Yodi will be coming along this time as we both go off on an extended retreat. We will be sharing a small sparse room in a cottage that has six such rooms. I don't know how excited he will be once we get there and he finds that nobody has time to entertain him like at home...but he behaves quite well and I see no problem with the arrangement. The orchard seems to be better than a few days ago. the leafs are once again turning green...[most of threm anyway]. And it appears we have the water settings that were needed. I'm lucky that I have a neighbor out there doesn't mind "tree sitting"
Coming back home from the last retreat was a mini shock to my system. As I began to interact with other folks in person and on the internet, I felt out of focus for a few days. And I found myself listening more and speaking less. Of course my big mouth can't stay restrained for long as it loves eating shoe leather from the many times my foot gets stuck in it... shoes and all. it is best I leave now before I eat more sole than the soul can stand.
Another thing that was hard to reset was my daily schedule. Here at home I'm not very disciplined. Sometimes the neighbors wonder if I'm gone and simply left the lights on all night for security, when in fact I was up reading or studying all night long. At retreat everything is controled from 4AM until lights out at 9PM. I will say I prefer the disciplined approach over my own chaos as it forces me to concentrate on the work at hand. I look forward to tommorow.
This will be my last post until i return. I will probably have alot to say and comment on upon my return. Yodi and I say goodbye for now and you will all be in our prayers.
Blessings to you all.
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Monday, May 22, 2006
Rashes, skin flaps, and weird toenails
We need to be more careful when we begin a serious self examination. We just might find stuff we never intended to find. And...as my sweet niece might say "that's gross"!
This morning while drying off from a shower, and as I was wiping my underarms, I noticed a rather strange looking rash where their wasn't one the last time I looked. It didn't itch or appear inflamed. It just stared back at me from behind some rather floppy looking skin flaps. I called my healthcare provider and talked to a duty nurse. She said that it might be from the low humidity but not to worry. Somebody their told me the same thing about those skin flaps a few years ago. I had never heard of such a thing until I hit 60...then all hell broke loose as more and more moles and other aberations begin to take over my body.
It doesn't seem that long ago that the hair left my head and migrated to my ears, eyebrows, and nostrils. Another niece reminded me quite bluntly of those configurations. I like that word and I think I will re-name my body to it. It better defines what I have become...a "gross configuration".
Every now and then I pull out the old musty scrapbooks from college and seminary days. Smiling back at me is a robust young man with tanned skin standing tall and upright with a muscular physique honed from the summer jobs of manual labor. I even blush at times at just how handsome of a dude I once was.
Have skin flaps, excessive moles, weird hair and dumpy bodies always been a trait of men over 60? I don't remember dad ever bringing it up. Of course with modesty present in those days--one was never afforded the opportunity to examine a parent as they were always dressed from head to toe in starched apparel. Starch!!! Now that is subject matter for another post.
The reason I bring this up late this afternoon is because I happened to get a shot at my toenails later today when the light was just right and my bi-focals were at the optimun distance. The sight shook me to the core. What were once ordinary smooth looking and well trimmed protective coverings for my dainty toes are now...!@#$%^&*(... YOU DON'T WANT TO KNOW ! And I wish I didn't.
Quit laughing Yodi. This isn't funny.
This morning while drying off from a shower, and as I was wiping my underarms, I noticed a rather strange looking rash where their wasn't one the last time I looked. It didn't itch or appear inflamed. It just stared back at me from behind some rather floppy looking skin flaps. I called my healthcare provider and talked to a duty nurse. She said that it might be from the low humidity but not to worry. Somebody their told me the same thing about those skin flaps a few years ago. I had never heard of such a thing until I hit 60...then all hell broke loose as more and more moles and other aberations begin to take over my body.
It doesn't seem that long ago that the hair left my head and migrated to my ears, eyebrows, and nostrils. Another niece reminded me quite bluntly of those configurations. I like that word and I think I will re-name my body to it. It better defines what I have become...a "gross configuration".
Every now and then I pull out the old musty scrapbooks from college and seminary days. Smiling back at me is a robust young man with tanned skin standing tall and upright with a muscular physique honed from the summer jobs of manual labor. I even blush at times at just how handsome of a dude I once was.
Have skin flaps, excessive moles, weird hair and dumpy bodies always been a trait of men over 60? I don't remember dad ever bringing it up. Of course with modesty present in those days--one was never afforded the opportunity to examine a parent as they were always dressed from head to toe in starched apparel. Starch!!! Now that is subject matter for another post.
The reason I bring this up late this afternoon is because I happened to get a shot at my toenails later today when the light was just right and my bi-focals were at the optimun distance. The sight shook me to the core. What were once ordinary smooth looking and well trimmed protective coverings for my dainty toes are now...!@#$%^&*(... YOU DON'T WANT TO KNOW ! And I wish I didn't.
Quit laughing Yodi. This isn't funny.
"Depart from me for I am a sinner, O Lord"
Unlike the people of today-- the people of our Lord's time were tired of false religions and hungered for the truth.
Our times are different today... in that people are tired of true religion and hunger and thirst for lies! This explains the speed with which neo-paganism has taken root and spread throughout the entire Western world. I have watched folks in person and on internet forums transform from searching questioning seekers of Christ to sinful, heretical, blasphemers-- seekers of hell.
The day has truly come of which St. Paul spoke in his epistle to St.Timothy... "But know this, that in the last days dangerous times will come. Men will be lovers of self, covetous, haughty, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, criminal, heartless, faithless, slanderers, incontinent, merciless, unkind, treacherous, stubborn, puffed up with pride, loving pleasure more than "GOD", having a semblance indeed of piety, but disowning its power. [2 Tim.3:1-5]
We all might take heed of this advice by curbing our curiosity and doing just what St.Paul says-- "Avoid these"... that is, having nothing to do with such individuals or groups of individuals. Stay away from them and stay away from their unwarranted and ambitious attempts to be teachers in the Church of which they are no longer members.
The words of St.Paul are quite strong when he refers to the kind of success these false teachers have and upon whom... "For such are they who make their way into houses and captivate silly women who are sin-laden and led away by various lusts: ever learning yet never attaining knowledge of the truth. [Ibid. 3,6-7].
It is significant that after Peter experienced the miraculous catch of fish, and had fallen down at Jesus' knees saying... "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord,"... that our Lord did not depart. Ponder that for a moment.
Because on the contrary-- our Lord said to him... "Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men." And Peter later became the first Pope. Even after denying our Lord out of human frailty and fear of the Jews, our Lord did not depart from Peter.
Our Lord will not depart from anyone because of human frailty unless that person first departs from our Lord.We must quit on him before he turns his back. This is the reason why our Lord said that there is not sin that is so great that it cannot be forgiven except one.. The sin against the Holy Spirt.
