Friday, November 23, 2012
The Friday AFTER Thanksgiving
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Today is Black Friday, which, more than any other day in American culture celebrates consumerism, and pressures us to buy and gives the reassurance that buying, for its own sake, is good. The stress of gift-buying can distract from our celebration of welcoming Christ into the world.
Jesus condemned the selling of goods within the temple area because it distracted from the temple’s intended purpose: prayer. As we transition from a day devoted to gratitude into the Advent season, let us strive to untangle our lives from the clutter of advertising and materialism. Let us purify our hearts to seek Christ and his teachings and to will peace and God’s presence to all we encounter this season.
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Blessings:
“O God, when I have food,
help me to remember the hungry;
When I have work,
help me to remember the jobless;
When I have a home,
help me to remember those
who have no home at all;
When I am without pain,
help me to remember those who suffer....
And remembering,
help me to destroy my complacency;
bestir my compassion,
and be concerned enough to help;
By word and deed,
those who cry out
for what we take for granted.
Amen.”
help me to remember the hungry;
When I have work,
help me to remember the jobless;
When I have a home,
help me to remember those
who have no home at all;
When I am without pain,
help me to remember those who suffer....
And remembering,
help me to destroy my complacency;
bestir my compassion,
and be concerned enough to help;
By word and deed,
those who cry out
for what we take for granted.
Amen.”
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Thanksgiving Day at St. Joseph's: 2012
Some of our volunteers:
Waiting to eat!
The serving line is ready:
Desserts waiting.
Half the Parish Hall:
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Don't know the final tally of those served but by 10:30 the number was already 500.
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Waiting to eat!
The serving line is ready:
Desserts waiting.
Half the Parish Hall:
.
Don't know the final tally of those served but by 10:30 the number was already 500.
.
Monday, November 19, 2012
A Home Blessing
They asked if they could have their Condo on Pensacola Beach blessed. I said, certainly. But, it'll cost ya. At least a sandwich.
But I got an entire meal with friends!
Howz that for an enjoyable afternoon.
Howz that for an enjoyable afternoon.
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Another thought for Thursday ... the 15th
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St Paul’s letter to Philimon verses 7-20
Luke’s Gospel chapter 17 verses 20-25
In today’s scripture reading, Jesus addresses, among other things, the apparently timeless desire to schedule things in advance, to know what to expect, to have a handle on what comes next. Speaking of the kingdom of God, Jesus could just as easily be talking about a baby not yet born or an expected shower to a farm area experiencing drought: when will it come and how will we see it is coming? Like an anticipated childbirth or rainstorm, the kingdom of God coming at the wrong time could certainly be a problem for the unprepared.
So, not to be caught off guard, how do we remain ready at all times? Do we live at church and go to confession everyday? Does perpetual readiness mean burning out from staying awake day after day? Should we imperil our own health by constant acts of self-sacrifice and never resting?
Certainly it is good to attend to the spiritual practices that nourish the soul – partaking regularly of the sacraments, making amends whenever wrong has been done, nurturing a regular habit of making time for God in prayer and service to neighbors in need – but is that what Jesus is saying?
I can say with great conviction that peace and perpetual readiness come not from having things happen as expected but rather from a discipline of gratitude that helps us see God’s kingdom breaking forth around us right now.
If we cultivate the ability to see God acting in the midst of our brokenness now, regardless of when the baby or the rains come, then our awareness of God’s love for us as we are will help us to be ready all the time.
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St Paul’s letter to Philimon verses 7-20
Luke’s Gospel chapter 17 verses 20-25
In today’s scripture reading, Jesus addresses, among other things, the apparently timeless desire to schedule things in advance, to know what to expect, to have a handle on what comes next. Speaking of the kingdom of God, Jesus could just as easily be talking about a baby not yet born or an expected shower to a farm area experiencing drought: when will it come and how will we see it is coming? Like an anticipated childbirth or rainstorm, the kingdom of God coming at the wrong time could certainly be a problem for the unprepared.
So, not to be caught off guard, how do we remain ready at all times? Do we live at church and go to confession everyday? Does perpetual readiness mean burning out from staying awake day after day? Should we imperil our own health by constant acts of self-sacrifice and never resting?
Certainly it is good to attend to the spiritual practices that nourish the soul – partaking regularly of the sacraments, making amends whenever wrong has been done, nurturing a regular habit of making time for God in prayer and service to neighbors in need – but is that what Jesus is saying?
I can say with great conviction that peace and perpetual readiness come not from having things happen as expected but rather from a discipline of gratitude that helps us see God’s kingdom breaking forth around us right now.
