Daily Readings for Lent
Today's readings: March 30, 2011
First Reading: Dt 4:1, 5-9
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 147:12-13, 15-16, 19-20 ;
Gospel: Mt 5:17-19 ;
And here's an audio file and a video of a priest offering reflections.
I am off on a short retreat this week. Please say lots of prayers for you and yours, and the world.
Showing posts with label Lent. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lent. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Saturday after Ash Wednesday
Saturday after Ash Wednesday
Today's readings: February 20, 2010
First Reading: Is 58:9b-14;
Responsorial Psalm: 86:1-2, 3-4, 5-6 ;
Gospel: Lk 5:27-32;
And here's an audio file; and a video of a priest offering reflections.
First Reading: Is 58:9b-14
Thus says the LORD:
If you remove from your midst oppression,
false accusation and malicious speech;
If you bestow your bread on the hungry
and satisfy the afflicted;
Then light shall rise for you in the darkness,
and the gloom shall become for you like midday;
Then the LORD will guide you always
and give you plenty even on the parched land.
He will renew your strength,
and you shall be like a watered garden,
like a spring whose water never fails.
The ancient ruins shall be rebuilt for your sake,
and the foundations from ages past you shall raise up;
“Repairer of the breach,” they shall call you,
“Restorer of ruined homesteads.” If you hold back your foot on the sabbath
from following your own pursuits on my holy day;
If you call the sabbath a delight,
and the LORD’s holy day honorable;
If you honor it by not following your ways,
seeking your own interests, or speaking with malice.
Then you shall delight in the LORD,
and I will make you ride on the heights of the earth;
I will nourish you with the heritage of Jacob, your father,
for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.
Responsorial Psalm: 86:1-2, 3-4, 5-6
R. (11ab) Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth.
Incline your ear, O LORD; answer me,
for I am afflicted and poor.
Keep my life, for I am devoted to you;
save your servant who trusts in you.
You are my God.
R. Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth.
Have mercy on me, O Lord,
for to you I call all the day.
Gladden the soul of your servant,
for to you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
R. Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth.
For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving,
abounding in kindness to all who call upon you.
Hearken, O LORD, to my prayer
and attend to the sound of my pleading.
R. Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth.
Gospel: Lk 5:27-32
Jesus saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at the customs post.
He said to him, “Follow me.”
And leaving everything behind, he got up and followed him.
Then Levi gave a great banquet for him in his house,
and a large crowd of tax collectors
and others were at table with them.
The Pharisees and their scribes complained to his disciples, saying,
“Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?”
Jesus said to them in reply,
“Those who are healthy do not need a physician, but the sick do.
I have not come to call the righteous to repentance but sinners.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Commentary:
It is interesting how people respond to the Bible, especially the
Gospel - where men recount what Jesus said. So often, folks take the
word as very heavy and making one feel guilty. Yet, in the psalm reading
today we hear the the Lord is good and forgiving. And in the Gospel
we are given a wonderful - last line. I have not come to call the
righteous to repentance but sinners. From my own little world, that
means - that Jesus came to save people like me, a sinner - and that
He is kind and merciful. And those words for me, are comforting. And
tender and sweet. What a wonderful world this would be if we all were
this way. Kind and merciful - helping those who are in need of your love.
Today's readings: February 20, 2010
First Reading: Is 58:9b-14;
Responsorial Psalm: 86:1-2, 3-4, 5-6 ;
Gospel: Lk 5:27-32;
And here's an audio file; and a video of a priest offering reflections.
First Reading: Is 58:9b-14
Thus says the LORD:
If you remove from your midst oppression,
false accusation and malicious speech;
If you bestow your bread on the hungry
and satisfy the afflicted;
Then light shall rise for you in the darkness,
and the gloom shall become for you like midday;
Then the LORD will guide you always
and give you plenty even on the parched land.
He will renew your strength,
and you shall be like a watered garden,
like a spring whose water never fails.
The ancient ruins shall be rebuilt for your sake,
and the foundations from ages past you shall raise up;
“Repairer of the breach,” they shall call you,
“Restorer of ruined homesteads.” If you hold back your foot on the sabbath
from following your own pursuits on my holy day;
If you call the sabbath a delight,
and the LORD’s holy day honorable;
If you honor it by not following your ways,
seeking your own interests, or speaking with malice.
Then you shall delight in the LORD,
and I will make you ride on the heights of the earth;
I will nourish you with the heritage of Jacob, your father,
for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.
Responsorial Psalm: 86:1-2, 3-4, 5-6
R. (11ab) Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth.
Incline your ear, O LORD; answer me,
for I am afflicted and poor.
Keep my life, for I am devoted to you;
save your servant who trusts in you.
You are my God.
R. Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth.
Have mercy on me, O Lord,
for to you I call all the day.
Gladden the soul of your servant,
for to you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
R. Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth.
For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving,
abounding in kindness to all who call upon you.
Hearken, O LORD, to my prayer
and attend to the sound of my pleading.
R. Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth.
Gospel: Lk 5:27-32
Jesus saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at the customs post.
He said to him, “Follow me.”
And leaving everything behind, he got up and followed him.
Then Levi gave a great banquet for him in his house,
and a large crowd of tax collectors
and others were at table with them.
The Pharisees and their scribes complained to his disciples, saying,
“Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?”
Jesus said to them in reply,
“Those who are healthy do not need a physician, but the sick do.
I have not come to call the righteous to repentance but sinners.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Commentary:
It is interesting how people respond to the Bible, especially the
Gospel - where men recount what Jesus said. So often, folks take the
word as very heavy and making one feel guilty. Yet, in the psalm reading
today we hear the the Lord is good and forgiving. And in the Gospel
we are given a wonderful - last line. I have not come to call the
righteous to repentance but sinners. From my own little world, that
means - that Jesus came to save people like me, a sinner - and that
He is kind and merciful. And those words for me, are comforting. And
tender and sweet. What a wonderful world this would be if we all were
this way. Kind and merciful - helping those who are in need of your love.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Friday after Ash Wesnesday
Today's readings: February 19, 2010
First Reading: Is 58:1-9a;
Responsorial Psalm: 51:3-4, 5-6ab, 18-19 ;
Gospel: Mt 9:14-15;
And here's an audio file; and a video of a priest offering reflections.
First Reading: Is 58:1-9a
Thus says the Lord GOD:
Cry out full-throated and unsparingly,
lift up your voice like a trumpet blast;
Tell my people their wickedness,
and the house of Jacob their sins.
They seek me day after day,
and desire to know my ways,
Like a nation that has done what is just
and not abandoned the law of their God;
They ask me to declare what is due them,
pleased to gain access to God.
“Why do we fast, and you do not see it?
afflict ourselves, and you take no note of it?”
Lo, on your fast day you carry out your own pursuits,
and drive all your laborers.
Yes, your fast ends in quarreling and fighting,
striking with wicked claw.
Would that today you might fast
so as to make your voice heard on high!
Is this the manner of fasting I wish,
of keeping a day of penance:
That a man bow his head like a reed
and lie in sackcloth and ashes?
Do you call this a fast,
a day acceptable to the LORD?
This, rather, is the fasting that I wish:
releasing those bound unjustly,
untying the thongs of the yoke;
Setting free the oppressed,
breaking every yoke;
Sharing your bread with the hungry,
sheltering the oppressed and the homeless;
Clothing the naked when you see them,
and not turning your back on your own.
Then your light shall break forth like the dawn,
and your wound shall quickly be healed;
Your vindication shall go before you,
and the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard.
Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer,
you shall cry for help, and he will say: Here I am!
Responsorial Psalm 51:3-4, 5-6ab, 18-19
R. (19b) A heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn.
Have mercy on me, O God, in your goodness;
in the greatness of your compassion wipe out my offense.
Thoroughly wash me from my guilt
and of my sin cleanse me.
R. A heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn.
For I acknowledge my offense,
and my sin is before me always:
“Against you only have I sinned,
and done what is evil in your sight.”
R. A heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn.
For you are not pleased with sacrifices;
should I offer a burnt offering, you would not accept it.
My sacrifice, O God, is a contrite spirit;
a heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn.
R. A heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn.
Gospel: Mt 9:14-15
The disciples of John approached Jesus and said,
“Why do we and the Pharisees fast much,
but your disciples do not fast?”
Jesus answered them, “Can the wedding guests mourn
as long as the bridegroom is with them?
The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them,
and then they will fast.”
OK - in the event you didn't think it was time to reflect, Isaiah kind of makes it clear, sure - now is a fine time. And it is. We all have work to do to become better people, and I am pretty sure God wants to help everyone become closer to Him, and to love God with all our hearts, minds and souls. So, why not ask for help? I am currently reading The Little Way by St. Thérèse of Lisieux and I remembered a great line where she says, ... for me, God is not harsh & judgmental, in truth, He loves us and He is very kind and gentle. Which indeed is true. (I am just remembering and paraphrasing, my apologies St. Thérèse, The Little Flower). But I also know that the Bible says many, many times - the beginning of wisdom is Fear of the Lord, so what gives? I think it just has to do with respect. SO - respect God, because He really does love you. Which reminds me of a Mother Teresa quote -
First Reading: Is 58:1-9a;
Responsorial Psalm: 51:3-4, 5-6ab, 18-19 ;
Gospel: Mt 9:14-15;
And here's an audio file; and a video of a priest offering reflections.
First Reading: Is 58:1-9a
Thus says the Lord GOD:
Cry out full-throated and unsparingly,
lift up your voice like a trumpet blast;
Tell my people their wickedness,
and the house of Jacob their sins.
They seek me day after day,
and desire to know my ways,
Like a nation that has done what is just
and not abandoned the law of their God;
They ask me to declare what is due them,
pleased to gain access to God.
“Why do we fast, and you do not see it?
afflict ourselves, and you take no note of it?”
