Something Father Dan said during the homily today really struck a cord with me. Today's reading from Mark chapter 6 verses 30-34-
The apostles gathered together with Jesus
and reported all they had done and taught.
He said to them,
“Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.”
People were coming and going in great numbers,
and they had no opportunity even to eat.
So they went off in the boat by themselves to a deserted place.
People saw them leaving and many came to know about it.
They hastened there on foot from all the towns
and arrived at the place before them.
When he disembarked and saw the vast crowd,
his heart was moved with pity for them,
for they were like sheep without a shepherd;
and he began to teach them many things.
Often times in the Gospels Jesus is moved by pity, compassion, or the faith of the people around him. In many of those cases he performs miracles of healing. When you think about it, the time and energy for Jesus to heal some one is generally seen as something that happens instantaneously and with minimal effort of Jesus' part.
But in today's Gospel, Jesus and the disciples were tired, hungry, and just needed to rest in quiet a bit. But when he saw the crowds he was moved with pity for them. Not because they were in need of physical healing, but because they were lost. He was moved by their ignorance and desire to learn, to be shepherded. This is not some instant fix, but something that required Jesus to spend his time and energy (of which he was running low, remember? He hadn't eaten, and was physically tired BEFORE getting into the boat!). But this was important, he saw the people's need to learn, to be led, and he took the time to meet their need.
Father Dan this morning quoted St. Jose Maria Escriva on this- "Jesus is moved by hunger and sorrow, but what moves him most is ignorance."
Lord, help me to recognize my ignorance and lead me to You and Your understanding. Thank you for being willing to spend time with me, to teach me an lead me to greater understanding.
Showing posts with label Church. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Church. Show all posts
Sunday, July 19, 2015
Friday, July 11, 2014
Corporate =/= Conformity
I was having a discussion with a dear friend this week on the topic of the change n music style at her parish. She was overjoyed by the new style but one of her friends who is in the choir is not a fan of the music director or the new songs. (Caveat- I don't have an opinion on the music, it's not my parish and so my point is not to discuss the particulars of this issue)
My friend was having trouble because she did not feel that she was given time to adequately present her point of view to the group, and mostly because she views corporate worship as contradictory to saying "I'm going to enjoy this no matter what the people around me think of it".
We discussed it ad nauseum in another forum, but I am still troubled by the idea that we must all conform to the same tastes in worship in order to be...what...community?
Corporate worship, that one hour a week where we gather as Church is a time to focus on the Creator, to WORSHIP Him. It's not a time to be focusing on the music, the homily, or the kid fussing two rows up unless these things bring us closer to God. If, on the other hand, they DO bring us closer to God as a form of worship, then they are very good. But you will NEVER get a group of more than 10 people together (and 10 is a stretch) who all worship the same way.
Unlike our protestant brothers who split off and form new churches because the pastor doesn't wear a tie, or over the music leader being a woman (two splits in my parent's church in the last decade), we have something that holds us together as Catholics~ the Eucharist. THAT is why we gather for corporate worship, and for no other reason. To receive Jesus, Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity at Mass. Everything else is just to bring us to the Table.
Whether or not it was St. Augustine who originally said- In essentials, unity, in non-essentials, liberty, and in all things, charity it's a good reminder that the essentials are what make us Catholic, and that even in corporate worship we have the liberty to worship God as best we can even if it is differently done from the person sitting next to you.
Now, having said all this, what my dear friend was describing, a corporate worship where we are all of one mind in how we worship the King of Kings is something that I long for. But I know that we will only sing with one voice on the other side of Glory. The Angels and Saints are doing it right now, and one day I will join them in that glad song.
But for today, I will gladly stand next to you and worship with you, praising God with all my heart even if we do it differently.
My friend was having trouble because she did not feel that she was given time to adequately present her point of view to the group, and mostly because she views corporate worship as contradictory to saying "I'm going to enjoy this no matter what the people around me think of it".
We discussed it ad nauseum in another forum, but I am still troubled by the idea that we must all conform to the same tastes in worship in order to be...what...community?
Corporate worship, that one hour a week where we gather as Church is a time to focus on the Creator, to WORSHIP Him. It's not a time to be focusing on the music, the homily, or the kid fussing two rows up unless these things bring us closer to God. If, on the other hand, they DO bring us closer to God as a form of worship, then they are very good. But you will NEVER get a group of more than 10 people together (and 10 is a stretch) who all worship the same way.
Unlike our protestant brothers who split off and form new churches because the pastor doesn't wear a tie, or over the music leader being a woman (two splits in my parent's church in the last decade), we have something that holds us together as Catholics~ the Eucharist. THAT is why we gather for corporate worship, and for no other reason. To receive Jesus, Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity at Mass. Everything else is just to bring us to the Table.