There are people who seemingly boast that they are "great sinners" and consequently dare not come to church or dare not approach the Sacrament of Penance which is appropriately a means of reconciliation with "God". Some of us are shocked at such bold statements. For we know the true consequences at hand.
Lately I have wondered just how government officials will ever be able to approach the Sacrament of Penance and reconcile themselves with "GOD"... when they would be required to make restitution for all that they have done? I know it is possible and I have no business questioning the power that the Lord's grace has...but!
Do you think a Roosevelt, a Kennedy, a Johnson, a Clinton, or any of the Bushes could ever make restitution for their sins of murder, greed and pride?
These leaders and former leaders-- and many others are even now reaping the just rewards of their evil deeds. Just this past week, I was witness to President Bush tell bold face lies regarding our immigration problem...and later read where some believed this trash without a second thought. We had President Clinton who was caught up in mortal sin, soberly defending himself by claiming there was a word 'definition" problem. Sin is sin Mr. President. I wonder if he understands that there is no seperating out his actions in public service from those in private.
And as an evil world builds monuments to such public scoundrels, the flames of hell fail to purify their souls. During their lifetimes, all those who have been responsible for the constant misery of mankind basked in opulent power and wealth. Their successors today are guilty of the same mistake. For... to every man will divine justice be eventually be rendered.
More than the miraculous catch of fishes-- our attention should be turned to the mind and heart of Christ who does not crush the weak, but gives strength to them because of their humility. If Peter would not have said "Depart from me for I am a sinner, O Lord," the Lord would most certainly have departed from him!
Great nations crumble not because they are more sinful than others, but because in their pride they fail to see themselves as they really are. They fail to repent of their evils and errors by falling at the knees of Christ and saying... Depart from me for I am a sinner, O Lord."
The public robbers and scoundrels of the world who build mansions and monuments to themselves fall far short of their insatiable greed and ambition because they can never admit their guilt. Our Lord came to save sinners. He redeemed all men, but He can only save those who say to Him-- forgive me for I have sinned.
It is tiring to continually remind folks of the path to salvation. Very tiring. Some are more witty or cleaver in their arguments and will gather others to their side as they mock and challenge boastfully the denial of Christ, Christianity, morals, sin.... On my knees in prayer, I ask of the Lord..."Why are my messages ignored". "Why can't they see the logic and truth spoken in love"? "Why the constant rejection by many"?
I never received a direct answer to these prayers...just some insight after days of quiet and contemplative prayer. The wheat is being seperated out. Those individuals and leaders have been offered the cup of truth and already have decided. Not every soul will be saved. Now-- that is blunt and hard to accept for this old warrior priest. But it is the truth. Hell is a limitless pit and still has capacity for those who turn from the Holy Spirit. Free will does offer salvation and it also offers death. Some we must accept as making the choice for death and turn our attention to those yet undecided.
When at retreat it becomes clear after a few days of rest in prayer. We are but mortal who walk this earth as humans. Satan doesn't require rest as we do. His unholy battery never run low...and as we rest he continues on harvesting the souls who mock while we were awake and at work for the Lord. Yes...the bitter pill that needs swallowed by me and others who fight for mans soul is this...they must reach a point after hearing the gospel where they in free will take up the sword on behalf of their own soul. They must recognize their sin and become like Peter as he cried out...
"Depart from me for I am a sinner, O Lord". This is the beginning of salvation!
OK Yodi, that is off my chest. Let us depart for bed and a good nights rest.
Bless you all.
Our times are different today... in that people are tired of true religion and hunger and thirst for lies! This explains the speed with which neo-paganism has taken root and spread throughout the entire Western world. I have watched folks in person and on internet forums transform from searching questioning seekers of Christ to sinful, heretical, blasphemers-- seekers of hell.
The day has truly come of which St. Paul spoke in his epistle to St.Timothy... "But know this, that in the last days dangerous times will come. Men will be lovers of self, covetous, haughty, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, criminal, heartless, faithless, slanderers, incontinent, merciless, unkind, treacherous, stubborn, puffed up with pride, loving pleasure more than "GOD", having a semblance indeed of piety, but disowning its power. [2 Tim.3:1-5]
We all might take heed of this advice by curbing our curiosity and doing just what St.Paul says-- "Avoid these"... that is, having nothing to do with such individuals or groups of individuals. Stay away from them and stay away from their unwarranted and ambitious attempts to be teachers in the Church of which they are no longer members.
The words of St.Paul are quite strong when he refers to the kind of success these false teachers have and upon whom... "For such are they who make their way into houses and captivate silly women who are sin-laden and led away by various lusts: ever learning yet never attaining knowledge of the truth. [Ibid. 3,6-7].
It is significant that after Peter experienced the miraculous catch of fish, and had fallen down at Jesus' knees saying... "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord,"... that our Lord did not depart. Ponder that for a moment.
Because on the contrary-- our Lord said to him... "Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men." And Peter later became the first Pope. Even after denying our Lord out of human frailty and fear of the Jews, our Lord did not depart from Peter.
Our Lord will not depart from anyone because of human frailty unless that person first departs from our Lord.We must quit on him before he turns his back. This is the reason why our Lord said that there is not sin that is so great that it cannot be forgiven except one.. The sin against the Holy Spirt.
There are people who seemingly boast that they are "great sinners" and consequently dare not come to church or dare not approach the Sacrament of Penance which is appropriately a means of reconciliation with "God". Some of us are shocked at such bold statements. For we know the true consequences at hand.
Lately I have wondered just how government officials will ever be able to approach the Sacrament of Penance and reconcile themselves with "GOD"... when they would be required to make restitution for all that they have done? I know it is possible and I have no business questioning the power that the Lord's grace has...but!
Do you think a Roosevelt, a Kennedy, a Johnson, a Clinton, or any of the Bushes could ever make restitution for their sins of murder, greed and pride?
These leaders and former leaders-- and many others are even now reaping the just rewards of their evil deeds. Just this past week, I was witness to President Bush tell bold face lies regarding our immigration problem...and later read where some believed this trash without a second thought. We had President Clinton who was caught up in mortal sin, soberly defending himself by claiming there was a word 'definition" problem. Sin is sin Mr. President. I wonder if he understands that there is no seperating out his actions in public service from those in private.
And as an evil world builds monuments to such public scoundrels, the flames of hell fail to purify their souls. During their lifetimes, all those who have been responsible for the constant misery of mankind basked in opulent power and wealth. Their successors today are guilty of the same mistake. For... to every man will divine justice be eventually be rendered.
More than the miraculous catch of fishes-- our attention should be turned to the mind and heart of Christ who does not crush the weak, but gives strength to them because of their humility. If Peter would not have said "Depart from me for I am a sinner, O Lord," the Lord would most certainly have departed from him!
