All Saints Day--Well deserved

Sunday, November 1, 2009
The Glorious Mysteries
Solemnity of All Saints
Revelation 7:2-4, 9-14
Psalm 24:1bc-2, 3-4ab, 5-6
1 John 3:1-3
Matthew 5:1-12a


Saints are people who "washed their clothes in the blood of the Lamb" (first reading) -- that is, they put the grace of their Baptism to daily use. Saints are people whose main struggle in life was to live as "children of God" (second reading) -- merciful, humble, forgiving, peacemakers. They lived the Beatitudes of the Gospel.

I’m going to try an experiment to see if I understand the beatitudes:

Jesus says blessed are the poor in spirit. He does not say blessed are the rich.

Jesus says blessed are they who mourn. He does not say blessed are those who party.

Jesus says blessed are the meek. He does not say blessed are those who are bold and loud.

Jesus says blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness. He does not say blessed are those who could care less.

Jesus says blessed are the merciful. He does not say blessed are those who are vindictive and seek revenge.

Jesus says blessed are the clean of heart. He does not say blessed are those who sin.

Jesus says blessed are the peacemakers. He does not say blessed are those who hate, kill and deceive.

Jesus says blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness. He does not say blessed are those who never face any hardship.

Jesus says blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you. He does not say blessed are those who never face affliction.

I think this clearly shows what Jesus was saying. Our lives as Christians are not necessarily lives of comfort, carelessness and happiness. It is actually the opposite, and our lives must be lived for those who mourn, in search of righteousness, with clean hearts and knowing it will be a struggle. It is in these things we are truly blessed and it is in these things we truly find our Lord.

Saints are people who suffered often, fell from grace sometimes, but always picked themselves up through genuine sorrow for sin. They are the ones who talked to God as a friend, sought to put His Will first in their lives, and found their strength in the food of the Eucharist.The saints lived free and joyful lives. We hope to be included in their number some day!

Our problem is that the temptations for modern humanity are replete with every devious scheme that the devil can subtly place in our paths. For us to become a member of that great number of saints, we must be sure that we're listening to, AND living, the message of the Gospel and the recommendations of the Vicar of Christ, our pope.

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Sunday November 1st is my brother Bob's birthday! Happy birthday, Bob! I'm working on a little something for my blog tomorrow especially for you. I hope it meets your approval.

Happy Halloween

Here's Lady Bug and Mommy Bug ready to go trick-or-treating!

C'mon, Mommy! Let's go!

A Halloween lesson--and candy, too!

Saturday, October 31, 2009
The Joyful Mysteries
Romans 11:1-2a, 11-12, 25-29
Psalm 94:12-13a, 14-15, 17-18
Luke 14:1, 7-11
I am reminded by the gospel of the last time (I think) I ever went trick-or-treating. I am fuzzy on some of the details but the lesson I learned on this particular night has stayed with me after all these years.

There was a group of us-- my brother Tom was with me, as well as my best friend (at the time) Cal Rasmussen. There were about 3 or 4 others, too. We were out to get as much candy as we could: which was, incidentally the whole idea of Halloween! If I had to wear an embarrassing costume to meet the objective, OK. I was never comfortable at Halloween, and it's still not my favorite holiday, but my sweet tooth will always win over my will power.

We all carried pillowcases to put our "stash" into. Our objective was to fill the pillowcases and then go back to the house and sort it out into what we liked and didn't like and trade with one another until everybody was satisfied with the loot.

As happens with kids who are together for any real length of time, some tempers flared and envy over who was getting more candy, who had the better costume, and even who shouted "Trick or Treat" the loudest were the cause of the tantrums. I'll admit that I was a part of the problem until it came time to knock on the next door. Then I was "all business" and the arguments had to stop. After all, who would give candy to kids who were not behaving well?

Some in our "gang" didn't know when to stop however, and when we knocked on the door of one particularly mean-looking guy there was so much arguing going on that no one remembered to yell "Trick or Treat"!

The man asked in a booming voice, "Who's in charge of this group? Who's their leader?" I'll be honest with you. He scared the s _ _ _ out of us! So the arguing stopped and everybody's jaws started to quiver. We thought that if we said just one more word, we would get in some sort of trouble. So no one said anything. Except me, that is. All I could think of to say was, "Trick or Treat!" in the smallest voice I could muster.

All of a sudden the guy let out a huge laugh and said to me, "I KNEW you were the leader! Only a real leader would stand at the back of the pack and come up with a plan to ACT like one and get the job done!" Then he said, "Since you're the leader, I'm going to give YOU the candy for your group and let you decide how to share it." Here I was, only trying to see how much candy I could get wearing some sort of costume I'm sure I was embarrassed to be wearing, and this guy calls me a leader and throws responsibility my way as well!

I truly believe that man-who I never saw again-gave me more confidence in myself than I ever knew I could have. He also showed me from humility comes strength of character. As I look back on it now (and as I have many times since it first occurred) I was "taking the lowest place at the table" and I was "invited up to a place of honor". I will forever be grateful to that man because I would not have the confidence in my leadership abilities today if not for him.

Jesus, Have Mercy on Us and on the Whole World

Men No Longer Needed

Stem Cell Breakthrough Could Create Babies Without Men, Women, or Sexual Relations
Is it just me? Doesn't this sound like God's purview? Scientists have finally found a way to break all 10 commandments with a single process! May God have mercy on anyone who believes this is ethical.

Here I am Lord, I come to do Your will

Friday, October 30, 2009
The Sorrowful Mysteries
Romans 9:1-5
Psalm 147:12-13, 14-15, 19-20
Luke 14:1-6

I have a follow up in reference to Tuesday’s blog “A little bit of yeast”. I am humbled to think that God would use me the way it appears that He did today.

I was driving home from Modesto when I got a call from a co-worker. He asked me if I was going to Mass tonight. I told him no, that I had already gone in the morning. Then I said, “Why? Would you like to go with me?” To which he responded, “I would love to, but I just don’t have the time”. Then he asked me to pray for his family during my prayers tonight. He made a point to tell me not to pray for him, just for his family, and to pray that everything would turn out all right for them. At this, I got very concerned about what he meant by that. But I assured him that he AND his family would all get my prayers this evening.

After he hung up, I immediately changed my plans for the evening of going home early for the first time in a couple of weeks to relax, and stopped at the nearest Adoration Chapel at St. Michael’s church in Stockton to follow through with my promise to my friend and brother in Christ.

During my rosary, I got the thought that I should look for some prayers on line that might encourage my friend to look for the hope that Christ is for us. I found some prayers to St. Joseph and of course the prayer to the Holy Spirit (which is a pretty powerful mainstay for any father), then started to write my friend a letter in which I explained my opinion on prayer. The letter was an entire page with single spacing! I just let the Holy Spirit “speak” through my writing. In all humility, I think Our Lord gave my friend some pretty sound advice through my letter. I guess time will tell.

I was elated that a person who ordinarily doesn’t show much interest in things spiritual was finally humbled enough to recognize he needs Christ’s help to get him through this particular crisis. I guess I was also pleased that Jesus chose me to be the instrument of his request for help. Does that make sense? Is that pride?

There is an expression that "hindsight gives one 20:20 vision." Most of us can think of times when we wished we had stepped forward to help in some situation. Later we realize that what restrained us from acting really wasn't that important after all. Today might be a good time for us to recall some of those reasons that kept, or keep, us from performing acts of charity.

We can always change -- for the good.

Lily

Thursday, October 29, 2009
The Luminous Mysteries
Romans 8:31b-39
Psalm 109:21-22, 26-27, 30-31
Luke 13:31-35

When my children were babies I had a job that was pretty straightforward as far as a schedule goes. I could count on being home every night and waking up in my own bed every morning. I could count on being able to comply with the occasional request from the school or church for help. I could attend most of the kids' recitals, activities and ceremonies. I never had the occasion to miss their presence for any extended length of time.

Even for the first few years with U-Haul, I could pretty much count on the same things. Then I took the promotion that has kept me in hotel rooms, on the road, and away from my family for days or weeks at a time.

