I apologize to my readers for the enormous amount of time that has gone by since I last posted on this blog. Aside from health issues, life got in my way! Ok, enough excuses! Life getting in the way is truly not an excuse. Life is what we are about--in this world and eternally...am I right?
Let's talk about life as we know it, in our world today. It has now been 12 years since I returned to the catholic Church after my years in the wilderness, as it were. But, in those 12 years so much has happened. I certainly did not live a stagnant life in that time. I had my ups and downs. But, through it all, I can see spiritual growth. In fact, it helps to take time out every now and again to look back over our lives with an eye on our spiritual life.
Have you ever taken a day, or even an hour to review your past year or few years? Have you been able to see the hand of God guiding you, in retrospect? I know that there were so many days when I was tired or downright exhausted and sure God was nowhere to be found. I was in the midst of a serious struggle that felt as though it could be life or death. But where was God? I came back to the Catholic Church, didn't God respect that? Well... God was at work in my lefe as I reviewed my life. Even in those wilderness moments God did amazing things!
Does God have to yank us out of a predicament in order to show us He is present? Does God have to perform technicolor miracles to let us know he has not forgotten us?
Actually, God did miracles I never expected. God used those moments when I was struggling to teach me how to handle life, so that I could survive and thrive in all srts of trials and tribulations. I have learned how to resist some temptations and some failures in life. Sure, I am not quite yet a saint, or even close...But, God is teaching me every step of the way!
God bless all of you on your journey as well. Take time to look and see how God is at work in your life. It is worth the look!
I will be posting again soo!
Jim
Thursday, April 19, 2018
Saturday, August 24, 2013
The Communion of Saints, the Forgiveness of Sins, the Resurrection of the Body and Life Everlasting
The communion of saints is interesting to think about and even more profound to experience. Many non-Catholics or even many marginal Catholics will often complain that we pray to the saints, as if we do not believe that we can speak directly to God. I usually respond to this statement by asking the critic if he or she ever asked a friend or family member to pray for them if they needed help or healing. Most often the answer is a resounding YES. I then ask them if a person dies does their spirit live on in heaven or do they simply die and that is the end. The response is usually that they certainly live on. Then the next logical step is to ask that person who is now living in heaven to pray to God for them.
But the communion of saints is more than just a real good "in" with God. The communion of saints means that we never lose the very bond of love that we had with our loved ones, even after they have left this life on earth. It also means that our loved ones will continue to worship and praise the God who made them in the glory of heaven. Our voices will be joined with theirs in that heavenly choir.
I fondly remember sitting in the pew with my mother and brother and sisters for Mass. It was a special time and I remember my mother reminding me to fond my hands in prayer or giving me some change to put in the offering basket. Those were days long, long ago. my mother passed away in 2000. But when I go to Mass I know that she is at Mass with me in a very real way. She, too, is worshipping the same God we worshipped those many years ago.
And now to the forgiveness of sins. I know many Catholics today who attend Mass somewhat regularly and do not feel the need to ever take advantage of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Some tell me they don't believe in telling their sins to another human being. They say they can just go to God. And this is true we sure can go right to God, but the Sacrament of Reconciliation is a necessary act of the will that assures us of the forgiveness of our sins because Jesus, Himself, gave us this way of assuring ourselves we have received God's forgiveness. So many people tell me how heavy weights of anguish and guilt are lifted from their shoulders when they hear those wonderful words of absolution are said to them. Indeed, I can attest to that myself. We are all sinners and we need forgiveness. The Church provides us this gift from Jesus for our benefit. How sad it is when so many people are afraid to take that step. I am sure some people have had bad experiences in confession. I know I have. And I understand the reluctance of not wanting to be embarrassed by admitting to sins we would rather not discuss. But the priest has heard them all before. In fact, just about every priest I have confessed to since my return to the Church has been very pastoral, caring and gentle.
The resurrection of the body and life everlasting is our hope for our future. We were created as body, soul and spirit. God created man and woman to live eternally. It was through sin that this was destroyed. Yet, through Jesus Christ, the perfection of life was restored and we are told that our bodies as well as our spiritual aspects will be resurrected and we will have that everlasting life that was intended at the beginning of creation.
