A Lenten Reflection: First Week of April 2025

As Sisters of the Living Word we are called to be witnesses to Christ alive in our world, in each other, and in all creation. As you may have heard from earlier announcements, the Sisters of the Living Word are celebrating our 50th anniversary this year. One of the goals of this year is to spend a bit of time renewing our connection with one another and with the charism and mission of the SLW.

We have collected a series of writings from our Foundress Sister Annamarie Cook’s Speak Lord for reflection. Our hope is that her writings may promote a deeper understanding and connection with Sister Annamarie, the charism and vision of the Sisters of the Living Word, and with the wider world.

It is that time of year again. Just as Spring is heralded by a clearing away of last year’s accumulated dead growth and a planting of seeds that will bring new life into this world of mine, so Lent is also that same time for clearing and planting -- a clearing up and a cleaning out of the lazy, relaxed habits that one can suddenly find one's self in and putting a stronger emphasis on self-discipline that brings with it a resurgence of new life.

How awake and alert are we to the beauty and gift of the daily Liturgy?

How much creativity and thought have we put into the daily Office?

Where have we been sliding back with regard to religious practices that we had in our lives and that were good?

Where is the daily examen?

How am I working on the element of concern for every person that crosses my path during the day?

Is my respect for each of God’s people beginning to show signs of thread bareness?
How is my concern for others manifested in my daily prayers?

How have I been about the daily need for self-denial in my life?  

There are so many areas in our lives that with the help of our Redeemer we need to take a good look at during Lent! Let us be up and about it.

- Sister Annamarie Cook, SLW Foundress
Speak Lord Volume 5 #3, Written in March 1979

In many ways 2025 has felt so full of tragedy.  We grieve as we see so much cruelty and struggle in the environment and humanity everywhere.  If we have ever needed a Lenten season, it seems now is the time.  Time for each of us to reflect on the mercy of God for all people. Time to pray that God’s ways reign and bless all people, especially those who are suffering all around the world.

As we all celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Sisters of the Living Word, we pray that our hearts may grow lighter as we recall the love and joy of Sister Annamarie’s “Yes” to the call of the Word of God in Jesus.

-SLW Congregational Leadership Team