For the love of God, we can bear anything

Earlier today as I was leaving Bakersfield, I noticed a man who was “carrying” a cross down the road. Actually, there was a wheel on the vertical beam bearing most of the weight, but I was still impressed that this man loves God so much that he would show it by an action.

It got me thinking about the meaning of the cross. As I was meditating on the cross (while driving!—Don’t try this at home, kids!), I was also listening to the tail end of one of Father Corapi’s sermons on Immaculate Heart Radio. He was speaking—of all things—on one meaning of the cross. The coincidence was too much to ignore and I took it as a sign that my meditation was on the right track.

I put together a visual aid to help me try and explain what Father was saying. I am not as educated as he is, so I will try to get it right.



The vertical beam of the cross represents our love for God simply because He IS God. The horizontal beam represents our love of our neighbor, as we love ourselves. They come together to form the cross that Christ died on for our salvation.


The major point that Father made is that the horizontal beam cannot bear the weight of Christ’s sacrifice without the vertical beam of our love for God. We must follow the Law in the right order; Love God with all our heart, mind and strength, THEN we are able, with His Grace to love our neighbor. It was out of total, uninhibited love of God the Father that Christ, in His humanity, found the grace and the strength to die for all of mankind for all time. Talk about loving your neighbor!

I thought I would put this out there as food for thought for New Year’s Day.

Oh! I almost forgot! New Year’s Day is also the Solemnity of the Mary, the Mother of God. Don’t forget to get to Mass!

Hail, Mary full of grace! The Lord is with thee. Blessed are you among women and blessed is the Fruit of your womb, Jesus.

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now, and at the hour of our death. Amen.

It is the last hour

Today, on the last day of this year, the First Reading by St. John begins with the words, "Children, it is the last hour."

When things come to a close, it is common to look back and see what has transpired; it gives happenings a better perspective and explains many things that previously may have gone unnoticed. We reflect on what our past year has been like. For some of my family and friends, it was a year of grief and sadness and loss. I weep with them and am glad the year is done, though the grieving will continue. For some, it has been a year of joy and triumph. I celebrate with them. For most of us, the year has been a combination of ups and downs. As we end the year and reflect on all that has happened, there is a constant. In time of sorrow and in time of happiness and in that middle time we most often inhabit, there is God. We can turn to him for comfort, for thanksgiving, for strength and for guidance. We must not lose faith.


I had a conversation with a friend today about “faith”. The discussion revolved around people who have “lost their faith”. I made the point that no one can “lose” faith. All of humankind has faith—it’s just that some don’t know where it is at times. Jesus is the light that tears away the darkness so it can be found. And when faith is found, there is a new beginning.

I love beginnings. As the first reading tells us, we have the knowledge and we know the truth. As the gospel says:

“He was in the beginning with God.
All things came to be through him,
and without him nothing came to be.
What came to be through him was life,
and this life was the light of the human race;
the light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness has not overcome it. “

As dark as things get, the light shines in the darkness and draws us in. We have to be open to the light and to become part of the light ourselves. That’s a resolution worth renewing every day: To be a light when those around you are sad. To be a light when you would rather cover your head with the blankets and not climb out of bed. To be a light when you know it’s time to do the right thing, no matter what others are doing.

Let’s extinguish the old year. We start the year tomorrow with the feast honoring our Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God. She is the mother of us all, given to us by Christ from the Cross.

What better way to conclude the year than the reminder that God always was and always will be and that He loves us eternally. We place ourselves under His protection and that of our Blessed Virgin Mother, and so we step forward in faith!

It’s time to “sing to the lord a new song.” I say thanks to God and ask for help in becoming that light in the year ahead. If we are serious about being a follower of Jesus, this is the time to start; it might really be the last hour, our last chance.

Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!

It’s that time of year again! As 2009 ends and we usher in 2010 our thoughts turn to how we might grow physically, emotionally, and spiritually. We think of things such as what we might avoid—like weight issues, smoking, alcohol use; and what we might add to our daily routines—prayer, caring for the poor, sacrifice for our loved ones.

The Holy Family is depicted here in St. Luke’s Gospel as fulfilling a normal religious obligation in bringing Jesus to Jerusalem for the Jewish ceremony of purification (“Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to God”). There they meet Simeon and Anna, faithful and wise persons who had awaited the coming of the Messiah remaining steady and strong in their faith.

Completing the prescribed purification, Joseph, Mary and the baby Jesus return to Galilee, their hometown, and Luke tells us succinctly, “the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom and the favor of God was upon him.” There is so much personal history of Jesus and the Holy Family contained in these phrases but they really don’t shed much direct light on Jesus as He lived the great majority of His life in Nazareth.

We refer to that “growing” and “becoming strong”, being filled with “wisdom” and receiving the “favor of God” as the hidden life of Jesus. We remember that the public life of Jesus, the part that we are so familiar with because of the Gospels, covered a relatively small part of His whole life. So we are intrigued: what went on during those nearly 30 years Jesus spent with Joseph and Mary? We can only imagine the incidents of that life as Jesus grew among His immediate family, the townspeople He knew, the skills that were developed in Him as He learned Joseph’s trade, if He caught colds or skinned His knees, and the many other tasks of growing up into His identity as a human person.

What we do know about those “hidden” years is what St. Luke tells us in the gospel passage. What do those words or reality actually mean for us in our own circumstances today? If we are to “imitate” Jesus in our lives we are invited to the same kind of growth that He experienced, and that, like Him, we are invited to focus on the source of that growth because indeed the “favor of God” is for us as much as it was for Jesus.

The often-repeated phrase that we speak—“God loves you”—is a reality; a promise from God. We must realize that promise in our own life with its many and varied circumstances. Each of us is called to grow and become strong and be filled with wisdom because the favor of God rests upon us as it rested on Jesus.

Whoda thunk?

Wow! A real-life published author actually took time out of his busy life to respond to my last post, and thank me for a "kind" review. I am overwhelmed on two points: First, that he even read my humble little blog and second, that he appreciated it.

My thanks to you for your kind words, Mr. Lang. May God bless you for writing a book that touched my heart.

Why a Dad Needs a Daughter

In the "good old days" when my kids were small, it seemed like I could always guess what they were giving me for my birthday or Christmas or Father's Day. I was pretty hard to surprise. Of course I was matching wits with children then.

And no matter what the gift was, even if I did already know what it was, it was special, simply because it was given with love.

To tell the truth, I would have been just as happy to get a simple great big hug and an "I love you, Dad". In fact, I remember those moments more than most of the gifts I have recieved over the years.

I get the same feelings now with Lily when she "puckers up" and moves her face close to mine and gives me a kiss or when she puts her head on my shoulder and holds my hand. But not the same feeling. Well, it's the same feeling, but it's not. I mean I'm a GRANDfather, but not her father. And SHE knows the difference as well--I can see it. It's subtle, but it's there.

Back when I was a young father, I thought my kids would remain kids and need me forever. As they got older and "wiser" and independent, the hugs and kisses stopped. I don't know why--they just did.

