to the Catholic faith, service to the most vulnerable, and encouragement to all.