But the communion of saints is more than just a real good "in" with God. The communion of saints means that we never lose the very bond of love that we had with our loved ones, even after they have left this life on earth. It also means that our loved ones will continue to worship and praise the God who made them in the glory of heaven. Our voices will be joined with theirs in that heavenly choir.
I fondly remember sitting in the pew with my mother and brother and sisters for Mass. It was a special time and I remember my mother reminding me to fond my hands in prayer or giving me some change to put in the offering basket. Those were days long, long ago. my mother passed away in 2000. But when I go to Mass I know that she is at Mass with me in a very real way. She, too, is worshipping the same God we worshipped those many years ago.
And now to the forgiveness of sins. I know many Catholics today who attend Mass somewhat regularly and do not feel the need to ever take advantage of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Some tell me they don't believe in telling their sins to another human being. They say they can just go to God. And this is true we sure can go right to God, but the Sacrament of Reconciliation is a necessary act of the will that assures us of the forgiveness of our sins because Jesus, Himself, gave us this way of assuring ourselves we have received God's forgiveness. So many people tell me how heavy weights of anguish and guilt are lifted from their shoulders when they hear those wonderful words of absolution are said to them. Indeed, I can attest to that myself. We are all sinners and we need forgiveness. The Church provides us this gift from Jesus for our benefit. How sad it is when so many people are afraid to take that step. I am sure some people have had bad experiences in confession. I know I have. And I understand the reluctance of not wanting to be embarrassed by admitting to sins we would rather not discuss. But the priest has heard them all before. In fact, just about every priest I have confessed to since my return to the Church has been very pastoral, caring and gentle.
The resurrection of the body and life everlasting is our hope for our future. We were created as body, soul and spirit. God created man and woman to live eternally. It was through sin that this was destroyed. Yet, through Jesus Christ, the perfection of life was restored and we are told that our bodies as well as our spiritual aspects will be resurrected and we will have that everlasting life that was intended at the beginning of creation.
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
Believing in Holy Spirit, Holy Catholic Church...
"I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church..."
God is God and God is a triune God--One God in three distinct Persons. The Holy Spirit often is considered the most misunderstood, or at least the most mysterious. One day when I was in seminary, the question was asked by our pastoral care professor, "When you think about God, which one of the Trinity comes to mind first, or which do you most often think about in your prayers?" This was a real good question. Jesus seemed to be the one who was most often considered first. However, when one thought about the "power" of God, the Holy Spirit was the most popular in the class.
The Holy Spirit is seen when God acts in our world. We call upon the Holy Spirit to bring about God's will. The Creed is short and sweet when it comes to the Holy Spirit. Stated simply, "I believe in the Holy Spirit." Ask yourself, who is the Holy Spirit to you?
The Holy Catholic Church is included in the Creed. When I was in my Protestant days as a pastor, the explanation of this part of the Creed was downplayed by reminding the congregation that the word "catholic" meant "universal." In fact, catholic does mean universal, however, we are saying that we hold to the belief of the Holy Catholic Church of Rome. We hold to the teachings of the Church that was founded by Jesus Christ through Saint Peter. Sure, there are problems with many things in the church today--many scandals. But, in the history of the Church, there have been many scandals. Yet, it is because of our belief in God, our Trinity that we can have faith in our Church. God will protect His Church. We can trust in this.
God is God and God is a triune God--One God in three distinct Persons. The Holy Spirit often is considered the most misunderstood, or at least the most mysterious. One day when I was in seminary, the question was asked by our pastoral care professor, "When you think about God, which one of the Trinity comes to mind first, or which do you most often think about in your prayers?" This was a real good question. Jesus seemed to be the one who was most often considered first. However, when one thought about the "power" of God, the Holy Spirit was the most popular in the class.
The Holy Spirit is seen when God acts in our world. We call upon the Holy Spirit to bring about God's will. The Creed is short and sweet when it comes to the Holy Spirit. Stated simply, "I believe in the Holy Spirit." Ask yourself, who is the Holy Spirit to you?