Great nations crumble not because they are more sinful than others, but because in their pride they fail to see themselves as they really are. They fail to repent of their evils and errors by falling at the knees of Christ and saying... Depart from me for I am a sinner, O Lord."
The public robbers and scoundrels of the world who build mansions and monuments to themselves fall far short of their insatiable greed and ambition because they can never admit their guilt. Our Lord came to save sinners. He redeemed all men, but He can only save those who say to Him-- forgive me for I have sinned.
It is tiring to continually remind folks of the path to salvation. Very tiring. Some are more witty or cleaver in their arguments and will gather others to their side as they mock and challenge boastfully the denial of Christ, Christianity, morals, sin.... On my knees in prayer, I ask of the Lord..."Why are my messages ignored". "Why can't they see the logic and truth spoken in love"? "Why the constant rejection by many"?
I never received a direct answer to these prayers...just some insight after days of quiet and contemplative prayer. The wheat is being seperated out. Those individuals and leaders have been offered the cup of truth and already have decided. Not every soul will be saved. Now-- that is blunt and hard to accept for this old warrior priest. But it is the truth. Hell is a limitless pit and still has capacity for those who turn from the Holy Spirit. Free will does offer salvation and it also offers death. Some we must accept as making the choice for death and turn our attention to those yet undecided.
When at retreat it becomes clear after a few days of rest in prayer. We are but mortal who walk this earth as humans. Satan doesn't require rest as we do. His unholy battery never run low...and as we rest he continues on harvesting the souls who mock while we were awake and at work for the Lord. Yes...the bitter pill that needs swallowed by me and others who fight for mans soul is this...they must reach a point after hearing the gospel where they in free will take up the sword on behalf of their own soul. They must recognize their sin and become like Peter as he cried out...
"Depart from me for I am a sinner, O Lord". This is the beginning of salvation!
OK Yodi, that is off my chest. Let us depart for bed and a good nights rest.
Bless you all.
Friday, May 19, 2006
To Whom Do We Belong ?
Do you think you belong to anyone?
My parents were raised in the Pacific Northwest in the 1910s and '20s. If you were of Irish ancestry, you were Catholic and belonged to that group. If you were English ancestry you were most likely protestant. And the groups didn't mix! This kind of belonging can feel comforting, but has important limitations.
By virtue of our baptism, we belong to "GOD". If we were baptized as infants, we may need to go through an experience of conversion as adults to experience this belonging to "GOD". This has happened to a few folks I know and the change that takes place in a person who comes out of the darkness of inactivity to full fellowship and communion is like witnessing an orchard of fruit trees locked in the death grip of winter suddenly spring to radiant life with branches covered with verdant leaves and blossoms in full bloom. [I can't get orchards out of my mind.]
Paul says in [Romans 14:7-9] "None of us lives as our own master and none of us dies as our own master. While we live, we are responsible to the Lord, and when we die, we die as his servants." We belong to "GOD". "Both in life and in death we are the Lord's."
And this is a good thing. But why is it good?
A few weeks ago and prior to my retreat, I had coffee one evening with my friend whom I shall call Tom [not his real name]. He is a very cheerful, energetic, intelligent fellow who sometimes gets very excited about things. On this particular night he became animated, then angry about a situation involving other people we both know. He carried on for some time in this angry way. When I arrived at my house, I realized that I was feeling angry too. This seemed strange because Tom wasn't angry at me. But I had somehow picked up the feelings of his anger and internalized them. Yodi shivered in his little bed when I entered the room. He too picked up on these angry emotions.
This happens quite frequently among people, and I have learned how to cope with these feelings. I prayed and asked the Lord to remove these feelings and fill me with his Spirit and his peace. And the Lord did so. This is part of the Good News. I encourage you to try it. I feel things inside myself that harm me and I do my part to try to let go of it... and I invite the Lord to fill me with his Spirit of peace. This is the central dynamic of forgiveness about which is found in both Sirach 27:30 - 28:7-- and the Gospel-- Matthew 18:21-25.
Now suppose that Tom in fact had been angry with me for some reason. My approach would have been the same-- I would have felt the hurt and humiliation inside myself, including, perhaps the responsibility for his anger-- [if in fact I was in the wrong]. I would have offered to take responsibility for what I had done-- if he [Tom] would pour his spirit of friendship into me to give me peace. If we had done this, he would have forgiven me, and we could continue our friendship in peace. This isn't easy, but it is powerful. Not only would Tom pour his spirit of friendship into me-- but the Lord would bless our interaction with his Spirit of peace. A doubly whammy!!
In fact we humans are not able to forgive so completely and thoroughly as to bring complete healing and reconciliation. We must rely on "GOD'S" participation in reconciliation and be reconciled to "GOD". Psalm 103 reminds us that "The Lord is kind and merciful, slow to anger and rich in compassion. He pardons all our iniquities, he heals all our ills. He redeems our lives from destruction, he crowns us with kindness and compassion."
We can enter into this spirit of reconciliation and receive forgiveness and healing from "GOD" because of what Jesus did for us in his passion, death, and resurrection... he broke the power of sin and death. That is why Christ died and came to life again, that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living. As his body was broken and his blood poured out, the Father reached into the depth of the sin heaped upon him and pulled him into new life. The Father broke the hold of sin and death on all human beings. One consequence of the Father's action is that no matter what we may have done to one another that is hurtful or wrong, our taking action to offer forgiveness releases the tremendous power of "GOD'S" love to bless the two offering and receiving forgiveness. The same thing happens when we ask "GOD" for forgiveness. We release his power of love and healing.
Because this release of love and healing is so central to Jesus' passion, death and resurrection-- he wanted to make sure the disciples understood that his passion and death weren't ends in themselves... far from it ... but were acts that would release "GOD'S" healing and love. At the last supper, trying to find words and symbols of this action, he took bread as the most obvious and concrete metaphor-- and tried to help them see that the imminent breaking of his body could be signified by breaking bread. Then when supper was ended, he took the cup he gave it to his disciples and said that the wine that has been poured into this cup is the obvious and concrete metaphor for his blood that would soon be spilt. At the moment his body was broken and his blood poured out, [He said], the forgiving and healing power of "GOD'S" love would be made real and manifest for all.
This is of course what we celebrate in our Eucharist, [Holy communion]. As the bread is broken and the wine poured out, Christ-- who is truly present in this bread and this wine on this altar-- releases upon us who are present to consume it-- his powerful love that forgives and heals and grants peace.
