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.
Showing posts with label love. Show all posts
Showing posts with label love. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Monday, March 9, 2009
Monday of the Second Week of Lent
Today's readings: March 9, 2009
Reading One: Dn 9:4b-10 ;
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 79:8, 9, 11 and 13 ;
Gospel: Lk 6:36-38 ; go to this page (for all three sections listed above on one page) And here's an audio file; & reflections (video)
Today we reflect of the nature of mercy. Like many words, the definition has been altered from the original meaning. Today, when someone says have mercy on me, they are asking you to be lenient with me, or perhaps show me some pity. In fact the original meaning is much deeper, and comes from the Latin, miserere cors - which means a sorrowful heart. I think this is closer to the meaning of what Jesus is asking of us, when he says be merciful. Huh? A sorrowful heart? Yes, in the deeper sense of understanding mercy, you feel the other person's pain, and as such, share the sorrow of the heart, hence miserere cors, or a sorrowful heart makes sense. So much deeper than pity, this old school mercy is where you share the other's pain, and actually put yourself in the other person's shoes, and feel saddened as you really understand their pain. Before this can happen at a deeper level, one is required to let go of their opinion, which might be in a mode to judge or condemn anothers action.
I think the easiest way to explore this concept of mercy, and where it is most helpful as good medicine for the soul, is to look at broken love relationships. Whether a friendship, a broken love between two people, or a broken marriage - the concept is the same, the intensity is different of course, but broken love relationships can become very bitter without mercy. And the bitterness is like a cancer that can infect not only the two people who lost their love for each other, but in the case of broken marriages, it also can easily hurt the children too. And bitterness is such a terrible thing as it eats away at all the good things you once felt about each other but also, takes away from your relationship with God. We are all His children, and no parent likes it when two kids are not loving toward each other. It doesn't need to end this way. The remedy is mercy and forgetting the hurt or righteous indignation you feel, or most often, your opinion on matter, and really explore the other persons feelings, and better still how your actions might have contributed to the love relationship becoming damaged. It much easier to show mercy if you explore your own shortcomings, since it isn't all the other person's fault.
But there's no need to make this matter complex, it always comes down to a simple choice, that we all have the option to make. Do we choose to stay bitter or do we listen to Jesus, and show mercy and stop judging. Do we love our own opinion - or do we love each other?
Reading One: Dn 9:4b-10 ;
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 79:8, 9, 11 and 13 ;
Gospel: Lk 6:36-38 ; go to this page (for all three sections listed above on one page) And here's an audio file; & reflections (video)
Today we reflect of the nature of mercy. Like many words, the definition has been altered from the original meaning. Today, when someone says have mercy on me, they are asking you to be lenient with me, or perhaps show me some pity. In fact the original meaning is much deeper, and comes from the Latin, miserere cors - which means a sorrowful heart. I think this is closer to the meaning of what Jesus is asking of us, when he says be merciful. Huh? A sorrowful heart? Yes, in the deeper sense of understanding mercy, you feel the other person's pain, and as such, share the sorrow of the heart, hence miserere cors, or a sorrowful heart makes sense. So much deeper than pity, this old school mercy is where you share the other's pain, and actually put yourself in the other person's shoes, and feel saddened as you really understand their pain. Before this can happen at a deeper level, one is required to let go of their opinion, which might be in a mode to judge or condemn anothers action.
I think the easiest way to explore this concept of mercy, and where it is most helpful as good medicine for the soul, is to look at broken love relationships. Whether a friendship, a broken love between two people, or a broken marriage - the concept is the same, the intensity is different of course, but broken love relationships can become very bitter without mercy. And the bitterness is like a cancer that can infect not only the two people who lost their love for each other, but in the case of broken marriages, it also can easily hurt the children too. And bitterness is such a terrible thing as it eats away at all the good things you once felt about each other but also, takes away from your relationship with God. We are all His children, and no parent likes it when two kids are not loving toward each other. It doesn't need to end this way. The remedy is mercy and forgetting the hurt or righteous indignation you feel, or most often, your opinion on matter, and really explore the other persons feelings, and better still how your actions might have contributed to the love relationship becoming damaged. It much easier to show mercy if you explore your own shortcomings, since it isn't all the other person's fault.