Lo, on your fast day you carry out your own pursuits,
and drive all your laborers.
Yes, your fast ends in quarreling and fighting,
striking with wicked claw.
Would that today you might fast
so as to make your voice heard on high!
Is this the manner of fasting I wish,
of keeping a day of penance:
That a man bow his head like a reed
and lie in sackcloth and ashes?
Do you call this a fast,
a day acceptable to the LORD?
This, rather, is the fasting that I wish:
releasing those bound unjustly,
untying the thongs of the yoke;
Setting free the oppressed,
breaking every yoke;
Sharing your bread with the hungry,
sheltering the oppressed and the homeless;
Clothing the naked when you see them,
and not turning your back on your own.
Then your light shall break forth like the dawn,
and your wound shall quickly be healed;
Your vindication shall go before you,
and the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard.
Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer,
you shall cry for help, and he will say: Here I am!
Responsorial Psalm 51:3-4, 5-6ab, 18-19
R. (19b) A heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn.
Have mercy on me, O God, in your goodness;
in the greatness of your compassion wipe out my offense.
Thoroughly wash me from my guilt
and of my sin cleanse me.
R. A heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn.
For I acknowledge my offense,
and my sin is before me always:
“Against you only have I sinned,
and done what is evil in your sight.”
R. A heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn.
For you are not pleased with sacrifices;
should I offer a burnt offering, you would not accept it.
My sacrifice, O God, is a contrite spirit;
a heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn.
R. A heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn.
Gospel: Mt 9:14-15
The disciples of John approached Jesus and said,
“Why do we and the Pharisees fast much,
but your disciples do not fast?”
Jesus answered them, “Can the wedding guests mourn
as long as the bridegroom is with them?
The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them,
and then they will fast.”
OK - in the event you didn't think it was time to reflect, Isaiah kind of makes it clear, sure - now is a fine time. And it is. We all have work to do to become better people, and I am pretty sure God wants to help everyone become closer to Him, and to love God with all our hearts, minds and souls. So, why not ask for help? I am currently reading The Little Way by St. Thérèse of Lisieux and I remembered a great line where she says, ... for me, God is not harsh & judgmental, in truth, He loves us and He is very kind and gentle. Which indeed is true. (I am just remembering and paraphrasing, my apologies St. Thérèse, The Little Flower). But I also know that the Bible says many, many times - the beginning of wisdom is Fear of the Lord, so what gives? I think it just has to do with respect. SO - respect God, because He really does love you. Which reminds me of a Mother Teresa quote -
I know God will not give me anything I can't handle. I just wish that He didn't trust me so much.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Ash Wednesday Feb. 17, 2010
Today's readings: February 17, 2010
Reading One: Joel 2:12-18;
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 16:1-2a and 5, 7-8, 9-10, 11 ;
Second Reading: 2 Cor 5:20—6:2 ;
Gospel: Mt 28:8-15;
go to this page (for all three sections listed above on one page).
And here's an audio file; and a video of a priest offering reflections.
First Reading
Even now, says the LORD,
return to me with your whole heart,
with fasting, and weeping, and mourning;
Rend your hearts, not your garments,
and return to the LORD, your God.
For gracious and merciful is he,
slow to anger, rich in kindness,
and relenting in punishment.
Perhaps he will again relent
and leave behind him a blessing,
Offerings and libations
for the LORD, your God.
Blow the trumpet in Zion!
proclaim a fast,
call an assembly;
Gather the people,
notify the congregation;
Assemble the elders,
gather the children
and the infants at the breast;
Let the bridegroom quit his room
and the bride her chamber.
Between the porch and the altar
let the priests, the ministers of the LORD, weep,
And say, “Spare, O LORD, your people,
and make not your heritage a reproach,
with the nations ruling over them!
Why should they say among the peoples,
‘Where is their God?’”
Then the LORD was stirred to concern for his land
and took pity on his people.
Responsorial Psalm
51:3-4, 5-6ab, 12-13, 14 and 17
R. (see 3a) Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.
Have mercy on me, O God, in your goodness;
in the greatness of your compassion wipe out my offense.
Thoroughly wash me from my guilt
and of my sin cleanse me.
R. Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.
For I acknowledge my offense,
and my sin is before me always:
“Against you only have I sinned,
and done what is evil in your sight.”
R. Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.
A clean heart create for me, O God,
and a steadfast spirit renew within me.
Cast me not out from your presence,
and your Holy Spirit take not from me.
R. Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.
Give me back the joy of your salvation,
and a willing spirit sustain in me.
O Lord, open my lips,
and my mouth shall proclaim your praise.
R. Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.
Second Reading
2 Cor 5:20—6:2
We are ambassadors for Christ,
as if God were appealing through us.
We implore you on behalf of Christ,
be reconciled to God.
For our sake he made him to be sin who did not know sin,
so that we might become the righteousness of God in him.
Working together, then,
we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain.
For he says:
In an acceptable time I heard you,
and on the day of salvation I helped you.
Behold, now is a very acceptable time;
behold, now is the day of salvation.
Gospel:
Mt 6:1-6, 16-18
Jesus said to his disciples:
“Take care not to perform righteous deeds
in order that people may see them;
otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father.
When you give alms,
do not blow a trumpet before you,
as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets
to win the praise of others.
Amen, I say to you,
they have received their reward.
But when you give alms,
do not let your left hand know what your right is doing,
so that your almsgiving may be secret.
And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.
“When you pray,
do not be like the hypocrites,
who love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on street corners
so that others may see them.
Amen, I say to you,
they have received their reward.
But when you pray, go to your inner room,
close the door, and pray to your Father in secret.
And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.
“When you fast,
do not look gloomy like the hypocrites.
They neglect their appearance,
so that they may appear to others to be fasting.
Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward.
But when you fast,
anoint your head and wash your face,
so that you may not appear to be fasting,
except to your Father who is hidden.
And your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you.”
This year, I regret I do not enter Lent with the same sense of excitement as last year, when I was planning to go on an actual journey - like travels. But the time of reflection is still important to me. Going to keep it simple today - for Lent, we are asked to focus on 3 things 1) Pray 2) Give Alms 3) Fast. In addition, we are supposed to do these things quietly - not to show how wonderful we are, or to impress anyone.
The last year for me has been a wonderful year of prayer time. It has born much fruit and I am thankful. It was time well spent. I will pass on a great quote from Søren Kierkegaard - Prayer does not change God, but it changes those who pray. In my own walk through life, I have found this to be a true statement.
Giving Alms - If you are a kid, maybe that means picking up your clothes and being more helpful to your parents, quietly and without fanfare. For adults - it might mean that you smile at the homeless person on your way to work in lieu of turning your head. Better still, break bread with the person and share a meal.
As for fasting - try and give up those things in the earthly realm that are holding you back from loving God and man with all your heart. And if possible, perhaps it involves a cost ... why not give some of those savings to the poor. Usually it can be done by just going to church and putting some in the basket. again, quietly.
Reading One: Joel 2:12-18;
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 16:1-2a and 5, 7-8, 9-10, 11 ;
Second Reading: 2 Cor 5:20—6:2 ;
Gospel: Mt 28:8-15;
go to this page (for all three sections listed above on one page).
And here's an audio file; and a video of a priest offering reflections.
First Reading
Even now, says the LORD,
return to me with your whole heart,
with fasting, and weeping, and mourning;
Rend your hearts, not your garments,
and return to the LORD, your God.
For gracious and merciful is he,
slow to anger, rich in kindness,
and relenting in punishment.
Perhaps he will again relent
and leave behind him a blessing,
Offerings and libations
for the LORD, your God.
Blow the trumpet in Zion!
proclaim a fast,
call an assembly;
Gather the people,
notify the congregation;
Assemble the elders,
gather the children
and the infants at the breast;
Let the bridegroom quit his room
and the bride her chamber.
Between the porch and the altar
let the priests, the ministers of the LORD, weep,
And say, “Spare, O LORD, your people,
and make not your heritage a reproach,
with the nations ruling over them!
Why should they say among the peoples,
‘Where is their God?’”
Then the LORD was stirred to concern for his land
and took pity on his people.
Responsorial Psalm
51:3-4, 5-6ab, 12-13, 14 and 17
R. (see 3a) Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.
Have mercy on me, O God, in your goodness;
in the greatness of your compassion wipe out my offense.
Thoroughly wash me from my guilt
and of my sin cleanse me.
R. Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.
For I acknowledge my offense,
and my sin is before me always:
“Against you only have I sinned,
and done what is evil in your sight.”
R. Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.
A clean heart create for me, O God,
and a steadfast spirit renew within me.
Cast me not out from your presence,
and your Holy Spirit take not from me.
R. Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.
Give me back the joy of your salvation,
and a willing spirit sustain in me.
O Lord, open my lips,
and my mouth shall proclaim your praise.
R. Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.
Second Reading
2 Cor 5:20—6:2
We are ambassadors for Christ,
as if God were appealing through us.
We implore you on behalf of Christ,
be reconciled to God.
For our sake he made him to be sin who did not know sin,
so that we might become the righteousness of God in him.
Working together, then,
we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain.
For he says:
In an acceptable time I heard you,
and on the day of salvation I helped you.
Behold, now is a very acceptable time;
behold, now is the day of salvation.
Gospel:
Mt 6:1-6, 16-18
Jesus said to his disciples:
“Take care not to perform righteous deeds
in order that people may see them;
otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father.
When you give alms,
do not blow a trumpet before you,
as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets
to win the praise of others.
Amen, I say to you,
they have received their reward.
But when you give alms,
do not let your left hand know what your right is doing,
so that your almsgiving may be secret.
And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.
“When you pray,
do not be like the hypocrites,
who love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on street corners
so that others may see them.
Amen, I say to you,
they have received their reward.
But when you pray, go to your inner room,
close the door, and pray to your Father in secret.
