On this first Sunday of Advent, I am going to reflect on something that we as a society are not very good at: waiting. In a world of instant gratification it is hard to be patient. I know that I for one am incredibly easily annoyed by having to wait for others when I want to leave or partake in something. Patience is a virtue not easily attained.
In today's world of the internet, fast cars, and text messaging, it is uncommon that we have to wait for anything. Not sure of an answer? Wikipedia it. Out with your friends? No problem, just text google and wait 0.06 seconds for the response. You can't even blink that fast and the answer is already there for you. Between texing, instant messaging and Facebook seeing who's available to chill takes less time than ever. And with newer and safer standards at the internet we can shop for and purchase practically anything and have it on our doorstep within a week ... within 24 hours if strictly necessary.
And buisnesses are begining to cater to our "here and now" mindset. Stores have two to three times more cash regesiters than ever before. Why? Because as a generation waiting in line is no longer an option. It angers us. It frustrates us. So much so, that there's a possibility that we might leave.
But here we are, on the 29th of November, ready to settle down and wait for what we, as Christians, see as most important - the birth of Jesus. Once the chaos of Thanksgiving dies down and we are able to take stock of our lives, we are able to see clearly what it is we want most - hope, joy, peace, love, family. These are not difficult desires for us to formulate. We crave them more than anything else in the world. And yet, we can't just have it. We have to work for it. Plan for it. Prepare for it. and yes, wait for it.
That is the whole point of Advent. To wait for the coming of the Christ child. We cannot just wake up one morning and be ready for Him. We have to prepare our selves - mind, body and spririt - to welcome Him into our lives. We have to think about what we can change in our lives to make it better for everyone. We have to plannout how we intend to use all the peace and joy Jesus
will bring with Him when He is born. And we need to prepare ourselves by making sure we are the best people we can possibly be.
I think I'll start by learning to be more patient.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Thanks on Thanksgiving
This Thanksgiving look around for something unique to be thankful for. I'm not saying you shouldn't be thankful for family and friends and music and food and that you have a roof over your head - there are thousands of people who aren't blessed with such things. But instead of the memorized list of things that we all spout off every Thanksgiving, this year try and be thankful for the things that truly special in YOUR life.
My sister recommended this activity to me. Go through the alphabet and say what you're thankful for at each letter. It makes you think. It shouldn't seem forced, it's a cathartic experience, and when you're done, you'll be amazed at all the small miracles in your life you have to be thankful for - things you almost feel silly admitting are that important to you, but nonetheless your life wouldn't be as blessed without...
[I'm willing to share my list with you, so here goes...]
A: asparagus
B: balloons, basketball, bikes
C: camp, cats, chocolate, cuddling
D: daytime, digital watches
E: everyone I’ve ever met
F: friends, family, fluffy pillows, fireplaces
G: Gouda cheese, Gilbert Grape
H: horses, hugs, high-fives
I: ice-cream, imagination
J: Jesus
K: kite flying
L: love
M:meteor showers (or at least waiting for one), make-believe
N: new friends
O:old friends, outer space
P: Pumpkins, purple, parachute games, pie
Q: quests, quotes that inspire or make you laugh
R: rainbows, running, rugby
S: sun-showers, superheroes, snowmen
T: tents, Tohikanee (“there’s no place I’d rather be, than with you at Tohikanee”), tie-dye
U: underwear (come on, admit it, you’re thankful for them now that you’re thinking about it)
V: voting
W: waterfalls
X: X-C races and adventures
Y: you
Z: zebras
HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!
My sister recommended this activity to me. Go through the alphabet and say what you're thankful for at each letter. It makes you think. It shouldn't seem forced, it's a cathartic experience, and when you're done, you'll be amazed at all the small miracles in your life you have to be thankful for - things you almost feel silly admitting are that important to you, but nonetheless your life wouldn't be as blessed without...
[I'm willing to share my list with you, so here goes...]
A: asparagus
B: balloons, basketball, bikes
C: camp, cats, chocolate, cuddling
D: daytime, digital watches
E: everyone I’ve ever met
F: friends, family, fluffy pillows, fireplaces
G: Gouda cheese, Gilbert Grape
H: horses, hugs, high-fives
I: ice-cream, imagination
J: Jesus
K: kite flying
L: love
M:meteor showers (or at least waiting for one), make-believe
N: new friends
O:old friends, outer space
P: Pumpkins, purple, parachute games, pie
Q: quests, quotes that inspire or make you laugh
R: rainbows, running, rugby
S: sun-showers, superheroes, snowmen
T: tents, Tohikanee (“there’s no place I’d rather be, than with you at Tohikanee”), tie-dye
U: underwear (come on, admit it, you’re thankful for them now that you’re thinking about it)
V: voting
W: waterfalls
X: X-C races and adventures
Y: you
Z: zebras
HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Today's gospel reflection
Before I post today's gospel reflection, I would like to appologize for being so crappy at putting up new posts this semester. It's not that I don't have anything to say either! - It just hasn't been happening. But anyways, without further ado, your weekly-ish gospel reflection:
Today’s gospel reading is one we have all heard many times before. However, there are many small lessons to be gleaned from it.