This past week has been really rough for me. Not because the work was any harder than usual or the hours were longer than usual--although they were--but because I really missed Lily. I missed Marilyn, too, (like I always do), but I was beside myself wanting to see Lily's smile and her eyes sparkle at me the way they do, and I couldn't see them from 300 miles away.

Just before I left for this trip, Alicia gave me a couple of pictures to keep with me and look at while I was gone. I started showing them to the girls at the office during my meeting last week, and Kellie--a good friend--asked if the pictures were for her "wall". She has pictures of our co-workers and their children on a wall in the office that is meant to generate a "family feeling". It works for the most part. Anyway, I told her she could have the pictures, since I don't often get in on the picture taking opportunities because I don't live in Fresno. She was so excited. She put the pictures dead-center in the middle of the board where they are very prominent.

But I digress. When I walked in the door this evening, I thought Lily would be in the bathtub because it was her usual bath time. But her father was caught in a traffic jam on his way home from work and so Alicia decided to postpone Lily's bath until Lorenzo got home and had a little "play time" with her. I'm so glad she did!

As soon as I walked in the door, Marilyn said, "Look, Lily! Oompah's home!" She couldn't crawl over to me fast enough, with the biggest grin I've ever seen on her face! She wanted me to pick her up, and although I didn't want to (lol), I complied. She started jabbering away like she was telling me everything she did the week I was gone and didn't want to leave any details out. And giggled and giggled and giggled. My heart just melted. I feel so elated right now, I can't concentrate on tomorrow's readings. So I'll just post them in the usual way, and let you read them and interpret them in your own way. I don't want to lose the moment.

Labels

Wednesday, October 28, 2009
The Glorious Mysteries
Memorial of Sts. Simon and Jude
Ephesians 2:19-22
Psalm 19:2-3, 4-5
Luke 6:12-16


Jesus did nothing without praying. So before He chose His apostles, He retired for a period of time to speak with His Father. One would think that Jesus, being God, would know, without consultation what to do. But here we have the example of the full humanness of the incarnate Godhead. We also have the example of what we are to do in like circumstances. There is a clarity that comes from silence all around, from the deep stillness of your environment. In this silence, the voice of God may be more clearly heard. The concerns of the day have passed, there is no one pressing upon you the concerns of a new day. So you are free to take your primary cares to God and implore His help.

Once He had finished speaking with the Father, Jesus came down from the mountain and named the twelve. Among them were the two in honor of whom we celebrate this day. We know relatively little about them except for the “labels” that Luke gives them in this Gospel. One key line here is the description of Simon. Simon was a zealot--the word has come down to us to mean one whose enthusiasm is just short of insanity—almost “terrorist-ic” (and perhaps not all that short of it.) At the time, Zealots were a religious party that believed that the coming of the Messiah would bring about an earthly kingdom with a great prince. They opposed the occupation of the Holy Land, and it doesn't seem unlikely that they resorted to some of the tactics one finds in opposition to perceived oppression today. Why should this detail matter? It is important because Jesus shows, by choosing this man, that ideology is also not a dividing line. God's Kingdom takes in everyone. And if one is ready to be part of God's Kingdom, it transforms one into a servant of God. Liberals, conservatives, fascists, revolutionaries, Marxists, totalitarians, monarchists, you name the ideology, Jesus is there to save. He made Simon one of his intimate twelve as a sign to us that mere political screed did not stand in the way of the advance of the Kingdom. Jesus showed us through the selection of this great apostle that all are welcome and no one is beyond the reach of God's saving love.

At the end of the Apostle’s names, Luke includes Judas Iscariot, "Who became a traitor." Reading this first, then writing these words, I am moved to tears—most of all for Jesus who was betrayed, for Judas who squandered the opportunity to be moved by grace, and for all of us, who like Judas, betray the Lord whenever we sin. Judas' traitorous act should remind us that even those who are ostensibly close to the Lord are vulnerable and can fall into terrible sin.

That is why serious examination of our consciences in the silence I wrote about in the opening paragraph is helpful; it can indicate to us what words might be tacked onto our name if today there was a roll of Jesus' present day followers.

For me could it be "complainer" as I often throw in my lot with so many of my disgruntled co-workers, or "flash in the pan" because I often fail to stay the course and persevere. With my rosary tonight, I’m going to ask Mother to plead with Jesus to help me change my “label” to “loving”, “gentle”, “generous”, or “humble”. Better yet, how about the “label” that Jesus Himself gave to Nathaniel—“non-duplicitous”. Hey, there’s no shame in setting a goal.

A little bit of yeast

Tuesday, October 27, 2009
The Sorrowful Mysteries
Romans 8:18-25
Psalm 126:1b-2ab, 2cd-3, 4-5, 6
Luke 13:18-21

This link will take you to a blog that identifies a nun we all have to pray for.
http://www.splendoroftruth.com/curtjester/archives/2009/10/whatever-you-do-1.php

When we pray, it's in the present moment that we encounter God, not in the concerns of our yesterdays or tomorrows, but in our "today."

The Catechism has its own compelling section on "Today" as it relates to Christian prayer. "Prayer in the events of each day and each moment is one of the secrets of the Kingdom." (Catechism Para. 2660)

We must bring prayer into our everyday circumstances, because all forms of prayer, even the most simple and direct, can be the leaven to which Jesus compares the Kingdom. In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus compares the Kingdom to a small amount of yeast that, when mixed into a large amount of dough, affects the entire batch.

I went to dinner last night at Hometown Buffet. As anyone who has eaten there can tell you, it's always busy and noisy at dinnertime, because it draws the large families with lots of small children who are attracted to the good prices and better than average food along with an atmosphere that doesn't restrict the antics of children that sometimes happens. Anyway, last night was no different. I got my plate filled and sat down at a booth next to a family with two small, rambunctious kids. They were really noisy! Until, that is, I crossed myself and said grace. The kids noticed and asked the parents what I was doing. I guess I got them thinking. A little bit of leavening that hopefully will affect the entire batch.

The potential for prayer exists in every moment of our lives, no matter what we're doing! God offers us His Spirit at all times, but we must allow Him to help make prayer rise up in us like dough to yeast, so we can experience His Kingdom as He permeates our entire being with His Glory.

Looking everywhere

Monday, October 26, 2009
The Joyful Mysteries
Romans 8:12-17
Psalm 68:2 and 4, 6-7ab, 20-21
Luke 13:10-17

In Acts, chapter 19, St. Paul reveals that his evangelization of the Pagan Ephesians encountered some difficulties. On one occasion the city was thrown into turmoil by the silversmiths rioting because the "new" God infringed on their business of making miniature shrines to the city's goddess, Artemis.

The major problem faced by Jesus was different and more dangerous, for His adversaries were the self-important, self-appointed religious experts. Their scholars had rewritten and expanded the basic Commandments into a complex system of laws governing every aspect of people's lives. One basic law commanded that the Sabbath was to be kept holy by forbidding any work, even limiting the distance walked on that day, leaving some unable to attend synagogue. Jesus enraged the religious hierarchy by continuing to heal on the Sabbath because they failed to see that God never suspends His compassion, a virtue inherent in His very nature and essence. What they were demanding of Christ was impossible, since He Who is God's Son cannot cease expressing His Father's love even on the sabbath. Jesus showed them that their interpretation of the law treated their livestock more kindly than their fellow humans.

Speaking of the basic Commandments: I was watching a made-for-TV movie about the Ten Commandments this evening. One of the “stories within the story” had Moses “searching” for God. It’s a quest a lot of people (myself included) have made. He finally connected the dots and discovered that he was always looking SOMEwhere, not EVERYwhere! When He had this epiphany, it seemed to me that it made saying "yes" to God easier. We should be looking (and finding) Christ in ourselves and in our neighbors, and even in our enemies—after all, He did say that’s where He is.

Oh, and sorry about the date of the post. The movie ran longer than I realized and I really had to hustle to think of something for my blog and meet my self-imposed “deadline” of midnight. I didn’t make it. Oh well, I hope you enjoy it anyway. Good night and God Bless you all.

