OK, it has to be a test. But it's a test with a study session. I couldn't wait to get to Our Lady of Mount Carmel church to go to confession tonight. And even though I wrote early this morning that I was sure the Holy Spirit wouldn't let me down tonight, I wasn't able to completely trust in His providence, so I drove down early to make sure someone would be there. I felt much better after finding out they are doing a complete face-lift to the outside of the church and that there was a team of painters there who were setting up lights to work by. This told me that they would be working into the night.
I went back to the apartment to grab a bite to eat and clean up before returning for confession. My soul lit up at the sight of about 20 cars outside the church. This was a good indication that everything was going as I planned it. Did you get that? I said as I planned it! This is where I think the Holy Spirit nudged me in the side tonight. When I entered the church, there was a wedding rehearsal going on! This is really not unusual, so I didn't think anything of it. I found a pew and decided to say my rosary in this (beautiful, by the way) church where I was baptized while waiting for Father to show up. A few more families trickled in until there were about 30 people waiting for confession. I appeared to be the only non-Hispanic in the building and no one was speaking English. I have been to enough Spanish services lately that this doesn't bother or intimidate me. In fact, I marvel at how the Mexican people bring even their very small children with them to church no matter what the occasion. It is very heart-warming to me. It shows a devotion I'll probably never get close to.
Anyway, I waited until 8pm and tried to participate in what I finally figured out was the Divine Mercy Chaplet, Stations of the Cross, and the holy Rosary in Spanish before it dawned on me that Father was not going to show up for some reason. Again, while I understand that priests are often called away at the last minute to attend to the sick and dying, I was disappointed that I wasn't going to be able to confess and do penance again!
I was even a little "put out" that MY plans were thwarted again, until it hit me--I think our Lord wanted me to spend even more time on my examination of concience, because if I think the world is going to revolve around MY plans, maybe I'm not ready to receive His graces yet. So I'll wait until Saturday and go when I'm better prepared and a lot more disposed to make a GOOD confession to my regular confessor, not after working all day and in a state of exhaustion.
Imagine my shame again at my reaction to my change of plans when I got back to the apartment and reflected on tomorrow's gospel!
In the gospel of Mark (12:28-34) a young man asks Jesus which is the first of the commandments. It’s kind of a double-edged question. He is asking first, which is the most important of the commandments and secondly, from which commandment do the rest flow in proper order and sequence.
The first commandment, Jesus answers, is to love God with everything that you are. And the second commandment, which springs from the first, is to love your neighbor as yourself. You cannot accomplish the second of these without doing the first. And you will know that you are properly loving God when love of neighbor flows as naturally as milk from a carton. Loving your neighbor is the second of the commandments because it is so much a sign and a part of the first.
Loving God with all that you are, however, always begins with asking God for the strength to love Him. We accomplish little by ourselves and being human, our love of God quickly fades away if it is not renewed by the supernatural strength of God Himself.
So, in a very few words, Jesus instructs us on how to make heaven on Earth: (1) love God with all that you are, and (2) love your neighbor as you love yourself. Obey these two commandments and all that is required of us is fulfilled. It’s easy enough, if you count on God, not yourself, as your strength, your song, your authority – otherwise it’s impossible. God alone suffices. You don't need to make the plans, you just need to work with the plan He's already laid out for us.
I hope it's a lesson I learn sooner rather than later.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
The time must be right
After several attempts, it appears I will finally get to see the inside of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Fresno this evening! I've been trying to get to confession for about 3 months now, and every time I make plans, work gets in the way. I AM going to make it tonight! OLMC has the Sacrament of Penance on Thursday evenings at 7PM. (According to the diocesan website--I also tried to attend a Mass there once based on the same website and when I showed up, there was no Mass--but I trust the Holy Spirit will not let me down tonight!) God knows I need forgiveness and the grace to keep going on the best I can. Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Good advice for everyone--not only priests
Father Mark Mary has an interview with another priest in his latest blog. It's good advice for priests.
It's filled with great advice for ALL of us! Please listen to the interview. Holy Mary, Pray for us!
It's filled with great advice for ALL of us! Please listen to the interview. Holy Mary, Pray for us!
"Having to" vs. "Wanting to"
Four year olds are famous for asking lots of questions. They spend their days asking "why?" as they explore their world. Sometimes we can’t answer their profound questions.
During a given day we keep many rules and obey the laws of the Church and society. It might be interesting and revealing to ask ourselves "why" we are doing certain things. Why do we go to “church”? What are we doing with our gift of free will?
The readings for tomorrow speak to the fact that God’s law must be taught and shared. We can’t respond to Jesus just by being good and going to church. We need to share Christ’s teachings and invitations to a different kind of life. Jesus “fulfilled” the laws – he provided the example of a life lived completely obeying the commandments, bringing them to life. But, Jesus takes it further and calls us to join him. The law is not just meant to be obeyed. We must share the law and guide others in how to do the same.
I drove to Bakersfield (roughly, a 2 hour trip one way) with my friend—and boss—Todd today. As is often the case, we got our work conversations out of the way first, then, we talked about our families and the daily triumphs and struggles attendant to those. He is not a “religious” man, but he does believe in God. I get the feeling he is “searching” for answers, but not aggressively. We talked about and laughed about and prayed earnestly for our families, especially our children and grandchildren. He brought up a topic that reminded me of today’s Gospel (it occurs to me I didn’t blog about it last night!). That got me started on a 10 minute discourse about forgiveness, and how I need to work on my lack of forgiveness to others who I feel have hurt me or my family or my friends, whether in a big way or a small way.
At the end of our stay in Bakersfield, it was my job to drive a truck back to Fresno and Todd was to follow me. He said, “It’s going to be a long drive back without someone to talk to. No offense, but I like your occasional “sermons”. They always get me thinking about how I can improve myself.” I couldn’t respond. I didn’t think I was saying anything special today. I was just relaying my understanding of the Gospel that I received through my Catholic faith. I also told him I didn’t take offense at his statement. I should have added ( but pride got in the way?) that any good that came out of our conversation would have to be credited to the Holy Spirit, because I was just relaying what I was inspired to say, without any foreknowledge we were even going to have the conversation!
I digress—back to tomorrow’s readings! As I ponder today’s experience with Todd, it strikes me that tomorrow’s readings strongly emphasize the importance of God’s laws. In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus makes it clear to his disciples that the law of the Old Testament still stands. Although people of Jesus’ time may have thought that Jesus came to replace the rules of the Old Testament, Jesus states that he did not come to erase God’s commandments or to open a “back door” into heaven for his followers. Rather, Jesus came to challenge us all not only to follow God’s commandments, but to lead others to follow them as well.
How often in life do we simply go through the motions of being Christian? Sitting in Mass on Sundays, saying a quick prayer at night before falling asleep, giving up sweets or Facebook for Lent without really thinking about what Lent is all about. Jesus challenges us all to enter more fully into God’s laws. What is it that God is actually calling us to in life? What does following God’s laws, God’s commandments really mean, and how does it change our lives? We should not simply go through the motions of Christianity. Rather, as Jesus calls us to do, we must follow and enter fully into God’s commandments.
In life, we all meet hypocrites: people who promote something while not even following it themselves. The typical response to a hypocrite is as follows: “Well, I’m definitely not going to do what you’re telling me to do!” The same goes for Christianity. If we want to truly lead others towards Jesus by following God’s commandments, we cannot simply follow the rules, because people will recognize that we are not being sincere. Instead, we must enter into God’s commandments so that faith is not only going through the actions, but an easily recognized part of our lives. May God forgive my lack of humility here, but it’s nice to hear people at work say to me (once in a while), “I enjoy your occasional ‘sermons’” or, “Can I ask your opinion on a spiritual matter?” Their recognition that I am at least trying to lead a holy and spiritual life makes me feel that maybe I’m on the right track.
Let us each take a few moments to think about ways that we can enter more fully into God’s kingdom. Are we following God’s commandments because we have to? Or have we allowed God’s commandments to enter into our lives? God wants us all to obey his commandments and lead others to follow him; he wants us to be called greatest in his Kingdom!
During a given day we keep many rules and obey the laws of the Church and society. It might be interesting and revealing to ask ourselves "why" we are doing certain things. Why do we go to “church”? What are we doing with our gift of free will?
The readings for tomorrow speak to the fact that God’s law must be taught and shared. We can’t respond to Jesus just by being good and going to church. We need to share Christ’s teachings and invitations to a different kind of life. Jesus “fulfilled” the laws – he provided the example of a life lived completely obeying the commandments, bringing them to life. But, Jesus takes it further and calls us to join him. The law is not just meant to be obeyed. We must share the law and guide others in how to do the same.
I drove to Bakersfield (roughly, a 2 hour trip one way) with my friend—and boss—Todd today. As is often the case, we got our work conversations out of the way first, then, we talked about our families and the daily triumphs and struggles attendant to those. He is not a “religious” man, but he does believe in God. I get the feeling he is “searching” for answers, but not aggressively. We talked about and laughed about and prayed earnestly for our families, especially our children and grandchildren. He brought up a topic that reminded me of today’s Gospel (it occurs to me I didn’t blog about it last night!). That got me started on a 10 minute discourse about forgiveness, and how I need to work on my lack of forgiveness to others who I feel have hurt me or my family or my friends, whether in a big way or a small way.
At the end of our stay in Bakersfield, it was my job to drive a truck back to Fresno and Todd was to follow me. He said, “It’s going to be a long drive back without someone to talk to. No offense, but I like your occasional “sermons”. They always get me thinking about how I can improve myself.” I couldn’t respond. I didn’t think I was saying anything special today. I was just relaying my understanding of the Gospel that I received through my Catholic faith. I also told him I didn’t take offense at his statement. I should have added ( but pride got in the way?) that any good that came out of our conversation would have to be credited to the Holy Spirit, because I was just relaying what I was inspired to say, without any foreknowledge we were even going to have the conversation!
I digress—back to tomorrow’s readings! As I ponder today’s experience with Todd, it strikes me that tomorrow’s readings strongly emphasize the importance of God’s laws. In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus makes it clear to his disciples that the law of the Old Testament still stands. Although people of Jesus’ time may have thought that Jesus came to replace the rules of the Old Testament, Jesus states that he did not come to erase God’s commandments or to open a “back door” into heaven for his followers. Rather, Jesus came to challenge us all not only to follow God’s commandments, but to lead others to follow them as well.
How often in life do we simply go through the motions of being Christian? Sitting in Mass on Sundays, saying a quick prayer at night before falling asleep, giving up sweets or Facebook for Lent without really thinking about what Lent is all about. Jesus challenges us all to enter more fully into God’s laws. What is it that God is actually calling us to in life? What does following God’s laws, God’s commandments really mean, and how does it change our lives? We should not simply go through the motions of Christianity. Rather, as Jesus calls us to do, we must follow and enter fully into God’s commandments.
In life, we all meet hypocrites: people who promote something while not even following it themselves. The typical response to a hypocrite is as follows: “Well, I’m definitely not going to do what you’re telling me to do!” The same goes for Christianity. If we want to truly lead others towards Jesus by following God’s commandments, we cannot simply follow the rules, because people will recognize that we are not being sincere. Instead, we must enter into God’s commandments so that faith is not only going through the actions, but an easily recognized part of our lives. May God forgive my lack of humility here, but it’s nice to hear people at work say to me (once in a while), “I enjoy your occasional ‘sermons’” or, “Can I ask your opinion on a spiritual matter?” Their recognition that I am at least trying to lead a holy and spiritual life makes me feel that maybe I’m on the right track.
Let us each take a few moments to think about ways that we can enter more fully into God’s kingdom. Are we following God’s commandments because we have to? Or have we allowed God’s commandments to enter into our lives? God wants us all to obey his commandments and lead others to follow him; he wants us to be called greatest in his Kingdom!
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Three meditations in one post! A record for me!
I think Father Brandon's homilies are better when he speaks "from the hip", relating the day's gospel to a pastoral experience he's had. Today's was a really good one. I know, because Mom will discuss the homily with me after Mass when SHE thinks it's good, too, and today was one of those days.