We recognize this reality immediately before communion when we say, "Lord, I am unworthy to receive you,..." In other words, "Lord, I have all sorts of hurts, worries, fears, resentments and the like inside me-- and they prevent me from giving and receiving love more fully to you and those who are around me." "...but only say the word, and I shall be healed." "I shall be healed because the power of your love is present here in our midst as the bread is broken and the wine poured out." This healing isn't abstract and theoretical. It is real healing of present hurts, fears and anxieties as well as healing of memories of hurts, fears, and anxieties.
It is our participation in this action that makes real and concrete our belonging to Christ. We began to belong to him in our baptism or adult conversion. We show our belonging to him ever more fully as we participate in this action of love.
So-- let's all open ourselves in a new and fuller way to this forgiving and healing love as we continue to receive Christ. This is the Good News of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Now that made Yodi stop shivering and start wagging his tale!
So Yodi...this is reason #72 ...[whoops] that belongs in another post and another topic.
Bless you all.
My parents were raised in the Pacific Northwest in the 1910s and '20s. If you were of Irish ancestry, you were Catholic and belonged to that group. If you were English ancestry you were most likely protestant. And the groups didn't mix! This kind of belonging can feel comforting, but has important limitations.
By virtue of our baptism, we belong to "GOD". If we were baptized as infants, we may need to go through an experience of conversion as adults to experience this belonging to "GOD". This has happened to a few folks I know and the change that takes place in a person who comes out of the darkness of inactivity to full fellowship and communion is like witnessing an orchard of fruit trees locked in the death grip of winter suddenly spring to radiant life with branches covered with verdant leaves and blossoms in full bloom. [I can't get orchards out of my mind.]
Paul says in [Romans 14:7-9] "None of us lives as our own master and none of us dies as our own master. While we live, we are responsible to the Lord, and when we die, we die as his servants." We belong to "GOD". "Both in life and in death we are the Lord's."
And this is a good thing. But why is it good?
A few weeks ago and prior to my retreat, I had coffee one evening with my friend whom I shall call Tom [not his real name]. He is a very cheerful, energetic, intelligent fellow who sometimes gets very excited about things. On this particular night he became animated, then angry about a situation involving other people we both know. He carried on for some time in this angry way. When I arrived at my house, I realized that I was feeling angry too. This seemed strange because Tom wasn't angry at me. But I had somehow picked up the feelings of his anger and internalized them. Yodi shivered in his little bed when I entered the room. He too picked up on these angry emotions.
This happens quite frequently among people, and I have learned how to cope with these feelings. I prayed and asked the Lord to remove these feelings and fill me with his Spirit and his peace. And the Lord did so. This is part of the Good News. I encourage you to try it. I feel things inside myself that harm me and I do my part to try to let go of it... and I invite the Lord to fill me with his Spirit of peace. This is the central dynamic of forgiveness about which is found in both Sirach 27:30 - 28:7-- and the Gospel-- Matthew 18:21-25.
Now suppose that Tom in fact had been angry with me for some reason. My approach would have been the same-- I would have felt the hurt and humiliation inside myself, including, perhaps the responsibility for his anger-- [if in fact I was in the wrong]. I would have offered to take responsibility for what I had done-- if he [Tom] would pour his spirit of friendship into me to give me peace. If we had done this, he would have forgiven me, and we could continue our friendship in peace. This isn't easy, but it is powerful. Not only would Tom pour his spirit of friendship into me-- but the Lord would bless our interaction with his Spirit of peace. A doubly whammy!!
In fact we humans are not able to forgive so completely and thoroughly as to bring complete healing and reconciliation. We must rely on "GOD'S" participation in reconciliation and be reconciled to "GOD". Psalm 103 reminds us that "The Lord is kind and merciful, slow to anger and rich in compassion. He pardons all our iniquities, he heals all our ills. He redeems our lives from destruction, he crowns us with kindness and compassion."
We can enter into this spirit of reconciliation and receive forgiveness and healing from "GOD" because of what Jesus did for us in his passion, death, and resurrection... he broke the power of sin and death. That is why Christ died and came to life again, that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living. As his body was broken and his blood poured out, the Father reached into the depth of the sin heaped upon him and pulled him into new life. The Father broke the hold of sin and death on all human beings. One consequence of the Father's action is that no matter what we may have done to one another that is hurtful or wrong, our taking action to offer forgiveness releases the tremendous power of "GOD'S" love to bless the two offering and receiving forgiveness. The same thing happens when we ask "GOD" for forgiveness. We release his power of love and healing.
Because this release of love and healing is so central to Jesus' passion, death and resurrection-- he wanted to make sure the disciples understood that his passion and death weren't ends in themselves... far from it ... but were acts that would release "GOD'S" healing and love. At the last supper, trying to find words and symbols of this action, he took bread as the most obvious and concrete metaphor-- and tried to help them see that the imminent breaking of his body could be signified by breaking bread. Then when supper was ended, he took the cup he gave it to his disciples and said that the wine that has been poured into this cup is the obvious and concrete metaphor for his blood that would soon be spilt. At the moment his body was broken and his blood poured out, [He said], the forgiving and healing power of "GOD'S" love would be made real and manifest for all.
This is of course what we celebrate in our Eucharist, [Holy communion]. As the bread is broken and the wine poured out, Christ-- who is truly present in this bread and this wine on this altar-- releases upon us who are present to consume it-- his powerful love that forgives and heals and grants peace.
We recognize this reality immediately before communion when we say, "Lord, I am unworthy to receive you,..." In other words, "Lord, I have all sorts of hurts, worries, fears, resentments and the like inside me-- and they prevent me from giving and receiving love more fully to you and those who are around me." "...but only say the word, and I shall be healed." "I shall be healed because the power of your love is present here in our midst as the bread is broken and the wine poured out." This healing isn't abstract and theoretical. It is real healing of present hurts, fears and anxieties as well as healing of memories of hurts, fears, and anxieties.
It is our participation in this action that makes real and concrete our belonging to Christ. We began to belong to him in our baptism or adult conversion. We show our belonging to him ever more fully as we participate in this action of love.
So-- let's all open ourselves in a new and fuller way to this forgiving and healing love as we continue to receive Christ. This is the Good News of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Now that made Yodi stop shivering and start wagging his tale!
So Yodi...this is reason #72 ...[whoops] that belongs in another post and another topic.
Bless you all.
Election Primaries May Be Our Only Hope
I have been rather busy on this little blog the past few days--but only because I have some ideas and statements that have purculated during the time I was away.
One serious notion that I have grappled with is politics and how it relates to solving real human issues. And I'm afraid that what is currently in store for the forseeable future is more gridlock and less real problem solving. And that is not what we expect or deserve when we send folks to our state and federal legislatures.
