I failed to get a post done for the fifth week of Lent and since we're nearing the end of the sixth, I decided to combine both into one. I titled the last post "The light at the end of the tunnel?", but that does not mean things are slowing down! Spring seems to be the busiest of seasons. I know that each season brings its own rituals and responsibilities, but the new life and energy that appears in springtime enhance the busyness. It is not all about the beginnings though, if it were not for endings, what significance would they hold?
The readings from the Fifth Sunday speak about life. The prophet Ezekiel is speaking to a people who need hope that the "death" they are experiencing away from Jerusalem and the Temple will not last forever. Paul's Letter to the Romans reminds us that we are not human beings on a spiritual journey, rather, we are a spiritual being on a human journey. The story of Lazarus' death from John's Gospel is evidence that an "end" on earth is really a "beginning".
"End," "death," and "loss" are all difficult words and topics to talk about. They all suggest a lack or void of something. There is also a disruption to the known and comfortable way of life that is involved. Human beings like control and logical explanations, neither of which exist when experiencing an end, a death, or a loss. Sometimes the reality is bigger than ourselves, or humanity.
The Paschal Mystery which is ever present in our lives, but especially so in these final days of Lent, teaches us that what looks like loss is only triumph. Good Friday leads to Easter Sunday. Winter leads to spring. Planting leads to harvesting. The difficulty lies in making that connection. We tend to see things with a narrow focus while we are faced with the loss or end. It is only later, sometimes much later, that we zoom out to see the bigger picture. There will also be times and circumstances where the widest vision gives no comfort or clarity. It is those times that our faith becomes all the more important.
Palm Sunday marks the beginning of what the Jewish people thought was to be the end of Roman persecution and a return to Davidic glory. God's will usually takes us by surprise, however. It is not in power and force that we are saved, but in emptiness and brokenness. Our own personal accomplishments only happen after we have experienced some kind of setbacks. It is the journey, not the destination, that is the prize after all.
The college student who spends their spring break serving fellow human beings less fortunate than himself instead of having "fun in the sun" is one expression of this reality. The camaraderie that exists in small towns and is evident when tragedy strikes also brings this reality to life. The "retired" person who decides to complete a bucket list item by
walking some 500 miles over difficult terrain also comes to mind. Greening grass, budding trees, and freshly tilled earth are yet more examples of this reality. The more you look, the more you find.
May your endings always lead to new beginnings.
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
Sunday, April 06, 2014
The light at the end of the tunnel?
Last Sunday (March 30) marked the halfway point in our Lenten journey. I am also pretty close to halfway through the 4th quarter of the school year. The community choir I belong to performed our spring concert last weekend. The musical I am in opens this weekend and closes out with a matinee next Sunday. It seems that there is a light at the end of the tunnel!
The Second Reading from Ephesians last Sunday spoke about living as children of light and avoiding darkness. The passage from John's Gospel told the story of a blind man seeing the light for the first time after being blind since birth. The idea that the light can help us see things differently is brought out in the First Reading from First Samuel. It is pretty easy to see the importance and know the difference that the light can make, but is it that easy to live it out?
I was having a conversation with a friend the other day about that very thing. We were talking about some personal choices made in the past that were not 'light.' We both agreed on the fact that our conscience knows light from darkness, but sometimes that distinction gets blurred by our selfish and worldly desires. We also agreed that while darkness might give you immediate results, choosing light will allow you to experience lasting effects. We have to challenge ourselves to identify those dark choices and do what we can to avoid them. It is also important to make the conscious effort to choose the light. The more we choose light, the easier it becomes to avoid darkness.
The choice is never a once-and-for-all choice. Rather, it is a day-to-day and moment-by-moment choice. There are faces and places that are make it easy to choose light and there times and kinds that make it difficult. It is up to us to find the courage necessary to live in the light. It also takes courage, as well as humility, to ask for forgiveness when we've stepped into the darkness. God shows us the way, but we have to make the choice.
Where have I seen light? The conversation with a friend mentioned above is one example. Another example is the ability to move on from a broken relationship. The student who fulfilled his obligation to an organization's service project and agrees to do a second shift because no one else was available is a light choice. The conscious effort to use technology and instant communication to spread positivity and encouragement is yet another example.
Does your tunnel have a light at the end? If so, what's its source? If not, what darkness(es) are overshadowing it?
The Second Reading from Ephesians last Sunday spoke about living as children of light and avoiding darkness. The passage from John's Gospel told the story of a blind man seeing the light for the first time after being blind since birth. The idea that the light can help us see things differently is brought out in the First Reading from First Samuel. It is pretty easy to see the importance and know the difference that the light can make, but is it that easy to live it out?