And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.
“When you fast,
do not look gloomy like the hypocrites.
They neglect their appearance,
so that they may appear to others to be fasting.
Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward.
But when you fast,
anoint your head and wash your face,
so that you may not appear to be fasting,
except to your Father who is hidden.
And your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you.”
This year, I regret I do not enter Lent with the same sense of excitement as last year, when I was planning to go on an actual journey - like travels. But the time of reflection is still important to me. Going to keep it simple today - for Lent, we are asked to focus on 3 things 1) Pray 2) Give Alms 3) Fast. In addition, we are supposed to do these things quietly - not to show how wonderful we are, or to impress anyone.
The last year for me has been a wonderful year of prayer time. It has born much fruit and I am thankful. It was time well spent. I will pass on a great quote from Søren Kierkegaard - Prayer does not change God, but it changes those who pray. In my own walk through life, I have found this to be a true statement.
Giving Alms - If you are a kid, maybe that means picking up your clothes and being more helpful to your parents, quietly and without fanfare. For adults - it might mean that you smile at the homeless person on your way to work in lieu of turning your head. Better still, break bread with the person and share a meal.
As for fasting - try and give up those things in the earthly realm that are holding you back from loving God and man with all your heart. And if possible, perhaps it involves a cost ... why not give some of those savings to the poor. Usually it can be done by just going to church and putting some in the basket. again, quietly.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Tuesday Second Week of Lent
Today's readings: March 10, 2009
Reading One: Is 1:10, 16-20 ;
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 50:8-9, 16bc-17, 21 and 23 ;
Gospel: Mt 23:1-12 ; go to this page (for all three sections listed above on one page) And here's an audio file; & reflections (video)
It depends on how you see the world - today's readings will leave you either making excuses about why you do the things you do, or I hope, remind you of some good advice you already know to be true. Consider the reality of being a good parent. If you spend all your time grumbling that your kids are a burden, guess what - they will feel like burden. If however, you give up the many things you have to so you can do as much as you want to provide for your children, it is a light burden. In fact, the joy you have watching your kids graduate from college or completing a course or sports activity that demanded not only your money but your time too - the stuff you gave up to make it happen, will be no big deal. If you are blessed enough to do these kinds of sacrifices for everyone, you will be a very happy person, as long as your attitude is right, and you learn to be a joyful giver.
For much of my life, I struggled with the message of today's Gospel. It is true that I wasted many years and opportunities - exalting myself. Till one fine day, God got my attention - my full and undivided attention. And I found myself in a position where most everyone, especially those I loved most, didn't really care that much for me. And, I was blessed to have the reasons for this (exalting myself), raised in front of my eyes and in truth, I couldn't really blame them for acting this way. The good news however, is that in this position of weakness, and awareness of my weakness - I was humbled (humiliated would be a better description - ouch). I didn't think that much of myself either and felt far away from the treasures deep in my heart that I valued most. The good news is that this emptiness was filled with something far beyond what I could have created for myself. As I look back, it was just beginning of a wonderful road that led to a joy I never before experienced. The words are an excellent guide to how to live a happy and fruitful life. Trust in the words, and be a joyful servant.
The greatest among you must be your servant.
Whoever exalts himself will be humbled;
but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
Reading One: Is 1:10, 16-20 ;
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 50:8-9, 16bc-17, 21 and 23 ;
Gospel: Mt 23:1-12 ; go to this page (for all three sections listed above on one page) And here's an audio file; & reflections (video)
It depends on how you see the world - today's readings will leave you either making excuses about why you do the things you do, or I hope, remind you of some good advice you already know to be true. Consider the reality of being a good parent. If you spend all your time grumbling that your kids are a burden, guess what - they will feel like burden. If however, you give up the many things you have to so you can do as much as you want to provide for your children, it is a light burden. In fact, the joy you have watching your kids graduate from college or completing a course or sports activity that demanded not only your money but your time too - the stuff you gave up to make it happen, will be no big deal. If you are blessed enough to do these kinds of sacrifices for everyone, you will be a very happy person, as long as your attitude is right, and you learn to be a joyful giver.
For much of my life, I struggled with the message of today's Gospel. It is true that I wasted many years and opportunities - exalting myself. Till one fine day, God got my attention - my full and undivided attention. And I found myself in a position where most everyone, especially those I loved most, didn't really care that much for me. And, I was blessed to have the reasons for this (exalting myself), raised in front of my eyes and in truth, I couldn't really blame them for acting this way. The good news however, is that in this position of weakness, and awareness of my weakness - I was humbled (humiliated would be a better description - ouch). I didn't think that much of myself either and felt far away from the treasures deep in my heart that I valued most. The good news is that this emptiness was filled with something far beyond what I could have created for myself. As I look back, it was just beginning of a wonderful road that led to a joy I never before experienced. The words are an excellent guide to how to live a happy and fruitful life. Trust in the words, and be a joyful servant.
The greatest among you must be your servant.
Whoever exalts himself will be humbled;
but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Saturday - First Week of Lent
Today's readings: March 7, 2009
Reading One: Dt 26:16-19 ;
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 119:1-2, 4-5, 7-8 ;
Gospel: Mt 5:20-26 ; go to this page (for all three sections listed above on one page) And here's an audio file; & reflections (video)
Today's readings continue the theme of loving your enemies, and to strive for nothing less than perfection, just as your Father in Heaven is perfect. Well, it's certainly true that this is impossible, if we only rely on ourselves. But nothing is impossible for God, and I would imagine he offers a helping hand to everyone who draws closer to Him, and asks for help overcoming our shortcomings. And I think the journey must begin with a fervent desire to love your enemies. Please check out the wonderful words at the end of yesterday's post from St Aelred on the subject. The comments made hundreds of years ago are just as wonderful as they were when they were originally offered. But better still, reflect on the Gospel, and what Jesus asks of you. Don't give up or settle for something less - ask for His help.
Years ago, I reflected on how beautifully Jesus reduced all the previous commandments into something simple, and easy to understand. Words first offered in the Old Testament, but with an additional codicil, so we might really understand what it means. Love God with all your heart, all your mind and all your soul. And love your neighbor as yourself. Everything regarding how we must act, be and moreover feel deeply within our hearts must go through this litmus test. One day after mass, a wonderful prayer came to me, and I try to say it after every mass. The prayer is never the same, it comes from the heart, not from rote. It goes something like this:
Gracious God, you love me perfectly. So tender and gentle, yet firm when I need to be chided. And even when I screw up, you love me even more, and put me on shoulders to carry me home. I will never understand why you are so sweet to me. I certainly don't deserve it. You give me pure love, each and every day. And I return this perfect gift, by trying, but never as hard as I could try. I find myself failing to offer you anything as wonderful as you give me, without cost. You know I am sorry. How deeply I wish I could return what you give me. Help me try harder, and grant me the grace to do better each day. I thank with all my heart and soul for all the things you do for me. (I rattle off a some big blessings, my children, my friends, the sunshine, animals, flowers, food, shelter, and even my enemies are a blessing, because you teach me how to forgive and grant me a share of your glorious nature). And I ask you in all humility, to please grant me just one gift, yes, I know it is bigger than all the others combined, but if it is Your will Father, let me love with all the sweetness and perfection that your beloved son, Jesus loved you. He said if I asked anything in His name, if it was Your will, that You would grant the request. So I ask you in confidence for this gift Abba, because I ask for this gift in Jesus' name. And please, let me manifest this gift in how I treat all Your beautiful children, especially those who need it most. Amen.
And yes, I am pretty sure this prayer request was a gracious gift (God is so generous!), and not of my own creation. God blessed me with a wonderful mind, and I heard the words about how His word was hidden from folks with smarts, so I knew I had to work harder than others if I wanted to understand His words, and His ways. Honestly, I think the prayer was a blessing. I know some of you out there think this sounds arrogant, but I said quite clearly, my active mind was a gift from God. It was. It was nothing I earned and the fact that I tried to use that gift is of no consequence at all. I believe His words are true, and if He tells me His word will be hidden from the wise, who am I to say, not so.
Today is also the memorial for Perpetua and Felicity, two martyrs who died because of their fervent love for Jesus Christ. There names are mentioned in a rite of the mass, so I thought it might be a good idea to include a recounting of who these lovely, brave ladies were. (From the Liturgy of the Hours, Office Readings)
Reading One: Dt 26:16-19 ;
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 119:1-2, 4-5, 7-8 ;
Gospel: Mt 5:20-26 ; go to this page (for all three sections listed above on one page) And here's an audio file; & reflections (video)
Today's readings continue the theme of loving your enemies, and to strive for nothing less than perfection, just as your Father in Heaven is perfect. Well, it's certainly true that this is impossible, if we only rely on ourselves. But nothing is impossible for God, and I would imagine he offers a helping hand to everyone who draws closer to Him, and asks for help overcoming our shortcomings. And I think the journey must begin with a fervent desire to love your enemies. Please check out the wonderful words at the end of yesterday's post from St Aelred on the subject. The comments made hundreds of years ago are just as wonderful as they were when they were originally offered. But better still, reflect on the Gospel, and what Jesus asks of you. Don't give up or settle for something less - ask for His help.