On May 17th, the Washington Post released yet another poll that indicated Americans are fed up with the Republicans and in every category feel that the Democrats would do a better job...from immigration reform...to handling the Iraq war...to the economy...and I suppose to kissing little babies on the campaign trail. But-----it was not that long ago that Americans were fed up with the Democrats and their policies of inaction and corruption...not to mention adultry by our President.
It seems to me then that the problems has to do with those who are incumbants and have been in office too long more so than a particular party. Not only do they seem to be the source of our troubles due to their special interest lobby perks, but they also poison the minds and will of the junior members. Yes...soon after we send a fresh face to office, they too begin spewing forth with the same rhetoric as the old timers.
My solution. Well it mirrors one of the items mentioned in the above mentioned poll. 55% of Americans say they intend to shop around for a new face come this election cycle. I would go one step further. Throw them all out and start afresh. It seems whether you are liberal, conservative, or somewhere between that you too are not getting what you want and need...truthful and sincere representation.
So after careful consideration and counsel with Yodi this morning over bagels and sausage, we have determined that we will endorse only newcomers. And we will mail them the reason and expectations we have in lieu of our support. In other words put them on notice that if elected they will do our will not special interests or the will of the part oldtimers.
If you are a Republican, Democrat, Independent, or minority party member...now is the time to change focus. Instead of voting in the incumbant or by party line and then keeping your fingers crossed that they will truly represent your concerns, [until they stick the screws to you once again], why not start with an entire new crop. Plant a new state legislature and federal Congress. And make sure you nurture them through support and inspiration, [alot better than I did the new orchard].
We need to stay on top of our new crop so that it doesn't rot like the current one. Vote for "real" change. Throw all the current bums out...and primary time is how we do it. If an incumbant runs, [which is probably a given], then vote for who is running against them in the primary. If nobody is challenging them...then do what you can to enlist a capable volunteer. The point is we need a complete house cleaning. And the same can be said during the 2008 cycle...but let's first get through this one. Maybe then we will get what we deserve pay for...we certainly deserve better than we have.
My blessings and prayers to you all.
One serious notion that I have grappled with is politics and how it relates to solving real human issues. And I'm afraid that what is currently in store for the forseeable future is more gridlock and less real problem solving. And that is not what we expect or deserve when we send folks to our state and federal legislatures.
On May 17th, the Washington Post released yet another poll that indicated Americans are fed up with the Republicans and in every category feel that the Democrats would do a better job...from immigration reform...to handling the Iraq war...to the economy...and I suppose to kissing little babies on the campaign trail. But-----it was not that long ago that Americans were fed up with the Democrats and their policies of inaction and corruption...not to mention adultry by our President.
It seems to me then that the problems has to do with those who are incumbants and have been in office too long more so than a particular party. Not only do they seem to be the source of our troubles due to their special interest lobby perks, but they also poison the minds and will of the junior members. Yes...soon after we send a fresh face to office, they too begin spewing forth with the same rhetoric as the old timers.
My solution. Well it mirrors one of the items mentioned in the above mentioned poll. 55% of Americans say they intend to shop around for a new face come this election cycle. I would go one step further. Throw them all out and start afresh. It seems whether you are liberal, conservative, or somewhere between that you too are not getting what you want and need...truthful and sincere representation.
So after careful consideration and counsel with Yodi this morning over bagels and sausage, we have determined that we will endorse only newcomers. And we will mail them the reason and expectations we have in lieu of our support. In other words put them on notice that if elected they will do our will not special interests or the will of the part oldtimers.
If you are a Republican, Democrat, Independent, or minority party member...now is the time to change focus. Instead of voting in the incumbant or by party line and then keeping your fingers crossed that they will truly represent your concerns, [until they stick the screws to you once again], why not start with an entire new crop. Plant a new state legislature and federal Congress. And make sure you nurture them through support and inspiration, [alot better than I did the new orchard].
We need to stay on top of our new crop so that it doesn't rot like the current one. Vote for "real" change. Throw all the current bums out...and primary time is how we do it. If an incumbant runs, [which is probably a given], then vote for who is running against them in the primary. If nobody is challenging them...then do what you can to enlist a capable volunteer. The point is we need a complete house cleaning. And the same can be said during the 2008 cycle...but let's first get through this one. Maybe then we will get what we deserve pay for...we certainly deserve better than we have.
My blessings and prayers to you all.
Thursday, May 18, 2006
Farmer Mike----Tree Murderer
Well I did it this time! Call the sheriff and have him haul me off to the pokey.
A couple of months ago I thought it would be dandy if I did a little farming...or orcharding is a better description. My brother had aquired a piece of land with a barn and old farmhouse on it out in the country near Benson, Arizona. He decided to plant some fruit trees...14 to be exact, and four grape bushes/vines. He invited me along and I helped best as I could as the tree and bush holes were dug. I was in charge of contacting the University of Arizona ag-cooperative to establish exactly what materials were needed and how exactly to plant this orchard. And I did.
As my brother and a helper dug the holes, I made sure the holes were the right depth and diameter. The right mulch and top soil for the trees and bushes were added. Mounds were built around the trees to keep the water irrigation isolated and each tree and bush were gently planted per specification.
Irrigation lines were hooked up to a brand new water system which had a super duper timer that controled watering area, time, day, and how many times each day. Water lines were run to four zones and individual lines and nozzles installed for each tree and bush. We set the time and days and water duration so that the soil and orchard were getting what they needed.
Sounds good so far doesn't it.
We finished up over a period of several days. My brother handed the operation over to me...since it was my big mouth that volunteered to be farmer Mike. Well I live about 70 miles from this new orchard. We talked to the neighbor and he agreed to call me if anything was wrong with the farmhouse, barn, etc. So with full confidence-- off my brother goes leaving the baby trees and bushes with me.
I diligently traveled out there and tended the trees and bushes as if they were my own children---complete with prayers and blessings. I applied the extra mulch stuff after 30 days as instructed which in itself about wore me out as I am somewhat limited in what I can do. But I felt being farmer Mike would be good for my body, mind, and spirit.
Now we come to the ugly part. Gulp!
I left town for a two day retreat that lasted for a month. During that time the temperature rose---and then rose even higher. The result was that my once perfect irrigation schedule was no longer capable of applying the water needed. Low humidity and high temperature means rapid evaporation.I learned this orchard fact just today.
I decided this afternoon to ride out and check the orchard. What were once thriving little trees and bushes were now brown and wilted. The once moist ground and mulch was all cracked and dry. I'm afraid one of the peach trees and a plum tree have gone on to tree heaven. The others will be in intensive care for some time. The neighbor dropped by and told me he and his wife had been gone fishing in Mexico for three weeks and by coincidence was going to call me tonight and tell me the orchard was in trouble.
