As I was driving out of Gramercy on this cooler Monday morning, I glanced over to the temperature reading outside of my vehicle which read 65 degrees. My face gave up a smile, and my heart said, “thank you, God for this cooler weather.” I was relieved that the Holy Spirit helped me find my gratitude after receiving sorrowful news in the past twenty-four hours.
Two tragic accidents in neighboring Lafourche and Terrebonne parishes have left several parents, families and friends to mourn the passing of young people. Four Vandebilt High School students and one Nicholls State University student died suddenly and tragically. As well as, in my own area, a not-yet-two-year old precious little boy died. Our community rallied and continues to support his family with prayer, love and friendship.
I have learned through past experiences that God is always with us in the good times and the bad times of our lives.
In today’s first reading, we hear the story of Job. Job’s story of loss seems to run parallel with the recent events of our Southeastern Louisiana, close-knit communities. We can draw consolation in knowing that God is with us through our pain and loss. Even though Job lost so much, he still maintained his faith and relationship with God.
Jesus cried and cries with us, too. Jesus wept for his friend, Lazarus. Jesus showed us how to maintain our relationship with God even through the challenging times of our lives.
Today is also the feast of St. Vincent de Paul. St Vincent de Paul experienced a heart-changing moment during the death-bed confession of a dying servant. That God-facilitated moment helped St Vincent de Paul become aware of the spiritual and every-day needs of people in need. The compassion that was born in St Vincent de Paul’s heart drove him to a life of service to those who were in need.
Today, let us count our blessings and thank the loved ones in our lives as we are reminded to make every day count. Let us lean on and find consolation in the love of God. Let us ask Jesus to carry us in our grief. Let us support one another with our prayers, love and friendship. Let our hearts grow with compassion for each other.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Full Moon and Jupiter for company….
The full moon with the company of Jupiter lit my way as I traveled to work this morning. Like a white shiny marble, the full moon lit up the before-dawn darkness so much that I was tempted to turn off my headlights. The water of Manchac Pass glistened with the brightness of the moon and cast the cypress trees in holy silhouette. I felt and heard the sound of God’s “I love you” in this awesome early morning scene. And, I was consoled as I also heard, “I am with you.”
And so, my vehicle seemed to drive itself as God and I conversed. My heart and mind rested. Even though I wanted to stay atop the Pass Manchac Bridge to continue to listen to God and watch the movement of the full moon and light on the water, I continued to work ever mindful of God’s presence.
And, my heart smiled with my face as I read today’s Psalm because it’s message was so much on topic with my conversation with God when God spoke to me driving through the Manchac Pass cypress forest this morning.
Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain wisdom of heart…Ps90:12
Fill us at daybreak with your love, that all our days we may sing for joy.. Ps90:14
Let us pray for each other. Let us make each moment of each day count. Let us pass on the love and kindness of God following the example of Jesus and the guidance of the Spirit. Amen.
And so, my vehicle seemed to drive itself as God and I conversed. My heart and mind rested. Even though I wanted to stay atop the Pass Manchac Bridge to continue to listen to God and watch the movement of the full moon and light on the water, I continued to work ever mindful of God’s presence.
And, my heart smiled with my face as I read today’s Psalm because it’s message was so much on topic with my conversation with God when God spoke to me driving through the Manchac Pass cypress forest this morning.
Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain wisdom of heart…Ps90:12
Fill us at daybreak with your love, that all our days we may sing for joy.. Ps90:14
Let us pray for each other. Let us make each moment of each day count. Let us pass on the love and kindness of God following the example of Jesus and the guidance of the Spirit. Amen.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Autumnal Equinox
Autumnal Equinox is here
In the Northern Hemisphere
Night and Day
Are nearly equal.
Deciduous trees
Change their leaf-clothing
Signaling a change
Of seasons and
Of time.
Can we change, too?
Leave behind our
Prejudice…
Leave behind our
Insensitive selfishness…
Leave behind our
Negativity…
Can we shed
Our leaves for
New growth and
A new chance
To love.
May we be open to God’s presence and promptings for offing the old so that we can make room for new growth. May we grow closer to God and one another. Amen.
In the Northern Hemisphere
Night and Day
Are nearly equal.
Deciduous trees
Change their leaf-clothing
Signaling a change
Of seasons and
Of time.
Can we change, too?
Leave behind our
Prejudice…
Leave behind our
Insensitive selfishness…
Leave behind our
Negativity…
Can we shed
Our leaves for
New growth and
A new chance
To love.
May we be open to God’s presence and promptings for offing the old so that we can make room for new growth. May we grow closer to God and one another. Amen.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Forgiveness
Forgiveness can be a powerful thing. Forgiveness can change lives, both for the forgiver and the one receiving forgiveness. We see that in today’s Gospel from Luke (7:36-50). I have experienced that myself in my own life. I believe forgiveness is another way to love. Jesus says, "But the one to whom little is forgiven, loves little (Lk7:47b).”
We have to let go of the self righteousness. ...The same self righteousness shown by the Pharisee who is hosting Jesus in his home. The Pharisee who is caught up in his self righteousness judges the woman harshly. But Jesus doesn’t judge. He only shows mercy and forgiveness. Jesus loves when He forgives the woman.
Forgiveness is life changing because it is liberating. We are set free. The forgiver is set free from harsh judgment and a corrupted sense of righteousness which causes them to falsely elevate themselves above others…which inhibits healing of relationships. We get into a bad place when we elevate ourselves and demote the people who have hurt or wronged us.
The person receiving forgiveness is set free from the sin of wrongdoing that breaks and harms a relationship. They are changed by the mercy of receiving forgiveness.