We need only ask with confidence

Well, I thought I was doing pretty good on my "pilgrimage". There are 126 different parishes in the central valley between the Fresno and Stockton dioceses. I never looked at it until tonight, when I was feeling great that I went to Mass at a different parish in Porterville. I have only visited 46 parishes so far. That's less than 40%! I've been on my pilgrimage for a little over 2 years. At this rate, it will take another 3 years and some focus to attain my goal--but with God's help (and my schedule)--I'll get there.


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Sunday, October 25, 2009
The Glorious Mysteries
Jeremiah 31:7-9
Psalm 126:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 6
Hebrews 5:1-6
Mark 10:46-52

Often these days, we run into people who are discouraged at losing their jobs, or worried about their children who are out of work and low on cash. Others of our friends or neighbors are just gloomy and pessimistic about the confusion in our country as to what direction to go with reform of our health care. How can we bring about peace and security? How can we act responsibly toward our natural resources and the environment? We are confused. As to issues of morality in our society, forget it! Our standards as to what are right and wrong seem to crumble more each day! And so, in frustration we cry, "Enough, Lord!"

These readings give us a much-needed boost. In the first reading, the prophet Jeremiah assures the Israelites that the day is coming when God will bring them out of slavery in Babylon back to Jerusalem. He will bring all of them back—the blind, the lame, mothers and babies, the broken and the battered—all who are repentant of their infidelities. God has promised, and He will do it.

The Gospel shows us that the fullness of that promise will come through Jesus Christ. The scene is the final healing that Jesus performed before returning to His passion and death in Jerusalem. A blind man named Bartimaeus called out, "Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me." Bartimaeus hardly expected a response from the One whom he acknowledged as the messiah, Who asked him, "What do you want me to do for you?" Bartimaeus responded, "Master, I want to see." And Jesus gave to Bartimaeus the gift he asked for!

As Jesus healed this blind man because he wanted so desperately to see, He will heal all of us who long to be cured of our spiritual blindness, our hopelessness, and our sinfulness, if only we have faith and trust to battle an indifferent world and cry more loudly to our Savior for our personal and public needs.

How can anyone ignore this gift? (Reconciliation)

Saturday, October 24, 2009
The Joyful Mysteries
Romans 8:1-11
Psalm 24:1b-2, 3-4ab, 5-6
Luke 13:1-9

These readings are all about "Flesh" and "Spirit"—we could say they are about "Sin" and "Freedom." If you really “listen” (through reading) to St. Paul, you have to be convinced that the life of freedom in the Spirit is definitely the better choice than slavery to the flesh.

It seems obvious, but experiencing the pull of the flesh (meaning sin in all its forms) even as soon as fifteen minutes after reading this scripture and being swayed by it, I can understand how fickle human nature really is. "The spirit (meaning OUR spirit) is willing, but the flesh is weak" expresses the human condition. What is so remarkable is that Jesus, the Second Person of the Trinity, took on our human nature with its tendency to sin. St. Paul says that Jesus took on sinful flesh. To me, that implies that Jesus allowed himself to experience the effects of Original Sin. Though Jesus was sinless Himself, He allowed this terrible power to exert influence on His thoughts and His feelings!

Incredible!

Emptying Himself of divinity was the greatest proof of His love. How could anyone doubt His love? He knows what my temptations are like. He can understand my shame at being impatient, insensitive, unforgiving and selfish. This thought makes His absolution in the Sacrament of Penance all the more precious to me.

The gospel of Luke speaks of the necessity of repentance as a part of our lives. The practice of repentance strengthens us for the times we experience suffering in our lives. It is a way for us to evaluate how much we have "grown up in Christ," that is by our reaction to suffering. Repentance is not a popular concept for many, but it is written in scripture so many times, how can we ignore it?

God will show us the way

Friday, October 23, 2009
The Sorrowful Mysteries
Romans 7:18-25a
Psalm 119:66, 68, 76, 77, 93, 94
Luke 12:54-59

Two words came to my mind when I was going over tomorrow’s readings—action and failure. As followers of Christ we are committed to action but have to cope with our frequent failure to live our faith.

In the Gospel, Jesus contrasts his contemporaries’ knowledge and understanding of natural processes with their inability to understand the importance of his presence among them. With all their knowledge, they are still unable “to interpret the present time.” The present time is the time of his presence among them, when he announces that God’s Kingdom has come! It is also the time when he is calling everyone to actively participate in establishing the Kingdom on earth. He is calling everyone to action! Like Jesus’ contemporaries we are knowledgeable in many different areas: in history, politics, psychology, gardening, philosophy, and so on. Like them, we may also not realize the importance of the present time, of the Kingdom of God that is growing among us, and of our commitment to this Kingdom of justice.

Most of the time we are aware of the need to live our commitment to God’s Kingdom in whatever we are doing. However, we also experience what Paul describes in the first reading of today: we want to do good, but instead do something bad, that we don’t really intend to do. We want to be supportive of relatives who need a good word but instead waste time and energy with shopping for some trivial items. We want to live “green” but instead avoid carpooling. We want to spend quality time with our partners and children but instead decide to focus on our work. The list of such failures is long. At times we may be tempted to give up the ideals that are part of our faith commitment. Why to bother with wanting to do good if we cannot live up to our ideals!

It’s like we have lost our judgment. True judgment involves the whole person mentally--memory, intellect, and will. Memory assists us in recognizing the pattern or the action from the past. Intellect helps us discern what is the proper course of action. The will must be invoked to act on the proper course of action.

Of course all three of these are covered by grace. By ourselves we can do no good--it is only with God's assistance that we can discern and act upon the proper way. God has clearly marked out the path for us and gives us the grace for the strength to follow it. We must learn to reorder our faculties to desire what God desires for us and not to desire that God should change His will to suit our needs.

Paul shows us how to deal with our frustrations. He does not give up because he is convinced that God will do something good through him. What for an encouraging insight! Despite our failures, God will do something good through us.

In Luke, we are advised how to respond to failures: if things go wrong we should not overly worry; we should not loose our ideals and motivation; we should not give up. Instead we should “settle the matter on the way”! We should simply ask God for forgiveness for our failures, apologize to others, and then continue being involved in working for his Kingdom.

Failures are common in our commitment to God’s Kingdom, but we believe that God will nevertheless do something good through us, will forgive us when things go wrong, and guide us in our involvement with his Kingdom. Our role is to pray, keep informed, and then step into the darkness, the unknown, with FAITH.

Simple respect

Thursday, October 21, 2009
The Luminous Mysteries
Romans 6:19-23
Psalm 1:1-2, 3, 4 and 6
Luke 12:49-53

On my way home from Los Banos last week I remembered that it was the anniversary of my father-in-law’s death. He passed away in October 1995. He is buried in Gustine (just North of Los Banos) at San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery, which is a cemetery reserved for veterans, similar to the Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. (Frank had served in the tank corps in Northern Africa under General Patton during World War II.) So I stopped at the cemetery to say some prayers and to pay my respects to him and my Uncle Lawrence who is also buried there.

As I wrote a little over a week ago, Marilyn and I “celebrated” our 35th anniversary. It brought to mind the day I spoke to Frank (alone) about my intentions to marry his daughter. He held up his index finger and said only one word would describe what he considered the most important trait a marriage needs for longevity---Respect. And that he would expect nothing more and would accept nothing less from the man who married his daughter. He wasn’t telling me anything I didn’t already know. My own parents had already set a very good example for me to follow.

Respect is good for all of life’s experiences, not just marital relationships. I really had a lot of respect for Frank—probably as much as I had for my own dad. It was out of respect for Frank that when Alicia asked me what I wanted to be called by Lily when she was born I didn’t choose “Papa”, which is what Frank was called by my children. I instead chose “Oompah”. I figured it was close enough to “Papa” without “stepping on his toes”, so to speak.

It’s too bad the world can’t have respect for one another. In a way, it’s what the gospel for Thursday alludes to—at least for me. If we can't learn to respect one another, pretty soon it will be "a household of five divided, three against two and two against three; a father will be divided against his son and a son against his father, a mother against her daughter and a daughter against her mother, a mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.”