I was having a conversation with a friend the other day about that very thing. We were talking about some personal choices made in the past that were not 'light.' We both agreed on the fact that our conscience knows light from darkness, but sometimes that distinction gets blurred by our selfish and worldly desires. We also agreed that while darkness might give you immediate results, choosing light will allow you to experience lasting effects. We have to challenge ourselves to identify those dark choices and do what we can to avoid them. It is also important to make the conscious effort to choose the light. The more we choose light, the easier it becomes to avoid darkness.
The choice is never a once-and-for-all choice. Rather, it is a day-to-day and moment-by-moment choice. There are faces and places that are make it easy to choose light and there times and kinds that make it difficult. It is up to us to find the courage necessary to live in the light. It also takes courage, as well as humility, to ask for forgiveness when we've stepped into the darkness. God shows us the way, but we have to make the choice.
Where have I seen light? The conversation with a friend mentioned above is one example. Another example is the ability to move on from a broken relationship. The student who fulfilled his obligation to an organization's service project and agrees to do a second shift because no one else was available is a light choice. The conscious effort to use technology and instant communication to spread positivity and encouragement is yet another example.
Does your tunnel have a light at the end? If so, what's its source? If not, what darkness(es) are overshadowing it?
Thursday, March 27, 2014
I've Got the Power?
Power. A word that has many definitions and sources. Leaders of nations have power. Household appliances use power. It can come from the wind and sun, as well as human relationships. There is power to create and there is power that destroys. They say "beauty is in the eye of the beholder", but is that also true of power?
I heard an analogy this weekend about a fan and electricity/power. The fan can be turned off and on any number of times and it's not going to work unless it's plugged into a power source. How many times have I tried to do something in my life and failed to first plug into the power source? God's word and life provides just that; a power source.
The Gospel reading from this past Sunday uses the same idea in a somewhat different context. Jesus asks a woman at the well to help him retrieve some water. She explains to him that the well is too deep and he will be unsuccessful in his efforts. He responds cleverly, as he often does, with the notion that she is the one unable to satisfy her need, unless she accepts him in faith. The power of God is capable of doing amazing things!
Today's world does a pretty good job of pointing out other power sources for us to plug in to. Money, material possessions, popularity, beauty, and the list could keep going. The frightening thing is that most of these can you give some sense of power, but a power that will eventually disappear. I'm not a fan of those times I'm stuck at home without power though
. God's word and life is the only source that will never fail you, so long as you plug in to it.
Scripture is a great place to find power when you are in need. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and don't lean on your own understanding. In all things acknowledge him, and he shall direct your way." Proverbs 3:5- 6 “Everything is possible for him who believes." Mark 9:23 It (power) might not always be immediately felt or seen, but sometimes just knowing your are plugged in is reassuring.
The beauty of our faith is that it is individual and communal. The individual faith is strengthened and challenged by the community just as the community strengthens and challenges the individual. This reality helps all involved stay plugged in and to experience the power of God needed to daily pick up the cross and carry it. God's word and our lived experiences in the community of faith we belong to will give us all the power we will ever need.
I have seen what happens when people are plugged in and it's incredible. A young adult overcomes a form of cancer to get a college education and start a family. Another person is able to create a meaningful life after making a poor choice that caused a loss of life. A family is able to leave the roots they have put down to plant themselves in a new place. None of these things would be possible without the individuals utilizing the power of their faith.
How deep is your well and do you have the power?
I heard an analogy this weekend about a fan and electricity/power. The fan can be turned off and on any number of times and it's not going to work unless it's plugged into a power source. How many times have I tried to do something in my life and failed to first plug into the power source? God's word and life provides just that; a power source.
The Gospel reading from this past Sunday uses the same idea in a somewhat different context. Jesus asks a woman at the well to help him retrieve some water. She explains to him that the well is too deep and he will be unsuccessful in his efforts. He responds cleverly, as he often does, with the notion that she is the one unable to satisfy her need, unless she accepts him in faith. The power of God is capable of doing amazing things!
Today's world does a pretty good job of pointing out other power sources for us to plug in to. Money, material possessions, popularity, beauty, and the list could keep going. The frightening thing is that most of these can you give some sense of power, but a power that will eventually disappear. I'm not a fan of those times I'm stuck at home without power though
. God's word and life is the only source that will never fail you, so long as you plug in to it.