When forgiveness is freely given and received, people are reconciled and healed. Relationships are healed. Hearts that were broken are healed. We are free to love. Our faith which Jesus talks about leads us to and through forgiveness. Our sins are forgiven. We are reconciled to God and to each other. We are set free to love. When we love, we are able to do the work and ministry in which Jesus calls us to do.
We have to let go of the self righteousness. ...The same self righteousness shown by the Pharisee who is hosting Jesus in his home. The Pharisee who is caught up in his self righteousness judges the woman harshly. But Jesus doesn’t judge. He only shows mercy and forgiveness. Jesus loves when He forgives the woman.
Forgiveness is life changing because it is liberating. We are set free. The forgiver is set free from harsh judgment and a corrupted sense of righteousness which causes them to falsely elevate themselves above others…which inhibits healing of relationships. We get into a bad place when we elevate ourselves and demote the people who have hurt or wronged us.
The person receiving forgiveness is set free from the sin of wrongdoing that breaks and harms a relationship. They are changed by the mercy of receiving forgiveness.
When forgiveness is freely given and received, people are reconciled and healed. Relationships are healed. Hearts that were broken are healed. We are free to love. Our faith which Jesus talks about leads us to and through forgiveness. Our sins are forgiven. We are reconciled to God and to each other. We are set free to love. When we love, we are able to do the work and ministry in which Jesus calls us to do.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Feast of Exaltation of the Holy Cross
During my long commute to work, I pass Mission Church near I-55. Outside of Mission Church is a 150-foot cross which is lit from below with several spot-lights when the sun goes down. This cross is quite a sight to behold as I drive by on I-55 in the early morning darkness before sunrise. On cloudy/foggy mornings, the lighted cross screams a beacon of hope because the light from the cross shines upwards laser-beaming into the sky giving the passersby a sense of Resurrection, the other side of the cross…the other side of suffering and life-challenges.
The thought and reflection on the total picture of the Cross and the Resurrection gives me great consolation especially on those mornings when my heart is heavily burdened. I am reminded of Jesus’ Paschal Mystery. It’s not just about the cross. It’s not just about suffering. There is hope and joy in Resurrection. Our resurrections come after our journey through the suffering and challenges in our lives
Because of Jesus’ journey through suffering and death on the cross and His glorious resurrection, we can journey through our suffering and life challenges to our resurrections. We have Jesus’ model to follow. Because of our faith, we have the hope and joy of resurrection---the light at the end of the tunnel.
So while the Cross is important, the Cross is only half of the story. The other part of Jesus’ Paschal Mystery is the Resurrection, Jesus’ happy ending….and our hope.
By the way, I called Mission Church to inquire about their cross. I spoke to a wonderful woman who relayed story upon story of peoples’ experiences of their cross. …How people have often driven and parked at the base of the cross to pray. People of different Christian denominations have all been united by the consolation of that cross. What a wonderful occurrence to learn. I am not the only person receiving consolation from the Mission Church cross. Jesus unites us in and through His Paschal Mystery. AMEN!
The thought and reflection on the total picture of the Cross and the Resurrection gives me great consolation especially on those mornings when my heart is heavily burdened. I am reminded of Jesus’ Paschal Mystery. It’s not just about the cross. It’s not just about suffering. There is hope and joy in Resurrection. Our resurrections come after our journey through the suffering and challenges in our lives
Because of Jesus’ journey through suffering and death on the cross and His glorious resurrection, we can journey through our suffering and life challenges to our resurrections. We have Jesus’ model to follow. Because of our faith, we have the hope and joy of resurrection---the light at the end of the tunnel.
So while the Cross is important, the Cross is only half of the story. The other part of Jesus’ Paschal Mystery is the Resurrection, Jesus’ happy ending….and our hope.
By the way, I called Mission Church to inquire about their cross. I spoke to a wonderful woman who relayed story upon story of peoples’ experiences of their cross. …How people have often driven and parked at the base of the cross to pray. People of different Christian denominations have all been united by the consolation of that cross. What a wonderful occurrence to learn. I am not the only person receiving consolation from the Mission Church cross. Jesus unites us in and through His Paschal Mystery. AMEN!
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Remembering Daddy
This week, my brother and his oldest son and my other brother’s oldest son journeyed across the river to Vacherie to the West Bank Center to receive from Governor Jindal a medal of appreciation for my daddy’s service in the Army during WWII. The Louisiana Veterans Honor Medal was given in appreciation and gratitude to men and women who have served our country.
Though I did not personally attend, my brother and nephews relayed how nice the ceremony was and how there were many people in attendance.
My daddy loved his country and proudly served during WWII. He left Gramercy and crossed the Atlantic out of that love for and a sense of duty to his country.
He rarely spoke about the war to us as young children. When he did, often it was in the form of stories. It was his way of conveying the harsh realities of war in ways for us, kids could understand.
It was so good that my brother and nephews received the Louisiana Veterans Honor Medal for my daddy. Though my nephews never met or knew their grandfather (PawPawBB), my brother’s action of taking them to the ceremony spoke volumes as to what my daddy was about. They learned more about their grandfather by being there and accepting the Honor Medal on his behalf.
Today, I remember Daddy’s courage and bravery. I remember his sense of responsibility and duty to our country. I remember how all of those qualities grew from a core of patriotism and respect and love for his country. I remember how he endeavored to instill in me to always do the right thing.
I pray for the courage to always do the correct thing: to act and behave with integrity and to stand up and speak out when there is something wrong or be there for someone who is being hurt, mistreated, or abused.
I pray for and with my daddy. I remember him. He lives in me. He lives in the way I live out what he taught me.
Though I did not personally attend, my brother and nephews relayed how nice the ceremony was and how there were many people in attendance.
My daddy loved his country and proudly served during WWII. He left Gramercy and crossed the Atlantic out of that love for and a sense of duty to his country.