He related a discussion he had with a young adult male (married) he had earlier this week. The young man is a sports "junkie"--he lives for sports. Because Father Brandon knows this, he asked the man how 'his' teams were doing during March Madness. He answered, "I don't know, Father, I gave up watching sports for Lent. Instead, I've instituted a "family night" once a week wherein we have dinner, say the rosary, and head out to the park or the movies or just stay in and play board games." Father was taken aback! This is a guy who doesn't speak about anything but sports! "And you know what, Father?", he continued, "I don't miss it at all! It's as though God filled the void with Himself! I'm so much happier!"
Like the woman who went to the well to get water to quench her thirst. After carrying on a conversation with Jesus, He filled the "thirst" in her soul so much that she left the well without any water for her physical thirst to evangelize to the rest of the town! THAT'S WHAT LENT IS ALL ABOUT!
=======================================================================
Tonight I have a couple of different, yet intertwined takes on tomorrow's readings.
Sometimes we make our lives and our relationship with God more difficult than it has to be. This idea is illustrated perfectly in Jesus’ words in the Gospel, “No prophet is accepted in his own native place.” (Luke 4:24-30) Sometimes we only hear what we want to hear or we think what we need to do must be more complicated. Take for example Naaman (2 Kings 5:1-15ab.) He goes to the prophet Elisha, looking for a cure for leprosy. Elisha gives him a simple answer: Go and wash seven times in the River Jordan. But Naaman doesn’t buy it. He’s angry. The answer must be more complicated. It was his servants who had the answer: “My father,” they said, “if the prophet had told you to do something extraordinary, would you not have done it? All the more now, since he said to you, ‘Wash and be clean,’ should you do as he said.”
Sometimes I seek a complicated solution, a bargain with God that will let me do what I want to do. What I have to realize is that what God wants from me is extraordinary and simple. I have to learn to be quiet so I can really hear my own heart. I pray that I can open my heart and listen, even if the answer seems simple. Let me see what is extraordinary in the every day, in the people around me.
These same two readings can remind us of how difficult it can be to see God in one another, especially when “one another” means the people we see every single day. We know that our friends, coworkers, and family members have flaws and they also know that we have our own. That knowledge and the loving acceptance that can grow from it is beautiful in its own way, but it can also become challenging for us to see God in people that we think we know so well.
It is a challenge to see each person anew from moment to moment, but I think it’s a worthwhile thing to focus upon. One of the most beautiful aspects of being human is that each moment presents us with a new opportunity to make a good choice, to love as best we can. To recognize that potential in oneself is challenging enough sometimes, and to understand that it extends to all people takes even more of a concerted effort on our behalf. However, doing so will lead us towards seeing with a new light.
Let’s not limit each other by the singly limited perspectives we have of each other. Rather, let us smile, open our arms, and remember that when we are rejecting, insulting, gossiping about, ignoring, and not listening to each other, we are doing so to Jesus, nailing him to the cross once again.
He related a discussion he had with a young adult male (married) he had earlier this week. The young man is a sports "junkie"--he lives for sports. Because Father Brandon knows this, he asked the man how 'his' teams were doing during March Madness. He answered, "I don't know, Father, I gave up watching sports for Lent. Instead, I've instituted a "family night" once a week wherein we have dinner, say the rosary, and head out to the park or the movies or just stay in and play board games." Father was taken aback! This is a guy who doesn't speak about anything but sports! "And you know what, Father?", he continued, "I don't miss it at all! It's as though God filled the void with Himself! I'm so much happier!"
Like the woman who went to the well to get water to quench her thirst. After carrying on a conversation with Jesus, He filled the "thirst" in her soul so much that she left the well without any water for her physical thirst to evangelize to the rest of the town! THAT'S WHAT LENT IS ALL ABOUT!
=======================================================================
Tonight I have a couple of different, yet intertwined takes on tomorrow's readings.
Sometimes we make our lives and our relationship with God more difficult than it has to be. This idea is illustrated perfectly in Jesus’ words in the Gospel, “No prophet is accepted in his own native place.” (Luke 4:24-30) Sometimes we only hear what we want to hear or we think what we need to do must be more complicated. Take for example Naaman (2 Kings 5:1-15ab.) He goes to the prophet Elisha, looking for a cure for leprosy. Elisha gives him a simple answer: Go and wash seven times in the River Jordan. But Naaman doesn’t buy it. He’s angry. The answer must be more complicated. It was his servants who had the answer: “My father,” they said, “if the prophet had told you to do something extraordinary, would you not have done it? All the more now, since he said to you, ‘Wash and be clean,’ should you do as he said.”
Sometimes I seek a complicated solution, a bargain with God that will let me do what I want to do. What I have to realize is that what God wants from me is extraordinary and simple. I have to learn to be quiet so I can really hear my own heart. I pray that I can open my heart and listen, even if the answer seems simple. Let me see what is extraordinary in the every day, in the people around me.
These same two readings can remind us of how difficult it can be to see God in one another, especially when “one another” means the people we see every single day. We know that our friends, coworkers, and family members have flaws and they also know that we have our own. That knowledge and the loving acceptance that can grow from it is beautiful in its own way, but it can also become challenging for us to see God in people that we think we know so well.
It is a challenge to see each person anew from moment to moment, but I think it’s a worthwhile thing to focus upon. One of the most beautiful aspects of being human is that each moment presents us with a new opportunity to make a good choice, to love as best we can. To recognize that potential in oneself is challenging enough sometimes, and to understand that it extends to all people takes even more of a concerted effort on our behalf. However, doing so will lead us towards seeing with a new light.
Let’s not limit each other by the singly limited perspectives we have of each other. Rather, let us smile, open our arms, and remember that when we are rejecting, insulting, gossiping about, ignoring, and not listening to each other, we are doing so to Jesus, nailing him to the cross once again.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Take a Trip to the Well of Repentance This Lent--Your thirst will also be quenched!
On this Third Sunday of Lent, the Scriptures present two powerful stories about thirst - for water. The Israelites' thirst in the desert was so great that Moses feared for his life. So God told Moses to strike a rock - and water gushed forth. It satisfied them for a while.
In the Gospel, Jesus breaks the law to speak to a Samaritan woman who had come to Jacob's well to draw water. She was a passionate woman who had tried every kind of pleasure, but none had satisfied. What a surprise, when Jesus, tired, hungry, and thirsty, asks her for a drink of water. He broke all the rules in speaking to her. Now, He keeps on talking, ignoring her hostility, aware that, in this unexpected encounter, the Father has provided Him with an opportunity for piercing the heart of this sinful woman with His love.
Jesus suggests that He can give her living water that is far superior to anything she had ever tasted. Certainly her five husbands (plus her newest lover) haven't brought her what she is really looking for. We know that she had tried cheap love, and we presume she was no stranger to intoxication, power, and money! This isn't a gentle lady who comes to draw water from the well, but a toughened cynic. No wonder she is rude to this travel-dusty Jew, whom she is sure will avoid her with downcast eyes. Jews despised Samaritans who worshipped God on the wrong mountain. But Jesus doesn't follow the accepted prejudice!
Jesus forgets His own needs, and offers this woman living water, spiritual grace. Incredible! Finding her heart curious and open to this miraculous water, He proceeds to raise her vision. He asks her to go back and bring her husband to the well with her. Of course, this is the turning point of the story. When He confronts her with the truth, she could have flounced off in righteous indignation and denial - but she doesn't. In humility, she accepts the reality of her sordid life. Because of her humility, Jesus floods her soul with grace. Dropping her bucket, she runs back to spread the good news. "I've found the Messiah!" And she had!
Lent is a time for us to let Jesus satisfy our thirst. Like that woman, we too have tried the wrong kinds of water to quench our thirst for happiness, satisfaction, and peace of mind without really finding it. Now is the time for us to find real joy and satisfaction in letting the Lord fill us with the grace of the season. Like her, we will find that our joy is greatest when we share that gift with others - joining in a study or prayer group, in visiting a nursing home, in being patient with our family members, and really listening to them, in praying from the heart in a quiet place, in reflecting on the Word privately or at daily Mass, and letting the Eucharist change us into the Body of Christ.
The Samaritan woman never did give Jesus a drink of water as he had requested. Do we stop to realize that Jesus' thirst for our love is even greater than our thirst for His love? I guess only saints understand that. It's what gives them the energy to pour themselves out in ministry up to their last breath.
Next Sunday, Lent will be half over. A question: "Are we satisfied with what we have done so far to let Jesus fulfill our desires?" We need to examine our habits of prayer, our penances, our almsgiving. And what are we planning for the remainder of Lent? It's all about quenching our thirst for life and love - to shun the type of thirst-quencher that doesn't really satisfy, and to earnestly beg Jesus to give us His living water.
In the Gospel, Jesus breaks the law to speak to a Samaritan woman who had come to Jacob's well to draw water. She was a passionate woman who had tried every kind of pleasure, but none had satisfied. What a surprise, when Jesus, tired, hungry, and thirsty, asks her for a drink of water. He broke all the rules in speaking to her. Now, He keeps on talking, ignoring her hostility, aware that, in this unexpected encounter, the Father has provided Him with an opportunity for piercing the heart of this sinful woman with His love.
Jesus suggests that He can give her living water that is far superior to anything she had ever tasted. Certainly her five husbands (plus her newest lover) haven't brought her what she is really looking for. We know that she had tried cheap love, and we presume she was no stranger to intoxication, power, and money! This isn't a gentle lady who comes to draw water from the well, but a toughened cynic. No wonder she is rude to this travel-dusty Jew, whom she is sure will avoid her with downcast eyes. Jews despised Samaritans who worshipped God on the wrong mountain. But Jesus doesn't follow the accepted prejudice!
Jesus forgets His own needs, and offers this woman living water, spiritual grace. Incredible! Finding her heart curious and open to this miraculous water, He proceeds to raise her vision. He asks her to go back and bring her husband to the well with her. Of course, this is the turning point of the story. When He confronts her with the truth, she could have flounced off in righteous indignation and denial - but she doesn't. In humility, she accepts the reality of her sordid life. Because of her humility, Jesus floods her soul with grace. Dropping her bucket, she runs back to spread the good news. "I've found the Messiah!" And she had!
Lent is a time for us to let Jesus satisfy our thirst. Like that woman, we too have tried the wrong kinds of water to quench our thirst for happiness, satisfaction, and peace of mind without really finding it. Now is the time for us to find real joy and satisfaction in letting the Lord fill us with the grace of the season. Like her, we will find that our joy is greatest when we share that gift with others - joining in a study or prayer group, in visiting a nursing home, in being patient with our family members, and really listening to them, in praying from the heart in a quiet place, in reflecting on the Word privately or at daily Mass, and letting the Eucharist change us into the Body of Christ.
The Samaritan woman never did give Jesus a drink of water as he had requested. Do we stop to realize that Jesus' thirst for our love is even greater than our thirst for His love? I guess only saints understand that. It's what gives them the energy to pour themselves out in ministry up to their last breath.
Next Sunday, Lent will be half over. A question: "Are we satisfied with what we have done so far to let Jesus fulfill our desires?" We need to examine our habits of prayer, our penances, our almsgiving. And what are we planning for the remainder of Lent? It's all about quenching our thirst for life and love - to shun the type of thirst-quencher that doesn't really satisfy, and to earnestly beg Jesus to give us His living water.
Friday, March 25, 2011
To borrow from a famous sportswear compay slogan--JUST DO IT!
This is pretty funny. Something to start the day off with a laugh! There hasn't been much to laugh about lately--I'm thinking of, and praying for Father Corapi in his current struggle with Satan. I'm also concerned about when--or if--these scandals are ever going to end!
I am especially hurt when I read the comments after "news" stories like those above. Most are filled with hate and unforgiveness, and usually by obviously uninformed or just outright malicious people out to eschew everything about the Catholic Church (which has been open and apologetic about the scandal--both from the Pope and bishops since the scandals first hit!