I turned the irrigation system on manuel and the neighbor will turn it off once everything is soaked pretty good.
I'm trying to figure out how to break it to Yodi that I will probably be serving hard time making little rocks out of big rocks on a chain gang for the next 20 years. I have a call into my brother and when he contacts me I will break the news. The once excited dreams we shared off apple pies, grape jelly, fresh peaches, necterines, etc. are in in the process of becoming a nighmare at this time.
Please pray for the remaining orchard. I must go now. The sheriff will soon be here and Yodi needs fed prior to me breaking the news to him.
A couple of months ago I thought it would be dandy if I did a little farming...or orcharding is a better description. My brother had aquired a piece of land with a barn and old farmhouse on it out in the country near Benson, Arizona. He decided to plant some fruit trees...14 to be exact, and four grape bushes/vines. He invited me along and I helped best as I could as the tree and bush holes were dug. I was in charge of contacting the University of Arizona ag-cooperative to establish exactly what materials were needed and how exactly to plant this orchard. And I did.
As my brother and a helper dug the holes, I made sure the holes were the right depth and diameter. The right mulch and top soil for the trees and bushes were added. Mounds were built around the trees to keep the water irrigation isolated and each tree and bush were gently planted per specification.
Irrigation lines were hooked up to a brand new water system which had a super duper timer that controled watering area, time, day, and how many times each day. Water lines were run to four zones and individual lines and nozzles installed for each tree and bush. We set the time and days and water duration so that the soil and orchard were getting what they needed.
Sounds good so far doesn't it.
We finished up over a period of several days. My brother handed the operation over to me...since it was my big mouth that volunteered to be farmer Mike. Well I live about 70 miles from this new orchard. We talked to the neighbor and he agreed to call me if anything was wrong with the farmhouse, barn, etc. So with full confidence-- off my brother goes leaving the baby trees and bushes with me.
I diligently traveled out there and tended the trees and bushes as if they were my own children---complete with prayers and blessings. I applied the extra mulch stuff after 30 days as instructed which in itself about wore me out as I am somewhat limited in what I can do. But I felt being farmer Mike would be good for my body, mind, and spirit.
Now we come to the ugly part. Gulp!
I left town for a two day retreat that lasted for a month. During that time the temperature rose---and then rose even higher. The result was that my once perfect irrigation schedule was no longer capable of applying the water needed. Low humidity and high temperature means rapid evaporation.I learned this orchard fact just today.
I decided this afternoon to ride out and check the orchard. What were once thriving little trees and bushes were now brown and wilted. The once moist ground and mulch was all cracked and dry. I'm afraid one of the peach trees and a plum tree have gone on to tree heaven. The others will be in intensive care for some time. The neighbor dropped by and told me he and his wife had been gone fishing in Mexico for three weeks and by coincidence was going to call me tonight and tell me the orchard was in trouble.
I turned the irrigation system on manuel and the neighbor will turn it off once everything is soaked pretty good.
I'm trying to figure out how to break it to Yodi that I will probably be serving hard time making little rocks out of big rocks on a chain gang for the next 20 years. I have a call into my brother and when he contacts me I will break the news. The once excited dreams we shared off apple pies, grape jelly, fresh peaches, necterines, etc. are in in the process of becoming a nighmare at this time.
Please pray for the remaining orchard. I must go now. The sheriff will soon be here and Yodi needs fed prior to me breaking the news to him.
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Regarding Prayer
With, what seems-- increasing frequency I come across lay people who are daily praying The Liturgy of the Hours. That is required for priests and members of religious communities. The "daily office"-- as it is called, varies according to the traditions of some religious orders and in most communities is prayed in common or, as it is said, in choir. It is an encouraging thing that lay people-- and especially younger lay people, are taking up this spiritual discipline. And even more encouraging when they are able to pray the office with others, as in the family. I count it among the great blessings of my life that-- in my order we pray at least Evening Prayer together every day. Now granted I am not currently living within the community...but i do know when "Evening Prayer" is said and so make it a daily habit to join my brothers from afar.
Survey research regularly turns up the finding that Catholic clergy pray much more than Protestant clergy-- and sometimes folks wonder why that should be the case. The answer is not hard to find... The daily office is required.
It is estimated that about two thirds of the priests in our country keep to this requirement-- and one does feel sorry for the estimated one third who don’t. Because not only are they are failing in their obligation but-- most important, they are denying themselves and the Church a disciplined life of prayer.
At the core of the office are the psalms. An older priest once told me he had stopped saying the office many years ago because he couldn’t stomach the imprecatory psalms-- sometimes called the violent psalms or psalms of animosity. That is obviously among the failures of his theological formation. The saints had no hesitation in asking the Lord to smite the evildoers hip and thigh–always in the hope of their repentance, of course-- unless they have by their own free will precluded that possibility.
More commonly, one hears that the praying of the office has become routine-- as in rote. This is usually from people who are affectively greedy, rummaging through what Yeats called the "rag and bone shop of the heart" to see how their praying is affecting their own sensibilities. Prayer is liturgy, meaning the work of the people of "GOD". One does one’s duty when it is not pleasurable in the hope that it will happen-- as it does at times happen-- that one's duty becomes one's delight.
The disciples' request, "Teach us to pray," is our prayer until we draw our last breath. And always there is the wise counsel of saints beyond numbering... Pray as you can, not as you can't. None of us prays or believes or loves as we wish we could. Pray, believe, love as you can, not as you can't. And-- by "GOD'S" grace, we can more and more.
A few years ago the English edition of "Magnificat" was launched and it has caught on in a big way. It is a handsome little book sent monthly to subscribers and contains a simplified version of the daily office. There are now more than 200 thousand subscribers, and there should be 2 million. It can be carried conveniently in pocket or purse and provides a framework for a disciplined prayer life, keeping in mind that an undisciplined prayer life is almost no prayer life at all.
The basic prayers for Catholics, but not only for Catholics, are in the "Handbook of Prayers". It contains all the standards, in both English and Latin, and is put out by the Opus Dei folk at Scepter Publishers. Unfortunately, their website requires that you wade through mountains of other literature in order to get to this gem. It might be faster to write Scepter Publishers at P.O. Box 211, 8W 38th St. Suite 802, New York, N.Y. 10018.
It really is the case that there is nothing more important that we do in the course of a day than that we pray. At Mass, in the daily office, with the rosary, we pray--for the Church, for the world, for our friends, for our enemies, for the poor, the persecuted, for the unborn babies and their mothers. There is no end of needed prayer in the lacrimae rerum that veils this vale of tears. Then too-- we pray for ourselves, and, most importantly, we pray to the glory of "God". Recently, health issues seems to have goobled up much of my prayer time [as evidenced by the previous post on this site].
