Debbie Petitt, Carole Monaco, Todd Nuelle, John Cichon, Dave & Dina Petricca, Jackie Holcomb, Cathy Niemet, Betty Weidenbach, Margaret Novotny, Jeanne Mathews, Charman Brennan, Sann Knipple, Jim Barrett, Marty Mueller, Julie Pearson, Terry Harmon, Kathleen Schafer, Valerie Yokie, Luke Kehoe, Kathy Ritchie, Dave Levene, Michelle Steacy, Kathleen Ehret, Sue Baackes, Steve Gonczy, Kathy Hemler, David & Colleen Sztuk, Al Moreno, Joan Dowling, Bill Gordon, David Cole, Carla Spanier, Stephanie Kenny, Mark Roach, Fred Cecala, Eleanor Sheehy, Jo Mazik, Shawn Moore, Nancy Daly, Janine Durbin, Mike Ryan, Jack Grott, John Wilbrot, Bill Doucette, Tim McDermott, Tom Nolan, Jack McDonnell.
On behalf of the Lenten Team (Fr. Bernie, Sr. Dee, Deacon John, Marty Mueller and myself) I want to take this opportunity to thank all the wonderful people who were willing to participate in this project. Your time, dedication and insights are truly inspirational. Special thanks to our booklet reviewers, Sr. Dee, Fr. Bernie, Carla Spanier and Roberta Nichols.
In the love of Christ,
Fr. Rodolfo G. Ramirez
Sunday, April 12, 2009
April 12th, Easter Sunday
Acts 10: 34a, 37-43, Psalm 118: 1-2, 16-17, 22-23, Col 3: 1-4, John 20: 1-9
In today’s Gospel reading, Mary Magdalene, Simon Peter and another disciple, struggle to grasp what had occurred at the tomb of Jesus. Like Mary Magdalene and the disciples, I also struggle to fully understand the meaning and the power of Jesus’ resurrection in our lives.
To me, the resurrection represents Christ’s triumph of love over hate, hope over despair and life over death. I think there are times when we experience the power of the resurrection in our own lives.
I am a retired senior citizen. I have lost all my immediate family, many members of my extended family and several of my friends. They still continue to live in my mind and heart. I think this is the power of the resurrection.
I have gained a sense of this power from my two closest friends. One is a priest who, with the help of three families started a support program for families who suffered the loss of a member(s) to suicide. Under this program, families who previously lost a member(s) to suicide, with the assistance of a trained social worker or psychologist, meet with families who recently suffered this tragedy. The program is effective because only these families can understand their pain and offer examples of recovery and hope.
My other friend lost a grandchild to a birth defect after eleven months of life. The family has sponsored several fund raising events to raise money for a nurses’ lounge at the new Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago. This gift is to show the family’s gratitude for the loving care the nurses provided to the baby.
The above are examples of the triumph of life, hope, and love. I pray that Jesus will continue to provide us with the grace of His resurrection so that we may love and better serve Him and our brothers and sisters.
Jack McDonnell, married to Marilyn, father of four, grandfather of seven
In today’s Gospel reading, Mary Magdalene, Simon Peter and another disciple, struggle to grasp what had occurred at the tomb of Jesus. Like Mary Magdalene and the disciples, I also struggle to fully understand the meaning and the power of Jesus’ resurrection in our lives.
To me, the resurrection represents Christ’s triumph of love over hate, hope over despair and life over death. I think there are times when we experience the power of the resurrection in our own lives.
I am a retired senior citizen. I have lost all my immediate family, many members of my extended family and several of my friends. They still continue to live in my mind and heart. I think this is the power of the resurrection.
I have gained a sense of this power from my two closest friends. One is a priest who, with the help of three families started a support program for families who suffered the loss of a member(s) to suicide. Under this program, families who previously lost a member(s) to suicide, with the assistance of a trained social worker or psychologist, meet with families who recently suffered this tragedy. The program is effective because only these families can understand their pain and offer examples of recovery and hope.
My other friend lost a grandchild to a birth defect after eleven months of life. The family has sponsored several fund raising events to raise money for a nurses’ lounge at the new Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago. This gift is to show the family’s gratitude for the loving care the nurses provided to the baby.
The above are examples of the triumph of life, hope, and love. I pray that Jesus will continue to provide us with the grace of His resurrection so that we may love and better serve Him and our brothers and sisters.
