Did you have a plan for the day when you woke up this morning? Did you plot your shopping trip? Did you prepare for what to chat with your friend about when you called? Did you strategize about what to eat and drink today?
How many plans do we make each day?
Many of us take the time to arrange what we will do, who we will spend time with and what we will eat each day. We organize what entertainment to take in and how to spend our quiet moments. Society dictates norms for us to follow ensuring the structured use of each minute of each day. Idle time is looked down on by the mavens of industriousness.
Many people today lead lives that are so mapped out, they do not have time to notice the unexpected events that are meant to enhance our journey of self discovery. We are so absorbed in getting to the next charted event we miss moments of beauty as He unfolds them before us. We try to over ride the unexpected gifts from our Creator with our own intentions, missing the great joy He has waiting.
At the end of each day, before creating your next 'to do list' ask yourself, "Did I spend this day working in co-operation with God's design for me?"
At the top of tomorrow's list challenge yourself to be open to God's plan for you and to savour the treasures that He has arranged.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Monday, January 26, 2009
In response
Pope Benedict XVI's decree lifting of the latae sententiae excommunication imposed on four bishops in 1988 has been hailed as a major success story and a step toward strengthening ties of unity.
In response to this decree, His Excellency Bernard Fellay, Secretary-general for the Society of Saint Pius X has published a written response. The English translation of his text appeared in today's daily dispatch of the on-line magazine ZENIT.
Response From Leader of Society of St. Pius X
The excommunication of the bishops consecrated by His Grace Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre, on June 30, 1988, which had been declared by the Congregation for Bishops in a decree dated July 1, 1988, and which we had always contested, has been withdrawn by another decree mandated by Benedict XVI and issued by the same Congregation on January 21, 2009.
We express our filial gratitude to the Holy Father for this gesture which, beyond the Priestly Society of Saint Pius X, will benefit the whole Church. Our Society wishes to be always more able to help the pope to remedy the unprecedented crisis which presently shakes the Catholic world, and which Pope John Paul II had designated as a state of "silent apostasy."
Besides our gratitude towards the Holy Father and towards all those who helped him to make this courageous act, we are pleased that the decree of January 21 considers as necessary "talks" with the Holy See, talks which will enable the Priestly Society of Saint Pius X to explain the fundamental doctrinal reasons which it believes to be at the origin of the present difficulties of the Church.
In this new atmosphere, we have the firm hope to obtain soon the recognition of the rights of Catholic Tradition.
Menzingen, January 24, 2009
Bernard Fellay
In response to this decree, His Excellency Bernard Fellay, Secretary-general for the Society of Saint Pius X has published a written response. The English translation of his text appeared in today's daily dispatch of the on-line magazine ZENIT.
Response From Leader of Society of St. Pius X
The excommunication of the bishops consecrated by His Grace Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre, on June 30, 1988, which had been declared by the Congregation for Bishops in a decree dated July 1, 1988, and which we had always contested, has been withdrawn by another decree mandated by Benedict XVI and issued by the same Congregation on January 21, 2009.
We express our filial gratitude to the Holy Father for this gesture which, beyond the Priestly Society of Saint Pius X, will benefit the whole Church. Our Society wishes to be always more able to help the pope to remedy the unprecedented crisis which presently shakes the Catholic world, and which Pope John Paul II had designated as a state of "silent apostasy."
Besides our gratitude towards the Holy Father and towards all those who helped him to make this courageous act, we are pleased that the decree of January 21 considers as necessary "talks" with the Holy See, talks which will enable the Priestly Society of Saint Pius X to explain the fundamental doctrinal reasons which it believes to be at the origin of the present difficulties of the Church.
In this new atmosphere, we have the firm hope to obtain soon the recognition of the rights of Catholic Tradition.
Menzingen, January 24, 2009
Bernard Fellay
Here it is
Below is an English-language translation of the decree released Saturday by the Congregation for Bishops regarding the lifting of the excommunication imposed on four bishops ordained in 1988 by Marcel Lefebvre. This translation appeared in the daily dispatch of ZENIT.