He rarely spoke about the war to us as young children. When he did, often it was in the form of stories. It was his way of conveying the harsh realities of war in ways for us, kids could understand.
It was so good that my brother and nephews received the Louisiana Veterans Honor Medal for my daddy. Though my nephews never met or knew their grandfather (PawPawBB), my brother’s action of taking them to the ceremony spoke volumes as to what my daddy was about. They learned more about their grandfather by being there and accepting the Honor Medal on his behalf.
Today, I remember Daddy’s courage and bravery. I remember his sense of responsibility and duty to our country. I remember how all of those qualities grew from a core of patriotism and respect and love for his country. I remember how he endeavored to instill in me to always do the right thing.
I pray for the courage to always do the correct thing: to act and behave with integrity and to stand up and speak out when there is something wrong or be there for someone who is being hurt, mistreated, or abused.
I pray for and with my daddy. I remember him. He lives in me. He lives in the way I live out what he taught me.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Kill’em with Kindness
We have all heard of the saying “kill’em with kindness.” My mom had another saying of her own that she would often tell me. “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.”
As I reflect on that today, with the benefit of older age and more life experience (smile), I understand the powerful, profound meanings of both of those expressions and their implications involving relationship and friendship. Those expressions convey a sense of encouragement, love and kindness which we should endeavor to practice.
Found in Scripture in St Paul’s letters to the Romans (1:11-13; 15:3-5), Philippians (2:1-3), Colossians (2:1-3;4:7-9), and Thessalonians, (1Th5:10-15) St Paul wrote about how encouragement was important for the early Christians as well as important for us to practice today. Encouragement builds up the Body of Christ.
St Paul also wrote about kindness which can be found in Corinthians (2Cor6:5-7), Galatians (5:21-23) and Colossians 3:11-13. Kindness also builds up the Body of Christ and is one of the fruits of the Spirit (Gal5:22).
All four Gospels record how much Jesus talked about and practiced love and loving. Jesus even told us to love our enemies (Mt5:43-45; Lk6:26-28). And in John’s Gospel, Jesus gives a new commandment to love our neighbor as He as loved us. Like kindness, love is also a fruit of the Spirit (Gal5:22). Jesus modeled His love for God and His love for us. We only need to follow His good example.
In relationship and friendship, where two people care, support and love each other, encouragement and lovingkindness strengthens each person as well as strengthens the relationship/friendship they share. In the mutual sharing and support of the relationship, God’s presence is found because the persons are following Christ’s model and expectations for loving and serving our neighbor.
A part of supporting the other in a relationship/friendship is knowing when and how to practice active listening so that hopes, dreams, hurts, and frustrations can be expressed and heard with compassion and without judgment. Lovingkindness expressed during the times of active listening when we listen with our heart as well as our mind builds us up.
Perhaps the most challenging time to express lovingkindness is when there is conflict in a relationship/friendship, or when you are on the receiving end of mean-spiritedness from someone who is not your friend. During those times we can call on Jesus for help and strength to do the right thing and express kindness when we are face-front with the opposite. Repaying kindness with meanness may be just what is needed when someone is having a bad day and inadvertently takes it out on you. The expression of kindness may help them to get back to a sense of peace and help them to see their mean-spiritedness and help them to correct their behavior.
Let us pray for the courage and strength to follow Jesus’ model of love. Let us pray that we may give encouragement and kindness as St Paul writes about even when we may not receive those from others.
As I reflect on that today, with the benefit of older age and more life experience (smile), I understand the powerful, profound meanings of both of those expressions and their implications involving relationship and friendship. Those expressions convey a sense of encouragement, love and kindness which we should endeavor to practice.
Found in Scripture in St Paul’s letters to the Romans (1:11-13; 15:3-5), Philippians (2:1-3), Colossians (2:1-3;4:7-9), and Thessalonians, (1Th5:10-15) St Paul wrote about how encouragement was important for the early Christians as well as important for us to practice today. Encouragement builds up the Body of Christ.
St Paul also wrote about kindness which can be found in Corinthians (2Cor6:5-7), Galatians (5:21-23) and Colossians 3:11-13. Kindness also builds up the Body of Christ and is one of the fruits of the Spirit (Gal5:22).
All four Gospels record how much Jesus talked about and practiced love and loving. Jesus even told us to love our enemies (Mt5:43-45; Lk6:26-28). And in John’s Gospel, Jesus gives a new commandment to love our neighbor as He as loved us. Like kindness, love is also a fruit of the Spirit (Gal5:22). Jesus modeled His love for God and His love for us. We only need to follow His good example.
In relationship and friendship, where two people care, support and love each other, encouragement and lovingkindness strengthens each person as well as strengthens the relationship/friendship they share. In the mutual sharing and support of the relationship, God’s presence is found because the persons are following Christ’s model and expectations for loving and serving our neighbor.
A part of supporting the other in a relationship/friendship is knowing when and how to practice active listening so that hopes, dreams, hurts, and frustrations can be expressed and heard with compassion and without judgment. Lovingkindness expressed during the times of active listening when we listen with our heart as well as our mind builds us up.
Perhaps the most challenging time to express lovingkindness is when there is conflict in a relationship/friendship, or when you are on the receiving end of mean-spiritedness from someone who is not your friend. During those times we can call on Jesus for help and strength to do the right thing and express kindness when we are face-front with the opposite. Repaying kindness with meanness may be just what is needed when someone is having a bad day and inadvertently takes it out on you. The expression of kindness may help them to get back to a sense of peace and help them to see their mean-spiritedness and help them to correct their behavior.
Let us pray for the courage and strength to follow Jesus’ model of love. Let us pray that we may give encouragement and kindness as St Paul writes about even when we may not receive those from others.
