A Loving Community

“Jesus said:  ‘Love one another as I have loved you’” John 15:12

Her dementia deepening, Deaconess, Maralyn Marske-Walker still unforgettably remembers the “WELCOME SISTER!” she received from a group of Roman Catholic Nuns.

She and her husband, Dick, had arrived at a Senior Community operated by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. They were exploring a move to the Latham, New York facility.

When she introduced herself as a Lutheran Deaconess, the Sisters opened their arms with that overwhelmingly welcoming exclamation, “Welcome Sister”.

When we get together, Maralyn loves to mention that moment. Though she was a stranger, in one instant the Sisters made her feel a part of their faith family. So it is that when we welcome strangers, as well as friends, as they did, we provide a warm and loving presence of the Lord.  We, literally, put into practice Jesus’ words: “Love one another as I have loved you”.

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, thank you for giving us your love to share, even as you laid down your life on the cross to bear ours! Amen.

Deaconess Jean Wildgrube, Rexford, NY