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.
Friday, October 31, 2008
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.
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.
Monday, October 27, 2008
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?
Sunday, October 26, 2008
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.
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.
Friday, October 24, 2008
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!
Thursday, October 23, 2008
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.
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.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
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.
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.
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