By Sister Karen Zielinski, OSF

My neighbor had just sewn 50 lavender sachets for our line of Holy Aromas soap and scented products.  I placed them in my van overnight.  It was a cool night,  and I thought that the shaved lavender/soap would not melt in my van.  When I opened my van door the next morning the scent of lavender greeted me.  Even after I delivered the sachets to our store, the sweet scent filled my van and the area outside of it. 

As we have in the past, consecrated religious today look ahead to envision our future, with the same determination, and down-to-earth roll-up-your sleeves approach. We see many needs—new health needs, human trafficking and immigration problems, dealing with Earth and water rights and our own dwindling numbers and resources.  I am not sure of what the future needs will be, but one thing I am certain of—whatever we let go of, whatever we choose, they will be marked by a sacred residue , the fragrance of love and compassion, like my lavender packets.

Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary, use words.  St. Francis  never said this but just left it in our world.