This morning two books strewn with rose petals were lying on my front doorstep. I knew immediately they'd been left by a beautiful young friend who reminds me to honor the light cast by our ordinary lives. John Kirvan writes about how we've been blinded by the bright light of heroes and saints. It's true. Then we use those stories to excuse ourselves from the demand of our own incarnation..
It is up to each of us to live with depth and care. The books are rose petals say that the simplest action conveys great tenderness and power for the journey if done by a loving heart. There are no "insignificant" lives, no celebrities. There is life. And we each decide whether or not we're willing to bring to life the power that lies within.
Another friend was pruning pansies, picking off their vivid petals of purple, yellow, orange. He flung them into the water that runs in front of his home. "i like to think", he said, "that they still have one more chance, floating on the water, to surprise and amaze someone paddling by on a kayak".
Life rests in OUR hands. Beauty is OURS to bestow. in such ordinary ways WE are light for the world.
--Paula D'Arcy--
Showing posts with label advent. Show all posts
Showing posts with label advent. Show all posts
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Gospel Reflection
In this week’s gospel, John the Baptist gets us excited for the coming of the Christ. He not only tells us to prepare ourselves for His coming, but gives us specific examples on how to do so. He emphasizes the fact that God will never ask more from us than we have the capability to give.
The first example of how we can live our lives better is by giving of what we have and sharing with those less fortunate than us. As I look around the chapel today and see the plethora of gifts we as Marist students have bought and wrapped my heart is filled with joy. It is not always easy to find the time and money to shop for others—especially those we do no know personally, but God calls to us to give from the heart not only this holiday season, but at all times.
John the Baptist tells the tax collectors to “collect no more than is appointed to you.” At first glance, this advice may seem irrelevant to us, but if we look to the deeper Meaning, there is a lesson there for all of us. John is simply telling us to not accept more than we are owed — this could be in terms of money for a service, gratitude for an action, or credit for a project. It is about being honest with both yourself and everyone around you. Don’t ask for more than you deserve, and don’t take from others what they cannot afford to give.
The third way in which today’s reading asks us to prepare ourselves, is one that should be obvious to all of us, and yet one that is probably one of the hardest to adhere to — stay away from violence and create peace. While we may not be violent creatures by nature, it is so easy to lash out and hurt others not only physically, but emotionally through our words and actions.
If only we could all remember that everyone is our brother or sister and that everyone is created in the likeness of God.
The first example of how we can live our lives better is by giving of what we have and sharing with those less fortunate than us. As I look around the chapel today and see the plethora of gifts we as Marist students have bought and wrapped my heart is filled with joy. It is not always easy to find the time and money to shop for others—especially those we do no know personally, but God calls to us to give from the heart not only this holiday season, but at all times.
John the Baptist tells the tax collectors to “collect no more than is appointed to you.” At first glance, this advice may seem irrelevant to us, but if we look to the deeper Meaning, there is a lesson there for all of us. John is simply telling us to not accept more than we are owed — this could be in terms of money for a service, gratitude for an action, or credit for a project. It is about being honest with both yourself and everyone around you. Don’t ask for more than you deserve, and don’t take from others what they cannot afford to give.
The third way in which today’s reading asks us to prepare ourselves, is one that should be obvious to all of us, and yet one that is probably one of the hardest to adhere to — stay away from violence and create peace. While we may not be violent creatures by nature, it is so easy to lash out and hurt others not only physically, but emotionally through our words and actions.
If only we could all remember that everyone is our brother or sister and that everyone is created in the likeness of God.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Waiting
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.
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.
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