There was a time not long ago, a time when neighbours spoke to each other, when a friend lived next door or was just a phone call away; a time when families played board games or sat around the supper table and talked.
Yes, people talked to each other. In today's world one could maneuver through an entire day without interacting with those around him or her. Cell phones, bluetoothes, iPods and other devices serve to keep us engaged in our own little worlds and to maintain distance from those around us.
Yet, it is interactions with others that truly enhances our experience of life in the world.
Personal relationships are an exchange. You receive as much, if not more, than what you give if you express interest in another person. As you express interest in another person, they develop an interest in you. The joy in these personal relationships is that the more your give, the more you usually receive.
We as a society are losing the art of communication on a deeper more meaningful level. Take a little time today to reach out to someone and listen. Learn a little more about one other person today, you may be surprised by the rewards that are waiting.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Exam Time
As my daughters prepare for final exams it is always my pleasure to try to help with studying, because I know that all too soon these opportunities will vanish forever.
This evening, with my limited knowledge of the French language, I attempted to assist with preparations for a Religion exam. As I read and re-read beatitudes and commandments in another tongue, I delighted how this experience deepened my understanding. The words themselves, in some cases, spoke loudly as they looked-like or sounded-like familiar tones of my native tongue. Other phrases rang new truth through discussion to enhance my knowledge of French. Sometimes it was the sharing of perceptions that brought re-newed faith.
I was reminded of the importance of sharing our faith with family, friends and our faith communities. It is through these experiences that we all grow as Christians.
Old words and concepts bloomed in a new light tonight. This evening brought some special gifts: the privilege of helping my child study, the opportunity enhance my knowledge of another language and most importantly the gift of shared faith in our family.
This evening, with my limited knowledge of the French language, I attempted to assist with preparations for a Religion exam. As I read and re-read beatitudes and commandments in another tongue, I delighted how this experience deepened my understanding. The words themselves, in some cases, spoke loudly as they looked-like or sounded-like familiar tones of my native tongue. Other phrases rang new truth through discussion to enhance my knowledge of French. Sometimes it was the sharing of perceptions that brought re-newed faith.
I was reminded of the importance of sharing our faith with family, friends and our faith communities. It is through these experiences that we all grow as Christians.
Old words and concepts bloomed in a new light tonight. This evening brought some special gifts: the privilege of helping my child study, the opportunity enhance my knowledge of another language and most importantly the gift of shared faith in our family.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Looking Back
Friends from the past made unexpected and yet very welcomed appearances this weekend.
These visits brought me back almost 25 years. During these fast paced days the occasions to reminisce are few and far between. It is only when we take time to recall the person we once were, that we can really appreciate the person we are now.
In taking time to recall successes and failures, triumphs and tragedies, the presence of God in our lives takes shape. By looking back we can see how He put the right people in our path at exactly the right time. Some of these people journey with us for only a short time, but their words or deeds may have had a life changing effect. Other friends may have been with us through all occasions as a shining example of how our God would never leave us.
Through retrospection, we see how events in our lives, happening when they did and how they did, have influenced what we do and how we do things today.
Although it may be years before I fully understand why these people have made a reappearance on my journey, I am grateful for these opportunities. My experiences this weekend have served to reinforce for me the presence and love of a Divine force that I trust will continue to act as guide for all that I do.
These visits brought me back almost 25 years. During these fast paced days the occasions to reminisce are few and far between. It is only when we take time to recall the person we once were, that we can really appreciate the person we are now.
In taking time to recall successes and failures, triumphs and tragedies, the presence of God in our lives takes shape. By looking back we can see how He put the right people in our path at exactly the right time. Some of these people journey with us for only a short time, but their words or deeds may have had a life changing effect. Other friends may have been with us through all occasions as a shining example of how our God would never leave us.
Through retrospection, we see how events in our lives, happening when they did and how they did, have influenced what we do and how we do things today.
Although it may be years before I fully understand why these people have made a reappearance on my journey, I am grateful for these opportunities. My experiences this weekend have served to reinforce for me the presence and love of a Divine force that I trust will continue to act as guide for all that I do.
Friday, June 19, 2009
67 Divided By 200,000
Today is the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. This year it also marks the beginning of a Year for Priests, as designated by Pope Benedict XVI.
I live, work and worship in the City of Greater Sudbury. We are part of the Diocese of Sault Ste. Marie, a 196, 603 square kilometre Diocese, which is home to over 200,000 Catholics who are shepherded by 67 active priests in 105 parishes.
This means that most priests administer to the needs of more than more parish. Imagine running two households. Paying the bills for two properties? Attempting to balance the needs of two families?
There is one priest for every 3000 Catholics in this Diocese. Imagine number of Masses, Weddings, and Funerals each priest presides over in a year. How many sacraments does each of these men perform? How do they find the time to minister to the personal needs of their flocks?
These numbers are staggering. How can 67 men tend to the spiritual needs of so many? The spiritual answer is that God gives them the strength to carry on and to do His good work.
But these are also men in human bodies. As people they are carrying the load of this huge undertaking with little support at times. If we want to have priests in the future for our Masses, weddings, funerals, sacraments and to tend to our personal needs, we need to offer our support to them and to help distribute the weight of this burden.