The readings during Lent are all about forgiveness and rejoicing in growth and conversion. If we truly believe that "The Lord is kind and merciful" we need to accept that "The Lord is kind and merciful" to all - even those we do not believe "deserve" kindness and mercy. If we are resentful of others or of situations because, in our eyes "it just doesn't seem to be fair" we are reminded to take a step back, to try not to judge, and to consider "What Jesus would do?"
God's ability to forgive, especially in times of personal growth and conversion is beyond our understanding. We are not privy to truly understanding the suffering or the conversion of another, so we must simply pray that God will intercede, especially in situations where we cannot control the actions/decisions of others.
Tomorrow's Gospel is one of my favorites, the parable of the prodigal son. There are so many different meditations one can have on this message of Christ. My thoughts today turned to the fact that the conversion of the younger son does not make the relationship with the older son less than before-rather it shows how we must trust, and pray for growth and conversions of many kinds, and then rejoice- as this father did. " But now we must celebrate and rejoice, because your brother was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found."
I'm convinced our only recourse is through prayer. Pray the rosary at least once per day for our priests. Pray for those who hate them. Pray for those who have been abused by them. Pray for those who may wrongfully accuse them. Pray for ourselves, that we will not be so caught up in the hate-speech of the day that we turn away from our love of the Church Jesus Christ started, and the men He called to lead us in prayer that will draw us closer to Him. To borrow from Father Corapi--(I'm sure he wouldn't mind!)--Don't feel like saying a rosary? Do it anyway! Don't have time to say the rosary? Do it anyway! Don't know if your prayers are effective? Do it anyway! REMEMBER--NO PRIEST, NO EUCHARIST!
I am especially hurt when I read the comments after "news" stories like those above. Most are filled with hate and unforgiveness, and usually by obviously uninformed or just outright malicious people out to eschew everything about the Catholic Church (which has been open and apologetic about the scandal--both from the Pope and bishops since the scandals first hit!
The readings during Lent are all about forgiveness and rejoicing in growth and conversion. If we truly believe that "The Lord is kind and merciful" we need to accept that "The Lord is kind and merciful" to all - even those we do not believe "deserve" kindness and mercy. If we are resentful of others or of situations because, in our eyes "it just doesn't seem to be fair" we are reminded to take a step back, to try not to judge, and to consider "What Jesus would do?"
God's ability to forgive, especially in times of personal growth and conversion is beyond our understanding. We are not privy to truly understanding the suffering or the conversion of another, so we must simply pray that God will intercede, especially in situations where we cannot control the actions/decisions of others.
Tomorrow's Gospel is one of my favorites, the parable of the prodigal son. There are so many different meditations one can have on this message of Christ. My thoughts today turned to the fact that the conversion of the younger son does not make the relationship with the older son less than before-rather it shows how we must trust, and pray for growth and conversions of many kinds, and then rejoice- as this father did. " But now we must celebrate and rejoice, because your brother was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found."
I'm convinced our only recourse is through prayer. Pray the rosary at least once per day for our priests. Pray for those who hate them. Pray for those who have been abused by them. Pray for those who may wrongfully accuse them. Pray for ourselves, that we will not be so caught up in the hate-speech of the day that we turn away from our love of the Church Jesus Christ started, and the men He called to lead us in prayer that will draw us closer to Him. To borrow from Father Corapi--(I'm sure he wouldn't mind!)--Don't feel like saying a rosary? Do it anyway! Don't have time to say the rosary? Do it anyway! Don't know if your prayers are effective? Do it anyway! REMEMBER--NO PRIEST, NO EUCHARIST!
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Living Up to Our Potential
It takes time for many of us to realize that all that we are and all that we have is from God. We work hard to develop our talents and fulfill our roles as adults with our families and in our work settings. We can be deceived to believe that all we did was on our own. We wouldn't have accomplished a speck of that without the Grace of God.
I’m not saying we should not strive to be the best we can be and not to be ambitious. Why would God gift us all with so many great talents and not want us to use them to their full potential? I think the answer is in Mt 20:17-28. The way I read it, Jesus, more than anything, wants us to use our talents to serve others.
When we finally come to realize that we need to let go and let God work through us, it brings a sense of peace. We then become more comfortable reaching out to others.
We may not be in a position of washing the feet of others as Jesus did, but there are, for example, many things that can be done through a smile, a kind word, a phone call or a note. Realizing that we do not own or stack up credit for these acts of charity seems to replenish our energy to do more. Love does not count the cost or keep score. We witness this so clearly on Good Friday.
Jesus wants us to always remember to serve others no matter what we do. In this reading, Jesus is not prohibiting us from achieving success and accomplishing our goals, but He wants us to remember that we are here to serve others – not to bask in wealth and power. The more we gain in life, the less we should be working for ourselves and the more we should focus on the needs of others.
I’m not saying we should not strive to be the best we can be and not to be ambitious. Why would God gift us all with so many great talents and not want us to use them to their full potential? I think the answer is in Mt 20:17-28. The way I read it, Jesus, more than anything, wants us to use our talents to serve others.
When we finally come to realize that we need to let go and let God work through us, it brings a sense of peace. We then become more comfortable reaching out to others.
We may not be in a position of washing the feet of others as Jesus did, but there are, for example, many things that can be done through a smile, a kind word, a phone call or a note. Realizing that we do not own or stack up credit for these acts of charity seems to replenish our energy to do more. Love does not count the cost or keep score. We witness this so clearly on Good Friday.
Jesus wants us to always remember to serve others no matter what we do. In this reading, Jesus is not prohibiting us from achieving success and accomplishing our goals, but He wants us to remember that we are here to serve others – not to bask in wealth and power. The more we gain in life, the less we should be working for ourselves and the more we should focus on the needs of others.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Voices
After writing about the experience I had listening to the chants at St Francis parish a couple of weeks ago, I bought a couple of CDs, hoping to listen to them while saying the rosary in my car. Unfortunately, my car has a cassette tape player! So I have been waiting for the right time to play the CDs on my computer and either read the Bible or say the rosary. Tonight was the night.
I decided to listen to "Voices--Chant from Avignon", sung by the Benedictine Nuns of Notre-Dame de L'Annoncation. I am not a music aficionado by any stretch of the imagination, but I know what I like to hear. I put the disc in my computer and grabbed my Bible. Since the first reading at Mass this evening was from Daniel (Dn 9:4b-10), I thought I might read a few chapters from that book--I have always found the story of the 3 guys who were put in the furnace and saved from the flames by God pretty powerful stuff. As they are walking around in the flames, they are singing a song and praising God to the befuddlement of King Nebudchanezzar (Dn 3: 52-90). I had an inclination to just "skim over" the words of their song, because it was written in "poetry style", and the refrains were redundant (see for yourself):
52 "Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of our fathers, praiseworthy and exalted above all forever; And blessed is your holy and glorious name, praiseworthy and exalted above all for all ages.
53 Blessed are you in the temple of your holy glory, praiseworthy and glorious above all forever.
54 Blessed are you on the throne of your kingdom, praiseworthy and exalted above all forever.
55 Blessed are you who look into the depths from your throne upon the cherubim, praiseworthy and exalted above all forever.
56 Blessed are you in the firmament of heaven, praiseworthy and glorious forever.
57 Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord, praise and exalt him above all forever.
58 Angels of the Lord, bless the Lord, praise and exalt him above all forever.
59 You heavens, bless the Lord, praise and exalt him above all forever.
60 All you waters above the heavens, bless the Lord, praise and exalt him above all forever.
61 All you hosts of the Lord, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
62 Sun and moon, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
63 Stars of heaven, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
64 Every shower and dew, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
65 All you winds, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
66 Fire and heat, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
67 [Cold and chill, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
68 Dew and rain, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
69 Frost and chill, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
70 Ice and snow, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
71 Nights and days, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
72 Light and darkness, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
73 Lightnings and clouds, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
74 Let the earth bless the Lord, praise and exalt him above all forever.
75 Mountains and hills, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
76 Everything growing from the earth, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
77 You springs, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
78 Seas and rivers, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
79 You dolphins and all water creatures, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
80 All you birds of the air, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
81 All you beasts, wild and tame, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
82 You sons of men, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
83 O Israel, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
84 Priests of the Lord, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
85 Servants of the Lord, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
86 Spirits and souls of the just, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
87 Holy men of humble heart, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
88 Hananiah, Azariah, Mishael, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever. For he has delivered us from the nether world, and saved us from the power of death; He has freed us from the raging flame and delivered us from the fire.
89 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his mercy endures forever.
90 Bless the God of gods, all you who fear the Lord; praise him and give him thanks, because his mercy endures forever."
At the same time (I think because I was listening to the good sisters singing a particularly beautiful chant) I felt compelled to read every word and meditate on the refrains in particular; "bless the Lord, praise and exalt him above all forever." It was almost eerie, the compulsion I had to read this passage not once, but twice with the sweet sounds of the sisters enhancing the experience.
When I finished reading it the second time, I wanted to find out what that beautiful chant was so I read the little booklet that was on the cover of the CD. Hold on to your socks, ladies and gentlemen--the song was "Benedictus es", with the very verses (Daniel 3, 52-56) that I was reading! Things like this seem to happen to me all the time! I appreciate the attention the Holy Spirit gives me, but I just sometimes wish he'd give me a little warning before starting with the eerie stuff, you know? I get the message though, Lord. I need to stop thinking so much about me, and start thinking more about You and thanking You for every thing You provide, both great and small.
If you are looking for some inspiration in you daily meditation, I highly recommend this CD:
I got mine a Barnes and Noble. It's available on-line, too. The proceeds help the cloistered nuns continue their prayers on our behalf, and you get the most soothing music in the world! It's a win-win, as far as I'm concerned.
Bless the Lord, praise and exalt him above all, forever!
I decided to listen to "Voices--Chant from Avignon", sung by the Benedictine Nuns of Notre-Dame de L'Annoncation. I am not a music aficionado by any stretch of the imagination, but I know what I like to hear. I put the disc in my computer and grabbed my Bible. Since the first reading at Mass this evening was from Daniel (Dn 9:4b-10), I thought I might read a few chapters from that book--I have always found the story of the 3 guys who were put in the furnace and saved from the flames by God pretty powerful stuff. As they are walking around in the flames, they are singing a song and praising God to the befuddlement of King Nebudchanezzar (Dn 3: 52-90). I had an inclination to just "skim over" the words of their song, because it was written in "poetry style", and the refrains were redundant (see for yourself):
52 "Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of our fathers, praiseworthy and exalted above all forever; And blessed is your holy and glorious name, praiseworthy and exalted above all for all ages.
53 Blessed are you in the temple of your holy glory, praiseworthy and glorious above all forever.
54 Blessed are you on the throne of your kingdom, praiseworthy and exalted above all forever.
55 Blessed are you who look into the depths from your throne upon the cherubim, praiseworthy and exalted above all forever.
56 Blessed are you in the firmament of heaven, praiseworthy and glorious forever.
57 Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord, praise and exalt him above all forever.
58 Angels of the Lord, bless the Lord, praise and exalt him above all forever.
59 You heavens, bless the Lord, praise and exalt him above all forever.
60 All you waters above the heavens, bless the Lord, praise and exalt him above all forever.
61 All you hosts of the Lord, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
62 Sun and moon, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
63 Stars of heaven, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
64 Every shower and dew, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
65 All you winds, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
66 Fire and heat, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
67 [Cold and chill, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
68 Dew and rain, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
69 Frost and chill, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
70 Ice and snow, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
71 Nights and days, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
72 Light and darkness, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
73 Lightnings and clouds, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
74 Let the earth bless the Lord, praise and exalt him above all forever.
75 Mountains and hills, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
76 Everything growing from the earth, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
77 You springs, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
78 Seas and rivers, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
79 You dolphins and all water creatures, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
80 All you birds of the air, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
81 All you beasts, wild and tame, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
82 You sons of men, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
83 O Israel, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
84 Priests of the Lord, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
85 Servants of the Lord, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
86 Spirits and souls of the just, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
87 Holy men of humble heart, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
88 Hananiah, Azariah, Mishael, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever. For he has delivered us from the nether world, and saved us from the power of death; He has freed us from the raging flame and delivered us from the fire.