The first is one that can easily be missed – blame. Pilot, like us on many occasions is immediately uncomfortable when Jesus asks him if there are his accusations or not. Pilot passes the blame on to others instead of taking his own stand. It was not Pilot’s idea to hand Jesus over, but by refusing to take responsibility or to step in and put a stop to it, he became a central character in the story. From this we should realize how essential it is to not only stand up for what we believe in, but to question the motives of those who are acting immorally.
The second thing Jesus expresses in this very short reading is the awesome strength of heaven. He alludes to the great power of the angels. From this we are reminded of the almighty influence and power of God. It should be comforting to know that someone with such authority is watching us with careful eyes and a loving hand.
The third aspect of today’s gospel is Jesus’ mission. He acknowledges that the reason for his human birth is to save humanity from itself saying “for this I was born, and for this I have come into the world”. He shies away from the word king; this is not a title the humble Jesus would bestow upon himself. God sent us his only Son so that we can be the great people He wants us to be and capitalize on our capacity for good by following in Jesus’ example.
This example is our guideline for life. In today’s gospel reading Jesus tells us one very important way to become closer to him stating, “Everyone who is of the truth hears my voice”. Telling the truth is a basic, yet incredibly difficult, part of our role as good Catholics. Many times it is easier to tell small lies, more rewarding to exaggerate, or less trouble for us to omit the truth . But if we remember that these false truths turn us away from God’s voice, then we realize it is much better to suffer the consequences of the truth in life than to suffer the consequences of deceit in death.
Today’s gospel reading is one we have all heard many times before. However, there are many small lessons to be gleaned from it.
The first is one that can easily be missed – blame. Pilot, like us on many occasions is immediately uncomfortable when Jesus asks him if there are his accusations or not. Pilot passes the blame on to others instead of taking his own stand. It was not Pilot’s idea to hand Jesus over, but by refusing to take responsibility or to step in and put a stop to it, he became a central character in the story. From this we should realize how essential it is to not only stand up for what we believe in, but to question the motives of those who are acting immorally.
The second thing Jesus expresses in this very short reading is the awesome strength of heaven. He alludes to the great power of the angels. From this we are reminded of the almighty influence and power of God. It should be comforting to know that someone with such authority is watching us with careful eyes and a loving hand.
The third aspect of today’s gospel is Jesus’ mission. He acknowledges that the reason for his human birth is to save humanity from itself saying “for this I was born, and for this I have come into the world”. He shies away from the word king; this is not a title the humble Jesus would bestow upon himself. God sent us his only Son so that we can be the great people He wants us to be and capitalize on our capacity for good by following in Jesus’ example.
This example is our guideline for life. In today’s gospel reading Jesus tells us one very important way to become closer to him stating, “Everyone who is of the truth hears my voice”. Telling the truth is a basic, yet incredibly difficult, part of our role as good Catholics. Many times it is easier to tell small lies, more rewarding to exaggerate, or less trouble for us to omit the truth . But if we remember that these false truths turn us away from God’s voice, then we realize it is much better to suffer the consequences of the truth in life than to suffer the consequences of deceit in death.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Saint Godfrey
St. Godfrey was born around 1066 at Molincourt in France. His parents gave him to the church where he received his education from the monks of Mont-Saint-Quentin. Godfrey eventually became a monk and then a priest. He was chosen to be abbot of the abbey of Our Lady of Nogent in Champagne, France in 1095. The monastery was run-down and only six monks remained. He renovated the edifices and built a hostelry for pilgrims and the sick poor; and in this hostelry he himself continued to labor on their behalf. In a short while, the community was fervent and new candidates joined them. The abbey of Champagne became a center of prayer and spiritual joy.
He was offered the abbacy of Saint-Remi, but he refused. He was also offered the bishopric of Reims in 1097, but again he refused, claiming he was unworthy. When he was offered the bishopric of Amiens in 1104, he still considered himself unworthy of the trust. However, King Philip and the Council of Troyes each ordered him to take it, so he did. Though he was hesitant to leave his monastery, he realized that it was his calling to serve the people of Rheims. While bishop, he still lived like a simple monk. His house was poor but clean. His food was plain. Once in a while, his cook prepared food that seemed to him too fancy. Godfrey would wait until the cook was out on errands. Then he would call in the poor people who lived nearby. He would give them the food to take home to their families.
St. Godfrey was noted for his rigid austerity with himself, those around him, and in his approach to his mission as bishop. He was an enforcer of clerical celibacy. He was also a fierce lifelong opponent of drunkenness and simony, which led to an attempt on his life. For most of his time as bishop, he wished to resign and retire and become a Carthusian monk. In 1114, he moved to a monastery, but a few months later his people demanded his return, and he agreed. He also took part in the Council of Chálons. He died in November, 1115. His feast day is celebrated on November 8.