If we cultivate the ability to see God acting in the midst of our brokenness now, regardless of when the baby or the rains come, then our awareness of God’s love for us as we are will help us to be ready all the time.
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Tuesday, November 13, 2012
You have an elderly family member? Read this:
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Pope Benedict visits a home for the Elderly in Rome...
Presenting himself as “an elderly man visiting his peers”, Pope Benedict XVI visited a Rome residence for the elderly yesterday, urging the residents to see their age as a sign of God’s blessing and urging society to value their presence and wisdom.
“Though I know the difficulties that come with being our age, I want to say, it’s wonderful being old,” the 85-year-old Pope said during a morning visit to the residence run by the lay Community of Sant’Egidio.
The residence includes apartments for independent living as well as rooms for those requiring more skilled care. Younger members of the Sant’Egidio Community give their time assisting with and visiting the residents, who include an elderly couple from Haiti whose home was destroyed in the 2010 earthquake.
Walking with his white-handled black cane, the Pope visited several of the residents in their rooms and apartments before addressing them and members of Sant’Egidio in the garden.
One of the residents, 91-year-old Enrichetta Vitali, told the Pope: “I don’t eat so much anymore, but prayer is my nourishment.” She asked the Pope to “pray that I don’t lose my memory so I can keep remembering people in my prayers”.
The Pope told those gathered at the residence on the Janiculum Hill that in the Bible a long life is considered a blessing from God, but often today society, which is “dominated by the logic of efficiency and profit, doesn’t welcome it as such”.
“I think we need a greater commitment, beginning with families and public institutions, to ensure the elderly can stay in their homes” and that they can pass on their wisdom to younger generations.
“The quality of a society or civilisation can be judged by how it treats the elderly,” he said.
Pope Benedict also insisted on recognition of the dignity and value of all human life, even when “it becomes fragile in the years of old age”.
“One who makes room for the elderly, makes room for life,” the pope said. “One who welcomes the elderly, welcomes life.”
The Pope told the residents that he knows the aged face difficulties, especially in countries where the global economic crisis has hit hard. And, he said, the elderly can be tempted to long for the past when they had more energy and were full of plans for the future.
However, the Pope said, “life is wonderful even at our age, despite the aches and pains and some limitations”, he said.
“At our age, we often have the experience of needing other’s help, and this happens to the Pope as well,” he told the residents.
Pope Benedict said they need to see the help they require as a gift of God, “because it is a grace to be supported and accompanied and to feel the affection of others”.
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Pope Benedict visits a home for the Elderly in Rome...
Presenting himself as “an elderly man visiting his peers”, Pope Benedict XVI visited a Rome residence for the elderly yesterday, urging the residents to see their age as a sign of God’s blessing and urging society to value their presence and wisdom.
“Though I know the difficulties that come with being our age, I want to say, it’s wonderful being old,” the 85-year-old Pope said during a morning visit to the residence run by the lay Community of Sant’Egidio.
The residence includes apartments for independent living as well as rooms for those requiring more skilled care. Younger members of the Sant’Egidio Community give their time assisting with and visiting the residents, who include an elderly couple from Haiti whose home was destroyed in the 2010 earthquake.
Walking with his white-handled black cane, the Pope visited several of the residents in their rooms and apartments before addressing them and members of Sant’Egidio in the garden.
One of the residents, 91-year-old Enrichetta Vitali, told the Pope: “I don’t eat so much anymore, but prayer is my nourishment.” She asked the Pope to “pray that I don’t lose my memory so I can keep remembering people in my prayers”.
The Pope told those gathered at the residence on the Janiculum Hill that in the Bible a long life is considered a blessing from God, but often today society, which is “dominated by the logic of efficiency and profit, doesn’t welcome it as such”.
“I think we need a greater commitment, beginning with families and public institutions, to ensure the elderly can stay in their homes” and that they can pass on their wisdom to younger generations.
“The quality of a society or civilisation can be judged by how it treats the elderly,” he said.
Pope Benedict also insisted on recognition of the dignity and value of all human life, even when “it becomes fragile in the years of old age”.
“One who makes room for the elderly, makes room for life,” the pope said. “One who welcomes the elderly, welcomes life.”
The Pope told the residents that he knows the aged face difficulties, especially in countries where the global economic crisis has hit hard. And, he said, the elderly can be tempted to long for the past when they had more energy and were full of plans for the future.
However, the Pope said, “life is wonderful even at our age, despite the aches and pains and some limitations”, he said.
“At our age, we often have the experience of needing other’s help, and this happens to the Pope as well,” he told the residents.
Pope Benedict said they need to see the help they require as a gift of God, “because it is a grace to be supported and accompanied and to feel the affection of others”.