Years ago, I reflected on how beautifully Jesus reduced all the previous commandments into something simple, and easy to understand. Words first offered in the Old Testament, but with an additional codicil, so we might really understand what it means. Love God with all your heart, all your mind and all your soul. And love your neighbor as yourself. Everything regarding how we must act, be and moreover feel deeply within our hearts must go through this litmus test. One day after mass, a wonderful prayer came to me, and I try to say it after every mass. The prayer is never the same, it comes from the heart, not from rote. It goes something like this:
Gracious God, you love me perfectly. So tender and gentle, yet firm when I need to be chided. And even when I screw up, you love me even more, and put me on shoulders to carry me home. I will never understand why you are so sweet to me. I certainly don't deserve it. You give me pure love, each and every day. And I return this perfect gift, by trying, but never as hard as I could try. I find myself failing to offer you anything as wonderful as you give me, without cost. You know I am sorry. How deeply I wish I could return what you give me. Help me try harder, and grant me the grace to do better each day. I thank with all my heart and soul for all the things you do for me. (I rattle off a some big blessings, my children, my friends, the sunshine, animals, flowers, food, shelter, and even my enemies are a blessing, because you teach me how to forgive and grant me a share of your glorious nature). And I ask you in all humility, to please grant me just one gift, yes, I know it is bigger than all the others combined, but if it is Your will Father, let me love with all the sweetness and perfection that your beloved son, Jesus loved you. He said if I asked anything in His name, if it was Your will, that You would grant the request. So I ask you in confidence for this gift Abba, because I ask for this gift in Jesus' name. And please, let me manifest this gift in how I treat all Your beautiful children, especially those who need it most. Amen.
And yes, I am pretty sure this prayer request was a gracious gift (God is so generous!), and not of my own creation. God blessed me with a wonderful mind, and I heard the words about how His word was hidden from folks with smarts, so I knew I had to work harder than others if I wanted to understand His words, and His ways. Honestly, I think the prayer was a blessing. I know some of you out there think this sounds arrogant, but I said quite clearly, my active mind was a gift from God. It was. It was nothing I earned and the fact that I tried to use that gift is of no consequence at all. I believe His words are true, and if He tells me His word will be hidden from the wise, who am I to say, not so.
Today is also the memorial for Perpetua and Felicity, two martyrs who died because of their fervent love for Jesus Christ. There names are mentioned in a rite of the mass, so I thought it might be a good idea to include a recounting of who these lovely, brave ladies were. (From the Liturgy of the Hours, Office Readings)
The day of the martyrs' victory dawned. They marched from their cells into the amphitheater, as if into heaven, with cheerful looks and graceful bearing. If they trembled it was for joy and not for fear.
Perpetua was the first to be thrown down, and she fell prostrate. She got up and, seeing that Felicity was prostrate, went over and reached out her hand to her and lifted her up. Both stood up together. The hostility of the crowd was appeased, and they were ordered to the gate called Sanavivaria. There Perpetua was welcomed by a catechumen named Rusticus. Rousing herself as if from sleep (so deeply had she been in spiritual ecstasy) she began to look around. To everyone's amazement she said: "When are we going to be led to the beast?" When she heard that it had already happened she did not at first believe it until she saw the marks of violence on her body and her clothing. Then she beckoned to her brother and the catechumen, and addressed them in these words: "Stand firm in faith, love one another and do not be tempted to do anything wrong because of our sufferings."
Saturus, too, in another gate, encouraged the soldier Pudens, saying: "Here I am, and just as I thought and foretold I have not yet felt any wild beast. Now believe with your whole heart: I will go there and be killed by the leopard in one bite." And right at the end of the games, when he was thrown to the leopard he was in fact covered with so much blood from one bite that the people cried out to him: "Washed and saved, washed and saved!" And so, giving evidence of a second baptism, he was clearly saved who had been washed in this manner.
Then Saturus said to the soldier Pudens: "Farewell, and remember your faith as well as me; do not let these things frighten you; let them rather strengthen you." At the same time he asked for the little ring from Pudens' finger. After soaking it in his wound he returned it to Pudens as a keepsake, leaving him a pledge and a remembrance of his blood. Half dead, he was thrown along with the others into the usual place of slaughter.
The people, however, had demanded that the martyrs be led to the middle of the amphitheater. They wanted to see the sword thrust into the bodies of the victims, so that their eyes might share in the slaughter. Without being asked they went where the people wanted them to go; but first they kissed one another, to complete their witness with the customary kiss of peace.
The others stood motionless and received the death-blow in silence, especially Saturus, who had gone up first and was first to die; he was helping Perpetua. But Perpetua, that she might experience the pain more deeply, rejoiced over her broken body and guided the shaking hand of the inexperienced gladiator to her throat. Such a woman - one before whom the unclean spirit trembled - could not perhaps have been killed, had she herself not willed it.
Bravest and happiest martyrs! You were called and chosen for the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Friday, First Week of Lent
Today's readings: March 6, 2009
Reading One: Ez 18:21-28 ;
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 130:1-2, 3-4, 5-7a, 7bc-8 ;
Gospel: Mt 5:20-26 ; go to this page (for all three sections listed above on one page) And here's an audio file; & reflections (video)
Today's readings are especially difficult. Frankly, very few people cut the mustard here. Are we not all guilty of what is brought to light? Are we perfectly charitable to everyone, even to those who mistreated us? In politics? At work? At play? At home? When no one is hearing our inner thoughts? Isn't there someone who you have said a bad word about recently, or felt anger in your heart because you felt poorly treated? The only way out of this, is to raise your eyes to the truth, and to acknowledge it, feel sorry, and seek to change your ways. Lent is not easy, as we are all called to seek to be perfect, and the words in today's reading show how far we have to go. Like all long journeys, the first step is often the hardest. Acknowledge your guiltiness, and the rest of the journey is much easier. The best part is, if we have faith in Jesus, he will help us over this chasm and show us the way. But we need to make the first step on our own, and admit we have room for improvement. If we refuse to hear the words, and know He is telling the truth about some things we need to fix, we condemn ourselves in our pride.
Try it for a day, and see how hard it is. Don't let one bad word about a brother or a sister, or a parent or a child, a friend or foe leave your mouth. One of the best ways to start on this road, is to be eager to listen, and slow to speak. But you first need to accept the reality, that this is something we all need to focus on, and amend our ways. And then, after a successful day, try to make it a habit. Our goal is to make that - who we are.
Just got back from mass at St. Patrick's in Charlotte and feel much, much better today. I also had a chance to go to reconciliation, which is indeed a sacrament, though it is unfortunately not very widely accepted as such by many in the Catholic faith. It really is a wonderful blessing, in that one is allowed to take the first, and vital step to ridding yourself from what ails you. My problem yesterday, was feeling sadness about so many friends who for some reason have felt the need to tell me I am crazy. And also, hearing a lot of people saying they didn't care about the weakness in the stock market, because it doesn't matter to them. They are already poor, they assured me, so what. But also, and this is really the big part of my sorrow, is how we are heading for disaster and civil unrest, and no one seems to be making changes to face up to the reality. For me, I have only one issue that really matters, not that other things do not, but the gravity of my one issue burns so deeply into my heart, that I have no choice. That issue - is abortion. How is it possible that we can say, fine - no problem, to kill thousands of innocent people each day, and go on with our day as if nothing happened. During Lent, we remember how we killed the kindest and gentlest of men, for no good reason. How is abortion any different. As a nation, our heart has become so covered in stone, we use excuses like - oh, I agree abortion is bad, but we can't legislate morality. (ok, let someone kill your children, and then say, no problem). We are all God's children, and we allow to process to go on day after day as if our hearts are not effected. In truth, stone builds around your hearts, and from this one monster sized evil - our moral compass has no direction left. It is like trying to navigate a ship with no magnetic north. Mother Teresa said it better than me, ponder on her words today, and I hope at least one of you has a change of heart.
The good news for me, is that I went to reconciliation today, and asked for forgiveness concerning the profound sorrow and despair I felt, knowing in my heart, we were inviting the full wrath of God to beset our nation. I know, very few understand what fear of the Lord means anymore, but if you read scripture, you would be scared. Really scared. Thank God for my faith, mostly a gift, though I have also tried to do what I can on my own to increase, including offering prayers and songs asking to increase my faith. (A prayer for Sara).
God is so good to me, as this morning I read some amazing words offered Saint Aelred in Mirror of Love. The words soothed my troubled mind, and gave me the strength I had lost by the sorrow I feel for every child that is lost due to the horror of abortion. It is my hope, it has the same effect on my friends who share this grief with me, and that it brings you peace of mind, just as the words did for me this morning.
Reading One: Ez 18:21-28 ;
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 130:1-2, 3-4, 5-7a, 7bc-8 ;
Gospel: Mt 5:20-26 ; go to this page (for all three sections listed above on one page) And here's an audio file; & reflections (video)
Today's readings are especially difficult. Frankly, very few people cut the mustard here. Are we not all guilty of what is brought to light? Are we perfectly charitable to everyone, even to those who mistreated us? In politics? At work? At play? At home? When no one is hearing our inner thoughts? Isn't there someone who you have said a bad word about recently, or felt anger in your heart because you felt poorly treated? The only way out of this, is to raise your eyes to the truth, and to acknowledge it, feel sorry, and seek to change your ways. Lent is not easy, as we are all called to seek to be perfect, and the words in today's reading show how far we have to go. Like all long journeys, the first step is often the hardest. Acknowledge your guiltiness, and the rest of the journey is much easier. The best part is, if we have faith in Jesus, he will help us over this chasm and show us the way. But we need to make the first step on our own, and admit we have room for improvement. If we refuse to hear the words, and know He is telling the truth about some things we need to fix, we condemn ourselves in our pride.
Try it for a day, and see how hard it is. Don't let one bad word about a brother or a sister, or a parent or a child, a friend or foe leave your mouth. One of the best ways to start on this road, is to be eager to listen, and slow to speak. But you first need to accept the reality, that this is something we all need to focus on, and amend our ways. And then, after a successful day, try to make it a habit. Our goal is to make that - who we are.
