Reflections
March 15, 2009
It is always interesting to write these comments over a week before they are published in the bulletin. As I sit here, the 28th Annual Italian Dinner is heating up (pun intended!) The CYM Room is a mess (there has got to be furniture here somewhere!), the worker list is huge, the errand and chores lists seem to be growing even at the last minute, and we are all totally focused on spaghetti! Someone just came in asking about the next MS CYM dance (4/17) and we couldn’t even fathom what they were talking about! I am sure that it will go well though, and I will have stats on how many served, how many worked and how much made by next week’s comments…
Wouldn’t it be great if we were that focused on this important time in the church year?! During Lent (about the 2000th annual!), we are asked to give up and give over everything that keeps us from a deeper relationship with our God. During and after Lent, we should be changed…more committed and ready to love ourselves, others and God! Our focus should be not only on the cross, but on the resurrection and how both can change our lives!
March 8, 2009
Dead and Gone! TI (fea. Justin Timberlake) exclaims that his life has changed drastically since he has become famous, and his old self is no longer around. He also sings of the hard life that he has had and the many consequences of an unhealthy way of life. It is a pretty negative song, with some pretty inappropriate lyrics and pretty obvious poor choices throughout his life…I don’t think his old life is really quite dead and gone if it means he has left his sinful ways behind!
In Lent, we are called to leave our old ways behind and focus on a new way of following Jesus. This Lent is supposed to be our wake up call to look at the unhealthy and unfruitful areas of our living and change them. It’s time to take an honest assessment of all which calls us away from Jesus and ask Him to bring us back home.
March 1, 2009
I was so blessed to be visiting my favorite place not once but twice recently! I had my annual dentist checkup plus had to get a cavity filled, all within a week of each other! While filling out a survey in the waiting area, I came upon a rather curious question: Have you ever had a particularly painful experience in a dentist office? (!?!?) I remember trying to think if I had any experience other than pain in my years with dental appointments! I guess this periodontics pain is necessary for the health of my teeth and all of us probably just have to suck it up and deal with it!
As we begin Lent, I do not recommend the same attitude. While this time in the church year is not the most happy or positive experience, it is extremely necessary for our spiritual health! Our attitude does not have to be one of negativity, though. We can reflect upon God’s incredibly mercy and love for us through the sacrifice of His son, a sacrifice that makes giving up candy or ice cream seem like nothing. As we give up things or give to God more of our time or treasures, let us remember not to focus on the pain of the giving, but on the great gift of faith in our lives.
February 22, 2009
Recently, I found myself right on the border of Baltimore and Harford County and, knowing about a few good hiking trails, I chose Little Gunpowder Trail off Rte 1. After completing about half of the 4 miles, I happened upon (do people write like that?) a log over a stream. In one of my not-so-smart adventures, I crossed the log, finding all too late that it was 8-10 feet higher than the rocks and stream, slippery from ice, and getting narrower and narrower the more I crossed it! At one point halfway across, I felt panic. I stopped, unable to move, to return the way I came, to even take another step. I called on God and asked Him for balance and safety and courage. I am sure that only a hidden deer or squirrel heard me but I was loud and sincere. “God, please deliver me to the other side!” I made it! (Some of you were hoping this was one of those laugh-at-Pat-falling-in times!) I traveled the extra steps with care but also seemed buoyed on by God’s grace!
You know, it’s not too late in the New Year to do the same. Ask God for balance, for safety, for courage to get through whatever life throws your way. Ask God to draw you closer to Jesus, more dependent than ever on His grace and blessings. As Lent approaches, even more times to call out to Him. I know He will give you what you need if you ask.
February 15, 2009
My wife and I recently went away for our 20th wedding anniversary (anyone who can put up with me for that long deserves a vacation!) As Valentine’s Day comes and goes, I remember two particular things that happened during our trip which tie in.
As we were walking on a beach, a couple went by. The man said very cryptically, “Go on down the beach, past the last palm tree and see if anything looks different.” Since the last palm tree also ended the smooth sand and began a more rocky terrain, we risked our soles trying to find what he was talking about. Never did find anything out of the ordinary and never saw that man again…
In another part of our week, we won one passage on the Aristocrat, a large catamaran which would take us snorkeling and to other fun places. One of the places was White Beach, called this because of a…white beach. The captain of the boat told us that we should go to Soggy Dollar Grill, called Soggy Dollar because…you have to swim there! (Very original!) As I hopped off the boat, I kept the money we had high above my head, very focused on getting it there dry (?) Which brings me to my point…(finally!)
The mystery man in the above story alluded to a surprise or even a treasure near the last palm tree and our curiosity had us sacrificing to find it. And having to swim to Soggy Dollar Grill made me want to protect another treasure, our money, from the ravages of the waves. *NOW THE CORNY BUT TRUE PART* The treasure for which we were searching and trying to protect was right in front of me! It is such a blessing to be married to my best friend and to know that God has blessed this sacrament. Thanks to Lee Ann for putting up with me and for my kids for not being too embarrassed that I have written this!