But there's no need to make this matter complex, it always comes down to a simple choice, that we all have the option to make. Do we choose to stay bitter or do we listen to Jesus, and show mercy and stop judging. Do we love our own opinion - or do we love each other?
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.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Thursday, First Week of Lent
Today's readings: March 5, 2009
Reading One: Est C:12, 14-16, 23-25 ;
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 138:1-2ab, 2cde-3, 7c-8 ;
Gospel: Mt 7:7-12 ;
go to this page (for all three sections listed above on one page) And here's an audio file; & reflections (video)
Just added a few pixtures from Alabama Bound trip - link below, in the Sweet Home Alabama post that follows. Read the readings above & do the right thing. Besides, my words are straw in comparison. thanks.
Wednesday morning began with a change of plans. Early in the morning, I thought I was going to Greensboro, NC and was looking forward to seeing Father James, a priest who blessed St. Marks on his first assignment as a man of the cloth. He was very serene and quite tender, one could easily see how the Holy Spirit filled his every fiber. But things change. For some reason, my head was filled with an old Leadbelly song, called Alabamy Bound, and how he used to play a wicked 12 string called Stella. Many years ago, my mom & dad finally gave in to my repeated pleas for a new guitar, and I got one for my 18th birthday at the little guitar shop in Exeter, NH. Being somewhat clueless (or totally, depends who you ask), I decided to get a Penco 12 string for about $189, hahha, yes I remember how much it cost. It was decent guitar, but not on par with a Martin or a Gibson mind you, but it was a pretty decent guitar all the same and i just loved it, though it was a bear to get in tune. And I still have it, took it Europe in 1978, dropped it as it fell out of the cardboard case somewhere in Rome Italy (still has the ding too), and this morning - I threw it in the SUV and headed for Alabama, with my own version of Stella (laughing as I remember Marlon Brando in the movie yelling STEEEELLLLLLA !!!). Anyway, mom & dad, if you are reading this, I love you and remain really thankful for such a terrific gift, that continues to give 32 years later.
On my way to Alabama, I was thrilled to see my first born little angel, Mishka who is a student at Clemson. Just a short detour to see her, check out a very nifty cooler she was painting for a big social coming this weekend, in Jacksonville, FL I think, but my memory is no longer that good. But it was great to see her, lots of hugs, smiles and a tasty Mexican meal before I had to hit the road again. When she was a little girl, I wrote a song for her, and also to God, saying thank you for such an amazing blessing. If you wanna hear a version we cut in my garage with some actual musician friends (Doug Hawthorn and Jack Lawrence), by all means - check it out.
So as I reflect on what happened on Wednesday, and how I ended up in Alabama with my Stella Penco 12 string, a gift from my mom and dad for my 18th birthday, and then blogged about the gift I gave to my daughter when she was born... well, today's Gospel is just sweet news. Good news beyond my wildest dreams.
Thanks to all for all your prayers. Morgan is in full remission and her Grandma says THANK YOU! to all who poured their hearts out for her first grandchild. Please remember Peter, Charlotte, Jim, Bradley, and Amelia in your prayers. And if time allows, please say a prayer for me.
Reading One: Est C:12, 14-16, 23-25 ;
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 138:1-2ab, 2cde-3, 7c-8 ;
Gospel: Mt 7:7-12 ;
go to this page (for all three sections listed above on one page) And here's an audio file; & reflections (video)
Just added a few pixtures from Alabama Bound trip - link below, in the Sweet Home Alabama post that follows. Read the readings above & do the right thing. Besides, my words are straw in comparison. thanks.