Friday, August 06, 2010
Transformed by Transfiguration
In the Gospel of Luke, today, Jesus takes Peter, John and James up a mountain to pray. In that experience, Jesus is transfigured before their eyes and Peter, John and James are transformed as a result of their encounter with Jesus Transfigured. We hear evidence of that in the 2nd reading, 2 Peter 1:16-19: “For he received honor and glory from God the Father when that unique declaration came to him from the majestic glory, ‘This is my Son, my beloved, with whom I am well pleased.’ We ourselves heard this voice come from heaven while we were with him on the holy mountain. Moreover, we possess the prophetic message that is altogether reliable. You will do well to be attentive to it, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.”
When I reflect on this, I think about and pray with a vision to see the ways and the manner in which I have been transformed by Jesus. What I learned through that reflection is that in coming to be in relationship with Jesus in realizing Jesus’ love for me, I am encouraged; I am inspired to see and be grateful for the gifts God has blessed me with. And, in and through my relationship with Jesus, my expression of love for Jesus is having the courage to use my gifts in the service and ministry for my family, friends, neighbors, co-workers—everyone and everything in my community. Everyone. What I mean by that is that I am called to serve and minister not just folks who love, support and encourage me. I am called to serve and minister with those who do not love me, who do not support or encourage me. I am called to be there for them, too. I am called to be “a lamp shining in a dark place.” Today’s Scripture affirms that but also, our Catholic Church teaches us that we receive the Light of Christ in Baptism. We are to go and shine that Light of Christ to the world.
Deeper reflection on today’s Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord brings to mind some wisdom from Drew Brees’ book, Coming Back Stronger. Brees shares about trusting God that “God can use anything for good” Whatever happens to you; whatever the adversity in your life, God can use that to do good. We have to trust God, and we have to choose to be open to God to see and be aware of the good we can do as a result of the adversity in our life. He also shares that we can choose to be positive.
Lastly, we should be aware of those folks who God puts in our lives when we are in the midst of adversity. Those people who can deliver God’s message of hope, encouragement and inspiration when we need it the most in those times of despair. Drew Brees also comments on this, too. How his friend, Lorenzo Neal told him something he really needed to hear at a low moment in his life. What I get from that is that we need to be aware and trusting of God’s message being spoken by those who really care about us. Because they can see the big picture when our adversity has blinded us or given us tunnel vision not allowing us to see the big picture.
Be in touch with the transforming power of Jesus’ love. Be aware of those who speak God’s message of encouragement. When we are transformed by God’s love, we become a transformer for others. The whole community benefits from the sharing of our God-given gifts. Let the Light of Christ shine in us and through us.
When I reflect on this, I think about and pray with a vision to see the ways and the manner in which I have been transformed by Jesus. What I learned through that reflection is that in coming to be in relationship with Jesus in realizing Jesus’ love for me, I am encouraged; I am inspired to see and be grateful for the gifts God has blessed me with. And, in and through my relationship with Jesus, my expression of love for Jesus is having the courage to use my gifts in the service and ministry for my family, friends, neighbors, co-workers—everyone and everything in my community. Everyone. What I mean by that is that I am called to serve and minister not just folks who love, support and encourage me. I am called to serve and minister with those who do not love me, who do not support or encourage me. I am called to be there for them, too. I am called to be “a lamp shining in a dark place.” Today’s Scripture affirms that but also, our Catholic Church teaches us that we receive the Light of Christ in Baptism. We are to go and shine that Light of Christ to the world.
Deeper reflection on today’s Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord brings to mind some wisdom from Drew Brees’ book, Coming Back Stronger. Brees shares about trusting God that “God can use anything for good” Whatever happens to you; whatever the adversity in your life, God can use that to do good. We have to trust God, and we have to choose to be open to God to see and be aware of the good we can do as a result of the adversity in our life. He also shares that we can choose to be positive.
Lastly, we should be aware of those folks who God puts in our lives when we are in the midst of adversity. Those people who can deliver God’s message of hope, encouragement and inspiration when we need it the most in those times of despair. Drew Brees also comments on this, too. How his friend, Lorenzo Neal told him something he really needed to hear at a low moment in his life. What I get from that is that we need to be aware and trusting of God’s message being spoken by those who really care about us. Because they can see the big picture when our adversity has blinded us or given us tunnel vision not allowing us to see the big picture.
Be in touch with the transforming power of Jesus’ love. Be aware of those who speak God’s message of encouragement. When we are transformed by God’s love, we become a transformer for others. The whole community benefits from the sharing of our God-given gifts. Let the Light of Christ shine in us and through us.
Thursday, August 05, 2010
Praying with Lightning
A dark flashing northeastern sky warned me there were thunderstorms ready to greet me as I made my way to work this morning. So, I settled into the cockpit of my Ford Escape and tuned my radio to KLOVE, the Christian music station. As I turned onto I-55 north, the darkness in the northeast was interrupted more and more frequently with bursts of light. Trying to find the consolation of the impending rain, I smiled to myself as I thought how God was going to wash the bugs off of my windshield and gift me with a free car wash. I was about to realize and be gifted with yet more insight from our loving God.
As I found myself making the right turn to head east toward Covington, there was still no rain yet in front of me the light strobes had been replaced with crooked vertical lines of lightning. Lightning fascinates me. There is so much energy in such skinny lines, and this energy is focused to singular points on the ground yet if these bolts of energy strike in strategic places, there can be a cascade effect of electrical outage or even ignite fires.
As I prayed with the lightning that God gifted me with this morning and as I applied it to my life circumstances and current local and global events, I was given my lesson for today.