You know what? I really miss it! I didn't realize it until we were blessed with Lily. A child loves unconditionally and makes a father just instinctively know that he's needed. When the hugs and kisses stopped, it wasn't Earth-stopping, but it was a cause for me to wonder if I was still needed.

So when my girls got together this Christmas and bought me a book titled Why A Daughter Needs A Dad--100 Reasons (Gregory E. Lang, Cumberland House), it took me by surprise and I actually caught myself with a tear in my eye! It appears they still think they need me, they really need me! (Oh, man! Did I just have a "Sally Field Moment"? ) lol.

The book is not meant to be read like a novel. Rather it is meant to be used as a gentle reminder of the great special relationships dads have with their daughters. The left side of each page has a picture of a dad and daughter. The right page has one, two or three reasons why daughters need dads--for instance,

"A daughter needs a dad....

"So she will know what it is like to be somebody's favorite."

or

"to be the safe spot she can always turn to."

or

"to be the standard against which she will judge all men."

or

"who will influence her life even when he isn't with her."

I am finding that it's not just a "make Dad feel good" book; rather it is more of a handbook of what fathers need to teach their daughters to be able to thrive on their own on that day when the child-like hugs and kisses stop.

I don't want to sound like I'm bragging, but I think I've done pretty well in the "daughter department". Both of them are very successful at what they are doing right now. And you know what? I'm not done teaching them yet! And evidently, they aren't done teaching me, either!

If you would like your own copy, it is available at Barnes and Noble.

God is So Good!

Something happened today that prompted me to write this post with this title.

I went to the Sacrament of Reconciliation about 1o days ago. Not only did Christ forgive me in confession through His holy priest, He gave me a penance that seemed impossible to perform. Suffice it to say it was not one of the simple "Say three Our Fathers and Ten Hail Marys" that I seem to always get assigned. It was one of those penances that require reflection on the sin that was forgiven and action in direct contradiction to the sin to "correct" the transgression.
Since I was given the penance, I kept looking at different daily situations and trying to justify my actions in those situations as the fulfillment of my penitential obligation, but somehow, I just didn't feel like it was what He wanted me to do and so I felt like I had not done my penance. He provided the opportunity to perform that penance today. But unlike the last 10 days when I tried to talk myself into thinking I had completed my penance, I didn't have to try to "convince" myself--I heard (and still hear) an "inner voice" telling me that THIS was how I was to repent, and that the debt of my assigned penance was satisfied. My mind is clear again, and so God is Good.

21st Century Herods

This is the twenty-first century. We have no Herods—or have we? We have no massacres of children—or have we?

Herod ordered the massacre of the innocent children of Bethlehem in an attempt to suppress Christianity (literally, since he would not have understood the term in exactly the way we understand it). In the twenty-first century no one would kill to suppress Christianity, except, perhaps, in the Sudan, or Nigeria, or Pakistan, or India, or Indonesia, or Red China. Actually, Christians are being martyred today in many countries all around the world.

Not in North America, of course. We’re being persecuted in many ways, to be sure—but not martyred per se. But what does that mean other than that the Christians of North America are not seen as a threat to the powerful of the earth?

Still, in North America, there is an ongoing massacre of children. There is an Eastern Orthodox tradition that says that Herod killed fourteen thousand children in a few days; but the number was almost certainly lower than that. In the United States alone, there are three thousand babies killed every day. And they are killed because, like the infants of Bethlehem, they are inconvenient. They are a threat, not to a king’s grasp on power, but to their parents’ convenience—or to willfulness, masquerading as “choice.”

And, within the last few years, there has arisen the threat of a new massacre. Children will be sacrificed for the good of that most powerful king of the twenty-first century, Science. Children will be killed so their “stem cells” can be harvested and used for experiments or as medicine for their elders.

So the twenty-first century is at least as barbaric as the first century. But the saddest truth of the twenty-first century is that, unlike Herod, we have known the Christ-child. But he has not come to rule in us, or in our country. Other kings (or pretend kings) rule in his place: money, power, prestige, greed, envy, jealousy, and hatred. The true king has come into his world, and the wise men have seen his sign and have come to worship him, but the pretend kings wage ruthless war to keep him from his throne.

And so even today, in Ramah, the voice of Rachel is still heard, still weeping for her children, because they are no more. Yet, the Christmas message is still there, still calling to us: “The Lord says, stop your lamenting, dry your eyes. . . . For the Lord is creating something new on earth.” And He will see that it is good.

Holy Families are built on trust in the Lord

Once a year, the Church celebrates family life. The readings for Holy Family Sunday teach us a clear lesson, one that anyone with children or grandchildren should be aware: trusting in the Lord bears fruit. Children are gifts from God, and they always belong to God. Parents do not own their children. They are guardians who are responsible before God for their education and upbringing.

The second reading gives a great recipe for successful family relationships. What makes a family "holy"? It's all so simple! Just love one another and keep the commandments!

Of course, simple answers like that are the hardest to accept! Our families would find their disagreements, stressful relationships, and resentments that spoil the joy of family harmony so much easier to solve by imitating the faith and loving trust of the Holy Family.

The Scripture lessons for family life are made even more important in the light of our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI's recent encyclical, Caritas in Veritate (Charity in Truth). In it, he teaches that many of our economic, social, and political problems are a result of the absence of strong family life.

Virtues such as honesty, generosity, and loyalty are first learned and practiced in families that are obedient to the Creator's commandments. The habits thus engrained in individuals flow naturally into the public life of society.

Pope Benedict calls the family "the primary vital cell of society." We cannot, then, separate the private world of family life from the success or failures of the public life of money and power, the economy, business practices, politics, and the way that nations treat world poverty, joblessness, the environment and immigration.

Feast of St. Stephen

Saturday, December 26, 2009

The Joyful Mysteries

Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59

Psalms31:3cd-4, 6 and 8ab, 16bc and 17

Matthew 10:17-22

December 26th has always been a special day for me —it’s the feast day of the first Christian martyr for Christ and my namesake. I pray to St. Stephen to intercede for me so that I may grow in faith, witness, perseverance and courage.

In the reading from Acts, Stephen is “... filled with the Holy Spirit, witnessing his belief in Jesus, sent by God and now standing at the right hand of God” and, “...working great wonders and signs among the people”. However, some of the listeners were infuriated by Stephen’s proclamations and challenges to the people, regarding their lack of living out the call of the prophets to turn to God and live out their belief. Their anger and frustration resulted in stoning Stephen to death.

The Gospel continues the theme of violence, as Jesus warns his followers, “Brother will hand over brother to death, and the parents their children; children will rise up against parents and have them put to death. You will be hated by all because of my name.”

After the last couple of days of visiting with family and friends, and sharing gifts and love you may be asking, “What happened to the message of Christmas - that God loves us and is among us?”

That IS the question for today. In other words, how are we living out the message of Christmas? Do we truly believe that God lives with us and among us and in each one of us? Do our lives proclaim this belief that we are all of God in our day-to-day encounters with our family, friends, and co-workers? Global peace is something for which we all fervently pray and hope yet how do our national and international policies promote the building of the kinship of God?

