This past Sunday I had the wonderfully amazing opportunity to attend what we called Catholic College Student Discussion Day (or something along those lines, pardon my if I'm wrong, it's been a long day). Students from Marist, CIA, Vassar, and New Paltz all gathered together for discussion, games, reflection, the sacrament of reconcliation, adoration, dinner and mass. It was a truly lovely day.

When I left and arrived home at around 8pm I was in one of the best moods ever. I was relaxed and at peace with the world. The discussions we had with our visitors were so open and honest, they were incredible, and the overall theme of the day (renewal) left me with a positive outlook on life.

We discussed and shared many great things, many of which I would stuggle to relate or put into words to share with you. However, three things stood out to me that I would like to share with you:

1. We were created in God's image doesn't mean God has two eyes, 10 fingers and a nose; it means that we were created with intellect and free-will. Our intellect allows us to strive for the truth, and out free-will makes us try and find goodness.

2. The ultimate freedom is love. Even when you are locked in a cell, stripped of choices, or made to do unfathomable things, you have the freedom to refuse to hate. That is powerful.

3. As Catholics we have 3 tasks: Sobriety, Chastity, and Excellence. As college students, that may not be what we want to hear, but they are important goals. The first two are self-explanatory and also well-known. The third jumped out at me as a lofty goal. Sometimes I am content with being mediocre, and not striving to be the best I can be. I realize that is a waste of my God-given talent and I should not do that.

Gospel Reflection - March 29th

Today’s gospel reading reminds us to prepare ourselves for the coming of Easter. Last weekend was the half way point of Lent, and now, more than ever, it is important that we make ready for the miracle of Easter.

Lent is a time of preparation and reflection. A time in which we can look at our lives and see how we can improve upon them. Many people take Lent as an opportunity to purify their lives by sacrificing something superfluous, yet satisfying. By simplifying their lives they are finding inner peace and making themselves ready to accept the sacrifice of Jesus and the miraculous redemption that comes with his rising from the dead.

Lent can also be a time to reach out to others; to reconnect with old friends, share your faith with strangers, or to strengthen bonds between family members. When today’s gospel says “unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit” I am always reminded of our interdependence on one another as human beings.

If we all live within ourselves for ourselves, no one can be truly happy or successful, but if we all work harmoniously at what we excel at or enjoy, a loving, laughing world we will be able to create in which we all have an important role. By thinking of others and not just ourselves, we can improve our own lives by putting smiles on the faces of others.

There are times when we become so caught up in ourselves we miss the splendor of what is really going on around us. I encourage you, for this second half of Lent as you make your final preparations for Easter, to live in a more world-conscious manner. You do not have to win every argument, nor does everything have to go your way in order for you to be at peace. Sometimes, not getting it your way is even more rewarding, and even if not, making someone else’s day by stepping back from your own selfish desires, can be a beautiful experience.

The Pope

This was also written by my friend Megan Francis (she's one of the co-writers for the Marist Chapel Newsletter). I will be taking her articles every now and then and posting them here for your enjoyment.

Last April, the United States had the privilege of getting to host the Holy Father, Pope Benedict the Sixteenth in our nation. Streets were closed off and people stopped their usual activities to watch and listen to the pope visit the White House, United Nations and celebrate mass at Yankee Stadium, and throughout Manhattan. After realizing the year anniversary of the pope’s visit quickly approaching, I began to wonder…besides representing God on Earth, what does the pope actually do?

After doing a little research, I found some interesting answers: the pope is the head of the Roman Catholic Church, which claims 1.07 billion followers worldwide — more than 17 percent of the world's population — including 67.2 million in the United States.

Besides assuming that title, his responsibilities are very similar to those of an American President. He is the head of Vatican City, the world's smallest nation, which is surrounded by the city of Rome. Covering 108 acres, Vatican City is about one-fifth the size of Seattle's Discovery Park and was listed last year as having a population of 921.

He is the bishop of Rome, and leads and governs the church. With the aid of his staff and church offices, he makes policy and pastoral decisions, including appointing bishops, regulating liturgical practices and managing church finances.

I found some interesting facts about popes while on my search as well: for instance, the title pope stems from the Greek word papas, which simply means 'father.' Early in Christian history it was used as a formal title expressing affectionate respect for any bishop and sometimes even priests.

