Saints Alive

When we hear the word "saint", we are often drawn to recall people who lived in a holy and virtuous manner. How many saints can you name? Consider the saints whose names adorn a local school or your own parish. Perhaps a street near you has been named after such an exemplary person. Maybe you share your name with that of a saint.

On All Saints Day we are called to remember these saints and to take time to reflect on the lessons and examples that their lives have for us.

Most of these saints lived in an age that is very remote from our current 24/7, technology enabled world. What virtues can we derive from the examples of saints? How can we translate these to our modern lives?

Take a moment to consider the people we have encountered on our earthly journey. A neighbour who is ecologically aware, may be living as a modern St. Francis. Do you have a friend whose understanding, wisdom and compassion reminds you of St. Elizabeth who welcomed the expectant Virgin Mary? Perhaps you know someone whose remarkable devotion to God and eagerness to do little things recalls the life of St. Theresa of Lisieux?

The saints of days long ago and the modern saints who grace our daily lives offer God's light to us, if we only have the eyes to see.

On All Saints Day, take a little time to reflect on the lives of the saints. How you can model your life after theirs? Perhaps to someone, you can be a living example of modern sainthood.

All Hallow's Eve

This is an exciting day in our household. The pumpkin is carved, the eerie decorations are poised to scare and the treats await the young who will grace our doorstep.

For one day, it is acceptable to be anything you want to be. A knight in shining amour, a princess, a clown or a witch; you name it, you can be it. Children go door to door saying "Trick or Treat" and collecting goodies.

In days of old, the purpose of All Hallow's Eve, October 31, was to chase away evil spirits before we enter into the month of November. Bonfires were lit. People wore masks to scare away ghosts and goblins. This was serious business because the next day is all Saints Day. The day we remember the lives of holy people who graced this world before us. The Saints whose lived examples can lead us to a more intimate relationship with the Father.

All Saints Day was once a Holy Day of Obligation. Children did not attend school on that day. Sadly, all this is lost in modern North American Culture.

An interesting article from AmericanCatholic.org, How Halloween can Be Redeemed, has prompted me to reflect on how our culture has adapted and commercialized yet another religious based holiday.

Take a little time to reflect on the true reasons for this night of activity. On an evening when you can be anything you want to be, consider dressing up like your favorite saint. Maybe then on the next day, we can all try to be a little more saint-like too.

Consequences

I was having dinner with some friends last night. I love such opportunities to spend time with real families, including the real possibility of life happening right before our eyes. As the plates of pasta were served, one of the children made it abundantly clear that he was not impressed with the choice of the particular pasta that was prepared.

At first the parents tried their best to reason with him (the child in question is old enough to make decisions for himself, and is more than capable of reasoning rationally), but no amount of talking would convince him that this type of pasta was as edible or could be just as enjoyable as another. He chose to quietly munch away at some bread, but hardly touched his food.

Some parents might allow him to get away with this; not these ones. Both mom and dad noticed that his dish was still rather full, and the comment was made that if he would have to finish the meal or else he was not going to receive any dessert. Worse yet, if he was hungry after the meal was complete, the same plate of pasta would be waiting, and any leftovers would also be sent to school tomorrow for lunch.

Consequences are a good thing, and consistency is more important than you might think when it comes to disciplining. My parents taught me that lesson, and I sometimes shake my head when I see how many parents today don't stick to their guns when it comes to this rather unpleasant part of parenting.

In the realm of relationships, discipline can often teach us much more about ourselves and the way we nurture friendships. When God disciplines, the consequences are sometimes truly unpleasant, but the result is always a discipline that calls us into closer intimacy. I think that deep down, that's the aim of all our relationships.

How often do we look back, even many years later, and remember the moments of discipline as times when we were actually bonded even closer with those we love?

The Parent

This weekend I was privileged to sit with a friend at a sporting event as she watched her child perform a routine before a panel of judges. I joined in her anxiety during the performance. When the routine ended, with a deep exhalation, she murmured, "I can breathe again!" Those of us who shared that moment, giggled as we identified with the feeling.