February 8, 2009
Have you ever heard the expression “Polar Opposites?” Usually, it is in reference to two people whose views, personalities, even looks are the exact opposite of each other. I think it probably comes from the North and South Pole being at different ends of the hemisphere and how people can seem that way as well! What about one person changing their mind or heart and not being committed to a relationship?
Cause you're hot then you're cold You're yes then you're no You're in and you're out You're up and you're down You're wrong when it's right It's black and it's white…
The song Hot N Cold by Katy Perry is all about one person who is very committed and caring, while another not at all engaged in making the relationship work. The video on YouTube is actually at a wedding, where Katy gets angry that her future husband will not recite his wedding vows to her and seems to be fluctuating (at a crucial time!)
While relationships are very difficult, especially when one person is not as committed as the other, we can turn to God for an example of love. Not only can we look to the Trinity as the perfect community of love, but God is never hot and cold with us. God will always love us and God’s covenant with us will always be unconditional and freely given. Pretty cool, huh?
February 1, 2009
I was a little worried… Hiking alone doesn’t usually bother me but I kept passing these two guys on the trails. They never replied when I said hello and looked miserable and mean. They were dressed in heavy winter camouflage gear and I was kind of hoping they weren’t hunting unsuspecting solo hikers! I kept an eye on them each time our paths crossed and thought that they might be missing the ‘fun’ of hiking and especially the friendly etiquette of trail talk…until I realized why they might not be friendly. The first time I saw them, one of them commented about my walking stick. He said, “That stick look like it could kill a bear!” Maybe, just maybe they might be wondering why I was carrying this club and what I might do to them with it? Maybe, I could be coming across even more frightening than they!
Think about this…If you are having some difficulty in a relationship or if you are not seeing eye to eye with a person, reflect in your heart. How am I coming across? Am I open to this person and can this person approach me or am I keeping them away?
January 25, 2009
There is much about God’s presence in this world that is a mystery. Although this has always been a truth for anyone who has faith, it has sometimes also been a source of frustration and confusion, especially in this age of science and technology. In fact, when we as humans discover a truth about what was previously a mystery, there is sometimes an attitude of arrogance like “I discovered something God didn’t want me to know.” However, I think the opposite is probably true. Everything we learn about the world or cyberspace or medicine or nuclear science or mathematics can be a glimpse of God’s great majesty, not our own. This world is filled with mystery: In a recent hike, I noticed black squirrels and mallard ducks with their shiny green backs and an eagle with a wingspan of 4 feet and more, just by looking differently! God wants us to use the gifts God has given us to discover ourselves and the world around us. If we find a cure for all cancers or a way to slow down the aging process or even how to bi-locate, we can either look at it as the superior intelligence of human beings, or as God revealing truths that about God’s creation!
January 18, 2009
In one of my recent hiking adventures, this time at Watkins Mill in Montgomery County, I came across a large herd of deer. Not wanting to startle them too much since we were close to a highway, I began singing…which in turn startled them greatly! I then stood still, just watching and waiting, and I noticed or re-noticed something about deer. As they watched me, they stood completely still and, when I didn’t move at all, a few of them looked away. As has been the case before, it seems as though the ones who first look away are those in the back…then as the front line keeps watch, the ones in the back move along and take over the lead. It is only after the biggest one deems every other deer safe that it moves along. Interesting…
Not sure if this is ‘scientifically true’ of all deer, but it is an observation, one which can probably serve as a reflection. Wouldn’t it be great if humans were always like that? The Church, the physical Body of Christ on earth, is a community of people who should be committed to watching backs, helping out when needed, generally serving as a family. St. Louis does a pretty good job of watching out for those in need, both here in this county, and in the world around us. But, there is always a challenge to keep watch and to make sure that the love of Jesus is offered through us to those who most desperately need it.
January 11, 2009
{Here is a pretty incredible prayer from St. Teresa of Avila that has a lot to do with the new year!}
“May today there be peace within. May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith. May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content knowing you are a child of God. Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us.” Amen.
December 28, 2008
It has been a little while since I have been to Harper’s Ferry…but I still remember one particular visit like it was yesterday. I decided to hike to the top of Maryland Heights, not too tough of a climb, but I had decided to hike the cliff portion…in the rain…in bare feet (that last one was a joke, of course!) Anyway, have you ever begun something and quickly decided that it was a stupid move and may cost your life? This may have been one of those times where a goal was maybe too dangerous!.
After slipping and sliding my way to the top I finally reached the pinnacle, looking more like a water logged bear than an exhilarant climber! I enjoyed the view of Harper’s Ferry and the Shenandoah River (at which point hosts 3 states) and headed back down. My simple goal was to not fall and maim or kill myself on the slippery slopes. Could I have gone a longer, safer way? Sure. Am I sometimes very dumb? Yes! I took my time, but gravity has a way of speeding things up! I found myself running down the hill, grabbing whatever twig or bush to stop my descent. I will not describe to you what it looked like for a man my size to be galloping and grabbing…you can use your imagination (at the risk of nightmares!) When I finally did make it to the bottom, I literally kissed the ground and rejoiced in the Lord!
