Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Respect Life Sunday
In preparation for Respect Life Sunday, a statement by Cardinal Justin Rigali. It is always difficult that our priests do not preach on this topic. I am never sure why as it seems to me the issue of respecting all life and taking care of the life we have been given is essential to all we believe as Catholics. Am I being naive?
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Interesting Websites
The post "Sunday Mass" comes from this site, Seasoned Spirituality. It has homilies, booklets you can print out, the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises, and more.
There is a brand new website for all things pertaining to the rosary, called, appropriately enough, Rosary.com. You can purchase rosaries, read stories and testimonials, learn how to pray the rosary or make a rosary.
Steve Ray consolidated his many sites and his blog into one handy location, Defenders of the Faith.
If you'd like daily reflections on the day's readings, go on over to Presentation Ministries. I used to get a print copy of One Bread, One Body for years. Now it comes directly to my in-box.
There is a brand new website for all things pertaining to the rosary, called, appropriately enough, Rosary.com. You can purchase rosaries, read stories and testimonials, learn how to pray the rosary or make a rosary.
Steve Ray consolidated his many sites and his blog into one handy location, Defenders of the Faith.
If you'd like daily reflections on the day's readings, go on over to Presentation Ministries. I used to get a print copy of One Bread, One Body for years. Now it comes directly to my in-box.
Sunday's Gospel
John said to him, "Teacher, we saw someone driving out demons in your name, and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow us." Jesus replied, "Do not prevent him. There is no one who performs a mighty deed in my name who can at the same time speak ill of me. For whoever is not against us is for us. Anyone who gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ, amen, I say to you, will surely not lose his reward. "Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe (in me) to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were put around his neck and he were thrown into the sea. If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed than with two hands to go into Gehenna, into the unquenchable fire. And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life crippled than with two feet to be thrown into Gehenna. And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. Better for you to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into Gehenna, where 'their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.'
So, what do you think about that?! I pondered this Gospel for a few days, and one night, in my insomnia, I cried out to God and in the morning he answered me with this:
What is causing you to sin? Not your hand, or foot or eye; rather, it is your actions or inaction that cause sin. So, the question is what needs to be cut off or out in your life? Is it food, drink, selfishness, drugs, sex, pornography, greed, idolatry, envy, the list contains as many possibilities as people in the world.
In order to learn what we need to rid ourselves of, we must go to the Lord in prayer and a sincere heart to be open to what he tells us. Change is never easy, but if we allow God to gently rid us of our sins, then we will be filled with his mercy and peace.
Jesus is reminding us that our goal is heaven and to reach it we must exert some effort. He is also clear that to enter, one must be pure.
So, what do you think about that?! I pondered this Gospel for a few days, and one night, in my insomnia, I cried out to God and in the morning he answered me with this:
What is causing you to sin? Not your hand, or foot or eye; rather, it is your actions or inaction that cause sin. So, the question is what needs to be cut off or out in your life? Is it food, drink, selfishness, drugs, sex, pornography, greed, idolatry, envy, the list contains as many possibilities as people in the world.
In order to learn what we need to rid ourselves of, we must go to the Lord in prayer and a sincere heart to be open to what he tells us. Change is never easy, but if we allow God to gently rid us of our sins, then we will be filled with his mercy and peace.
Jesus is reminding us that our goal is heaven and to reach it we must exert some effort. He is also clear that to enter, one must be pure.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Don't be Late
Priest's Retirement Dinner
A priest was being honored at his retirement dinner after 35 years in the parish. A leading local politician and member of the congregation was chosen to make the presentation and to give a little speech at the dinner. However, he was delayed, so the Priest decided to say his own few words while they waited: 'I got my first impression of the parish from the first confession I heard here. I thought I had been assigned to a terrible place. The very first person who entered my confessional told me he had stolen a television set and, when questioned by the police, was able to lie his way out of it. He had stolen money from his parents, embezzled from his employer, had an affair with his boss's wife, taken illegal drugs, and gave VD to his neighbor's wife. I was appalled. But as the days went on I learned that my people were not all like that and I had, indeed, come to a fine parish full of good and loving people.'...Just as the Priest finished his talk, the politician arrived full of apologies at being late. He immediately began to make the presentation and gave his talk: 'I'll never forget the first day our parish Priest arrived,' said the politician. 'In fact, I had the honour of being the first person to go to him for confession.'