With a letter of Dec. 15, 2008, sent to His Eminence Cardinal Darío Castrillón Hoyos, president of the Pontifical Commission Ecclesia Dei, Monsignor Bernard Fellay, in his name and in that of the other bishops consecrated June 30, 1988, again requested the lifting of the excommunication latae sententiae formally declared by decree of the prefect of this Congregation for Bishops on July 1, 1988.
In the mentioned letter, Monsignor Fellay affirms, among other things:
"We are always fervently determined in the will to be and to remain Catholics and to place all of our strength at the service of the Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ, which is the Roman Catholic Church. We accept all of her teachings with a filial spirit. We firmly believe in the primacy of Peter and in his prerogatives and because of this, the present situation makes us suffer so much."
His Holiness Benedict XVI, paternally sensitive to the spiritual unrest manifested by the interested parties because of the sanction of excommunication, and trusting in the commitment expressed by them in the cited letter to spare no effort in going deeper in the necessary conversations with the authorities of the Holy See in matters still unresolved, and to be able to thus arrive quickly to a full and satisfactory solution of the problem existing from the beginning, has decided to reconsider the canonical situation of the bishops Bernard Fellay, Bernard Tissier de Mallerais, Richard Williamson and Alfonso de Galarreta, which arose with their episcopal consecration.
With this act it is desired to consolidate the mutual relations of trust, [and] to intensify and make more stable the relationship of the Fraternity of St. Pius X with the Apostolic See. This gift of peace, at the end of the celebrations of Christmas, also aims to be a sign for the promotion of unity in charity of the universal Church, and with this means, come to remove the scandal of division.
It is desired that this step be followed by the solicitous fulfillment of full communion with the Church of the Society of St. Pius X, thereby witnessing to authentic fidelity and a true recognition of the magisterium and the authority of the Pope, with the proof of visible unity.
In virtue of the faculties that have been expressly conceded to me by the Holy Father, Benedict XVI, in virtue of the present decree, I lift from Bishops Bernard Fellay, Bernard Tissier de Mallerais, Richard Williamson and Alfonso de Galarreta the censure of excommunication latae sententiae declared by this congregation on July 1, 1988, and declare void of juridical effects beginning today the decree published then.
Rome, Congregation for the Bishops, Jan. 21, 2009
Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re
Prefect of the Congregation for Bishops
The fact that this decree, which holds such importance as a sign of unity and peace, was published at the conclusion of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, is certainly of great significance.
With a letter of Dec. 15, 2008, sent to His Eminence Cardinal Darío Castrillón Hoyos, president of the Pontifical Commission Ecclesia Dei, Monsignor Bernard Fellay, in his name and in that of the other bishops consecrated June 30, 1988, again requested the lifting of the excommunication latae sententiae formally declared by decree of the prefect of this Congregation for Bishops on July 1, 1988.
In the mentioned letter, Monsignor Fellay affirms, among other things:
"We are always fervently determined in the will to be and to remain Catholics and to place all of our strength at the service of the Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ, which is the Roman Catholic Church. We accept all of her teachings with a filial spirit. We firmly believe in the primacy of Peter and in his prerogatives and because of this, the present situation makes us suffer so much."
His Holiness Benedict XVI, paternally sensitive to the spiritual unrest manifested by the interested parties because of the sanction of excommunication, and trusting in the commitment expressed by them in the cited letter to spare no effort in going deeper in the necessary conversations with the authorities of the Holy See in matters still unresolved, and to be able to thus arrive quickly to a full and satisfactory solution of the problem existing from the beginning, has decided to reconsider the canonical situation of the bishops Bernard Fellay, Bernard Tissier de Mallerais, Richard Williamson and Alfonso de Galarreta, which arose with their episcopal consecration.