Just got back from mass at St. Patrick's in Charlotte and feel much, much better today. I also had a chance to go to reconciliation, which is indeed a sacrament, though it is unfortunately not very widely accepted as such by many in the Catholic faith. It really is a wonderful blessing, in that one is allowed to take the first, and vital step to ridding yourself from what ails you. My problem yesterday, was feeling sadness about so many friends who for some reason have felt the need to tell me I am crazy. And also, hearing a lot of people saying they didn't care about the weakness in the stock market, because it doesn't matter to them. They are already poor, they assured me, so what. But also, and this is really the big part of my sorrow, is how we are heading for disaster and civil unrest, and no one seems to be making changes to face up to the reality. For me, I have only one issue that really matters, not that other things do not, but the gravity of my one issue burns so deeply into my heart, that I have no choice. That issue - is abortion. How is it possible that we can say, fine - no problem, to kill thousands of innocent people each day, and go on with our day as if nothing happened. During Lent, we remember how we killed the kindest and gentlest of men, for no good reason. How is abortion any different. As a nation, our heart has become so covered in stone, we use excuses like - oh, I agree abortion is bad, but we can't legislate morality. (ok, let someone kill your children, and then say, no problem). We are all God's children, and we allow to process to go on day after day as if our hearts are not effected. In truth, stone builds around your hearts, and from this one monster sized evil - our moral compass has no direction left. It is like trying to navigate a ship with no magnetic north. Mother Teresa said it better than me, ponder on her words today, and I hope at least one of you has a change of heart.
America needs no words from me to see how your decision in Roe v. Wade has deformed a great nation. The so-called right to abortion has pitted mothers against their children and women against men. It has sown violence and discord at the heart of the most intimate human relationships. It has aggravated the derogation of the father's role in an increasingly fatherless society. It has portrayed the greatest of gifts a child as a competitor, an intrusion, and an inconvenience. It has nominally accorded mothers unfettered dominion over the independent lives of their physically dependent sons and daughters.Abortion makes the preamble of our constitution a joke. Life is not an inalienable right, if we can kill our children. And now there is a move to make abortion a constitutional right. (called the FOCA amendment in case you are uninformed, and President Obama has promised he would sign it if it came to his desk. Pray for him to have a change of heart). The issue is coming to a head, and how deep our wounds will be if it passes. Here's an article today from St. Louis. To people of faith, passing this would be the same as asking us to kill our own children, our own families, because we feel we are all brothers and sisters. As God's children, there is little difference between my own kids, and your kids. I share this so you might better understand our hearts
The good news for me, is that I went to reconciliation today, and asked for forgiveness concerning the profound sorrow and despair I felt, knowing in my heart, we were inviting the full wrath of God to beset our nation. I know, very few understand what fear of the Lord means anymore, but if you read scripture, you would be scared. Really scared. Thank God for my faith, mostly a gift, though I have also tried to do what I can on my own to increase, including offering prayers and songs asking to increase my faith. (A prayer for Sara).
God is so good to me, as this morning I read some amazing words offered Saint Aelred in Mirror of Love. The words soothed my troubled mind, and gave me the strength I had lost by the sorrow I feel for every child that is lost due to the horror of abortion. It is my hope, it has the same effect on my friends who share this grief with me, and that it brings you peace of mind, just as the words did for me this morning.
The perfection of brotherly love lies in the love of one’s enemies. We can find no greater inspiration for this than grateful remembrance of the wonderful patience of Christ. He who is more fair than all the sons of men offered his fair face to be spat upon by sinful men; he allowed those eyes that rule the universe to be blindfolded by wicked men; he bared his back to the scourges; he submitted that head which strikes terror in principalities and powers to the sharpness of the thorns; he gave himself up to be mocked and reviled, and at the end endured the cross, the nails, the lance, the gall, the vinegar, remaining always gentle, meek and full of peace.Please pray for the people we elected to office to do the right thing. And also I ask you to continue your prayers for Charlotte, Peter, Jim and his family, Frank, Christopher, and if time allows, please say a prayer for me. Thanks.
In short, he was led like a sheep to the slaughter, and like a lamb before the shearers he kept silent, and did not open his mouth.
Who could listen to that wonderful prayer, so full of warmth, of love, of unshakable serenity – Father, forgive them – and hesitate to embrace his enemies with overflowing love? Father, he says, forgive them. Is any gentleness, any love, lacking in this prayer?
Yet he put into it something more. It was not enough to pray for them: he wanted also to make excuses for them. Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing. They are great sinners, yes, but they have little judgment; therefore, Father, forgive them. They are nailing me to the cross, but they do not know who it is that they are nailing to the cross: if they had known, they would never have crucified the Lord of glory; therefore, Father, forgive them. They think it is a lawbreaker, an impostor claiming to be God, a seducer of the people. I have hidden my face from them, and they do not recognize my glory; therefore, Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.
If someone wishes to love himself he must not allow himself to be corrupted by indulging his sinful nature. If he wishes to resist the promptings of his sinful nature he must enlarge the whole horizon of his love to contemplate the loving gentleness of the humanity of the Lord. Further, if he wishes to savor the joy of brotherly love with greater perfection and delight, he must extend even to his enemies the embrace of true love.
But if he wishes to prevent this fire of divine love from growing cold because of injuries received, let him keep the eyes of his soul always fixed on the serene patience of his beloved Lord and Savior.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Wednesday of the First Week in Lent
Today's readings: March 4, 2009
Reading One: Jon 3:1-10 ;
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 51:3-4, 12-13, 18-19 ;
Gospel : Lk 11:29-32 ;
go to this page (for all three sections listed above on one page)
And here's an audio file; & reflections (video)
Today's readings all speak to the need to feel regret for the things you did wrong. And not just for the sake of feeling badly. The truth is, feeling regret is usually the first step toward losing your foolishness, and becoming free from the bondage associated with one's sinfulness. Such an easy straightforward lesson, but all too often, it is the first step that is the hardest. Doing foolish things is basically a universal character trait. We all make mistakes, hence we are all sinners. But in this world, all too often we not only feel little or no regret for our foolishness, sometimes we even take pride in our sinfulness. I know I have, and also am guilty of this. It is hard to hear the words spoken today, and I expect to recall the words offered by Teresa of Avila all through the day.
She compared her sinfulness to a glass of water. When you looked at the glass of water without much light, it appeared to be just fine and dandy. No problems, beautiful and easy to drink. But when you hold the glass next to a candle, you see all kinds of things floating in the water, and are revolted. The candle represented Jesus and as you drew closer and closer to Christ, the light became brighter and brighter. He helped raise all your sins in front of your eyes. She described the process of drawing closer and closer to Christ as a violent affair, and indeed this has been my own experience. It is violent and extremely difficult to face up to your foolishness. It is much easier to stay far away from the Light, but then you remain in your prison of your foolishness.
She offered another way of looking at it too - you are a beautiful painting, and if you look at it across the room, it looks just lovely. But take the painting into harsher light, and you see all the cracks, and worse you see the mold growing between the cracks. You are left feeling ashamed and terrible - you are not that beautiful at all. Again, she describes the process as a violent affair. That is the hardest part - seeing yourself as you really are, in great need of help and in need to amend your ways, to repent and be faithful to the Gospel. We are called to not just be ok, and nice. We are called to be perfect, like God the Father is perfect.
This is going to be a very hard day for me, as I plan to spend a lot of time in reflection, asking Jesus to help me see how muddy my water is, and to take that difficult step of being humble and contrite. The good news is, He helps us break free from our prison of sinfulness, you only need faith to get you through. May each of us have the courage to take the first step, and not be afraid of engaging in this violent affair. Getting out of prison will make it all worth it. I ask that you pray for me to have the courage to get closer to the Light, and take the first step.
I met with Louise yesterday, and she told me her lovely grand daughter Morgan is doing just great and is in full remission. Thanks to all the kind souls who prayed for Morgan to get well. She is well now. Thanks to our gentle and loving God, who binds all wounds. Finally, please pray for my friends Peter, Charlotte, Jim, Florence, Jennie, Stewart and Amelia. And anyone else who is on your list of prayers. I am certain the time will be well spent.
Reading One: Jon 3:1-10 ;
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 51:3-4, 12-13, 18-19 ;
Gospel : Lk 11:29-32 ;
go to this page (for all three sections listed above on one page)
And here's an audio file; & reflections (video)
Today's readings all speak to the need to feel regret for the things you did wrong. And not just for the sake of feeling badly. The truth is, feeling regret is usually the first step toward losing your foolishness, and becoming free from the bondage associated with one's sinfulness. Such an easy straightforward lesson, but all too often, it is the first step that is the hardest. Doing foolish things is basically a universal character trait. We all make mistakes, hence we are all sinners. But in this world, all too often we not only feel little or no regret for our foolishness, sometimes we even take pride in our sinfulness. I know I have, and also am guilty of this. It is hard to hear the words spoken today, and I expect to recall the words offered by Teresa of Avila all through the day.
She compared her sinfulness to a glass of water. When you looked at the glass of water without much light, it appeared to be just fine and dandy. No problems, beautiful and easy to drink. But when you hold the glass next to a candle, you see all kinds of things floating in the water, and are revolted. The candle represented Jesus and as you drew closer and closer to Christ, the light became brighter and brighter. He helped raise all your sins in front of your eyes. She described the process of drawing closer and closer to Christ as a violent affair, and indeed this has been my own experience. It is violent and extremely difficult to face up to your foolishness. It is much easier to stay far away from the Light, but then you remain in your prison of your foolishness.
She offered another way of looking at it too - you are a beautiful painting, and if you look at it across the room, it looks just lovely. But take the painting into harsher light, and you see all the cracks, and worse you see the mold growing between the cracks. You are left feeling ashamed and terrible - you are not that beautiful at all. Again, she describes the process as a violent affair. That is the hardest part - seeing yourself as you really are, in great need of help and in need to amend your ways, to repent and be faithful to the Gospel. We are called to not just be ok, and nice. We are called to be perfect, like God the Father is perfect.