Jack McDonnell, married to Marilyn, father of four, grandfather of seven
Saturday, April 11, 2009
April 11th, Saturday, Easter Vigil
Genesis 1: 1-2: 2, Genesis 22: 1-18, Romans 6: 3-11, Matthew 28: 1-10
How can the worst day in a professional’s life be the best day in the history of humankind. I can’t imagine a phone call on an early Sunday morning. “What do you mean he’s gone???. Yes, I know we buried him on Friday. What do you mean he’s not there ??? Yes, I know the crypt was sealed. What will we tell the family? The newspapers?” Driving to the cemetery, talking on my cell phone, trying to get an accurate account of the events.
Going the opposite way, heading into town, are some of the folks that were at the funeral. I quickly make a u-turn and catch up with them. As I walk towards the women they say that an angel told them, “Don’t be afraid. He is not here, for He has been raised just as He said… go tell my brothers,” Then….I see Him….He’s here……What’s going on….I filed the death certificate before the burial…….He can’t be here.
Jesus is Risen; He is Risen indeed. He died for my sins. He is my salvation; the salvation of the world. Truly this is the best day in history!
Tom Nolan, Funeral Director, married to Margie, father of 4, grandfather of the most precious granddaughter ever….at least until the next one comes!
How can the worst day in a professional’s life be the best day in the history of humankind. I can’t imagine a phone call on an early Sunday morning. “What do you mean he’s gone???. Yes, I know we buried him on Friday. What do you mean he’s not there ??? Yes, I know the crypt was sealed. What will we tell the family? The newspapers?” Driving to the cemetery, talking on my cell phone, trying to get an accurate account of the events.
Going the opposite way, heading into town, are some of the folks that were at the funeral. I quickly make a u-turn and catch up with them. As I walk towards the women they say that an angel told them, “Don’t be afraid. He is not here, for He has been raised just as He said… go tell my brothers,” Then….I see Him….He’s here……What’s going on….I filed the death certificate before the burial…….He can’t be here.
Jesus is Risen; He is Risen indeed. He died for my sins. He is my salvation; the salvation of the world. Truly this is the best day in history!
Tom Nolan, Funeral Director, married to Margie, father of 4, grandfather of the most precious granddaughter ever….at least until the next one comes!
Friday, April 10, 2009
April 10th, Good Friday
Isaiah 52: 13 -- 53: 12, Psalm 31: 2, 6, 12-13, 15-16, 17, 25, Hebrews 4: 14-16; 5: 7-9, John 18: 1 -- 19: 42
The Passion tells the story of the sacrifice that Jesus made. This was no easy path, even for the Son of God. In Isaiah's words, “He was pierced for our offenses, crushed for our sins”. But, it was a sacrifice that he felt a sacred responsibility to make. When offered an easier path, he asked “Shall I not drink of the cup my Father has given me?” And, here’s the catch: having sacrificed himself for us – for me – he calls us all, including me, to follow his example of sacrifice for others. I ask myself, Can I? Will I?
For many years, I simply ignored these questions. I focused on goals that had little to do with Christ’s challenge. In recent years, however, I found myself experiencing a mid-life crisis of sorts: a desire for a better answer to these questions. First, the “can I follow Christ's example” question. It's not easy in our community to ignore this question. As I look around, I see constant examples of otherwise ordinary people like me who have taken up this challenge so fully. We have countless adults in our community who sacrifice for our children. We have many volunteers who give their time, talents and treasure to the many activities of our Parish. We have neighbors throughout the community who care for each other in times of need. We have a committed group of teens, including my own daughter, who goes on Mission trips and work to live their faith in our challenging culture. All their efforts and accomplishments confirm that, while I may frequently fall short, I have no excuse for not trying to follow Christ’s model of sacrifice for others.
So, I now wrestle with the real question, Will I follow that example of sacrifice for others? For me, this is the trickiest question because it's so easy to lose track of it in the blur of everyday life. The message I take from the Passion this year is that I have to keep asking myself the "will I" question. While I can never match His level of sacrifice, I can accept His challenge and continue to find ways to give more of my gifts to help others.
Tim McDermott, husband of Lorelei, father of three, attorney
The Passion tells the story of the sacrifice that Jesus made. This was no easy path, even for the Son of God. In Isaiah's words, “He was pierced for our offenses, crushed for our sins”. But, it was a sacrifice that he felt a sacred responsibility to make. When offered an easier path, he asked “Shall I not drink of the cup my Father has given me?” And, here’s the catch: having sacrificed himself for us – for me – he calls us all, including me, to follow his example of sacrifice for others. I ask myself, Can I? Will I?
