The Moth and The Cocoon

Author Unknown
Art by Salvador Dali, Landscape with Butterflies

A man found a cocoon of an emperor moth. He took it home, so that he could watch the moth come out of the cocoon. One day, a small opening appeared, and he sat still, watching for several hours, as the moth struggled to force its body through the little hole. Then, it seemed to stop making any progress. It appeared, as if, it had gotten as far as it could and it could go no farther. It seemed to be stuck. Then, the man in his kindness, decided to help the moth.

So, he took a pair of scissors, and snipped off the remaining bit of the cocoon. The moth then emerged easily. But, it had a swollen body and small, shriveled wings. The man continued to watch the moth, because he expected, at any moment, the wings would enlarge and expand to be able to support the body, which would contract in time. Neither happened! In fact, the little moth spent the rest of its life, crawling around with a swollen body and shriveled wings. It never was able to fly.

What the man, in his kindness and haste, did not understand was, the restricting cocoon and the struggle, required for the moth to get through the tiny opening, were God's way of forcing fluid from the body of the moth, into its wings, so it would be ready for flight, once it achieved its freedom from the cocoon. Freedom and flight would only come after the struggle. By depriving the moth of a struggle, the man deprived the moth of health.

Sometimes, struggles are exactly what we need in our life. If God allowed us to go through our life without any obstacles, He would cripple us.We would not be as strong, as what we could have been.

Growth in English

Written by Sr. Lucivane - Belém Province
Art by Amy E. Fraser -Single Gazania

To study English is a necessary discipline and responsibility.

Since the Intensive English Course, each sister has continuously studied English individually, because during the week we are very busy -- working in the school and studying at the University. Our house is a house of students -- a community of five sisters who participated in the English program.

Recently, we felt the necessity to study together. Now, we are studying every Sunday in the afternoon -- listening to and singing different songs in English. We are reviewing English grammar, especially the verbs. It's very important for us.

This simple decision and time together has aroused a lot of interest; we are communicating more in English within our community. We realize we need to learn and speak English internationally. It's one requirement for our congregation and world.

Thanks to my province and community for incentivizing me. I need preparation for the approaching new experience in my life. To learn English in the United States of America will be a challenge. I fear new experiences, but I must overcome my fear.

Community Commitment

The sisters study English together once a week in Quixadá Community, Belém Province. From right to left: Sr. Norma, Sr. Gleisiane, Sr. Graça, Sr. Lucivane & Sr. Rúbia

A Sign

Written by Sr. Rúbia - Belém Province
Photograph by Sr. Rúbia -- The Flowering Flamboyant

In Sertão, the Center of the State of Ceará, rain is scarce; the sun is always intense and the land waits for water with patience and hope. Thus, every year our eyes search for signs of rain. The Flowering Flamboyant tree is a sign. It's a tree originally from Madagascar, but it's very common in Brazil. It has two basic necessities to grow: space and sun. It's of exuberant beauty!

In this region of our country, people say that when the Flamboyant is flowering, it's a sign of a very good winter. Then, all can prepare the land and seeds; all can be sure that rain will come, that the harvest will be abundant.

Now, here in Sertão, our Flamboyant is flowering. A few weeks ago her branches were barren, without flowers, without color, but her sap was there ... her life was hidden. Now, she's flowering and transforming the landscape, reviving our hope. Her blossoms are falling to the ground, laying a big, beautiful red carpet. Sure enough, the rain came ... wetting the earth and I also believe we will have a good winter!

Teach Us Mother Mary

Written by Sr. Gleisiane - Belém Province
Art by Filippo Lippi, Madonna delle Roccie, Particolare

For nothing is impossible with God.
I am the Lord's servant. (Luke 1, 37-38)

Faith, listening and offering our service are, for us SMICs, three virtues of Mary to be imitated. These virtues appear clearly in the text of the Gospel and in particular in this phrase, "Nothing is impossible for who those have faith and put their confidence in God". Mary lived this grace; this was the way that Mary chose, to live a life of pleasant offerings to God. Teach us Mother Mary, to walk this way, too.

Haiku

Written by Sr. Andrea Westkamp - U.S. Province
Art by Amy E. Fraser - White Lily and Orange Emperor Tulips

Charism of SMIC

embraces my life

to let gentleness abound.