This is going to be a very hard day for me, as I plan to spend a lot of time in reflection, asking Jesus to help me see how muddy my water is, and to take that difficult step of being humble and contrite. The good news is, He helps us break free from our prison of sinfulness, you only need faith to get you through. May each of us have the courage to take the first step, and not be afraid of engaging in this violent affair. Getting out of prison will make it all worth it. I ask that you pray for me to have the courage to get closer to the Light, and take the first step.
I met with Louise yesterday, and she told me her lovely grand daughter Morgan is doing just great and is in full remission. Thanks to all the kind souls who prayed for Morgan to get well. She is well now. Thanks to our gentle and loving God, who binds all wounds. Finally, please pray for my friends Peter, Charlotte, Jim, Florence, Jennie, Stewart and Amelia. And anyone else who is on your list of prayers. I am certain the time will be well spent.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Monday of the First Week of Lent
Today's readings: March 2, 2009
Reading One: Lv 19:1-2, 11-18 ;
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 19:8, 9, 10, 15 ;
Gospel : Mt 25:31-46 ;
go to this page (for all three sections listed above on one page)
And here's an audio file; & reflections (video)
UPDATE: I added some new pics, links in the last paragraph. Here's a mobile video which was taken a little later, (less than half vs. the best times, but it will give you an idea).
Today was a fun and restful day, with as usual in my day to day life - never a dull moment. I will get to today's excitement in a bit, but first let me tell you about what happened yesterday. WOW - something I have never seen before, so many cardinals it was just other worldly. For the last seven or eight years, I have been very dutiful in keeping my bird feeders filled, and during this time of year it can really be quite interesting as different breeds come and go, the gold finches change colors and all the birds are hungry as can be and having lots of babies. I guess if you do this for a bunch of years it might not be so odd, but I still found it startling to see 35+ cardinals in a small crepe myrtle. It looked like a Christmas tree it was so lit up with the bright red males, and also all the funny looking adolescent males, in various stages of molting always make me smile because they can be so goofy looking.
The sight of all those cardinals made me remember a time about 25 years ago when I lived in Charlotte and would go home each day for lunch to enjoy an inexpensive meal and water my flowers. At the time, I had orchids all over the house as this was the passion of the moment. How many you ask? Lots and lots - I have always been one to go overboard on things I enjoyed, and at the time, I was in the orchid of the month club. And though I had no special longing for these flowers, I mist them (sorry, I couldn't resist). It was early spring, so I spent some time giving a little bit of water to the baby plants I had started from seeds. Well, one day a cardinal flew down from the telephone wire and into a dense holly bush and started singing like crazy. I had been watering some plants around it and the water was gently dripping in the interior of this old holly. And though it is hard to believe, this little male cardinal was just thrilled to get a gentle shower. Ok... no big deal, but it came the next day, and the next day, and every day after that each and every day all summer. It knew I came home at noon, and it was ready for its bath. I had a bunch of friends who tried to "call me out" on it, but I said, come home with me and I will show you. The most common response was that it was so weird, and also liked to add, that I was somehow weird too. But there were a few who shared my joy about the daily bath. I thought it was really neat, and one those little things where you have no choice but to say deep in your heart - God is so wonderful. It really made my lunch amazing.
I had mentioned to Msgr. when we went to see Slumdog Millionaire that I had this expression I made up - called "slumdog moments", which were those times in your life, where you knew God was watching out for you. For some reason, I asked out of the blue, asked him if he knew who Cardinal Strich was, as there was a small school on Santa Monica Blvd in Milwaukee where I had three of those slumdog moments in my life. He told me a little bit about the man, and I shared a few of the wild stories I had while on the property. At the time, we called the place - the nun factory because I think it was a religious school for sisters, but in all honesty I never had any idea what went on there.
When I was a wee lad of fifteen, maybe sixteen - me and Bobby J decided that we would learn what it felt like to get a little tipsy on alcohol. Being totally clueless on how we might go about doing this, we drank over 2/3 a bottle of J&B scotch, chasing down Scotch Whiskey chugs with some hawaiian punch. We soon consecrated the building with such violent projectile vomiting, it was more like sandblasting than throwing up. My 2nd Cardinal Strich related "slumdog moment" was on my 16th birthday, when I got in a car accident on my first day of driving. I was backing out a parking place near a Village Hardware in my mom's monster tank station wagon, the Pontiac Laguna - a massive beast known for its special tailgate option, which could open or close in 3 different ways. On the side like a door, with the window and bottom together, or the traditional way, with the window disappearing into the door and then opening out flat, AND it could even disappear under the the car and get completely out of the way. So what does this have to with Lent and being a Catholic? I have no idea, it's Sunday so I am resting, but I do remember Era Parseghian did the commercials on TV, and he was the coach of Notre Dame, so there is an Our Lady tie-in. Back to the accident, as I backed up, I just grazed the car next to and slammed on the brakes. But my foot slipped off the break and onto the accelerator, and in a flash the to cars had locked the steel bumpers and we were rocking like James Brown, though I did not feel good. Folks piled out of the stores to see what was going on and the guy who owned the Dodge Dart I hit was less than pleased. His name was John Stewart and he just happened to be the head of food services for Cardinal Strich. Then, he tried to rip off my dad, and came back with an estimate of close to $2000 repairs, which at the time was absurd. (a new car could be had for way less than $5k). My dad was livid, and was no longer mad at me at all. In fact, he was glad I hit the guys car. He got an estimate from Pinky's on North Avenue on the low rent side of town for about $89, and made a check out to Pinky for the repair so the guy had to take it there.
My third Cardinal Strich experience was on New Years Eve, just after midnight. They had a super winding entrance to keep cars from going to fast, which we often used as a speed racer course, seeing how fast we could do the turns, and it was easy to screech the tires. Well, just after midnight in a car full of high school teenagers I decided to go for greatness, and ended up breaking the front axle of my brothers BT, which is the pet name we had for the old car. I believe BT initially stood for Brown Torino, but it will always be remembered as the Brown Turd, since it was, shall we say - less than a cream puff. Times were different, the cops came, asked if we were ok, we called our parents and went home - yes, smelling like we had a few brewskis. I have no idea what other planet I was on that night, but I do not remember getting into trouble. My brother was a little annoyed, but he had insurance and got a decent check for a car that was clunker anyway.
I hadn't thought of these things for a long long time, but the cardinals in the tree yesterday was really quite a sight, and as I reflected on the Cardinal Strich memories, I couldn't help but think that God was with me on those crazy days of being a fool, and how his gentle and loving hand kept me from getting seriously injured myself, or worse, hurting someone else by my foolishness.
UPDATES: I just added some new pictures. Here's a bunch of pictures of the construction of our new church at St. Mark taken this morning in the freshly fallen snow, some pictures of the cardinals in the crepe myrtle (and also one of Cardinal Samuel Stritch) and a link to Cardinal Stritch Milwaukee, the place we used to call the nun factory as kids, not knowing any better. Oddly enough, I was chatting with Msgr. Bellow after mass, and sharing some of these "slumdog moments", and he asked (as a joke I think), maybe you were supposed to be a Cardinal. I laughed, and said, that the Catholic Church would never allow me into the priestly club. To which he replied with a wide smile, "Well there was St. Augustine. And I laughed really hard, and told him, "you're not going to believe this, but Cardinal Stritch is on Santa Monica Blvd. (this is hilarious if you know the background. St. Monica was Augustine's mother, and she prayed constantly for her wayward son to convert to Catholicism... so the irony of him bringing it up is quite comical). I also added some pictures of old charlie the dog, and his feline buddy, Mr. T Puma. Also a few assorted new pictures I neglected to include in the previous post.
Reading One: Lv 19:1-2, 11-18 ;
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 19:8, 9, 10, 15 ;
Gospel : Mt 25:31-46 ;
go to this page (for all three sections listed above on one page)
And here's an audio file; & reflections (video)
UPDATE: I added some new pics, links in the last paragraph. Here's a mobile video which was taken a little later, (less than half vs. the best times, but it will give you an idea).
Today was a fun and restful day, with as usual in my day to day life - never a dull moment. I will get to today's excitement in a bit, but first let me tell you about what happened yesterday. WOW - something I have never seen before, so many cardinals it was just other worldly. For the last seven or eight years, I have been very dutiful in keeping my bird feeders filled, and during this time of year it can really be quite interesting as different breeds come and go, the gold finches change colors and all the birds are hungry as can be and having lots of babies. I guess if you do this for a bunch of years it might not be so odd, but I still found it startling to see 35+ cardinals in a small crepe myrtle. It looked like a Christmas tree it was so lit up with the bright red males, and also all the funny looking adolescent males, in various stages of molting always make me smile because they can be so goofy looking.
The sight of all those cardinals made me remember a time about 25 years ago when I lived in Charlotte and would go home each day for lunch to enjoy an inexpensive meal and water my flowers. At the time, I had orchids all over the house as this was the passion of the moment. How many you ask? Lots and lots - I have always been one to go overboard on things I enjoyed, and at the time, I was in the orchid of the month club. And though I had no special longing for these flowers, I mist them (sorry, I couldn't resist). It was early spring, so I spent some time giving a little bit of water to the baby plants I had started from seeds. Well, one day a cardinal flew down from the telephone wire and into a dense holly bush and started singing like crazy. I had been watering some plants around it and the water was gently dripping in the interior of this old holly. And though it is hard to believe, this little male cardinal was just thrilled to get a gentle shower. Ok... no big deal, but it came the next day, and the next day, and every day after that each and every day all summer. It knew I came home at noon, and it was ready for its bath. I had a bunch of friends who tried to "call me out" on it, but I said, come home with me and I will show you. The most common response was that it was so weird, and also liked to add, that I was somehow weird too. But there were a few who shared my joy about the daily bath. I thought it was really neat, and one those little things where you have no choice but to say deep in your heart - God is so wonderful. It really made my lunch amazing.