In a few days, we celebrate the start of a New Year. It is a time of reassessing things, reflecting on changes and setting goals. As you decide which goals to pursue, make sure each one will draw you closer to God and to healthy living. It is the call of the Gospel to live dangerously, to stand up and sacrifice for the holy life. It is not the will of God to put yourself in unhealthy risks to reach goals like I did
December 21, 2008
Two Thursdays ago, my normal hiking day, I found myself walking…around a mall. It seems as though it was my turn to do Christmas shopping for family and friends and, while I do love each of them, I was not altogether too happy about the lines and the money spent! I even felt at times that I was spinning wheels and I didn’t have much to show for the hours of shopping…And some of you like this?
Anyway, as I waited in line, I was struck by how many clerks and checkout people seemed overworked and impatient and at the end of their rope (a bit insane time of year for these people). I decided to make it my personal challenge to be polite to them and even try to make them smile a bit. In 4 out of 5 stores, my attempts were successful! (We won’t talk about the others!) You see, no matter what situations we find ourselves in, we always have the choice on how to act and which attitude to choose. I AM NOT PERFECT (my family and close friends can tell you stories), but I think it is the call of the Gospel (and the meaning of this season) to be different, to try to act like Jesus, to be a light in those areas that are dark.
December 14, 2008
A voice cries out: In the desert prepare the way of the LORD! Make straight in the wasteland a highway for our God! Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill shall be made low; the rugged land shall be made a plain, the rough country, a broad valley. Then the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together; for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.
When I was much younger, a friend of mine and I once thought it would be really cool to stop up a stream in one place and send it off in another direction. So we set about finding rocks and big sticks and other dam materials and, sure enough, the stream flow was diverted! What power! Although it was great fun, the stream later changed courses back to its original flow after our ‘dam’ drifted away.
Wow! The Advent reading above is about preparing the way of the Lord, not so much making changes in geography but in our hearts and minds. And it is hard work! It is as hard to prepare spiritually for Jesus’ coming in our lives as it is to change a valley into a mountain or a mountain into a valley! And yet, we are called by God to look at our lives and prepare a way for Jesus to walk right through it with us!
December 7, 2008
Sitting, Waiting, Wishing. Jack Johnson has an older song by this title and it is about a relationship where one person seems to be wishing and waiting for the other’s love. Has that ever happened to you? Have you ever waited and hoped for someone to grow in love for you? It’s a tough wait, especially if you really care about the other person. It happens all of the time to God.
The invitation has existed since before you and I were born…”Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me” (Revelations 3: 20). Can’t just sit there though; we have to listen, then get up and open the door, then dine with Jesus in the Eucharist! This Advent, this time of waiting and wishing can also be a time to let Jesus in more than you ever have before. Take time in silence or pray with others.
November 30, 2008
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Walter Rauschenbusch
O God, we thank you for this earth, our home; For the wide sky and the blessed sun, For the salt sea and the running water, For the everlasting hills And the never-resting winds, For trees and the common grass underfoot. We thank you for our senses By which we hear the songs of birds, And see the splendor of the summer fields, And taste of the autumn fruits, And rejoice in the feel of the snow, And smell the breath of the spring. Grant us a heart wide open to all this beauty; And save our souls from being so blind that we pass unseeing When even the common thorn bush is aflame with your glory, O God our creator, Who lives and reigns for ever and ever.
-Living God’s Justice: Reflections and Prayers, compiled by
The Roundtable Association of Diocesan Social Action Directors
From Pat: If you haven’t taken time to walk around this fall or even just look outside at the beauty of nature, try to do so and thank God for creation!
November 23, 2008
I had this really cool conversation with another youth minister, someone I didn’t know too well before a meeting last week. The meeting began with a prayer and, because of Thanksgiving, we prayed for all of God’s creation. During the prayer, we had to talk ‘to the person next to us about when we feel closest to God.” After both Wayne and I mentioning the Eucharist and other people as top of our list, I talked about my hiking experiences as being times when I can really feel and hear God in my life. Wayne brightened up and said, “You do that too? I try to go every week!” The next few minutes were all about us sharing stories and our passion for hiking. It was a really awesome connection to make with someone I only knew by sight before that prayer.
Interestingly enough, this weekend is BYCC (Baltimore Catholic Youth Conference) in Ocean City. St. Louis has taken 15 youth and 3 adults and we are joined by over 700 young people from all over Baltimore to have fun, pray and go deeper in faith. It will also be an awesome connection on a deeper level for those attending. Is an experience like this (Or World Youth Day or the Summit Lake retreat or the current 5 week speaker series below) only open to a few young people at St. Louis? NO! The CYM train with so many great stops and sights is available to everyone at St. Louis Church. Get on board! There will be some awesome connections to be made!
November 16, 2008
It has now been almost 14 years since I left my first parish, St. Mary’s in Annapolis, but I still remember quite clearly (for my old age) some of the traditions at the high school. One of the best times of year was Spirit Week, where pep rallies and dress up days and general yelling in the halls made one proud to be a “Saint.” An interesting ritual and symbol was running through the pep rally crowds with a Spirit stick, pretty much just a pole with blue and white ribbons wrapped around it. Each class would vie to win the Spirit stick for the year, based on how well they fared with the contests during the week. That same stick, used year after year, came to symbolize success and spirit
School spirit is very different from the Holy Spirit mainly because the Holy Spirit is GOD(!) and School spirit is at best, extreme enthusiasm and pride. But there are some similarities…As we celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation again this Sunday, we celebrate the Holy Spirit (God!) alive and well in the hearts and minds of those juniors receiving it. We celebrate using not a spirit stick but oil and laying on of hands and incense and Scripture and more. We celebrate the ‘enthos’ (Hebrew for Holy Spirit) which enlivens and inspires us to live lives of faith, hope and love. We celebrate the gifts of the young church and the wonderful Body of Christ.