With this act it is desired to consolidate the mutual relations of trust, [and] to intensify and make more stable the relationship of the Fraternity of St. Pius X with the Apostolic See. This gift of peace, at the end of the celebrations of Christmas, also aims to be a sign for the promotion of unity in charity of the universal Church, and with this means, come to remove the scandal of division.
It is desired that this step be followed by the solicitous fulfillment of full communion with the Church of the Society of St. Pius X, thereby witnessing to authentic fidelity and a true recognition of the magisterium and the authority of the Pope, with the proof of visible unity.
In virtue of the faculties that have been expressly conceded to me by the Holy Father, Benedict XVI, in virtue of the present decree, I lift from Bishops Bernard Fellay, Bernard Tissier de Mallerais, Richard Williamson and Alfonso de Galarreta the censure of excommunication latae sententiae declared by this congregation on July 1, 1988, and declare void of juridical effects beginning today the decree published then.
Rome, Congregation for the Bishops, Jan. 21, 2009
Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re
Prefect of the Congregation for Bishops
The fact that this decree, which holds such importance as a sign of unity and peace, was published at the conclusion of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, is certainly of great significance.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
After twenty years
Excommunicaton does still exist as a penalty in the Catholic Church. It is very rarely imposed, but sometimes there is no other option. Speaking of options, there are some cases where an excommunicaton can be imposed by the mere fact of having committed a certain grave sin. Referred to as latae sententiae, each of the seven instances incur an excommunication immedately upon the commission of the wrongful act.
What are these acts, you may ask?
What are these acts, you may ask?
- Apostasy, heresy or schism (cn. 1364, 1);
- Profanation of the consecrated species (cn. 1367);
- Physical violence against the Pope (cn. 1370, 1);
- Attempting to absolve an accomplice (cn. 1378, 1);
- Ordination of a bishop without a pontifical mandate (cn. 1382);
- Violation of the sacramental seal by the confessor (cn. 1388, 1); and
- Procuring an abortion (cn. 1398).
On June 30, 1988, His Excellency, Marcel Lefebvre, then titular Archbishop of Tulle (France) unlawfully ordained four bishops. The resulting latae sententiae excommunication has remained in effect until yesterday.
In two separate declarations, issued in Italian only by the Vatican's Press Office and by the Congregation for Bishops, three of the four bishops were re-communicated yesterday. There has obviously been much discussion going on behind the scenes because the tradition of the Church is that we always hope and pray for reconciliation, even in the gravest of situations.
According to the declaration, dated January 21, 2009 and published on yesterday, Their Excellencies, Bernard Fellay, Bernard Tissier de Mallerais, Richard Williamson e Alfonso de Galarreta have now been re-admitted to full communion with the Roman Catholic Church.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
The old and the new
This weekend, the Church celebrates the Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul. This most important figure in our sacred history takes us back to the city of Antioch, where the first believers were referred to as Christians for the first time in history.
Coincidence or not, this week also saw the election of the new Patriarch of Antioch for Syrian Catholics, His Beatitude Ignace Youssif III Younan.
Coincidence or not, this week also saw the election of the new Patriarch of Antioch for Syrian Catholics, His Beatitude Ignace Youssif III Younan.
This is one of the rare moments when the Church demonstrates the unity that exists between the Eastern and the Western branches that make up its followers. At the end of the annual observance of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, it is also apropos that through this example, we should all be called to reflect on our call to work toward establishing peace with others through the relationships we forge.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Vatican Tube
Vatican City, which has had a multi-lingual web presence for some years now, launched a new chapter in its history today. Jumping on the YouTube bandwagon, it is now possible for the world to view videos of some of the major activities the Vatican publicises on the world stage.
The Vatican YouTube channel offers news coverage of the main activities of the Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI and of relevant Vatican events.It is updated daily.Video images are produced by Centro Televisio Vaticano (CTV), texts by Vatican Radio (RV) and CTV.This video-news presents the Catholic Churchs position regarding the principal issues of the world today.Links give access to the full and official texts of cited documents.