For many years, I simply ignored these questions. I focused on goals that had little to do with Christ’s challenge. In recent years, however, I found myself experiencing a mid-life crisis of sorts: a desire for a better answer to these questions. First, the “can I follow Christ's example” question. It's not easy in our community to ignore this question. As I look around, I see constant examples of otherwise ordinary people like me who have taken up this challenge so fully. We have countless adults in our community who sacrifice for our children. We have many volunteers who give their time, talents and treasure to the many activities of our Parish. We have neighbors throughout the community who care for each other in times of need. We have a committed group of teens, including my own daughter, who goes on Mission trips and work to live their faith in our challenging culture. All their efforts and accomplishments confirm that, while I may frequently fall short, I have no excuse for not trying to follow Christ’s model of sacrifice for others.
So, I now wrestle with the real question, Will I follow that example of sacrifice for others? For me, this is the trickiest question because it's so easy to lose track of it in the blur of everyday life. The message I take from the Passion this year is that I have to keep asking myself the "will I" question. While I can never match His level of sacrifice, I can accept His challenge and continue to find ways to give more of my gifts to help others.
Tim McDermott, husband of Lorelei, father of three, attorney
Thursday, April 9, 2009
April 9th, Thursday of Holy Week
Exodus 12: 1-8, 11-14, Psalm 116: 12-13, 15-16bc, 17-18, 1 Corinthians 11: 23-26, John 13: 1-15
The readings for Holy Thursday are steeped in tradition and meaning. The humble act of Jesus washing the feet of his disciples has always had an important meaning for me. Although my interpretation is not what a biblical scholar would see, the reading illustrates an important lesson in humble leadership.
Have you ever seen this situation? A person complains to their manager about a coworker who made some inappropriate comments. The person complaining is simply looking for an apology. The person who made the comment maintains that they were completely misunderstood and refuses to apologize. As a result, mistrust, ill will, hatred and animosity surround the relationship.
It would be natural for anyone to be upset and in some way offended that such a complaint was brought forward. In fact, some of us would be enraged by the entire situation. The challenge presented to us in this and similar scenarios is what might Jesus have done? I have seen too many people hide behind the belief that they never “intended” to harm anyone and therefore see no reason why they should reconcile. What people often miss is the more important “impact” of their words and actions on others.
In a vivid defiance of tradition (teachers did not wash feet) and a pointed illustration of what he expected of his disciples…Jesus humbly washed their feet. And when he was finished he asked his disciples to wash one another's feet and use this as a model to follow. This story reminds me to have the courage to not only examine the impact of my actions on others, but for the betterment of others to have the courage to humbly wash their feet or offer reconciliation even when it is not expected or required. A simple apology or gesture of reconciliation can be so freeing for both parties. What would our world be like if we washed more feet?
Reflections…
Is it time to apologize or “wash one another’s feet” even if it is against traditions or in conflict with our pride? How can we humble ourselves as Jesus did and still provide inspirational leadership to others? By walking away from a chance to reconcile with another person am I prepared to share in the bread of life? What acts of humility and kindness can I perform that will serve as a catalyst for others to follow?
Bill Doucette, Apprentice Feet Washer
The readings for Holy Thursday are steeped in tradition and meaning. The humble act of Jesus washing the feet of his disciples has always had an important meaning for me. Although my interpretation is not what a biblical scholar would see, the reading illustrates an important lesson in humble leadership.
Have you ever seen this situation? A person complains to their manager about a coworker who made some inappropriate comments. The person complaining is simply looking for an apology. The person who made the comment maintains that they were completely misunderstood and refuses to apologize. As a result, mistrust, ill will, hatred and animosity surround the relationship.
It would be natural for anyone to be upset and in some way offended that such a complaint was brought forward. In fact, some of us would be enraged by the entire situation. The challenge presented to us in this and similar scenarios is what might Jesus have done? I have seen too many people hide behind the belief that they never “intended” to harm anyone and therefore see no reason why they should reconcile. What people often miss is the more important “impact” of their words and actions on others.
In a vivid defiance of tradition (teachers did not wash feet) and a pointed illustration of what he expected of his disciples…Jesus humbly washed their feet. And when he was finished he asked his disciples to wash one another's feet and use this as a model to follow. This story reminds me to have the courage to not only examine the impact of my actions on others, but for the betterment of others to have the courage to humbly wash their feet or offer reconciliation even when it is not expected or required. A simple apology or gesture of reconciliation can be so freeing for both parties. What would our world be like if we washed more feet?