November 9, 2008
Walking in McKeldin Park last week, I was marveling at my ability to hike without necessarily always looking at the ground. In other words, I felt rather confident in my natural hiking steps, so confident in fact, that I nearly missed trampling a snake immediately to the left of the trail! After staring each other down a bit, we both moved on our way but I was struck by the humor of the thing. (Then, after putting my foot into an unseen hole and nearly twisting my back to death, I was not thinking things so funny!)
We go through life sometimes without an awareness of the important things like obstacles and sin. Snakes are sometimes seen as representing evil and, while I don’t want to offend my snake loving friends, I will go with this stereotype. Because of my hiking ego, I almost missed the snake on the trail and even hit a pothole as I traveled! One of our catechists here said that EGO means Edging God Out and sin is just this. We edge God out of our lives and try to walk alone, without an awareness of His love and mercy. Just as I had to watch for snakes, large logs and other obstacles, we all need to be more aware of what takes us away from walking with God.
November 2, 2008
Ah, yes, All Saints Day and All Souls Day! Two pretty incredible times that we celebrate in the church year, and they are this weekend! Normally celebrated on the first of November, All Saints Day honors all the saints (those known and unknown) who lived holy lives here on earth. All Souls Day (November 2) is to remember in prayer all of those who have died. Some churches, including St. Louis, and schools ask for names of relatives and friends lost over the last year, and there is a special prayer book which holds those names. St. Louis reads the names of those who have died each week, and then again in a special Bereavement Mass.
In my comments last week, I wrote about the young men who have died recently and offered my own prayers and support to all of their family and friends. Maybe this weekend is a good time to remember them and to pray for their souls and for all saints (and sinners!) who have died. We as Catholics call this the “communion of saints.” We believe that everyone who has died is still standing with us, praying for us as we pray for them. Maybe it’s a good time to ask the question, “Who are the living and deceased saints in my own life?” and “How can my life be more saint like?” It is rather fitting that we have a group of high school juniors who are receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation this weekend. We pray for them, that they might come to know
October 26, 2008
Last week, I spoke at the Mount Saint Joe freshman retreat (St. Louis Church has about 10 freshmen there!) It is pretty awesome to be able to get out of the office and visit schools, but I also went partly to offer my support and prayers. MSJ, you see, just lost an alumnus (Will Staso, class of 2008) who died the same week I visited. It is tough to lose someone at any age, but it is especially hard to understand when the person is in high school or newly graduated. During the presentation, I thought not only of Will and his grieving family/friends, but also Dennis from Loyola HS (‘10) and Max from River Hill (‘08). It seems that we as a community are experiencing quite a few losses and I pray for all of you affected.
You know, Jesus also felt the pain of loss and grieved for his friend Lazarus, even to the point of tears. He knows what it means to struggle with the questions and to be heart-broken by death. He is there, waiting to listen and to give healing and peace to all who ask.
October 19, 2008
Have you seen the movie August Rush? It is about a boy who is orphaned at an early age (believe it or not, no fault of his parents!) and sets off to find them. His main guide…Music! He follows the melody in his head and heart to New York City and seeks his parents who he thinks are living by the same melody! Interesting theme, huh? I would recommend the movie since it goes a bit deeper than your typical DVD. I would also recommend listening to your heart as you grow in faith, closer to the One who calls us all to follow Him. (Most of the time, not to New York!)
As music has a powerful way of inspiring and providing peace and healing to so many, God’s loving presence can work wonders in your life. Will you have problems? Probably. Will all your relationships be perfect? Probably not. Yet, God offers the way, truth and abundant life and a deep satisfaction no matter where your path leads.October 12, 2008
{The following is a portion of a speech given by Madeline Hlibok (senior, Suffolk University in Boston) at this past Augusts College Send-Off Mass. She was addressing our awesome parish community}
…Thank you, St. Louis. Thank you for helping me to find myself. I was fortunate enough to have found you and everything that you offered me at such a pivotal point in my life (high school). Being surrounded by so many supportive and positive people for those whirlwind 4 years helped to keep me grounded and remember what was most important to me…Thank you for giving me responsibility, the responsibility to teach by example…Thank you for helping me to raise the bar in my faith…Thank you for teaching me that there is no better feeling than the feeling of giving back…Thank you for teaching me to be thankful…Thank you for letting me know that you and God are always with me…Thank you for helping me become who I am today. I am proud to be a part of St. Louis.
October 5, 2008
Those of you (1-2 people?) who have been reading these comments over the last year or so may know that I had a run-in with foxes. They seemed to be everywhere while I was hiking, even managing to walk directly on the path in front of me at one point! I thought we were going to scuffle!