I wonder if our God, our Father, feels the same way sometimes. When we approach moments in our lives when the decision that we are about to make, may impact the next hours, weeks or years, does God hold His breath in anticipation?

As a parent, I know that I share the anxieties, fears and joys of my own children. I delight when wonderful things happen. I cry with them in times of sorrow. My own parents did the same with me.

Our Father has known us before we were born. He knows our hearts and our minds. He is a parent to each of us in very profound ways.

As we face troubling times, He is there for us. Picture God, our Father, watching us with the confidence of a parent who has prepared His child to face the difficulties. Like a good parent, He is holding His breath while we ponder decisions that face us. Imagine His delight, when we turn to Him for guidance or assistance.

Next time a challenge presents itself, remember that our Father is holding His breath with you and for you. Consider inviting God, our Father, to guide you through.

Curses

And blessings….

Do you know what day this is? October 24, yes, but more signficantly it marks two months until Christmas eve.

Red and green items already adorn shelves next to the orange and black of Hallowe'en. Marketers are actively promoting their products to young and old alike in hopes of making it onto ever-growing wish lists.

Many shoppers are already stocking up. Some early birds may have their purchasing completed; while the last minuters have yet to consider the task.

We are entering consumer season, a modern curse. Most of us feel drawn to find something special for loved ones, for the paper carrier, or for those who have made an impact on our lives. In doing so, however, we get caught up in the consumer rush and leave behind the true meaning of this season.

The real blessing of this season is the birth of Christ. The true reason to get together with friends is to exchange greetings and recount the gift that God gave to this world.

This season, if you feel the need to give a gift, consider something that will benefit people who truely need it. Show your love by giving to charity. The purchase of Christmas cards from our local Food Bank in Sudbury, benefits families in need by putting a meal on the table. Oxfam Canada provides the opportunity to purchase a chicken or goat for a needy family in a developing country, which can be donated in the name of your gift recipient. Through World Vision Canada you can furnish a classroom as a gift to your friend. There are plenty of ways to share the blessings of this season and demonstrate your love for others.

Take up this challenge this year. Turn from consumer season and instead, return the the reason for the celebration of Christmas. God so loved this world He gave us His only Son. Show your love for God and for others, by giving to those who need it most.

And you thought this would be about Hallowe'en!

Autumn's Hope

As the last of autumn's splendors fade, formerly colourful leaves now blanket the earth, days shorten and the sweet smell of decay takes to the the air. The cool breeze whispers, "Winter is coming."

In these parts, snow has already made a brief appearance.

On the surface, late autumn can be a depressing season. Yet, autumn is also the season for hope. As the earth prepares for winter's rest, the decaying plant life readies the soil for new life in the spring.

For me, these days remind me of the dark days following Jesus's death on the cross. Imagine seeing your beloved leader dead on a cross, like a common criminal. It is natural to question if what He said was really true. Jesus promised new life. Jesus promised resurrection. Yet in the destruction of death, these dreams seem to be whisked away. How depressing for those early believers.

On Easter Sunday, Jesus defeated death, by rising from the dead. Early believers then recognized that Jesus had to die in order that we may have hope.

As leaves tumble from their trees, leaving them more barren each day, there remains for each of us a hope for spring, for brighter days and for continued life in Christ. The leaves must fall so that we will have new life when the earth warms again in the spring.

Take a little time to appreciate autumn's real splendor. You may be surprised by the hope that rises in you.

Red Means Stop

From an early age we have learned this important rule of the road. When the traffic light is red, stop.

What do you do while waiting in traffic? As I glanced around this afternoon, I saw a teenager on a cellphone, a young gentlemen drumming his impatience into a steering wheel, and a woman turned around to admonish her young passenger; each of these playing their part in this sixty-second commercial of life in the twenty first century.

How many stop lights do you encounter each day? While walking, biking, sitting in a bus or in your own vehicle most of us are so enthralled in our own thoughts, plans or worries, we would find it difficult to recall the number of times we were halted by that red glow. Those minutes spent waiting in traffic can accumulate quickly.