Positive and negative charges within mixing air of a thunderstorm cause lightning. It is amazing to think that when two huge differences clashing together-- the resulting energy of that clash is lightning. And the resulting heat from lightning causes explosions of thunder.
The amazing revelation in all of that this morning was in order for that to happen, there has to be a relationship. There has to be a mixing of the hot and cold air masses. There has to be a coming together of the positive and negative charges in order for the amazing lightning to be born announced by the labor wails of thunder. Lightning cannot happen if both components are not present and reacting with each other. They have to be present and interacting.
If our relationships are to be healthy enough to create lightning, then there must me a mutuality of giving and receiving….there must be a mutuality of sharing…..there must be a mutuality of care. And out of all of that mutuality is born a love so great that it speaks thunder into our community and world.
And most importantly, where there is this mutuality of relationship, God is present strengthening, supporting and loving all of us.
Ya’ll have a good day. Create lightning. Do stuff to develop and strengthen your relationships with family, friends, co-workers and neighbors. Let the thunder roll.
As I found myself making the right turn to head east toward Covington, there was still no rain yet in front of me the light strobes had been replaced with crooked vertical lines of lightning. Lightning fascinates me. There is so much energy in such skinny lines, and this energy is focused to singular points on the ground yet if these bolts of energy strike in strategic places, there can be a cascade effect of electrical outage or even ignite fires.
As I prayed with the lightning that God gifted me with this morning and as I applied it to my life circumstances and current local and global events, I was given my lesson for today.
Positive and negative charges within mixing air of a thunderstorm cause lightning. It is amazing to think that when two huge differences clashing together-- the resulting energy of that clash is lightning. And the resulting heat from lightning causes explosions of thunder.
The amazing revelation in all of that this morning was in order for that to happen, there has to be a relationship. There has to be a mixing of the hot and cold air masses. There has to be a coming together of the positive and negative charges in order for the amazing lightning to be born announced by the labor wails of thunder. Lightning cannot happen if both components are not present and reacting with each other. They have to be present and interacting.
If our relationships are to be healthy enough to create lightning, then there must me a mutuality of giving and receiving….there must be a mutuality of sharing…..there must be a mutuality of care. And out of all of that mutuality is born a love so great that it speaks thunder into our community and world.
And most importantly, where there is this mutuality of relationship, God is present strengthening, supporting and loving all of us.
Ya’ll have a good day. Create lightning. Do stuff to develop and strengthen your relationships with family, friends, co-workers and neighbors. Let the thunder roll.
Wednesday, August 04, 2010
Where's God
Have you ever entertained yourself with a Where’s Waldo book? Once your eyes trained your mind on the image of Waldo, you could scan pages and pages of cartoon graphic noise, zeroing-in on the image of the smiling Waldo cleverly hidden on the page.
I’d like to invite you to try something. In the comings and goings and busyness of your day, try to find God in the people, places and in your day’s experiences. Ask God to help you to do this.
God is always with us. God is present in God’s creation of people and nature…..God’s everywhere. And, when you find God, when you become aware of God’s loving presence rejoice and be thankful. Love God back for being there for you and blessing you with your loved ones and all you have in your life.
In this way, you will build your relationship with our good and gracious God. Your faith will grow and the next thing you know, you’ll be an instrument for God’s love and a living example of Christ.
So try it. Where’s God for you today?
I’d like to invite you to try something. In the comings and goings and busyness of your day, try to find God in the people, places and in your day’s experiences. Ask God to help you to do this.
God is always with us. God is present in God’s creation of people and nature…..God’s everywhere. And, when you find God, when you become aware of God’s loving presence rejoice and be thankful. Love God back for being there for you and blessing you with your loved ones and all you have in your life.
In this way, you will build your relationship with our good and gracious God. Your faith will grow and the next thing you know, you’ll be an instrument for God’s love and a living example of Christ.
So try it. Where’s God for you today?
Monday, August 02, 2010
I'm baackkkkkk......
After much prayer and discernment, I am out of hiatus and back posting here at my blog space.
I'd like to take the opportunity to acknowledge and thank all of you who have given me feedback about my writing. And, I 'd like to thank you for your encouragement about my writing because in and through your kindness you have nurtured my dream and for that I am most grateful.
And so it is with a grateful and changed heart, that I share with you my spiritual e-musings once again.
Sr GeoThea writes again.
I'd like to take the opportunity to acknowledge and thank all of you who have given me feedback about my writing. And, I 'd like to thank you for your encouragement about my writing because in and through your kindness you have nurtured my dream and for that I am most grateful.
And so it is with a grateful and changed heart, that I share with you my spiritual e-musings once again.
Sr GeoThea writes again.
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
First week of Advent
Here we are in the first week of Advent. Advent is a season of hopeful preparation and anticipation of the light of Christ entrance into our lives. And so, during the purple of Advent, we prepare for the coming of Christ. We watch. We wait.
In today’s readings Isaiah muses how life will be when the Messiah comes into the world. Wolf and lamb will peacefully abide together as well as leopard and the kid and calf and lion. And, “a little child to guide them” (11:6).
In Luke’s gospel, we hear Jesus tell the disciples how fortunate they are. “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. For I say to you, many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it” (Lk 10 :23b-24).
Today’s readings are all about signs --from the peaceful animal behavior described in Isaiah to Jesus’ revelation to the disciples that He is the long awaited Sign from God.
Do we see the signs of God’s presence in our lives? Can we be a sign of God’s presence to others who are in need or suffering?
Let us prayerfully ask for courage and strength as we prepare ourselves in this purple Advent. Let us reconcile our sinful ways that is the darkness of our lives. Let us love and serve God and each other.
In today’s readings Isaiah muses how life will be when the Messiah comes into the world. Wolf and lamb will peacefully abide together as well as leopard and the kid and calf and lion. And, “a little child to guide them” (11:6).