Scripture is a great place to find power when you are in need. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and don't lean on your own understanding. In all things acknowledge him, and he shall direct your way." Proverbs 3:5- 6 “Everything is possible for him who believes." Mark 9:23 It (power) might not always be immediately felt or seen, but sometimes just knowing your are plugged in is reassuring.
The beauty of our faith is that it is individual and communal. The individual faith is strengthened and challenged by the community just as the community strengthens and challenges the individual. This reality helps all involved stay plugged in and to experience the power of God needed to daily pick up the cross and carry it. God's word and our lived experiences in the community of faith we belong to will give us all the power we will ever need.
I have seen what happens when people are plugged in and it's incredible. A young adult overcomes a form of cancer to get a college education and start a family. Another person is able to create a meaningful life after making a poor choice that caused a loss of life. A family is able to leave the roots they have put down to plant themselves in a new place. None of these things would be possible without the individuals utilizing the power of their faith.
How deep is your well and do you have the power?
Thursday, March 20, 2014
I've Been to the Mountaintop!
This post is late, but late is better than never? It's already Thursday of the second week of Lent and I'm just writing last week's entry!
I spent all last week planning to write about something dealing with the connectedness of sports and life because it was my annual state basketball trip to Lincoln- a weekend I look forward to all year. But, after listening to the Gospel reading during Mass this past Sunday, and the homily that followed, I felt compelled to write about being 'transfigured' or transformed. I suppose my annual basketball trip is transformative in it's own right.
Jesus went to the top of a mountain with a few of his closest friends and had a transformative experience. It was at this time that God made known who Jesus was and Jesus owned his mission; both existed before this moment, but this event enhanced awareness. It's easy for myself, and probably others, to get wrapped up in day-to-day happenings that we forget who we are we and where we are going. It's those 'mountain-top' moments that give us that awareness.
Jesus literally went up a mountain, but I do not think it always happens that way. Could the news that someone close to you has just been diagnosed with a terminal illness be transformative? How about the loss of a significant relationship? Is sitting in the stillness of the evening or early morning watching the sunset or sunrise transfiguring? What about experiencing loss or defeat at something you have spent a lot of time and effort working towards? Transformation can happen anywhere you are willing to see it and appreciate it.
Good and bad will inevitably find you, and instead of asking yourself why me, I think the question should be, how do I respond? Do I celebrate and gloat about my accomplishments, or do I give the glory to God. Do I complain about misfortunes and wallow in despair, or do I learn from mistakes and carry on? The events are what they are, but my response is the only thing I can control. Attitude is a key ingredient to learning, growing, and transforming.
Have I been 'transfigured'? Yes, and it's ongoing. I have come to appreciate the gifts and talents I possess as an individual, which are different from everyone else. I appreciate the time I get to spend with friends and family because I know that it's guaranteed to no one. I know that some days will be good and some will be bad, but neither is forever. I know that growth and change won't always be comfortable, but will be rewarding.
How have you been and are you being transformed?
I spent all last week planning to write about something dealing with the connectedness of sports and life because it was my annual state basketball trip to Lincoln- a weekend I look forward to all year. But, after listening to the Gospel reading during Mass this past Sunday, and the homily that followed, I felt compelled to write about being 'transfigured' or transformed. I suppose my annual basketball trip is transformative in it's own right.
Jesus went to the top of a mountain with a few of his closest friends and had a transformative experience. It was at this time that God made known who Jesus was and Jesus owned his mission; both existed before this moment, but this event enhanced awareness. It's easy for myself, and probably others, to get wrapped up in day-to-day happenings that we forget who we are we and where we are going. It's those 'mountain-top' moments that give us that awareness.
Jesus literally went up a mountain, but I do not think it always happens that way. Could the news that someone close to you has just been diagnosed with a terminal illness be transformative? How about the loss of a significant relationship? Is sitting in the stillness of the evening or early morning watching the sunset or sunrise transfiguring? What about experiencing loss or defeat at something you have spent a lot of time and effort working towards? Transformation can happen anywhere you are willing to see it and appreciate it.
Good and bad will inevitably find you, and instead of asking yourself why me, I think the question should be, how do I respond? Do I celebrate and gloat about my accomplishments, or do I give the glory to God. Do I complain about misfortunes and wallow in despair, or do I learn from mistakes and carry on? The events are what they are, but my response is the only thing I can control. Attitude is a key ingredient to learning, growing, and transforming.
Have I been 'transfigured'? Yes, and it's ongoing. I have come to appreciate the gifts and talents I possess as an individual, which are different from everyone else. I appreciate the time I get to spend with friends and family because I know that it's guaranteed to no one. I know that some days will be good and some will be bad, but neither is forever. I know that growth and change won't always be comfortable, but will be rewarding.