K. I. S. S.--Keep It Simple Stupid

Wednesday, Ocober 21, 2009
The Glorious Mysteries
Romans 6:12-18
Psalm 124:1b-3, 4-6, 7-8
Luke 12:39-48

I was reminded today when reading the gospel of an old saying that was often used when teaching someone how to do something that seemed difficult, but wasn't, really—“Use the KISS method”. KISS stands for Keep It Simple, Stupid!

Getting to heaven is not meant to be hard. God has not created us for failure expecting that only a few will make the grade. Instead, He made everyone for Himself and the desire of His heart is that none be lost.

We sometimes try to complicate things trying to “interpret” the bible or second-guess the Pope or we become so mechanical in our prayers that they become “babble” and their purpose is lost. Or we worry about when our time will come to meet our Master. Even though death may come like a thief and catch us unprepared in some arenas, it can't catch us unprepared for heaven if we do two simple things: love God and love our neighbor.

St. Therese of Lisieux figured it out a long time ago—keep it simple and use your time well, loving God and loving your neighbor. Not by doing necessarily extraordinary things, but just simple ordinary little things -- with extraordinary love!

Those "terrible twos"

Tuesday, October 20, 2009
The Sorrowful Mysteries
Romans 5:12, 15b, 17-19, 20b-21
Psalm 40:7-8a, 8b-9, 10, 17
Luke 12:35-38

St. Paul’s letter to the Romans reminds me of those parents who have children in the "terrible two's," a stage of development when they live by the word, "NO!" It is an exasperating time for the parents and a potentially dangerous time for a child who does not see the possible pain and suffering his disobedience could cause him. Sadly, many adults never outgrow this stage and remain unseeing and uncaring of the consequences of their behavior to themselves and others.

St. Paul reminds his flock that Adam and Eve's disobedience initiated man's fall into sin; when they countered God's instruction, they usurped His position and became their own "little gods."

In contrast, Paul cites Christ's obedience to His Father's law of love. At great cost, His pain and death, He won for sinful man the option of being cleansed of sin and made righteous through their dying with Him to the inordinate demands of their flesh and instead living in God's will, in His good Spirit. This world's turmoil is caused by man's "NO" to our heavenly Father's gift of new life in Christ. Or at least our underestimating His love.

Monsignor Moore told a story about our tendency to always want more and more from God, even though He's already given us all we need:

A man answers a knock at his door. When he opens the door there is another man standing there who asks, "Are you the man who saved my son from drowning in the canal yesterday?" Proudly, and with anticipation of the gratitude he will receive, the man replies, "Yes, I am."

The stranger then asks in a very indignant tone, "Well then, what did you do with his hat?", completely overlooking the very big fact that his son is alive, and focusing instead on his possessions.

In the Gospel Jesus talks to us about the necessity of being prepared for His final coming. It is something we know is important and I'm sure something we all intend to do. But somehow and so often, many things get in the way, and we end up saying, “NO!”

I have frequently thought how I will feel when my time is up and I realize I have failed miserably to be the kind of loving person God has called me to be. It's enough to bring me to momentary tears until I remember that Jesus is a merciful judge, and my hope rises again.

Please Lord, listen to my prayer, all my hope is in Your mercy.

No wonder she's a saint!

Monday, October 19, 2009
The Joyful Mysteries
Memorial of St. John de Brébeuf and St. Isaac Jogues
Romans 4:20-25
Luke 1:69-70, 71-72, 73-75
Luke 12:13-21

I can't reflect on the Gospel for Monday any better than St. Teresa of Jesus does, so here is her reflection taken from the Divine Office, Volume 4, Ordinary Time, weeks 18-34, pp1793-4

If Christ Jesus dwells in a man as his friend and noble leader, that man can endure all things, for Christ helps and strengthens us and never abandons us. He is a true friend. And I clearly see that if we expect to please Him and receive an abundance of His graces, God desires that these graces must come to us from the hands of Christ, through His most sacred humanity, in which God takes delight.

Many, many times I have perceived this through experience. The Lord has told it to me. I have definitely seen that we must enter by this gate if we wish His Sovereign Majesty to reveal to us great and hidden mysteries. A person should desire no other path, even if he is at the summit of contemplation; on this road he walks safely. All blessings come to us through our Lord. He will teach us, for in beholding His life we find that He is the best example.

What more do we desire from such a good friend at our side? Unlike our friends in the world, He will never abandon us when we are troubled or distressed. Blessed is the one who truly loves Him and always keeps Him near. Let us consider the glorious Saint Paul: it seems that no other name fell from his lips than that of Jesus, because the name of Jesus was fixed and embedded in his heart. Once I had come to understand this truth, I carefully considered the lives of some of the saints, the great contemplatives, and found that they took no other path: Francis, Anthony of Padua, Bernard, Catherine of Siena. A person must walk along this path in freedom, placing himself in God's hands. If God should desire to raise us to the position of one who is an intimate and shares His secrets, we ought to accept this gladly.

Whenever we think of Christ we should recall the love that led Him to bestow on us so many graces and favors, and also the great love God showed in giving us in Christ a pledge of His love; for love calls for love in return. Let us strive to keep this always before our eyes and to rouse ourselves to love Him. For if at some time the Lord should grant us the grace of impressing His love on our hearts, all will become easy for us and we shall accomplish great things quickly and without effort.

The "Sons of Thunder" attend the first "Come to Jesus" Meeting

Sunday, October 18. 2009
The Glorious Mysteries
Isaiah 53:10-11
Psalm 33:4-5, 18-19, 20, 22
Hebrews 4:14-16
Mark 10:35-45 or 10:42-45

In St. Mark's Gospel, the two "sons of thunder," James and John, make a bid for a power position in Jesus' new kingdom. They're overeager and too confident as they ask the Master for the choice seats next to His Throne! Jesus doesn't get angry with them. After assuring them that seating arrangements will be made by God the Father, He quietly asks them if they're prepared to drink the bitter cup that He is about to drink.

James and John must have looked at each other in some embarrassment and confusion before they replied, "We can!" The rest of the disciples hear about the apparent self-centered request and become indignant. (Obviously, they're looking for power and prestige just as much as the two brothers.)

The Master calls them all together for a little “Come to Jesus Meeting”. “Come To” and “Follow Me” talks characterize Jesus’ relating with His friends in Mark’s Gospel. In Mark’s account, the disciples are a little slow of heart and shaky of faith. Jesus uses a familiar image to them for His teaching.

Sadly, Jesus realizes that none of them understand (again), so He emphatically and clearly sets the rules for Christian discipleship. There is to be no lording it over one another! "Whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all, for the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many."

There's a tendency for us to assume that the Lord is talking to the "big shots" in the Church. The truth is, He's talking to the whole Church. To whatever extent we abuse the authority of our Baptism, either in carrying out our Church ministries or in our families, to that extent we are untrue to the example Jesus sets for us.

The other readings for the day make it clear that Jesus, the High Priest, does not identify with us in our sinfulness, but in our suffering. So, if we are to follow Jesus' rules for discipleship, we must prepare to be "suffering servants." This is what I need to work on.

The Communion of Saints, powerful allies

Mom sent her kids the following letter today via e-mail.

“Do you know, my family, what tomorrow is?

It is your sister, Dorothy Anne's birthday!!!! Even if she wasn't alive on this her birthday, she was stillborn and I have been thinking about her all week!! (I’ve actually thought about her a lot myself over the years!)

What would she have looked like now, what kind of a person would she be, would she be a help or otherwise to me???? (I know she’d be a lot prettier than any of your boys, that’s for sure!)

But we won't know will we until we see her in Heaven! Yes, she is definitely in Heaven and so she can pray for all of us struggling here below!!!! (By the grace of God, we will)

She is up there with Our Lord and Our and her Blessed Mother, and her Grandmother Rabideau Batty, which is, by the way, Grandma Batty's birthday!!!! (I never knew that)

Tomorrow or tonight when you say your prayers or tomorrow (or tonight) when you go to Mass remember her for me will you??

Love, Mom


First of all, Mom, yes I will, and I’m sure the rest of your family will as well. And if I understand your letter correctly, it’s also Grandma’s birthday? I will pray for both of them, and ask them to pray for us.