Take some time to thank your priest for this enormous responsibility that he carries. To paraphrase President John F. Kennedy, "Ask not what your priest can do for you, but ask what you can do for your priest."
I live, work and worship in the City of Greater Sudbury. We are part of the Diocese of Sault Ste. Marie, a 196, 603 square kilometre Diocese, which is home to over 200,000 Catholics who are shepherded by 67 active priests in 105 parishes.
This means that most priests administer to the needs of more than more parish. Imagine running two households. Paying the bills for two properties? Attempting to balance the needs of two families?
There is one priest for every 3000 Catholics in this Diocese. Imagine number of Masses, Weddings, and Funerals each priest presides over in a year. How many sacraments does each of these men perform? How do they find the time to minister to the personal needs of their flocks?
These numbers are staggering. How can 67 men tend to the spiritual needs of so many? The spiritual answer is that God gives them the strength to carry on and to do His good work.
But these are also men in human bodies. As people they are carrying the load of this huge undertaking with little support at times. If we want to have priests in the future for our Masses, weddings, funerals, sacraments and to tend to our personal needs, we need to offer our support to them and to help distribute the weight of this burden.
Take some time to thank your priest for this enormous responsibility that he carries. To paraphrase President John F. Kennedy, "Ask not what your priest can do for you, but ask what you can do for your priest."
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Honesty
When asked why I love to be around children, I will often response, "Because of their honesty".
This morning, while preparing our children for a reenactment of the last supper, we talked about the love that Jesus shared with His disciples as He washed their feet. We went on to discuss how He shared memories with them that continue on today as we celebrate Mass.
The children were encouraged to think about how Jesus shared bread with His followers as we shared pita loaves amongst ourselves. Though wine was the beverage of choice for Jesus and His disciples, I asked the children what alternative beverage we might share this morning. With barely a second to think, one little friend responded, "How about Bud Light?"
I imagine that the Lord felt we needed to share a giggle this stormy morning. I quietly thanked God for this child's honest and humorous response as we poured white grape juice into their glasses. Meanwhile, I may need to have a chat with this child's parent.
This morning, while preparing our children for a reenactment of the last supper, we talked about the love that Jesus shared with His disciples as He washed their feet. We went on to discuss how He shared memories with them that continue on today as we celebrate Mass.
The children were encouraged to think about how Jesus shared bread with His followers as we shared pita loaves amongst ourselves. Though wine was the beverage of choice for Jesus and His disciples, I asked the children what alternative beverage we might share this morning. With barely a second to think, one little friend responded, "How about Bud Light?"
I imagine that the Lord felt we needed to share a giggle this stormy morning. I quietly thanked God for this child's honest and humorous response as we poured white grape juice into their glasses. Meanwhile, I may need to have a chat with this child's parent.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Graduation
My oldest daughter attended her High School Graduation and Dance today. I was graced with the privilege of tending to her needs as she prepared for this special evening.
Together we had sought the perfect dress. I felt fortunate to have the skill and to be asked to alter this dress so that it fit her precisely. My daughter's hair was done by the same lady who cut her hair for the first time so many years ago. After make-up was applied and finishes touches where added to the dress, she donned her corsage and was ready to go; a radiant beauty.
I was asked to follow her to the pre-graduation party to take photos with her friends, some of whom have been together since the first day of Junior Kindergarten. Each of these young people have played a role in her life to this point. In the fall they will scatter across this country to pursue their educational goals. I imagine that they will remain good friends and that distances will not keep them apart.
For this mother, this was a day to reflect on that special little girl whose appearance in this world was as unique as she is. Together we revisited many of the places and people who have influenced the person that she has become. On this day, we celebrated the closing door of high school education while looking forward with eager anticipation to a bright future.
As the events of this day came to pass, I was reminded that with every change in life a door will close. In these doors, however, are also windows to opportunities yet to be discovered. Only our Creator knows all of the surprises, twists and turns to come, but it is our trust that what is happening, is meant to happen and that life is unfolding, just as He planned.
Together we had sought the perfect dress. I felt fortunate to have the skill and to be asked to alter this dress so that it fit her precisely. My daughter's hair was done by the same lady who cut her hair for the first time so many years ago. After make-up was applied and finishes touches where added to the dress, she donned her corsage and was ready to go; a radiant beauty.
I was asked to follow her to the pre-graduation party to take photos with her friends, some of whom have been together since the first day of Junior Kindergarten. Each of these young people have played a role in her life to this point. In the fall they will scatter across this country to pursue their educational goals. I imagine that they will remain good friends and that distances will not keep them apart.
For this mother, this was a day to reflect on that special little girl whose appearance in this world was as unique as she is. Together we revisited many of the places and people who have influenced the person that she has become. On this day, we celebrated the closing door of high school education while looking forward with eager anticipation to a bright future.
As the events of this day came to pass, I was reminded that with every change in life a door will close. In these doors, however, are also windows to opportunities yet to be discovered. Only our Creator knows all of the surprises, twists and turns to come, but it is our trust that what is happening, is meant to happen and that life is unfolding, just as He planned.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