A priest was being honored at his retirement dinner after 35 years in the parish. A leading local politician and member of the congregation was chosen to make the presentation and to give a little speech at the dinner. However, he was delayed, so the Priest decided to say his own few words while they waited: 'I got my first impression of the parish from the first confession I heard here. I thought I had been assigned to a terrible place. The very first person who entered my confessional told me he had stolen a television set and, when questioned by the police, was able to lie his way out of it. He had stolen money from his parents, embezzled from his employer, had an affair with his boss's wife, taken illegal drugs, and gave VD to his neighbor's wife. I was appalled. But as the days went on I learned that my people were not all like that and I had, indeed, come to a fine parish full of good and loving people.'...Just as the Priest finished his talk, the politician arrived full of apologies at being late. He immediately began to make the presentation and gave his talk: 'I'll never forget the first day our parish Priest arrived,' said the politician. 'In fact, I had the honour of being the first person to go to him for confession.'
Monday, September 21, 2009
Sunday Mass by Fr. Kissinger
This found its way to my inbox today. I was quite moved by it and would like to give it to many, many people. I'll start here and see what happens. It is not copyrighted per the email.
Sunday Mass is the heart of Catholicism. Yet, there has been a dramatic drop in attendance at Sunday Mass. Recent polls indicate that less than 50% of Catholics go to Mass on Sunday. In the past, the word that Catholics dreaded to hear most was “excommunicated.” Today they “excommunicate” themselves; they refuse to go to Mass. Some say they get nothing out of it; the homilies are boring. Others want to know if they have an obligation to go to Sunday Mass. What can we say to these people, some of whom are our relatives and good friends? I have thought of this for some time now and offer these thoughts for your consideration.
Why should you go to Mass on Sunday? You say you are a Catholic. Sunday Mass is the very heart of Catholicism. You believe in Jesus. You want to do the will of Jesus. Well, this is the will of Jesus. You say you love Jesus. Jesus said, “If you love me keep my commandments.” This is the command of Jesus. “Do this in memory of me…For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup you proclaim the death of the Lord till he comes.” (1Cor. 11: 24-26) Are you really a Catholic?
Why should you go to Mass on Sunday? Mary is “our tainted nature’s solitary boast,” the “Immaculate Exception.” So you are a sinner. You are a sinner actually in the past, potentially in the future and you carry this treasure is a very fragile vessel. You need a savior. You need salvation. Here is the one and only Savior and the very act by which you are saved, re-presented now sacramentally, so that you can participate in it. And you want to know if you have to do this?
Why should you go to Mass on Sunday? You started out as zero, zip, nada. You are a conglomeration of the gifts of God. All that you have, all that you are, all that you will ever be is a spin-off from the reality that God loves you. “What do you have that you have not received?” You should be grateful for all God has done for you. Here is the Eucharist which is the greatest act of thanksgiving. Have you fallen in love with the gifts and forgotten all about the Giver? As the poet said, “Ingratitude the most unkindest cut of all.” And you call yourself a Catholic?
Why should you go to Mass on Sunday? The first and most powerful instinct in every human being is self preservation. With all the powers of our being we want to live. Yet we know we have to die. The Eucharist is the pledge of your resurrection. “I am the resurrection and the life…Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life and I will raise him up on the last day.” (John 6:54) “Eat, drink and be merry” for tomorrow we die and live with the risen Jesus.
Why should you go to Mass on Sunday? In Baptism we forge not only a personal relationship with the Lord but also become a member of the Christian community, the Mystical Body of Jesus, the People of God. To believe is to belong. The Sunday Mass is the celebration of the presence of the Living God in the midst of His people. It is a powerful and essential support group for Christian life in a counter-Christian culture. The Eucharist is the source and sign of unity and community. This is one of the great tragedies today. Young people think that they can become themselves by breaking away from their family, church and even country and manufacture their identity on their own. They do not realize that they are turning away from the very things that give them substance and identity. So they end up with no roots, no identity, now knowing who they are, where they came from and where they are going.