Wednesday morning began with a change of plans. Early in the morning, I thought I was going to Greensboro, NC and was looking forward to seeing Father James, a priest who blessed St. Marks on his first assignment as a man of the cloth. He was very serene and quite tender, one could easily see how the Holy Spirit filled his every fiber. But things change. For some reason, my head was filled with an old Leadbelly song, called Alabamy Bound, and how he used to play a wicked 12 string called Stella. Many years ago, my mom & dad finally gave in to my repeated pleas for a new guitar, and I got one for my 18th birthday at the little guitar shop in Exeter, NH. Being somewhat clueless (or totally, depends who you ask), I decided to get a Penco 12 string for about $189, hahha, yes I remember how much it cost. It was decent guitar, but not on par with a Martin or a Gibson mind you, but it was a pretty decent guitar all the same and i just loved it, though it was a bear to get in tune. And I still have it, took it Europe in 1978, dropped it as it fell out of the cardboard case somewhere in Rome Italy (still has the ding too), and this morning - I threw it in the SUV and headed for Alabama, with my own version of Stella (laughing as I remember Marlon Brando in the movie yelling STEEEELLLLLLA !!!). Anyway, mom & dad, if you are reading this, I love you and remain really thankful for such a terrific gift, that continues to give 32 years later.
On my way to Alabama, I was thrilled to see my first born little angel, Mishka who is a student at Clemson. Just a short detour to see her, check out a very nifty cooler she was painting for a big social coming this weekend, in Jacksonville, FL I think, but my memory is no longer that good. But it was great to see her, lots of hugs, smiles and a tasty Mexican meal before I had to hit the road again. When she was a little girl, I wrote a song for her, and also to God, saying thank you for such an amazing blessing. If you wanna hear a version we cut in my garage with some actual musician friends (Doug Hawthorn and Jack Lawrence), by all means - check it out.
So as I reflect on what happened on Wednesday, and how I ended up in Alabama with my Stella Penco 12 string, a gift from my mom and dad for my 18th birthday, and then blogged about the gift I gave to my daughter when she was born... well, today's Gospel is just sweet news. Good news beyond my wildest dreams.
If you then, who are wicked,God is great. My cup overflows with your kindness and mercy Lord. May I love you with all my heart, mind and soul, all the days of my life. And forever and ever.
know how to give good gifts to your children,
how much more will your heavenly Father give good things
to those who ask him.
Thanks to all for all your prayers. Morgan is in full remission and her Grandma says THANK YOU! to all who poured their hearts out for her first grandchild. Please remember Peter, Charlotte, Jim, Bradley, and Amelia in your prayers. And if time allows, please say a prayer for me.
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.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Tuesday, First Week of Lent
Today's readings: March 3, 2009
Reading One: Is 55:10-11 ;
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 34:4-5, 6-7, 16-17, 18-19 ;
Gospel : Mt 6:7-15 ;
go to this page (for all three sections listed above on one page)
And here's an audio file; & reflections (video)
A few days ago, I mentioned the Gospel reading from several weeks ago, on February 11 - and how the words just stuck with me. Basically, it said that we sin, a.k.a. how we mess up our relationship with God, by what comes from our hearts, not by what we eat. I bring it up again because for most folks, all we do for Lent to sacrifice is give up something that we eat, or drink - something that we put INTO our mouths. But Jesus tells us, that is not where sin comes from. He tells us it has much more to do with what comes OUT of our mouths, and how these bad words, come from the heart. In the course of my exciting life, I have had many situations where someone really came down on me very hard, and I was left with a difficult choice. Do I stay angry, and curse the day they were born - or do I follow Jesus' advice, and forgive. At many times during my life, what was done to me was beyond my capacity to forgive, and thank God, I was blessed to learn at an early age that I STILL needed to forgive and forget, otherwise I would carry a huge load, an unbearable burden, that was a lot like a cancer. But I could ask for Divine help, to forgive the unforgivable. I understood all too well - I needed to forgive, not only for the sake of the offending party, but I also needed to forgive in order to take care of myself. Today's Gospel continues along this line of thought and ends with these words.