This new innovation coincides with the publication of the Holy Father's Message for the 43rd World Day of Social Communications, which took place today. Fittingly, the theme for this year's message is New Technologies, New Relationships: Promoting a culture of Respect, Dialogue and Friendship. The World Day of Social Communicatons will be observed on May 24, 2009.
The Vatican YouTube channel offers news coverage of the main activities of the Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI and of relevant Vatican events.It is updated daily.Video images are produced by Centro Televisio Vaticano (CTV), texts by Vatican Radio (RV) and CTV.This video-news presents the Catholic Churchs position regarding the principal issues of the world today.Links give access to the full and official texts of cited documents.
This new innovation coincides with the publication of the Holy Father's Message for the 43rd World Day of Social Communications, which took place today. Fittingly, the theme for this year's message is New Technologies, New Relationships: Promoting a culture of Respect, Dialogue and Friendship. The World Day of Social Communicatons will be observed on May 24, 2009.
In the eye of the storm
In the initial days of his presidency, Barak Obama has certainly turned heads as he moves with lightning speed to reverse some of the key decisions implemented by his imediate predecessor. The world has watched with rapped attention as executive orders were signed this week to begin the process of closing down the detention centre established at Guantanamo Bay.
Couple this with his swift moves to contact the political leaders in the Middle East, assuring them of his openness to working with them to establish peace in their war-torn region, and it becomes abundantly clear that he is intent on establishing his presidency on the basis of transparency, something which at least some would say is a departure from his predecessor's style of government.
Today is day three on the job, and already there is talk of his reversing the policy on abortion which has been in place since 2001. This is only one of a number of decisons which is sure to awaken the ire of some and the jubilation of others ... but then again, Mr. Obama doesn't seem to be too concerned about standing in the midst of the storm.
Couple this with his swift moves to contact the political leaders in the Middle East, assuring them of his openness to working with them to establish peace in their war-torn region, and it becomes abundantly clear that he is intent on establishing his presidency on the basis of transparency, something which at least some would say is a departure from his predecessor's style of government.
Today is day three on the job, and already there is talk of his reversing the policy on abortion which has been in place since 2001. This is only one of a number of decisons which is sure to awaken the ire of some and the jubilation of others ... but then again, Mr. Obama doesn't seem to be too concerned about standing in the midst of the storm.
This generation
Those who are in the know have tried to characterize human beings based on the generation to which we belong. Those who were teenagers in the 1960's were known as the Boomers ... more recently we have heard tell of the GenX'ers, of those who belong to Generation Y, those who are part of the Internet Generation ... etc.
Enter the most recent characterization ... those who belong to a Lost Generation. With the abundance of physical posessions which has become the norm in many people's lives, the reality is that there is a deeper thirst, for a spiritual dimention to life ... for answers to the questions of who am I, how will I make a difference, and even a renewed awareness of a call to serve, as evidenced in this week's day of service to the less fortunate, spearheaded by the yet-to-be inaugurated President of the United States of America.
Young people in today's society, who may be characterized by some as members of the Lost Generation, can choose to make a difference, must choose to believe that they can make a difference. This was made crystal clear by a recently discovered reflection posted on the YouTube site.
Will you make a difference? It's all a matter of perception.
Enter the most recent characterization ... those who belong to a Lost Generation. With the abundance of physical posessions which has become the norm in many people's lives, the reality is that there is a deeper thirst, for a spiritual dimention to life ... for answers to the questions of who am I, how will I make a difference, and even a renewed awareness of a call to serve, as evidenced in this week's day of service to the less fortunate, spearheaded by the yet-to-be inaugurated President of the United States of America.
Young people in today's society, who may be characterized by some as members of the Lost Generation, can choose to make a difference, must choose to believe that they can make a difference. This was made crystal clear by a recently discovered reflection posted on the YouTube site.
Will you make a difference? It's all a matter of perception.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Six Turning Seven
"My birthday is tomorrow," whispered my little friend.
"How wonderful," I replied. "How old will you be?"
