In fact, nature still sings, I wonder how many people can enjoy those pure melodies. I suddenly realized that only in true silence, people could be in harmony with nature. As for me, those love songs have connected me with the earth and heaven. The gentle melodies instill in my soul a mysterious sense of purity and peace. After that, I seem to be dissolved into the vast ocean of the “divine sphere”, where I do not have to worry about imperfection, stumbles, self-image or competition. To me, nature is like a mystery that always reveals God’s love including both the ancient and new aspects. And I am – His precious creature also renewed every day by being immersed myself in that immense sea of love !
The Fragrance of Roses by Novice – Anna Tuyen
After today’s prayer, Jesus’ words stayed in my mind: “I am the vine, you are the branches” (John 15:5). That reminded me of the familiar image of the rose bushes in front of my house, the gorgeous blooming after a few weeks of pruning.
Roses are immensely popular and grown all over the world. They come in a wide variety of colors, and each color conveys a different meaning. The diversity of roses refers me to the multicultural community.
Entering religious life, I have shared life with sisters from different provinces. Our group of novices has cultural diversity, different personalities, and abilities…. Living in a multicultural community, there are both opportunities and challenges. I have opportunities to learn from companions, to discover other life and spirituality experiences. Furthermore, they help me grow and unify my personality. On the other hand, there is a shortage of frictions and collisions. For me, the most challenges come from myself because of the thorns of selfishness, pride, complacency and competition.
Pondering about the pruned rose trees, their blooming and giving off fragrance spoke to me about my pruning life journey. I need to be brave and step out of the box in order to prune the barren withered branches of my old self; so that the new life can be regenerated; thanks to them, I could also become like adorable roses that bring the fragrance of love and holiness to life.
Lord, You are the fragrance of holiness, if I do not stay in Your fragrance, my life will be like rotten roses that cannot offer holy scents. Please let each day of my life always be imbued with the fragrance of Your humility and compassion. Amen.
Thank you Sr. Anna Tran Thi Van and Sr. Anna Tuyen for sharing your insights about meeting Creator in creation.
You encourage me to notice God’s presence in the beauty and dynamics of creation – in which everything is connected to everything else, and Divinity shines forth from the depth of all that is. Whether that depth shows itself in the symphony of the universe, the fragrance of Roses, or other daily miracles that make me/us aware of God’s creative presence..