Your request got me to thinking about a couple of really deep subjects—both regarding the subject of our temporal understanding of the universe, and God’s eternal “now”.

Even though Dorothy and Grandma both passed away several years ago, to Jesus they are just “now” coming into His merciful embrace. So our prayers for them today are as “fresh” as they would be if we said them then. Amazing.

Do you think Déjà vu might be God allowing us a “glimpse” into the “eternal now”? I just get curious about these things.

I’ll stop my mind from wandering now, and get on with your “regular programming” (lol).

Faith=Reflective Action

Saturday, October 17, 2009
The Joyful Mysteries
Memorial of St. Ignatius of Antioch
Romans 4:13, 16-18
Psalm 105:6-7, 8-9, 42-43
Luke 12:8-12

Our Lord tells us in the gospel that when we are brought before the authorities to answer for our faith in Christ, we are not to worry about what to say, because the Holy Spirit will be our guide. In today's world most of us will never be dragged before the authorities on this account, but we do sometimes find ourselves confronted by friends, coworkers or even family who strongly question our beliefs.

What is your response? As Christ teaches in this gospel, it should come to us through the Holy Spirit as it has to others for ages. Every other Sunday when I visit the sick in the hospital, one of the first stops I make is in the chapel to pray and ask the Holy Spirit to guide my thoughts, words and actions. It has come in handy a couple of times!

I have often been amazed at how believers spoke when placed in the most terrible spot. Take the first martyr (and, of course, one of my favorite saints), Saint Stephen. He was a relatively new Christian and did not have the benefit of years of Christian teaching. But when faced with certain death, He spoke as powerfully as the Lord Himself. This has been repeated through the ages as believers have been tortured and killed for their beliefs and always they were able to speak with authority and with faith.

Faith is reflective action, not merely words. Do we acknowledge Jesus if we attend Mass on Sunday and ignore those around us who are hungry? Do we acknowledge Jesus if we follow the rule of not stealing someone’s goods and then don’t act to change our economic systems so there is a fairer distribution of goods? (CCC 2408). Do we acknowledge Jesus if we refrain from physically harming another person and yet don’t act to change our society so domestic and other acts of violence are reduced?

We manifest faith by acting on our beliefs, by living lives that are consistent with what we say is important to us, and by reflecting on our actions (or lack of actions) and questioning whether our motives and our directions are consistent with what we hear as God’s call to us. We acknowledge Jesus by following His call to feed the hungry, to clothe the naked, to do social justice in this life. We know that if we do, Jesus will acknowledge us in the next.

And so today I ask for the grace of a deeper reflective faith, of the courage to act consistently with my words, to follow the call of Jesus to build the kingdom of God in this world.

Someone is ALWAYS listening!

Friday, October 16, 2009
The Sorrowful Mysteries
Romans 4:1-8
Psalm 32:1b-2, 5, 11
Luke 12:1-7

In the Epistle of James we are warned to bridle the tongue, the cause of much evil. (James 1:26) We are told to keep a watch over what we say because we speak out of the fullness of our hearts. Idle words and hurtful words are reflective of the state of our hearts.

In the gospel, Christ tries to impress upon His followers the significance of all their actions. He states that "There is nothing concealed that will not be revealed." (Luke 12:2)

The statement is an obvious one to us as we realize that God knows everything. As the same reading states " even the hairs on our head are numbered." (Luke 12:7)

"Whatever is said in darkness will be heard in the light. . ." (Luke 12:3)

Here Jesus tells us that what is spoken in darkness will be heard in the light, proclaimed from the housetops. What is the practical meaning of this? When James tells us to bridle our tongues, he does not mean merely when we are talking to others, but when we are talking to ourselves as well. We are not to bear false witness even in the privacy of our own heads. We are not to "speak" ill of anyone by words or by thoughts. We are not allowed the luxury of silent lips and active mind. What we speak in the darkness of our own minds will be heard aloud. How many times do we think something that, if we were to hear it aloud, we would be absolutely mortified?

I had several episodes of this very thing earlier this week while on my “adventure on the 395”. Every time something went wrong that I felt was the result of someone’s carelessness or stupidity, or some driver passed me in a dangerous manner, I found myself saying something under my breath that I would be ashamed to say out loud. Then I thought to myself, “Well, I guess it’s a good thing no one can hear me. I would have to confess that!” Then I read this gospel passage and I realized that the only One who matters DID hear me! So I guess it’s off to confession on Saturday!

This is what Jesus cautions us against. How can we keep so close a watch over what we say? It's actually pretty easy when our focus is right. Why would we want to say anything at all about other people (save good things) if our focus is on loving God? Why would we worry about what is said in darkness if Christ is our Light? If we follow Jesus' admonition, "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness," we'll find little cause to clamp down on stray thoughts, because all of our thoughts will belong to Him.

The gospel is a good reminder that our gift of free will also holds us accountable for our actions. Let us use that gift for the glory of God!
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I hope this entry made sense. Sometimes it is very difficult to write on a particular's day's Scripture passages. Often it is because I really don't understand what the message means, according to the teachings of the Church and I'm reluctant to write anything that might be misleading. So what I try to do is to pray over the Word of God that it might guide and direct me on the path laid before me, and that the sacred texts will be the "food for my "journey".

I'm also fortunate that I can discuss my thoughts and meditations on Scripture with you, my readers, and I hope I can rely on you to correct me if I'm astray in my thoughts.

I have to try not to be worried about what I don't understand, but rejoice in what I do understand! This gospel ends with a very good piece of advice for me--and maybe you, too.

"Are not five sparrows sold for two small coins?
Yet not one of them has escaped the notice of God.
Even the hairs of your head have all been counted.
Do not be afraid.
You are worth more than many sparrows." (Luke 12:6-7)

Pilgrimage update

Well, I guess I can check another parish off of my "pilrimage checklist". After yesterday's marathon work day, I discussed with Todd the possiblility that I would be able to attend Mass before we started out this morning. Since the dealer that would provide us with the truck for the return back to Fresno did not open until 8 and daily Mass at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Bishop began at 7, time would not be a problem. Todd knows how important daily Mass is to me, so he urged me to make the effort to go. Todd is a very good man. I pray for him often.

I looked up the location of the church on "google", and it was supposed to be .4 miles (sounds like it's just around the corner, doesn't it?) North of the hotel we were staying at, which prompted my decision to get up early and walk to Mass. What you don't realize when walking in Bishop is that anything "North" means "uphill". Not good for a man with a bad back and knees, especially first thing in the morning. I was dragging myself to the church the last 100 yards or so. Once I went in however, the pain lessened as I reflected more on God's Good News and less about the pain.


And the view didn't hurt, either! Although the church (above) is pretty non-descript from the outside, there is a great-big bay window that uses the Sierra Nevada mountains to "frame" the Crucifix and fill the eye with both Christ and His creation (Gn 1:1-10)



Although this picture (right) is not the exact view (it would have been "tacky" to take a picture with my cell phone of the actual view, it is really close to the view behind the Crucifix. How can anyone not be impressed with this view? Sorry about the quality of this picture. I downloaded it from "google" and it was the ONLY one (out of 50 pages of pictures) that was even close to what I saw.


After receiving the Eucharist and final blessing, I felt renewed for the walk back to the hotel to meet with Todd and get on our way. I found out that walking downhill is a lot less strenuous on my back than walking uphill . Not only that, but Mass--and the view-- put me in the proper frame of mind for the rest of the day.


OK, enough of the personal glimpse into my work life--on to the readings for tomorrow! Exciting stuff! AND the Feast Day of Saint Teresa of Avila! She is the very first saint I read about in Butler's Lives of the Saints and her story is available by clicking on the link below.

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Thursday, October 15, 2009
The Luminous Mysteries
Memorial of St. Teresa of Avila
Romans 3:21-30
Psalm 130:1b-2, 3-4, 5-6ab
Luke 11:47-54


The powerful passage from St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans reveals what some have called the “heart” of the gospel: that we are made right with God not by our own efforts but through the free gift of God’s grace which we receive through faith. All has been done for us in the costly death of Jesus; we need to receive the gift of the Lord’s mercy, His “plentiful redemption,” as the psalm says.