Whether or not it was St. Augustine who originally said- In essentials, unity, in non-essentials, liberty, and in all things, charity it's a good reminder that the essentials are what make us Catholic, and that even in corporate worship we have the liberty to worship God as best we can even if it is differently done from the person sitting next to you.
Now, having said all this, what my dear friend was describing, a corporate worship where we are all of one mind in how we worship the King of Kings is something that I long for. But I know that we will only sing with one voice on the other side of Glory. The Angels and Saints are doing it right now, and one day I will join them in that glad song.
But for today, I will gladly stand next to you and worship with you, praising God with all my heart even if we do it differently.
Monday, April 21, 2014
Sanctuary vs. Worship Center
Driving to work today I was bugged when I saw a sign on a church directing people to the 'Worship Center'. This has been brewing in me for some time and I think I finally figured out why.
It used to be that most all protestant churches, even 'low church' denominations called their worship space a sanctuary. More and more though I'm seeing them renamed as 'worship centers'. This bothers me as it seems to me that we lose some of the holiness of gathering as 'church' this way. It's a mindset. Sure, whenever two or more are gathered in His name He is there and all, but Church is more than gathering together.
Even before I was Catholic, I always felt there was something special about the sanctuaries of traditional style churches. The pews, the weathered songbooks, the podium, the choir loft, the baptismal area, and the communion table all gave the feel that this place was special, set apart specifically for the worship of God. That's the very definition of holy or sacred.
Today's 'worship center' has none of that. It could be any room with chairs and a stage. While, again, we can certainly worship God in ANY place and should be doing so in all times and all aspects of our lives I think we really lose something by getting rid of the 'sacredness' of our churches.
The thought that concreted this in my mind this morning was that when we do this we risk church being about what WE do for God, and less about honoring what God has done for us.
Just my thought for today!
It used to be that most all protestant churches, even 'low church' denominations called their worship space a sanctuary. More and more though I'm seeing them renamed as 'worship centers'. This bothers me as it seems to me that we lose some of the holiness of gathering as 'church' this way. It's a mindset. Sure, whenever two or more are gathered in His name He is there and all, but Church is more than gathering together.
Even before I was Catholic, I always felt there was something special about the sanctuaries of traditional style churches. The pews, the weathered songbooks, the podium, the choir loft, the baptismal area, and the communion table all gave the feel that this place was special, set apart specifically for the worship of God. That's the very definition of holy or sacred.
Today's 'worship center' has none of that. It could be any room with chairs and a stage. While, again, we can certainly worship God in ANY place and should be doing so in all times and all aspects of our lives I think we really lose something by getting rid of the 'sacredness' of our churches.
The thought that concreted this in my mind this morning was that when we do this we risk church being about what WE do for God, and less about honoring what God has done for us.
Just my thought for today!
Sunday, April 6, 2014
The Resurrection
Today was all about preparing us for the Resurrection. I wonder how the Saducees viewed the passage from Ezekiel in today's reading. It's pretty clear on a bodily resurrection at the end of time. I don't recall ever having read or heard that passage before! I love seeing how the Old Testament and the New Testament mesh so beautifully.
I was also struck by the thought in the reading from Romans today about how we are 'in the Spirit' while still being physical beings...in the flesh. When Paul talks about living in the Spirit he is not suggesting that we give up our physical bodies. This meshes so nicely with the Catholic understanding of John 6 . There is no false dichotomy between the body (flesh) and the Spirit.
That's a thought I want to develop further, but not sitting here at Einstein Brothers this morning! ;)
Monday, March 17, 2014
Thought from Mass March 9,2014
God knew that Adam and Eve would choose to sin, but He made them anyway. He had to give them the freedom to choose or they would be nothing more than the angels. He already had all the angels He wanted.
He wanted us, created us, to choose to love Him.
Monday, September 2, 2013
The Catholic View of Sex
A friend asked recently how I would respond to someone that believes the Catholic Church teaches that sex is sinful. This post is a general response to that question. I know that there were other specific things relating to the discussion with her friend, but I wanted to keep my response here to that basic question.
My first thought in such cases is that in order to have any kind of rational discourse, you must be able to get the other person to agree as to WHAT Church authority they will consider the proper teaching authority of the Church. It must be something beyond "the nuns who taught me sex ed in Catholic school 30 years ago" or "everybody knows that". Ideally, if you can get them to agree that the Catechism of the Catholic Church contains the 'rules' which govern Catholic life, you're golden. That may take a discussion or several, but it really does have to be the starting point to get beyond the "he said, she said" sort of arguments. If they are of the 'my opinion of what your Church teaches is just as valid as your opinion' mindset, and will not agree that there can be a definitive source of teaching, then there's no way to have a rational conversation on the subject and further discussion will only devolve into argument.