Where and when is each of us called to announce, through our day-to-day actions, that God is in our midst...and how do we respond when challenged by the perspectives of others?

My prayer today is that we may quietly reflect on the true spirit and call of Christmas. Then, open ourselves to discover how we can live in the presence of God that is among all of us in our day-to-day lives during this holy and joyous season.

St. Stephen, Pray for us.
Child Jesus, help us.

I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas (and the rest of the year, too!)

Reflections at Midnight on Christmas Morning:

I feel like a kid again. I haven’t felt this way in a long time. I can’t sleep. But it’s not a bad feeling—I feel anxious and joyful and can’t wait for morning to open the gifts and see the faces of my family as they exchange their tokens of love.

Sarah was also up until almost midnight with the same Christmas anticipation she suffers every year. This is probably terrible to say, but I came out to get my rosary and told Sarah, “Maybe if I say another rosary, I’ll fall asleep—it’s usually what happens anyway when I say it late at night.” She said she understood, and that it’s probably because of the meditative nature of the prayer. I didn’t say so, but I thanked God silently for blessing me with such an insightful child.

Anyway, two rosaries and a Divine Mercy later, I’m still wide-awake! So I’ll take the opportunity to write my first entry for Christmas Day, 2009. I only hope I’m not so tired that it sounds like rambling.

At the Christmas Vigil Mass it was SRO. Just like it is on Easter Sunday. Just like it will be (probably) for all Masses today. And on Sunday it will be back to “normal”, with maybe 65-70% of the pews filled at each Mass with the faithful. It’s not my place to judge the “C&E” brethren, but I can comment on the phenomenon.

Have you ever been somewhere when it is snowing? It’s quite beautiful when the snow starts coming down and turning everything white. It makes me feel like God is covering the entire Earth with His love and protection. It reminds me of the passage in Revelation (7: 13-17):

Then one of the elders spoke up and said to me, "Who are these wearing white robes, and where did they come from?"

I said to him, "My lord, you are the one who knows." He said to me, "These are the ones who have survived the time of great distress; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”

"For this reason they stand before God's throne and worship him day and night in his temple. The one who sits on the throne will shelter them. They will not hunger or thirst anymore, nor will the sun or any heat strike them.

For the Lamb who is in the center of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to springs of life-giving water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."

Now, have you ever been somewhere when there is a mixture of snow and rain? And you watch for the snow to stick to the trees or the rocks or anything else so you can revel in it? The snow may start to stick, but as soon as the rain, Sun or heat comes out, the beauty fades as quickly as it came. The C&E Catholics are like the snow that doesn’t stick. They come to Mass once or twice a year and that’s beautiful, but as soon as the Holy Day is over, they’re gone as quickly as they came. And they miss out on the “springs of life-giving water” that is created by the slower melting snow that “stuck” around, even through the rain, Sun and heat. It’s not intentional—at least for most. It is just a sign of the times. We should pray for those who don’t enjoy God’s presence weekly (or daily), that they learn the real Joy and Hope that today has brought to them.

Merry Christmas!

What can one say about Christmas? It is such an awesome reality, that the WORD became flesh for our salvation!

When we see an infant, like my granddaughter Lily, many of us are struck by the child's total innocence and total dependence on others. Most of us have the strong urge to love, touch and hold the baby, but then after our own needs are met we walk away, leaving their care to others. (That’s actually a “perk” for grandparents).

Carry this thought through to the Child Jesus, Who’s birthday we celebrate today. Christmas is more than lights, music and presents! It is the realization once again that Christ dwells among us and that He is still totally dependent on us for love, nurturing and shelter. We can walk away from the Infant Jesus in others until next Christmas, or as responsible Catholic Christians we can love, teach, clothe, and feed Christ in others every day!

Close call

Christmas sometimes brings out the silly in people. I was playing with Lily this evening by holding her (quite securely) upside down. She loved it. She was laughing pretty heartily when I did it. I told Sarah, “She probably gets it from me. I used to be pretty good at standing on my head.” Sarah said, “No way! I’d pay fifty bucks just to see you try!”

So I got up to empty my pockets and asked Marilyn if she wanted an extra fifty dollars. I told her Sarah was going to pay me the money if I could stand on my head. Alicia piped in and said, “I’ve seen him do it, Sarah! Of course that was 25 years ago!” They were actually laughing at their old man! So I got ready to show them that I can still do it.

Thankfully Marilyn, the voice of reason, sounded off and said, “Don’t you even attempt it! With your weight, you could break your neck!” Then Alicia said, “Not to worry. Just get Sarah to give the money in ones and you can use the stack of bills to support your neck!”

I’ve raised a houseful of comedians and doubters. I promise that sometime soon, maybe when Marilyn isn’t looking, I’ll stand on my head and send the picture to Sarah to collect. Or maybe I’ll just do some fancy digital photography with PhotoShop. There’s more than one way to skin a cat.

Come, O Silent Night, Most Holy Night

There is so much to keep us from staying focused today. It is somewhat analogous to everything that could have upset Mary on that final day before the birth of Jesus.

Think of how difficult it must have been for Mary to leave the security of the home in Nazareth, where, no doubt, she made meticulous preparations for the coming birth as any new mother does. It was the worst time to have to leave and somehow, we seem to understand, she knew it.

Even so, we have this image of a lovely young woman with her kind and concerned husband, surrendering in faith, to the will of God.

On this traditionally busy day, may we, if even for a moment, push aside every distraction and, like Mary, know that soon all God promised through the message of the Angel is about to be fulfilled.

Singing silent monks

How do I fit into Your plans, Lord?

Malachi 3:1-4, 23-24
Psalm 25:4-5ab, 8-9, 10 and 14
Luke 1:57-66

There are references in scripture that God's works and designs are unknown to man.

But as I read the bible there are plenty of times I find Him strikingly predictable. Throughout both the Old and the New Testaments we find repeated methods that God uses to do His work. For instance, the theme that the last shall be first as found in the story of Esau and Jacob and as our Lord taught His disciples.

There are quite a few stories of how God is found in the desert and in the isolated places as in the case of Moses on Sinai. He seems to use the same numbers over and over again like 7, 12 and 40. When an elderly couple with no children shows up in scripture, you can be certain that a miracle is on the way and a new child is soon to be born and that child is meant for something special in God's plan for our salvation.

In this reading we read about the birth of John the Baptist, the son of the childless and elderly Zechariah and Elizabeth. John came to foretell the coming of the Messiah and like Isaac, Samuel and Jacob he came from a barren mother. God uses these women, even in their later years to give birth to those He needs to do His work.

The bottom line is that anyone can and will be used by God if He sees the need. None of us are too old, too young, too poor, too rich or in any way exempt from this. The common theme, however, is that those who have been called to do His work were open to His word and followed where He led. It is no different for us, so be open to Him and you may be surprised what He asks you to do.