He was offered the abbacy of Saint-Remi, but he refused. He was also offered the bishopric of Reims in 1097, but again he refused, claiming he was unworthy. When he was offered the bishopric of Amiens in 1104, he still considered himself unworthy of the trust. However, King Philip and the Council of Troyes each ordered him to take it, so he did. Though he was hesitant to leave his monastery, he realized that it was his calling to serve the people of Rheims. While bishop, he still lived like a simple monk. His house was poor but clean. His food was plain. Once in a while, his cook prepared food that seemed to him too fancy. Godfrey would wait until the cook was out on errands. Then he would call in the poor people who lived nearby. He would give them the food to take home to their families.
St. Godfrey was noted for his rigid austerity with himself, those around him, and in his approach to his mission as bishop. He was an enforcer of clerical celibacy. He was also a fierce lifelong opponent of drunkenness and simony, which led to an attempt on his life. For most of his time as bishop, he wished to resign and retire and become a Carthusian monk. In 1114, he moved to a monastery, but a few months later his people demanded his return, and he agreed. He also took part in the Council of Chálons. He died in November, 1115. His feast day is celebrated on November 8.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Gospel Reflection for Sunday, November 8, 2009
In today’s Gospel reading we see how understanding our God really is. He does not ask us to give more than is possible for us (although sometimes we may feel like He is); He merely asks that we do what we can. Whether it is a gift of time, talent, or money, God is satisfied as long as it is given from the heart and with the right intentions.
While many of us may judge each other based on financial success, it is comforting to know that our Father in heaven only judges on the contents of our hearts. If all we have to offer is a smile to a friend, a helping hand to a stranger, or a simple song of thanks, than God accepts these graciously.
Maybe we should follow in this example. Instead of scoffing the next time we see someone not give as much as we did in terms of time, effort or even money, we should strive to see their contribution from their perspective—it is impossible for us to know the stories of those around us and the inner battles they may be fighting.
So when your classmate does not put the same time commitment into the project as
you, or your housemate fails to chip in to cover the cost of the weekend’s expenditures, instead of writing this person off, try and dig deep within yourself and really do what Jesus would do: don’t judge on face value, but take the time to appreciate that you are lucky to be able to give what you can.
And the one thing all of us can give, no matter our economical, scholastic, or physical situation is love. And that, as we can deduce from the commandments and Jesus’ teachings, is a gift that God treasures above all other gifts. So give love often. Give it freely. And give it to everyone you meet. Not only does doing God’s work on earth pay off now in unexpected ways, His retirement plan is awesome
While many of us may judge each other based on financial success, it is comforting to know that our Father in heaven only judges on the contents of our hearts. If all we have to offer is a smile to a friend, a helping hand to a stranger, or a simple song of thanks, than God accepts these graciously.
Maybe we should follow in this example. Instead of scoffing the next time we see someone not give as much as we did in terms of time, effort or even money, we should strive to see their contribution from their perspective—it is impossible for us to know the stories of those around us and the inner battles they may be fighting.
So when your classmate does not put the same time commitment into the project as
you, or your housemate fails to chip in to cover the cost of the weekend’s expenditures, instead of writing this person off, try and dig deep within yourself and really do what Jesus would do: don’t judge on face value, but take the time to appreciate that you are lucky to be able to give what you can.
And the one thing all of us can give, no matter our economical, scholastic, or physical situation is love. And that, as we can deduce from the commandments and Jesus’ teachings, is a gift that God treasures above all other gifts. So give love often. Give it freely. And give it to everyone you meet. Not only does doing God’s work on earth pay off now in unexpected ways, His retirement plan is awesome
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Your Questions Answered by Father LaMorte
Q - How can I determine what is sin?
Personally and generally, it violates the respect I should have for myself, my neighbor or God.
Jesus said: Love God and Love neighbor as you would love yourself. The ten Commandments indicate the ways in which we should relate to God and to our neighbor. Church teaching elaborates on these ways relative to the time and place we live in.
Q -If someone does something that is wrong, but isn't fully conscious that it's wrong, or doesn't give the full consent of his/her will, would it be a sin [ i.e. - something that 'injures or breaks our relationship with another or God] ?
No! Unless what I do is definitely in violation of God's law [how we should respect our relationships], I give my consent and I have full intention; it is not a sin, but it can make me more susceptible to sin.
Personally and generally, it violates the respect I should have for myself, my neighbor or God.
Jesus said: Love God and Love neighbor as you would love yourself. The ten Commandments indicate the ways in which we should relate to God and to our neighbor. Church teaching elaborates on these ways relative to the time and place we live in.
Q -If someone does something that is wrong, but isn't fully conscious that it's wrong, or doesn't give the full consent of his/her will, would it be a sin [ i.e. - something that 'injures or breaks our relationship with another or God] ?
No! Unless what I do is definitely in violation of God's law [how we should respect our relationships], I give my consent and I have full intention; it is not a sin, but it can make me more susceptible to sin.
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