For the specific challenge of the Catholic Church teaching that sex is sinful I counter, no, the Church teaches that sex is SACRED and therefore not something to be taken lightly or entered into frivolously.
From the CCC (Catechism of the Catholic Church):
III. THE LOVE OF HUSBAND AND WIFE
2360 Sexuality is ordered to the conjugal love of man and woman. In marriage the physical intimacy of the spouses becomes a sign and pledge of spiritual communion. Marriage bonds between baptized persons are sanctified by the sacrament.
2361 "Sexuality, by means of which man and woman give themselves to one another through the acts which are proper and exclusive to spouses, is not something simply biological, but concerns the innermost being of the human person as such. It is realized in a truly human way only if it is an integral part of the love by which a man and woman commit themselves totally to one another until death."
Tobias got out of bed and said to Sarah, "Sister, get up, and let us pray and implore our Lord that he grant us mercy and safety." So she got up, and they began to pray and implore that they might be kept safe. Tobias began by saying, "Blessed are you, O God of our fathers. . . . You made Adam, and for him you made his wife Eve as a helper and support. From the two of them the race of mankind has sprung. You said, 'It is not good that the man should be alone; let us make a helper for him like himself.' I now am taking this kinswoman of mine, not because of lust, but with sincerity. Grant that she and I may find mercy and that we may grow old together." And they both said, "Amen, Amen." Then they went to sleep for the night.
2362 "The acts in marriage by which the intimate and chaste union of the spouses takes place are noble and honorable; the truly human performance of these acts fosters the self-giving they signify and enriches the spouses in joy and gratitude." Sexuality is a source of joy and pleasure:
The Creator himself . . . established that in the [generative] function, spouses should experience pleasure and enjoyment of body and spirit. Therefore, the spouses do nothing evil in seeking this pleasure and enjoyment. They accept what the Creator has intended for them. At the same time, spouses should know how to keep themselves within the limits of just moderation.
2363 The spouses' union achieves the twofold end of marriage: the good of the spouses themselves and the transmission of life. These two meanings or values of marriage cannot be separated without altering the couple's spiritual life and compromising the goods of marriage and the future of the family.
The conjugal love of man and woman thus stands under the twofold obligation of fidelity and fecundity.
How cool is that?! The Church teaches that sex within marriage was created for both the pleasure of the spouses and the transmission of life. Clearly not teaching that sex is sinful.
You would be correct in saying that the Church limits the beautiful and sacred act of sex to those within bonds of holy matrimony. If you have issues with that limitation, we can discuss that another time, but it is the clear teaching of the Church that sex is a GOOD thing, not a sinful act.
A couple of good resources for some one who wants to know more about the Catholic views on sex are:
The Theology of the Body website- a great place to start!
The Theology of the Body Institute website
Good News about Sex and Marriage by Christopher West
My first thought in such cases is that in order to have any kind of rational discourse, you must be able to get the other person to agree as to WHAT Church authority they will consider the proper teaching authority of the Church. It must be something beyond "the nuns who taught me sex ed in Catholic school 30 years ago" or "everybody knows that". Ideally, if you can get them to agree that the Catechism of the Catholic Church contains the 'rules' which govern Catholic life, you're golden. That may take a discussion or several, but it really does have to be the starting point to get beyond the "he said, she said" sort of arguments. If they are of the 'my opinion of what your Church teaches is just as valid as your opinion' mindset, and will not agree that there can be a definitive source of teaching, then there's no way to have a rational conversation on the subject and further discussion will only devolve into argument.
For the specific challenge of the Catholic Church teaching that sex is sinful I counter, no, the Church teaches that sex is SACRED and therefore not something to be taken lightly or entered into frivolously.
From the CCC (Catechism of the Catholic Church):
III. THE LOVE OF HUSBAND AND WIFE
2360 Sexuality is ordered to the conjugal love of man and woman. In marriage the physical intimacy of the spouses becomes a sign and pledge of spiritual communion. Marriage bonds between baptized persons are sanctified by the sacrament.
2361 "Sexuality, by means of which man and woman give themselves to one another through the acts which are proper and exclusive to spouses, is not something simply biological, but concerns the innermost being of the human person as such. It is realized in a truly human way only if it is an integral part of the love by which a man and woman commit themselves totally to one another until death."