Of the 265 popes 205 were Italians, (of whom 106 were Romans), and 57 foreigners; comprised of 19 Frenchmen, 14 Greeks, 8 Syrians, 6 Germans, 3 Africans, 2 Spaniards, 1 Austrian, 1 Palestinian, 1 Englishman, 1 Dutchman, and 1 Pole.

The most commonly used name is John (23 times), followed by Gregory (16 times), Benedict (16 times); 43 names were used only once. Only two Popes have taken two names; John Paul I and II. Poe Leo, St. Leo I (the Great) (440 - 461) the first pope to explicitly claim authority over the entire Christian Church, East and West.

Though popes’ every action and decision are not covered as heavily by the media as the presidents’ are, popes certainly have duties which are worthy of just as much attention!

Gospel Reflection ... 1 day late

At first hearing, I have to be honest and admit that I thought today's gospel reading to be boring. Not that it isn't well-written and meaningful, but just that the idea that God loves us seems so basic.

Upon further reflection though I relalized that my attitude is exactly the point of the reading. God loves us more than anything; He sacrificed His only son for us! And yet, here I sit, completely unimpressed by his compassion and unrelenting devotion towards me.

And what have I done to deserve this undying love? I was born; I exist; I like to think that I am a good wholesome person for the most part; but what have I done to deserve the unconditional love that the almighty Father not only offers me, but bestows upon me even when I am not expecting or especially deserving of it?

As I look around me I can see all the small wonders God has made, simply for my enjoyment because he loves me. Every smiling face, every tiny child's hand, each blooming flower, each melodious note, every seemingly insignificant moment of everyday that manages to put a smile on my face or lift my spirits is a gift from God because he really truly loves me and wants to make my life good.

That's incredible.

I should be more thankful.

Thanks God. I love You too.

a 24 hour car ride

For Spring break this year 3 friends and I decided to drive to Florida for a mini vacation. The money we would save in gas would be worth the long drive we reasoned, and now that we're back, I would still say it was a good decision. Despite the sore butts, slightly cramped conditions, gross fast food, and bad radio station music, the trip was highly successful, and I would do it again in a heart beat.

While in the car I had a plethora of time on my hands to pass. Instead of being bored, I accepted it and used it for my peace of mind. Not only was able to have several good conversations with my traveling companions, I also found the time to reflect on the wonderful world around me and God's role in it.

At one point I blocked out the noise of the ride and talked to God. I thanked him for the wonderful trip that we had, for my friends, for the decent driving conditions, and just for being present in my life. Often times I am so busy that I do not have time to have full conversations with God and our discussions are limited to hasty thank-yous or one-minute requests. God deserves better than this and this looong car ride was the perfect time for me to reflect on life and my role in it.

Now, i did not come to any epiphany or grand conclusion, but it was wonderful to be able to settle back and just talk to God. I had forgotten how relaxing it could be and it was great to reconnect. I felt so at peace by the time I was done.

The trip also reminded me of God's ever-presence. Although it may have been hard to admire the South Carolinian landscape while flying down I-95 at 90 miles per hour, we still noticed the small things. I saw marvelous bridges, goregous shooting water fountains, awe-inspiring rock-faces, miles and miles of open lush greenness, and massive cloud-free blue skies; I could feel the warm sun, spy the twinkling stars, hear the tapping of the warm rain on the wind-shield and sense the warmth and comfort of friendship, and, in it all, I found the omnicient ever-present power of God.

I am newly addicted to something called Stumble Upon. It is an interesting website that allows you to "stumble" through websites aimlessly and randomly. Some of them are interesting or entertaining. Every now again however, you find something really worth while. Tonight I found one such website. The story (the one I will share with you in a moment once i'm done rambling) is really touching. It demonstrates what it means to live your life thinking of others instead of yourself.
Instead of rushing or being selfish, the cab driver in the following story took time out of his own life to make someone else's day a little bit better. It often does not take a lot to change someone's entire mood: a kind word, a nod of appreciation, a simple wave ... all these small gestures can mean lots to a stranger, or even a friend. You never know what kind of day someone is having and how little you may have to do to make it better. You never know someone's entire life story, so don't judge, and just do what you can to be the best person you can be. You never know how you can put a smile on the face of your neighbor, so read this story and be encouraged...