And if it is too much for you to do on your own, because the hurt was so deep and all consuming, ask for Divine help. My own experience is that prayers of this nature are so warmly welcomed by God, that not only does he answer these prayers, and grants you the grace to forgive - he also in His infinite generosity, gives you blessings beyond what you deserve, just because you listened well and asked for help where you needed in it most, in matters of utmost importance. How deeply I hope at least one person who reads this, heeds the call, not from me, but from the perfect being who only told the truth. Jesus.
Seven years ago, and many times since - I was faced with this very situation and absolutely needed to forgive things beyond my strength and capacity. I asked for God's help. I asked again and again, because I was stubborn and foolish. He healed me each time, more and more each time - and my life has never been the same. Not only did I lose the cancer of the animus I held onto, but I was blessed beyond my wildest dreams for trying and trying again to simply do what was asked of me. FORGIVE.
Other areas to really focus on - is to love those who need it most. The folks who are alone, sick, abandoned and desperately poor. Reach out your hand and help them out of the hole, whether the hole was created by difficult times, or whether they dug the hole for themselves. As Jesus said in the Gospel on Sunday - what you do for the least of you. Offer your hand and help to God in those poor folks who need it most. God will remember his friends. He will also remember those who turned their backs on Him.
Reading One: Is 55:10-11 ;
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 34:4-5, 6-7, 16-17, 18-19 ;
Gospel : Mt 6:7-15 ;
go to this page (for all three sections listed above on one page)
And here's an audio file; & reflections (video)
A few days ago, I mentioned the Gospel reading from several weeks ago, on February 11 - and how the words just stuck with me. Basically, it said that we sin, a.k.a. how we mess up our relationship with God, by what comes from our hearts, not by what we eat. I bring it up again because for most folks, all we do for Lent to sacrifice is give up something that we eat, or drink - something that we put INTO our mouths. But Jesus tells us, that is not where sin comes from. He tells us it has much more to do with what comes OUT of our mouths, and how these bad words, come from the heart. In the course of my exciting life, I have had many situations where someone really came down on me very hard, and I was left with a difficult choice. Do I stay angry, and curse the day they were born - or do I follow Jesus' advice, and forgive. At many times during my life, what was done to me was beyond my capacity to forgive, and thank God, I was blessed to learn at an early age that I STILL needed to forgive and forget, otherwise I would carry a huge load, an unbearable burden, that was a lot like a cancer. But I could ask for Divine help, to forgive the unforgivable. I understood all too well - I needed to forgive, not only for the sake of the offending party, but I also needed to forgive in order to take care of myself. Today's Gospel continues along this line of thought and ends with these words.
If you forgive men their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you do not forgive men, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions.The words are quite serious, and I hope you get a better understanding of what is meant by "Fear of the Lord". The words are not couched in any disclaimers. Jesus is not a liar - he is indeed telling it like it is. As such, I urge you - if you are giving up a glass of wine each night, or chocolates, fast food, you are really missing the point. Raise the bar! Try this in addition to the tiny sacrifice, and follow the suggestion offered by God's beloved son, whose only wish is to make your joy complete - give up your anger and animus to the folks who wronged you. Forgive them. Give up the part in your heart that holds onto hatred and bitter feelings. If you do, I think you will have the same experience that countless folks have learned for themselves - you will get rid of the part of you, that is killing you.
And if it is too much for you to do on your own, because the hurt was so deep and all consuming, ask for Divine help. My own experience is that prayers of this nature are so warmly welcomed by God, that not only does he answer these prayers, and grants you the grace to forgive - he also in His infinite generosity, gives you blessings beyond what you deserve, just because you listened well and asked for help where you needed in it most, in matters of utmost importance. How deeply I hope at least one person who reads this, heeds the call, not from me, but from the perfect being who only told the truth. Jesus.