"Seven," she responded. "But I am only a little happy."
"Why is that?" I asked.
"Well, when I turned six, I had six letters in my name and I am the sixth person in my family. And tomorrow, it will all be ruined."
A tragedy in her little eyes, turning seven, while so many of us wish we could be seven again.
In her eyes, her life was changing. She will learn, as most of us have, that when one door closes another one will open. She will discover that seven has as many blessings as six, if not more. Tomorrow, she will receive gifts, cake and well wishes. Hopefully before long, her woes brought on by the changes that come with life on the earth, will be a foggy memory embraced in joy.
I wish my little friend a wonderful birthday filled with happiness. For the rest of us, I wish the growing knowledge that with every change, no matter how painful or tragic the change may seem, there will be an open invitation to embrace a new day filled with the gifts of hope and wonder and maybe even a little cake.
"How wonderful," I replied. "How old will you be?"
"Seven," she responded. "But I am only a little happy."
"Why is that?" I asked.
"Well, when I turned six, I had six letters in my name and I am the sixth person in my family. And tomorrow, it will all be ruined."
A tragedy in her little eyes, turning seven, while so many of us wish we could be seven again.
In her eyes, her life was changing. She will learn, as most of us have, that when one door closes another one will open. She will discover that seven has as many blessings as six, if not more. Tomorrow, she will receive gifts, cake and well wishes. Hopefully before long, her woes brought on by the changes that come with life on the earth, will be a foggy memory embraced in joy.
I wish my little friend a wonderful birthday filled with happiness. For the rest of us, I wish the growing knowledge that with every change, no matter how painful or tragic the change may seem, there will be an open invitation to embrace a new day filled with the gifts of hope and wonder and maybe even a little cake.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Getting up
Sometimes life can throw a series of curves and the demands that we place on ourselves can tend to pile up. At times such as these, people can get burried under the weight of just trying to keep up.
Some lessons seem simple at first glance, but when it comes to actually putting them into practice, the constancy and dedication required call for lots of discipline. At times, those of us who seem to have everything together can benefit greatly from the lessons of those who appear to face many more challenges than we do. Evidence a presentation made to high school students which was recorded and broadcast on the web. The lesson is simple, 'when you fall, get back up', but that's what makes this so profound.
All of us face challenges to do something better, to be more disciplined about something, or to look at life in a different way. Let's remember that sometimes it's as simple as getting back on our feet.
Some lessons seem simple at first glance, but when it comes to actually putting them into practice, the constancy and dedication required call for lots of discipline. At times, those of us who seem to have everything together can benefit greatly from the lessons of those who appear to face many more challenges than we do. Evidence a presentation made to high school students which was recorded and broadcast on the web. The lesson is simple, 'when you fall, get back up', but that's what makes this so profound.
All of us face challenges to do something better, to be more disciplined about something, or to look at life in a different way. Let's remember that sometimes it's as simple as getting back on our feet.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
The Present
Almost two years ago violin virtuoso Josh Bell played a selection of classical pieces on a 300 year old Stradivari, in a Washington subway station at rush hour. This social experiment conducted by the Washington Times recorded over 1000 people, most on their way to work, who hurried by this gifted musician failing to cast a glance his way or take time to appreciate the moment.
In our fast paced twenty-first century, many of us are so focused on our daily tasks, our work, family and social obligations that we miss opportunities that are placed squarely in front of us. Each day presents us with special gifts. The shadows in a misty sunrise; the lone call of a winter bird; or the smile and heartfelt greeting of a friend are each moments to be savoured.
"Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift, that is why they call it the present".
Enjoy the gifts presented to you in this day and then take a moment to say "Thank You" to the One who gave them to you.
If you have the time, I also invite you to delight in the full 43 minutes of Josh Bell's subway concert captured in the article above. This is a gift you will remember for some time to come.
In our fast paced twenty-first century, many of us are so focused on our daily tasks, our work, family and social obligations that we miss opportunities that are placed squarely in front of us. Each day presents us with special gifts. The shadows in a misty sunrise; the lone call of a winter bird; or the smile and heartfelt greeting of a friend are each moments to be savoured.
"Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift, that is why they call it the present".
Enjoy the gifts presented to you in this day and then take a moment to say "Thank You" to the One who gave them to you.
If you have the time, I also invite you to delight in the full 43 minutes of Josh Bell's subway concert captured in the article above. This is a gift you will remember for some time to come.
Monday, January 5, 2009
You'll See My Face
"For every time you fall apart
There'll be a soul to guide your journey
But if you choose to turn away
There in the mirror
You'll see my face
You'll see my face"
These words sung by RyanDan, Canadian twin singing sensations have been playing a lot lately in my car. As twins, when one turns from the other, it is true, that when one looks in the mirror, he will see the other twin's face.
As I listened to these words, I was drawn to reflect on a different and more personal understanding.
That soul guiding my journey is the Holy Spirit acting within me. If I turn away, all I need to do is look in a mirror to see the reflection of God-in-me, staring back at me.
If the Holy Spirit is in me, guiding my actions, can I find that same Spirit in others? Can I learn to approach others with the clear knowledge that as I look at them I am looking into the face of God? Can I be brave and find that face of God in people who look different, who act differently, whose views are not the same as my own? Can I remain open to finding God in people who are hurtful to others in words and in actions? If I find that face of God, will it make it easier to forgive hurtful people?
When I find the face of God in others could I ever turn away from them again?
Those four words, "you'll see my face" are God's promise to me. When I seek Him, I will find Him. In turn, I will promise to seek Him in everyone, and when I find Him, I will honour that Spirit that I find.
There'll be a soul to guide your journey
But if you choose to turn away
There in the mirror
You'll see my face
You'll see my face"
These words sung by RyanDan, Canadian twin singing sensations have been playing a lot lately in my car. As twins, when one turns from the other, it is true, that when one looks in the mirror, he will see the other twin's face.
As I listened to these words, I was drawn to reflect on a different and more personal understanding.
That soul guiding my journey is the Holy Spirit acting within me. If I turn away, all I need to do is look in a mirror to see the reflection of God-in-me, staring back at me.
If the Holy Spirit is in me, guiding my actions, can I find that same Spirit in others? Can I learn to approach others with the clear knowledge that as I look at them I am looking into the face of God? Can I be brave and find that face of God in people who look different, who act differently, whose views are not the same as my own? Can I remain open to finding God in people who are hurtful to others in words and in actions? If I find that face of God, will it make it easier to forgive hurtful people?
When I find the face of God in others could I ever turn away from them again?
Those four words, "you'll see my face" are God's promise to me. When I seek Him, I will find Him. In turn, I will promise to seek Him in everyone, and when I find Him, I will honour that Spirit that I find.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Gold in Your Heart
This morning I brought gold, frankincense and myrrh to show the children at our weekly Liturgy of the Word for Children. This morning they gave me a much greater gift.
To allow the children see gold, to touch frankincense and to smell myrrh were my goals for them this morning.
The children listened intently to the story of the Magi finding Baby Jesus. These little ones responded accurately when asked about the contents of the story they had just heard. As they handled the myrrh and frankincense their comments varied but most agreed that incense did not smell very good. Then I asked, "Can you give gold, frankincense or myrrh to Jesus?" At once they responded that they could not. When asked "What gift can you give?" without hesitation the children responded "Love".
Without further prompting the little group offered a host of suggestions for ways to demonstrate love to others and thus, in turn, love for Jesus. What a wonderful gift they gave to the adults in the room. Their large hearts had embraced the meaning of the story and found ways to apply this meaning to their daily lives. If only we adults had hearts big enough to hear God's call for us to be loving people and minds active enough to find ways to bring this call to reality.
The children then created woven paper hearts. The craft was a little complicated, but the children persevered and eagerly helped each other to complete the task. They continued to talk of loving things that they have done and could do. Before they left we gave each child a 'gold' chocolate coin to put in their heart, to represent the gift of 'gold' that is the love in our hearts.