Thirst of the Night

Written by Sr. Jane M. Abeln -- U.S. Province
Art by Sassoferrato (Giovanni Battista Salvi), The Madonna, Bust Length, at Prayer

In a commentary on St. John of the Cross' poem, Dark Night of the Soul, about its first line “Fired with Love's urgent longings,”I read, “[A] person should not mind if the operations of his faculties are being lost to him; he ought to desire [to] make room in his spirit for the enkindling and burning of the love that this dark and secret contemplation bears and communicates to his soul. . .which, if not hampered, fires the soul in the spirit of Love. . . .”


I’ve dashed to Your font of Living Water,
flung open my soul to be blest,
pursed my lips to Your prancing stream—
but not tasted, nor felt refreshed.

Parched my spirit, uncorked my desire
to sip Your sparkling Wine,
then catch into my chalice-heart
Your assurance, “You are Mine!”

Your Precious Heart oozes blood—
I want to share in that pain.
You look for one to drink with You.
I open my mouth—in vain!

Salty tears augment my thirst.
No matter how many I cry,
Beloved, I love You never enough.
My heart stays crushed and dry.

One line this day from John of the Cross
has touched my spirit at last:
“Burning love—unquenchable—is Your lure
to draw the one You hold fast.”

Mother’s Handkerchiefs

Written by Sr. Jane M. Abeln -- U.S. Province
Art by John William Godward (1917), Under the Blossom that Hangs on the Bough

When you, Mother, offered me hankies
from your mahogany dresser drawer,
I declined those sweet-scented servants
though their corners curled up their hands
toward me. I thought how you’d need them
to catch drops of your sorrows and joys.


How could I know, in just three days,
I'd lift those orphans to my eyes
to drown them in a salty bath.
If only they could stem the blood
from the bullet-speed car that sent you
into God’s own loving Arms.


Now these pale ladies connect me
with your kindest heart and hands
that caressed away my tears.
I pour into them my secret thoughts
as I remember you, and feel
your soft touch on my cheek still.


3rd Place, Poetry Contest ‘07
Alfred H. Baumann Library
West Paterson NJ, USA
(Revised slightly since award)

Magnificat

Written by Sr. Lucimar -- Salvador Province
Art by Sandro Botticelli (1482) The Madonna of the Magnificat, Detail of the Virgin's Face and Crown

Magnificat, my soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord who has chosen me among women. I am not yet perfect and still fall short of you, but I'm your daughter and I feel your wonders in my life.

Your presence teaches me to die each day so that a new life can be cultivated in me. Your plans and your fondness are not mine many times, thus you respect me. Your love in me stimulates my energy and gives purpose to my projects.

I know that faith is not alone about thinking, but by practicing and exerting effort through you. Therefore here I am with my all.

Cowardice, fear, unreliability, to make you and not myself. In all my smallness, I only ask for a favour of being a sister or a sign of peace, joy and hope ... that my hands know how to touch, my look transmits love, my smile, peace and my feet always go to meet the other.

And my YES, each time I more strongly affirm. Jesus said, my mother and my brothers are those who make my will.

Gratitude to my Father my God -- my everything.

Perfect Freedom

Written by Sr. Felicitas, Taiwan Province
Art by Rembrandt van Rijn, (1168-69) Return of the Prodigal Son

I had never heard about "perfect freedom" in a prison until I read the short story, "Perfect Freedom" in the book Chicken Soup for the Christian Soul"

I think perfect freedom in prison is uncommon, at least in my mind, but now I know that it is possible in some countries. I suppose it's time for a change; to believe in something that I couldn't believe before.

This prison in Brazil is different from a usual prison, as God's love and mutual respect is present. That's the main point we should know. Everyone needs love and respect, especially the prisoners (sinners) who also have strong will. If prisoners can receive love or respect from others, they can be touched and start changing themselves little by little. At least, they will realize that someone still loves them; they are not the worst in some degree.

They can be saved by themselves. Of course, it's important to show our trust in them and to give them love in different ways. When they really find out what love is, they will be different than we expected. Trust and love manifest freedom. Mankind can show its good character in freedom. Suppose if we despised prisoners or we used violence to control them, they would hate the world more deeply and they would make light of their lives. It is by no means easy to expect that they would repent, but violence cannot change a man's heart; only love -- God’s love is the best medicine for prisoners and sinners.

I do agree with prisoners taking classes on character development and receiving encouragement to participate in educational and religious programs. That means they can get more self-confidence and can more easily change themselves completely. In addition, there are no armed guards or high-tech security measures. The prison only has love. I know it’s not easy to do as Brazil does, especially in some countries, but if there is love, even prisons can become the kingdom of God.