Seven years ago, and many times since - I was faced with this very situation and absolutely needed to forgive things beyond my strength and capacity. I asked for God's help. I asked again and again, because I was stubborn and foolish. He healed me each time, more and more each time - and my life has never been the same. Not only did I lose the cancer of the animus I held onto, but I was blessed beyond my wildest dreams for trying and trying again to simply do what was asked of me. FORGIVE.
Other areas to really focus on - is to love those who need it most. The folks who are alone, sick, abandoned and desperately poor. Reach out your hand and help them out of the hole, whether the hole was created by difficult times, or whether they dug the hole for themselves. As Jesus said in the Gospel on Sunday - what you do for the least of you. Offer your hand and help to God in those poor folks who need it most. God will remember his friends. He will also remember those who turned their backs on Him.
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."
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Ash Wednesday
Today's readings: February 25, 2009
Reading One: Jl 2:12-18 ;
Responsorial Psalm: 51:3-4, 5-6ab, 12-13, 14 and 17 ;
Reading Two: 2 Cor 5:20-6:2 ;
Gospel : Mt 6:1-6, 16-18 ;
go to this page(for all three sections listed above on one page)
And here's some audio file; & reflections (video)
The day began a little later than expected, waking up at 5:00 am in lieu of the usual 4:15 time, when my dog asks to go out and explore the wonderful things of the new day. Which worked out fine, as I stayed up late and took in the evening show of Slumdog Millionaire with a dear friend. Each of us had already seen it before, but it is the kind of movie you find all kinds of new things each time you watch it. Salim, a brother who is often less than a perfect brother his whole life, finds a way out of his mess in one final act of amazing sacrifice and generosity. His final words - God is Great, was a wonderful way to begin Lent (the movie ended about 12:01am).
This morning the day started with trying to do my best to figure out where and what to read in the new four volume set of the Divine Office. I have not had a chance to look over a companion book I got to help me, called The Divine Office for Dodos. Hmmm, maybe I should have done more research.
One of my greatest blessings is taking communion to the sick. If you are a Eucharist minister, by all means consider giving this ministry a try. I suspect you will have the same experience - where you find yourself blessed beyond description, and benefit from giving up just a little bit of your time, for the Love of Christ and God's children. I think for every baby step we take to get closer to Jesus, He takes 20 giant steps toward us. Why He has been so kind to one as undeserving as myself makes little sense to me, other than what scripture says about it. How He chooses the least to do wonderful things, so that you know the Glory comes from Him alone, and not from man. Since sharing my joy about this ministry is apeears to be direct opposition to what is written in the Gospel today (v. 3 & 4)... I certainly qualify as a lout. But please forgive me, my hope is that others find the joy in this service that comes with the territory. Since 99.9% of the people reading this have no clue who I am, I hope God forgives me too, and makes my intent for sharing this joy pure and full of love.
After a bit of reflection, I decided to go to the mountains on the first leg of my journey, off to Franklin, NC to St Francis of Assisi church where, God willing I will celebrate mass at 9:00am with one of my favorite priests in the Diocese of Western Carolina (I love all of you priests, don't worry :~). But Father Tien will always have a special place in my heart. The grace he received during his many years in prison in Vietnam shine like a glorious crown. His crime? Being a devout Catholic. Please find time today to pray for all priests and religious, giving thanks for the example they provide, the bread of life they assist in bringing to the faithful, and also the love they have for all us of little lambies.
Finally - I ask that you offer some prayers for George Mangan, aka Chief who died yesterday of cancer. He was my favorite teacher in high school, and passed quietly after many years of suffering. He not only taught me a lot about how to live, but also about how to die. A great man, May God welcome him home and may he rest in peace. I also ask that you say some prayers for Charlotte, still recovering from head injuries, Amanda, a nine year with brain cancer, Morgan, a five year old girl with serious digestive problems who was released from the hospital the other day, and Peter, a young teenager who became ill from too many years of being taunted by classmates for being different. And for young 33 year old man, the son of a friend who is pondering a vocation to the priesthood. Thank you, and please pray for me, that I might better serve Christ without fear, in a world that seems to take great umbrage in His words of kindness, mercy, forgiveness, generosity and love. May God bless you and keep you safe.
Reading One: Jl 2:12-18 ;
Responsorial Psalm: 51:3-4, 5-6ab, 12-13, 14 and 17 ;
Reading Two: 2 Cor 5:20-6:2 ;
Gospel : Mt 6:1-6, 16-18 ;
go to this page(for all three sections listed above on one page)
And here's some audio file; & reflections (video)
The day began a little later than expected, waking up at 5:00 am in lieu of the usual 4:15 time, when my dog asks to go out and explore the wonderful things of the new day. Which worked out fine, as I stayed up late and took in the evening show of Slumdog Millionaire with a dear friend. Each of us had already seen it before, but it is the kind of movie you find all kinds of new things each time you watch it. Salim, a brother who is often less than a perfect brother his whole life, finds a way out of his mess in one final act of amazing sacrifice and generosity. His final words - God is Great, was a wonderful way to begin Lent (the movie ended about 12:01am).
This morning the day started with trying to do my best to figure out where and what to read in the new four volume set of the Divine Office. I have not had a chance to look over a companion book I got to help me, called The Divine Office for Dodos. Hmmm, maybe I should have done more research.
One of my greatest blessings is taking communion to the sick. If you are a Eucharist minister, by all means consider giving this ministry a try. I suspect you will have the same experience - where you find yourself blessed beyond description, and benefit from giving up just a little bit of your time, for the Love of Christ and God's children. I think for every baby step we take to get closer to Jesus, He takes 20 giant steps toward us. Why He has been so kind to one as undeserving as myself makes little sense to me, other than what scripture says about it. How He chooses the least to do wonderful things, so that you know the Glory comes from Him alone, and not from man. Since sharing my joy about this ministry is apeears to be direct opposition to what is written in the Gospel today (v. 3 & 4)... I certainly qualify as a lout. But please forgive me, my hope is that others find the joy in this service that comes with the territory. Since 99.9% of the people reading this have no clue who I am, I hope God forgives me too, and makes my intent for sharing this joy pure and full of love.
After a bit of reflection, I decided to go to the mountains on the first leg of my journey, off to Franklin, NC to St Francis of Assisi church where, God willing I will celebrate mass at 9:00am with one of my favorite priests in the Diocese of Western Carolina (I love all of you priests, don't worry :~). But Father Tien will always have a special place in my heart. The grace he received during his many years in prison in Vietnam shine like a glorious crown. His crime? Being a devout Catholic. Please find time today to pray for all priests and religious, giving thanks for the example they provide, the bread of life they assist in bringing to the faithful, and also the love they have for all us of little lambies.
Finally - I ask that you offer some prayers for George Mangan, aka Chief who died yesterday of cancer. He was my favorite teacher in high school, and passed quietly after many years of suffering. He not only taught me a lot about how to live, but also about how to die. A great man, May God welcome him home and may he rest in peace. I also ask that you say some prayers for Charlotte, still recovering from head injuries, Amanda, a nine year with brain cancer, Morgan, a five year old girl with serious digestive problems who was released from the hospital the other day, and Peter, a young teenager who became ill from too many years of being taunted by classmates for being different. And for young 33 year old man, the son of a friend who is pondering a vocation to the priesthood. Thank you, and please pray for me, that I might better serve Christ without fear, in a world that seems to take great umbrage in His words of kindness, mercy, forgiveness, generosity and love. May God bless you and keep you safe.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Fat Tuesday
Today's readings: February 24, 2009
Reading One: Sir 2:1-11 ;
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 37:3-4, 18-19, 27-28, 39-40
Gospel : Mk 9:30-37
go to this page (for all three sections listed above on one page)
And here's an audio file; & reflections (video)
Just one day before Lent, and that makes today rather hectic, as I still have a lot to do to get ready. Bills are getting paid, stamps, I hope to record some music to add as part of the blog, a meeting with Msgr at 3 pm, teaching my delightful 6th graders from 6pm - 7:15. (funny joke of the day... my friend Alan (Allen?) said to Scott, see, I told you Willy has class, and I added, yes for one hour a week, I have class... hahaha). Tomorrow, my journey begins at about 4 am, where I hope the first thing out of my mouth, is thank you. I will sing a few songs, and go to the chapel to spend some time alone with the Blessed Sacrament, before mass at 7am. This will be followed up by three trips to bring communion to the sick, and ashes for the solemnity of of Ash Wednesday. I will swing by my house to say good bye to my pets - and head out. I still do not know where I will be going.