A student at Gonzaga once told me that his life had been a shambles, to the point of being terrified by serious thoughts of suicide. He dragged himself back to Mass. A friend loaned him her copy of "Magnificat". He started to pray. "I wish I could say everything has changed," he said. "But everything is changing" Exactly. Pray as you can-- not as you can’t. And discover that you can, more and more.
It is interesting to observe the affect my prayer and contemplative life has on little Yodi. He climbs up on the couch or jumps into my lap if I happen to be sitting in my old stuffed chair, whenever i talk to the Lord. Do dogs recognize the power of prayer? Or---do they sense the presence of "GOD" in a way similar to how they hear sounds we can't. I know Yodi is a very observant and aware little fellow. And---I do believe he has come to love the Lord as much as I. Two peas in a pod i guess.
So friends...you are more than welcome to join Yodi and myself in prayer tonight. And please locate a copy of "Handbook of Prayers". Also....I highly recommend "Magnificat". Both of these fit and feel as good as my new "Breachers" shirt. Enough advertising for tonight. Blessings to you all...form Yodi and me.
Survey research regularly turns up the finding that Catholic clergy pray much more than Protestant clergy-- and sometimes folks wonder why that should be the case. The answer is not hard to find... The daily office is required.
It is estimated that about two thirds of the priests in our country keep to this requirement-- and one does feel sorry for the estimated one third who don’t. Because not only are they are failing in their obligation but-- most important, they are denying themselves and the Church a disciplined life of prayer.
At the core of the office are the psalms. An older priest once told me he had stopped saying the office many years ago because he couldn’t stomach the imprecatory psalms-- sometimes called the violent psalms or psalms of animosity. That is obviously among the failures of his theological formation. The saints had no hesitation in asking the Lord to smite the evildoers hip and thigh–always in the hope of their repentance, of course-- unless they have by their own free will precluded that possibility.
More commonly, one hears that the praying of the office has become routine-- as in rote. This is usually from people who are affectively greedy, rummaging through what Yeats called the "rag and bone shop of the heart" to see how their praying is affecting their own sensibilities. Prayer is liturgy, meaning the work of the people of "GOD". One does one’s duty when it is not pleasurable in the hope that it will happen-- as it does at times happen-- that one's duty becomes one's delight.
The disciples' request, "Teach us to pray," is our prayer until we draw our last breath. And always there is the wise counsel of saints beyond numbering... Pray as you can, not as you can't. None of us prays or believes or loves as we wish we could. Pray, believe, love as you can, not as you can't. And-- by "GOD'S" grace, we can more and more.
A few years ago the English edition of "Magnificat" was launched and it has caught on in a big way. It is a handsome little book sent monthly to subscribers and contains a simplified version of the daily office. There are now more than 200 thousand subscribers, and there should be 2 million. It can be carried conveniently in pocket or purse and provides a framework for a disciplined prayer life, keeping in mind that an undisciplined prayer life is almost no prayer life at all.
The basic prayers for Catholics, but not only for Catholics, are in the "Handbook of Prayers". It contains all the standards, in both English and Latin, and is put out by the Opus Dei folk at Scepter Publishers. Unfortunately, their website requires that you wade through mountains of other literature in order to get to this gem. It might be faster to write Scepter Publishers at P.O. Box 211, 8W 38th St. Suite 802, New York, N.Y. 10018.
It really is the case that there is nothing more important that we do in the course of a day than that we pray. At Mass, in the daily office, with the rosary, we pray--for the Church, for the world, for our friends, for our enemies, for the poor, the persecuted, for the unborn babies and their mothers. There is no end of needed prayer in the lacrimae rerum that veils this vale of tears. Then too-- we pray for ourselves, and, most importantly, we pray to the glory of "God". Recently, health issues seems to have goobled up much of my prayer time [as evidenced by the previous post on this site].
A student at Gonzaga once told me that his life had been a shambles, to the point of being terrified by serious thoughts of suicide. He dragged himself back to Mass. A friend loaned him her copy of "Magnificat". He started to pray. "I wish I could say everything has changed," he said. "But everything is changing" Exactly. Pray as you can-- not as you can’t. And discover that you can, more and more.
It is interesting to observe the affect my prayer and contemplative life has on little Yodi. He climbs up on the couch or jumps into my lap if I happen to be sitting in my old stuffed chair, whenever i talk to the Lord. Do dogs recognize the power of prayer? Or---do they sense the presence of "GOD" in a way similar to how they hear sounds we can't. I know Yodi is a very observant and aware little fellow. And---I do believe he has come to love the Lord as much as I. Two peas in a pod i guess.
So friends...you are more than welcome to join Yodi and myself in prayer tonight. And please locate a copy of "Handbook of Prayers". Also....I highly recommend "Magnificat". Both of these fit and feel as good as my new "Breachers" shirt. Enough advertising for tonight. Blessings to you all...form Yodi and me.
Monday, May 15, 2006
For Melody, Anthony, and all who suffer illness.
Recently my younger brother Anthony suffered his fourth major heart attack and doctors installed yet another shunt in a life saving measure. He is nine years my junior-- and only 55. As I returned from a month long retreat, I found out that my friend Jack and his family are dealing with the health crisis of his grandaughter Melody who is but eight years old. Jack has also been dealing with the illness of his only surviving sibling.
Within our families, friends, and aquantnances, there are those who bear the cross of illness. Some have been given a terminal diagnosis, they only have a short time to live. Some have been diagnosed with an illness which will slowly debilitate them, and eventually end their lives. Some are suffering the effects of old age. Some are children, teens, or young adults---all suffering a medical problem and in need of the Lord’s healing. Whatever the illness, ALL should be reminded that "GOD" the Father knows them-- He has counted every hair on their head. He knows their diagnosis, He knows their fears, He knows the concerns of their loved ones.
"GOD" is almighty and omnipotent, and He stands ready to heal whoever comes to Him and asks. Do not be afraid to ask Him to heal. He repeats throughout the Gospels "let it be done for you according to your faith" [St.Mathew 8:13].
Be courageous and be brave, and believe that "GOD" will heal them. It is possible!
"GOD" continues to heal men, women and children just as He did in the day when Jesus walked upon the earth. The Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us:
"The Holy Spirit gives to some a special charism of healing so as to make manifest the power of the grace of the risen Lord. But even the most intense prayers do not always obtain the healing of all illnesses. Thus St. Paul must learn from the Lord that "my grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness," and that the sufferings to be endured can mean that "in my flesh I complete what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his Body, that is, the Church" [no. 1508].
Illness, when not cured, can be turned into a spiritual benefit, not only for the one who is suffering the illness, but for the whole Body of Christ-- [the Church]-- of which the ill person is a member. In a paradoxical way, suffering can acquire a new and different meaning.