Next time invite God to enter into your red light oasis. Yes, an oasis. Turn this moment into an opportunity to refresh your spirit. Reflect on the gifts the Lord has given to you. There is joy to be found in the warmth of a sunny day or in the song of cleansing rain. Rejoice in recollections of time with family and friends who enhance your earthly journey and be grateful for these. Find peace in a minute of quiet time for just you and God. Say a prayer.

When the traffic light is red, stop and listen to the call of the Father. He has so much to share with you in a minute.

Trust

Bella is our resident cockatiel. She is a beautiful yellow bird with an very loving personality, usually. At this time Bella is laying and has four eggs in her clutch. Without a male bird, we know that Bella's eggs will never hatch. The experts suggest that we leave her eggs with her for a few weeks until she get bored. For now, Bella is fiercely protective of her four progeny.

Her dedication to these eggs is admirable. She leaves them only to eat, drink some water and sometimes take a brief flight. She fusses over them if they roll away. She keeps them warm under her wings. However, if anyone approaches her cage or puts a hand in her cage she will hiss and launch towards the perceived threat. Some say this protective behaviour is instinct.

In an act of trust, far from those natural instincts, I alone, am allowed to approach. I feed her, bring water and fresh vegetables. She leaves her eggs unguarded while my hand is in the cage. She responds in her usual gentle manner to my stroking her chin or her back. Today she let me return an egg to her that had rolled away.

In your life do you have a friend you would trust with your eggs? Is there someone you know will guard your most valued possessions?

When it may seem that there is no one you can trust, remember God will always be there for you. He will keep your secrets. He will keep your confessed sins. God will cherish your most valued possessions with you. We can all learn from our feathered friend. Trust in God, as Bella has shown trust in me.

Innocence

While reflecting about baptism with some children this Sunday, I asked, "What is Baptism?" One eager child responded, "That is when the priest pours water on a baby's face". I then asked, "Why?" Another very wise three-year-old explained, "To clean the baby!" Naturally this response garnered some giggles. Then one of the older children followed with a more appropriate response. However, the innocent response remains with me.

Yes, baptism is the cleansing from original sin and a welcoming into the Church Community. It can be so much more.

For the family of the newly baptized it can be the cleansing of the past to allow the entire family to enter renewed into the faith community. A way to start life in the parish with a clean slate.

For the parishioners witnessing this cleansing, it can be a chance to reflect on the call to become God's light in this world. It can offer the opportunity to refresh a weary spirit and help to prepare for the days ahead.

For the child being baptized, this sacrament offers a new life in Christ. It is the initial step in a life filled with faith.

Through the baptism of one child many will benefit, if they are open to becoming cleansed, renewed, refreshed and full of new life. Through the innocent words of a three-year-old, we are invited to reflect on the meaning of this sacrament for us all.

Dialogue

I sometimes have pause to think that I, like many of us today, fall all too easily prey to the ever-present lure of technology. One of the consequences is that the art of human interaction tends to take a back seat, and at some place deep within, I know that this is very dangerous.

Society used to be built on such principles as family, support for one another, and looking out for one another. There are still a few vestiges of this truth in small-town civilization, the places where people still don't lock their doors at night because they trust that others are looking out for them. However, in larger cities, where technology is more readily available, it's a whole different reality.

I remember thinking that kids growing up in metropolitan centres must really have had a hard time of it. They are more readily exposed to many more realities, some of which are good, but most of which are downright dangerous. Drugs, alcohol and various addictive substances used to exist mostly in places other than the 'here' and 'now' of life, but no matter where we live, the 'here' and 'now' seems to be catching up with us, and life is changing at a pace far greater than some of us are willing to admit or accept.

How do we combat the 'culture of death' which pays little or no attention to the value of life? This is a culture where life becomes disposable, and where human dignity is usually measured in some utilitarian fashion or another. Where are the voices that call out to the lost and the lonely? Where can we turn to for answers to some of the simplest but most profound questions of life?

Dare we admit that the starting point might be as simple as putting away the technological toys, and sitting face to face with another human being? Have we become so unfamiliar with the basics of human communication that the mere prospect of talking to one another without the aid of some gadget or another seems daunting or makes us cringe in fear?