Twenty years ago, I drove a cab for a living.

It was a cowboy’s life, a life for someone who wanted no boss.

What I didn’t realize was that it was also a ministry.

Because I drove the night shift, my cab became a moving confessional. Passengers climbed in, sat behind me in total anonymity, and told me about their lives. I encountered people whose lives amazed me, ennobled me, and made me laugh and weep.

But none touched me more than a woman I picked up late one August night. I was responding to a call from a small brick fourplex in a quiet part of town. I assumed I was being sent to pick up some partyers, or someone who had just had a fight with a lover, or a worker heading to an early shift at some factory for the industrial part of town.

When I arrived at 2:30 a.m., the building was dark except for a single light in a ground floor window.

Under these circumstances, many drivers would just honk once or twice, wait a minute, then drive away.

But I had seen too many impoverished people who depended on taxis as their only means of transportation.

Unless a situation smelled of danger, I always went to the door. This passenger might be someone who needs my assistance, I reasoned to myself.

So I walked to the door and knocked. “Just a minute”, answered a frail, elderly voice. I could hear something being dragged across the floor.

After a long pause, the door opened. A small woman in her 80’s stood before me. She was wearing a print dress and a pillbox hat with a veil pinned on it, like somebody out of a 1940s movie. By her side was a small nylon suitcase. The apartment looked as if no one had lived in it for years. All the furniture was covered with sheets. There were no clocks on the walls, no knick-knacks or utensils on the counters. In the corner was a cardboard box filled with photos and glassware.

“Would you carry my bag out to the car?” she said. I took the suitcase to the cab, then returned to assist the woman. She took my arm and we walked slowly toward the curb. She kept thanking me for my kindness.

“It’s nothing”, I told her. “I just try to treat my passengers the way I would want my mother treated.”

“Oh, you’re such a good boy”, she said. When we got in the cab, she gave me an address, then asked, “Could you drive through downtown?”

“It’s not the shortest way,” I answered quickly.

“Oh, I don’t mind,” she said. “I’m in no hurry. I’m on my way to a hospice.”

I looked in the rear view mirror. Her eyes were glistening.

“I don’t have any family left,” she continued. “The doctor says I don’t have very long.”

I quietly reached over and shut off the meter. “What route would you like me to take?” I asked.

For the next two hours, we drove through the city. She showed me the building where she had once worked as an elevator operator. We drove through the neighborhood where she and her husband had lived when they were newlyweds. She had me pull up in front of a furniture warehouse that had once been a ballroom where she had gone dancing as a girl. Sometimes she’d ask me to slow in front of a particular building or corner and would sit staring into the darkness, saying nothing.

As the first hint of sun was creasing the horizon, she suddenly said, “I’m tired. Let’s go now.”

We drove in silence to the address she had given me. It was a low building, like a small convalescent home, with a driveway that passed under a portico. Two orderlies came out to the cab as soon as we pulled up. They were solicitous and intent, watching her every move. They must have been expecting her. I opened the trunk and took the small suitcase to the door. The woman was already seated in a wheelchair.

“How much do I owe you?” she asked, reaching into her purse.

“Nothing,” I said.

“You have to make a living,” she answered.

“There are other passengers”.

Almost without thinking, I bent and gave her a hug. She held onto me tightly.

“You gave an old woman a little moment of joy,” she said. “Thank you.”

I squeezed her hand, then walked into the dim morning light. Behind me, a door shut. It was the sound of the closing of a life.

I didn’t pick up any more passengers that shift. I drove aimlessly, lost in thought. For the rest of that day, I could hardly talk. What if that woman had gotten an angry driver, or one who was impatient to end his shift? What if I had refused to take the run, or had honked once, then driven away?

On a quick review, I don’t think that I have done anything more important in my life.

We’re conditioned to think that our lives revolve around great moments. But great moments often catch us unaware - beautifully wrapped in what others may consider a small one

Also, take the time to enjoy
the small things in life ...
Don't Worry. Be happy. Relax. Make friends.
Share. Smile. Laugh. Love. Live.

"Between You And God" Poem

Being as it is mid-terms week, I am finding it difficult to have time to spend a lot of time on this. . However, i would like to share one of my favorite quotes with you. I guess it is technically more of a poem than a quote, but however you want to look at it is fine. It's accredited to Mother Teresa because it was written on the wall of her children's home in India:

People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies. Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you. Be honest and sincere anyway.