In the world that we live in, suffering is seen as the ultimate evil. Yet-- our Holy Father reminded us: "Seeking new and effective ways to alleviate suffering is a valid quest, but suffering nevertheless remains a fundamental fact of human life. In a way it is as deep as man himself and touches upon his very existence [cf. Salvifici Doloris, 3]... In order to discover the fundamental and definitive meaning of suffering-- "we must look to the revelation of divine love, the ultimate source of the meaning of everything that exists" [Salvifici Doloris, 13]. The answer to the question of the meaning of suffering has been "given by God to man in the Cross of Jesus Christ" [ibid., 13]. Suffering, a consequence of original sin, takes on new meaning; it becomes a sharing in the saving work of Jesus Christ [cf. Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1512]" [Message for Tenth World Day of the Sick, 2].
Whatever the suffering-- small or great-- we can unite it with the suffering of Jesus on the cross and it can thus become part of the redemptive work of Christ-- the Redeemer of the World.
Our Holy Father continued: "Do this in memory of me," besides referring to the breaking of bread, [this] also alludes to the body given and poured out by Christ for us [St.Luke 22:19-20], in other words, to the gift of self for others" [Message for Tenth World Day of the Sick, 2/11/02].
If it is in your heart to do so, pray that "GOD" will heal you or your loved one. Storm heaven with your prayers, fasting and penances, asking the Giver of All Good Gifts for healing. His power is as present today as it was when Jesus Christ walked the earth. We must believe that, and have firm faith.
Yet if it is not "GOD'S" will to heal, then we can follow in the footsteps of our Redeemer and offer our lives in union with the suffering of Jesus on the cross and help "complete what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is the church…" [Col 1:24] as St. Paul wrote of his own suffering.
None of us choose to be sick or to suffer. It is a cross which is given to us. There are many stages to accepting that cross. As we move through them at our own pace, we can ask the Lord to help us and unite our sufferings with those of Jesus. Together, as the People of "GOD", we journey toward our homeland where every tear will be wiped away and there will be no more mourning, no more tears, no more suffering-- only life in all its fullness forever!
Tonight I have much to be thankful for. So do you. Throughout illness and good health our Father never forsakes us and his love transcends time immortal. We must face both good times and not so good of times with equal humility and grace. My prayers go out for those among us who are ill--and those in need of assurance. We are all in this stream of eternal life together and we must all share ones sorrows and smiles as equal partners in this great adventure of mortal existance.
Yodi and I sit quietly here in contemplation and wonder as to what will be on the plate tommorow--served up by our one true friend-- "GOD". It is always a surprise--and never more than we can handle.
Within our families, friends, and aquantnances, there are those who bear the cross of illness. Some have been given a terminal diagnosis, they only have a short time to live. Some have been diagnosed with an illness which will slowly debilitate them, and eventually end their lives. Some are suffering the effects of old age. Some are children, teens, or young adults---all suffering a medical problem and in need of the Lord’s healing. Whatever the illness, ALL should be reminded that "GOD" the Father knows them-- He has counted every hair on their head. He knows their diagnosis, He knows their fears, He knows the concerns of their loved ones.
"GOD" is almighty and omnipotent, and He stands ready to heal whoever comes to Him and asks. Do not be afraid to ask Him to heal. He repeats throughout the Gospels "let it be done for you according to your faith" [St.Mathew 8:13].
Be courageous and be brave, and believe that "GOD" will heal them. It is possible!
"GOD" continues to heal men, women and children just as He did in the day when Jesus walked upon the earth. The Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us:
"The Holy Spirit gives to some a special charism of healing so as to make manifest the power of the grace of the risen Lord. But even the most intense prayers do not always obtain the healing of all illnesses. Thus St. Paul must learn from the Lord that "my grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness," and that the sufferings to be endured can mean that "in my flesh I complete what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his Body, that is, the Church" [no. 1508].
Illness, when not cured, can be turned into a spiritual benefit, not only for the one who is suffering the illness, but for the whole Body of Christ-- [the Church]-- of which the ill person is a member. In a paradoxical way, suffering can acquire a new and different meaning.
In the world that we live in, suffering is seen as the ultimate evil. Yet-- our Holy Father reminded us: "Seeking new and effective ways to alleviate suffering is a valid quest, but suffering nevertheless remains a fundamental fact of human life. In a way it is as deep as man himself and touches upon his very existence [cf. Salvifici Doloris, 3]... In order to discover the fundamental and definitive meaning of suffering-- "we must look to the revelation of divine love, the ultimate source of the meaning of everything that exists" [Salvifici Doloris, 13]. The answer to the question of the meaning of suffering has been "given by God to man in the Cross of Jesus Christ" [ibid., 13]. Suffering, a consequence of original sin, takes on new meaning; it becomes a sharing in the saving work of Jesus Christ [cf. Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1512]" [Message for Tenth World Day of the Sick, 2].
Whatever the suffering-- small or great-- we can unite it with the suffering of Jesus on the cross and it can thus become part of the redemptive work of Christ-- the Redeemer of the World.
Our Holy Father continued: "Do this in memory of me," besides referring to the breaking of bread, [this] also alludes to the body given and poured out by Christ for us [St.Luke 22:19-20], in other words, to the gift of self for others" [Message for Tenth World Day of the Sick, 2/11/02].
If it is in your heart to do so, pray that "GOD" will heal you or your loved one. Storm heaven with your prayers, fasting and penances, asking the Giver of All Good Gifts for healing. His power is as present today as it was when Jesus Christ walked the earth. We must believe that, and have firm faith.
Yet if it is not "GOD'S" will to heal, then we can follow in the footsteps of our Redeemer and offer our lives in union with the suffering of Jesus on the cross and help "complete what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is the church…" [Col 1:24] as St. Paul wrote of his own suffering.
None of us choose to be sick or to suffer. It is a cross which is given to us. There are many stages to accepting that cross. As we move through them at our own pace, we can ask the Lord to help us and unite our sufferings with those of Jesus. Together, as the People of "GOD", we journey toward our homeland where every tear will be wiped away and there will be no more mourning, no more tears, no more suffering-- only life in all its fullness forever!
Tonight I have much to be thankful for. So do you. Throughout illness and good health our Father never forsakes us and his love transcends time immortal. We must face both good times and not so good of times with equal humility and grace. My prayers go out for those among us who are ill--and those in need of assurance. We are all in this stream of eternal life together and we must all share ones sorrows and smiles as equal partners in this great adventure of mortal existance.
Yodi and I sit quietly here in contemplation and wonder as to what will be on the plate tommorow--served up by our one true friend-- "GOD". It is always a surprise--and never more than we can handle.
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