Tobias got out of bed and said to Sarah, "Sister, get up, and let us pray and implore our Lord that he grant us mercy and safety." So she got up, and they began to pray and implore that they might be kept safe. Tobias began by saying, "Blessed are you, O God of our fathers. . . . You made Adam, and for him you made his wife Eve as a helper and support. From the two of them the race of mankind has sprung. You said, 'It is not good that the man should be alone; let us make a helper for him like himself.' I now am taking this kinswoman of mine, not because of lust, but with sincerity. Grant that she and I may find mercy and that we may grow old together." And they both said, "Amen, Amen." Then they went to sleep for the night.
2362 "The acts in marriage by which the intimate and chaste union of the spouses takes place are noble and honorable; the truly human performance of these acts fosters the self-giving they signify and enriches the spouses in joy and gratitude." Sexuality is a source of joy and pleasure:
The Creator himself . . . established that in the [generative] function, spouses should experience pleasure and enjoyment of body and spirit. Therefore, the spouses do nothing evil in seeking this pleasure and enjoyment. They accept what the Creator has intended for them. At the same time, spouses should know how to keep themselves within the limits of just moderation.
2363 The spouses' union achieves the twofold end of marriage: the good of the spouses themselves and the transmission of life. These two meanings or values of marriage cannot be separated without altering the couple's spiritual life and compromising the goods of marriage and the future of the family.
The conjugal love of man and woman thus stands under the twofold obligation of fidelity and fecundity.
How cool is that?! The Church teaches that sex within marriage was created for both the pleasure of the spouses and the transmission of life. Clearly not teaching that sex is sinful.
You would be correct in saying that the Church limits the beautiful and sacred act of sex to those within bonds of holy matrimony. If you have issues with that limitation, we can discuss that another time, but it is the clear teaching of the Church that sex is a GOOD thing, not a sinful act.
A couple of good resources for some one who wants to know more about the Catholic views on sex are:
The Theology of the Body website- a great place to start!
The Theology of the Body Institute website
Good News about Sex and Marriage by Christopher West
Saturday, August 31, 2013
On Reconcilliation
It's always so good for me to go to confession. Even when I'm not sure the priest understands me, or when the penance feels 'generic'. Ten Hail Mary's make me stop and think and really pray. Remembering that I have Mary to intercede for me, for my family, is a powerful thing. I have to remember that my spiritual walk can be to Mary, for she will always bring me to her Son. Sure, I go to Jesus directly, but why wouldn't I want the company of his mom on that journey?
Sunday, July 28, 2013
The odd thought from today's reading
"Lord, teach us to pray just as John taught his disciples."
I wonder if we know how John's disciples prayed. Not that it's important for our faith or our salvation, but it would be interesting to know.
Just the stray thought that popped into my head as I read the reading before Mass this morning.
Sunday, February 3, 2013
Today at Mass
Every once in a while God needs to hit me upside the head with the clue by four. Today it was in the second reading from 1 Corinthians 13:5b-
Love does not brood over injury
Let's say it again so I don't forget...
LOVE DOES NOT BROOD OVER INJURY
Aaryk says I could just stop at 'Love does not brood', and he's probably right!
This is a hard lesson to remember, but an important one. Not only for my marriage, but in all my relationships. I need to learn to let go of the hurt and move on. Whether a friend or loved one is the source, and whether or not it affects the relationship in any meaningful way, I need to learn to let it go and pray. Just pray. That's the only way I will still be able to love, really love.
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
There is power in the Faith
How many times have I heard the bible stories of people who were saved by their faith? The paralytic, the woman with the bleeding, and others and thought, "I wish I had that kind of faith?"
I DO have that kind of Faith!
As a priest reminded me in confession recently, there is POWER in our Faith. Power to overcome, power to see beyond ourselves and into Glory. We have but to USE the power of our Faith, to claim it through the Graces given us by Jesus in the Sacraments.
The power is there, it just takes work, sometimes more than others, to see it. First and foremost, it takes prayer.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
16 Rejoice always.
17 Pray without ceasing.
18 In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.
See how this goes back to my commitment to rejoice? Rejoicing and praying are so intertwined that one way to remember to rejoice in the Lord is to TALK to Him!
The power of my Faith is also fueled by the Sacraments, most especially Holy Communion and Reconciliation. I want to look fwrther into how ALL the sacraments affect my Faith and it's power in my life (A post for another time though).
My Faith is also fostered by community. Family and friends, and the Communion of Saints in both the Church Militant and the Church Triumphant. Asking for help, asking for prayers can be a source of power in my Faith as well.
This last reason is one of the many that I am so looking forward to starting our new bible study next week on The Year of Faith by Fr. Mitch Pacwa.