89 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his mercy endures forever.
90 Bless the God of gods, all you who fear the Lord; praise him and give him thanks, because his mercy endures forever."
At the same time (I think because I was listening to the good sisters singing a particularly beautiful chant) I felt compelled to read every word and meditate on the refrains in particular; "bless the Lord, praise and exalt him above all forever." It was almost eerie, the compulsion I had to read this passage not once, but twice with the sweet sounds of the sisters enhancing the experience.
When I finished reading it the second time, I wanted to find out what that beautiful chant was so I read the little booklet that was on the cover of the CD. Hold on to your socks, ladies and gentlemen--the song was "Benedictus es", with the very verses (Daniel 3, 52-56) that I was reading! Things like this seem to happen to me all the time! I appreciate the attention the Holy Spirit gives me, but I just sometimes wish he'd give me a little warning before starting with the eerie stuff, you know? I get the message though, Lord. I need to stop thinking so much about me, and start thinking more about You and thanking You for every thing You provide, both great and small.
If you are looking for some inspiration in you daily meditation, I highly recommend this CD:
Bless the Lord, praise and exalt him above all, forever!
Sunday, March 20, 2011
A Great and Awesome God
Sadly, there are many who don't believe that God exists. Or if He does, He has no right to judge us, nor do we, to praise Him. Instead they think that all the wonders we enjoy are our own creation. We are the great and awesome ones. And, what is good and right is relative to our individual leanings and has nothing to do with the sovereignty of the Lord.
Someday, whether you believe it or not, there will be a moment of truth for every one of us and we'll see without a doubt who is truly great - truly awesome.
As for me, I'll bet on the Lord, the "great and awesome God," who does not "deal with us according to our sins," but whose mercy is forever. (Daniel 9:4)
Someday, whether you believe it or not, there will be a moment of truth for every one of us and we'll see without a doubt who is truly great - truly awesome.
As for me, I'll bet on the Lord, the "great and awesome God," who does not "deal with us according to our sins," but whose mercy is forever. (Daniel 9:4)
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Donut Dash Saturday
I'm sorry that I haven't been able to post my regular "meditations" on the daily readings lately. I usually sit at the computer and the Holy Spirit does the rest. He's just been letting me take a rest for some reason, so I'll just ramble on with my day's activities and hope I don't bore you while I am waiting for His inspiration again.
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When my daughter Sarah sent out a question on Facebook the other day on who would want to particpate in this year's "Donut Dash" in Sacramento, I saw the word "donut" and decided I was in. Actually, that's not entirely true. What I really saw was a good way to make up some of the time I haven't spent in recent years with my family doing something they really like to do. So my response was, "I'm in for the donuts if you're in for the dash!" All tongue-in-cheek, of course. A lot of the final decision would depend on the weather, which has not been very good this week. It rained most of yesterday and the forecast was for lots of rain "on and off" throughout today. I had already made up my mind to at least donate to this worthy cause, but again, I wanted to see Sarah and Tony and spend the time with my family, so I hoped for good weather today.
I woke up at 5am to use the bathroom and it was pouring rain! I went back to bed thinking we would probably not be dashing for any donuts today. About 6:30 the rain stopped and Marilyn and Alicia decided we could at least drive to Sacramento and hopefully the weather would stay dry for a few hours. So off we drove to Sarah's place. She lives right across the street (maybe a 1/4 mile) from the start/finish line for the run.
Most of these charity 'runs' have a lot of people who just walk. Because Lily was with us and in a stroller (yeah, that's a good excuse!), I wouldn't have to run. I really have not walked 4 miles at one time in at least a couple of years, and I was feeling it rather quickly after the start. The good news is that I did finish! And I wasn't last! It's probably a good thing we didn't linger on at the donut shop, though, or things might have been different. In fact, I only ate one of the 4 donuts they gave me today. The other 3 I brought home for someone else to eat throughout the week. They were glazed. Glazed donuts and me just don't get along. They are way too sticky. Good, but sticky. I hate sticky. Always have. Always will.
And while it was cold, it was not raining. It did not start raining again until just after we crossed the finish line and got to Starbuck's, where the girls could get some coffee to warm up. While we were sitting in the coffee shop, it started to pour. It hasn't let up. The wind has even gotten into the picture now. It's really howling out there. The timing of the rain today (stopping just long enough for us to complete the race) and other recent events in my life have really brought to mind the story of Joseph, the son of Jacob (Israel). He was so blessed, simply because he never gave up his faith in God. Regardless of the envy (and even hatred) of him by his brothers, his bondage, and even his imprisonment in Egypt he flourished by the Grace of God. And through it all, he was simply a humble servant of God who never lost sight of God's love and providence. He didn't do anything great on his own, he simply believed and was blessed for it. I sometimes feel the same way. I'm not worthy of all the graces God has given me, but I'm very grateful for them. Even the simple favors He grants me, like a break in the weather, that allows me time to spend with my family.
Another blessing I receive is subtle "messages" from Him that I may be on the right track in my plans for myself and my family. Some may call these things coincidence, but the older I get (some may say "wiser", those who are closest to me may disagree (lol)) I realize that coincidences are often nudges to look for opportnities to grow closer to Him. I have also learned to listen to things with my faith always in mind.
During our walk, Marilyn asked Alicia if she thought Lily knew why we were walking and what we were headed for. Alicia replied that all Lily knew was that when we got there, she knew there would be something "round and sweet". I couldn't resist. I said, "You mean BESIDES Oompah?" That got me my gratuitous laugh from my loving daughter. But it made me realize that if I really want to get to Rome and see the Vatican someday, I'll need to be in better shape than I am right now. I didn't know why I thought of Rome or the Vatican, it just popped in my head.
Sarah and Tony had elected to run to the donut shop (they are marathoners, after all) and back to the finish line, then turn around and run back to meet us whereever we might be at that point and walk the rest of the way with us. We still had about a mile left to go when they got back to us. I was really dragging at this point. God bless Tony, he didn't have to, but he slowed way down from his usual pace to stay right with me and create some conversation to make me forget about my pain as we made our way back to the finish line. I mentioned that I had better get in shape if I ever planned to visit the Vatican. He said he had been there! I didn't know that! He told me that he spent a semester in Spain as part of a class he took in college. On one weekend, he and a friend had taken a trip to Rome. That in itself would have been a good story for me. Then he told me it was on Palm Sunday! The story kept getting better. He attended Mass with his friend (Tony is not Catholic) that was celebrated by Pope John Paul II, and they later were in the front row of a crowd as he drove by in his "popemobile". He also asked me if I knew about the trail in Spain that pilgrims make in honor of Saint John. I said I knew of the "via de Santiago" in honor of St. James and he replied that that is what he meant. He said that he and his friend also made that trip. I was really glad I was able to learn this about the man my daughter is very serious about. He is a very good man and from what I can see he really cares for her.
But at the end of the day, all I can seem to think about is the message that I need to get to Italy. A lot of conversations and a lot of my thoughts lately have been about making that trip. There has to be something there that I am meant to learn. There have just been too many remarks and inferences to Rome and the
Vatican lately made by people I know and people I don't really know to ignore them as conincidence. Stay tuned.
=====================================================================
When my daughter Sarah sent out a question on Facebook the other day on who would want to particpate in this year's "Donut Dash" in Sacramento, I saw the word "donut" and decided I was in. Actually, that's not entirely true. What I really saw was a good way to make up some of the time I haven't spent in recent years with my family doing something they really like to do. So my response was, "I'm in for the donuts if you're in for the dash!" All tongue-in-cheek, of course. A lot of the final decision would depend on the weather, which has not been very good this week. It rained most of yesterday and the forecast was for lots of rain "on and off" throughout today. I had already made up my mind to at least donate to this worthy cause, but again, I wanted to see Sarah and Tony and spend the time with my family, so I hoped for good weather today.
I woke up at 5am to use the bathroom and it was pouring rain! I went back to bed thinking we would probably not be dashing for any donuts today. About 6:30 the rain stopped and Marilyn and Alicia decided we could at least drive to Sacramento and hopefully the weather would stay dry for a few hours. So off we drove to Sarah's place. She lives right across the street (maybe a 1/4 mile) from the start/finish line for the run.
Most of these charity 'runs' have a lot of people who just walk. Because Lily was with us and in a stroller (yeah, that's a good excuse!), I wouldn't have to run. I really have not walked 4 miles at one time in at least a couple of years, and I was feeling it rather quickly after the start. The good news is that I did finish! And I wasn't last! It's probably a good thing we didn't linger on at the donut shop, though, or things might have been different. In fact, I only ate one of the 4 donuts they gave me today. The other 3 I brought home for someone else to eat throughout the week. They were glazed. Glazed donuts and me just don't get along. They are way too sticky. Good, but sticky. I hate sticky. Always have. Always will.
And while it was cold, it was not raining. It did not start raining again until just after we crossed the finish line and got to Starbuck's, where the girls could get some coffee to warm up. While we were sitting in the coffee shop, it started to pour. It hasn't let up. The wind has even gotten into the picture now. It's really howling out there. The timing of the rain today (stopping just long enough for us to complete the race) and other recent events in my life have really brought to mind the story of Joseph, the son of Jacob (Israel). He was so blessed, simply because he never gave up his faith in God. Regardless of the envy (and even hatred) of him by his brothers, his bondage, and even his imprisonment in Egypt he flourished by the Grace of God. And through it all, he was simply a humble servant of God who never lost sight of God's love and providence. He didn't do anything great on his own, he simply believed and was blessed for it. I sometimes feel the same way. I'm not worthy of all the graces God has given me, but I'm very grateful for them. Even the simple favors He grants me, like a break in the weather, that allows me time to spend with my family.
Another blessing I receive is subtle "messages" from Him that I may be on the right track in my plans for myself and my family. Some may call these things coincidence, but the older I get (some may say "wiser", those who are closest to me may disagree (lol)) I realize that coincidences are often nudges to look for opportnities to grow closer to Him. I have also learned to listen to things with my faith always in mind.
During our walk, Marilyn asked Alicia if she thought Lily knew why we were walking and what we were headed for. Alicia replied that all Lily knew was that when we got there, she knew there would be something "round and sweet". I couldn't resist. I said, "You mean BESIDES Oompah?" That got me my gratuitous laugh from my loving daughter. But it made me realize that if I really want to get to Rome and see the Vatican someday, I'll need to be in better shape than I am right now. I didn't know why I thought of Rome or the Vatican, it just popped in my head.
Sarah and Tony had elected to run to the donut shop (they are marathoners, after all) and back to the finish line, then turn around and run back to meet us whereever we might be at that point and walk the rest of the way with us. We still had about a mile left to go when they got back to us. I was really dragging at this point. God bless Tony, he didn't have to, but he slowed way down from his usual pace to stay right with me and create some conversation to make me forget about my pain as we made our way back to the finish line. I mentioned that I had better get in shape if I ever planned to visit the Vatican. He said he had been there! I didn't know that! He told me that he spent a semester in Spain as part of a class he took in college. On one weekend, he and a friend had taken a trip to Rome. That in itself would have been a good story for me. Then he told me it was on Palm Sunday! The story kept getting better. He attended Mass with his friend (Tony is not Catholic) that was celebrated by Pope John Paul II, and they later were in the front row of a crowd as he drove by in his "popemobile". He also asked me if I knew about the trail in Spain that pilgrims make in honor of Saint John. I said I knew of the "via de Santiago" in honor of St. James and he replied that that is what he meant. He said that he and his friend also made that trip. I was really glad I was able to learn this about the man my daughter is very serious about. He is a very good man and from what I can see he really cares for her.
But at the end of the day, all I can seem to think about is the message that I need to get to Italy. A lot of conversations and a lot of my thoughts lately have been about making that trip. There has to be something there that I am meant to learn. There have just been too many remarks and inferences to Rome and the
Vatican lately made by people I know and people I don't really know to ignore them as conincidence. Stay tuned.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Where did I go?
