August 20, 2020

Summertime, and the livin’ is easy
Fish are jumpin’ and the cotton is high...
One of these mornin’s you’re gonna rise up singing
Then you’ll spread your wings, and you’ll take to the sky”
                             -- Summertime by George Gershwin
Dear Friends:

“Easy” is most likely not the first word you’d choose to describe summer time in this year of the pandemic. The spirits of so many seem crushed under the weight of uncertainty and anxiety. 

And yet at unguarded moments within the many pressing concerns that weight us down, if we listen deeply, we can hear a whisper of peace...a stir of gratitude...a surge of joy. The “dearest freshness deep down things” that fill our lives with wonder each day are easy to miss. They break in on us when we stop, become still, open our eyes and gentle our hearts. Hope can lift us up and free our compassion.

During these last days of summer, Cranaleith stands ready to help us all “waste time” with God and others so that light can seep into our hearts. Meet St. Brigid, Mary of the Gaels, whose recognition of holiness in daily rituals allowed her to recognize God’s presence in the poor. Attune your hearts to the Sacred Sound of Tibetan bowls and trace a slow, leisurely path through Cranaleith’s labyrinth. Marvel over summer’s bounty in the garden...what the deer haven’t yet eaten...and “play” with the food you prepare. Be sure that we pray for you in these waning days of summer, asking that your lives be replenished with the unfailing mercy of God.

The Cranaleith Staff
Upcoming Retreats

Tuesday, August 25, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Saturday, August 22, 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Saturday, August 29, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.


Join us for a half-day or day-long program to process how recent events have impacted individuals and teams and to regroup as you continue your journey.















Reflect From Home
Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time

READINGS:
Romans 11:33-36 and Matthew 16:13-20
In this week’s gospel, Jesus asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” The common perception was that he was a prophet – special, yes, but not unusual. When Jesus asked how the disciples themselves saw him, Peter identified Jesus as the Christ, i.e. the human chosen by God to restore Israel, and as the Son of the living God, i.e., divine. Jesus responded, “Blessed are you… for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father.” Notice that Peter recognized what others couldn’t because God showed him the depth of Jesus’ identity.

FOR REFLECTION:
  • In what part of your life do you most need to grow in awareness of God?
  • What aspect of the Gospel has God commissioned you to embody?
Listen
Recipe From Our Kitchen
Peanut Butter Pie

Filling
  • 1 - 8 or 9” graham cracker crust (recipe below)
  • ½ c creamy peanut butter
  • 6 oz cream cheese
  • 1 c powdered sugar
  • ½ c half and half
  •  8 oz Cool Whip
  1. Place peanut butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar and half and half in a mixing bowl. Using the frosting beater, blend until combined well.
  2. Fold in Cool Whip.
  3. Pour into pie crust.
  4. Freeze.

Graham Cracker Crust
  • 1 ½ c graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/3 c butter melted
  • ¼ c sugar
  1. To make the graham cracker crumbs, place 3 crackers between 2 sheets of waxed paper. Roll a rolling pin over the top sheet of waxed paper until fine crumbs. OR pulse crackers in the food processor.
  2.  Combine three ingredients in a bowl with a spoon.
  3. Press into an 8 – 9” pie plate. No need to chill or bake!
“I don’t know exactly what a prayer is.
I do know how to pay attention, how to fall down
into the grass, how to kneel down in the grass,
how to be idle and blessed, how to stroll through the fields,
which is what I have been doing all day.” 
-- A Summer’s Day by Mary Oliver
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Spiritual Direction
We are still offering Spiritual Direction via phone and teleconferencing. Contact Cathy Maguire, RSM at cmaguire@cranaleith.org or 215-858-6239. Psychotherapy is also available. Please contact Leslie Porreca, RSM, LCSW. Learn more

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Sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, Cranaleith offers a contemplative space for all those seeking wholeness and transformation for themselves and society. We are committed to making Cranaleith accessible to all, especially to persons who are poor and those who work in solidarity with them. We invite those at the center of need and those at the center of influence to reflection, reverent dialogue and meaningful partnerships. Please help us support our work.
Cranaleith Spiritual Center | 13475 Proctor Road | Phila., PA 19116