Anyway, most recently it was…squirrels! Last week, I couldn’t have seen fewer than 60+ squirrels while I was hiking 6 miles (that’s 10 per mile for those of you in higher math…unless it was the same squirrel following me!) Do these nut-gatherers have nothing better to do than follow an innocent walker of the woods? Don’t they have to prepare for the winter or something? Shouldn’t they be going underground soon? As an environmentally friendly person, I was still a bit confused as to why this was happening…
"Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things."
--Antonio Smith
I found this quote on a blog about squirrels and realized that God has little things cross our paths (literally sometimes!) that may seem unimportant and not worth our attention but may mean more than we allow them to. Take for instance that person in class who we don’t know well or that subject that we just don’t give a good amount of attention to or that job which is just a job…We are called to enjoy them and see God’s presence in them because they make up our world, the world God has given to us.
September 28, 2008
I may be a bit premature on this one, with Halloween around the corner, but I wanted to comment on a TV show you may or may not have heard about…Scare Tactics. I had seen one episode a few months back but just saw “The BEST OF…” and had to laugh at the craziness of it.Scare Tactics is a show designed for friends and family of unsuspecting victims to scare the heck out of their ‘loved ones.” One of the classic episodes I saw had to do with scary children coming upon a car in the middle of a cornfield…The young woman in the back seat, set up by a ‘good friend’, was petrified until it was revealed that the children were actors and actresses. Great fun, huh?
Two things about this show…One, know who your friends are! If you have people who are influencing you to do some pretty ‘scary things’, be careful and take courage. While Jesus wants us to be satisfied and have great adventures, this does not mean taking risks that might put your life or health into jeopardy. Two, I think this show reminds me of that passage in scripture where Jesus kind of suddenly appears to the apostles and says, “Take courage; it is I!” Jesus promised us that he will be there in all ways, especially when life’s surprises scare us!
September 21, 2008
I have told a few hiking stories in my life but I just have to say one word…Spider webs! There are many times when I am innocently walking on a trail and suddenly am accosted by a spider web out of the blue, instantly murdering a spider creation. Now, I know that spiders work diligently on these invisible but intricately designed sculptures, but I was wondering if they could maybe be put higher or somewhere other than human made trails? I mean really…
You know, believe it or not, walking with Jesus is similar to my spider experience. We walk along through life, trying to make our way and even sometimes thinking that things are going well, all of the sudden to be hit in the face with a temporary setback. (Or, if you are of the spider variety, you take time to build a web only to have a big bald guy come and knock it down!) Either way, life’s obstacles sometimes slow us down or even threaten to stop us. And yet, God’s voice beckons us on the journey if we are open. Whatever you encounter on the trail of life, whether it be spiders or webs or something more serious, God will be with you.
September 14, 2008
Sometimes I have these little insights that I must share…Recently, at a religious education training for adults and high school mentors, I shared a theory of mine that I am working on…I have noticed that the word “awkward” is used quite a bit by people nowadays, especially those in the under 18 category! As I kept hearing it being used to describe anything from ‘awkward’ topics to ‘awkward’ silences to ‘awkward’ situations, I wondered why this word was being used so much. Then, I realized…As our time is spent with more and more technology (IM, texting, email, even cell phones) that will make us communicate without the benefit of face-to-face, we are going to think things having to do with human connections as more ‘awkward.’ If my preference is to communicate constantly by use of texting, I am missing out on 70% of communication (facial expressions ,eye contact, body language). Then, when I get in front of someone, especially someone with whom I may have a conflict, things can seem more awkward than they are because I am not used to such a personal interaction. Not only can we skimp on punctuation and grammar with instant messaging , but we also skimp on what is really making up that relationship and communication. While I am not anti-technology by any means (check out the CYM facebook under my name!), I do think we need to be aware of and work even more at face-to-face communication, especially with our God who is always listening!
September 7, 2008
There are several places that people told us we “had to” see when we got to Sydney, Australia for World Youth Day over a month ago. One of the sites was Manley Beach (I love that name!) and another was Taronga Zoo. Set on the hill of an island (you can only reach it by ferry and then by a cable car!) Taronga Zoo is probably the most beautiful zoo in the world with the most incredible animals in the world! At this point, I should not confess that I have only been to four or five zoos anyway, but please take my word for it…Taronga Zoo is incredible! We saw the usual elephants and giraffes and then local koolas and dingos and kangaroos and poisonous frogs. It opened my eyes to the fact that there is a world of creatures a world away which we don’t always see in the United States.
A new world awaited us in Australia but an even greater world awaits those who walk with Jesus. Although there are still struggles and trials, Jesus makes all things new and shows us the beauty and grace of His Kingdom (as well as how to deal with the not so cool parts). As you continue in this new school year, be open to the newness that Jesus offers to you.
August 31, 2008
One of the toughest parts of my work here is to be forced to go to amusement parks during the summer. I ‘was made’ to play at Hershey Park not once but twice in June and August. Rough life, huh? Anyway, just a few weeks ago, I was enjoying some time people watching and found myself next to Canyon River Rapids and other water park rides. I noticed something there: Everyone was laughing and shouting and generally in good spirits! (Except for one little boy…crying because someone had stepped on his hand…it wasn’t me, I swear!) Anyway, for the most part, there was much fun and happiness, at least temporarily!