Has it been 4 days since I last posted? Seems like yesterday! I guess I'm just not used to the "free time" I've had this week, after the last 12 weeks away from home (essentially)! I got myself out of "whack" by actually spending a few nights at home with Marilyn, Alicia and Lily. I'll just 'hit the highlights' of these past few days, then post my Stations of the Cross that I promised for Lent.
We finally promoted someone to run the Bakersfield center, and while I will still make a trip down at least once a week to continue his training, at least I won't be "living" there. On my way home Saturday, I drove by the newest parish in the diocese in Modesto--one that I had not visited yet on my pilgrimage. It is Holy Family parish. I had driven by, but never gone in to the parking lot or the church because I just didn't have the time. But this time I thought, "Hey, it's Lent! Go in and say 'Thanks' to Jesus!" When I went to the front door though, it was locked. A sign said to go to the office if I wanted to go in. As I was searching for the office, I noticed 'signposts' in no apparent order out in a huge field adjacent to the church. The closer I got, I realized that there was also a path. It was the Stations of the Cross in an outdoor setting! I had never seen that before. It was pretty cool. I grabbed my camera and took a couple of pictures, then started the prayers. It was actually a pretty good walk and made meditation on the Stations easier for some reason. The pictures weren't very good, so I won't post them. When I told Mom about it, she said St. Annes is thinking about, or has discussed in the past doing something similar. I think I'll ask Father Brandon about it when I see him Sunday.
As far as work goes, since my area was basically cut in 1/2 geographically, it's a lot less stressful, once I get the initial drive to Fresno out of the way. I've been able to spend more time in prayer and reflection, but I get so involved in that that I forget to post on my blog. I'm sitting here looking at my surroundings and it couldn't be more conducive to prayer if I tried. Although the company apartment is two bedrooms, I am obviously just staying in one. I have no furniture except a TV tray to put my computer on, an inflatable twin bed, a sheet, a blanket and a microwave. And of course my computer. I remember seeing a movie once that showed how monks and other religious lived in their "cells". I think I know what it feels like now. I was just thinking I will need to get a small crucifix to hang on the wall. I bought some CDs of Gregorian Chants to listen to when I get tired of watching the live stream of EWTN on my computer. Then I'll be set.
I went to dinner at a buffet-style restaurant tonight (as soon as I get the company refrigerator over to my apartment I can start cooking my own meals). I crossed myself and said grace. Whenever I do this, it amazes me how many stares I get. I decided that for Lent, I will make a special effort to show my faith in public places with simple signs of my belief like this. It can be quite powerful.
You know what? When I started this post, I said I would continue with my presentation of the Stations. But I am so tired all of a sudden that I think I'll just turn in. Back to my regular reflections and posts tomorrow. Good night.
We finally promoted someone to run the Bakersfield center, and while I will still make a trip down at least once a week to continue his training, at least I won't be "living" there. On my way home Saturday, I drove by the newest parish in the diocese in Modesto--one that I had not visited yet on my pilgrimage. It is Holy Family parish. I had driven by, but never gone in to the parking lot or the church because I just didn't have the time. But this time I thought, "Hey, it's Lent! Go in and say 'Thanks' to Jesus!" When I went to the front door though, it was locked. A sign said to go to the office if I wanted to go in. As I was searching for the office, I noticed 'signposts' in no apparent order out in a huge field adjacent to the church. The closer I got, I realized that there was also a path. It was the Stations of the Cross in an outdoor setting! I had never seen that before. It was pretty cool. I grabbed my camera and took a couple of pictures, then started the prayers. It was actually a pretty good walk and made meditation on the Stations easier for some reason. The pictures weren't very good, so I won't post them. When I told Mom about it, she said St. Annes is thinking about, or has discussed in the past doing something similar. I think I'll ask Father Brandon about it when I see him Sunday.
As far as work goes, since my area was basically cut in 1/2 geographically, it's a lot less stressful, once I get the initial drive to Fresno out of the way. I've been able to spend more time in prayer and reflection, but I get so involved in that that I forget to post on my blog. I'm sitting here looking at my surroundings and it couldn't be more conducive to prayer if I tried. Although the company apartment is two bedrooms, I am obviously just staying in one. I have no furniture except a TV tray to put my computer on, an inflatable twin bed, a sheet, a blanket and a microwave. And of course my computer. I remember seeing a movie once that showed how monks and other religious lived in their "cells". I think I know what it feels like now. I was just thinking I will need to get a small crucifix to hang on the wall. I bought some CDs of Gregorian Chants to listen to when I get tired of watching the live stream of EWTN on my computer. Then I'll be set.
I went to dinner at a buffet-style restaurant tonight (as soon as I get the company refrigerator over to my apartment I can start cooking my own meals). I crossed myself and said grace. Whenever I do this, it amazes me how many stares I get. I decided that for Lent, I will make a special effort to show my faith in public places with simple signs of my belief like this. It can be quite powerful.
You know what? When I started this post, I said I would continue with my presentation of the Stations. But I am so tired all of a sudden that I think I'll just turn in. Back to my regular reflections and posts tomorrow. Good night.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Making excuses
‘Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.’ (Matthew 25)
Jesus makes it clear that the final judgment we will experience will be about how we have cared for those "little ones" on the margins of our society.
"When did we see you hungry or thirsty? When did we see you naked or homeless? When did we encounter you sick or imprisoned?" Jesus tells us that these will be the questions we will all ask on Judgment Day. However, some of us will say that though we didn't know it was Jesus, we fed the hungry, gave drink to the thirsty, clothed the naked and gave refuge to the homeless. Without knowing it was Jesus, we took care of the sick and visited those in prison. And, the rest of us will say, that because we didn't know it was Him, we failed to do these things. That's the parable. And, what a relief it is that Jesus tells us this story revealing to us, that whenever we care in this way to the "least" of our brothers and sisters, we care for Him. He has so identified Himself with us, all of us, that He can make this powerful revelation.
The stunning reality now is, that at the Last Judgment, there will be a lot of us who have heard this parable. We heard what He said about what will be asked of us in this life for our salvation. What will our defense be, if we haven't cared for the hungry, thirsty, naked, homeless, sick or imprisoned? We'll probably have to say, "I guess I forgot." Or, we might say, "I guess it didn't sink in or I didn't believe You that we'd really be judged by this neglect of the poor." "We might get very honest and say, "In spite of the parable I heard year after year, I never really believed I was my brother's keeper. I believed every person should take care of himself or herself. I believed that I worked hard for what I got and I just didn't think I owed anything to any one, other than the taxes I pay and the donations I make to charity. I guess I even judged the poor as somehow deserving of their fate." Some of us might try to bargain with God, saying, "Lord, I don't think the priests and the bishops made a big enough case about the poor, as I remember it. I never got the message that You really meant this. I got more wrapped up in worrying about my own pocketbook, about thinking my taxes were too high, that it wasn't my responsibility to care for the poor."
Does Jesus really mean this? I think that if we listen to His whole message, if we watch the witness of His whole life, there is one consistent message. When we step back and look at the world around us, it can't be possible that it is God's will that the world stay the way it is now - with a few having so much and the vast majority of humanity having so little. It can't be that this is exactly the way God wants it. When we pray, "May your Kingdom come. May your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven," we are praying for a radical change in our world, for a radical change in our hearts.
As far as the teaching of the Church goes, the clear and consistent message of Catholic Social Teaching and in dozens of encyclicals going back hundreds of years, most especially by Pope John Paul II, clearly call us to live this message of Jesus in our world today. The Apostles were shocked, when the rich young man left Jesus' company "because his possessions were many." Jesus shocked them further when He said, "How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!" The Apostles asked him, "Then, Lord, who can be saved?" His response is comforting for us as we begin our Lenten journey: "What is impossible for human beings is possible for God." (Matthew 19) We can ask for the grace that God will make salvation possible in our lives.
Certainly, none of us can change the world alone. But, in this first week of Lent, we have something to pray about. Our first lesson for Lent is about what we are called to do, in order to receive the gift of everlasting life. We can ask for the grace to be renewed, to be made freer. And we can begin to practice noticing the hungry, thirsty, naked, homeless, sick and imprisoned among us. They are not our enemy. They are the Body of Christ with us. We can let ourselves be drawn to the new face of Jesus we see. How can we get to know people who are poor? Where can we visit them or learn more about them? What will this renewed compassion and understanding mean for our standing up for the poor, for our positions on programs for the poor, for the renewal of the way we care for the sick and the imprisoned? We can practice, perhaps through almsgiving, perhaps with self-examination and some research these weeks, of how we can realign some of our priorities, perhaps live more simply, and act more justly on behalf of those in need. It is not only the right thing to do, but Jesus tells us that if we try to save ourselves, we will lose ourselves, but it we lose ourselves, we will find ourselves. And, as Jesus makes clear, our salvation depends upon it.
=========================================================
STATION 6
Veronica wipes the face of Jesus
We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you, because by your holy cross You have redeemed the world.
Jesus, suddenly a woman comes out of the crowd. Her name is Veronica. You can see how she cares for you as she takes a cloth and begins to wipe the blood and sweat from your face. She can't do much, but she offers what little help she can.
As a child, sometimes I know someone could use a little help and understanding. They may be picked on or teased by others, or just sad or lonely. Sometimes I feel bad that others don't step in to help, but I don't help either.
As an adult, I notice the needs around me. Sometimes my own family members crave my attention, and I don't even seem to notice. Sometimes a co-worker, friend, or family member could use help or understanding, but I don't reach out to help lest I be criticized, or that they demand more of me than I'd like to give.
My tender Jesus, Who didst deign to print Thy sacred face upon the cloth with which Veronica wiped the sweat from off Thy brow, print in my soul deep, I pray Thee, the lasting memory of Thy bitter pains.
Glory be to the Father....
Jesus Christ Crucified, have mercy on Us.
Jesus makes it clear that the final judgment we will experience will be about how we have cared for those "little ones" on the margins of our society.
"When did we see you hungry or thirsty? When did we see you naked or homeless? When did we encounter you sick or imprisoned?" Jesus tells us that these will be the questions we will all ask on Judgment Day. However, some of us will say that though we didn't know it was Jesus, we fed the hungry, gave drink to the thirsty, clothed the naked and gave refuge to the homeless. Without knowing it was Jesus, we took care of the sick and visited those in prison. And, the rest of us will say, that because we didn't know it was Him, we failed to do these things. That's the parable. And, what a relief it is that Jesus tells us this story revealing to us, that whenever we care in this way to the "least" of our brothers and sisters, we care for Him. He has so identified Himself with us, all of us, that He can make this powerful revelation.
The stunning reality now is, that at the Last Judgment, there will be a lot of us who have heard this parable. We heard what He said about what will be asked of us in this life for our salvation. What will our defense be, if we haven't cared for the hungry, thirsty, naked, homeless, sick or imprisoned? We'll probably have to say, "I guess I forgot." Or, we might say, "I guess it didn't sink in or I didn't believe You that we'd really be judged by this neglect of the poor." "We might get very honest and say, "In spite of the parable I heard year after year, I never really believed I was my brother's keeper. I believed every person should take care of himself or herself. I believed that I worked hard for what I got and I just didn't think I owed anything to any one, other than the taxes I pay and the donations I make to charity. I guess I even judged the poor as somehow deserving of their fate." Some of us might try to bargain with God, saying, "Lord, I don't think the priests and the bishops made a big enough case about the poor, as I remember it. I never got the message that You really meant this. I got more wrapped up in worrying about my own pocketbook, about thinking my taxes were too high, that it wasn't my responsibility to care for the poor."
Does Jesus really mean this? I think that if we listen to His whole message, if we watch the witness of His whole life, there is one consistent message. When we step back and look at the world around us, it can't be possible that it is God's will that the world stay the way it is now - with a few having so much and the vast majority of humanity having so little. It can't be that this is exactly the way God wants it. When we pray, "May your Kingdom come. May your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven," we are praying for a radical change in our world, for a radical change in our hearts.