In Luke’s gospel, we hear Jesus tell the disciples how fortunate they are. “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. For I say to you, many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it” (Lk 10 :23b-24).
Today’s readings are all about signs --from the peaceful animal behavior described in Isaiah to Jesus’ revelation to the disciples that He is the long awaited Sign from God.
Do we see the signs of God’s presence in our lives? Can we be a sign of God’s presence to others who are in need or suffering?
Let us prayerfully ask for courage and strength as we prepare ourselves in this purple Advent. Let us reconcile our sinful ways that is the darkness of our lives. Let us love and serve God and each other.
Monday, August 14, 2006
of shooting stars and the glory of the Lord
In today’s scriptures (Ez 1:2-5, 24-28c), the prophet Ezekiel shares with us a vision he experienced of the glory of the Lord. I saw a glimpse of the glory of the Lord as I drove into work. As I was driving north on LA641, right in front of me, over head, a “shooting star” streaked down. It was an amazing and awesome surprise. The streak of light trailing the meteoroid was so long that it gave the impression it was going to hit the road. I slowed my Escape as if to miss it. It never reached the ground and burned up in the atmosphere.
I thought to myself how wonderful witnessing that was. We are just now finishing up our annual experience of the Perseids meteor shower. I was reminded of that as many meteorologists included information about the meteor shower in their weather forecasts. I hoped to spend some time this weekend looking for “shooting stars” but was unable to do that. I thanked God for putting the “shooting star” right in front of me this morning.
Cosmic phenomena fascinates me especially stars. For me, stars are one of God’s most awesome creations. Stars help to remind me of the sacredness of God’s creation. Their beacons in the night sky have facilitated my prayer on many occasions. Those points of light in the sky guided the way of many on Earth.
Do you see glimpses of the Lord’s glory? Where?
I thought to myself how wonderful witnessing that was. We are just now finishing up our annual experience of the Perseids meteor shower. I was reminded of that as many meteorologists included information about the meteor shower in their weather forecasts. I hoped to spend some time this weekend looking for “shooting stars” but was unable to do that. I thanked God for putting the “shooting star” right in front of me this morning.
Cosmic phenomena fascinates me especially stars. For me, stars are one of God’s most awesome creations. Stars help to remind me of the sacredness of God’s creation. Their beacons in the night sky have facilitated my prayer on many occasions. Those points of light in the sky guided the way of many on Earth.
Do you see glimpses of the Lord’s glory? Where?
Monday, July 24, 2006
Signs
When you see a stop sign, what do you do? When you see the green light of a traffic light turn on, what do you do? When you see a speed limit sign, what do you do? When you hear and see a child crying, what do you do? When you see the billowing clouds in a dark sky, what do you do? How about strange weather occurring throughout our planet, what do you do? When you see people in trouble, what do you do?
All of these are signs. Some are more apparent than others. When you notice the signs, what do you do? Do you act on what the signs are calling you to do? Or, do you ignore the signs? Or, do you not even notice the signs?
In today’s gospel (Mt 12:38:42), the scribes and Pharisees ask Jesus for a sign. “Teacher we wish to see a sign from you.” Jesus was right there in front of them and they did not recognize God’s Divine Sign.
Will you notice the signs that you encounter today? …The signs of the Body of Christ living and suffering in your midst. How will you interpret those signs? Will you heed them? Will you ignore them?
Let us pray for the strength and courage to respond to the signs of the Body of Christ present to us today.
All of these are signs. Some are more apparent than others. When you notice the signs, what do you do? Do you act on what the signs are calling you to do? Or, do you ignore the signs? Or, do you not even notice the signs?
In today’s gospel (Mt 12:38:42), the scribes and Pharisees ask Jesus for a sign. “Teacher we wish to see a sign from you.” Jesus was right there in front of them and they did not recognize God’s Divine Sign.
Will you notice the signs that you encounter today? …The signs of the Body of Christ living and suffering in your midst. How will you interpret those signs? Will you heed them? Will you ignore them?
Let us pray for the strength and courage to respond to the signs of the Body of Christ present to us today.
Monday, June 26, 2006
sticks and stones.........
Sticks and stones
May break my bones,.
But names will never
Hurt me.
NOT!
Growing up, I was on the receiving end of much name calling. I have to say that YES, the names did hurt. You don’t have to take my word for it. Just look at the Columbine incident and various other incidents in schools across America. The hurt of name calling was manifested by more hurt of school violence by those who were on the receiving end of those hurtful names. So much hate. So much hurt. Why?
Have you noticed how you felt when someone praised your work? How did you feel when they complemented you? Words and actions are powerful. They have the ability to tear down someone or build them up.
What would Jesus do? Let’s take a look.
Matthew 7:15-23
"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but underneath are ravenous wolves. By their fruits you will know them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Just so, every good tree bears good fruit, and a rotten tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a rotten tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. So by their fruits you will know them.
"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name? Did we not drive out demons in your name? Did we not do mighty deeds in your name?'
Then I will declare to them solemnly, 'I never knew you. Depart from me, you evildoers.'
The next time that you open your mouth with a critical word, pause to reflect on how you deliver it. Constructive criticism is good. Be sure it constructive and not destructive. And, remember positive words build up. Just please be sure they are genuine and spoken from your heart and not empty flattery. The person on the receiving end will be able to discern.
Sometimes, our emotions get the most of us and before we know it the harsh words and statements are flying out of our mouths. What do we do? We don’t mean to hurt members of our family and our friends.
My reflective answer to that is, “It’s forgiveness time.” Time to apologize and ask for forgiveness. If we are on the receiving end, then we must forgive. You know the magic number, seventy-times seven. Peter queried Jesus over two thousand years ago. “Lord, how many times must we forgive? Three times? Then, Jesus hit him with the higher number answer. Seventy-times seven.