Reflections…
Is it time to apologize or “wash one another’s feet” even if it is against traditions or in conflict with our pride? How can we humble ourselves as Jesus did and still provide inspirational leadership to others? By walking away from a chance to reconcile with another person am I prepared to share in the bread of life? What acts of humility and kindness can I perform that will serve as a catalyst for others to follow?
Bill Doucette, Apprentice Feet Washer
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
April 8th, Wednesday of Holy Week
Isaiah 50: 4-9a, Psalm 69: 8-10, 21-22, 31 and 33-34, Matthew 26: 14-25
The reading from Isaiah speaks to me of a gift given -- and then taken away -- and a time of loss of vision and meaning.
I am speaking to you of the loss of my wife, Diane. After a deep friendship of many years, Diane and I were married on May 28, 1999. Eleven months later, to the day, I buried her. Diane contracted A.L.S. (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) or Lou Gehrig's disease. A.L.S. is a muscle wasting disease for which there is no cure.
This was one of the most difficult times of my life. Everything was surreal. I was numb and felt as if I were in a fog. I viewed the world as dark and my life without purpose or meaning.
Never once through this time did I ever feel the loss of God's presence or love and concern for me. I knew that while Diane was physically gone, she was safe. She is held in the arms of love. I never questioned God's purpose. I was given the gift of a trust in God that remains unshakeable.
For me, everything has its' origins and endings in love. God is love. I try to view the events in my life only through the eyes of love. It is not always easy to do, but when I am able to do so, the situation softens and loses its hard edge. Life hurts. It is only love, a conscious choice that has the ability to heal any hurt. Totally. Love is a choice to lay down one's life for another. May we all look to Jesus, and following His example, love in like fashion.
John Wilbrot, widower, married to Diane
The reading from Isaiah speaks to me of a gift given -- and then taken away -- and a time of loss of vision and meaning.
I am speaking to you of the loss of my wife, Diane. After a deep friendship of many years, Diane and I were married on May 28, 1999. Eleven months later, to the day, I buried her. Diane contracted A.L.S. (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) or Lou Gehrig's disease. A.L.S. is a muscle wasting disease for which there is no cure.
This was one of the most difficult times of my life. Everything was surreal. I was numb and felt as if I were in a fog. I viewed the world as dark and my life without purpose or meaning.
Never once through this time did I ever feel the loss of God's presence or love and concern for me. I knew that while Diane was physically gone, she was safe. She is held in the arms of love. I never questioned God's purpose. I was given the gift of a trust in God that remains unshakeable.
For me, everything has its' origins and endings in love. God is love. I try to view the events in my life only through the eyes of love. It is not always easy to do, but when I am able to do so, the situation softens and loses its hard edge. Life hurts. It is only love, a conscious choice that has the ability to heal any hurt. Totally. Love is a choice to lay down one's life for another. May we all look to Jesus, and following His example, love in like fashion.
John Wilbrot, widower, married to Diane
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
April 7th, Tuesday of Holy Week
Isaiah 49: 1-6, Psalm 71: 1-2, 3-4a, 5ab-6ab, 15 and 17, John 13: 21-33, 36-38
Recently, at our dinner table the subject of baby names came up. My sister in-law is having her first child and we were going around the table, each suggesting a name. When it was my turn I said, “If the baby is a boy, she should name him Judas.” The response from my kids was unanimous. “Dad, she can’t name him Judas. Judas betrayed Jesus.”
They were right, Judas did betray Jesus and it ultimately lead to His crucifixion, but didn’t Peter also betray Jesus by denying him three times? Yet, Peter is a common name today.
This made me think of the times when I have betrayed God. Some of those betrayals had bad outcomes and affected other people’s lives. Some of the betrayals went no farther than a thought in my mind. When it comes time to ask for God’s forgiveness, do I pick and chose which sins I ask forgiveness for? God will not pick which sins he will forgive. He will forgive all my sins only if I ask. Can I do that? Can I forgive people who have betrayed me, or do I pick and choose whom I want to forgive?
In the readings, it is easy to see only what Judas did, but the readings also talk about how God lives through us and how we should tell people about God. So, wouldn’t forgiving others, as God forgives us, be a wonderful way of doing this?
There was an article in the paper not too long ago about a terrible car crash. A drunk driver ran a stop sign and hit another car killing the driver of that car. The man who was killed was a father of three young children. The article went on to say that the wife of the man killed had publicly forgiven the drunk driver. After reading this story, I did not wonder what race this woman was or what city she lived in. What came to my mind was that this woman had a strong faith in God and that God is living through her.