As far as the teaching of the Church goes, the clear and consistent message of Catholic Social Teaching and in dozens of encyclicals going back hundreds of years, most especially by Pope John Paul II, clearly call us to live this message of Jesus in our world today. The Apostles were shocked, when the rich young man left Jesus' company "because his possessions were many." Jesus shocked them further when He said, "How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!" The Apostles asked him, "Then, Lord, who can be saved?" His response is comforting for us as we begin our Lenten journey: "What is impossible for human beings is possible for God." (Matthew 19) We can ask for the grace that God will make salvation possible in our lives.
Certainly, none of us can change the world alone. But, in this first week of Lent, we have something to pray about. Our first lesson for Lent is about what we are called to do, in order to receive the gift of everlasting life. We can ask for the grace to be renewed, to be made freer. And we can begin to practice noticing the hungry, thirsty, naked, homeless, sick and imprisoned among us. They are not our enemy. They are the Body of Christ with us. We can let ourselves be drawn to the new face of Jesus we see. How can we get to know people who are poor? Where can we visit them or learn more about them? What will this renewed compassion and understanding mean for our standing up for the poor, for our positions on programs for the poor, for the renewal of the way we care for the sick and the imprisoned? We can practice, perhaps through almsgiving, perhaps with self-examination and some research these weeks, of how we can realign some of our priorities, perhaps live more simply, and act more justly on behalf of those in need. It is not only the right thing to do, but Jesus tells us that if we try to save ourselves, we will lose ourselves, but it we lose ourselves, we will find ourselves. And, as Jesus makes clear, our salvation depends upon it.
=========================================================
STATION 6
We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you, because by your holy cross You have redeemed the world.
As a child, sometimes I know someone could use a little help and understanding. They may be picked on or teased by others, or just sad or lonely. Sometimes I feel bad that others don't step in to help, but I don't help either.
As an adult, I notice the needs around me. Sometimes my own family members crave my attention, and I don't even seem to notice. Sometimes a co-worker, friend, or family member could use help or understanding, but I don't reach out to help lest I be criticized, or that they demand more of me than I'd like to give.
My tender Jesus, Who didst deign to print Thy sacred face upon the cloth with which Veronica wiped the sweat from off Thy brow, print in my soul deep, I pray Thee, the lasting memory of Thy bitter pains.
Our Father....
Hail Mary.... Glory be to the Father....
May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, Rest in peace.
Amen.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Suffering Unleashes Love
As we begin Lent, a season of repentance and suffering, it is important to reflect upon the meaning of our suffering. Everyone experiences suffering in life; it is as common and necessary as the air we breathe. People drink from the bitter cup of suffering in varying amounts and to different degrees. Some are burdened with great physical suffering and pain that follows them all through life. Others have anguish and anxiety in their mind that they cannot seem to overcome. Regardless of who we are and the bodies and minds we are endowed with, we will taste suffering in this life.
While all would agree that this world would be a better place without suffering, the reality of suffering can be made positive. It is very appropriate that tomorrow, the first Sunday in Lent, we see the root and cause of all of our suffering brought into the world in the first reading (Gn 2:7-9; 3:1-7). Adam and Eve were in perfect union with our Lord, they were living in a paradise with peace that none of us has ever known on earth. Through their temptation and fall, all evil and disorder was brought into our lives. It is now our choice of what to do with this suffering and pain that is a reality to us all.
“Suffering unleashes love”, said (recently announced) Blessed John Paul II when speaking about human suffering. I think what he may have meant is if Christ was to stop suffering through His passion, He would have stopped loving. Christ was earning our redemption through the suffering He experienced on the way to Calvary. It is in following Christ in this way that we are able to find meaning in our suffering. He is the person we are all striving to be, so to imitate Him in his suffering (and all things) is to be most fully human and alive. My nightly short meditations on the Stations of the Cross is one small way to "wrap my mind around" His suffering and the reasons for it.
Through Lent we are following Christ on His journey towards the salvation of mankind. We offer up things we enjoy or add to our prayer lives to enter into Christ’s suffering, to become more like Him. In this a greater love than any other is made real as our suffering unleashes love and draws us closer to Jesus. We are able to offer ourselves as a living sacrifice, to submit our will and desires to Christ.
Through the woman Eve, the man Adam, and the Tree of Life in the Garden of Eden, sin entered the world. Through the woman Mary, the man Jesus Christ, and the tree of His Holy Cross on Calvary, salvation was brought to all. The second reading (Rom 5:12-19) so eloquently reminds us of this truth. With His own Precious Blood, Jesus purchased for all freedom from the chains of sin bound tightly around all humanity through Adam and Eve.
We may be tempted by Satan in this difficult season to give up on our Lenten penances and prayers. Our human nature is weak, which we see in the fall of Adam and Eve in the first reading. However, our sacrifices will be rewarded in heaven in proportion to the suffering we endure in Christ’s name. By uniting our struggles with His, we can make present redemptive love. In the Gospel (Mt 4:1-11) we find yet another way that Christ entered into our humanity through His temptation in the desert. He gives us a strong model to follow, as in all that He does. It is important to notice how Satan even uses scripture in tempting Jesus, attempting to twist God’s own Holy Word against Him. We must be ever vigilant to discern when even the greatest goods in this world are used against us.
I must confess that after a phone call with Mom this evening and reading tomorrow’s Word to prepare for Mass that I feel like one of Satan’s pawns. Mom was relating to me how she may have taken on too much for Lent. She is worn out and anxious that she won’t be able to keep up with the extra prayers she promised to say. I was entirely too quick to tell her to “cut back, Jesus will understand”, instead of advising her in other ways that may help her schedule her prayers a little better so she gets them all in without feeling rushed or anxious. After all, one can never pray too much—as long as the prayers are said fervently. So on my agenda tomorrow is to try and be like Simon of Cyrene (below) and help her carry her cross for a bit.
During this season of great spiritual growth, may we all try to appreciate the true value of our suffering. May we pray more fervently that we can offer it to Christ and in so doing enter into His passion. Our salvation has been won for us in the perfect life of Jesus; in Him we can do all things. Let us follow His example in temptation, especially as we offer penance for our sins, so that our suffering may unleash His love in us.
======================================================
STATION 5
Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus to carry his cross
We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you, Because by your holy cross You have redeemed the world.
While all would agree that this world would be a better place without suffering, the reality of suffering can be made positive. It is very appropriate that tomorrow, the first Sunday in Lent, we see the root and cause of all of our suffering brought into the world in the first reading (Gn 2:7-9; 3:1-7). Adam and Eve were in perfect union with our Lord, they were living in a paradise with peace that none of us has ever known on earth. Through their temptation and fall, all evil and disorder was brought into our lives. It is now our choice of what to do with this suffering and pain that is a reality to us all.
“Suffering unleashes love”, said (recently announced) Blessed John Paul II when speaking about human suffering. I think what he may have meant is if Christ was to stop suffering through His passion, He would have stopped loving. Christ was earning our redemption through the suffering He experienced on the way to Calvary. It is in following Christ in this way that we are able to find meaning in our suffering. He is the person we are all striving to be, so to imitate Him in his suffering (and all things) is to be most fully human and alive. My nightly short meditations on the Stations of the Cross is one small way to "wrap my mind around" His suffering and the reasons for it.
Through Lent we are following Christ on His journey towards the salvation of mankind. We offer up things we enjoy or add to our prayer lives to enter into Christ’s suffering, to become more like Him. In this a greater love than any other is made real as our suffering unleashes love and draws us closer to Jesus. We are able to offer ourselves as a living sacrifice, to submit our will and desires to Christ.
Through the woman Eve, the man Adam, and the Tree of Life in the Garden of Eden, sin entered the world. Through the woman Mary, the man Jesus Christ, and the tree of His Holy Cross on Calvary, salvation was brought to all. The second reading (Rom 5:12-19) so eloquently reminds us of this truth. With His own Precious Blood, Jesus purchased for all freedom from the chains of sin bound tightly around all humanity through Adam and Eve.
We may be tempted by Satan in this difficult season to give up on our Lenten penances and prayers. Our human nature is weak, which we see in the fall of Adam and Eve in the first reading. However, our sacrifices will be rewarded in heaven in proportion to the suffering we endure in Christ’s name. By uniting our struggles with His, we can make present redemptive love. In the Gospel (Mt 4:1-11) we find yet another way that Christ entered into our humanity through His temptation in the desert. He gives us a strong model to follow, as in all that He does. It is important to notice how Satan even uses scripture in tempting Jesus, attempting to twist God’s own Holy Word against Him. We must be ever vigilant to discern when even the greatest goods in this world are used against us.
I must confess that after a phone call with Mom this evening and reading tomorrow’s Word to prepare for Mass that I feel like one of Satan’s pawns. Mom was relating to me how she may have taken on too much for Lent. She is worn out and anxious that she won’t be able to keep up with the extra prayers she promised to say. I was entirely too quick to tell her to “cut back, Jesus will understand”, instead of advising her in other ways that may help her schedule her prayers a little better so she gets them all in without feeling rushed or anxious. After all, one can never pray too much—as long as the prayers are said fervently. So on my agenda tomorrow is to try and be like Simon of Cyrene (below) and help her carry her cross for a bit.
During this season of great spiritual growth, may we all try to appreciate the true value of our suffering. May we pray more fervently that we can offer it to Christ and in so doing enter into His passion. Our salvation has been won for us in the perfect life of Jesus; in Him we can do all things. Let us follow His example in temptation, especially as we offer penance for our sins, so that our suffering may unleash His love in us.
======================================================
STATION 5
Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus to carry his cross
Jesus, the soldiers are becoming impatient. This is taking longer than they wanted it to. They are afraid you won't make it to the hill where you will be crucified. As you grow weaker, they grab a man out of the crowd and make him help carry your cross. He was just watching what was happening, but all of a sudden he is helping you carry your cross.
As a child, sometimes I see people who need my help. Sometimes I pretend not to hear when my parents call me. I disappear when I know others could use my help.
As an adult, sometimes I try to do as little as I can and still get by. Others might need my help, but I ignore their needs. Even when I'm asked to help, I sometimes claim to be too busy.
My Jesus, blest, thrice blest was he who aided Thee to bear the cross. Blest too shall I be if I aid Thee to bear the cross, by patiently bowing my neck to the crosses Thou shalt send me during life. My Jesus, give me grace to do so.
Our Father....
Hail Mary....
Glory be to the Father....
Jesus Christ Crucified, have mercy on Us.
May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, Rest in peace.
Amen.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Out of it
After another long, physically-demanding day followed by a dinner of the hottest camarones a la diabla I've ever eaten (and lived to regret it!) and a couple of beers, I don't feel much like writing anything witty or relative to tomorrow's readings tonight. But I do want to ask anyone reading this blog to pray for the victims of the earthquake that hit Japan early this morning. Here is a link to where you can donate to the earthquake/tsunami emergency relief fund. God will surely bless you for your concern.
=========================================================================STATION 4
Jesus Meets His MotherWe adore you, O Christ, and we praise you, because by your holy cross You have redeemed the world.
Jesus, you feel so alone with all those people yelling and screaming at you. You don't like the words they are saying about you, and you look for a friendly face in the crowd. You see your mother. She can't make the hurting stop, but it helps to see that she is on your side, that she is suffering with you. She does understand and care.
As a child, sometimes I feel like too many things are going on. Sometimes other kids pick on me and call me names. I need to look around me for a friendly face, and for the help I need. I need to share my troubles with those who truly care about me.
As an adult I sometimes feel overwhelmed by many things. Life is so competitive, and I worry so much about my future and those who have some control over it. I need to remember that being an adult does not mean having to solve every problem all by myself. I need to look around me for a friendly face, for the help I need.
Jesus most suffering, Mary Mother most sorrowful, if, by my sins, I caused you pain and anguish in the past, by God's assisting grace it shall be so no more; rather be you my love henceforth till death.
Our Father....
Hail Mary....
Glory be to the Father....
Jesus Christ Crucified, have mercy on Us.
May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, Rest in peace.