Do you believe that Jesus wants you to be happy? Not just for a few hours at some amusement park, but forever and always? It’s true! Part of what we believe is that God wants us to be truly fulfilled, to be deeply happy and satisfied. (Read John 10:10)
Are you really happy right now? If so, thank Jesus for your joy. If not, turn to Him and ask for some of that abundant life that He offers! Then, be open and ready for the ride of your life (better than any roller coaster ride, too!)
August 24, 2008
What is success to you? Failure? It seems as each of these concepts might be different for each person who tries to define them. One person might think that success is being in the top 5% of your class in high school, while another might think success is just finishing high school in any way! Failure to one might be not making enough money, while another might think that failure is not giving away enough money! Success and failure has a lot to do with setting personal goals based on what is important to you, based on your beliefs, your faith, your morals, your relationship with God.
I have found it interesting to watch the Olympics over the last two weeks. While it is obvious to see the success of Michael Phelps’ swimming or the girls’ gymnastics, success might also be measured by how courageous someone is or who helped who or how much a team worked together or for me, who gave glory to God for their gifts. I also think that failure can be defined as those times athletes (or we for that matter) are in it for their own glory and those who step on others to achieve their goals.
In the beginning of this school year, define for yourself what success (and failure) will be.
August 17, 2008
Let me tell you about my hiking experiences last week (even if you aren’t interested!). One of my favorite places is the Avalon area of Patapsco Park, specifically Cascade Lake. While the ‘cascade’ was just about a trickle because of our lack of rain, it is still a beautiful hike. After coming to “Trickle Lake,” I witnessed a photo shoot of sorts, with the photographer taking hundreds of shots as I walked by. When I emerged onto the picnic area, I noticed a small gathering so I wandered over (not really the introvert I imagine myself to be). It seems as though a 9 year old girl and her dog were lost and she could not find her way home after chasing her runaway dog. Hmmm…for those of you who know this area, it is not really too close to homes! Anyway, finding a phone that had service was difficult, but a St. Louis Church member stopped by at that point and I used her phone to call 911 and the park ranger. (Thanks, Karla!) After the police officer came and took over, I continued my 7 mile hike, praying for the girl and her situation.
Why bring this up here? I think that in our journey of life each day, we are faced with many, many, many opportunities. We must decide how to act, whether it be something as serious as a lost child or what to do at a party or in a relationship or moral dilemma or what to do with free time or the more minor issues in our lives…We also have to decide what will guide us. Will it be that loving savior Jesus or will something (or someone) else guide you? Quite an important question as you start back to school, huh?
August 10, 2008
Randy Pausch, a Carnegie Mellon University computer scientist has died but his legacy (Mainly from you tube and Oprah fame) will live on. For those who aren’t aware, Randy gave his last lecture, an address originally intended for his wife and kids but which touched hundreds of thousands of lives with its simplicity and integrity. Check out the “last lecture” on you tube to see what I mean. Why bring it up?
As World Youth Day is now a week and a half ago (although jet lag tends to hang on a bit), I was reflecting on the many blessings of those days in Australia. From the energy of the Spirit in young people to the diversity of our larger church to the power and presence of the Eucharist, this was a life-changer. Our delegation from St. Louis Church carried you in our hearts as we carried the prayer journal each day and literally lifted it up as the Pope heard other petitions. We also were supported by your prayers and your help throughout the year before. So…what would your last lecture include if you had to give one? Hopefully, it would include some life-changing experiences (like World Youth Day) for which you were thankful. I encourage you to become even more involved in this church and experience for yourself the power and presence of the Holy Spirit!August 3, 2008
23 Hours of airplane and even more layovers…Tasting vegemite (?) and timtams (!)… Touching a kangaroo and eating emu…Flags from countries around the world and singing and dancing with so many young Catholics…words of encouragements and challenge from Bishops and the Pope…Spiritual awakening at the Vigil and Mass…St Louis’ own Caitlin Williams serving at the USA Mass with Bishops and 15,000 Americans, Matt & Meghan Sprankle assisting at a Catechetical Site with 500 pilgrims…Amy, Alex, Meghan and Chelsea writing blog for Archdiocese…Vinnie proudly dancing with the Maryland flag and leading the cheer for Jesus…Katie and Chelsea, Matt and Meghan making the Catholic Review…Vickie keeping the people back home informed with pictures and pictures and pictures…Margaret and Vickie, adult chaperones, extraordinaire!!! And the list goes on!
St. Louis Church parishioners, thanks so much for your prayers and so many other ways of supporting this pilgrimage to World Youth Day in Sydney! We returned Wednesday, July 23 and have many stories to tell and things to do to continue the Spirit of the pilgrimage. Although we are planning a Mass and reception sometime in the future, feel free to check out www.archbalt.org for pictures and blog or Vickie’s pictures at http://gallery.me.com/vyozwiak#100154.
Thanks again!
