Our "Life-giving" Gifts

July has certainly been a month for prayer. I had started out the month with concerns of a possible "lump" or "mass" seen in my check up. Rather than re-filming right away though, a look at history was a more conservative way to go so we needed to wait for films to be sent, etc.

I had decided not to have any concern, as there is some benign history in my family tree - and it was likely along the same lines. I really wanted to focus on not getting worried. Still every now and then there were fleeting thoughts of "what ifs"... and "how would"... with every effort to remind myself that not knowing anything yet was no cause to despair. My focus quickly turned to those who are suffering, and to those that did suffer so much, and we lost not so long ago. During this time of not knowing if there was or wasn't an issue, I put together the above Pink Ribbon Rosary in honor and memory of my dear friend Cyndi.

Also, during this last week, a much more difficult experience happened to another dear friend of mine. After suffering an illness after a surgery, it was explained to her that she likely had cancer, but it required further testing to confirm. Prayers were fervent for this woman, intercessory prayers requested from all over. The news after testing was even more grim. The family was devastated - preparing themselves for the "what ifs" that just became their reality. Working through an initial mourning at an impending loss that would take away a wife, a mother, a grandmother... then, a bit later the same day, another call. The final pathology this time shared a different story - "it's not cancer after all..." he said. Yes, I'm told it was a roller coaster of emotion.

That same evening, in looking at the San Damiano Cross icon, our priest was pointing out a few of the icon images - "and here's Lazarus with the burial cloths wrapped still on his head". And, just then we spoke of how this family had suffered a loss, and gained a life back in the same day. In their eyes, truly a miracle.

How often have we suffered a death, only to have the gift of life given back to us in the Lord's immeasurable mercy, and we don't even see it? This "good news" that was shared with this family, and within our parish truly has given us a fresh look at appreciating those around us, and finding life after death. When I see a newly baptized member of our church, it is such a heartwarming moment of "new life". The same when seeing a married couple that can renew their life of love, after years of challenges, and the priest through the mercy of God absolving us of the deadness of sin, through the healing or "life-giving" sacrament of Reconciliation. The story of Lazarus really gives us the opportunity to see how precious our lives are, and how much we are loved.

So today, at the end of July, I received my little "life" moment. After viewing more films, the radiologist assured us that there was nothing there, I was fine. While I do not want to make something out of nothing, I am so thankful for this gift I received. Looking at life a little differently, not for worries sake; for the opportunity to look around and appreciate even more the grace that I am given each day I live my life, and every blessing I receive.

Faithful Servant Arts...What's in a name?

One retreat morning years ago, at my place setting, (randomly chosen)(?) was a tile that had the words "Faithful Servant". I have kept the tile in front of my mirror for years.

It is very strange, the twists and turns life takes when I participate in it. Yes, I admit, I fully participate in my life, the best that I can. A strange comment, sure, but as I look back on what has led me to where I am today, I am certain it cannot be me. I would have never in my life expected to be a blogging, etsy-arts-crafting, cd slinging, twittering catholic. Yet, here I am. And, yes "Jesus, I do trust in you."

Putting out a CD has never been on my "bucket list", but, once I read about Mother Antonia and her sister's and the lives of Mercy that they emulate - I really wanted to do something to help earn some money to send to them. The Divine Mercy message has such meaning in my life, that putting together Mercy is... became a way for me to help spread the message, and help a cause that helps others realize that mercy.

Also, I have certainly been interested in art as a hobby, first with drawing, as a release I guess. Starting in my 40's, I really just wanted something to do on my own. I found that the most meaningful pieces to me were those that were an expression of faith. In hindsight, this is not so surprising since I had really stopped "performing" any music years ago - yet am so richly engrossed in the beauty of music in the liturgy. Able to let go of my insecurities, and participate in the love of music in my life at mass. There is no place I would rather sing than with the angels during Holy Mass.

So, completing the cd, and having photography, and arts, filling my soul (and my shelves for that matter), I realized my true interests lie in whatever I can humbly do that will glorify God. This is where "Faithful Servant Arts" comes from. First, I strive to be a faith-filled, and thankful child of the Lord; a true servant (in-training, I am nowhere near the servant that Mary was, or many other saints ), and perhaps through my expression of love for the Lord - some might see Arts.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/faithfulservantarts

The Blessed Virgin and the Priesthood

(click on title for link)

The Blessed Virgin and the Priesthood

This is a beautiful quote that I came across today. It was enjoyable to read this after celebrating the ordination of 6 new Priests in the Archdiocese of Atlanta, yesterday. And, attending the first Mass of Fr. Mario Lopez at our humble parish in Dallas, GA.