Amen.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
A Pleasant Experience
After putting in a 16 hour shift yesterday (and fasting, to boot!), I couldn't wait to get to Mass this morning and thank God for the blessings He continues to grace me with. My new company-owned apartment where I stay when in Bakersfield is close to St. Francis of Assisi parish. The St. Francis community is orthodox and prayerful. (Side note: The only thing I have an issue with is that they keep the Tabernacle in the adjoining chapel, not behind the main altar.) When I arrived at the church at 6:15 this morning, I was very pleasantly surprised to hear Gregorian chants emanating throughout the whole building. It sounds like they have the speakers set up in "surround sound" because I couldn't tell where the chants were coming from. What I do know for sure is that listening to the chants gave me such peace! What a magnificent conduit for prayer! It really helped me focus on my prayer, rather than anything else that may have been going on around me. Just before Mass began, the chanting stopped. I was a little disappointed--but not for long!
The men and women who are chosen as lectors are very good at choosing which words to emphasize and the vocal inflections are great as well. This morning's 1st reading was Deuteronomy 30:15-20, wherein Moses is telling the Israelites who are about to enter the Promised Land that he was giving them a blessing and a curse. The lector was so good and had such a booming voice that when I shut my eyes and just listened, I felt as though I was in that desert those thousands of years ago and listening to Moses himself! It was a very moving experience. I haven't stopped thinking about it all day. This evening as I write this I can still hear "Moses" exhorting me to "Choose life, then, that you and your descendants may live, by loving the LORD, your God, heeding His voice, and holding fast to Him."
Sounds like a no-brainer to me.
Thanks to St. Francis parish for making worship of our God what it should be.
======================================================================
Station 3
Jesus Falls the First Time
We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You, because by Your holy cross You have redeemed the world.
Jesus, the cross you have been carrying is very heavy. You are becoming weak and almost ready to faint, and you fall down. Nobody seems to want to help you. The soldiers are interested in getting home, so they yell at you and try to get you up and moving again.
As a child, sometimes I start to do something, but then get tired of it. I hurry to get finished and sometimes don't do my work well. Sometimes I don't pay attention to what I should be doing. When things get hard for me, sometimes I give up.
As an adult, I sometimes put things off. I give up too easily, and sometimes don't do my work as well as I know I can.
My Jesus, the heavy burden of my sins is on Thee, and bears Thee down beneath the cross. I loathe them, I detest them; I call on Thee to pardon them; may Thy grace aid me never more to commit them.
Our Father....
Hail Mary....
Glory Be to the Father....
Jesus Christ Crucified, have mercy on us.
May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, Rest in peace.
Amen.
The men and women who are chosen as lectors are very good at choosing which words to emphasize and the vocal inflections are great as well. This morning's 1st reading was Deuteronomy 30:15-20, wherein Moses is telling the Israelites who are about to enter the Promised Land that he was giving them a blessing and a curse. The lector was so good and had such a booming voice that when I shut my eyes and just listened, I felt as though I was in that desert those thousands of years ago and listening to Moses himself! It was a very moving experience. I haven't stopped thinking about it all day. This evening as I write this I can still hear "Moses" exhorting me to "Choose life, then, that you and your descendants may live, by loving the LORD, your God, heeding His voice, and holding fast to Him."
Sounds like a no-brainer to me.
Thanks to St. Francis parish for making worship of our God what it should be.
======================================================================
Station 3
Jesus Falls the First Time
We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You, because by Your holy cross You have redeemed the world.
Jesus, the cross you have been carrying is very heavy. You are becoming weak and almost ready to faint, and you fall down. Nobody seems to want to help you. The soldiers are interested in getting home, so they yell at you and try to get you up and moving again.
As a child, sometimes I start to do something, but then get tired of it. I hurry to get finished and sometimes don't do my work well. Sometimes I don't pay attention to what I should be doing. When things get hard for me, sometimes I give up.
As an adult, I sometimes put things off. I give up too easily, and sometimes don't do my work as well as I know I can.
My Jesus, the heavy burden of my sins is on Thee, and bears Thee down beneath the cross. I loathe them, I detest them; I call on Thee to pardon them; may Thy grace aid me never more to commit them.
Our Father....
Hail Mary....
Glory Be to the Father....
Jesus Christ Crucified, have mercy on us.
May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, Rest in peace.
Amen.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Carrying our crosses
We've hardly begun Lent, and already in Thursday’s gospel, Jesus lays it out plainly for His followers: that He must suffer, be killed, and rise on the third day.
After that stark and startling announcement, Jesus "cuts to the chase" of what this means for His followers. That's us, folks. Listen up. Each one "must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me."
What is your cross? Do you take it up daily? It may be an alcoholic spouse, a lean financial time, a colicky baby, or a serious illness. It could be something as fleeting as an important exam at school or as heart-rending as a relationship gone sour. Or your cross may be listening patiently to the same old story told for the umpteenth time by a loved one. Perhaps it's biting your tongue rather than making an unkind remark about someone. Whatever your cross may be, you have a choice - to reject it and run, or shoulder it and start walking.
When you decide to carry it, you're not alone. Remember, you follow the Master, who had a much larger cross. As our role model, Jesus shows us how to persevere, and gives us the strength and grace to carry our cross, following in His footsteps, one step at a time, one day at a time.
And on your difficult journey, He may even give you a "Simon" to help you along.
=====================================================================
Station 2
Jesus Carries His Cross
We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you, because by your holy cross You have redeemed the world.
Jesus, as you accepted your cross, you knew you would carry it to your death on Calvary. You knew it wouldn't be easy, but you accepted it and carried it just the same.
As a child, sometimes I don't like the problems that come my way. Sometimes I try to get others to take care of them or solve them for me. Sometimes I become upset and crabby when I'm asked to do even the smallest thing to help others.
As an adult I sometimes feel like I'm not appreciated. Sometimes I feel as if I accept more responsibility that I need to. I can feel sorry for myself, even though the crosses others carry are much larger than my own. In my self-pity, I don't reach out to help.
My Jesus, Who by Thine own will didst take on Thee the most heavy cross I made for Thee by my sins, oh, make me feel their heavy weight, and weep for them ever while I live.
Our Father....
Hail Mary....
Glory Be to the Father....
Jesus Christ Crucified, have mercy on us.
May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, Rest in peace.
Amen.
After that stark and startling announcement, Jesus "cuts to the chase" of what this means for His followers. That's us, folks. Listen up. Each one "must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me."
What is your cross? Do you take it up daily? It may be an alcoholic spouse, a lean financial time, a colicky baby, or a serious illness. It could be something as fleeting as an important exam at school or as heart-rending as a relationship gone sour. Or your cross may be listening patiently to the same old story told for the umpteenth time by a loved one. Perhaps it's biting your tongue rather than making an unkind remark about someone. Whatever your cross may be, you have a choice - to reject it and run, or shoulder it and start walking.
When you decide to carry it, you're not alone. Remember, you follow the Master, who had a much larger cross. As our role model, Jesus shows us how to persevere, and gives us the strength and grace to carry our cross, following in His footsteps, one step at a time, one day at a time.
And on your difficult journey, He may even give you a "Simon" to help you along.
=====================================================================
Station 2
We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you, because by your holy cross You have redeemed the world.
Jesus, as you accepted your cross, you knew you would carry it to your death on Calvary. You knew it wouldn't be easy, but you accepted it and carried it just the same.
As a child, sometimes I don't like the problems that come my way. Sometimes I try to get others to take care of them or solve them for me. Sometimes I become upset and crabby when I'm asked to do even the smallest thing to help others.
As an adult I sometimes feel like I'm not appreciated. Sometimes I feel as if I accept more responsibility that I need to. I can feel sorry for myself, even though the crosses others carry are much larger than my own. In my self-pity, I don't reach out to help.
My Jesus, Who by Thine own will didst take on Thee the most heavy cross I made for Thee by my sins, oh, make me feel their heavy weight, and weep for them ever while I live.
Our Father....
Hail Mary....
Glory Be to the Father....
Jesus Christ Crucified, have mercy on us.
May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, Rest in peace.
Amen.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
A Plan for Lent (I hope!)
Each year Lent stealthily comes upon us. The Gospel on Ash Wednesday is a perfect instruction of how to carry ourselves during the season of Lent, which is marked by our attempts to become more pious. While we all hope for success, that very success can be the undoing of our journey for personal betterment.
Contentment often follows success and pride often follows contentment. Matthew 6 concerns piety, and piety has no room for either. It’s important to note that the Gospel isn’t just commanding us to humble ourselves outwardly, but inwardly as well (6:3). Striking the balance between restlessness and pessimism is a hidden challenge of Lent but one that is decisive to successful betterment.
Inevitably, the question will arise, “What are you doing for Lent?” Many of us find this question to be uncomfortable. Lent is the period of time that Jesus retreated into the desert to face the temptations he was bound to encounter; for this reason we “give up” our own temptations. The more I reflect on Lent the more I realize that gone are the days of giving up soda and candy; I've found those to be too easy. Ironically, during Jesus’ seclusion in the desert, “giving up” something is never mentioned. To give up something implies that we have a right to that something and are willing to sacrifice that right. What Jesus did, he did for God and his relationship with the Father. So whatever I do this Lent, I want to do it for God and my relationship with His Son.
With this reflection in mind, I was still trying to get some ideas for something different to do for Lent this year when I came across the old version of the Stations of the Cross. A new version, used by Pope John Paul II in 1991 is also found on line, and encouraged by the USCCB.
Since almost every church still has the "old" stations, my plan will be to visit whatever church is available to me on any given Friday during lent and to walk and pray the old version of the Stations. Because I am also very intrigued by the new version, I am going to use those meditations as an "addendum" to my nightly rosary. And, I will post a depiction of one station along with a short meditation on my blog every day (starting tonight). Please pray for me, that I may be able to "stick to the plan".
Wouldn’t it be amazing if this Lent no one asked, “What are you giving up?” But rather, we asked of ourselves, “What are you putting in?” Lent should be a season of working towards a deeper relationship with God. Relinquishing sinful behaviors is one thing, but it’s not enough to merely trim the vine; we must also bear fruit (John 15).
=======================================================================
Station 1
Jesus is Condemned to Death by Crucifixion
We adore Thee, O Christ, and bless Thee. Because by Thy holy cross Thou hast redeemed the world.
Jesus, you stand all alone before Pilate. Nobody speaks up for you. Nobody helps defend you. You devoted your entire life to helping others, listening to the smallest ones, caring for those who were ignored by others. They don't seem to remember that as they prepare to put you to death.
As a child, sometimes I feel alone. Sometimes I feel that others don't stand up for me and defend me when I am afraid. Sometimes I don't feel like I am treated fairly, especially if I am scolded or corrected.
As an adult, sometimes I feel abandoned and afraid as well. Sometimes I too, feel like I am treated unfairly or blamed for things unfairly. I have a hard time when people criticize me at home or at work.
Help me be grateful for what you did for me. Help me to accept criticism and unfairness as you did, and not complain. Help me pray for those who have hurt me.
My Jesus, often have I signed the death warrant by my sins; save me by Thy death from that eternal death which I have so often deserved.
Our Father....
Hail Mary....
Glory Be to the Father....
Jesus Christ Crucified, have mercy on us.
May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, Rest in peace.
Amen.
Contentment often follows success and pride often follows contentment. Matthew 6 concerns piety, and piety has no room for either. It’s important to note that the Gospel isn’t just commanding us to humble ourselves outwardly, but inwardly as well (6:3). Striking the balance between restlessness and pessimism is a hidden challenge of Lent but one that is decisive to successful betterment.
Inevitably, the question will arise, “What are you doing for Lent?” Many of us find this question to be uncomfortable. Lent is the period of time that Jesus retreated into the desert to face the temptations he was bound to encounter; for this reason we “give up” our own temptations. The more I reflect on Lent the more I realize that gone are the days of giving up soda and candy; I've found those to be too easy. Ironically, during Jesus’ seclusion in the desert, “giving up” something is never mentioned. To give up something implies that we have a right to that something and are willing to sacrifice that right. What Jesus did, he did for God and his relationship with the Father. So whatever I do this Lent, I want to do it for God and my relationship with His Son.
