After I entered the community, I was surprised to learn that this unassuming woman was a talented artist. Years ago, she taught herself oil painting by watching the instructional television show Paint This with Jerry Yarnell. She excelled at painting landscapes, but what really astounded me was her depictions of the cosmos — swirling clouds of gas, bright galaxies, and pinpoints of stars.
When she looked outward, Sr. Frances focused on those right in front of her and attended to their needs. When she looked inward, she found God’s beauty and expansiveness within herself, and reflected it on her canvas.
In these days when we are constantly bombarded by news about the world’s troubles, we would do well to follow Sr. Frances’ example. When we look outward, let us narrow our focus on the areas where we can make a difference. When we look inward, may we be awed by the reminder that we are part of a glorious universe where the Cosmic Christ calls us to live in love and harmony.