A Friar's Life: The Prayer of Santa Claus

A Friar's Life: The Prayer of Santa Claus#links

This was a great post! I thought I would share it with you.

"Luke--The Movie"

A couple of days ago, someone called in to the radio station I listen to and asked why the Gospel of Luke was so much more detailed than Matthew's. Keep in mind that the Nativity story is only related in these two Gospels.

Steve Ray, an apologist that I really like explained that it was because Luke probably had to be absolutely sure of his facts, since he was the only Gentile to write a Gospel, and who would take a Gentile seriously unless "all his ducks were in a row?"

He said many theologians believe that Luke was so methodical (he was a physician, after all) and thorough that if he were alive today he would not be checking Wikipedia or listening to hearsay stories about Christ--He would go to great lengths to find the most accurate source of information available in order to relate "the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth".

Where, in Luke's time would he find the most reliable source of information? Steve Ray says probably from St. Paul, with whom Luke traveled somewhat. It is also probable that he met St. John and of course Mary, the Mother of Jesus at some point in his quest for the truth. It is highly likely therefore that Luke may have interviewed Mary herself in order to get the details of Jesus' birth that are found nowhere else except in Luke's Gospel. It makes sense, if you think about it...NO ONE other than Mary and Joseph and Jesus and a few shepherds and the Magi were there in the stable. Obviousy Joseph had already died, Jesus had risen and the Magi were long gone by the time Luke wrote his Gospel. I found this answer and the possibility that Mary actually met with Luke and told the story that no one had ever asked her about fascinating. I could imagine Mary was so filled with joy as she related the circumstances surrounding her encounter with Gabriel, her visit to Elizabeth, and the birth of Our Savior, then the ensuing journey into Egypt to escape Herod. Who else could have given Luke the details of his account?

Anyway, of all the movies I've seen that relate the nativity story, none have explored this angle. I had an idea that someone who writes much better than I do should maybe write a screenplay about the interaction between Luke and Mary as she relates her story to him. It could include visits by Luke to Paul and John. who introduces Mary to him and maybe some shepherds who were blessed enough to witness the Birth of Jesus that day. The movie would end with Luke taking pen in hand to begin his chronicles. What do you think? Anyone out there up to the challenge? I'd actually pay the exhorbitant rates theaters charge to see that movie!

No excuse

I don’t have an excuse—other than I just never “got around to it”. I’m talking about visiting my father’s gravesite. I was there once; on the day he was put to rest there, July 30, 1970.

I’m not sure if it’s because the following year we (Mom, my brother Tom and I) moved up to Northern California and I’ve been here ever since, or if it’s because of some deeper resistance. In any event, I drove Mom back down for her yearly visit with my brother yesterday and as we passed by the cemetery Mom mentioned, “That’s where your father is buried.” I decided at that very moment I would visit his gravesite today (his birthday—he would be 102!) to pay my respects (finally) and to say some prayers.

On my drive there this morning, I was thinking, “I’ll just look for the statue of the Holy Family. I know he was buried near there. And I remember there was a willow tree hanging over the gravesite.” When I got there though, I thought it would be better if I just went into the office and got a map to where he is. It was a good decision. I would have been there all day looking because there are no willow trees on the property! But I was right about the statue. And there is a tree—it’s just not a willow. I don’t know what it is. Another thing that threw me off was that I remembered the cemetery being on the other side of the road than where I went in today. I just realized as I am typing this that 40 years ago the entrance was on the opposite side of the cemetery and would have been on the North side of the street after all. Whew! I feel better that my memory is not a total loss!

I am so glad I went. I have an immense feeling of “closure” tonight (and until today, I didn’t realize I needed it!) Rest in Peace, Dad.

A humorous note here: When I told Mom yesterday that I was going to visit, she said, "Just don't take a picture of the marker!" I looked at her with that "What the Heck are you talking about?" look and she said that one of my nephews had visited a while back and brought her a picture of the gravestone. He said he had a question about it though--He noticed on Grampa's side was a date (1907-1970), but on Grandma's side it said 1919- . There was no ending date, and he wanted to know why. She simply said, "You're still talking to me aren't you?" I about busted a gut!

Tomorrow, December 22nd, is the Winter Solstice – - the shortest, darkest day of the year, and the turning point at which the days will start to grow longer and longer. Maybe it’ll be a turning point for me, as well. We’ll see.

The Canticle of Mary

Tuesday, December 21, 2009
The Sorrowful Mysteries
1 Samuel 1:24-28
1 Samuel 2:1, 4-5, 6-7, 8abcd
Luke 1:46-56

Mary in this reading from Luke expresses herself in a canticle. The first verse is something that we should all be able to say:

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord;
my spirit rejoices in God my savior,
for he has looked with favor upon his lowly servant.

This is so true. Hasn't God looked down from heaven and bestowed on us many, many favors?

The words are very similar to the words Hannah used in the Responsorial reading from 1 Samuel. Both have given birth or are pregnant with a child who can change the world and help put humanity back on the right track. Though one could get puffed up at the opportunity these women were presented, we know they would not have been chosen if God didn’t know they’d remain humble with only gratitude for being called to serve.

Gratitude is such a blessing and a hard virtue to find among mankind today. But, this is the virtue easily seen in both women today. I feel grateful for the reminder of how powerful a persistent prayer life can be. For Hannah, praying initially for her self to escape the scorn of being barren, resolves to give over the child to the LORD if she could be granted the gift of childbearing. Her prayer is answered and Samuel is the response from the LORD.

Mary’s piety and her fiat response when asked to bear the “Savior of the world” are well known. Having her humility after being around Jesus all his life would be understandable, but the truth is she was humble before she said yes to carry him in her womb, as she talked about being the “handmaid of the LORD”. So, I am reminded to trust God always, to not stop praying, and humility is a very attractive quality in a person.

There are very few days left now, until the great feast of Christ's birth. Let us enter into a spirit of quiet expectation and meditate on how the favor of God upon Mary is a favor that has been granted also to us who bear the saving mark of Jesus upon our soul.

Thank you, Mary and Hannah for showing us the way today. The world is still full of troubles and in need of a Savior again.

The home stretch

Monday, December 21, 2009

The Joyful Mysteries

Song of Songs 2:8-14 or Zephaniah 3:14-18a

Psalm 33:2-3, 11-12, 20-21

Luke 1:39-45

I know I wrote (sort of) about Mary’s visit to Elizabeth yesterday, but the story is so rich and holds so many different paths for meditation, that I thought I would try another path today.

Here we are in the home stretch of Advent. Christmas is almost here. We wait in anticipation. Waiting to rejoice. Advent seems to be about waiting. I love the Advent season. Which is weird, because I have to admit, I hate waiting. I’m just not very patient. If I walk into a restaurant and there is a line, I don’t even ask how long the wait is. I just leave. I’m influenced way too much by our immediate gratification world. And yet life has taught me that waiting can produce the most wonderful rewards. In fact, sometimes waiting seems to make the thing we are waiting for more important and as a result we place a higher value on it.