Why should you go to Mass on Sunday? Our Lord first called his followers as disciples, “Come follow me.” And then he sent them out as apostles, “Go into the whole world and make disciples of all nations.” This is the dynamic of Catholicism. This intake and output, this discipleship and apostolate is realized in the Mass. We assemble as disciples to hear the Word of God in the Scripture and to receive the Word of God in the Eucharist. Then we leave the Mass as apostles to proclaim the Good News by our lives and to heal with our love.
Why should you go to Mass on Sunday? Sunday Mass continues the two-fold mission of Jesus to proclaim the Good News and heal the sick. The Liturgy of the Word proclaims the Good News and the Liturgy of the Eucharist heals. If simply touching the hem of Jesus’ garment could heal, what healing must take place when you receive his Body and Blood.
But you say, “I don’t feel like going to Mass.” The two disciples on the road to Emmaus didn’t feel like believing in Jesus they felt that it was all over so they were getting out of town. Then this stranger walks along with them. They feel their hearts burning as he opens the Scripture to them and then they recognize Jesus in “the breaking of the bread.” They turn around and return to Jerusalem to proclaim the Good News. Even if you do not feel like it go to Sunday Mass, your heart may burn also as they open the Scriptures in the Liturgy of the Word and perhaps you will recognize Jesus in “the breaking of bread,” in the Liturgy of the Eucharist and you will turn around and return to the Church to proclaim the Good News to those others who do not feel like going to Mass.
How strange then to hear people ask, “Is there an obligation to go to Mass on Sunday?”
“Obligation?” You have to be kidding. We’re talking about privilege. If it is an obligation that will determine whether or not you go to Mass on Sunday forget the obligation. That is not your problem. You have a greater problem than that. Your problem is faith. You just don’t believe. You’re not a Catholic.
Sunday Mass is the heart of Catholicism. Yet, there has been a dramatic drop in attendance at Sunday Mass. Recent polls indicate that less than 50% of Catholics go to Mass on Sunday. In the past, the word that Catholics dreaded to hear most was “excommunicated.” Today they “excommunicate” themselves; they refuse to go to Mass. Some say they get nothing out of it; the homilies are boring. Others want to know if they have an obligation to go to Sunday Mass. What can we say to these people, some of whom are our relatives and good friends? I have thought of this for some time now and offer these thoughts for your consideration.
Why should you go to Mass on Sunday? You say you are a Catholic. Sunday Mass is the very heart of Catholicism. You believe in Jesus. You want to do the will of Jesus. Well, this is the will of Jesus. You say you love Jesus. Jesus said, “If you love me keep my commandments.” This is the command of Jesus. “Do this in memory of me…For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup you proclaim the death of the Lord till he comes.” (1Cor. 11: 24-26) Are you really a Catholic?
Why should you go to Mass on Sunday? Mary is “our tainted nature’s solitary boast,” the “Immaculate Exception.” So you are a sinner. You are a sinner actually in the past, potentially in the future and you carry this treasure is a very fragile vessel. You need a savior. You need salvation. Here is the one and only Savior and the very act by which you are saved, re-presented now sacramentally, so that you can participate in it. And you want to know if you have to do this?
Why should you go to Mass on Sunday? You started out as zero, zip, nada. You are a conglomeration of the gifts of God. All that you have, all that you are, all that you will ever be is a spin-off from the reality that God loves you. “What do you have that you have not received?” You should be grateful for all God has done for you. Here is the Eucharist which is the greatest act of thanksgiving. Have you fallen in love with the gifts and forgotten all about the Giver? As the poet said, “Ingratitude the most unkindest cut of all.” And you call yourself a Catholic?
Why should you go to Mass on Sunday? The first and most powerful instinct in every human being is self preservation. With all the powers of our being we want to live. Yet we know we have to die. The Eucharist is the pledge of your resurrection. “I am the resurrection and the life…Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life and I will raise him up on the last day.” (John 6:54) “Eat, drink and be merry” for tomorrow we die and live with the risen Jesus.
Why should you go to Mass on Sunday? In Baptism we forge not only a personal relationship with the Lord but also become a member of the Christian community, the Mystical Body of Jesus, the People of God. To believe is to belong. The Sunday Mass is the celebration of the presence of the Living God in the midst of His people. It is a powerful and essential support group for Christian life in a counter-Christian culture. The Eucharist is the source and sign of unity and community. This is one of the great tragedies today. Young people think that they can become themselves by breaking away from their family, church and even country and manufacture their identity on their own. They do not realize that they are turning away from the very things that give them substance and identity. So they end up with no roots, no identity, now knowing who they are, where they came from and where they are going.