July 20, 2008
During this World Youth Day weekend, pilgrims from St. Louis are hiking to a vigil overnight with at least ½ million other Catholics. Please pray this official WYD ’08 prayer for all of those attending:
God our Father, we consecrate to you the World Youth Day in Sydney. Guide and protect Pope Benedict and all the leaders of the Church. Inspire and direct all those leading and planning the World Youth Day. Unite and protect them by your fatherly care. Amen
Lord Jesus Christ, before you ascended to the Father, you promised to send your Holy Spirit so that we might be your witnesses to the end of the earth. Bless and multiply the efforts of your disciples. Help us to take up our cross and follow you under the heavenly sign of the Southern Cross. Amen
Holy Spirit, pour out your grace on the Great South Land of Australia and grant to us a New Pentecost. Make it a true place of welcome for the young people of the world. Grant to all of us who go there conversion of life, a deeper faith, and love for all. Enable us to build a new civilization of life, love and truth. Make us true witnesses to your power and grace. Amen
July 13, 2008
From The Sower’s Seed Stories “Can you tell me who made you?” the pastor asked the small boy. The young boy thought for a moment. Then he looked up at the pastor and said, “God made part of me.” “What do you mean ‘part of you?’ asked the pastor. “Well,” answered the boy, “God made me little. I grew the rest myself.” Author note: “Growing the rest” is a lifetime job for us.
While I think that God is central to any amount of growth, either at birth or through life, this little boy and the author have a point. We have been given the awesome gift of responsibility and freedom to grow. May God give you the ability to continue to grow in wisdom, grace and faith this summer.
July 6, 2008
French Novelist and Nobel Prize winner Albert Camus once wrote that Freedom is nothing but a chance to be better. Do you agree or disagree? Does a person’s freedom make him or her truly free? Do people normally use their freedom to better themselves? I guess it depends on the individual (and the nation), huh? Since this is Independence Day weekend, I was thinking about the gift of freedom and how it can be taken for granted. Our nation hasfreedom as one of its foundational values: freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom to assemble…We celebrate thisfreedom on the 4th of July and we have even fought for freedom many times over. God has created each of us free, free to make choices in our lives, free to say Yes or No to even God. What do we do with this freedom? If you are like me, you probably mess it up a bunch. God’s gift, that of the ability to choose freely, holds with it a power and a responsibility. We need to use our freedom wisely and never let it hinder another person’s freedom, As you go through this weekend, I pray that you learn more then just what true freedom is.
June 29, 2008
Ahh, yes, the Clarksville Picnic. Time to get wet in the CYM dunking booth, see old friends and buy old stuff, eat the best chicken around, get dunked, hear great music and watch fun dancing, spend money, and get dunked. I have noticed that this Day in June brings together whole communities of people like no other day. It is a little country church feel in a large suburban parish! As we continue to prepare for our pilgrimage in Australia (July 12-22), I think the picnic and World Youth Day have some similarities. While I hope that a dunking booth is not a part of Sydney, I do know that food is involved. (What are vegemite, weet-bix crunch, meat pies, tim tam fingers and wagon wheels, anyway?) There is also singing and dancing from around the world and time to see the young church in action and prayer. Like the picnic, World Youth Day brings together whole communities of people, but on a slightly larger scale (over 750,000 people estimated!)
June 22, 2008
I am a bit embarrassed to write this…A few weeks ago, I was walking on the B & A trail in Anne Arundel County. I had completed 6 miles of an 8 mile walk and was really enjoying the weather (Sunny, high 80’s), when I glanced behind me. Was that someone following me, trying to over take me? I realized that it was a woman, probably in her 70’s or 80’s…walking faster than I was and eventually going to pass. I sped up, caring very much that I, an experienced hiker, would be fast walked by someone almost twice my age! To make a long story short, it seems as though my stamina was a bit better because my competition fell behind more and more, and did not pass me after the remaining 2 miles.
Why am I so competitive sometimes? Why did this make a difference to me? It is really cool that this older woman was taking care of herself out there, much like I was trying to do. Why is it that ‘personal best’ is not always good enough? Wouldn’t it be great if we answered St. Paul’s call to holiness by respecting the gifts of the community and not worrying about who had the greatest gifts (or the fastest sneakers)? Anyway, as you see people who are in better shape or have better checkbook balances or always seem to have everything going for them, think twice. What is it that God is calling you to?
June 15, 2008
Since Flag Day is this weekend, I was reflecting about the times the flag has meant the most to me. While I do not believe that patriotism means blindly following government leaders or not being able to question injustices in the system, I do think there is a lot to be said for national pride. Seeing the flag in a parade or at a federal building is pretty awesome, but the most incredible display of the flag had to be at the World Youth Days. As we prepare for World Youth Day in Australia (July 12-22), I am prepared to again see flags from hundreds of countries proudly being carried as we gather and as the Pope comes. And yet, the one that really gets me is the American flag. We use it (and the beautiful Maryland flag) to show our patriotism but also to guide the way for those looking for us. As it is hoisted above, our group from Baltimore can see where the bearer is going. It is also a beacon for those from other states who we will meet in Australia. Awesome, huh? This Flag Day, pray for our country, for those serving in war-torn areas, and for all of those who sacrificed much so we can fly it
June 8, 2008
I was recently privileged to be having lunch at a restaurant with my daughter. While there, we noticed an older couple (probably in their 80’s). Although we are usually not too aware of other diners when we eat, these two caught our eye. The woman had put a napkin on her head and was making faces at the man. The man was trying to contain his laughter but was shaking from the effort! At another point, the man winked at the woman and started laughing again (not sure what that meant!) It was fun to watch this couple who seemed to enjoy each other’s company so much.
