God's Surprises

When the Baron de Chantal was killed in a hunting accident, his widow, now known as St. Jane Frances de Chantal, raised their children as a single mother and through her motherly care and the workings of the Holy Spirit, her spiritual life took major and surprising turns. She used her talents, time and treasure to help the sick and the elderly, and under the guidance of her spiritual director, St. Francis de Sales, not only became a nun, but founded an Order, The Sisters of the Visitation. Originally she fought against cloister and any particular habit, because she wanted her Sisters to be able visit the sick and poor in their homes, much like the Missionaries of Charity, founded by Blessed Mother Teresa do today. Ironically, the Church would not give approval of the Order, unless the sisters were cloistered. St. Jane complied and education then became the main focus of their ministry. The need for education was there and many women, widows included joined St. Jane, who in her lifetime founded 85 convents.
Again we see that surpise is the order of the day, and the words of Jesus, "not my will but yours be done" (Mt 26:39), take us on paths we never dreamed possible. Each one of us can tell similar tales; it is good to reflect on our journeys, especailly when BIG surprises come our way, to see that the pattern always includes the grace and means to accomplish what God asks.
May the example of St. Jane be our inspiration for today's surprises.
Bro. Rene
I'll be attending the PhD graduation of one of my Rwandan students on Saturday and will be on retreat at St. Anselm Abbey from August 14-22. There will be no new slices of Daily Bread until August 23rd. Will pray for all of you.
Bro. Rene