Lead on Holy Spirit, show us the way to the Father!
I DO have that kind of Faith!
As a priest reminded me in confession recently, there is POWER in our Faith. Power to overcome, power to see beyond ourselves and into Glory. We have but to USE the power of our Faith, to claim it through the Graces given us by Jesus in the Sacraments.
The power is there, it just takes work, sometimes more than others, to see it. First and foremost, it takes prayer.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
16 Rejoice always.
17 Pray without ceasing.
18 In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.
See how this goes back to my commitment to rejoice? Rejoicing and praying are so intertwined that one way to remember to rejoice in the Lord is to TALK to Him!
The power of my Faith is also fueled by the Sacraments, most especially Holy Communion and Reconciliation. I want to look fwrther into how ALL the sacraments affect my Faith and it's power in my life (A post for another time though).
My Faith is also fostered by community. Family and friends, and the Communion of Saints in both the Church Militant and the Church Triumphant. Asking for help, asking for prayers can be a source of power in my Faith as well.
This last reason is one of the many that I am so looking forward to starting our new bible study next week on The Year of Faith by Fr. Mitch Pacwa.
Lead on Holy Spirit, show us the way to the Father!
Saturday, August 25, 2012
Great Catholic Resources!
I found these two resources through Facebook recently, and wanted to share:
Pillars of Catholicism is part of the John Paul the Great University program and will be a 12 part study on Catholicism. Part one is available now, and hopefully shortly they will have their registration snafu situated and the whole program will be available over the course of 12 weeks. What I've seen so far looks wonderful!
The St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology is Dr. Scott Hahn's online home. There are a number of free studies there, including some audio ones. I know Dr. Hahn's work, it was his book, "Rome Sweet Home" that really brought home the fact that I could be Catholic.
Okay, and while I'm posting about great Catholic resources, I should really give the site for the Catholic Home Study Service. This site has been around for, well, longer than I've been looking into Catholicism...so more than 13 years! They offer free books and workbooks, and you can submit your answers for each chapter and get a certificate of completion at the end. I've done two of the books, and while the workbooks are a little dry, the books themselves are wonderful. This would make for a good small group study, and in fact our MCCW chapter at Ft. Bragg used the book on Happiness one year and we invited Fr. Lukefahr to visit. That was fun!
I'd love to hear about other good Catholic sites, especially ones with free study aides!
Pillars of Catholicism is part of the John Paul the Great University program and will be a 12 part study on Catholicism. Part one is available now, and hopefully shortly they will have their registration snafu situated and the whole program will be available over the course of 12 weeks. What I've seen so far looks wonderful!
The St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology is Dr. Scott Hahn's online home. There are a number of free studies there, including some audio ones. I know Dr. Hahn's work, it was his book, "Rome Sweet Home" that really brought home the fact that I could be Catholic.
Okay, and while I'm posting about great Catholic resources, I should really give the site for the Catholic Home Study Service. This site has been around for, well, longer than I've been looking into Catholicism...so more than 13 years! They offer free books and workbooks, and you can submit your answers for each chapter and get a certificate of completion at the end. I've done two of the books, and while the workbooks are a little dry, the books themselves are wonderful. This would make for a good small group study, and in fact our MCCW chapter at Ft. Bragg used the book on Happiness one year and we invited Fr. Lukefahr to visit. That was fun!
I'd love to hear about other good Catholic sites, especially ones with free study aides!
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Reflections on Mass Today
So much of today's readings at Mass fit something I've been thinking about or struggling with.
The first reading was from 1 Kings 19:4-8
Elijah went a day's journey into the desert,
until he came to a broom tree and sat beneath it.
He prayed for death saying:
"This is enough, O LORD!
Take my life, for I am no better than my fathers."
He lay down and fell asleep under the broom tree,
but then an angel touched him and ordered him to get up and eat.
Elijah looked and there at his head was a hearth cake
and a jug of water.
After he ate and drank, he lay down again,
but the angel of the LORD came back a second time,
touched him, and ordered,
"Get up and eat, else the journey will be too long for you!"
He got up, ate, and drank;
then strengthened by that food,
he walked forty days and forty nights to the mountain of God, Horeb.
Elijah was tired, he had been called by God to be a prophet and do do God's will, but the people wouldn't listen. He was ready to give up, call it quits, just be done. But God gave him food and drink. Even that though, wasn't enough. God gave him more food and drink, and made him eat, "else the journey will be too long for you". Strengthened, he continued on his journey to the mountain of God.
If Elijah, who KNEW his purpose in life, KNEW he was doing God's will needed to be fed by God, then how much more do we, poor sons and daughters need to be fed as we struggle to find our place in this world, struggle to find God's will in our lives?