I had mentioned to Msgr. when we went to see Slumdog Millionaire that I had this expression I made up - called "slumdog moments", which were those times in your life, where you knew God was watching out for you. For some reason, I asked out of the blue, asked him if he knew who Cardinal Strich was, as there was a small school on Santa Monica Blvd in Milwaukee where I had three of those slumdog moments in my life. He told me a little bit about the man, and I shared a few of the wild stories I had while on the property. At the time, we called the place - the nun factory because I think it was a religious school for sisters, but in all honesty I never had any idea what went on there.
When I was a wee lad of fifteen, maybe sixteen - me and Bobby J decided that we would learn what it felt like to get a little tipsy on alcohol. Being totally clueless on how we might go about doing this, we drank over 2/3 a bottle of J&B scotch, chasing down Scotch Whiskey chugs with some hawaiian punch. We soon consecrated the building with such violent projectile vomiting, it was more like sandblasting than throwing up. My 2nd Cardinal Strich related "slumdog moment" was on my 16th birthday, when I got in a car accident on my first day of driving. I was backing out a parking place near a Village Hardware in my mom's monster tank station wagon, the Pontiac Laguna - a massive beast known for its special tailgate option, which could open or close in 3 different ways. On the side like a door, with the window and bottom together, or the traditional way, with the window disappearing into the door and then opening out flat, AND it could even disappear under the the car and get completely out of the way. So what does this have to with Lent and being a Catholic? I have no idea, it's Sunday so I am resting, but I do remember Era Parseghian did the commercials on TV, and he was the coach of Notre Dame, so there is an Our Lady tie-in. Back to the accident, as I backed up, I just grazed the car next to and slammed on the brakes. But my foot slipped off the break and onto the accelerator, and in a flash the to cars had locked the steel bumpers and we were rocking like James Brown, though I did not feel good. Folks piled out of the stores to see what was going on and the guy who owned the Dodge Dart I hit was less than pleased. His name was John Stewart and he just happened to be the head of food services for Cardinal Strich. Then, he tried to rip off my dad, and came back with an estimate of close to $2000 repairs, which at the time was absurd. (a new car could be had for way less than $5k). My dad was livid, and was no longer mad at me at all. In fact, he was glad I hit the guys car. He got an estimate from Pinky's on North Avenue on the low rent side of town for about $89, and made a check out to Pinky for the repair so the guy had to take it there.
My third Cardinal Strich experience was on New Years Eve, just after midnight. They had a super winding entrance to keep cars from going to fast, which we often used as a speed racer course, seeing how fast we could do the turns, and it was easy to screech the tires. Well, just after midnight in a car full of high school teenagers I decided to go for greatness, and ended up breaking the front axle of my brothers BT, which is the pet name we had for the old car. I believe BT initially stood for Brown Torino, but it will always be remembered as the Brown Turd, since it was, shall we say - less than a cream puff. Times were different, the cops came, asked if we were ok, we called our parents and went home - yes, smelling like we had a few brewskis. I have no idea what other planet I was on that night, but I do not remember getting into trouble. My brother was a little annoyed, but he had insurance and got a decent check for a car that was clunker anyway.
I hadn't thought of these things for a long long time, but the cardinals in the tree yesterday was really quite a sight, and as I reflected on the Cardinal Strich memories, I couldn't help but think that God was with me on those crazy days of being a fool, and how his gentle and loving hand kept me from getting seriously injured myself, or worse, hurting someone else by my foolishness.
UPDATES: I just added some new pictures. Here's a bunch of pictures of the construction of our new church at St. Mark taken this morning in the freshly fallen snow, some pictures of the cardinals in the crepe myrtle (and also one of Cardinal Samuel Stritch) and a link to Cardinal Stritch Milwaukee, the place we used to call the nun factory as kids, not knowing any better. Oddly enough, I was chatting with Msgr. Bellow after mass, and sharing some of these "slumdog moments", and he asked (as a joke I think), maybe you were supposed to be a Cardinal. I laughed, and said, that the Catholic Church would never allow me into the priestly club. To which he replied with a wide smile, "Well there was St. Augustine. And I laughed really hard, and told him, "you're not going to believe this, but Cardinal Stritch is on Santa Monica Blvd. (this is hilarious if you know the background. St. Monica was Augustine's mother, and she prayed constantly for her wayward son to convert to Catholicism... so the irony of him bringing it up is quite comical). I also added some pictures of old charlie the dog, and his feline buddy, Mr. T Puma. Also a few assorted new pictures I neglected to include in the previous post.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
First Sunday of Lent
Today's readings: March 1, 2009
Reading One: Gn 9: 7-15 ;
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 25:4-5, 6-7, 8-9 ;
Gospel : Mk 1:12-15 ;
go to this page (for all three sections listed above on one page)
And here's an audio file; & reflections (video)
Today is Sunday, so I am taking it easy and resting for next week. Tomorrow I will try and help Monsignor Bellow get his email more dialed in and hopefully get a chance to take some pictures of the new church we are building at St. Marks, and email the photos to Father Tien as per his request. Please take the time to check out the readings at the links above. Thanks for all your support and emails. For whatever reason, it seems like a lot of folks thought the story of my dog and the holy water was funny. I am not a cradle Catholic as they say, so honestly - I did not know any better. My point in sharing the story was more about opening my mind to listen to both sides of an issue. (an earlier entry of the subject might be of interest - A Tale of Two Worms).
While in Asheville, I had great time visiting with some old friends Bob & Linda, who I had not seen in over 10 years. While our political views are very different, we were able to discuss the current craziness of today's interesting times without animus or raising our voices. No personal attacks and very disparaging views were shared. It seems we were mellowed by the years, and whenever it looked like the discussion might veer into difficult waters, we were happy to defer the conversation to silence, and just be thrilled in our friendship, recognizing that we were not going to solve anything, but mostly that our friendship was more valuable than our opinions. A good lesson to learn and hold onto.
I had another good conversation relating this experience with some family members, as I honored Bob's request that he wanted to wish them well. We shared this thought. If you want folks to give Obama more support (which people should if they are disrespecting the office of the President), take off the Impeach Bush bumper sticker off your car. If you want to share your thoughts on global warming and how you think it is bogus, please listen to the concerns about how the ozone layer is depleting, and acknowledge that the carbon particles we are putting into the atmosphere might very well have an adverse effect on weather. In kind, please refrain from calling someone with a disparaging view a denier, as if the differing opinion somehow is equivalent to implying the Holocaust never existed. Basically,if you wish to have your opinions considered by someone with a different point of view, refrain from personal attacks, and be eager to listen, and slow to speak. And turn down the volume. Always remember wisdom begins withe three simple words - I DON'T KNOW.
I remembered the words offered in the Gospel; from February 11, 2009.(Mk 7:14-23), which was the Linda's birthday, my friend from Asheville who was kind enough to offer me a wonderful Indian meal and a place to rest my head. I am still thankful for Bob and Linda's generosity, and was happy to have the words embedded in my heart as we shared disparaging views on politics. Our friendship was more important than our differing opinions, especially on matters out of our control.
Reading One: Gn 9: 7-15 ;
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 25:4-5, 6-7, 8-9 ;
Gospel : Mk 1:12-15 ;
go to this page (for all three sections listed above on one page)
And here's an audio file; & reflections (video)
Today is Sunday, so I am taking it easy and resting for next week. Tomorrow I will try and help Monsignor Bellow get his email more dialed in and hopefully get a chance to take some pictures of the new church we are building at St. Marks, and email the photos to Father Tien as per his request. Please take the time to check out the readings at the links above. Thanks for all your support and emails. For whatever reason, it seems like a lot of folks thought the story of my dog and the holy water was funny. I am not a cradle Catholic as they say, so honestly - I did not know any better. My point in sharing the story was more about opening my mind to listen to both sides of an issue. (an earlier entry of the subject might be of interest - A Tale of Two Worms).
While in Asheville, I had great time visiting with some old friends Bob & Linda, who I had not seen in over 10 years. While our political views are very different, we were able to discuss the current craziness of today's interesting times without animus or raising our voices. No personal attacks and very disparaging views were shared. It seems we were mellowed by the years, and whenever it looked like the discussion might veer into difficult waters, we were happy to defer the conversation to silence, and just be thrilled in our friendship, recognizing that we were not going to solve anything, but mostly that our friendship was more valuable than our opinions. A good lesson to learn and hold onto.
I had another good conversation relating this experience with some family members, as I honored Bob's request that he wanted to wish them well. We shared this thought. If you want folks to give Obama more support (which people should if they are disrespecting the office of the President), take off the Impeach Bush bumper sticker off your car. If you want to share your thoughts on global warming and how you think it is bogus, please listen to the concerns about how the ozone layer is depleting, and acknowledge that the carbon particles we are putting into the atmosphere might very well have an adverse effect on weather. In kind, please refrain from calling someone with a disparaging view a denier, as if the differing opinion somehow is equivalent to implying the Holocaust never existed. Basically,if you wish to have your opinions considered by someone with a different point of view, refrain from personal attacks, and be eager to listen, and slow to speak. And turn down the volume. Always remember wisdom begins withe three simple words - I DON'T KNOW.
I remembered the words offered in the Gospel; from February 11, 2009.(Mk 7:14-23), which was the Linda's birthday, my friend from Asheville who was kind enough to offer me a wonderful Indian meal and a place to rest my head. I am still thankful for Bob and Linda's generosity, and was happy to have the words embedded in my heart as we shared disparaging views on politics. Our friendship was more important than our differing opinions, especially on matters out of our control.
Jesus summoned the crowd again and said to them,
"Hear me, all of you, and understand.
Nothing that enters one from outside can defile that person;
but the things that come out from within are what defile."
When he got home away from the crowd
his disciples questioned him about the parable.
He said to them,
"Are even you likewise without understanding?