Pregnancy is all about waiting. Why else do you think God designed the procreative process to include a nine-month “waiting period”? And why scientists should not be playing around with those technologies that circumvent that?

One wonders how Mary felt so many years ago. Anticipating. Wondering. Anxious. Obedient to God’s will. Waiting to rejoice. As we do. Waiting to rejoice and celebrate the most important event in human history. God coming into the world as a child. What an incredible miracle. What a wonderful gift. Truly something worthy of rejoicing. And, until then, we wait.

I know that for some, Christmas is not a time of joy. The commercialization of Christmas can breed cynicism. The holiday preparations can be overwhelming. In fact, for some, Christmas can be a sad, lonely time.

My prayer this day is for those of us who rejoice to share our joy. Share a smile, a moment, a meal, a gift. And especially share the reason we rejoice with someone who needs to hear some good news. Merry Christmas.

Is your "Journey to Christmas" "in haste?"

Sunday, December 20, 2009

The Glorious Mysteries

Micah 5:1-4a

Psalm 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19

Hebrews 10:5-10

Luke 1:39-45

Father Brandon's sermon was nothing special tonight (nobody hits a home run every time!) :) But what I did get out of it was an interpretation of the phrase, "Mary set out in haste..." that I had not considered before. The phrase "in haste" could mean "quickly", or it can mean "in joyful anticipation". Using the latter definition, I have a new appreciation for why Luke used the phrase in the way he did. And it led me to my meditation for today:

Christmas is just a week away! What happened to your plans to "start over" this year? Or are you smiling contentedly as you read this meditation, "Well, I've had a great Advent! I can't wait for Christmas!"

The readings for the Fourth Sunday of Advent anticipate the joy of the Incarnation. Micah's prophecy, though written eight centuries before the coming of Christ, shows us how far in advance God planned "from ancient times" to send a shepherd king who would lovingly heal His people. He would come as one of us - vulnerable and humble - to atone for the sins and shortcomings of the leaders of both kingdoms. Micah's prophecies were usually condemnatory, but today's prophecy promises a bright future.

The second reading from Hebrews emphasizes the self-sacrifice of Jesus. Even as He comes as a sweet, tiny baby, the manger is really a bed of sacrifice. He gives Himself freely from love. This love is the astounding fact about Christmas. It is the birth of a Divine love enriching our selfish human nature. He comes that we too may learn to sacrifice ourselves to the Father and to consecrate ourselves to Divine Love for the benefit of our neighbor, and indeed, for the whole world.

The Gospel is an intimate encounter between two women of faith. Both have trusted in the secrecy of pregnancy. They both are moved to share their secrets. It is said that a person is as sick as their secrets. It seems that healthy secrets are those that will result in life, growth and joyfulness.

Mary has been greeted by an angel and trusts what she hears in her soul. The first thing she is moved to do is to check it out with her cousin whom she has heard is pregnant too. Elizabeth hears Mary’s greeting and trusts what she hears and feels within her body. Through the Spirit, both Elizabeth and the unborn John the Baptist, prophesy as to the blessedness of Mary and the greatness of her Son. Elizabeth greets Mary with a tender benediction: “Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.”

St. Luke lets us know throughout his Gospel how faithful God is to what He promises. Like Mary, our model for holiness, who was "blest for her believing that what was promised will be fulfilled," so we are shown the way to being blessed by God.

It's never too late to start over. Let's make one final attempt this Sunday to banish the fear and depression brought on by the daily news reports, and to stir up our joy in the action of the Holy Spirit on a young girl and her elderly cousin living in a backwater village like Bethlehem. The Child born for us is still working His miracles of love. He still promises eventual peace to our world.

ily,



Today is your 1st birthday! I don’t know enough words to tell you how much joy you’ve brought into our family, especially “Oompah!”

You bring a big dose of happiness and joy with you wherever you are! You make us “grumpy grownups” smile no matter how sorry we’re feeling for ourselves.

God has blessed you with a Daddy and Mommy who love you more than anything in the world!

And, God has blessed your Mommy and Daddy with the greatest gift He can give to Mommies and Daddies—YOU!

It is a beautiful thing to watch you as you learn new things and grow in knowledge and beauty and all things wonderful.

Don’t forget to remind those around you to thank God for all He has given us. Right now, you do it simply by your presence. Later, when you have learned to speak real grown-up words and know Who God Is, you can shout out your thanks from the rooftops!

This is my 1st Birthday message to you, my dearest Liliana.

“Love God, Love yourself, Love others, because nothing else matters.”

Happy Birthday!


Love,
Oompah
December 18, 2009

The Christmas Gift Who Keeps on Giving

I saw this picture on another blog, and thought of the title for today's entry.

Women--an instrument of God's Grace

Thursday, December 17, 2009
The Luminous Mysteries
Genesis 49:2, 8-10
Psalm 72:1-2, 3-4ab, 7-8, 17
Luke 7:18b-23

This gospel might seem almost odd at first glance. It's a long list of genealogy, tracing the family tree of Jesus. It recounts the ancestry from Abraham, through David and finally to Jesus. The remarkable part is that it contains something not usually found in a genealogy of those times - mention of women.

Tucked away in the rhythmic cadences of the gospel:
"Abraham became the father of Isaac,
Isaac the father of Jacob,
Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers..."
are the names of five women: Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba and Mary, the mother of Jesus. What makes this extraordinary is that in the days in which Jesus lived and Matthew wrote this gospel, women were not full citizens and were considered irrelevant in public affairs. As in many cultures until recent times, inheritance came only through the father. And yet very deliberately, Matthew mentions these women. Why? Perhaps because as many scripture scholars today note, all five women had "irregular" relationships with the men with whom they bore their children. Whether a prostitute, a foreigner, a married woman whose child was conceived in adultery, or like Mary, who was pregnant with Jesus before her marriage to Joseph, all of the women had something extraordinary about their unions. And each one of them had something to do with carrying on the family line from Abraham to the Messiah.

How wondrous that God used these women to bring about the Messiah. Each one of them was a symbol of how God uses the unexpected to carry out God's plan - the coming of the Messiah. Our savior comes to us out of a lineage that is not "regular," but is certainly human, and in all of it, God is working. It challenges us to look at the ways God is inviting us to be instruments of Gods' plan today, in the midst of our own less-than-perfect unions.

Advent is a wonderful time to ask these questions. Can the Lord use me? I'm not perfect, I'm not holy. My circumstances are complex, even messy. I'm too busy, too un-focused, lazy or fast-paced for God to use me. I'm not ready. As soon as I get myself together a little more, then I'll be ready to answer God's call.

Whatever each of our individual human situations are, the temptation is always, perhaps especially for women, to think that God isn't interested in using me. Perhaps this Advent is a time for us to discover what initiatives we can take to be one of the instruments in God's marvelous plan of salvation. Perhaps this is a time to notice one of the women in our lives who, though not perfect, may be an instrument of God's grace for me.