This is easy to say, but pretty difficult to live! I think we all have a tendency to want to “do for” God, to grow closer to God by way of our own efforts, even to earn forgiveness on our own.

Teresa of Avila can help us in this regard. In her autobiography, entitled Her Life, Teresa lists a number of obstacles that prevented her from making progress in the spiritual life. The third obstacle she lists is “self-reliance.” Teresa insisted on the need to trust God for everything and to be cautious about “doing things” for God. Yes, by all means, we need to cooperate and say, “yes” to the grace and inspirations that the Lord gives us. But everything is a gift of God—including our good inspirations.

The "cure" for dismay

In the Responsorial Psalm, the words "">I shall not be disturbed" jumped out at me!

Being disturbed by unforeseen circumstances is not pleasant. Though much of what disturbs us is often beyond our control and seems inevitable and inescapable; there's a remedy.

It doesn't mean that disturbance will go away, but that it will find its proper place and show itself for what it is, a situation in need of God's grace.

So when you're feeling disturbed ask God, to help you. Ask Him to give you His peace -- not just once mind you, but often -- over and over again; habitually.

Instead of staying disturbed, or getting angry at a situation that you can't do anything about, pray the little prayers, tell God how much you are in need of Him -- little prayers, short, succinct, to the point, the cries from your heart."Help me Lord. Help me Lord. Help me Lord."

Then let Him do it! Let Him help you!

The disturbance will find its proper place and the love and peace of Christ, its proper place -- that is, your open, trusting, expectant humble heart.

Without getting into too much detail, I can tell you first-hand that this works. My day kept going from bad to worse until I asked Jesus to help me deal with all the setbacks that kept piling up today. You know what? Even though I didn’t get back to my hotel room until 10pm, I feel a real sense of accomplishment at what I and the guys I work with got done today!

But I am really physically and mentally tired, so I’m going to cut my blog entry short tonight.

Oh! Thank You, Lord for humbling me today and for using my “adventure” to deepen my trust in You and my love for You.

Perception is reality?

I’m writing tonight from Bishop, California. Man, is it cold! I came up with my boss today to load up a bunch of trailers that we will deliver to our location in Ridgecrest, then come back and load up again. On Wednesday, we’ll take the new load back to Bakersfield, and then we’ll go back to Fresno. I’d like to be home by Thursday, but it might not be until Friday or Saturday. Oh well, it could be worse—I could have had to make the trip by myself! It’s much more fun with Todd.
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Tuesday, October 13, 2009
The Sorrowful Mysteries
Romans 1:16-25
Psalm 19:2-3, 4-5
Luke 11:37-41

They say perception is reality ...and often it can be -- when we make efforts to create a certain appearance to the outside world. We can do such a good job that we become what we were pretending to be! This works in the material world but with our spiritual side it's a bit more difficult! While on the outside we can 'appear' to be leading an exemplary life -- our inner desires, motivations, resentments could be creating a different, hidden version of ourselves which is more the 'reality' of our true nature.

Jesus reminds us to look inside first and foremost and not be so concerned with the externalities. When we examine our hearts and minds and identify blockages to love and healing, only then are we free to invite Jesus to come and fill the darkness with His light. Our Faith calls us to leave the darkness behind and to live and be reflectors of eternal light.

I recall the times I didn't stop to help the hungry, the sick, the homeless and the forgotten. Perhaps, like the Pharisee, I was so filled with selfishness that I couldn't give what I didn't have. But since Jesus especially loves the poor, and He loves me too, I know I'll be given another chance.

Happy Anniversary, Marilyn!

Father Joe always starts off his homilies with, “I have a joke.” Lately everybody starts to give off that nervous laugh that says, “Uh-oh, here comes another silly joke that we’ve probably all heard a million times,”—because we have.

Today, I got two homilies. I took Mom to the 8:30 Mass because I had my hospital rounds to make. We decided we should go to breakfast after Mass because I haven’t visited her in a couple of weeks and we needed to catch up. Since I didn’t want to carry Our Lord around with me while I went to breakfast, I went back to St. Anne’s to get the Hosts during the 10:30 Mass. That’s when I got my joke from Father Joe.

One guy is talking to another and says, “I didn’t know what true happiness was until I got married—and then it was too late!”

Obviously not true (but funny), and probably written by someone who has never known what a blessing marriage is. I’ve been thinking all week long about Marilyn and myself and our marriage, which is 35 years on Monday!

I don’t know if it’s Providence or just coincidence, but one of the prayers of the faithful today was for long marriages. I can tell you all that in our case, that prayer has been answered.

Marilyn and I had a conversation today that really got me thinking that we’d go broke if our lives were on one of those reality shows that are so popular today. She was standing on the ladder cleaning out the gutters—I know, I know—that’s supposed to be my job, but I have to “pace” myself (ha ha).
It went something like this:

S: “OK, I’m leaving. I’ll see you towards the end of the week when I get back. Happy Anniversary!”

M: (Ha ha)”Yeah, you too! Be careful driving down there. Bye.”

What a “whoop-de-do!” In our defense, we did go to dinner last night, just the two of us—and Alicia and Lily. But you know what? Marriage and family just seem to go together, you know?

If anyone were to ask me (and based on our above conversation they might) if I’m happily married, I would have to say, “By the grace of God, YES, YES, YES—a thousand times YES!”

I don't know if it's proof that I love her, but when I'm out of town on business, whether it's a couple of days or an entire week, I really miss her. When I get home, hers is the first greeting I seek. I love my children and my grandchild, but there's just nothing like the smile that Marilyn gives me that makes me feel like I'm where God wants me to be.

Makes me remember the prayer that Tobiah and Sarah (Tobit 8:7-8) offered to God on their wedding night:

You said, 'It is not good for the man to be alone;
let us make him a partner like himself.'
Now, Lord, you know that I take this wife of mine not because of lust, but for a noble purpose. Call down your mercy on me and on her, and allow us to live together to a happy old age."
They said together, "Amen, amen,"

Now, onto my regular blog meditations.

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Monday, October 12, 2009
The Joyful Mysteries
Romans 1:1-7
Psalm 98:1bcde, 2-3ab, 3cd-4
Luke 11:29-32

To borrow a line from Father Joe; “I have a joke.” Is it just me, or does the story of Jonah sound fishy to you?” Sorry. I had to say it.

Jonah went to the Ninevites, and the King of the land ordered all the people to demonstrate their repentance. Repentance is a good practice. Not sackcloth and ashes, not wailing and weeping, but a deep, ongoing reevaluation of how we encounter and respond to God each day. St. Ignatius of Loyola and a great many other saints recommended the daily practice of the examen of conscience -- but in reality this is daily repentance, daily course correction.

As we go through our daily rounds, it’s wise for us to consider this ongoing repentance, this ongoing course correction. We don't need to wait for a time or a season. We can just look and see if we're treating others as we would like to be treated, to see if we're living as though God is the most important thing in our lives.

In today's Gospel Jesus says to the people of His time that they are living in an evil age that seeks a sign. He goes on to tell them that just as Jonah was a sign for the Ninevites, He will be the sign for the present age. It is clear that unless our hearts are open to the teachings of Jesus we and the world in this evil age will fail to read the signs of our times, fail to do what the Almighty wants and will see accomplished. For our part, may we use the life, death and resurrection of Jesus as the road map for our salvation and share it with others that they too may gain everlasting life.

And simply put, what is the message of Jesus' incarnation, passion and glorious Resurrection? It is none other than this: we are to love God with our whole heart -- and our neighbor as ourselves - an age old message, an age old sign.

This will show in our actions toward others ("they will know we are Christians by our love") as the popular song goes. It also shows through the eternal, immutable joy we will feel in all circumstances. If God matters and is present in all the passages of our lives, we will have joy in this present darkness.