Jack Grott, husband to Kelly, with four daughters Elaina, Meghan, Hannah, and Abby
Recently, at our dinner table the subject of baby names came up. My sister in-law is having her first child and we were going around the table, each suggesting a name. When it was my turn I said, “If the baby is a boy, she should name him Judas.” The response from my kids was unanimous. “Dad, she can’t name him Judas. Judas betrayed Jesus.”
They were right, Judas did betray Jesus and it ultimately lead to His crucifixion, but didn’t Peter also betray Jesus by denying him three times? Yet, Peter is a common name today.
This made me think of the times when I have betrayed God. Some of those betrayals had bad outcomes and affected other people’s lives. Some of the betrayals went no farther than a thought in my mind. When it comes time to ask for God’s forgiveness, do I pick and chose which sins I ask forgiveness for? God will not pick which sins he will forgive. He will forgive all my sins only if I ask. Can I do that? Can I forgive people who have betrayed me, or do I pick and choose whom I want to forgive?
In the readings, it is easy to see only what Judas did, but the readings also talk about how God lives through us and how we should tell people about God. So, wouldn’t forgiving others, as God forgives us, be a wonderful way of doing this?
There was an article in the paper not too long ago about a terrible car crash. A drunk driver ran a stop sign and hit another car killing the driver of that car. The man who was killed was a father of three young children. The article went on to say that the wife of the man killed had publicly forgiven the drunk driver. After reading this story, I did not wonder what race this woman was or what city she lived in. What came to my mind was that this woman had a strong faith in God and that God is living through her.
Jack Grott, husband to Kelly, with four daughters Elaina, Meghan, Hannah, and Abby
Monday, April 6, 2009
April 6th, Monday of Holy Week
Isaiah 42: 1-7, Psalm 27: 1, 2, 3, 13-14, John 12: 1-11
In today’s Gospel, I see two different paths in life that each one of us could take. We can be like Judas; a person who has his or her own agenda, only concerned about himself and what’s in it for him. When times are good we are on top of the world, but when things go bad we blame God. Or we can be like Mary who is so grateful for just the little things in life and cannot express her gratitude enough to our Lord.
When I was younger I too had my own agenda. I wanted to have all these “Things”, but when I had my accident 21 years ago that left me as a quadriplegic, my whole agenda changed and so did my relationship with our Lord. There was never a time in my life that my faith was tested as it was then. I was to get married that following week, I had a great job and I was making good money. I had the “bull by the horns” and life was good.
Through my journey in life I rely on our God everyday knowing that things are under control even when things seem rocky. I am grateful for the little things in life, as well as the many obstacles that come my way. Sure I would like my life to be different, so would anybody who has crosses to bear in their life. But I deal with the “now” and try to do the best I can with the limitations I have. I am blessed with having my wife Beth, my daughter Katie and family and friends to get me through what life throws at me, but without my faith in my Lord life would not exist.
Cherish what you have, as little as it seems, and know that when life throws you a curve ball our God is right behind you ready and willing to help if we just ask.
Mike Ryan, married 19 years to Beth, one daughter Katie
In today’s Gospel, I see two different paths in life that each one of us could take. We can be like Judas; a person who has his or her own agenda, only concerned about himself and what’s in it for him. When times are good we are on top of the world, but when things go bad we blame God. Or we can be like Mary who is so grateful for just the little things in life and cannot express her gratitude enough to our Lord.
When I was younger I too had my own agenda. I wanted to have all these “Things”, but when I had my accident 21 years ago that left me as a quadriplegic, my whole agenda changed and so did my relationship with our Lord. There was never a time in my life that my faith was tested as it was then. I was to get married that following week, I had a great job and I was making good money. I had the “bull by the horns” and life was good.
Through my journey in life I rely on our God everyday knowing that things are under control even when things seem rocky. I am grateful for the little things in life, as well as the many obstacles that come my way. Sure I would like my life to be different, so would anybody who has crosses to bear in their life. But I deal with the “now” and try to do the best I can with the limitations I have. I am blessed with having my wife Beth, my daughter Katie and family and friends to get me through what life throws at me, but without my faith in my Lord life would not exist.
Cherish what you have, as little as it seems, and know that when life throws you a curve ball our God is right behind you ready and willing to help if we just ask.