Do you not realize that everything
that goes into a person from outside cannot defile,
since it enters not the heart but the stomach
and passes out into the latrine?"
"But what comes out of the man, that is what defiles him.
From within the man, from his heart,
come evil thoughts, unchastity, theft, murder,
adultery, greed, malice, deceit,
licentiousness, envy, blasphemy, arrogance, folly.
All these evils come from within and they defile."
Sunday, February 22, 2009
My Lenten Journey
On Ash Wednesday, I officially hit the road, seeking only to remind the great people of this country, and the world too, that we love each other. And I hope to bring people closer in their relationship with God. While I am a Christian, (a Catholic, oh my... one of those!!! eeeewwwwh haha), I totally agree with Mother Teresa about every man and woman, being equal before God. And how we all seek God in the deepest regions of our hearts.
"There is only one God and He is God to all; therefore it is important that everyone is seen as equal before God. I've always said we should help a Hindu become a better Hindu, a Muslim become a better Muslim, a Catholic become a better Catholic." - Mother Teresa
I have made myself wide open, totally vulnerable - because I plan to let everyone track my journey using a wonderful new app from Google called Google latitude. Click the link, enter my cell phone number (xxx-xxx-xxxx - this number has been deleted after Easter 2009) and I will get a request that you want to track me. After I okay it (everyone gets into this club) - you go to google, and click the igoogle link(top right), where you can see where I am on a map. When you are putting in the cell phone number, you are asked if you want to add yourself on my igoogle page. You can also accept me, and hide yourself. No big deal to me. You are correct, there are a lot of concerns and awkward situations. (Wired Article - thanks Bill M). Anyway, you can watch me driving, or see where I holed up if I decided to go into the woods to pray. I won't be responding, but please if you wish, ask me to pray for a friend in need. I made a special email for the trip - lentjourney@gmail.com, which I will be using temporarily till Easter arrives. Hey, duh, watch this video on google latitude.
The good news is that I really think there will be a lot of wonderful folks looking out for me and covering my tracks. God is with me in your best wishes. And I ask you, if you would be so kind, to include me in your prayers. T minus 5 days. May God bless you and keep you safe!
"There is only one God and He is God to all; therefore it is important that everyone is seen as equal before God. I've always said we should help a Hindu become a better Hindu, a Muslim become a better Muslim, a Catholic become a better Catholic." - Mother Teresa
I have made myself wide open, totally vulnerable - because I plan to let everyone track my journey using a wonderful new app from Google called Google latitude. Click the link, enter my cell phone number (xxx-xxx-xxxx - this number has been deleted after Easter 2009) and I will get a request that you want to track me. After I okay it (everyone gets into this club) - you go to google, and click the igoogle link(top right), where you can see where I am on a map. When you are putting in the cell phone number, you are asked if you want to add yourself on my igoogle page. You can also accept me, and hide yourself. No big deal to me. You are correct, there are a lot of concerns and awkward situations. (Wired Article - thanks Bill M). Anyway, you can watch me driving, or see where I holed up if I decided to go into the woods to pray. I won't be responding, but please if you wish, ask me to pray for a friend in need. I made a special email for the trip - lentjourney@gmail.com, which I will be using temporarily till Easter arrives. Hey, duh, watch this video on google latitude.
The good news is that I really think there will be a lot of wonderful folks looking out for me and covering my tracks. God is with me in your best wishes. And I ask you, if you would be so kind, to include me in your prayers. T minus 5 days. May God bless you and keep you safe!
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
A Prayer For My Daughter
When I was in college, we studied a poem from William Butler Yeats called A Prayer for My Daughter written in 1919. My professor was great, and this before the web - back when you couldn't type in a clever search phrase and find all kinds of analysis on a the poem. Indeed we live in wonderful times with so much information, so readily available to everyone. Anyway, Yeats is rocking his baby daughter in the cradle, and he muses about his hopes for the girl, and how she will turn out as a person, trying to direct her in ways that will not only make her happy, but charming as well. At present, my lovely daughter Mishka is feeling under the weather, with one of those new mutant bugs. She will be fine, God willing, but please say a prayer her. Thanks.
A Prayer For My Daughter
Once more the storm is howling, and half hid
Under this cradle-hood and coverlid
My child sleeps on. There is no obstacle
But Gregory's wood and one bare hill
Whereby the haystack- and roof-levelling wind.
Bred on the Atlantic, can be stayed;
And for an hour I have walked and prayed
Because of the great gloom that is in my mind.
I have walked and prayed for this young child an hour
And heard the sea-wind scream upon the tower,
And-under the arches of the bridge, and scream
In the elms above the flooded stream;
Imagining in excited reverie
That the future years had come,
Dancing to a frenzied drum,
Out of the murderous innocence of the sea.
May she be granted beauty and yet not
Beauty to make a stranger's eye distraught,
Or hers before a looking-glass, for such,
Being made beautiful overmuch,
Consider beauty a sufficient end,
Lose natural kindness and maybe
The heart-revealing intimacy
That chooses right, and never find a friend.
Helen being chosen found life flat and dull
And later had much trouble from a fool,
While that great Queen, that rose out of the spray,
Being fatherless could have her way
Yet chose a bandy-legged smith for man.
It's certain that fine women eat
A crazy salad with their meat
Whereby the Horn of plenty is undone.
In courtesy I'd have her chiefly learned;
Hearts are not had as a gift but hearts are earned
By those that are not entirely beautiful;
Yet many, that have played the fool
For beauty's very self, has charm made wise.
And many a poor man that has roved,
Loved and thought himself beloved,
From a glad kindness cannot take his eyes.
May she become a flourishing hidden tree
That all her thoughts may like the linnet be,
And have no business but dispensing round
Their magnanimities of sound,
Nor but in merriment begin a chase,
Nor but in merriment a quarrel.
O may she live like some green laurel
Rooted in one dear perpetual place.
My mind, because the minds that I have loved,
The sort of beauty that I have approved,
Prosper but little, has dried up of late,
Yet knows that to be choked with hate
May well be of all evil chances chief.
If there's no hatred in a mind
Assault and battery of the wind
Can never tear the linnet from the leaf.
An intellectual hatred is the worst,
So let her think opinions are accursed.
Have I not seen the loveliest woman born
Out of the mouth of plenty's horn,
Because of her opinionated mind
Barter that horn and every good
By quiet natures understood
For an old bellows full of angry wind?
Considering that, all hatred driven hence,
The soul recovers radical innocence
And learns at last that it is self-delighting,
Self-appeasing, self-affrighting,
And that its own sweet will is Heaven's will;
She can, though every face should scowl
And every windy quarter howl
Or every bellows burst, be happy Still.
And may her bridegroom bring her to a house
Where all's accustomed, ceremonious;
For arrogance and hatred are the wares
Peddled in the thoroughfares.
How but in custom and in ceremony
Are innocence and beauty born?
Ceremony's a name for the rich horn,
And custom for the spreading laurel tree.
William Butler Yeats, 1919
A Prayer For My Daughter
Once more the storm is howling, and half hid
Under this cradle-hood and coverlid
My child sleeps on. There is no obstacle
But Gregory's wood and one bare hill
Whereby the haystack- and roof-levelling wind.
Bred on the Atlantic, can be stayed;
And for an hour I have walked and prayed
Because of the great gloom that is in my mind.
I have walked and prayed for this young child an hour
And heard the sea-wind scream upon the tower,
And-under the arches of the bridge, and scream
In the elms above the flooded stream;
Imagining in excited reverie
That the future years had come,
Dancing to a frenzied drum,
Out of the murderous innocence of the sea.
May she be granted beauty and yet not
Beauty to make a stranger's eye distraught,
Or hers before a looking-glass, for such,
Being made beautiful overmuch,
Consider beauty a sufficient end,
Lose natural kindness and maybe
The heart-revealing intimacy
That chooses right, and never find a friend.
Helen being chosen found life flat and dull
And later had much trouble from a fool,
While that great Queen, that rose out of the spray,
Being fatherless could have her way
Yet chose a bandy-legged smith for man.
It's certain that fine women eat
A crazy salad with their meat
Whereby the Horn of plenty is undone.
In courtesy I'd have her chiefly learned;
Hearts are not had as a gift but hearts are earned
By those that are not entirely beautiful;
Yet many, that have played the fool
For beauty's very self, has charm made wise.
And many a poor man that has roved,
Loved and thought himself beloved,
From a glad kindness cannot take his eyes.
May she become a flourishing hidden tree
That all her thoughts may like the linnet be,
And have no business but dispensing round
Their magnanimities of sound,
Nor but in merriment begin a chase,
Nor but in merriment a quarrel.
O may she live like some green laurel
Rooted in one dear perpetual place.
My mind, because the minds that I have loved,
The sort of beauty that I have approved,
Prosper but little, has dried up of late,
Yet knows that to be choked with hate
May well be of all evil chances chief.
If there's no hatred in a mind
Assault and battery of the wind
Can never tear the linnet from the leaf.
An intellectual hatred is the worst,
So let her think opinions are accursed.
Have I not seen the loveliest woman born
Out of the mouth of plenty's horn,
Because of her opinionated mind
Barter that horn and every good
By quiet natures understood
For an old bellows full of angry wind?
Considering that, all hatred driven hence,
The soul recovers radical innocence
And learns at last that it is self-delighting,
Self-appeasing, self-affrighting,
And that its own sweet will is Heaven's will;
She can, though every face should scowl
And every windy quarter howl
Or every bellows burst, be happy Still.
And may her bridegroom bring her to a house
Where all's accustomed, ceremonious;
For arrogance and hatred are the wares
Peddled in the thoroughfares.
How but in custom and in ceremony
Are innocence and beauty born?
Ceremony's a name for the rich horn,
And custom for the spreading laurel tree.
William Butler Yeats, 1919
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