Why should you go to Mass on Sunday? Our Lord first called his followers as disciples, “Come follow me.” And then he sent them out as apostles, “Go into the whole world and make disciples of all nations.” This is the dynamic of Catholicism. This intake and output, this discipleship and apostolate is realized in the Mass. We assemble as disciples to hear the Word of God in the Scripture and to receive the Word of God in the Eucharist. Then we leave the Mass as apostles to proclaim the Good News by our lives and to heal with our love.
Why should you go to Mass on Sunday? Sunday Mass continues the two-fold mission of Jesus to proclaim the Good News and heal the sick. The Liturgy of the Word proclaims the Good News and the Liturgy of the Eucharist heals. If simply touching the hem of Jesus’ garment could heal, what healing must take place when you receive his Body and Blood.
But you say, “I don’t feel like going to Mass.” The two disciples on the road to Emmaus didn’t feel like believing in Jesus they felt that it was all over so they were getting out of town. Then this stranger walks along with them. They feel their hearts burning as he opens the Scripture to them and then they recognize Jesus in “the breaking of the bread.” They turn around and return to Jerusalem to proclaim the Good News. Even if you do not feel like it go to Sunday Mass, your heart may burn also as they open the Scriptures in the Liturgy of the Word and perhaps you will recognize Jesus in “the breaking of bread,” in the Liturgy of the Eucharist and you will turn around and return to the Church to proclaim the Good News to those others who do not feel like going to Mass.
How strange then to hear people ask, “Is there an obligation to go to Mass on Sunday?”
“Obligation?” You have to be kidding. We’re talking about privilege. If it is an obligation that will determine whether or not you go to Mass on Sunday forget the obligation. That is not your problem. You have a greater problem than that. Your problem is faith. You just don’t believe. You’re not a Catholic.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Memo from God
To: YOU
Date: TODAY
From: GOD
Subject: YOURSELF
Reference: LIFE
This is God.
Today I will be handling all of your problems for you. I do not need your help. So, have a nice day. I love you. And, remember.... If life happens to deliver a situation to you that you cannot handle, do not attempt to resolve it yourself! Kindly put it in the SFGTD (something for God to do) box. I will get to it in MY TIME. All situations will be resolved, but in my time, not yours. Once the matter is placed into the box, do not hold onto it by worrying about it. Instead, focus on all the wonderful things that are present in your life now. Now, you have a nice day.
God
Thanks to my friend who sent this to me! It's an old memo, but always true.
Date: TODAY
From: GOD
Subject: YOURSELF
Reference: LIFE
This is God.
Today I will be handling all of your problems for you. I do not need your help. So, have a nice day. I love you. And, remember.... If life happens to deliver a situation to you that you cannot handle, do not attempt to resolve it yourself! Kindly put it in the SFGTD (something for God to do) box. I will get to it in MY TIME. All situations will be resolved, but in my time, not yours. Once the matter is placed into the box, do not hold onto it by worrying about it. Instead, focus on all the wonderful things that are present in your life now. Now, you have a nice day.
God
Thanks to my friend who sent this to me! It's an old memo, but always true.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Prayers
In my business, that is church business, I usually hear more than my fair share of bad news about the goings on in people's lives. It comes with the territory. This past month though, most of this bad news is about my friends. People I know and love and are very dear to me. It is not as easy to simply say I'll pray for you when it is a friend. I try to offer up my daily communion for someone who is in need of prayer and strength. Lately I can't decide who needs it the most. So, I ask you to pray with me for these people and their needs:
D- who starts chemo tomorrow, her second bout of cancer
Y- for remission of cancer
N- who is recovering from surgery
T - who is getting her tonsils removed
T- who is having her deviated septum fixed and sinuses cleaned out
B- and her family as they bury her dad
B- for a new job
T- who is pregnant
all the unemployed
our office staff
and lastly my husband and me as we start a new business venture.