Mike Ryan, married 19 years to Beth, one daughter Katie
Sunday, April 5, 2009
April 5th, Palm Sunday
Isaiah 50: 4-7, Psalm 22: 8-9, 17-18, 19-20, 23-24, Philippians 2: 6-11, Mark 14: 1 – 15: 47
Palm branches were laid on the path that Jesus was to walk when he entered Jerusalem and we celebrate that today on Palm Sunday. Jesus knew where his path was to end: at the cross. Yet, he followed his path and carried his burden with such grace that is unimaginable in today’s world. Despite his holy grace, he proclaimed while dying on the cross: “God, why have you forsaken me?” showing he was truly human. We can feel a connection to this human side of Jesus since we have probably asked ourselves that same question at some point in our lives. I think about my own struggles and how many times I have asked myself “why me?” and have felt forgotten by God. Yet, I continue down the path that God has chosen for me- some days more enthusiastically than others. Have you recognized the path that God was laid down for you? Do you accept this path with Jesus’ grace? How do you carry the burdens that God has put on you? With anger, complaints, bitterness, denial, or skepticism? Or with fortitude, trust, grace, love and whole-heartedness? Each one of us has a path in life and a cross to bear down that path. It is our faith in God, like a bright lantern, that should guide us and a love for him that should give us strength when the cross feels too burdensome. And, we should always remember that our burdens are lighter when turned over to God. It is then that you will know and feel that God has not forsaken you. God does not abandon us…we abandon him.
Janine Durbin, mother of Alex and Nicolas Guerra
Palm branches were laid on the path that Jesus was to walk when he entered Jerusalem and we celebrate that today on Palm Sunday. Jesus knew where his path was to end: at the cross. Yet, he followed his path and carried his burden with such grace that is unimaginable in today’s world. Despite his holy grace, he proclaimed while dying on the cross: “God, why have you forsaken me?” showing he was truly human. We can feel a connection to this human side of Jesus since we have probably asked ourselves that same question at some point in our lives. I think about my own struggles and how many times I have asked myself “why me?” and have felt forgotten by God. Yet, I continue down the path that God has chosen for me- some days more enthusiastically than others. Have you recognized the path that God was laid down for you? Do you accept this path with Jesus’ grace? How do you carry the burdens that God has put on you? With anger, complaints, bitterness, denial, or skepticism? Or with fortitude, trust, grace, love and whole-heartedness? Each one of us has a path in life and a cross to bear down that path. It is our faith in God, like a bright lantern, that should guide us and a love for him that should give us strength when the cross feels too burdensome. And, we should always remember that our burdens are lighter when turned over to God. It is then that you will know and feel that God has not forsaken you. God does not abandon us…we abandon him.
Janine Durbin, mother of Alex and Nicolas Guerra
Saturday, April 4, 2009
April 4th, Saturday, Fifth Week of Lent
Ezekiel 37: 21-28, Jeremiah 31: 10, 11-12abcd, 13, John 11: 45-56
In today’s readings, I was struck by the image of God gathering people unto Himself. This is something God has continually been doing, and is still doing today. For most of us, gathering physically is easy: we come together for Liturgy. While we can honor God through our daily life, we feel the need to come together with others to praise God. There is a certain comfort in the rituals, songs and prayers that we celebrate together.
But how does God gather us in when we are spiritually scattered, when it seems that God is nowhere to be found. If I am honest with myself, I know that it is not God who has left, but rather me who has let other cares and concerns take center stage. God provides many invitations for us to return to him. It might be through Scripture, through prayer, or through recognizing God in the words or actions of others.
I find one of the strongest invitations back to God is through the Eucharist. It is the presence of Christ in the Eucharist that keeps me in the Church despite my frustrations with the Church. It is the strength from Jesus in the Eucharist that allows me to turn over to God the difficulties I may be facing, knowing that He is always with me; and it is the peace from the Eucharist that sustains me when the answers I receive to my prayers are not necessarily the answers I was hoping for.
God offers so many ways to gather us in. To paraphrase the last line of today’s Gospel: “Will we come to the feast?”
Nancy Daly, married to Jim, mother to Tim and Kevin, physical therapist
In today’s readings, I was struck by the image of God gathering people unto Himself. This is something God has continually been doing, and is still doing today. For most of us, gathering physically is easy: we come together for Liturgy. While we can honor God through our daily life, we feel the need to come together with others to praise God. There is a certain comfort in the rituals, songs and prayers that we celebrate together.
But how does God gather us in when we are spiritually scattered, when it seems that God is nowhere to be found. If I am honest with myself, I know that it is not God who has left, but rather me who has let other cares and concerns take center stage. God provides many invitations for us to return to him. It might be through Scripture, through prayer, or through recognizing God in the words or actions of others.