It's still not too late to return to basics. Many of our elderly are extremely lonely because those who consider themselves successful by modern measurements have tended more often than not to put their stock in technology of one kind or another, and those who have not kept up with the ever-changing world of communication have often been left in the dust. What would happen if for even a few moments, we were to unplug the gadgets that clutter our lives, and dare to actually talk to one another.

The reward, I'm sure, would be well worth the effort.

Passion

Today is the Memorial of Saint Ignatius of Antioch, so I did some research and reading in an effort to get to know him better. He lived in the first and second centuries A.D. - a long time ago when the world was a very different place.

In a time when the Church was very young, he was zealous not only about learning the lessons that Jesus tried to teach, but about sharing this good news with others. I always find it a worthwhile endeavor to read some the texts of the early Church. It seems that our world today has lost much of the lustre and passion that these people had - at least the ones who were educated enough to know how to write, and took the time to write about their discoveries, musings and puzzlings.

Don't get me wrong. There are lots of people who, even today, thirst for some sense of the spiritual in their lives, even though they may not call it that. The problem is that not too many people seem to have the answers to our many questions, and those who do find confusing ways at times to convey the message. When all is said and done, the questions posed in the depth of our hearts today are not that different from people who lived in the first and second centuries A.D.

We all want to be loved, but unfortunately, life these days seems so complicated for some that love can seem illusive at best. We all want to be accepted and to find a place where we are welcome, but for some, there are more often closed doors than there are open ones. We all want to find something useful to do with our lives, and we all want to know that our lives make a difference, but all too often, we get sidetracked by the adventures and mis-adventures of youth, or the misguided twists and turns that our lives sometimes take, and are left wondering ... and wandering in our search.

Now more than ever, people need to find heroes who can inspire us. These are people who can model for us what it's like to live life the right way, to find the answers to the questions that we sometimes don't even have words to ask, to discover the truth about love that is unfailing, a road along which we can discover the truth about all we are meant to be, and some companions who are willing to walk the road with us.

Some of the modern-day heroes who might have something worthwhile to say on this score are people like the Servant of God, John Paul II, who never shied away from the difficult questions of life. His discourses with the young were meant to inspire, and inspire they did. Some of these discourses are still available on the Vatican website and in other places.

Blessed Pier Giorgio Frasatti is another example for those who are searching. This past July, as part of the celebration of World Youth Day in Sydney, Australia, a special exhibition was set up to teach young people about this special young man. There was also a display explaining the life and work of Blessed Mary McKillop, Australia's native daughter.

Even today, there are people all round us who are inspirations to us, 'heroes' if you will. Who are the people that inspire you to discover your passion?

Walking new paths

Have you ever had occasion to meet someone who has recently moved into the area? Better yet, have you ever found yourself being welcomed into a new environment? Was it a good experience where others welcomed warmly, or did you find yourself wondering whether this particular new adventure was perhaps a mistake?

Moving to a new city, meeting new people, being thrust into unknown territory is always a very difficult experience for some. It can be extremely emotional and it's hard work for some to get to know people who we've never seen before. Regardless of whether we move from one city to a neighboring village, or from one province to another, or even from one country to another, there are always things that must be begun anew: accommodations to be arranged, new doctors and other health professionals, new business associates, new social acquaintances ... the list can seem endless.

Unfamiliar surroundings will always put us on guard because at a certain level, we are all social creatures. We all want to feel welcomed. We all want to fit in, but this takes time and lots of effort. The tendency for some is to hide, and despite the words or gestures of strangers, we all have to take our own time to find our way.

On the other hand, if we're on the giving end of the welcoming, we need to be patient. Even though we may be willing to offer a gesture or a word of encouragement, we must be respectful of the newcomer(s) in our midst. What's important is that we keep looking for ways to make the transition as easy as possible. Every little gesture and word is appreciated, at some level, even the silence and patience which is necessary to allow the other to find his-her own way.

All of us have been there at some point in our lives. What have we appreciated most about the gestures and words shared with us during our own transitions? How can we help the newcomers among us to fit in? Who are the ones most in need of a word of encouragement or challenge in order to overcome a particular difficulty?

New beginnings are never easy, but they can be moments of grace, if we're willing to see the possibilities that open before us.