Today these children gave me a gift as valuable as gold: insight into the minds and hearts of the young. With this gift comes the challenge to approach this week with a child's heart and bring the gift of love to all that I do. Will you join me in this challenge?
To allow the children see gold, to touch frankincense and to smell myrrh were my goals for them this morning.
The children listened intently to the story of the Magi finding Baby Jesus. These little ones responded accurately when asked about the contents of the story they had just heard. As they handled the myrrh and frankincense their comments varied but most agreed that incense did not smell very good. Then I asked, "Can you give gold, frankincense or myrrh to Jesus?" At once they responded that they could not. When asked "What gift can you give?" without hesitation the children responded "Love".
Without further prompting the little group offered a host of suggestions for ways to demonstrate love to others and thus, in turn, love for Jesus. What a wonderful gift they gave to the adults in the room. Their large hearts had embraced the meaning of the story and found ways to apply this meaning to their daily lives. If only we adults had hearts big enough to hear God's call for us to be loving people and minds active enough to find ways to bring this call to reality.
The children then created woven paper hearts. The craft was a little complicated, but the children persevered and eagerly helped each other to complete the task. They continued to talk of loving things that they have done and could do. Before they left we gave each child a 'gold' chocolate coin to put in their heart, to represent the gift of 'gold' that is the love in our hearts.
Today these children gave me a gift as valuable as gold: insight into the minds and hearts of the young. With this gift comes the challenge to approach this week with a child's heart and bring the gift of love to all that I do. Will you join me in this challenge?
Saturday, January 3, 2009
One more angel in heaven
The broadway musical Joseph and the Technicolour Dreamcoat brought the story of Joseph and his brothers to life in a way that continues to reach thousands who may or may not be aware of the story's biblical origins.
In one scene of the show, when Joseph's brothers come to their father to explain that Joseph the beloved son has died, the piece of music that is used is entitled One more angel in heaven. I was reminded of this piece during these days as we have enjoyed some amazing skies, cold nights and displays of stars that always cause me to stop, wonder and pray.
Observing New Year's celebrations was particularly difficult for families in Sparwood, BC this year, and for some close friends of ours. On New Year's Day, just two days ago, my family also received the news that a near and dear friend who has been living overseas for a number of years now died peacefully in hospital. Preparations are currently being made for her funeral, and the possibility of a Memorial Mass to be celebrated on this side of the pond for those who cannot be physically present for her obseques.
It seems that Christmastime is a particularly vulnerable time for those who are elderly, and death always seems to be more poignant at this time of year, when our faith tells us that we should be celebrating. Then again, death is nothing but a transition for those who believe, so what better time to celebrate and give thanks for the lives of faith which have brought us friendship and companionship through the years. What better way to understand the gift of God who sent his son to teach us the power of love.
In one scene of the show, when Joseph's brothers come to their father to explain that Joseph the beloved son has died, the piece of music that is used is entitled One more angel in heaven. I was reminded of this piece during these days as we have enjoyed some amazing skies, cold nights and displays of stars that always cause me to stop, wonder and pray.
Observing New Year's celebrations was particularly difficult for families in Sparwood, BC this year, and for some close friends of ours. On New Year's Day, just two days ago, my family also received the news that a near and dear friend who has been living overseas for a number of years now died peacefully in hospital. Preparations are currently being made for her funeral, and the possibility of a Memorial Mass to be celebrated on this side of the pond for those who cannot be physically present for her obseques.
It seems that Christmastime is a particularly vulnerable time for those who are elderly, and death always seems to be more poignant at this time of year, when our faith tells us that we should be celebrating. Then again, death is nothing but a transition for those who believe, so what better time to celebrate and give thanks for the lives of faith which have brought us friendship and companionship through the years. What better way to understand the gift of God who sent his son to teach us the power of love.