I don’t know what you have planned for this summer but I do wish you laughter and good times with people you love (and who love you). I pray that you stay healthy and doing things that are holy and that make you happy. Consider joining us with CYM activities, too, because we have a lot of good times planned as well.
June 1, 2008
{The following reflection was written by 7th graders Rachel McMurrer and Lauren Sprankle}
It takes all sorts to make a world…Out there somewhere, someone’s gonna love ya, warts and all…Look at him! Did you ever see a finer bird?”
We recently were in Honk! Jr., a retelling of The Ugly Duckling. Playing the roles of Maureen, a moorhen, and Grace, queen of the dockyard, we did not treat the Ugly Duckling very well. In the story, Ugly is constantly made fun of for his looks. As Christians, we know that this sort of behavior is wrong. We are to follow Jesus’ example and not judge a book by its cover. We are to treat the people we meet fairly and do the Golden Rule which is to treat others as you would like to be treated. In the end of the play, Ugly turns into a swan and we welcome him back, only because he became beautiful.
We disagree with what our characters did. In real life, we know not to judge someone by their looks. We need to look first at the inside of a person; that is the most important. However, some of the characters (Geese Squadron, Bullfrogs, Penny) followed in Jesus’ footsteps and accepted Ugly for who he was.
Just believe in yourself, don’t be left on the shelf, feeling that all hope is dead and gone. And you may find in your own way, you’re a swan!
May 25, 2008
Are any of you runners? One of the reasons I have chosen walking is because the world goes by too fast when you run. When I hike, I can really take in nature and the whole environment around me. (The other reason is that my knees would give out!) Anyway, as is my custom, I recently started a hike on the Trolley trail from Catonsville to Ellicott City. Although it has few hills, once I got to Ellicott City, I found them! My wanderings took me up (and up and up!) past the Roger Carter Rec Center to the Courthouse, and then back down to the town. As I was descending to Main Street, I came across an older woman walking her dog. Thinking her house was the one directly in front of her (with a yard that ended in 3 directions with a sheer cliff!), I made the comment that I hoped her family doesn’t sleepwalk! She laughed and explained that it was her neighbor’s house. Noticing an empty water bottle in my hand, she offered to recycle it in her bin. She then talked about being a local to Ellicott City since 1980, having come from Iowa. We talked for awhile about what it means to be a local…Pride in your heritage and history, getting to know the people and traditions, feeling at home. At the end of our conversation, she offered another bottle of water to me.
Quite a nice person and I thank God for this stranger’s generosity and friendliness, especially since that last hill seemed to take a bit out of me!
May 18, 2008
I guess I have no life, at least as I am driving. This is why I try to look at just about every bumper sticker that I can. Then, I either wave if I agree or ignore if I don’t. (Okay, sometimes I will give ‘looks’ to the really disrespectful ones!) Something wonderful is about to happen!
This one really caught my eye (and my faith) but I was not able to see who was driving. Something wonderful is about to happen? Kind of gets the whole excitement building, huh? And yet, as Christians, we can say that about any moment, any day, any time in the church’s year! As we celebrated Pentecost, we remembered something wonderful that happened. The Spirit came in fire and wind and languages and a new, courageous church was born!
The Spirit comes again and again today and wonderful things continue to happen! If we believe, no, I mean really believe that Jesus is alive and well in our lives, mean, that the Spirit is really helping us in past, present and future, this bumper sticker and His presence must mean hope. If you are graduating from 8th grade, high school, college or beyond, something wonderful is about to happen if you believe! If you are trudging through life, something wonderful is about to happen. If you living great joy or great fear or great pain, something wonderful is about to happen. Know that He does not leave us orphaned but will always be with us.
May 11, 2008
I was shopping at the grocery store recently and had a rather weird experience. As I went about my business, stopping at the bank in the store, then picking out the groceries I needed, I was aware of this one employee…He seemed to be everywhere! He was waiting outside the bathroom when I first saw him. Then, suddenly, he was behind me in line at the bank and also as I got postage stamps. Then, I noticed him 3 times as I walked down the aisles, filling my cart! (Awkward!) While I tend to think that he was really just going about his work and our many encounters coincidental (hopefully!), it was still a bit odd and unsettling. I think I will look over my shoulder the next few times I go grocery shopping!
A presence that is usually neither awkward nor creepy is that of our moms. But, like the young man in the grocery store, mothers seem to be everywhere and unselfishly present to us. My mom is the best, a saint if I ever knew one. Consistently giving and thankfully merciful, my mom’s greatest gift is the unconditional nature of her love. She has always provided an avenue by which I (and so many others) can see the love of God. Her spiritual life is focused on prayer and active service to others. I am blessed to have her as my mom.
What about your mom? What is her greatest gift? Have you been able to tell her? Say a prayer today for her, whether she is living or deceased.