It's a good reminder too, that even knowing we are doing God's will doesn't mean it will be easy. In fact, it's all the more likely that it will be extremely difficult.
All the more reason to make sure that we being strengthened by the food and drink that God gives us in the Eucharist. That is the only food that will sustain us in our journey to see God.
This is the important thing. Don't let anything separate me from the food that I KNOW will sustain me. It's too easy sometimes, especially in times of stress or depression, to let Satan get in my head and convince me that I'm not worthy of the Eucharist. That this sin, or that sin is enough to separate me from His Communion. There are sins that DO separate me from God, missing Mass for no reason being high among them, but even when that happens, I know that I can come to Christ in the Sacrament of Reconciliation and get made whole again. The little things though, I have to work at accepting that while they may in fact be things I need to deal with, they do not separate me from God. No matter how much Satan tried to convince me otherwise. All I have to do is come to the table. Not exclude myself from His Communion. That is my struggle.
The first reading was from 1 Kings 19:4-8
Elijah went a day's journey into the desert,
until he came to a broom tree and sat beneath it.
He prayed for death saying:
"This is enough, O LORD!
Take my life, for I am no better than my fathers."
He lay down and fell asleep under the broom tree,
but then an angel touched him and ordered him to get up and eat.
Elijah looked and there at his head was a hearth cake
and a jug of water.
After he ate and drank, he lay down again,
but the angel of the LORD came back a second time,
touched him, and ordered,
"Get up and eat, else the journey will be too long for you!"
He got up, ate, and drank;
then strengthened by that food,
he walked forty days and forty nights to the mountain of God, Horeb.
Elijah was tired, he had been called by God to be a prophet and do do God's will, but the people wouldn't listen. He was ready to give up, call it quits, just be done. But God gave him food and drink. Even that though, wasn't enough. God gave him more food and drink, and made him eat, "else the journey will be too long for you". Strengthened, he continued on his journey to the mountain of God.
If Elijah, who KNEW his purpose in life, KNEW he was doing God's will needed to be fed by God, then how much more do we, poor sons and daughters need to be fed as we struggle to find our place in this world, struggle to find God's will in our lives?
It's a good reminder too, that even knowing we are doing God's will doesn't mean it will be easy. In fact, it's all the more likely that it will be extremely difficult.
All the more reason to make sure that we being strengthened by the food and drink that God gives us in the Eucharist. That is the only food that will sustain us in our journey to see God.
This is the important thing. Don't let anything separate me from the food that I KNOW will sustain me. It's too easy sometimes, especially in times of stress or depression, to let Satan get in my head and convince me that I'm not worthy of the Eucharist. That this sin, or that sin is enough to separate me from His Communion. There are sins that DO separate me from God, missing Mass for no reason being high among them, but even when that happens, I know that I can come to Christ in the Sacrament of Reconciliation and get made whole again. The little things though, I have to work at accepting that while they may in fact be things I need to deal with, they do not separate me from God. No matter how much Satan tried to convince me otherwise. All I have to do is come to the table. Not exclude myself from His Communion. That is my struggle.
Sunday, May 13, 2012
It's all about the Love
It's Mother's Day, and the readings at Mass today were all about Love. They were some of the same readings we did for Bible study last week.
Remain in My Love, and Love one another. Two commands that are really one and the same. We remain in God's Love WHEN we Love one another.
Love. Not an emotion, Love is a verb. It requires action on our part. Especially to those for whom we don't FEEL Love.
Good things to keep in mind today, and always.
Oh, and Happy Mother's Day to all you wonderful moms in my life!
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Happy Easter!
On our way home from the sunrise service, and I am struck by a couple of things.
First off, next time I need to remember that the sunrise service is OUTSIDE and to bring a jacket! :)
Secondly, having the sun beak the horizon during the Holy Holy is just awe inspiring. Even the little blackbird that joined us in song during Mass stopped for that moment!
This is the day that the Lord hath made,
We will rejoice and be glad in it!
He is Risen
He is Risen Indeed!
Alleluia!
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Lenten Thoughts week 3
Lent always reminds me of when I came in to the Church. All of the studying, learning and prayer leading to the Rite of Election, the Scrutinies, and culminating in the Easter Vigil and my Profession of Faith.
We had the First Scrutiny today. A time of reflection, a time for the community to pray over the elect.
I got to tell Kristin about the Rite of Election a couple of weeks ago and that was cool.
So, no reflection on the reading today, but reflecting and remembering on my journey home.
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Lenten Thoughts week 2
It's been an oddly busy and unmotivated week for me. Mass this morning brought a wonderful sense of joy that I've been lacking of late.