The Holy Catholic Church is included in the Creed. When I was in my Protestant days as a pastor, the explanation of this part of the Creed was downplayed by reminding the congregation that the word "catholic" meant "universal." In fact, catholic does mean universal, however, we are saying that we hold to the belief of the Holy Catholic Church of Rome. We hold to the teachings of the Church that was founded by Jesus Christ through Saint Peter. Sure, there are problems with many things in the church today--many scandals. But, in the history of the Church, there have been many scandals. Yet, it is because of our belief in God, our Trinity that we can have faith in our Church. God will protect His Church. We can trust in this.
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Sits at the Right Hand--Coming Again
He sits at the right hand of God, the Father, almighty and He will come to judge the living and the dead.
Sitting on the left and sitting on the right are customs familiar to the cultures of the Middle East. Now I am left handed, so I should take offense--but I promise that I won't! The left is considered bad, evil and the like. Even the term for left hand in Latin is sinister. That term sinister has, indeed, taken on sinister meanings over the centuries. Those who were not worthy of respect were place to the left of a host, king or other in authority. The right hand was reserved for the special and worthy person. Now, who would ever be more worthy of respect and worship than Jesus Christ? Jesus takes His place at the right hand of God. Jesus takes his seat of authority.
We are also told in our Creed that Jesus is not yet finished. He is also in charge of judging the living and the dead. The power of Jesus reign is before us now. He is now at the right hand of God the Father ready to judge us. The glory of God shines forth in this statement and the very divine mercy of God is right before us in that Divine Judge, Jesus Christ. It was Jesus, himself, who ransomed us from death brought about by sin. The very death and resurrection that we just professed tells us that!
In returning to the Catholic Church, I gained a deeper understanding and a much deeper awe for this very simple, yet profound Creed. Yes, in my Protestant days, I studied all about the salvation history of Jesus Christ, but little emphasis was placed on the very simple, yet deep words of the Creed.When I left the Church, I had no idea of how much she really meant to me. The Church held the Truth all along, but my eyes were quite blind to the riches set before me. I needed to struggle to come to a meaningful appreciation for our One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church! The loving and saving power of God is present in every aspect of our holy Church! And this means that God is truly with us!
Sitting on the left and sitting on the right are customs familiar to the cultures of the Middle East. Now I am left handed, so I should take offense--but I promise that I won't! The left is considered bad, evil and the like. Even the term for left hand in Latin is sinister. That term sinister has, indeed, taken on sinister meanings over the centuries. Those who were not worthy of respect were place to the left of a host, king or other in authority. The right hand was reserved for the special and worthy person. Now, who would ever be more worthy of respect and worship than Jesus Christ? Jesus takes His place at the right hand of God. Jesus takes his seat of authority.
We are also told in our Creed that Jesus is not yet finished. He is also in charge of judging the living and the dead. The power of Jesus reign is before us now. He is now at the right hand of God the Father ready to judge us. The glory of God shines forth in this statement and the very divine mercy of God is right before us in that Divine Judge, Jesus Christ. It was Jesus, himself, who ransomed us from death brought about by sin. The very death and resurrection that we just professed tells us that!
In returning to the Catholic Church, I gained a deeper understanding and a much deeper awe for this very simple, yet profound Creed. Yes, in my Protestant days, I studied all about the salvation history of Jesus Christ, but little emphasis was placed on the very simple, yet deep words of the Creed.When I left the Church, I had no idea of how much she really meant to me. The Church held the Truth all along, but my eyes were quite blind to the riches set before me. I needed to struggle to come to a meaningful appreciation for our One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church! The loving and saving power of God is present in every aspect of our holy Church! And this means that God is truly with us!
Sunday, July 7, 2013
Descended and Rose
He descended into hell and on the third day arose again. Jesus is God, and Jesus descended into the depths of death to preach the Good News of God's very love to the dead. Who better than to preach the love of God than God? God, through Jesus Christ holds out the offer of eternal life to those who died without knowing salvation was possible.
Before returning to my Catholic faith, I understood the terms salvation, and I knew intellectually what that meant. I also took for granted the offer of Jesus Christ to accept the love of God. