The world is alive with the promise of spring. For several weeks the Sandhill cranes, geese and ducks have announced their arrival from warmer climates with their familiar honks. The frozen stream down the road has parted into a fanciful pattern of ice and water as it meanders on its predictable journey into the woods. Horses across the road whinny and prance around, seemingly knowing that the harsh winter is behind them. Hungry red-winged blackbirds, ravenous from their own journey, devour the seeds at the bird feeder and deer arrive at night to clean up the leftovers. The sun is warmer and the welcome smell of the earth announces the new season. The sounds and sights of spring are evident in the songbird calls in the morning before the world awakens, and in this awakening of spring, the voice of God can be heard in creation. This is one of the ways, I believe, we can hear the voice of the God, reminding us of his love for us by the amazing world He has created for us to live in.

God speaks to us in so many varied ways.

• God speaks to us in Worship. Praise, song, scripture and Communion allow us to know God’s voice and respond. We are forgiven in the sacrament of Reconciliation.
• God speaks to us through the reading of scripture. His son Jesus, speaks directly to us in the gospels.
• God speaks to us when we pray.  We take our concerns and challenges to him in prayer, asking for his guidance and thanking him for the many blessings in our lives. We trust that we will receive the direction we will need, but we realize we don’t always receive the expected. God has a plan for us and His plan is so much greater than we could imagine, so we ask that God’s will becomes our will.
• God speaks to us through the Holy Spirit. I believe that the tiny whisper of a voice inside of us will lead us to do what is right and just if we are open to hearing it. The Holy Spirit lives in each of us, urging us to live our lives according to God’s plan for us.

Personally, I know that God speaks to us through our relationships with others. Relating to other people may compel us to do the unexpected. We often don’t even understand what impels us. It is how people are able to save others courageously, while ignoring their own fears. When we speak up for the poor and voiceless, God is speaking to us, directing our hearts and spirits for His purpose. Have you ever felt that you happened to be in the right place at the right time, either to give or receive a compassionate response? It happens on a walk in the neighborhood or the chance meeting in the grocery store. The very circumstances that we encounter in our daily lives open the path of communication with God through others. These, my friends, are not just coincidences. If we are open to the Lord, he will direct us at those times.

Expect to receive messages from God. Messages of love, of hope and assurance. Let yourselves be led to do what you believe God is asking you to do. Don’t look at your own inabilities or insecurities. Trust that God will always show you the way. In this way, you will be open to hear God’s voice and He will work in and through you. Be His vessel.

Listen and pray always and in all ways.

“God’s might to uphold me,
God’s wisdom to guide me,
God’s eye to look upon me,
God’s shield to protect me,
God’s host to save me.”
~From St Patrick’s Breastplate

Once a year, we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with song, dance and traditional Irish food. The life of St. Patrick is the reason for this celebration which is a Christian holiday in Ireland but a mostly secular celebration of Irish culture and traditions in other places.

Here are some interesting facts about this saint from a biography written about him by William Thomas.

St. Patrick is Ireland’s patron saint and was known for spreading Christianity throughout Ireland as a 5^th century missionary.  The tradition goes that Patrick, born in Britain, in 386 A.D., was captured by Irish pirates and sold into slavery. His job was to tend sheep and he lived a solitary life for the six years of his captivity. Some sources list his given name as Maewyn Succat. His father was a deacon from a Roman family, but Patrick was not raised with an emphasis on religion or education.

Patrick became devoted to Christianity during his captivity and prayed constantly. He escaped enslavement and reunited with his family. He studied in France and entered the priesthood.

His vision since his captivity was to convert pagan Ireland to Christianity. After being ordained a Bishop, he was sent as a missionary to Ireland. Along with other missionaries, he preached and performed baptisms throughout the country. Ireland had many nature-oriented rituals and spiritual practices, so Patrick incorporated these into church practices. Patrick founded monasteries and organized Ireland into dioceses and may have designed the Celtic cross which combined a native sun-worshiping symbol with that of the Christian cross.

Patrick was the great evangelizer and is considered Co-Patron of Europe, along with Saint Benedict, Saint Theresa Benedicta of the Holy Cross (Edith Stein) and Saint Bridget of Sweden.

As you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day from year to year, remember St. Patrick’s life and works and the wonderful gift of his faith in Christ that he passed on to us all!

Bail O’ Dhia ort, (The blessing of God on you)

From the beginning of time, human beings in every culture have found a connection to nature and a higher power greater than themselves.  I believe people yearn deeply within to unite with the Creator, God.  Nature, in all of its forms, offers this awesome opportunity to find inspiration and meaning in our relationships in the natural world and with the Almighty.

Even the simplest of creatures can inspire our sense of connectedness with God.  I find such inspiration in dragonflies which remind me of the Holy Spirit.  This lovely, iridescent insect has been recognized for thousands of years, depicted often in paintings, on pottery or re-created in jewelry.  In Japan, the dragonfly symbolizes courage, strength and happiness.  In China, dragonflies bring good luck, and are associated with prosperity and harmony.  Native Americans believe dragonflies are symbols for happiness, speed and purity.  For others, especially due to the quality of its changing color, the dragonfly symbolizes transformation and deep awareness of self-realization.

As we enter into this season of Lent, we too are called to transformation.  Prayer, fasting and generosity are meant to help us focus on the real purpose of Lent, which is conversion.  These practices shouldn’t be reduced to outward deeds and superficial intentions.

Pope Francis reminds us of what true conversion is.  He instructs us, “We are invited to enter into a deeper relationship with Christ.  To give up our own will and seek His.  To open our eyes, our ears and our hearts to what Jesus is asking us to do.  We are summoned to a deeper level of prayer which requires less talking and more listening, for it is in the silence of our hearts that God will speak to us.  We are called to fasting which requires a sober lifestyle; a way of life that does not waste, nor throws away.  We are challenged to generosity, to give something to someone without expecting anything in return which leads to the freedom from the obsession of possessing.”

The dragonfly will be a reminder for me this Lent of how I wish to be transformed.  Its form reminds me of a cross which is a fitting symbol of the sacrifice Jesus made for us all.  And hopefully, the work I put into my own Lenten transformation will not be shallow or just scraping the surface, but one that brings about a real and lasting conversion of heart…the heart of a disciple.

Travel well on your own Lenten journey.

My maternal grandfather was a simple man.  He was an only child.  Grandpa had a high school education, worked in a factory most of his life and had a small farm. He and my grandmother raised animals and food which provided them with most of what they needed.  Their faith was strong and unfailing.  I don’t recall them ever missing church on Sunday.

The thing I loved most about my grandfather was his wonderful heart. He was patient, kind and funny.  He was an avid reader and was curious about many things.  My father died when I was young, so grandpa became the male role model in my life. I do not remember him ever using the word “hate” in regard to anyone.  He loved to talk politics but always stuck to the issues.  He had one issue that he would not budge on and it was abortion.  And even though he listened to the views of others and did not disregard their thoughts or ideas, he told me he would never vote for someone who supported abortion.  It was his bottom line.  Grandpa died when I was 30 of a massive heart attack.  He worked in the garden that morning, came in for lunch and fell on the kitchen floor, dying minutes later. As hard as it was to accept, it was a fitting way for him to die.  No one ever had to take away his car keys or convince him to live with assistance.  He lived as he died…simply without much fanfare.

I think about my grandpa often and the word that most describes him is benevolent.  He had sins and faults like anyone else (he could be stubborn and not too ambitious), but more often than not, I remember his tenderness and love of people.  He was generous with what he had and was kind and giving to family, neighbors and strangers alike.  He was a man of peace and decency.  He told great stories. I think he believed the best about others rather than looking at their offenses and it offered him a life of hope and contentment.  I am pretty sure he knew he was not in charge and that he could put his trust in God.  I know my grandpa loved me very much and I thank God that he was in my life.

For me, grandpa’s spirit lives on in the grandchildren that were privileged to know him.

I will always be grateful for the blessing my grandfather was to me.  He taught me through his own words and actions to consider my own words and actions.  He, along with my parents, taught me through his example to be a good listener, to speak kindly of others, to be able to disagree without being petty, childish or disagreeable, to not hold a grudge or be unforgiving.  He also taught me that my opinion is not the only one but it is ok to stand up for my own convictions.

Jesus calls each of us to follow him, to be like him and to bring others to him.  When we live in joy and hope not giving in to anger, fear and despair, we can become servants to each other, here on this earth, able to do what Christ wants and calls us to do.  When we are able to do this, we trust in God and not in ourselves for the answers.  God often shows us the way through the people he gives us to love.

At the closing of the Lord’s Prayer, the priest adds the following,

“Deliver us, Lord, from every evil and grant us peace in our day.  In your mercy keep us free from sin and protect us from all anxiety as we wait in joyful hope for the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ!”

In some form or other, this addition at the end of the Lord’s Prayer dates back to the first centuries. It is without a doubt a beautiful message and the image of “waiting in joyful hope for the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ” is especially fitting for the Advent Season.

Many of us do not particularly like waiting.  There are the small waits, such as the check-out line at the grocery store, or a visit to the dentist.  There are the medium waits which might be the selling of a home or that hoped for acceptance to college.   Then, there are the immense waits…for cancer-free remissions or the inevitable death of a loved one.  The joyful “waits” are a no-brainer.  We wait with great delight for the birth of a child, a wedding celebration or a much-anticipated vacation.  Our very lives are filled each day with some form of waiting.

The Advent message is one of great hope, anticipation and comfort as we once more celebrate our greatest gift, Jesus Christ, who God sent to live among us.  God sent us a Savior and a promise of what is to come when Christ comes again. Then He sent the Holy Spirit to make a home in each human heart to remind us of who we belong to.  Such gifts are too priceless to measure!

Many people of good will do their best to love God and neighbor, understanding that the kingdom of God is not just after life on this earth, but that Christ is in our midst at all times, in all ways, in all people.  There are those who now wait, abandoned and often neglected, and sometimes we do not see them as clearly as we could or should.

For the multitudes who go unnoticed, when Christ comes again, the wait will be over.

▪ The forgotten will be remembered.

▪ The homeless will have a forever home.

▪ The hungry will be fed.

▪ The despairing will find joy.

▪ The discarded, disregarded and disabled will be welcomed, included and strengthened.

For all those who felt inadequate on earth, for all those who went unknown in the world, Christ will recognize them as His own and they will be worthy in heaven.  No more waiting…no more pain.

How close will you let Christ come to you this Advent?  We need only look to our Advent stories to understand. Jesus became like us so we could become like him.  Christ’s first home was in the womb of a young girl.  You can’t get much more intimate or closer to another human being.  Mary’s invitation is meant for each one of us.  Jesus speaks to our waiting hearts, “If you let me, I’ll move in.”Are we an “Inn” complete with all the comfortable amenities, filled up with so much contentment that there is “no room at the Inn” for Christ?  Or, are we a “stable”— humble, open, unlocked and accessible, ready to welcome Christ into our hearts and lives?

May we all be blessed with an unpretentious, unoccupied heart to welcome Jesus in this Advent season and in all the seasons of our lives.  After all, “good things come to those who wait.”

Advent Blessings

“Whoever exalts himself will be humbled.  Whoever humbles himself will be exalted, and the one who serves the other is the greatest among us.”  ~Luke 14:11

There’s a picture puzzle I used to enjoy solving as a child.  It appeared most often in the Sunday Comics.  The caption would read, “What is missing?”  Usually it was a room in a house or an outdoor scene.  There were maybe 5 items to find in the picture that were missing.  The missing thing might be something like a door without a knob or a chair with only 3 legs.  All the answers were written upside down below the picture so that you could check your accuracy.  The picture looked perfect until you really started to notice the missing pieces in it.

Jesus explains the Pharisees as missing some pieces.  He tells the people to listen to them and endorses their teachings, but he also tells them not to follow their example.  They do not practice what they preach and it is definitely a “do as I say, not as I do” society that they lived in.

It is difficult not to see ourselves sometimes in the behavior of the Pharisees.  Our culture lures us into thinking that each of us deserves to be heard, to be seen, to have it all, and to be it all.  We live in a self-promoting, self-fulfilling culture.  There is also such a thing as false humility which is much more insidious.  Do we quietly publicize our good deeds and sacrifices to impress others?  Do we casually mention our charitable works, our spiritual practices or our simple life-style in order to encourage others to see how “holy” we are?   Do we place rules and rituals above people?  Do we judge people without knowing their circumstances or struggles? Do we honor Jesus with our lips but not our hearts? Do we talk negatively about others behind their backs?  I would like to think that these questions do not apply to me, but they do.  I am human.  I make mistakes.  I sin. I am fortunate enough to have close family members who readily make me aware of my failures.  If at first, I do not embrace their criticism of my behavior, I come to realize there is truth in their observations. Discipleship is hard work.  It is not always easy to do what is right. Truly humble people do not try to be noticed or place themselves in the spotlight.  They do not try to convince others of their own humility, goodness or accomplishments. They do not hold themselves as the standard in which to judge another.

Missing pieces inside us are not always so easy for others to see, but we know they are there.

When I take the time to really think about my own “Pharisee” behavior, asking Christ to help me to think less about me in order to become more like him, in a quiet, miraculous way, Jesus can fill the missing places in my heart, offering healing and grace to receive his heart in place of my own.  There will always be space to fill.

C.S. Lewis said, “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it is thinking of yourself less.”

Blessings on your own journey.

Anthony de Mello tells of a Sufi Bayazid, (an ancient Islamic Mystic), who once said this about himself:

I was a revolutionary when I was young, and all my prayer to God was, “Lord, give me the energy to change the world.” As I approached middle-age and realized that half my life was gone without changing a single soul, I changed my prayer to, “Lord, give me the grace to change all those who come in contact with me.  Just my family and friends, and I shall be satisfied.” Now that I am an old man and my days are numbered, my one prayer is, “Lord give me the grace to change myself.” If I had prayed for this right from the start, I should not have wasted my life.

Wise words indeed for all of us. I don’t know about you, but I occasionally get caught up with whatever is happening around me, trying to figure out a way to convince others they are mistaken. Unfortunately, this battle within myself does nothing to “solve” issues or disagreements, it just makes it easier to cling to my own sense of right or wrong.

Christ compels us to give up our internal struggle to control what is happening outside ourselves and to trust in His ways. We sometimes feel pressured to conform to worldly beliefs, values and situations. Instead, we are called to become salt and light to the world. We are asked to be truthful and honest, to become peace-makers when conflicts arise; to work together with others to eliminate injustice in a peaceful manner. Christ calls us to become faith-filled, forgiving, generous, humble, kind and fair people in the world. These are the qualities and traits of what it means to be a disciple. These are the honorable, just, pure and excellent traits of a disciple.

There are struggles with evil in our world. Terrorism, poverty and countless local and global issues and problems can overwhelm us with anxiety. God asks us to be people of courage when we live in a culture that tries to turn wrong into right and darkness into light.

This does not mean that we are to disregard our values, our sense of justice or integrity. It does mean that when we are only concerned with our own agenda or opinions, we create anxiety in ourselves, which in turn makes us prideful and self-indulgent, refusing to hear what others have to contribute.

We will not circumvent the difficulties of life. When we learn to trust in Christ, to call on His name and to find peace and strength in prayer, we create the inner desire to change ourselves to become the person who is quick to listen, cautious to speak, and slow to anger.

“Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just or pure, lovely or gracious, excellent or worthy of praise, think about these things.” ~Philippians 4

May the peace of God that surpasses all understanding guard your heart and minds in Christ Jesus.

Dear Parishioners,

“An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.”  ~Mahatma Gandhi

Radical love and forgiveness are at the very heart of the Christian faith.  Jesus calls each of us to follow his example of love.  I recently read an article where someone asked Christians and those who were not what the core of Jesus’ teaching was about.  The non-Christians, without exception, said that Jesus taught that we should love our enemies.  Not one Christian who was asked gave this response.  We are all too aware of the evil and injustices that thrive in our world.  One need only turn on the television or browse on almost any website that offers current events to know that evil exists in our time and space. We know there is true evil dwelling in our world.  Our culture encourages us to openly recognize the faults of others, passing judgment often without recognizing our own faults.  When it comes to differing viewpoints on any subject, it sometimes seems we have become slaves to our own needs, opinions and feelings about issues of the day and our reaction to the thoughts, opinions and ideas of others.  This type of self-imposed slavery limits how God is able to work in our lives and in our hearts.  So many people say they are anxious about the future.  So many people create this anxiety within themselves, reacting to real or imagined problems.  If we, as people of good will, respond to hate with hate, hate wins.

Love and forgiveness for a Christian is not an option…it is a requirement.

“You shall love your neighbor as yourself” is our mantra.  Do we truly believe that we love our neighbor or do we whitewash our hatred or dislike of another, taking a stand for what we think is right, with our words of distain for their thoughts, their ideas or their differences of opinions?

There’s a song that many of us know “They’ll Know We Are Christians by Our Love.”  I have to ask myself if that is true.  Do people know I am a Christian by how I love?  Will they know I am a Christian by my words and deeds?  Will anyone know I am a Christian by how I treat others or speak about those who disagree with me?

Love and forgiveness for a Christian is not an option…it is a requirement.

I believe that true love and forgiveness for others is the only real hope for the world.

“Love is patient and kind, not jealous, inflated, pompous or rude.  It is not self-seeking, quick tempered and doesn’t brood over wrongs.  Love rejoices with the truth, bears all things, hopes all things and endures all things.  Love never fails.”  1 Corinthians 13

Radical Love, Forgiveness and Peace to you all.

Most people considered Simon a fellow from the wrong side of the tracks.  His profession was in manual labor, he was pretty much illiterate, and lived a hand-to-mouth existence.  He displayed a rather weak character, was often boastful and could be somewhat annoying.  At times he exhibited fear under pressure and he could not always be depended upon to come through as a strong ally. There was a particular episode, when push came to shove, that he completely turned his back on a dear friend he claimed to love the most.  He was impulsive, abrasive, and cocky and frequently didn’t know when to keep his mouth shut.

Fortunately, Simon had some very good qualities that outweighed his weaker ones.

Deep down, he loved his friends dearly and tried, though occasionally failed, to be a loyal friend. He had a willingness to learn.  He could be very positive and in spite of his fear and weaknesses, he tried to be a good example to others and eventually, overcoming some of his greatest flaws, he went from being a “follower” to a great “leader.”  He was very lucky to have an extraordinary teacher who helped him overcome many of his poor qualities.  This mentor recognized something very valuable in this “rough around the edges” character.  He truly was a diamond in the rough.  In fact, Simon’s mentor had so much faith in him, he asked him to take over for him as his successor when he could no longer do the work he himself had started.

Simon is Simon Peter, better known as St. Peter.  His mentor, of course, is Christ himself.

When we consider the life of Peter, how he was called by Jesus, how he was tutored and formed by Christ himself, we find great hope for ourselves.  We come to realize, when reading the Gospels, that Jesus used unlikely people for great good.  Sometimes we think we know better than Christ what is best for us.  We ourselves have denied Jesus by our words or behavior.  Other times we are weak and fearful and don’t turn to Jesus for the help and love that is always available to us.  Like Peter, Jesus sees us as He wants us to be, not as we are.  He continually invites us to know him and to follow him as a disciple.  And, when the time is right for us, he asks us to become his apostles, leading others to him.  Perhaps we will recognize the vastness of Christ’s love for us through the example of his love for Peter.  Jesus’ love is always greater than our deficiencies.

My husband and I go to South Dakota every year for a week in the summer.  We can usually depend on favorable weather to enjoy the things we like to do.  We bike and hike and enjoy the beauty of God’s creation in the awesome bounty of the Black Hills of South Dakota.  It is not everyone’s perfect vacation, but it works for us.

When I read the story of the sower and seed in the bible from the Gospel of Matthew 13:1-23, I can’t help but think about South Dakota.  The Black Hills have many rock formations and I am totally amazed when I see plants and even huge trees growing out of the craggy, rocky, ground…right out of the side of a cliff sometimes.  There has to be some good soil in a crevice that affords these plants to take root and thrive.

This gives me hope.  All of us have hard places in our hearts and in our lives.  On any given day, temptations can overtake us.  On any given day, doubt and despair will enter our lives.  Whether it is due to conflict from within, or unfortunate or tragic events that happen to us, the rich soil of our hearts and souls can become a “rocky” place.

When we invite God into our stony hearts, it is He who can find the good, rich soil that remains there…even if it is a tiny crevice the size of a mustard seed.  It is He who can plant seeds of hope, peace, and love…no matter how small we are feeling.  There truly is a God who loves us and who can produce good things from our very smallness.  Come to Him, depend on Him and know that He is the one who nurtures us.

“God, who began a good
work in you will carry it on to
completion until the day of
Christ Jesus.” ~Philippians 1:6

 

Fathers play challenging yet amazing roles in the lives of their children.  Fathers often make many sacrifices in order to help their children achieve their goals and dreams.  They show courage and determination, and model qualities that raise their sons and daughters to become responsible, caring adults.  Some fathers are not equipped or able to live up to the ideal.  Hopefully, there will be forgiveness and healing for those fathers and children in order for all to have peaceful hearts.

Fathers (and mothers) need all the help they can get to raise children to become the principled adults that God intends them to be.  The most marvelous reality is that God uses ordinary men with imperfections to become the parent of His own children.  Yes, it is true.  Our children do not belong to us but are members of God’s own family.  The very first and best thing a father can do for his children is to seek the assistance of the Father of us all through prayer and guidance.

Romans, Chapters 12 and 13, in the Bible offer wonderful instructions for fathers to guide their children to grow into people with character, compassion, and dignity.  The following is advice based on these chapters of scripture.

• Love authentically, with a true sincerity of heart.  Love and serve God above all things.  Love each other and put others before yourselves. 
• Run from what is evil and remain close and hold fast to what is good. 
• Be joyful in hope and patient when hard times come. 
• Pray always. 
• Practice hospitality and kindness. 
• Bless those who oppose you. 
• Rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who are mourning. 
• Do not be proud, conceited or arrogant, but show friendship to those who have less and know less than you do, discovering the beauty of each person.  Do not be wise in your own estimation. 
• Live at peace with others as much as possible and do not seek revenge when wronged.  Let God be the judge. 
• Feed those who are hungry and thirsty, especially those you don’t agree with.  Don’t let evil get the best of you; get the best of evil by doing what is good. 
• Be a good citizen, living responsibly.  Do what is right and avoid what is wrong.  Fulfill your obligations as a citizen.  Pay your taxes, pay your bills and respect your leaders. 
• Believe the best of other people’s motives.

Pretty good fatherly advice from the Father of us all!

Whether you are a father, grandfather, mentor or leader of people, it is wise to remember that God has a way of using flawed people to do good things!

For me, there is nothing more satisfying than growing vegetables.  I suppose it comes from my deep agricultural roots.  I come from a long line of farmers, and I love rich, dark soil and lush, green plants.  I especially enjoy discovering the weekly, sometimes daily, growth of plants.  There is nothing more gratifying than walking out to a garden to see what we will have for dinner that day.  My garden is not perfect.  Sometimes the weeds can overtake an area.  If rain does not come, the plants might wilt and wither, but generally stay alive.  Occasionally a vegetable hidden under a leaf will grow to giant proportions.  (I have had zucchinis the size of small watermelons!)  But, in spite of my inadequacies, the garden produces much food and personal pleasure.  This marvelous season of spring touches every part of the senses.  The smell of the earth and spring rain, the feel of dirt and seeds, the sight of new sprouts and blossoms, the singing of the birds, and the sound of people, who, like hibernating bears, come out to once again delight in the bounty of God’s creation.

Spring is a Holy Spirit time.  Christ has come out of the tomb in resurrection and death is no more—very similar to the garden that has died in the cold and is resurrected in the spring.  When tended well, a garden thrives and produces much.  Weeds must be destroyed and the soil must be infused with rich, nourishing compost.  Isn’t it amazing that decaying, organic leaves and waste create the perfect balance for new life?

Our own souls are very much like a garden.  When we open ourselves up to the Spirit that works and moves in our lives, we thrive and produce much in the way of compassion and service to others.  The Spirit helps us find ways to weed out bad habits such as animosity, arrogance, and contempt so that true love and mercy for our families and neighbors may grow.  We offer up our sins, our failures, and our mistakes so that from them, we can learn to enjoy a richer, more hopeful life with God.

The Spirit remains with and in us.  Welcome the invitation!

Plant the Spirit of God in your hearts.  Nourish your soul with Prayer, the Word, and the Eucharist.  Weed out the negative thoughts and deeds that threaten to destroy you.  Prune the weak and thoughtless ways that harm you and others.  Reap the bounty of everlasting life.  Tend your garden well.

Blessings on your continued Easter journey!

Our basement at home accommodates more stuff than I would like to admit.  Recently, my three precious grandchildren came for a visit, and I realized I had some toys they hadn’t played with yet.  They are all old enough now for these toys, past babyhood so that small pieces will not make their way into small mouths.  The toys, all saved from my children’s childhood, are various action figures such as G.I Joes, sports figures, and a bag full of miscellaneous toy cars.  As my grandchildren emptied the containers on the living room floor, my sons (their fathers), bounded to the pile and began “playing” and reminiscing about their childhood toys.  It was delightful to see!

Several of the cars are “transformers.”  These toys, offered to children in the 80s, are popular still today and have been made into a television series and action movies for children over the years.  I am not promoting the toys or movies, but I know the premise is something like this.  The transformers are ordinary looking vehicles with appendages underneath which may be transformed physically into robotic beings.  There are good transformers and evil ones, so the battle is the age-old one of good trying to prevail over evil.

During the season of Lent, we pay closer attention to the areas we need transforming.  Most of us look like ordinary folks, but often underneath our exterior, just like the vehicles that appear pretty regular on the outside, we are in need of some form of transformation.  And, even though we attempt to change our habits, attitudes, or viewpoints that get in the way of our relationships with God or others, we can often breathe a sigh of relief on Easter Sunday that our Lenten journey is completed.  We prayed more.  We sacrificed by giving up something we like to eat or drink.  We volunteered for, or donated money to, charities in need.  We went to confession and attended Lenten spiritual opportunities.  All very good Lenten practices.

What if this Lent we tried to focus on one area we are in need of transforming?  Maybe it has to do with improving a broken or damaged relationship with a family member or friend.  Our need might be an attitude such as worry, anger, or resentment.  Do we need to work on an addiction to food, substances, pornography, or gambling?  This might just be the time God is nudging us to seek the professional help we need to lead a healthy life; to transform us into the people God intends us to be for all of our days, not just in Lent.  So, how do we begin?

Instead of prayer being the last resort, let it be the first.  Call on the Holy Spirit to guide you in your transformation.  Pray frequently for the guidance and courage to attempt a real change.  Trust in God’s answer but don’t turn it into an obsession.  Believe you can change.  If you fail on any given day, start anew.  Never give up because real change takes time.  Read God’s Word, the Bible, where He speaks directly to you.   God is on your side.  He wants all of His children to be happy.  He wants all His children to be close to Him.  He loves each of us.  Seek professional help or help from a friend if necessary.  If you know someone who is in great need of a transformation, encourage them and pray that they too, may be transformed, not just for this Lenten journey, but for all the journeys of their life.

Change our hearts this time.  Your Word says it can be!

Dear Parishioners,

“Be doers of the word and not hearers only, deluding yourselves.  For if anyone is a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his own face in a mirror.  He sees himself, then goes off and promptly forgets what he looked like.”  ~James 1:22-24

We come to Mass and hear the Holy Word of God proclaimed.  We hear it and believe it.  Very often, we hear scripture that applies to experiences in our lives or we receive advice that speaks directly to our hearts on any given day.

If I am honest with myself, I know that I don’t always apply what I hear or what I believe at all times.  I can come up short.  It’s not because I don’t hear what is spoken.  I do hear.  It’s not because I don’t believe what I hear.  I do believe.  It is because I sometimes do not take the true message from God and place it directly in my heart.  I am also guilty of being tempted by my own desires, tuning out God’s will for my life.  As I said, I can come up short.

The image of the mirror from the quote of the Letter of James intrigued me.  I hadn’t read it before, or if I did, I didn’t remember it.  Actually, my first thought was, did they really have mirrors in antiquity?  Then, I focused on the content of the verse and the message it was conveying.

Often people tell me they are frustrated, anxious, or concerned about many things.  I can honestly say that reading the word of God through scripture often alleviates my uneasiness.  After reading the quote from James, I read the Letter of James, and it gave me great comfort and peace.  The Letter offers advice for ethical living.  It speaks not of rules or laws, but of sound counsel and guidance for a peaceful, hopeful life.  It offers a good examination of conscience.  Do I persevere when challenges come along trusting in God?  Am I tempted by my own desires which causes me to turn from God and toward sin?  Do I do what Christ asks of me and do I love my neighbor as myself?  Do I put my faith into action, looking after the needs of others?  Do I speak unkindly or with judgment of others?  Do I cultivate peace or do I create division?  Am I patient, forgiving, and merciful?  Do I draw near to God so that He will draw near to me?  I am reminded about who I am supposed to be.  I am a disciple of Christ, and as such, I commit myself to trust in God through Jesus Christ.

I know that if I want to have love in my life, I must cultivate love.  If I wish for peace, I must be a peaceful, tolerant, patient person.  If I desire hope, wisdom, courage, and forgiveness, I must first plant those seeds in my own heart and then live them to the best of my ability.  If I am looking to dispel division with others, I can respectfully listen, and then, if necessary, agree to disagree without hateful language or actions.  Finally, it is really up to me.  As a disciple, it is my obligation, my Christian responsibility, to value the dignity of all people knowing each of us is made in the likeness and image of God himself.

“You shall love your neighbor as yourself”  ~Jesus Christ

Tis always the season to be grateful and remember the marvelous gifts God has given us.  We are grateful for food and shelter, the love of family and friends, work that gives us dignity, and so many wonderful experiences that fill our days with joy.

I discovered a different kind of prayer of gratitude.  The author is Cindy McMenamin, and I would like to share some of it with you.

• Thank you, God, for the times You have said “no.” They have helped me depend on You so much more.
• Thank you, God, for unanswered prayer. It reminds me that You know what’s best for me, even when my opinion differs from Yours.
• Thank you God, for doors You have closed. They have prevented me from going where you would rather not have me go.
• Thank you, Lord, for the physical pain You’ve allowed in my life. It has helped me more closely relate to Your sufferings on my behalf.
• Thank you, Lord, for the losses I have experienced. They have been a reminder that You are my greatest gain.
• Thank you, God, for the tears I have shed. They have kept my heart soft and mold-able.
• Thank you, God, for the greatest gift You could ever give me: forgiveness through Your perfect Son’s death on the cross on my behalf.
• Thank you, Father, that You know me, You hear me, and You see my tears. Remind me through difficult times that You are God.  You save me from myself, my foolishness, my own limited insights, and my frailties in light of Your power and strength.

Dear Parishioners,

When St. Vincent de Paul was near death, a young apprentice asked him the best way to deal with the poor.  His reply was to love them, so that they can forgive you for the bread you give them.

Jesus was not against works of piety. However, he warned against making a big show of those very works and if the intention was to be noticed, the person may as well not do them at all.  Good works, acts of charity and public prayer should always be performed with great modesty and a sense of privacy.  Your approval rating should come from God…not from great showmanship.

In the Gospel of Luke, Chapter 18 Verses 9-14, we are reminded of the Pharisee who boasted about what a great guy he was.  He told everyone loudly that he lived a life of honor and virtue.  He wasn’t greedy, didn’t lie, and did not commit adultery.  He gave away more money than was expected and made sure others noticed when he fasted. When you think of it, this Pharisee’s attitude about himself and his qualities were a matter of public self-promotion.  No humility there.  He wasn’t praying, just giving God a laundry list of his lofty achievements.

Jesus reminds us repeatedly in the Gospels that humility is an essential characteristic of a Christian.  When we boast about how righteous and good we are, how much we give to others, or how much we follow all the rules, we really miss the boat on what it means to follow Christ as a disciple.

Jesus used the lowly tax collector as his example of humble contrition.  This fellow knew he was a sinner.  He knew he did not deserve mercy or compassion, yet he humbly asked for it.  Jesus is closest to us when we are authentic with him.

When we let down our disguises of self-seeking behavior and realize that God loves us no matter what, we can admit our failures without comparing ourselves to those we believe are “lesser” in our eyes.

In the end, the Pharisee, in his prideful nature, prayed to himself, making sure God was aware of his perfect attributes.  The humble tax collector prayed to God.  I guess it boils down to one thing…do we want an Oscar for performing our religious best, or do we hunger for a deeper relationship with God, always reminded of His unending love, mercy and forgiveness?

Blessings on your journey.

Humble yourself the more the greater you are, and you will find favor with God.  ~Sirach 3:18

An interesting reality is that accomplishment is not incompatible with humility as long as we put humility first.  God wants to see us succeed.  The truth is that God is able to do for us what he can do through us.  True humility is knowing that what we accomplish is the result of God as the doer within us.  We are the instruments that God uses and any good work we do is done by God working through us.  That is why we ask God to banish our shortcomings, to get out of His way in order for Him to work through each of us for the love and service of others.

It is through our humility that we recognize our human weakness and ask God through prayer, hopefully on a daily basis, to enlighten us, to help us to recognize His will and not depend on our own, and to have the strength to carry out what He has started within us.

We should never be shy of expressing our faith as a disciple of Christ, especially when we do so with the attitude and spirit that God works in our hearts to produce His Will for the world.

Let others know how God has blessed you.  Tell people how you trust in God’s love and forgiveness.  Express your love for your faith authentically so that others may want to know what it means to be a disciple of Christ.

Express this faith with your own real words to others.  Your words could be something like those below.

God has blessed me so much today.  I am so grateful for the beautiful weather, the health and well being of my family and friends.  I am thankful for a roof over my head, for food to nourish my body, for people who love me and for those He has given me to love.

Pray with others in good and challenging times.  Your words could be something like those below.

Gracious God, hear the needs of our hearts.  Be with those who are hurting or suffering in any way today.  Give us strength and courage to meet the days ahead.  Thank you for the beauty of all your creation and for the love you have shown us through others.

True humility and the knowledge and acceptance that it is God who lives and works within each of us brings us freedom and peace.

May each of us know the peace and love of God which surpasses all understanding.

The scripture readings for the 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time 2016 about vanity, earthly pleasures, and greed reminded me of a story I read once.  I can’t remember where I found it or who wrote it, but it went something like this.

A family had done very well financially and had moved into a beautiful, spacious, and expensive home.  The husband had done extremely well in his profession and they would be able to live in great material comfort. This family, who had a strong faith in God, were grateful for the blessings they received.  One of the first things that went on their living room wall was an unassuming print of Jesus Christ.  The husband insisted it belonged in the prominent place directly above the piano.  His wife, who had hired a decorator, would have preferred the print be placed in a bedroom and, of course, the decorator declared that the cheap print was not appropriate for their home at all.  The husband was unmoved and the print stayed. The wife had to evaluate her conflicting emotions.  What would the people at the country club think when they saw the inexpensive print?  Would their friends think they were “common” or worse, that they were religious fanatics?

What actually happened was quite the opposite.

A salesman who came to their home remarked that the eyes of Christ seemed to follow him as he walked through the room.  Close friends commented frequently that they felt so welcome and peaceful in their home.  Other folks who visited started sharing their stories and even felt comfortable asking the family to pray for them.  The husband and wife themselves began to limit their time at the country club and discovered they had a gift for working with troubled teenagers.  They shared their wealth with others when they knew of a need.  They couldn’t help but think that the presence of Christ portrayed in a cheap print had truly helped them remember that when they focused on Christ, they could no longer exclusively focus on their own needs and wants.  They knew they weren’t perfect, but they also knew they could make a difference right where they lived.

Live your lives in the presence of the Lord.  Blessings to each of you on your own journey of faith!

Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.  ~Matthew 5:6

There are many great “hungers” in the world.  Some people hunger for power, popularity, or recognition.  Others hunger for possessions or money.  Still others have a hunger for knowledge, opportunities, and wisdom.  Most of us hunger for love, acceptance and affectionate relationships.  Many of our hungers are normal human necessities or yearnings.  Other hungers can be self-serving and self-defeating.

We are a people whose “hunger” often goes unsatisfied.

 And then, there is real hunger…

Physical hunger and thirst in our community, our nation, and our world are real issues.  It is difficult to be hungry for righteousness when bellies are empty, cupboards are bare, and spirits are diminished.  Yet, as human beings, our hunger for something more beyond our immediate physical needs is real.  Our Creator designed us with a heart and soul that “hungers” for communion with Him.  Being made in God’s own image, He has “planted” himself deep within each of us.  Christ, in the form of his human children, physically feeds the hungry and loves the lonely and the lost, but each of us is restless until our heart rests in Him who created us.

May your heart find rest in the God who created you.

 

 

A True Narrative of Mercy for Today

The young man gestured, waving his hand for the woman to come to him. She, who had walked the “Walk for Life” many times, wasn’t sure what his gesture meant. Some people drive by and smile with “thumbs up” and words of encouragement… “keep up the good and holy work!” Others, not so kind, may spew words of distaste or even hatred. She was used to the gestures and remarks by now. She wasn’t sure what the young man wanted, but felt compelled to go to him.

The first words from his mouth were, “Do you really believe what you are attesting to as you walk? Do you believe that all life is precious?” She replied, “Yes, I do.”

He hung his head and stated, “You know, I’m going to hell. I talked my girlfriend into having an abortion and I’m feeling terrible about it.” She looked at the young man with compassion and replied to him, “There is always forgiveness. Jesus hears your words of repentance and knows the sorrow in your heart. Ask God to forgive you. There is always mercy and forgiveness through Christ. Share your story with others. God may use you to council a friend or be a witness to others. God loves you.” The young man looked at her with some relief, grateful for her compassionate words of mercy. He said, “God bless you,” and quietly drove away.

We all have the capacity to be disciples, sharing the Good News of Christ’s forgiveness and mercy for others. May we all be open to the opportunity, the possibility, to be Christ to someone else along the journeys of our lives.

Peace on your journey of mercy,
Gloria Nolan, Pastoral Minister