Friday, January 2, 2009
Lord Hear My Prayers
Most of us will have spent the last few days contemplating what the year 2008 held for us. One of my friends said it was the worst year of her life. And it was for her. She helped her husband battle cancer and a few months ago he passed on. Another friend had a year of ups and downs and she is still experiencing turbulance in her life. I have only felt comfortable telling my two closest friends that last year was the best year I have ever had. It was a year filled with wonderful gifts, several trips, and many new friendships formed. It was also a year of struggles and trying to make sense of the things happening my in life. It was a year of making adjustments to the new phase in my husband's and my life. He retired also and now we have a freedom we never had before, ever. It was a year of changing priorities and changing routines and habits. The bottom line is I have been truly blessed by God and I am so thankful! And I know my spiritual journey is the best journey ever!
Most days I am truly happy. Many times I want to shout from the rooftops, "Life is wonderful! God is magnificent and loving!" But the words choke in my throat. How can I tell the people around me who are struggling, hurt, and beaten that I have been so fortunate? And yet these are probably the ones that most need to hear me saying those words. And so I pray that I will be given the words to use in order to be helpful to others, to bring them some comfort, and possibly some words of encouragement. I pray that loved ones around me (and strangers in far off places who need my prayers) will come to the stable to see what I see, hear what I hear and know what I know. And I pray that at this time next year I will be able to look back at 2009, smile, and know that my prayers were answered. I hope that all will know His peace, His love and His joy.
Most days I am truly happy. Many times I want to shout from the rooftops, "Life is wonderful! God is magnificent and loving!" But the words choke in my throat. How can I tell the people around me who are struggling, hurt, and beaten that I have been so fortunate? And yet these are probably the ones that most need to hear me saying those words. And so I pray that I will be given the words to use in order to be helpful to others, to bring them some comfort, and possibly some words of encouragement. I pray that loved ones around me (and strangers in far off places who need my prayers) will come to the stable to see what I see, hear what I hear and know what I know. And I pray that at this time next year I will be able to look back at 2009, smile, and know that my prayers were answered. I hope that all will know His peace, His love and His joy.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Grateful
Happy New Year!
As we begin a new year it is customary that we take time to reflect back on the year that has been, and look ahead to the year that will be.
With each passing year these times for reflection seem to get closer and closer together. Days have become an endless stream of minutes and hours that blur in a steady rush. Weeks often feel like Monday, Friday and then Monday again with little time for those days in between.
In this ever increasingly busy life, how often do we pause to reflect on the great and the very basic gifts that our Lord has given to us? Do we take time daily to thank God for the air that we breathe? The water that we drink or bath in? For the people who journey with us? For the sad times so that we can appreciate the good ones?
Perhaps this year, along with our resolutions to get more exercise and to eat better, we can resolve to become more grateful people. Perhaps we can pledge more time to reflect on all of those great things and all of the very basic things we have been graced with. As we lead our very fast paced twenty-first century lives, while recognizing all that we have been given, we can demonstrate our appreciation for God and for one another to everyone this world.
May God Bless you all in 2009!
As we begin a new year it is customary that we take time to reflect back on the year that has been, and look ahead to the year that will be.
With each passing year these times for reflection seem to get closer and closer together. Days have become an endless stream of minutes and hours that blur in a steady rush. Weeks often feel like Monday, Friday and then Monday again with little time for those days in between.
In this ever increasingly busy life, how often do we pause to reflect on the great and the very basic gifts that our Lord has given to us? Do we take time daily to thank God for the air that we breathe? The water that we drink or bath in? For the people who journey with us? For the sad times so that we can appreciate the good ones?
Perhaps this year, along with our resolutions to get more exercise and to eat better, we can resolve to become more grateful people. Perhaps we can pledge more time to reflect on all of those great things and all of the very basic things we have been graced with. As we lead our very fast paced twenty-first century lives, while recognizing all that we have been given, we can demonstrate our appreciation for God and for one another to everyone this world.
May God Bless you all in 2009!
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