For this season of Lent, I plan to try and focus on just three things, regarding the question - What are you giving up for Lent? First, I plan to offer my services to those who can use a helping hand. I will pray and ask where I should go, the destination will be a church to celebrate mass. After mass, I plan to ask the priest what he would like to get done today, something or someone that needs attention, or something he wants to get fixed, or perhaps bringing communion to the sick, or visiting someone in the parish who is lonely and needs someone to talk to. Whatever... maybe he needs his bathrooms cleaned. Who knows what chores are needed? I pray God gives me the grace to not only be helpful, but to be joyful in my service. I want to whistle while I work.
The second part of my Lent journey is to find more time to be still and pray. I will head out to the country, and find somewhere to park my car or motorcycle, and head out to the woods and pray. I have so many things to pray for, and as I mentioned in an earlier post, by all means - send me an email with prayer requests. ( lentjourney@gmail.com ). Like most of us, I need some time to decompress, and let the noise of the world leave me alone, and spend time dwelling on all the the things I am thankful for. But also - to be quiet, and listen in my prayers. I want God to speak to me, and the only way that can happen is if I am quiet, and humble in all my blessings. I have lots of books, and a fresh copy of the Liturgy of the Hours. (and even a how to book called The Divine Office for Dodos). Thanks Alan.
The third part of Lent deals with fasting. For me, this has less to do with food, and more to do with all the things that keep me less than focused on God on my journey through life. No TV news programs, no Hershey's chocolate truffles, no glass of wine at the end of a hard day, things like that. My fasting has less to do with food - because it isn't a big issue with me. For a long time I have enjoyed a meal or two a day, and my body has become used to it. Often this manifests itself in a larger meal at night, but for Lent, this will go too. I will eat less, and when I feel the hunger in my stomach, I hope to reflect on how Jesus suffered for me, covered my immense debt (think stimulus package big, in my case), and also to reflect on those who are hungry, and pray for an eagerness to lend a hand.
Finally, a special note of thanks to Kim, an old friend I haven't seen in thirty years who got in touch via a mutual friend on Facebook. She was kind enough to send me an amazing gift, a medal blessed by Mother Teresa about a year before she died. WOW! A few weeks ago, we emailed some tales of the decades gone by, and she shared with me that her daughter Charlotte fell from a horse a few years back and sustained a head injury, and is still in recovery. I had already asked Mary, a friend from daily mass, to add some prayers for Charlotte to the prayer group of our church, and she shared with me that everyone was praying with all their hearts for Charlotte. So, in the spirit of how all great gifts keep on giving, I passed on the medal to her, to wear for a day or two, and say some special prayers for Charlotte, asking Mother Teresa to intercede on her behalf, and then to pass it on to another person in the prayer group. If you are reading this, please say a prayer for Charlotte and for Kim's family. Also, I ask you to say some prayers for Randy's Mom, who is scheduled for surgery today. Thanks, and All glory to God alone, who is the source of all love, kindness, gentleness and mercy.