For me personally, I can think of several--Mom, Marilyn, my daughters, Rose (who does a really great job of helping Mom when I am unable to), my mother-in-law, any one of my sisters-in-law, even Lily (who turns 1 year old tomorrow!)--the list is endless of the women who help me find the Grace of God just by my knowing and loving them.

Jesus is better than Santa (D'oh!)

I got the following in an email message from a friend today. I thought I would share it with you.

Jesus is Better than Santa

Santa lives at the North Pole.
JESUS is everywhere.

Santa rides in a sleigh
JESUS rides on the wind and walks on the water.

Santa comes but once a year
JESUS is an ever-present help.

Santa fills your stockings with goodies
JESUS supplies all your needs.

Santa comes down your chimney uninvited
JESUS stands at your door and knocks--then enters your heart.

You have to stand in line to see Santa
JESUS is as close as the mention of His name.

Santa lets you sit on his lap
JESUS lets you rest in His arms.

Santa doesn't know your name. All he can say is "Hi , What's your name?"
JESUS knew our name before we did. Not only does He know our name, He knows our address too. He knows our history and future and He even knows how many hairs are on our heads.

Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly
JESUS has a heart full of love.

All Santa can offer is HO HO HO
JESUS offers health, help and hope.

Santa says "You better not cry"
JESUS says "Cast all your cares on me for I care for you."

Santa's little helpers make toys
JESUS makes new life, mends wounded hearts, repairs broken homes and builds mansions.

Santa may make you chuckle but
JESUS gives you joy that is your strength.

While Santa puts gifts under your tree
JESUS became our gift and died on the tree.

It's obvious there is really no comparison. We need to remember WHO Christmas is all about. We need to put Christ back in Christmas.

Jesus is still the reason for the season.

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Jesus, I miss You

I was talking to my brother today and lamenting that I hadn't been to Mass in 7 whole days because I've been so sick. I really miss the Eucharist. It's a hunger. Not like the hunger for a hamburger or fries--a hunger for the tranquility that Jesus brings me through His Presence. Bob said he feels the same way. My plan (God willing) is to be back in "my" pew at the Cathedral in the morning! Maybe I can even get Father to hear my confession beforehand--that would make the Eucharist even sweeter to me.

No offense, but Who else could He be?

Wednesday, December 16, 2009
The Glorious Mysteries
Isaiah 45:6b-8, 18, 21b-25
Psalm 85:9ab and 10, 11-12, 13-14
Luke 7:18b-23

John the Baptist may have seemed like a man with too many screws loose to many people of his day. He wasn’t successful at accumulating riches of this world, surviving on locusts and honey and wearing a hair shirt, yet he persevered in a way that attracted many who became his devoted disciples. If he was such a faithful man, one who knew that Jesus is the Christ even while still in Elizabeth’s womb, and who heard the testimony of God Himself, why did he send his disciples to check Him out?

Does this mean that John had doubts? I don’t think so—not really. Many good people, throughout the ages (including saints), in an hour of temptation, called into question the most important truths…they just wanted to have their beliefs confirmed. Many good people today fall into the same temptations.

Jesus responded with the facts (to paraphrase): “MIRACLES ARE IN THE MOMENT. If you can’t see the good that I am doing in the world, you’re just not looking. No offense, but this should be good enough for you.” The same can be said today.

And those who respond to His answer always seem to have their faith strengthened by what they see. This is the HOPE that is Christ.

God knows who loves him

Zephariah 3:1-2, 9-13
Psalm 34:2-3, 6-7, 17-18, 19 and 23
Matthew 21:28-32

Meditation on Sacred Scripture helps us to see the consequences of human behavior without the gloss of popular psychology, which offers us all kinds of excuses. What is more, Holy Scripture allows us to see that with God there is a chance to make reparation, to make up for the wrong we have done. True, we might have lost precious opportunities in the realm of temporal things by our faulty decisions, but as long as we have a beating heart we have the wonderful opportunity to humbly and contritely, atone to God, for our transgressions. In return not only are we forgiven, but God offers us, as no human relationships can, the chance to turn even bad choices into an opportunity for good.

God knows the children who love him. It’s not the ones who say “Yes, Yes” and never enter the vineyard, as in the Gospel reading. It’s those who, despite their protestations, do his will.

This gift of God's grace is evident in the themes of this beautiful season of expectation. May we be blessed to access God's mercy in this Season of Light.

Anyone who ever wonders if God understands our human nature should ponder these readings today. We hear about listening, drawing near, acceptance, trust, seeing, changing our minds, and the cry of the poor. Our God made us, truly understands us, and was willing to become man to draw us close to Himself.

The first reading warns a people who had become hard-hearted, that their failure to listen, to draw near to God would result in a time of purification. The remnant would be a people who were humble and lowly, people who would turn their hearts towards God. The psalm is like a theme song to remind us that God hears the cry of the poor, a humble reminder.

It is of interest in the Gospel that Christ directs His questions not to the common folks, who would be the learners, but rather to the chief priests and elders, who would be recognized as the learned ones, about the ways of God. Any of us can succumb to pride, or indifference about our relationship towards God, and get caught up in the seemingly important roles of our various states in life. We can be guilty of placing God on the sidelines of our life. We will pray if we have time, if it is convenient. It is a blessing for us that God is also a patient God, but for how long? The liturgical season of Advent is a good time to ponder these readings, so lovingly placed before us by mother Church.

Update on health situation

I woke up this morning feeling pretty good. I had not coughed or had any congestion problems most of the night. So I went to work today. It was a pretty easy day of driving and minor employee attitude adjustments, so I didn't overdo it. But when I got to the hotel in Fresno, I had a pretty good coughing attack. The cough syrup seems to be working, so I guess the worst is over.

Lily, however, had to see the doctor this morning. She is battling an ear infection and the same cold I've had for several weeks. Alicia has been giving her antibiotics all day and the doctor prescribed a "breathing machine" regimen for a few days. What a trooper! She's still talking and laughing and jabbering as if nothing is the matter! Keep her in your prayers that she is well enough to celebrate her 1st birthday "bash" this weekend!

Sorry--just not up to it today

I'll try to resume my posts tomorrow. I even had to miss Mass today due to my illness. I hope to get to the doctor tomorrow. Everybody except Marilyn is sick here today. Please try to remember us in your prayers.

Following that star

Sunday, December 13, 2009

The Glorious Mysteries

Zephariah 3:14-18a

Isaiah 12:2-3, 4, 5-6

Philippians 4:4-7

Luke 3:10-18

Many people aren't looking forward to Christmas this year. But you know what? Even though I am getting as frustrated as I have ever been with this "cold that never dies" that I have, I am JOYFULLY looking forward to Christmas--almost as much as I did when I was a kid, but for different reasons.

As a kid, it was because I was looking forward to the presents (Who didn't?). But now that I'm older and (ahem) wiser I realize it's because of the hope that the birth of Christ brought to us! I for one, am following that star.

When a father or mother are troubled and anxious about paying bills or finding work, it's so hard for them to respond with a happy laugh when their child bounces into the room, just bursting with joyful news. Worry can put a real damper on the joy of this season. If we don't have hope in our future, or trust in God's love and care for us, how can we respond with joy to the readings we will hear today?