I find one of the strongest invitations back to God is through the Eucharist. It is the presence of Christ in the Eucharist that keeps me in the Church despite my frustrations with the Church. It is the strength from Jesus in the Eucharist that allows me to turn over to God the difficulties I may be facing, knowing that He is always with me; and it is the peace from the Eucharist that sustains me when the answers I receive to my prayers are not necessarily the answers I was hoping for.
God offers so many ways to gather us in. To paraphrase the last line of today’s Gospel: “Will we come to the feast?”
Nancy Daly, married to Jim, mother to Tim and Kevin, physical therapist
Friday, April 3, 2009
April 3rd, Friday, Fifth Week of Lent
Jeremiah 20: 10-13, Psalm 18: 2-3a, 3bc-4, 5-6, 7, John 10: 31-42
This Psalm reinforces to me how God can speak to us and give us strength. I would like to share an experience I had last year.
The week before my 14th birthday my six year old sister Patricia, was hit and killed by a car while crossing the street next to our house.
Months after this tragedy, one of my dearest friends Robin was diagnosed with jaw cancer. I vividly remember her at my house as she began to struggle with her diagnosis. She was asking my mom and me how, as a family, we were able to deal with our grief. She mentioned that she was not afraid of death herself, she was more concerned about her family and how they would cope. She was especially interested in how my parents had endured the loss of a child. She copied down some of the poems and prayers we had framed with my sisters picture. My mother was very gentle as she explained that it would be something that they would never be able to get over, but that with faith the pain would be lessened. She was reassuring and comforting as she said that God would hold her and her family in his palm as they embraced her treatments and eventually death. My dear friend passed away my sophomore year in high school after her struggle with this cancer.
When my dad was battling lung cancer, while on the drive to Iowa, suddenly her name burst into my head. It was as if someone had shouted it. I was flooded with memories of my friend, and began to pray to her for some strength. Shortly after this experience, my father passed away. At his crowded wake, standing in the grievance line, I saw a woman (she looked to be in her thirty’s), ask one of my children something. They pointed to me, and she headed towards me. I had no idea who she was. She explained that she was Robin’s younger sister. She said that Robin speaks to her often, mostly in her dreams. She said that Robin wanted her to come and give both my mom and I messages. To me, she said that Dad and Tricia were together, and they were happy and fine. She had me take her to my mom, where she told her that Robin wanted her to know that “she was right”. Mom said that she didn’t know what that meant. Robin’s sister said that she didn’t know either, that it was just what Robin wanted her to say. Mom and I can only think that she was trying to say that God did take care of all them, as He held them in the palm of his hand.
Shawn Moore is married to Tom; they have been blessed with 4 children, Tommy, Cody, Megan, and Shannon
This Psalm reinforces to me how God can speak to us and give us strength. I would like to share an experience I had last year.
The week before my 14th birthday my six year old sister Patricia, was hit and killed by a car while crossing the street next to our house.
Months after this tragedy, one of my dearest friends Robin was diagnosed with jaw cancer. I vividly remember her at my house as she began to struggle with her diagnosis. She was asking my mom and me how, as a family, we were able to deal with our grief. She mentioned that she was not afraid of death herself, she was more concerned about her family and how they would cope. She was especially interested in how my parents had endured the loss of a child. She copied down some of the poems and prayers we had framed with my sisters picture. My mother was very gentle as she explained that it would be something that they would never be able to get over, but that with faith the pain would be lessened. She was reassuring and comforting as she said that God would hold her and her family in his palm as they embraced her treatments and eventually death. My dear friend passed away my sophomore year in high school after her struggle with this cancer.
When my dad was battling lung cancer, while on the drive to Iowa, suddenly her name burst into my head. It was as if someone had shouted it. I was flooded with memories of my friend, and began to pray to her for some strength. Shortly after this experience, my father passed away. At his crowded wake, standing in the grievance line, I saw a woman (she looked to be in her thirty’s), ask one of my children something. They pointed to me, and she headed towards me. I had no idea who she was. She explained that she was Robin’s younger sister. She said that Robin speaks to her often, mostly in her dreams. She said that Robin wanted her to come and give both my mom and I messages. To me, she said that Dad and Tricia were together, and they were happy and fine. She had me take her to my mom, where she told her that Robin wanted her to know that “she was right”. Mom said that she didn’t know what that meant. Robin’s sister said that she didn’t know either, that it was just what Robin wanted her to say. Mom and I can only think that she was trying to say that God did take care of all them, as He held them in the palm of his hand.