'Tis the season

Before you think I've truly lost my marbles, take a breath and keep reading.

The season spoken of by Charles Dickens in A Christmas Carol is not truly upon us, but it won't be long. Instead, one might say that for those involved in the retail business, the magical season has already arrived, or at least is showing signs of peeking out from beneath the covers. To be sure, there are only 10 weeks left until Christmas Day, and the next few months will be increasingly filled with shoppers cramming their way into the modern-day cathedrals we call shopping malls.

Imagine my surprise when I chanced upon a couple who were standing today in front of a colossal pile of christmas cards, flipping through the myriad boxes and tossing most of them aside. Pictures of snow-covered fields, merrily-decorated Christmas trees, and all manner of 'cute' animals dressed appropriately in winter attire were cast aside. I couldn't help asking whether they were looking for a certain type of picture, and the answer came back, 'We found one box with a picture of the Holy Family, but there don't seem to be any more'.

Wow, someone who still understands what Christmas is all about!

As the conversation continued I found out that this couple usually purchase religious-themed cards to send, but also some relatively non-descript ones which can be sent to other friends and aquaintences for whom Christmas might not have quite the same connotations, and even some 'Christmas letters' which are sent to others. 'Are the letters,' I wondered, 'destined for those to whom this couple have more to say about how much they love the recipents, value their friendships, and anticipate fondly the next moment when they will actually be able to visit?'

For many of us, rituals come to the fore as we prepare for Advent and Christmas. Some traditions have deep roots and others are created anew each year, depending on where we find ourselves and the people who surround us. Like unspoken prayers, these tradtions can often provde a window into the heart of those who prepare well for the celebration of this upcoming season.

Intersection

There are not many places where weekday Mass is attended by more than say just a few people, at least not in these parts. On this score at least, the community in which I live and work seems to be the exception. Admittedly, the numbers during the week are fewer than those who gather on the weekends, but there are still a fair number of people who come through our doors every day.

From early morning up until the time we close the doors and lock them for the night, there is a steady trickle, and sometimes a veritable stream of people who come into the darkened church to offer a silent prayer. Young or old, if someone were to sit quietly in a corner and just watch this parade, he or she might be surprised to see the demographics of our visitors. What prayers do they offer? For whom do they pray? These are the questions that are reserved to the rhelm of that sacred intersection between the human voice and the ear of God.

Perhaps all the bystander can comprehend of this conversation is the truth that something happens when people come through these doors, that words are spoken and peace is found. Somewhere beyond the veil which covers the faces of the recipients, there may even be evidence of the heart that is forgiven and freed, the soul that rejoices and sings, echoing the voice of the One who has been met and who transforms us all.

Inspirations

Sometimes I wonder, 'How many people really live life? How many truly look at life as an opportunity each day to love, to give of themselves, to make the world a better place? ... and how many people just flow through life ... existing at best?'

The teachers who inspire their students, the co-workers who know how to have fun and to call forth the best in their collegues, the parents who know how to spur their children on to excellence - usually have a relatively clear idea about what's important in life. These are the passionate ones who lead by example and who call us all to strive for excellence.

If we asked them to share with us the reasons for their commitment, some would wax eloquently and others would speak in very simple terms. Some would make their listeners cry but if they're sincere, they'll make their listeners believe that everyone is capable of living life to the full. Everyone is capable of walking the walk, and talking the talk, living life with integrity and making choices about what's important.

In recent days, two such presentations have come into my life. Both have caused me to sit up and take notice. I'm not sure, but I'm willing to bet that not every presenter is able to keep his or her audience sitting on the edge of their seats, and not every story that is told in public makes us want to be better persons. These two are exceptional:

There's a tradition at Carnegie Mellon University of 'The Last Lecture'. Usually, this refers to a parting presentation given by a professor who is perhaps moving on to another post, retiring ... in short, making changes in his-her life. Randy Pausch was different. He gave his last lecture to a group of more than 400. Subtitled 'Achieving your childhood dreams', this lecture has become famous in the world of pop culture. It has been published in book format and the video of this presentation is available online.