Yet that's the spirit of the Third Sunday of Advent, "Gaudete Sunday" as it's sometimes called, from the Latin word for "Rejoice"! The first hearers of Zephaniah's prophecy must have gone wild with joy as he told them that the Lord has removed His original harsh judgment against them. This ordinarily gloomy prophet now urges them to rejoice and shout for joy, for God is in their midst.

St. Paul speaks in similar terms to the Philippians as he urges them to always rejoice, for the Lord's coming is close at hand. In fact, He is here now - Emmanuel - God is with us! In effect, God is telling us, "Stop worrying! I want a joyful heart and unconditional trust in my care for you!"

Isn't it time in our journey toward eternal life that we take to heart those words which we have heard every Advent of our lives? If we really haven't taken this truth to heart, then we cannot really stir up much reason for joy, especially as Christmas draws near.

We are often far more present to the media news reports of people committing adultery (or--in an effort to "soften" the sin calling it "infidelity"), murders, rapes, and the horrors of war than we are to the great truth that God lives in the midst of His people, including our family and fellow-workers. Do we want to see God? Then we must look into the eyes of our neighbors. If we don't see love there, then we must give them our loving smile.

This daily exercise of finding God in others is the key to a good preparation for another coming of Jesus into our sad world this Christmas. It's time to stir up our faith that, as it really happened two thousand years ago, it is really happening again in 2009.

If we really believe that God has saved us, then that joy should make us serious about changing our lives. In the Gospel, soldiers, shopkeepers, politicians and clergy were all among that desert crowd listening to John the Baptist. As he persuaded them that the Messiah was really near, many anxiously shouted out to John, "What must we do?" (That's a good kind of anxiety!)

As we get rid of needless anxiety, may we rejoice with the Church today, and resolve to trust more completely that the mysteries of Christ's birth, our redemption through His death and resurrection, are indeed worth celebrating!

I've gone international!

Imagine my surprise when I looked at my counter this afternoon and found out that someone from India had signed on to my humble little blog! I hope they found the inspiration they were looking for. They didn't leave a comment, so I can't tell you, but it's exciting for me to know that I've gone international!

Feel like something is missing?

Friday, December 11, 2009

The Mysteries of Sorrow

Isaiah 48:17-19

Psalm 1:1-2, 3, 4 and 6

Matthew 11:16-19

We are still like the people of Israel. Jesus tells us that we're like children who sitting in the marketplace say, "We played the flute for you, but you did not dance, we sang a dirge but you did not mourn." That is to say, we are happy with nothing.

Like the people of Israel, our complete freedom from the tyranny of our selves and our desires has been bought at enormous price. And like the Children of Israel we look upon the gift and say, "Send us back to the fleshpots of Egypt where we at least had enough to eat."

People are never satisfied with what they have. There is never enough, or it isn't the right color, or the right texture, or the right temperature. There is always something wrong, something “missing” with whatever is presented. If only we could recognize this restlessness for what it really is--an expression of desire for God. And then we could turn to Him more fully and invite Him in.

The Gospel recalls the amusing modern-day story of a man who, after seeing pictures and speaking to some of its residents believed they'd lied and that there was no city named Cincinnati. Such an attitude illustrates the mindset of Israel's hierarchy in Christ's time. Both John the Baptist preaching repentance of sin followed by Jesus who promised forgiveness and a new, transformed life were dismissed. They attributed Jesus' miracles to Satan and rejected God's messages by finding fault with the messengers.

Today's world demonstrates the same attitudes as those of two thousand years ago. We are suffering from a succession of destructive events--wars, famines, plagues, and natural disasters--yet it seldom occurs to anyone that such calamities stem from our separation from God, our ignoring His sovereignty over us and disregarding His law based upon His love and those truths inherent in His love. When God made man and entrusted this world to our care, He did so in expectation that we would remain in an intimate, loving relationship with Him, governed by His wisdom. Instead we seized power from Him and used our fallen natures to greedily exploit the land and one another.

We seem unaware that our so-called "civilization" has taken a suicidal course because we refuse to admit that our survival depends wholly on our remaining true to God's laws. If mankind is growing more hostile toward one another, if nature has bursts of cataclysmic madness, we can blame ourselves for having broken the "chain of command" between our selves and our Creator. Only a humanity that allows itself to be formed anew in God's goodness and holiness can restore peace, justice and calm order to this world.

A letter from my CEO

In my e-mail "mailbox" this morning I received the following letter from our CEO.

(Click on the picture to see it full size and to read what he has to say)

I'm pretty proud to be working for a company run by a CEO who is not afraid to express his feelings on the definition of Christmas and to wish all of his "system members" a Merry Christmas.

"System Members" kind of bothers me because when I first started with the company in 1993 the term was "U-Haul members and families". I guess there are certain concessions that need to be made when a company grows year after year. Most of the time it still "feels" family-oriented though--although that could also depend on the immediate superviser one is lucky (or unlucky) enough to get. I am one of the lucky ones. Thanks, Todd.

I love you

Tonight, as ill as I feel with this horrible cold, Marilyn and I, along with Alicia and Lorenzo and Lily (of course!) went to a college basketball game. It was CAL vs UOP. Normally, I'm not into basketball but a game between my daughter's alma mater and the university that is a block away from my house (and a basketball powerhouse to boot) was too good to pass up. I didn't enjoy it as much as I would have without the hacking, sneezing, runny nose, and headache but CAL beat the pants off of UOP. Any win for CAL is good for my family.

We were in our seats when a couple came in to grab the two seat next to me. They looked vaguely familiar but I didn't say anything. Marilyn had gone to the snack bar. When she returned, the lady sitting next to me recognized her right off! I told Marilyn that she doesn't change much--she's as pretty as the day I met her and people will recognize her well into her 90's!

Anyway, it turns out to be my brother Tom's best friends after he started living with Mom--Dave and Teri! Teri was actually the best friend of Tom's wife Dottie long before she met Tom. In fact, I hired Dottie and both of her friends (named Terry and Teri) many years ago when I ran a fast food joint. It was at the fast food restaurant that Tom and Dottie met. It was nice to finally recognize Dave and Teri and talk with them a bit tonight.

I guess it was one of God's ways to help me remember that there are still some very good, caring people out there.


Thursday, December 10, 2009
The Mysteries of Light
Isaiah 41:13-20
Psalm 145:1 and 9, 10-11, 12-13ab
Matthew 11:11-15

We all need to hear the words “I love you”. There are some people though who cheapen the words ”I love you”, by their actions. They might say the words just after they beat someone up, as we’ve seen in the news lately. Or the words can be used as a bribe for favors desired.

Love is cheapened by advertisements. For example thinking that love is when you take someone on a cruise or buy them a car or jewelry and expecting that to say “I love you” while expecting some sort of reward or reciprocation, usually a compromise to chastity.