How have you been and are you being transformed?
Sunday, March 09, 2014
Lent and...Love?
One post in 2006 and one in 2008...here it is 2014...I'm not very good at this whole blogging thing! I've been thinking, since this past Wednesday, which happened to be Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent, what my 'penance' would be...and I've decided that I'll try and write a weekly post about some parable experience that happened, since that is the title of this blog after all!
Lent is all about a 40-day journey of love, is it not? It's a time for us, as Christians, to examine our lives and fast from those things holding us back from fully loving, pray for the courage to love by forgiving, and give alms out of love for neighbor. Jesus spent his whole life loving, even laying down his own life, so that we might know what love is? How do I, and you, respond?
Today's scripture passages talked about a little bit today. The first reading talked about God creating Adam and Eve out of love, not necessity, He made them because He had so much he couldn't contain it all. What was their response? "Thanks for making us God, but we can handle it from here." I know I've said that to God a few times, as well as my parents and friends. Is that a loving response?
Lucky for us, St. Paul tells us in the second reading, that just as sin entered the world, redemption would come about by one man as well. Redemption that would come because He chose to love...everyone and everyday.
The Gospel makes it clear that making that choice is not easy. We will face constant challenges and temptations from many faces and places. Our only defense? Our faith in a loving, and merciful God. He provides both physical and spiritual food. We need not test Him to see if He really will take care of us. He alone is who we worship.
Where did I see or experience love this week? Parents helping their children pack up a life and move to a new community, actors and athletes performing on 'stages', sponsors witnessing to the the readiness of soon-to-be Catholics, fans and audiences appreciating and supporting their 'teams', visiting a friend who needs support, receiving thank you post cards from former house guests, beautiful 'spring' weather, serious, and not-so serious conversations, and many more.
Be on the lookout for expressions of love in your own life and how you can pray, fast, and 'almsgive' your way through this journey of love, we call Lent.
Lent is all about a 40-day journey of love, is it not? It's a time for us, as Christians, to examine our lives and fast from those things holding us back from fully loving, pray for the courage to love by forgiving, and give alms out of love for neighbor. Jesus spent his whole life loving, even laying down his own life, so that we might know what love is? How do I, and you, respond?
Today's scripture passages talked about a little bit today. The first reading talked about God creating Adam and Eve out of love, not necessity, He made them because He had so much he couldn't contain it all. What was their response? "Thanks for making us God, but we can handle it from here." I know I've said that to God a few times, as well as my parents and friends. Is that a loving response?
Lucky for us, St. Paul tells us in the second reading, that just as sin entered the world, redemption would come about by one man as well. Redemption that would come because He chose to love...everyone and everyday.
The Gospel makes it clear that making that choice is not easy. We will face constant challenges and temptations from many faces and places. Our only defense? Our faith in a loving, and merciful God. He provides both physical and spiritual food. We need not test Him to see if He really will take care of us. He alone is who we worship.
Where did I see or experience love this week? Parents helping their children pack up a life and move to a new community, actors and athletes performing on 'stages', sponsors witnessing to the the readiness of soon-to-be Catholics, fans and audiences appreciating and supporting their 'teams', visiting a friend who needs support, receiving thank you post cards from former house guests, beautiful 'spring' weather, serious, and not-so serious conversations, and many more.
Be on the lookout for expressions of love in your own life and how you can pray, fast, and 'almsgive' your way through this journey of love, we call Lent.
Monday, September 15, 2008
New Start
I thought it might be time to update, considering it's been over 2 years since I've posted anything new. It's not like anything hasn't changed in those two years :)... This past summer was very eventful; had some unexpected expenses with the car and other things, went to Australia for two weeks for World Youth Day (can't beat being 15 feet away from the pope, 65 degree weather, ocean views and beaches!), and moving away from Chadron, my home for the past 6 years. I decided to pack up and move to the center of the state, and teach high school instead of preschool. Yes I know, it sounds crazy to make such a drastic change, but working with youth and their faith has been on my mind for a while and the opportunity presented itself. I am enjoying most of it so far, there are days that are frustrating though. School isn't always the best, especially if you're a high school student!
Friday, July 07, 2006
First time for everything....
One of my good friends told me I should start a blog... and since I listen to my friends.... here I am.... nothin real exciting about this kid... starting a venture into the real world this fall with a first real job teaching preschool... have a 2002 pt cruiser that is a totally awesome ride... trying to make my first apartment feel like home... not much more to me than that....
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)