We had the story of the Transfiguration on the mountain for our Gospel today. There is so much I could write about it. How it shows the primacy of Peter in the apostles because Jewish law required two witnesses for things (Peter's testimony required the presence of James and John) . Or, how it shows that apparitions (in the Catholic sense) are Biblical. Or, the more standard themes about preparing to climb the mountain to meet Jesus or God's command to the apostles (and us) to LISTEN to him.
Those are all good and valid comments on the reading, but today I was struck by something Fr. Jorge said about coming down the mountain. We need to remember that while we can certainly experience Jesus in the high time of our lives, the mountaintop times, he is also with us and wanting us to experience him in the low times too. It's so easy for me to get into a deep blue funk and forget that Jesus is with me there too. It may not be the life changing encounter on the mountain, but he is THERE, really present with me in the valleys too.
The mountaintop experiences may change us in dramatic ways, but the encounters with Christ in the valleys of life can be just as powerful in their own quiet way.
Then we sang 'Amen, el Cuerpo de Christo' as our communion song. It's one that really strikes a chord in me.
I'd love to print the lyrics here for you, but I cannot find them available online. You'll have to check your hymnal and see if you can find them. Such a moving song!
And now off to meet Brian and Share for lunch. Beautiful day!
We had the story of the Transfiguration on the mountain for our Gospel today. There is so much I could write about it. How it shows the primacy of Peter in the apostles because Jewish law required two witnesses for things (Peter's testimony required the presence of James and John) . Or, how it shows that apparitions (in the Catholic sense) are Biblical. Or, the more standard themes about preparing to climb the mountain to meet Jesus or God's command to the apostles (and us) to LISTEN to him.
Those are all good and valid comments on the reading, but today I was struck by something Fr. Jorge said about coming down the mountain. We need to remember that while we can certainly experience Jesus in the high time of our lives, the mountaintop times, he is also with us and wanting us to experience him in the low times too. It's so easy for me to get into a deep blue funk and forget that Jesus is with me there too. It may not be the life changing encounter on the mountain, but he is THERE, really present with me in the valleys too.
The mountaintop experiences may change us in dramatic ways, but the encounters with Christ in the valleys of life can be just as powerful in their own quiet way.
Then we sang 'Amen, el Cuerpo de Christo' as our communion song. It's one that really strikes a chord in me.
I'd love to print the lyrics here for you, but I cannot find them available online. You'll have to check your hymnal and see if you can find them. Such a moving song!
And now off to meet Brian and Share for lunch. Beautiful day!
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Lenten Thoughts
Today at Mass, Deacon Robinson encouraged us to make time to take inventory of our lives. Look at our temptations. Maybe there are temptations of gossip, worry, pornography, lust, anger, laziness, or over indulgence. But we also need to be aware of the temptations of complacency and mediocrity. These temptations can be even more dangerous. They are sneaky. How can I root out the complacency in my life? That will be my prayer this week.
Lord, help me to see the areas of my life and my heart where I have grown complacent and set me on fire for you once again.
Lord, help me to see the areas of my life and my heart where I have grown complacent and set me on fire for you once again.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
On Suffering
The readings from today began so very bleak and depressing. We started off with Job in the throes of his despair-
Is not man's life on earth a drudgery?
Are not his days those of hirelings?
He is a slave who longs for the shade,
a hireling who waits for his wages.
So I have been assigned months of misery,
and troubled nights have been allotted to me.
If in bed I say, "When shall I arise?"
then the night drags on;
I am filled with restlessness until the dawn.
My days are swifter than a weaver's shuttle;
they come to an end without hope.
Remember that my life is like the wind;
I shall not see happiness again.
The Psalm was a word of hope, the refrain being-
Praise the Lord, who heals the brokenhearted.
Then on to the NT and Gospel readings where Paul speaks of the obligation he has to preach the Gospel, and what he must do and become in order to try and save us, and Jesus began his healing ministry.
I was haunted though by Job's words, "I shall never see happiness again". How often do I feel that way? How quick am I to forget that my God is a God of healing. That He heals not only the body (as in the Gospel today), but also He heals the brokenhearted.
Reading 1 Jb 7:1-4, 6-7
Job spoke, saying:Is not man's life on earth a drudgery?
Are not his days those of hirelings?
He is a slave who longs for the shade,
a hireling who waits for his wages.
So I have been assigned months of misery,
and troubled nights have been allotted to me.
If in bed I say, "When shall I arise?"
then the night drags on;
I am filled with restlessness until the dawn.
My days are swifter than a weaver's shuttle;
they come to an end without hope.