Wisdom and Prudence

Sunday, October 11, 2009
The Glorious Mysteries
Wisdom 7:7-11
Psalm 90:12-13, 14-15, 16-17
Hebrews 4:12-13
Mark 10:17-30 or 10:17-27

It’s like shopping for that newest laptop computer, or car, or phone, or any other new-fangled gadget of the year…. We can go from store to store, looking for the best bargain but still prepared to pay an arm and a leg to obtain it, convinced that this one thing will make us so very happy. Once we have it, the pleasure fades rather quickly, and the search begins all over again.

Searching for fulfillment in life is something like that. A lot of people think they'll find happiness in a job or career that makes "big bucks." Then, we read about some fabulously wealthy multimillionaire who in despair at his failure of finding happiness, ends up attempting suicide. Far happier are the parents who, trusting Providence, raise children in an atmosphere of love and sacrifice, as my mom and dad did. Their carpets may have been worn at the edges, but not their hearts. Rather than riches, they sought, like the writer of the Book of Wisdom, the gifts of prudence and wisdom and (I believe) found both, and so (again, I believe) have earned entry into "the Lord's rest" (second reading).

One of the characters in the Gospels, with whom we can all easily identify, is the "rich young man" who goes away sad. Jesus made him an amazing offer-eternal life-and he turned it down! Why? Because he just couldn't give up his fancy sports car and his bulging bank account in exchange for a less comfortable life of discipleship. Like so many people in our society, he couldn't make a commitment to spiritual wealth-God's wisdom. It would involve living for others, serving people without power or status. Because he couldn't make the leap of faith, he chose to remain bound to a life of anxious seeking for what he could see and feel. You can't take it with you!

If we had to give up something we cherish in order to grow closer to Christ, would we be strong enough to let go? This Sunday's Word of God is challenging us to seek and accept the gift of Wisdom, and so enter into the joy of living with peace of mind and heart.

A couple of weeks ago, Pope Benedict begged young people in the Czech Republic to seek after the truths of their country's rich Christian heritage. He added, "Anyone who keeps the ability to see beauty never grows old. If our eyes remain open to the beauty of God's creation and our minds to the beauty of His truth, then we may indeed hope to remain young and to build a world that reflects something of that divine beauty, so as to inspire future generations to do likewise."

May all of us, especially our young people, beg God for prudence and wisdom to make the right choice!

Some fun

There are two new links on the left. I came across these two blogs (under "my favorites" on the left) after hearing about them on Catholic Answers Live. They're both pretty funny and Catholic. Not the kind of association most people put together. Anyway, enjoy.

God measures success on Faith, Hope, and Love

Saturday, October 10, 2009
The Joyful Mysteries
Joel 4:12-21
Psalm 97:1-2, 5-6, 11-12
Luke 11:27-28

Although the Gospel reading is brief, it bears a host of conditions. The "Word of God" in Christ's statement refers to Himself, sent into the world to show us that it is obedience to God's Word that conquers evil and achieves true peace on earth.

Peace, however, comes at a cost to "self", because it is based upon love that requires self-denial and self-giving. Love also requires another difficult condition. Since God forgives our many transgressions, He requires us to do the same for others who have sinned against us. Holding grudges and seeking vengeance only prolongs and intensifies a hatred and anger that is as harmful to our own minds and bodies as to our enemies'. Love is the basis of God's law fulfilled by reconciliation and the rebuilding of injured relationships; but better still, by our never doing harm to another.

How sincerely and simply that unknown woman raised her voice to praise the mother of Jesus. I'm sure that from heaven, Mary has become close to her! And I'm sure that Mary in no way resented the response of her Son--for Mary's whole life was a meditation on the words of the Angel Gabriel, and a living out of the plans of Providence. Blessed are they who hear the Word of God and keep it!

With our work ethic, we are so intent on measuring success in terms of action, while God measures success in terms of faith, hope and love. It is far more important for God to see the intentions of our hearts, and to measure the value of our service in terms of His own unconditional love for us. Without in any way diminishing the greatness of His mother, He greatly increases it by identifying the source of its power--doing always the Will of the Father, even when it seems contradictory to one's vows--in Mary's case, that of virginity. And God blessed her for her blind trust--and graced her with both virginity and motherhood.

If only we could saturate our hearts with the Word of God, putting His Will before our own plans and ambitions, then we too would be blessed beyond measure with the praise of Jesus and the reward of God the Father.

I will follow Him--please join me!

First up: Happy Birthday, Bill!
May this day and all your days be filled with the wonder of God’s special love for you.

Friday, October 9, 2009
The Sorrowful Mysteries
Joel 1:13-15; 2:1-2
Psalm 9:2-3, 6 and 16, 8-9
Luke 11:15-26

Jesus invites those who follow him to do so completely and without compromise. Our act of contrition in the sacrament of reconciliation states that we “firmly resolve, with the help of God’s grace, to confess our sins, to do penance and to amend our life.” This is the theme of Luke’s gospel: that we wholeheartedly follow him as his disciples.

For those who seek a sign from heaven, Luke’s gospel just ten verses earlier gives us Jesus’ version of the Lord’s prayer which ends with “and do not put us [God] to the test!”

For those who question from where Jesus gets his power and authority to heal others and rid them of the devils that inhibit them, we should trust in the Lord, and have faith in him even if we don’t understand. We should not judge others rashly for what they are doing as if they do it for selfish reasons. We should acknowledge “the finger of God” which is in the good works of others and not be so judgmental.

In this gospel story we see Jesus teaching us to see the difference between the Kingdom of God and the kingdom of the devil. In today's society, the devil is so good at trying to blur the Truth and at times, it seems like he's winning. But we know the "rest of the story." (with apologies to Paul Harvey)

We need to take up our cross and follow Jesus – completely. When we do, we are participating in God's plan for our salvation and eventual reunion with Him.

Motives for praying

Thursday, October 8, 2009
The Luminous Mysteries
Malachi 3:13-20b
Psalm 1:1-2, 3, 4 and 6
Luke 11:5-13

Today’s readings should provoke us to examine our motives behind our approaching God in prayer. Some go to Him only when they or someone they care about is troubled or in need. Others reserve their visits to Him for when they are angered by a person, or a situation, leading them to complain and seek personal satisfaction. Often they may simply ask God to change another's behavior or circumstances to suit themselves rather than to promote the good of a person for whom they should be praying. God always welcomes His children's visits regardless of their motivation—at least they are pointed in the right direction, toward Him. We should ask ourselves, however: "When was the last time we approached Him simply to express love and thanks?"

I missed Mass at the Cathedral this morning, so I decided to go to Mass at 5:30 instead, preceded by an hour in Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. It’s pretty common that when I go into a chapel, there will be 3 or 4 women kneeling or sitting in front of Our Lord. I was pretty surprised (and, I might add pleasantly surprised!) to find 3 MEN there and no women. And all of them were kneeling, not sitting. I took my place in a pew and recited my rosary. About 10 minutes later, a CCD teacher brought about 15 (I’m guessing) 2nd graders in to “introduce” them to Jesus. She was whispering (out of respect for those of us who were still deep in prayer) instructions to them—“Genuflect on your right knee”, “Use your right hand to make the sign of the Cross”, “Be sure to acknowledge Jesus—He’s right there in that big “thing” we call a ‘monstrance’”.

What impressed me about these kids is that some of them obviously have had some instructions from their parents, while others haven’t. The kids who have been taught at home had no problem with the sign of the Cross; One of them even made the sign in the manner that you find the Mexicans or Phillipinos doing it—by making small “crosses” at each point first, then going back and doing it again without the small crosses, then kissing the back of his thumb when he was finished. I felt humbled by this child’s obvious reverence that his parents must have been teaching him.

Then the teacher led them in the Our Father (in a whisper). After that, she asked them all to say a prayer “in your heart”, thanking God for something pleasant that may have happened to them, or to pray for someone they thought might need their prayers. She ended their visit by saying the Glory Be in a normal voice (which really didn’t bother any of us adults in the chapel—in fact most of us joined in!) As they left, all of the children genuflected and made the sign of the cross again, but with one difference—the children who had some difficulties the first time did it without the slightest hint of hesitation! The Spirit must have been in them!