Shawn Moore is married to Tom; they have been blessed with 4 children, Tommy, Cody, Megan, and Shannon
Thursday, April 2, 2009
April 2nd, Thursday, Fifth Week of Lent
Genesis 17: 3-9, Psalm 105: 4-5, 6-7, 8-9, John 8: 51-59
Do we hear God’s audible voice like Abram? Probably not. However, I do know that God has spoken to me in other ways.
Through scripture
Coming from a Protestant background, I am well steeped in Bible study. From personal experience I found that when reading a passage or story, I notice a particular word or insight. When I do a second reading of the same passage a few days or even years later, I will notice a different word or come to a different insight. In the past for the Genesis reading, I had focused on Abram’s name changing to Abraham. I see God making Abram a new person with a new name to outwardly show that he is now God’s. This time for the Lenten booklet, what stood out for me was the first verse about God speaking.
Through other people
God works through me to affect the lives of others through word or example. God works through others to speak to me.
Through the promptings of the Holy Spirit
God is nudging us – prompting us - to do His will and carry out his plan.
Through the sacraments
As a new Catholic I am learning that God is speaking to me through the sacraments.
God continued to speak. Genesis 17: 3b Are you listening?
Jo Mazik, life-long learner, married 32 years to Case, mother of Lucyna and Tad, joined through RCIA at Easter Vigil 2008
Do we hear God’s audible voice like Abram? Probably not. However, I do know that God has spoken to me in other ways.
Through scripture
Coming from a Protestant background, I am well steeped in Bible study. From personal experience I found that when reading a passage or story, I notice a particular word or insight. When I do a second reading of the same passage a few days or even years later, I will notice a different word or come to a different insight. In the past for the Genesis reading, I had focused on Abram’s name changing to Abraham. I see God making Abram a new person with a new name to outwardly show that he is now God’s. This time for the Lenten booklet, what stood out for me was the first verse about God speaking.
Through other people
God works through me to affect the lives of others through word or example. God works through others to speak to me.
Through the promptings of the Holy Spirit
God is nudging us – prompting us - to do His will and carry out his plan.
Through the sacraments
As a new Catholic I am learning that God is speaking to me through the sacraments.
God continued to speak. Genesis 17: 3b Are you listening?
Jo Mazik, life-long learner, married 32 years to Case, mother of Lucyna and Tad, joined through RCIA at Easter Vigil 2008
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
April 1st, Wednesday, Fifth Week of Lent
Daniel 3: 14-20, 91-92, 95, Daniel 3: 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, John 8: 31-42
Daniel's story of the three heroes with those unpronounceable names, Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego, seemed very remote when I read it. In my lifetime no one, let alone a king like Nebuchadnezzar, has offered me the choice between bowing down to a golden statue and a fiery death in an overheated oven. And yet — think again— am I not tempted daily to pay homage to materialism, hedonism, egoism promoted by other self appointed kings. Do I do what Jesus would have me do with reluctance or even apologies? How brave am I in practicing detachment in the face of all those enticing philosophies? Is my faith strong enough to carry me through those fires?
How did Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego manage to walk forward praising God and not looking back? I like to think it helped that there were three of them, marching shoulder to shoulder like soldiers in combat with each looking to his companions for support and encouragement.
When we join hands for the Our Father in Mass I feel the strength and spirit of my fellow worshipers on the journey. I want to believe that the faith and fortitude engendered by our unity is part of the miracle of our spiritual survival just as it was for Daniel's heroes.
Eleanor Sheehy widow, mother of six, grandmother of thirteen
Daniel's story of the three heroes with those unpronounceable names, Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego, seemed very remote when I read it. In my lifetime no one, let alone a king like Nebuchadnezzar, has offered me the choice between bowing down to a golden statue and a fiery death in an overheated oven. And yet — think again— am I not tempted daily to pay homage to materialism, hedonism, egoism promoted by other self appointed kings. Do I do what Jesus would have me do with reluctance or even apologies? How brave am I in practicing detachment in the face of all those enticing philosophies? Is my faith strong enough to carry me through those fires?
How did Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego manage to walk forward praising God and not looking back? I like to think it helped that there were three of them, marching shoulder to shoulder like soldiers in combat with each looking to his companions for support and encouragement.
When we join hands for the Our Father in Mass I feel the strength and spirit of my fellow worshipers on the journey. I want to believe that the faith and fortitude engendered by our unity is part of the miracle of our spiritual survival just as it was for Daniel's heroes.
Eleanor Sheehy widow, mother of six, grandmother of thirteen
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