I enjoyed reading this today particularly because the homily today, given by a great friend and brother Priest of Fr. Mario’s, was very touching. So many beautiful things were said, including the recommendation that Fr. Mario stay close to our Mother Mary. That she is always there. I do wish I could remember his exact words, as they were so beautiful. However, it was such a beautiful reminder that she is there for us, to intercede for us, lovingly calling each one of us to her Son. And, in a very special way, she is there for and by all of our wonderful Priests.

Let us continue to remember all of our Priests as we offer up a Rosary each week; especially Pope Benedict XVI.

Good Friday - Ecce Homo

In keeping with yesterday I suggest that the services available to us as on Good Friday are for all to share. For a deeper experience of the joy of Easter, why not look further into the Passion, or death of Christ. I have been questioned as to why we "catholics" don't let go of the crucifixion, after all, Jesus rose from the dead! There are so many responses to just that question, I prefer to smile and agree that yes Jesus is risen - but, I cannot forget what he went through for my sins.

However, this year, I've had an even different take on the inner-experience of Good Friday. So many years I have gone through Good Friday with dread. Yes, I know it's not supposed to be a picnic. But, never connected to the Hour of Mercy, and the actual somberness of the day. I know you are "supposed" to be somber - but, in reality, in the 20th/21st century, I didn't really feel it. I knew that Easter is coming, and let us not forget that we live in the age of the risen Christ.

So, this morning, I thought to myself - what would it have been like to love the Lord as I do now, but, in Jesus' time. To know, love, and follow his teachings but not have any idea what would happen after today. The dread of watching, not able to do anything to stop it. The absolute pain of watching a loved one die. And then, at 3pm, "it is finished..."

I would think there would be inconsolable sorrow.

I started understanding why we would not work, why we would not carry on with normal day to day activities. It has not happened very often in my life yet, but, you know the moment when you first learn that someone very close to you has died? Each time I experience moments that I can only explain by saying that time seems to stand still - and nothing else matters. As if my soul reaches out to heaven, to God; whether for comfort or understanding, or just to say goodbye. I am sure it could be explained away by "shock", or some great medical term. But, I still believe, that there is a moment of time, or timelessness that is merely for the soul.

I think that time for the soul to takeover, to adore, thank, love, and just be, is very appropriate for Good Friday and Holy Saturday. Even in my business of the day, I will try to be nothing today -

Holy Thursday, not for "church ladies" Only

Tonight starts the most moving of Liturgical seasons of the church. The Triduum. I grew up with very little understanding of the liturgy, and how it all comes together - but, now I can't imagine an Easter without Holy Thursday - Good Friday - and the Easter Vigil. There are times that even my family refer to me as the "churchy" one - and yes, I come by that name honestly, but I want to share where though God's mercy, wisdom, and grace this is for everyone. Not just your "churchy" relatives, or acquaintances.

Tonight's liturgy, Holy Thursday! I absolutely love everything about this Mass. "Mass of The Lord's Supper", I've also heard the name Institution of the Holy Eucharist. A great video for anyone to watch about the Eucharist is "The Fourth Cup" by Scott Hahn. Tonight we will experience Jesus' Passover supper where he offered the Eucharist for the first time, "Do this in remembrance of me..." After the readings, or Liturgy of the Word, and Homily, or teaching, we will be eye witnesses to the Priesthood's call to service. The true priesthood that so many of us do not see.

At this point, the priest takes off his Chasuble, or outer garment that he wears, and ties I think an apron or towel around his waist. Then gets down on his knees and one by one washes the feet of 12 people in the church. (I pause here to recognize that there are many varying ways this is celebrated). We presently have only men represented as the 12 apostles; but a few years back I had the humbling experience of being one of the 12. I can't express how humbling this experience is. Not humbling in any way that you might think. Like washing my feet a dozen times before getting to church - humbling because - this man, chosen by God to bring Himself to us in the Eucharist, with anointed hands, is pouring water over my feet, and drying them. I couldn't help but think of Christ at that moment, and how much he loves each and every person. And, this love that he shares that starts in our community by our priest, must be shared by each and every person with each other.

In today's Magnificat the is a message by Pope Benedict XVI:

"When the Lord of the world comes and undertakes the slave's task of foot-washing - which is an illustration of the way he washes our feet all through our lives - we have a totally different picture. God doesn't want to trample on us, but kneels down before us so as to exalt us. The mystery of the greatness of God is seen precisely in the fact that he can be small... Only when power is changed from the inside, and we accept Jesus and his way of life, whose whole self is there in the action of foot-washing, only then can the world be healed and the people be able to live at peace with one another."