With this reflection in mind, I was still trying to get some ideas for something different to do for Lent this year when I came across the old version of the Stations of the Cross. A new version, used by Pope John Paul II in 1991 is also found on line, and encouraged by the USCCB.
Since almost every church still has the "old" stations, my plan will be to visit whatever church is available to me on any given Friday during lent and to walk and pray the old version of the Stations. Because I am also very intrigued by the new version, I am going to use those meditations as an "addendum" to my nightly rosary. And, I will post a depiction of one station along with a short meditation on my blog every day (starting tonight). Please pray for me, that I may be able to "stick to the plan".
Wouldn’t it be amazing if this Lent no one asked, “What are you giving up?” But rather, we asked of ourselves, “What are you putting in?” Lent should be a season of working towards a deeper relationship with God. Relinquishing sinful behaviors is one thing, but it’s not enough to merely trim the vine; we must also bear fruit (John 15).
=======================================================================
Station 1
Jesus is Condemned to Death by Crucifixion
We adore Thee, O Christ, and bless Thee. Because by Thy holy cross Thou hast redeemed the world.
Jesus, you stand all alone before Pilate. Nobody speaks up for you. Nobody helps defend you. You devoted your entire life to helping others, listening to the smallest ones, caring for those who were ignored by others. They don't seem to remember that as they prepare to put you to death.
As a child, sometimes I feel alone. Sometimes I feel that others don't stand up for me and defend me when I am afraid. Sometimes I don't feel like I am treated fairly, especially if I am scolded or corrected.
As an adult, sometimes I feel abandoned and afraid as well. Sometimes I too, feel like I am treated unfairly or blamed for things unfairly. I have a hard time when people criticize me at home or at work.
Help me be grateful for what you did for me. Help me to accept criticism and unfairness as you did, and not complain. Help me pray for those who have hurt me.
My Jesus, often have I signed the death warrant by my sins; save me by Thy death from that eternal death which I have so often deserved.
Our Father....
Hail Mary....
Glory Be to the Father....
Jesus Christ Crucified, have mercy on us.
May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, Rest in peace.
Amen.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Counting My Blessings
Even in times of despair and uncertainty, God calls us to trust in him always. Tobit’s worsening case of cataracts (Tobit 2:9-14), increasing to the point of complete blindness, is terrible and would be hard for anyone to cope with. It is not an excuse, however, to go through life in pity of oneself. The way one handles terrible situations defines who one is as a person. Anyone could go through life asking, 'why me, God?' Tobit was not only blinded by his cataracts in his literal vision; he also no longer saw how blessed he was to have people in his life who cared so much about his health and well-being. Tobit’s wife, Anna, worked hard to take care of him, and he should have been thankful for all he still had going for him in his life.
Everything happens for a reason. God is with us in all of our achievements, and God is with us in all of our failures. Over the past few weeks, I have been on “pins and needles” over some organizational changes at work. My area of influence has been cut in half. Unfortunately, the half that I am left with is the half furthest from home. Since I also had to turn in the company car for budgetary reasons, I will be forced to use my own vehicle and gas to get to my daily assignments. It will also require that I continue to be away from home for a week at a time, with every other weekend (Saturday and Sunday) off. But hey!-Thank God!-I'm still employed! I will be allowed to continue taking every Sunday off. This was non-negotiable, as I take my responsibility to worship God (and get Mom to Mass) very seriously. I can also continue to attend daily Mass most of the time and nothing will keep me from at least one hour a week in Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament—as Archbishop Fulton J Sheen used to say, an “hour of power”.
For me, it is crucial to stay motivated and goal-oriented: to keep the faith. I see all my friends and family supporting me, and I understand how blessed I am to have so many wonderful people around me. I do not want to let them down; I will not let them down. I know this because I am blessed with the strength of faith and a trust in an ever-merciful Christ.
I have so many things going for me in my life right now. If I have learned anything, I have learned to ALWAYS TRUST in God.
====================================================================
I am having a very hard time deciding what my sacrifice will be this Lenten season. I am tempted (probably the wrong word to use when describing Lent--but I digress) to let my absence from my family due to my new job perameters be the "something to give up". Somehow, that doesn't seem to be enough. Maybe I'll take a cue from Mom, who said she's going to read some Holy Scripture every day in addition to her already monumental prayer life. I can probably do both. Whatever I choose to do, I know the Holy Spirit will be with me to support me, so how can I go wrong?
Everything happens for a reason. God is with us in all of our achievements, and God is with us in all of our failures. Over the past few weeks, I have been on “pins and needles” over some organizational changes at work. My area of influence has been cut in half. Unfortunately, the half that I am left with is the half furthest from home. Since I also had to turn in the company car for budgetary reasons, I will be forced to use my own vehicle and gas to get to my daily assignments. It will also require that I continue to be away from home for a week at a time, with every other weekend (Saturday and Sunday) off. But hey!-Thank God!-I'm still employed! I will be allowed to continue taking every Sunday off. This was non-negotiable, as I take my responsibility to worship God (and get Mom to Mass) very seriously. I can also continue to attend daily Mass most of the time and nothing will keep me from at least one hour a week in Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament—as Archbishop Fulton J Sheen used to say, an “hour of power”.
For me, it is crucial to stay motivated and goal-oriented: to keep the faith. I see all my friends and family supporting me, and I understand how blessed I am to have so many wonderful people around me. I do not want to let them down; I will not let them down. I know this because I am blessed with the strength of faith and a trust in an ever-merciful Christ.
I have so many things going for me in my life right now. If I have learned anything, I have learned to ALWAYS TRUST in God.
====================================================================
I am having a very hard time deciding what my sacrifice will be this Lenten season. I am tempted (probably the wrong word to use when describing Lent--but I digress) to let my absence from my family due to my new job perameters be the "something to give up". Somehow, that doesn't seem to be enough. Maybe I'll take a cue from Mom, who said she's going to read some Holy Scripture every day in addition to her already monumental prayer life. I can probably do both. Whatever I choose to do, I know the Holy Spirit will be with me to support me, so how can I go wrong?
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Blessed the man who fears the Lord
Tobit sounds like a remarkable man – driven by social justice to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and bury the dead while in exile from his homeland. One could almost see him in a ghetto during World War II, being the man who was there in service to those in need. Even though he was warned by the Assyrians, Tobit continued these works of mercy, and then was imprisoned for his ritual burials of fellow Jewish exiles. In all the accounts included in the book, he was faithful to the precepts of his faith. His reward for this faithfulness was imprisonment, forfeiture of his properties, blindness, and ridicule.
Psalm 112 could be written about Tobit and all those who follow God’s call. The psalm lauds those who delight in God’s commands, who are gracious and merciful and just. As it was with Tobit, such people can never be moved or swayed from the right path.
Tobit, when confronted with a choice, ignored his own comfort, safety and pleasure, and chose instead something altogether different. His response is a good lesson for us because, like him, we often find ourselves in situations which offer us a choice between our creature comforts and the needs of others.
For many, choosing something that is pleasurable, safe and comfortable and not inherently sinful or wrong, doesn’t seem so bad, except that, as followers of Christ we have an obligation to develop a sensitive and good conscience toward the poor and the mistreated. That means we put aside what we might rather do and teach others by our example to do the same.
Can we see ourselves in Tobit? Can we do what he did – feed the hungry, clothe the naked, give alms, bury the dead with dignity and respect – even though the culture around us puts up obstacles to make it harder for us to do so? Can we continue in these efforts when we face great adversity, physical infirmity, even social disapproval and ostracism? We have a downtown church here in Omaha renowned for its short masses. We sometimes attend and without fail there is a humble man begging to the side of the main doorway. It is interesting to see how many people totally ignore his presence as they file into mass. How often do we not see the people that Tobit saw and served?
Let us then ask the Holy Spirit to enlighten us that we might see the many opportunities we are given to respond in love as Tobit did, and indeed, as Christ always did. Let others we meet find in us a good example, evidence of Christ dwelling in us.
Psalm 112 could be written about Tobit and all those who follow God’s call. The psalm lauds those who delight in God’s commands, who are gracious and merciful and just. As it was with Tobit, such people can never be moved or swayed from the right path.
Tobit, when confronted with a choice, ignored his own comfort, safety and pleasure, and chose instead something altogether different. His response is a good lesson for us because, like him, we often find ourselves in situations which offer us a choice between our creature comforts and the needs of others.
For many, choosing something that is pleasurable, safe and comfortable and not inherently sinful or wrong, doesn’t seem so bad, except that, as followers of Christ we have an obligation to develop a sensitive and good conscience toward the poor and the mistreated. That means we put aside what we might rather do and teach others by our example to do the same.
Can we see ourselves in Tobit? Can we do what he did – feed the hungry, clothe the naked, give alms, bury the dead with dignity and respect – even though the culture around us puts up obstacles to make it harder for us to do so? Can we continue in these efforts when we face great adversity, physical infirmity, even social disapproval and ostracism? We have a downtown church here in Omaha renowned for its short masses. We sometimes attend and without fail there is a humble man begging to the side of the main doorway. It is interesting to see how many people totally ignore his presence as they file into mass. How often do we not see the people that Tobit saw and served?
Let us then ask the Holy Spirit to enlighten us that we might see the many opportunities we are given to respond in love as Tobit did, and indeed, as Christ always did. Let others we meet find in us a good example, evidence of Christ dwelling in us.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
The real story (courtesy of Bizarro.com via my daughter's Facebook)
Of course it is good to think about Judgement Day. All of us face it the day we are born. None of us knows when it's going to happen to us, but we can be sure that it is. The key is to be ready NOW...and trust in the Mercy of God, through His Son, Jesus Christ.
Opportunity
It might have been a typical day for Bartimaeus.
Mark’s gospel (Mark 10:46-52) says he was sitting by the roadside begging, perhaps because his blindness had reduced him to relying on other people's generosity. Evidently, asking people for what he wanted was nothing new for Bartimaeus, so when he heard that Jesus was passing by, he was not shy about shouting for help.
Over the noise of the crowd, he bellowed, "Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!"
Ever have someone seated right behind you at a sports event suddenly shout in your ear? No wonder people tried to shush him up! But there was no stifling this fellow. Bartimaeus kept shouting at the top of his lungs, "Son of David, have pity on me!" Can't you just hear it?
It worked. Jesus called him over. Then, to his excitement, Bartimaeus heard Jesus ask, "What do you want me to do for you?" Can you imagine having Jesus ask you this? Talk about opportunity!
Of course, Bartimaeus asked to see. And, the gospel says, "immediately" he received his sight. At that moment, did Bartimaeus find himself looking right into the eyes of Jesus?
Imagine it: the first thing he saw with his new eyesight was the face of God, looking into his! Our Lord must have smiled when he said to him, "Go your way; your faith has saved you."
When we pray, we mustn't be afraid to be persistent, and we must pray with faith. As for what to say, "Jesus, mercy!" is a prayer God finds hard to resist.
Mark’s gospel (Mark 10:46-52) says he was sitting by the roadside begging, perhaps because his blindness had reduced him to relying on other people's generosity. Evidently, asking people for what he wanted was nothing new for Bartimaeus, so when he heard that Jesus was passing by, he was not shy about shouting for help.
Over the noise of the crowd, he bellowed, "Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!"
Ever have someone seated right behind you at a sports event suddenly shout in your ear? No wonder people tried to shush him up! But there was no stifling this fellow. Bartimaeus kept shouting at the top of his lungs, "Son of David, have pity on me!" Can't you just hear it?
It worked. Jesus called him over. Then, to his excitement, Bartimaeus heard Jesus ask, "What do you want me to do for you?" Can you imagine having Jesus ask you this? Talk about opportunity!
Of course, Bartimaeus asked to see. And, the gospel says, "immediately" he received his sight. At that moment, did Bartimaeus find himself looking right into the eyes of Jesus?
Imagine it: the first thing he saw with his new eyesight was the face of God, looking into his! Our Lord must have smiled when he said to him, "Go your way; your faith has saved you."
When we pray, we mustn't be afraid to be persistent, and we must pray with faith. As for what to say, "Jesus, mercy!" is a prayer God finds hard to resist.
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