.
Another thought for ... Tuesday the 13th
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Based in Luke 17:7-10
Today is also the feast day of St. Frances Cabrini
- the first canonized American citizen
Notre Dame University is competitive. They want to be the best Catholic university, have the best students and professors, the best halls, the best teams, the best alumni—whatever best may mean. This ethos and effort usually is recognized through accolades: high standing in the US News & World Report’s College Rankings; making the Dean’s List; earning the “hall of the year”; championships; mention in Notre Dame Magazine. Often enough our competitiveness and merits bear worthy fruit; however, when we are honest, it can also breed arrogance, entitlement, and even violence.
This phenomenon, of course, is not particular to Notre Dame. Scripture and experience tells us that it is part of the human condition. Oftentimes we think too highly of ourselves and act as if we are gods. Even some modern church songs almost seem to suggest that God is so very fortunate to have us. Today’s passage from Luke reminds us to remember who we ultimately are; it bursts our balloons of delusion. We are not gods; rather, we are so very contingent. We and our nations, universities, halls, and teams rise and fall and eventually die.
During our earthly pilgrimage, God calls us to be God’s faithful servants—that is ultimate. In doing so, we are not entitled to seek position, prestige, or any type of merit based on what we do to fulfill that call. It is not a competition. It does not make us worthy to lay claim to God’s love. God’s loving presence—grace—is absolute gift.
.
Based in Luke 17:7-10
Today is also the feast day of St. Frances Cabrini
- the first canonized American citizen
Notre Dame University is competitive. They want to be the best Catholic university, have the best students and professors, the best halls, the best teams, the best alumni—whatever best may mean. This ethos and effort usually is recognized through accolades: high standing in the US News & World Report’s College Rankings; making the Dean’s List; earning the “hall of the year”; championships; mention in Notre Dame Magazine. Often enough our competitiveness and merits bear worthy fruit; however, when we are honest, it can also breed arrogance, entitlement, and even violence.
This phenomenon, of course, is not particular to Notre Dame. Scripture and experience tells us that it is part of the human condition. Oftentimes we think too highly of ourselves and act as if we are gods. Even some modern church songs almost seem to suggest that God is so very fortunate to have us. Today’s passage from Luke reminds us to remember who we ultimately are; it bursts our balloons of delusion. We are not gods; rather, we are so very contingent. We and our nations, universities, halls, and teams rise and fall and eventually die.
During our earthly pilgrimage, God calls us to be God’s faithful servants—that is ultimate. In doing so, we are not entitled to seek position, prestige, or any type of merit based on what we do to fulfill that call. It is not a competition. It does not make us worthy to lay claim to God’s love. God’s loving presence—grace—is absolute gift.
.
Monday, November 12, 2012
Thanks to our Veterans:
Remembering in our prayers all of the men and women who have given of themselves to serve and protect our country. We thank you for your service. God bless America.
Another thought for ... Monday the 12th
Lead them not into temptation
The notion of temptation may sound a bit old-fashioned these days when consumer culture hypes many of the seven deadly sins as virtues: “Grab what you can! Wolf it down! Indulge your fantasies!” What seems to be missing is a sense of the damage we cause ourselves when we let temptation be our guide. Worse yet is leading another down the wrong road. Jesus warned about that in vivid language his audience would understand. They had millstones in their homes for grinding and knew how heavy they were. His message? If despite all warnings you choose to drown in your own desires, by all means don’t take anyone else down with you!
Today's readings: Titus 1:1-9; Luke 17:1-6 (491)
“It would be better for him if a millstone were put around his neck and he be thrown into the sea ...”
The notion of temptation may sound a bit old-fashioned these days when consumer culture hypes many of the seven deadly sins as virtues: “Grab what you can! Wolf it down! Indulge your fantasies!” What seems to be missing is a sense of the damage we cause ourselves when we let temptation be our guide. Worse yet is leading another down the wrong road. Jesus warned about that in vivid language his audience would understand. They had millstones in their homes for grinding and knew how heavy they were. His message? If despite all warnings you choose to drown in your own desires, by all means don’t take anyone else down with you!
Today's readings: Titus 1:1-9; Luke 17:1-6 (491)
“It would be better for him if a millstone were put around his neck and he be thrown into the sea ...”
Saturday, November 10, 2012
so many desserts, so little time -
Our Horse Carriage driver directed us to this food mall under the Plaza Hotel. So glad he did. You gotta go there.
The "Freedom Tower" rises into the sky:
You can see the clouds reflected in the windows:
The "Freedom Tower" relected in these windows:
The "Freedom Tower" relected in these windows:
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