Remember that my life is like the wind;
I shall not see happiness again.
The Psalm was a word of hope, the refrain being-
Praise the Lord, who heals the brokenhearted.
Then on to the NT and Gospel readings where Paul speaks of the obligation he has to preach the Gospel, and what he must do and become in order to try and save us, and Jesus began his healing ministry.
I was haunted though by Job's words, "I shall never see happiness again". How often do I feel that way? How quick am I to forget that my God is a God of healing. That He heals not only the body (as in the Gospel today), but also He heals the brokenhearted.
Sunday, January 29, 2012
St. Thomas Aquinas
Well, that didn't take long! I didn't even make it through January before I forgot to post my thoughts from Mass! :)
BUT, rather than just giving up entirely (which is my usual modus operandi), I'll play a bit of catch up here, back dating it, and move forward.
January 29th was the feast of St. Thomas Aquinas, patron saint of my Church, and patron saint of students everywhere. I know just the basics of this saint, I've been fearful of learning more because I know that there is soooo much depth to what this Doctor of the Church has written. I found this bit interesting-
(from the Catholic Encyclopedia)
It is not surprising to read in the biographies of St. Thomas that he was frequently abstracted and in ecstasy. Towards the end of his life the ecstasies became more frequent. On one occasion, at Naples in 1273, after he had completed his treatise on the Eucharist, three of the brethren saw him lifted in ecstasy, and they heard a voice proceeding from the crucifix on the altar, saying "Thou hast written well of me, Thomas; what reward wilt thou have?" Thomas replied, "None other than Thyself, Lord" (Prümmer, op. cit., p. 38). Similar declarations are said to have been made at Orvieto and at Paris.
On 6 December, 1273, he laid aside his pen and would write no more. That day he experienced an unusually long ecstasy during Mass; what was revealed to him we can only surmise from his reply to Father Reginald, who urged him to continue his writings: "I can do no more. Such secrets have been revealed to me that all I have written now appears to be of little value" (modica, Prümmer, op. cit., p. 43).
All that he had written, all that is still being 'unpacked' and learned generation after generation, and it was like dust to him. The mysteries revealed, and the ones left for us to ponder.
BUT, rather than just giving up entirely (which is my usual modus operandi), I'll play a bit of catch up here, back dating it, and move forward.
January 29th was the feast of St. Thomas Aquinas, patron saint of my Church, and patron saint of students everywhere. I know just the basics of this saint, I've been fearful of learning more because I know that there is soooo much depth to what this Doctor of the Church has written. I found this bit interesting-
(from the Catholic Encyclopedia)
It is not surprising to read in the biographies of St. Thomas that he was frequently abstracted and in ecstasy. Towards the end of his life the ecstasies became more frequent. On one occasion, at Naples in 1273, after he had completed his treatise on the Eucharist, three of the brethren saw him lifted in ecstasy, and they heard a voice proceeding from the crucifix on the altar, saying "Thou hast written well of me, Thomas; what reward wilt thou have?" Thomas replied, "None other than Thyself, Lord" (Prümmer, op. cit., p. 38). Similar declarations are said to have been made at Orvieto and at Paris.
On 6 December, 1273, he laid aside his pen and would write no more. That day he experienced an unusually long ecstasy during Mass; what was revealed to him we can only surmise from his reply to Father Reginald, who urged him to continue his writings: "I can do no more. Such secrets have been revealed to me that all I have written now appears to be of little value" (modica, Prümmer, op. cit., p. 43).
All that he had written, all that is still being 'unpacked' and learned generation after generation, and it was like dust to him. The mysteries revealed, and the ones left for us to ponder.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Mass Thoughts on the Fly
I wanted to try posting this from my phone on the way home from Mass. Please pardon any typos!
In the homily today Deacon Jason talked about how at our baptism God installs in each of us a GPS preprogrammed with the best most direct route to get home to heaven. Unfortunately, how many times in our lives do we hear that GPS saying, "Recalculating"? We know the way, but sometimes we forget where we're going. Sometimes there are obstacles in our path that require lengthy detours. But it's important to remember that there is nowhere in this world that God's GPS can't help us find our way home, and that this world is NOT the end of the story for us!
In the homily today Deacon Jason talked about how at our baptism God installs in each of us a GPS preprogrammed with the best most direct route to get home to heaven. Unfortunately, how many times in our lives do we hear that GPS saying, "Recalculating"? We know the way, but sometimes we forget where we're going. Sometimes there are obstacles in our path that require lengthy detours. But it's important to remember that there is nowhere in this world that God's GPS can't help us find our way home, and that this world is NOT the end of the story for us!
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