Forgiveness. Now that can bring about major change and conversion. But that’s a reflection for another day.
Bear good fruit and build the Kingdom of God.
May break my bones,.
But names will never
Hurt me.
NOT!
Growing up, I was on the receiving end of much name calling. I have to say that YES, the names did hurt. You don’t have to take my word for it. Just look at the Columbine incident and various other incidents in schools across America. The hurt of name calling was manifested by more hurt of school violence by those who were on the receiving end of those hurtful names. So much hate. So much hurt. Why?
Have you noticed how you felt when someone praised your work? How did you feel when they complemented you? Words and actions are powerful. They have the ability to tear down someone or build them up.
What would Jesus do? Let’s take a look.
Matthew 7:15-23
"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but underneath are ravenous wolves. By their fruits you will know them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Just so, every good tree bears good fruit, and a rotten tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a rotten tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. So by their fruits you will know them.
"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name? Did we not drive out demons in your name? Did we not do mighty deeds in your name?'
Then I will declare to them solemnly, 'I never knew you. Depart from me, you evildoers.'
The next time that you open your mouth with a critical word, pause to reflect on how you deliver it. Constructive criticism is good. Be sure it constructive and not destructive. And, remember positive words build up. Just please be sure they are genuine and spoken from your heart and not empty flattery. The person on the receiving end will be able to discern.
Sometimes, our emotions get the most of us and before we know it the harsh words and statements are flying out of our mouths. What do we do? We don’t mean to hurt members of our family and our friends.
My reflective answer to that is, “It’s forgiveness time.” Time to apologize and ask for forgiveness. If we are on the receiving end, then we must forgive. You know the magic number, seventy-times seven. Peter queried Jesus over two thousand years ago. “Lord, how many times must we forgive? Three times? Then, Jesus hit him with the higher number answer. Seventy-times seven.
Forgiveness. Now that can bring about major change and conversion. But that’s a reflection for another day.
Bear good fruit and build the Kingdom of God.
Of splinters and wooden beams
Today’s gospel reading from Matthew (7: 1-5) reminds us to “stop judging.” Jesus reminds us to remove the wooden beam from our eyes before we attempt to remove the splinter from our neighbor’s eye.
Let’s reflect on this a little. In order to remove something from our eye, we must look into a mirror. With the help of the reflection from the mirror, we are able to locate the foreign object and remove it from our eye.
Mirrors are unforgiving objects. Their reflection is always honest. As a result we see ourselves without the benefit of self improvement like make-up, hair-do, or a neat close shaved face.
I invite you to look into the mirror and look really close. Look into your eyes where you find the opening to the inside of yourself. Use the mirror to see that part of you. Notice what you find. Notice how you feel. Get to know the person in the mirror. Does the person in the mirror have a good relationship with God? Does the person in the mirror have a good relationship with self? With others?
Allow your mirror vision to examine your relationships? How are they? Need a little improvement? Is there something you can do for someone? Is there something you can do for God?
Maybe we need to do that more often---that is look into the mirror. If we looked into the mirror, and saw ourselves perhaps we would not judge others harshly. The quickness to judge others would be hastened by the person in the mirror.
Go ahead. Take a look.
Let’s reflect on this a little. In order to remove something from our eye, we must look into a mirror. With the help of the reflection from the mirror, we are able to locate the foreign object and remove it from our eye.
Mirrors are unforgiving objects. Their reflection is always honest. As a result we see ourselves without the benefit of self improvement like make-up, hair-do, or a neat close shaved face.
I invite you to look into the mirror and look really close. Look into your eyes where you find the opening to the inside of yourself. Use the mirror to see that part of you. Notice what you find. Notice how you feel. Get to know the person in the mirror. Does the person in the mirror have a good relationship with God? Does the person in the mirror have a good relationship with self? With others?
Allow your mirror vision to examine your relationships? How are they? Need a little improvement? Is there something you can do for someone? Is there something you can do for God?
Maybe we need to do that more often---that is look into the mirror. If we looked into the mirror, and saw ourselves perhaps we would not judge others harshly. The quickness to judge others would be hastened by the person in the mirror.
Go ahead. Take a look.
Thursday, June 01, 2006
Diversity
Through him
With him
And in him
In the unity of the Holy Spirit
All glory and honor is yours
Almighty Father
Forever and ever. Amen.
(doxology after the Eucharistic prayer)
In John 17, Jesus prays for his disciples, and he prays for us. He prayed, “so that they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us.” Continuing he prayed, “I have given them the glory you gave me, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may be brought to perfection as one, that the world may know that you sent me, and that you loved them even as you loved me.”
Jesus’ prayer is filled
with the hope of the unity
of all of us
of all the world.
Despite our differences
and in spite of our differences
that we may come together
in unity to live
as a community
of believers
who care for and love each other.
We have different gifts, different likes, different opinions, different religions, different cultures, different biologies. God made us a diverse world. If we can use our differences and come together to take care of each other, we would realize Christ’s hope, his dream. Jesus’ prayer would become reality, and we would all live in the Kingdom of God.
What does that "coming together as one" look like? Well, it begins with tolerance and understanding then grows into acceptance and love of others who are different than you. Can you embrace diversity?
That is what Christ prayed for and hoped for. That we would all be one. Can you do your part to make the Kingdom of God a reality?
With him
And in him
In the unity of the Holy Spirit
All glory and honor is yours
Almighty Father
Forever and ever. Amen.
(doxology after the Eucharistic prayer)
In John 17, Jesus prays for his disciples, and he prays for us. He prayed, “so that they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us.” Continuing he prayed, “I have given them the glory you gave me, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may be brought to perfection as one, that the world may know that you sent me, and that you loved them even as you loved me.”
