By Sister Michele Morek

You’ve probably seen them, perhaps in the oddest places.  In the neglected grounds around an old homestead, or maybe even coming up in the middle of a lawn (like this picture taken out by the maintenance building, where our old Mount Saint Joseph water tower used to be).

In late summer, Lycoris squamigera burst from their forgotten underground bulbs, seemingly overnight, until – BANG – there they are, pretty in pink. The stem and flowers come up before the leaves are out, which is why the less reverent among us call them “Naked Ladies,” while the more reverent call them “Resurrection Lilies.”

But my favorite name for them is “Surprise Lilies!” Who doesn’t love a surprise? As long as it’s a good one. That got me thinking: why exactly is it that we love surprises? Maybe because they feel “unearned,” like Divine grace, or like a loving gift from a benevolent universe. Or like a card from a friend, or a plate of cookies left by a neighbor – given for no reason at all from someone who loves you.

“Act, move, believe, strive, hope, cry out to God with all your heart. Then without doubt you will see marvelous surprises! If you direct everything toward the praise and glory of his majesty, and the good of souls.” (Paraphrased from Saint Angela Merici’s advice to leaders)

Something to consider

Think of a wonderful surprise you have received.

What is your favorite kind of surprise?

Have you experienced surprises from being part of the extended Ursuline family?