Mass continues after this with the Liturgy of the Eucharist. After communion, there is a brief period of silence before the Transfer of the Holy Eucharist. The Blessed Sacrament is processed through the church, and taken to a place of reposition. In our case with limited space, a tabernacle waits in another room that has been turned into a garden scene. Pange Lingua is sung as we all process into the garden, until the Blessed Sacrament is brought to the tabernacle reposition, when we sing Tantum Ergo. It is beautiful.

We then have the opportunity to stay in the garden and pray,

"When he arrived at the place he said to them, "Pray that you may not undergo the test." After withdrawing about a stone's throw from them and kneeling, he prayed, saying, "Father, if you are willing, take this cup away from me; still, not my will but yours be done." Luke 22:40-42, ...

When praying often I might meditate on the sorrowful mysteries, and think of this dear man, my God, crying with so much fervor and anxiety that he sweat drops of blood. How can I not pray at that moment, thankful and humble for our Savior's love for us.

Now, I offer you this thought, there is nothing wacky or extra "churchy" about understanding more about our Priesthood, the Eucharist, and the love and passion of our Lord right? Yes, it might take a bit more than an hour - but again, I cannot imagine an Easter without it!

Praise God for our Savior!

Praise God for the Priesthood!

Lent, lambs, and Other Things

This year Lent kind of "came in like a lamb" for me. It was just here all of the sudden. Strange. I knew it was coming, we even had king cake...but all the hoopla that was created to get ready for Lent kind of left me "empty". Maybe that's the idea (?) Normally, for me, no hoopla, no king cake, masks, parades, or even Gumbo. As strange as it might seem, I really love the whole season of Lent, leading up to the Triduum, and then a bright and triumphant Easter. More time with the Lord in prayer, fasting, almsgiving...pillars of our faith. Yet, I am not experiencing much a difference in my lifestyle, even though I am attending mass during the week more often, we are saving in our rice bowl to give to give to CRS, and fasting is almost happening undeliberately.

I have had seasons in my life that were much more "powerful" in prayer and deed; it just seems that this year the motions are there, but the business of my life is too - and I'm not sure which I'm paying more attention to.

Yet, Lent is happening all around me - this is what is so interesting, "not by my own will, but yours be done."

We have talked for months of starting an Hour of Mercy at our Parish. I am not the quickest at getting things off the ground. But, someone came to me and asked, can't we start this for Lent at least? And, so we did. Friday afternoon at 3pm, I am there to pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet, Stations of the Cross, and pray in front of the reposed Blessed Sacrament. This has become a most beautiful part of my week.

Each Friday so far I have learned of real life situations that are desperate, victims of crimes unheard of, illnesses that are all consuming, and people in despair so far they are not sure they want to live. There is so much to pray for!! The victims, the offenders, the sick, the despairing. I am almost enveloped by the grief of it all, and yet, I am praying ever more fervently. We can't stop praying!! I am reminded constantly how feeble I really am compared to the reality of what is around me, but with the presence of God and his angels and saints, there is a strength I can't describe. With prayers of faith, hope, and love...I pray for the man that is caught in a web of sin; and for the wounded family that must heal by God's grace; and for the suffering in mind and body. How can we Not pray? How can we Not pay attention to what is going on around us?

I am not sure what is left for me this Lent; but I have a willing heart and I pray dear Lord that I do not get in your way.

Our Lady of Lourdes

Lourdes, France...

Before getting to the Grotto, where a beautiful statue of Mary is inset into the mountain at the spot where Bernadette obediently followed "the lady's" request to dig for water; you have this beautiful image of a most fantastic, a Holy place. And as you walk towards this place a gentle "peace" comes to you. Rests on you.

Today, I am searching for that same peace, praying for 2 dear friends of mine with cancer. Praying that "the beautiful Lady", the "Immaculate Conception" will intercede on their behalf and request that her Son bestow on them a peaceful and gentle spirit, and if it is God's will a miraculous healing.

I cannot recount the story of Bernadette and her visions anywhere near as beautiful as others can; I just want to help remind you of the peace and power of prayer. May the "gentle healer", God's own begotten Son, hear all of our prayers, and may Our Lady of Lourdes remind us to believe, and pray without ceasing. May we always be obedient to that request.

O Immaculate Virgin Mary,
Mother of Mercy,
you are the refuge of sinners,
the health of the sick,
and the comfort of the afflicted.
You know my wants,
my troubles, my sufferings.
By your appearance at the Grotto of Lourdes
you made it a privileged sanctuary
where your favors are given to people
streaming to it from the whole world.
Over the years countless sufferers
have obtained the cure for their infirmities -
whether of soul, mind, or body.
Therefore I come to you
with limitless confidence
to implore your motherly intercession.
Obtain, O loving Mother,
the grant of my requests.
Through gratitude for Your favors,
I will endeavor to imitate Your virtues,
that I may one day share in Your glory.
Amen.