What makes this presentation so good? Well, Mr. Pausch is diagnosed with a terminal illness, something that usually makes people sit up and take notice of the things in life that are most precious, most important. Knowing that he only has a finite amount of time to make his mark, he speaks in simple but passionate words as he relates his take on the things that make life worth living.

The second example comes courtesy of a brain specialist by the name of Jill Bolte-Taylor. It's a part of life that the human body does some really strange stuff now and then. There is no logical explanation for some illnesses, and some of the most serious issues from a health perspective, including some of the most life-threatening occurences happen when we least expect it. If we're really lucky, to say nothing of being passionate about life, we can use these occurences as learning opportunities and teachable moments both for ourselves and for others. Most often, the most valuable lessons are learned when we discover our own weaknesses.

In a presentation entitled 'My stroke of insight', Ms. Bolte-Taylor speaks of some of the lessons she learned when tragedy struck, and the enduring quality of such lessons to truly make a difference in how we live our lives.

Whether we are fortunate enough to have many reasons to be thankful, or just a few, the key is to live life well. That means trying our best to be just in all matters over which we must ajudicate, loving passionately and tenderly, and walking humbly along the road that life lays out before us.

The view from here

In Canada, the second weekend of October is known as Thanksgiving - a three-day weekend which usually sees families and friends gather for a traditional (or not so traditional) meal. I believe that the tradition of Thanksgiving was actually adopted from some of the original settlers in North America; it is somewhat of an autumn festival of food and gratitude.

For some, giving thanks is easy. I imagine that the couple I spoke with yesterday who is celebrating their 65th anniversary of marriage can find more than a few reasons for giving thanks. In fact one of them explained to me that the secret to the longevity of their communal existence is intricately bound to their mutual ability to celebrate and to forgive one another.

This morning, I spoke with a lady whose father donated the bell that sits atop one of the towers in our church. People know that our bell towers are in need of some major repairs, but I assured her that once the reconstruction is complete, she will be the first to peal the bells once more.

Interestingly enough, I also spoke with a young child this morning who asked, 'when do we ring the bells, and for what reasons?' 'Bells,' I explained, 'are used to call us to worship, and to signify moments in our lives when we are joyous'.

As I looked out over the gathered crowd who were assembled for the morning Mass, I saw some who have celebrated weddings this year - bells normally signal this joyous moment in the life of the Church and her children. I also saw young parents, whose infant children have been baptised in recent months - bells are sometimes rung to alert us to this new beginning as well. Present among us were a number of young children who celebrated the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist for the first time during this past year - would it not have been appropriate that the bells sing for them too? And ... there were those who have had to endure the pain of watching helplessly as their loved ones have suffered any number of physical, emotional and spiritual pains over this past year.

Society tells us that suffering should be hidden from view, but suffering is the school at which we learn some of the most valuable lessons. Society also tells us that death is something to be denied, but faith tells us that this final moment of earthly existence should also be celebrated - and bells should sound for this as well - because it signals the moment for which we have prepared throughout our entire existence. Common parlance speaks of 'passing', which still sounds strange to some ears but which is probably a better term to speak of the moment at which we reach the ultimate goal and enter our heavenly homeland.

For all of this, and more ... we give thanks.

Pondering

Do you know what you want in life? Are you happy with the person you have become ... or are becoming? Do you ever wonder what happens when this life comes to an end? Is there another world that parallels this one? Do the two ever intersect?

It seems that although many people in first-world countries have less and less time or interest in organized religion, there is still a deep-seated thirst for things spiritual. Questions about heaven, nirvana, the end times and where we are ultimately headed have been bantered around by the best philosophers and theologians for centuries, but in the end we all have to come to our own place of peace about these and many other unsettled issues of a similar ilk.

Enter caeligenus - literally translated as 'heaven-born'. This space is for all those who have ever wondered, for all those who believe that the two worlds do indeed exist, that they do at times intersect, and from time to time we do get a precious opportunity to straddle the border between the here and the here-after.

This is a space for sharing stories, for asking questions, for venturing into the fray and daring to ask the questions that truly might make a difference in the lives of at least one person who is searching. The possibilities are endless ...