Jesus’ prayer is filled
with the hope of the unity
of all of us
of all the world.
Despite our differences
and in spite of our differences
that we may come together
in unity to live
as a community
of believers
who care for and love each other.
We have different gifts, different likes, different opinions, different religions, different cultures, different biologies. God made us a diverse world. If we can use our differences and come together to take care of each other, we would realize Christ’s hope, his dream. Jesus’ prayer would become reality, and we would all live in the Kingdom of God.
What does that "coming together as one" look like? Well, it begins with tolerance and understanding then grows into acceptance and love of others who are different than you. Can you embrace diversity?
That is what Christ prayed for and hoped for. That we would all be one. Can you do your part to make the Kingdom of God a reality?
Friday, May 12, 2006
Experience
When we are given a taste of something like
Sickness, suffering or death of a loved one,
We learn how to give compassion.
When we experience prejudice,
We learn the importance of diversity,
And respect for the various gifts of others.
When we experience rejection and exclusion,
We learn to accept and love others
For whom they are and where they are.
When we experience betrayal by a friend,
We learn the importance of trust.
When we experience apathetic complacency,
We learn the importance of being engaged--
Physical, emotional, and spiritual support of others.
When we live what we learn from these experiences,
We live in right-relationship with God and others.
Sickness, suffering or death of a loved one,
We learn how to give compassion.
When we experience prejudice,
We learn the importance of diversity,
And respect for the various gifts of others.
When we experience rejection and exclusion,
We learn to accept and love others
For whom they are and where they are.
When we experience betrayal by a friend,
We learn the importance of trust.
When we experience apathetic complacency,
We learn the importance of being engaged--
Physical, emotional, and spiritual support of others.
When we live what we learn from these experiences,
We live in right-relationship with God and others.
Monday, April 17, 2006
His Holes make us whole
the holes in His hands and feet
help to make the holes
in our lives bearable.
God's love that allowed Jesus' holes
makes us whole.
help to make the holes
in our lives bearable.
God's love that allowed Jesus' holes
makes us whole.
Thursday, April 13, 2006
Holy Thursday
A full, yellow moon low on the horizon greeted me this morning. As I drove out of Gramercy to work, it came to rest right over my left shoulder. I felt drawn to prayer on this Holy Thursday, the beginning of the Christian High Holy Days of the Triduum.
I listened to music from Jesus Christ Superstar. I heard the new covenant initiation of the Lord’s Supper.
The yellow full moon was just about to disappear below the horizon when I switched my music to Godspell and listened to….
Where are you going? Where are going?
Can you take me with you? For my hand is cold and needs warmth.
Where are you going?
Just as the guitar strummed the next part of the song, I witnessed the sun peeping over the eastern horizon.
Far beyond, where the horizon lies, and the land sinks into mellow blueness,
Oh please, take me with you.
There on the I-10 driving into New Orleans, I knew the Spirit was with me and facilitating my prayer. As the sun chased the moon and the rhythms of the day turned into morning, I felt God.
Let me skip the road with you.
I can dare myself. I can dare myself.
I’ll put a pebble in my shoe.
And, watch me walk. I can walk. I can walk.
I agreed to walk and journey with Jesus through His Last Supper, Good Friday Sacrifice and on to His Resurrection. Won’t you journey, too? Together, we can make this prayer pilgrimage with Jesus.
Tonight, we will hear the gospel message of the Lord’s Supper. At our Holy Thursday liturgy, we will witness feet washing. If your feet do not have the opportunity to be washed by your priest, imagine Jesus washing your feet. Realize the responsibility and lesson Jesus teaches in the action of feet washing. Say “yes” to service to and for others. Say “yes” to being last so that others may be first. If you are already in ministry, recommit yourself to your ministry mission. If you are not yet in ministry, consider the call that your washed feet introduces to you; volunteer for some ministry in your parish.
And, at the end of the Holy Thursday liturgy, spend some time in silent prayer and reflection with Jesus. Watch and pray.
I listened to music from Jesus Christ Superstar. I heard the new covenant initiation of the Lord’s Supper.
The yellow full moon was just about to disappear below the horizon when I switched my music to Godspell and listened to….
Where are you going? Where are going?
Can you take me with you? For my hand is cold and needs warmth.
Where are you going?
Just as the guitar strummed the next part of the song, I witnessed the sun peeping over the eastern horizon.
Far beyond, where the horizon lies, and the land sinks into mellow blueness,
Oh please, take me with you.
There on the I-10 driving into New Orleans, I knew the Spirit was with me and facilitating my prayer. As the sun chased the moon and the rhythms of the day turned into morning, I felt God.
Let me skip the road with you.
I can dare myself. I can dare myself.
I’ll put a pebble in my shoe.
And, watch me walk. I can walk. I can walk.
I agreed to walk and journey with Jesus through His Last Supper, Good Friday Sacrifice and on to His Resurrection. Won’t you journey, too? Together, we can make this prayer pilgrimage with Jesus.
Tonight, we will hear the gospel message of the Lord’s Supper. At our Holy Thursday liturgy, we will witness feet washing. If your feet do not have the opportunity to be washed by your priest, imagine Jesus washing your feet. Realize the responsibility and lesson Jesus teaches in the action of feet washing. Say “yes” to service to and for others. Say “yes” to being last so that others may be first. If you are already in ministry, recommit yourself to your ministry mission. If you are not yet in ministry, consider the call that your washed feet introduces to you; volunteer for some ministry in your parish.
And, at the end of the Holy Thursday liturgy, spend some time in silent prayer and reflection with Jesus. Watch and pray.
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