Moms and Dads who drive their children to this game, that play, tonight’s party, or tomorrow’s recital are showing their love. Simply staying at home and sharing one another’s company without any words says “I love you” in as strong a way than anything else. Caregivers doing household chores for elderly are showing their love. Teachers patiently waiting for students (no matter what age) to “get it” are showing their love. We get so used to people caring for us in small and big ways yet we don’t think often, “he’s loving me”, or “she really loves me”.

God is constantly showing us love through others. God listens to our cries for “HELP”, and someone shows up to help. Of course, we have to ask Him…and we have to be open to see and hear His answers. They come in so many ways and faces.

Remember Jesus said, “ask and you shall receive”. God wants us to ask for help. We need to ask for help. We can’t do all of life alone, especially the big sorrows that come our way. The challenge is to hear HOW God is helping us. It is sometimes difficult to hear another’s words of love in deeds, as St. Ignatius suggests when he says, “Love ought to show itself in deeds more than in words.”

Pray to be open to hearing and seeing and feeling God’s love for you now.

Some yokes don't seem so easy, some burdens don't seem light

I've been fighting (and losing the battle with) a really bad cold for about 3 weeks now. My patience is wearing thin and tomorrow's readings (especially the gospel) have encouraged me to "keep on keeping on" with writing this entry tonight.

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

The Glorious Mysteries

Isaiah 40:25-31

Psalm 103:1-2, 3-4, 8 and 10

Matthew 11:28-30

A few of us find these days less than “holidays” or even “holy days.” 2009 has been a tough year for many of us – illnesses, losses, sorrows, “the economy,” as well as wars and threats of wars. Perhaps even some folks who put on happy faces experience some deep, lingering sort of emotion like an exile, feeling on the outside of it all.

I think that is why the gospel invitation from Jesus is so poignant: “Come to me all who are weary… Learn from me… Take my yoke… Find rest…”

Some read this passage and seem to think that Jesus is promising that things will go well and easily once you turn to Him. But that isn't at all what is meant here. Life will continue to be life; there will be hardships, difficulties, turmoil, and every sort of thing that arises from people interacting with people. There will be no respite from these things. Think of Our Lady! She was born without sin and remained without sin and still had to endure escaping to a strange land, losing her Child while on a pilgrimage, and ultimately watching His passion and death on a cross!

The most difficult thing for many people to do is trust in their faith again after disappointment or disillusionment. But, that is what Jesus invites us to do today. It’s what Mary did, and without question! And I think that’s the basic reality that Advent always invites us to face – can we trust after betrayal, after loss, or after diminishment?

In other words, how easy is it to trust God after exile or while we experience exile now? How easy is it to believe that we will rise up “on wings of eagles?”

If any of this addresses your experience at this time in life, at this time in the Church year, it may be just the right time to recall how such experiences might open for us a way of entering the world of refugees, of people facing famine and starvation, of people who make thirty-five cents an hour making clothing or shoes for some multi-national corporation in the third world. Perhaps our sense of exile might help us form a bond with others who also suffer. Pray for them and encourage them to pray for you.

Fiat!

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

The Sorrowful Mysteries
(Although you may want to say the Glorious Mysteries in honor of the
Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary)


Isaiah 35:1-10
Psalm 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4
Ephesian 1:3-6, 11-12
Luke 1:26-38



We should not and must not underestimate the significance of the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary in salvation history! The simple and yet profound "fiat" of the Blessed Virgin Mary reversed the course of the eternal destinies for millions of people. So, what meaning can we take from this solemnity, for ourselves, today, as we near the end of 2009?

We might start with the question God put to Adam in the Garden of Eden. He asked Adam: "Where are you?" (Genesis 3:9) We are still somewhat early in the Advent season and we might ask ourselves that same question in regard to our life in Christ. The Second Reading reminds us that we were destined before the world came into being, for the "praise of His glory...." (Ephesians 1:12) What an awesome honor and responsibility! How are we doing as a person born to live a life praising God?

Sacred artwork pertinent to this season is robust with images of the Blessed Virgin lovingly holding and carrying a swaddled infant. We are like that baby, born into our Christian heritage through Baptism and standing naked and helpless, like Adam, before the very eyes of God, our loving Father.

Let us take hope from Mary, the mother given us at the foot of the cross, a mother who was strong enough to say "Fiat" -- a simple word that changed the face of time and eternity!

Advent preparation

Which is better?

Thinking "OUTSIDE the box" (click on the cartoon to read it better)

Thinking "INSIDE the box"

YOU Decide!

Great friends beget greater friends

Monday, December 7, 2009
The Joyful Mysteries
Isaiah 35:1-10

Psalm 85:9ab and 10, 11-12, 13-14

Luke 5:17-26

We have seen incredible things today. (Luke 5:26)

The power Jesus received from His Father in Heaven to forgive sins on earth is certainly at the core of this Gospel. But the power of faith also teaches that the bigger our faith, the better a friend we make! When the paralyzed man's unwavering friends couldn't get him in front of Jesus because the stretcher was too unwieldy to bring through the crowd, they carried him up to the roof and lowered him through the roof tiles into the middle of the crowd right in front of Jesus! What a struggle that must have been! While this act of love isn't as astonishing as Jesus healing the man, we must ask ourselves – would we go that far for one of our friends?

The Gospels play an extraordinary role for us during Advent, a special time of its own for miracles, when we see more clearly the hearts of adults acting like children as they give extra effort toward a kind deed or warm words. It's a time for caring and loving, and for counting our blessings for the faith and unconditional love we receive from others.

Sometimes when we need them most, our friends seem to be turning away. But we can be assured they're actively learning the same lessons we are, just not at the same time. Today they might not have the capacity to help a friend in need, but tomorrow, or even a year from now, we may find them at our side, acting on God's grace. And so it is with us. Then we should try to remember that friendship works both ways, and hopefully we'll discover that our friend was always a friend, and that growing in faith brings greater love, which helps us to see incredible things.

Happy Birthday, Carolyn!

For Marilyn's sister Carolyn's birthday, Marilyn and I, Alicia, Lorenzo and Lily met up with Sarah and her boyfriend Tony at Carolyn's house, then we all went with Carolyn and her kids to a Christmas tree farm so Carolyn could get a fresh tree for her new apartment.

I don't normally "do" the Sunday trip thing, especially to the Bay Area, because I hate dealing with traffic and I'm not real good at "visiting". But as I wrote yesterday, Lily has reminded me that Christmas is supposed to be fun. You know what? I think I did have fun!

So I got up really early and went to the 6:30am Mass then we headed off.


Here's Tony and Sarah telling Carolyn what Tony is looking for in a tree for his own apartment.


Carolyn finally made her selection, then I volunteered to wheel it up to the cashier.


Alicia and Lorenzo thought it would be nice if Lily had a tree of her own, as she did last year when she was just 1 week old! This was their pick.


Tony and Sarah found a tree for his apartment. Sarah, like Marilyn and me, has an artificial tree. (We know what the tree will look like, and it's so much easier to clean up after Christmas!)


And then of course, during this time of year you can't go anywhere without "running into" Santa!