D- who starts chemo tomorrow, her second bout of cancer
Y- for remission of cancer
N- who is recovering from surgery
T - who is getting her tonsils removed
T- who is having her deviated septum fixed and sinuses cleaned out
B- and her family as they bury her dad
B- for a new job
T- who is pregnant
all the unemployed
our office staff
and lastly my husband and me as we start a new business venture.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Adoration
Since I am in charge of planning 40 Hours, I've been thinking about what people need when they go to adoration. I leave rosaries out along with How to pamphlets on the rosary and Divine Mercy Chaplet. Then I have this neat little handout on How to Pray a Holy Hour which I copy and leave out for people to take. A few months ago I also left prayer booklets and books with Eucharistic meditations, those were often taken by people when they left, so this time around I have fewer spiritual aids.
I know what I like to bring with me whenever I go. My journal, bible, iPod for music, rosary, and chaplet, and a sweatshirt. Sometimes I bring a book to read or a bible study to work on. When I go with my husband, we usually pray the rosary together with earphones so we don;t disturb others. Then we each have time for our personal prayers and readings. I like to pray the rosary first, to settle myself down. Then I pray quietly, write in my journal and read. I like to sit on the floor, as close as possible to the monstrance and just soak up all the grace from being in his presence.
I like to go at least once a week. It is so calming. When I can't get to an adoration chapel, I go to our chapel and sit before the tabernacle. It is truly the most satisfying prayer time.
I know what I like to bring with me whenever I go. My journal, bible, iPod for music, rosary, and chaplet, and a sweatshirt. Sometimes I bring a book to read or a bible study to work on. When I go with my husband, we usually pray the rosary together with earphones so we don;t disturb others. Then we each have time for our personal prayers and readings. I like to pray the rosary first, to settle myself down. Then I pray quietly, write in my journal and read. I like to sit on the floor, as close as possible to the monstrance and just soak up all the grace from being in his presence.
I like to go at least once a week. It is so calming. When I can't get to an adoration chapel, I go to our chapel and sit before the tabernacle. It is truly the most satisfying prayer time.
40 Hours Devotion
We are again having 40 Hours in our parish this week. It is so wonderful to know that people are praying before the Blessed Sacrament in our chapel. I was there this morning and then later this evening. Each time there are many more people than those who signed up. My husband and I are going at 4 am. I can't wait.
Tonight we also had Exalt as part of the devotion. This is a time of praise and worship, teaching and then adoration especially for the teens of our parish. Sadly, not many attend. And there was literally no time of silence. During adoration time, there was music or guided meditation. How do we teach teens to be still and listen when there is no quiet?
We close tomorrow night with Mass at 7 pm. I hope it is better attended than the opening Mass.
Tonight we also had Exalt as part of the devotion. This is a time of praise and worship, teaching and then adoration especially for the teens of our parish. Sadly, not many attend. And there was literally no time of silence. During adoration time, there was music or guided meditation. How do we teach teens to be still and listen when there is no quiet?
We close tomorrow night with Mass at 7 pm. I hope it is better attended than the opening Mass.
Snake
I read many blogs where folks live out in the country or have pets as well as little children. Little children and pets provide entertainment and fodder for amusing posts. I have no such fodder. But I did come into contact with a snake in my office a few weeks ago.
I was just locking up at about 8:15 pm and as I walked into my office I saw something odd outside the youth minister's door. As I walked toward it, it slithered under the door. It was a snake! So, I called a co-worker and told her to come with a shovel so I could kill the snake. Yes, kill it. She arrived five minutes later with her teenage son and a pillowcase. Apparently, killing the snake was no longer the plan. We would catch it and then set it free. Which is what we did, eventually.
We told our boss today, aka our pastor, he didn't really believe us. Oh well. Somewhere there are pictures to prove it.
I was just locking up at about 8:15 pm and as I walked into my office I saw something odd outside the youth minister's door. As I walked toward it, it slithered under the door. It was a snake! So, I called a co-worker and told her to come with a shovel so I could kill the snake. Yes, kill it. She arrived five minutes later with her teenage son and a pillowcase. Apparently, killing the snake was no longer the plan. We would catch it and then set it free. Which is what we did, eventually.
We told our boss today, aka our pastor, he didn't really believe us. Oh well. Somewhere there are pictures to prove it.
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