What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight. Create anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous. Be happy anyway.

The good you do today, will often be forgotten. Do good anyway.

Give the best you have, and it will never be enough. Give your best anyway.

In the final analysis, it is between you and God.

It was never between you and them anyway.

.

I think it is a very uplifting peice. As human beings we often become overwhelmed by what others think of us. We allow others to judge us and let it affect us. As college students, I feel that often times what we put hours of effort into can be easily overlooked by professors, parents, and especially our peers. This can be very frustrating and disapointing. If we instead look for satisfaction from within ourselves and work hard to please ourselves and God than we will feel much more rewarded for our efforts.

Good luck to everyone else out there with tests to study for. I'll try and write again later this week, but if i disapear for a bit, you know it's into my room to study...

Gospel Reflection

In this week’s gospel reading, Jesus challenges us to forget about the things of this life and worry about the more important things, such as our immortal souls, getting into heaven, and being faithful to the commandments. In our fast-paced and materialistic society, it is often hard to turn away from the newest electronic device and choose simplicity instead.

We, as college students in America, are surrounded by video games, movies, television, loud music, expensive accessories, and excess food. We do not like the prospect of having to give any of this up. When Jesus asks us to make our lives simpler, we automatically think of making our lives more difficult or more boring and we recoil from this idea. However, this is not the case.

In my opinion, He is merely imploring us to recognize them as the material goods they are and to not give them more thought and time than they deserve. He is not banning material items, but reminding us that there are much more important matters to spend time on.

Instead of spending your entire weekend lounging around, watching TV, playing video games, and going out to dinner, why not take 20 minutes each day for yourself as a time of inner reflection?

Go for a walk, read a book, or close yourself in your room and meditate while listening to music; take an opportunity to welcome God back into your life on weekly, if not daily, basis.

Jesus does not expect us to completely turn away from all modern conveniences, He just asks us to not become consumed by them. He asks us to make time for Him in a society that no longer has time for afternoon tea and long walks. He asks us to never be embarrassed of our faith in a society that is increasing placing more pressure on those who are religious. He asks us to keep room in our lives for the things of God, even when the world is overwhelming consumed with the things of men.

Reducing Stress

A month ago or so my friend Megan Francis wrote about dealing with stress as a Catholic, and seeing as it's midterms week, i thought it would be apt to share her thoughts with the world.

People often perceive college solely as this carefree zone where stress and anxiety are presumably non-existent. But any college student will tell you: it is stressful! The fact that we are only in class for two and a half hours a day creates this illusion of “free time” which can be spent doing an array of tempting activities. Meanwhile that term paper sits patiently on your desk waiting to be written while the dead line steadily approaches. Managing time is probably the hardest skill a college student can master, and it’s the one you don’t spend a year learning about in high school. Feeling like there are not enough hours in the day to accomplish all your work and to still be able to take advantage of your “free time” ,is the ultimate precursor to stress.

So what should you do when you are feeling so overwhelmed you have made too many post-its to keep track of and the weekend seems like it will never come?

Most psychologists and stress reducing experts recommend writing, running/exercising, and listening to music as ways to manage stress. While I am a big fan of all three, there might be an even healthier, simpler alternative: talking.

Talking with relatives and friends about your stressors can be very therapeutic. When you are extremely stressed though, I recommend you do the following: s l o w d o w n. Take a walk or just let yourself be truly embraced in the here and now. Concentrate on your breathing and your anxiety producing thoughts. This is the perfect opportunity to talk to God. Call upon Him for help, guidance, and ask Him to “to protect [you] from all anxiety.” Try finding even the smallest things that you are thankful for that happened either that particular morning or week and thank God for that blessing.

As college students, it’s so easy to get lost in our own worlds. It’s so easy to become preoccupied solely with our tests, papers, jobs, and friends-we are all guilty of this fault, myself included. As for a solution, try re-centering yourself. Pray about it. Ask God to present himself as number one in your life again and then, maybe, hopefully, whatever was once stressing you out will seem less like a losing battle you are fighting alone, and instead will mirror more of a conquest you will be able to conquer with God as your light, protector, and strength.