Reading One: Sir 2:1-11 ;
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 37:3-4, 18-19, 27-28, 39-40
Gospel : Mk 9:30-37
go to this page (for all three sections listed above on one page)
And here's an audio file; & reflections (video)
Just one day before Lent, and that makes today rather hectic, as I still have a lot to do to get ready. Bills are getting paid, stamps, I hope to record some music to add as part of the blog, a meeting with Msgr at 3 pm, teaching my delightful 6th graders from 6pm - 7:15. (funny joke of the day... my friend Alan (Allen?) said to Scott, see, I told you Willy has class, and I added, yes for one hour a week, I have class... hahaha). Tomorrow, my journey begins at about 4 am, where I hope the first thing out of my mouth, is thank you. I will sing a few songs, and go to the chapel to spend some time alone with the Blessed Sacrament, before mass at 7am. This will be followed up by three trips to bring communion to the sick, and ashes for the solemnity of of Ash Wednesday. I will swing by my house to say good bye to my pets - and head out. I still do not know where I will be going.
For this season of Lent, I plan to try and focus on just three things, regarding the question - What are you giving up for Lent? First, I plan to offer my services to those who can use a helping hand. I will pray and ask where I should go, the destination will be a church to celebrate mass. After mass, I plan to ask the priest what he would like to get done today, something or someone that needs attention, or something he wants to get fixed, or perhaps bringing communion to the sick, or visiting someone in the parish who is lonely and needs someone to talk to. Whatever... maybe he needs his bathrooms cleaned. Who knows what chores are needed? I pray God gives me the grace to not only be helpful, but to be joyful in my service. I want to whistle while I work.
The second part of my Lent journey is to find more time to be still and pray. I will head out to the country, and find somewhere to park my car or motorcycle, and head out to the woods and pray. I have so many things to pray for, and as I mentioned in an earlier post, by all means - send me an email with prayer requests. ( lentjourney@gmail.com ). Like most of us, I need some time to decompress, and let the noise of the world leave me alone, and spend time dwelling on all the the things I am thankful for. But also - to be quiet, and listen in my prayers. I want God to speak to me, and the only way that can happen is if I am quiet, and humble in all my blessings. I have lots of books, and a fresh copy of the Liturgy of the Hours. (and even a how to book called The Divine Office for Dodos). Thanks Alan.
The third part of Lent deals with fasting. For me, this has less to do with food, and more to do with all the things that keep me less than focused on God on my journey through life. No TV news programs, no Hershey's chocolate truffles, no glass of wine at the end of a hard day, things like that. My fasting has less to do with food - because it isn't a big issue with me. For a long time I have enjoyed a meal or two a day, and my body has become used to it. Often this manifests itself in a larger meal at night, but for Lent, this will go too. I will eat less, and when I feel the hunger in my stomach, I hope to reflect on how Jesus suffered for me, covered my immense debt (think stimulus package big, in my case), and also to reflect on those who are hungry, and pray for an eagerness to lend a hand.
Finally, a special note of thanks to Kim, an old friend I haven't seen in thirty years who got in touch via a mutual friend on Facebook. She was kind enough to send me an amazing gift, a medal blessed by Mother Teresa about a year before she died. WOW! A few weeks ago, we emailed some tales of the decades gone by, and she shared with me that her daughter Charlotte fell from a horse a few years back and sustained a head injury, and is still in recovery. I had already asked Mary, a friend from daily mass, to add some prayers for Charlotte to the prayer group of our church, and she shared with me that everyone was praying with all their hearts for Charlotte. So, in the spirit of how all great gifts keep on giving, I passed on the medal to her, to wear for a day or two, and say some special prayers for Charlotte, asking Mother Teresa to intercede on her behalf, and then to pass it on to another person in the prayer group. If you are reading this, please say a prayer for Charlotte and for Kim's family. Also, I ask you to say some prayers for Randy's Mom, who is scheduled for surgery today. Thanks, and All glory to God alone, who is the source of all love, kindness, gentleness and mercy.
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