Jesus tells us in the Gospel that one prayer is dearest to our Father's heart, our asking to be imbued with His Holy Spirit. He is the Spirit of humility, which will enable us to accept God's living Word, Christ, in Whom we can learn to live in divine love and truth. It was the fullness of the Holy Spirit in Christ that enabled Him to accept the cross that expresses the self-giving love of God on our behalf. In asking for the Holy Spirit we are asking God to create us anew in the selfless image of His Son. Then being reborn and refreshed by the living waters of life, we will bear much fruit as we share God's love and truth overflowing from us to our fellow humans.

The older I get, the more I believe in the truth that is in this Gospel passage but in a far more nuanced sense than when I was younger. This reading is about seeking and trusting God to help us find answers. Ultimately it asks us to believe that God will answer our prayers by helping us understand the meaning of His divine wisdom for us.

Then, where does one find true happiness and fulfillment?

For the answer, listen carefully to the psalm from the readings which begins, "Blessed the man who...." The New American translation of this verse begins, "Happy those who...." Both versions go on to explain that the blessed and happy man is the one who delights in God's law and keeps it in his heart night and day.

All the riches in the world will not bring us true happiness. In fact, it seems it can bring just the opposite. True happiness in this life is found in God's law and in His eternal Word.

Simple and powerful

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

The Glorious Mysteries
Our Lady of the Rosary

Jonah 4:1-11

Psalm 86:3-4, 5-6, 9-10

Luke 11:1-4

Wednesday is the Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary.

The purpose of the rosary is to help us meditate on the great mysteries of our salvation. Pius XII called it a compendium of the gospel. The main focus is on Jesus—his birth, life, death and resurrection. When we say the Our Father it reminds us that Jesus' Father is the initiator of salvation.

Each time we say the Hail Mary we join with Mary in contemplating these mysteries. They also make us aware that Mary was and is intimately joined with her Son in all the mysteries of his earthly and heavenly existence.

The “Glory Be” prayers remind us that the purpose of all life is the glory of the Trinity.

Simple and powerful. Why not give it a try today?

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Sometimes when we read Holy Scripture we get a glimpse of how really ridiculous our behavior must appear in God's eyes. Take for instance the First Reading and how Jonah is all bent out of shape over everything.

It’s the same with us. Sometimes there isn't anything we can't find a reason to grumble or complain about. And, if we aren't complaining then usually there are enough others around us to make up for it.

God gives Jonah, and indeed all of us a reality check and reminds us that there are more important things at stake than our own agenda. Namely, there's a world out there in need of salvation.

Sometimes when things aren't going our own way, or are just plain difficult, we wonder how to pray. Christ was always teaching by His own example. The apostles went to Him as He came from praying and asked Him how they were to pray.

Often in the Gospels we hear that Christ was seeking a place to pray, or had just come from prayer. Lesson #1 for us: pray, and pray often.

The Gospel goes on to reveal what a wonderful opportunity we have with the prayer Christ Himself taught us—the "Our Father." It is a beautiful prayer that is powerful, especially when said slowly and with thought. It is a good source for meditation, even over just one word -- such as the word "Our" at the beginning. For instance: we can reflect how everyone can call God Father, which means we are ALL brothers and sisters! So why are there wars and why are so many children starving, and why are we killing so many of our brothers and sisters in the womb before we even get a chance to meet them?

Today might be a good time to ask ourselves the question "How often am I saying this beautiful prayer, taught to us by Christ Himself, and do I pray it in a slow, thoughtful and meaningful manner?

Our Father

Who art in heaven

hallowed be Thy name!

Thy Kingdom come

Thy Will be done

On Earth, as it is in Heaven.

Give us this day

Our daily bread.

Forgive us OUR trespasses

As WE forgive THOSE who trespass against us.

Lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.


There's a world out there in need of salvation. May God give us the grace to do our part, to accept His grace and put it into action.

A conversation with Christ

Jonah 3:1-10
Psalm 130:1b-2, 3-4ab, 7-8
Luke 10:38-42
The Joyful Mysteries

Poor Martha—she’s trying to be the good hostess and prepare a nice meal for Christ and her sister—and instead she gets 'criticized' or should I say reminded about priorities. The reading is not really about preparing a meal for our friends. It is about setting our priorities.

For many of us 24 hours in a day is just not enough—or at least we think that it’s not. We might even deprive ourselves of sleep in order to pack more activities in our day. Others of us might be procrastinators, in that we know what we should be doing, but we put it off until it is too late.

This Gospel Reading has such a strong message for us in late 2009 in this technology world where there are too many cell phones, Blackberries, I-pods, and many more devices that are barriers to each of us “being in the moment with the other.” Many of us can instantly visualize the numbers of meetings we attend where professional adults are busy sending or checking their latest email. We eat in restaurants and watch a table of four people conversing – not with each other but each talking to someone else on their cell phone. And, the list continues of not being present to the other in the moment.

Now think about Mary, and the greater gift of hospitality she was transmitting. She was present. She was in the moment. She was engaged. She was being, not doing. Christ says of Mary, sitting at His feet, that she has chosen the better thing to do. We can only imagine the flow of their conversation. We too, can have that 'conversation with Christ' in our prayer life.

Where does prayer fit into our usual day? Could we find time to present ourselves to Christ? Is there a quiet place in the house, or could we make it so by turning off the T.V. or radio? How about turning off the car radio on the way to or from work. Pray aloud with a family member while doing simple chores such as the dishes at night.

Christ is always present to us.... just waiting for us to knock and let Him be a more prominent part of our life? Do we want to knock?

What's in a baby's smile?

At Mass this morning, Father Rainwater was asked to read a letter from Bishop Blaire for Respect Life Sunday.

In the Bishop’s letter, he used a phrase that was quite thought provoking. He said, “We see the face of God in a child’s smile.”

When I was at the game yesterday, I spent more time focused on Lily than on the game. I’m not complaining. In fact, every time I see her smile it melts my heart so completely nothing else matters. I was reminded of this during the homily this morning—then THAT started me thinking about how blessed I am to know His love for me, through my children and their children.

I think that I see the face of God in the smiles of children because I strive to “walk in his ways” (Psalm 128) (King David was a pretty profound “cookie” for his day, don’t you think?)
Blessed are you who fear the LORD,

who walk in his ways!

For you shall eat the fruit of your handiwork;

blessed shall you be, and favored.

Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine

in the recesses of your home;

your children like olive plants around your table.

Behold, thus is the man blessed

who fears the LORD.

The LORD bless you from Zion:

may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life.

May you see your children's children.

Peace be upon Israel!

May the Lord bless us all the days of our lives.

Sorry--no meditation today

It’s been a long day. Pleasant—well almost (we lost!)—but long. I hate this time of year when it stays dark until just before 7AM. We should have adjusted our clocks already, but somebody thought they could make an extra buck or two by putting it off until November!

I woke up at 6:30AM. I didn’t sleep very well last night for some reason, so I was tired throughout much of the day. Anyway, today was the Cal-USC football game that we, as a family, look forward to every time it is a “home” game. Not for the football, because we always seem to lose this one, but because it amazes us how “snooty” the USC fans are. There is a saying, “Perception is reality.” While I am sure not all of them are obnoxious, the ones who are definitely overpower those who are not. There seem to be more loud, drunk, and “holier-than-thou” USC fans than those of all the other schools we’ve watched put together. But it makes for interesting people-watching, and that’s the real reason I think we like the USC game better.

We left the house for Berkeley at about 10:15 because we wanted to find a parking space close to campus to eliminate a lot of walking to and from the game, and so that we could eat lunch and visit some of the booths the university had set up with some freebies for their Homecoming celebration.

The game started at 5PM. We left just before the game ended to avoid the traffic that is like a church parking lot after the last Mass. We got home about 20 minutes ago (11 PM).

I’m sorry to say I didn’t get a chance to meditate much on the readings for tomorrow, so I hope you’ll forgive me for this rambling blog today. It’s a little hard to think and write comprehensively when all you want to do is sleep. I'll try to write a little something tomorrow about Sunday and Monday's readings.

I will end my blog tonight reminding all of you to be sure and say your rosary tomorrow! It will be the Glorious Mysteries.

Love to all.