My Five Favorite Christian Songs (+1)

I recognize that normally when you make lists such as these, you rank them in some order, but the truth is I can’t really do that. They’re all very different and I like them all for what they are. So these are just the top 5 (+1) not a countdown…

1. Mary Did You Know – Kenny Rogers
First, I apologize for starting off with a Christmas song, but I can’t help it, it’s one of my favorite songs of all time. This song has been done many times, including recent versions by Clay Aiken and David Archuletta, but I heard it by Kenny Rogers first and I’ve always been partial to that version. It is easily one of my favorite Christmas songs. The message is very powerful for me and really forces me to think more deeply about Mary’s role in the Christmas story.

2. Keep the Candle Burning – Point of Grace
I wasn’t entirely sure if I could choose just one song from Point of Grace to go on this list because there are so many amazing ones. I finally settled on this one because I like the beat. It’s catchy and it tends to get stuck in my head.

3. If We are the Body – Casting Crowns
No list of religious music would be complete without something from the Casting Crowns. They’re probably one of the most well-known Christian musical groups in the United States and were recently nominated for both artist of the year and group of the year. The words of this song are incredibly powerful challenging each of us to do our part to reach out and touch the lives of those around us. It emphasizes the importance of being a loving and community-oriented human being

4. Youth of the Nation – POD
I’m not really a fan of POD (Payable On Death) as a band, but I can recognize good powerful music when I hear it. Youth of the Nation addresses the extreme hardships and challenges some young people face today and speaks wonders to the importance of reaching out to a neighbor and making the best of every moment. It addresses how quickly life can change and also how important it is to be there for others.

5. Psalms 150 – J Moss
This song is just fun. It’s about second chances and the almighty, unquestionable, yet incomprehensible power of God.

6. God is Bigger than the Boogie Man – Veggie Tales
Okay, okay, I recognize that including this in my favorite Christian songs is kinda (completely) ridiculous, but I absolutely LOVED Veggie Tales when I was younger (I still do actually). This song has a lot of pep and the entire idea speaks to me. Obviously it was written for elementary schoolers, but the idea of trusting God with your problems and fears is something that is important at any age. In college it is easy to feel overwhelmed, but if we recognize that God is still always in control, it takes a lot of the stress off.

Enjoy! :)

Forgiveness ... It's Tough

Do you know how hard it is to truly forgive someone? I mean think about it. You say "i forgive you" or more likely "forget it" in today's world, but do you? Do you really immediately forget what they did and never use what you just forgave them for to make decisions in the future? It's impossible. We're only human.

Susan Wade Brown, Ph.D. created a self-test that helps us address our own ability to forgive others

Knowing this, how much harder it is, even, to ask for that forgiveness. Asking for forgiveness sucks. It means having to admit that you were wrong and living with that embarrassment.In today’s society, I feel that the step of forgiveness is often overlooked because it is too awkward, too painful, and too emotional. Instead, both parties just tend to assume forgiveness has occurred without it ever actually taking place.

Even when applied to the church, a lot of people run away from forgiveness; many openly admit their fear or dislike of the sacrament of Reconciliation. I, for one, don't believe I have ever met anyone who is thrilled to go to confession. The entire idea of going before someone you respect (the priest) and admitting all the times you have failed is scary. Add the dimension of GOD sitting there listening and it's horrifying

So I ask you;: Do you know the healing power of forgiveness? Have you allowed yourself to feel that grace? Or have you been too self-conscious to ask for it?

We know from experience that God is more than willing to forgive and accept us back. It is our own limitations that keep us from asking.When a cripple was brought to Jesus because of the faith of his friends, Jesus did the unthinkable. He first forgave the man his sins. Then he restored his body as well. Jesus can do the same for you; you only have to ask.

The Lord is always ready to bring us healing of soul, body, and mind. We just have to sum up the courage to let Him.

Welcome :D

Hey guys!
I guess it is standard that in the first blog post on a new blog you introduce yourself and state your intent. My name is Amanda Benton and I'm a sophmore advertising major at Marist College. I am starting this blog to advance the readership of and broaden the Marist Chapel newsletter. I also think it is important that Catholic students have a place where they can feel comfortable sharing their opinions and letting their voices be heard. I myself have no real authority on the issues I will be blogging about, they're just my opinion, and I have just as many questions about my faith as most of you.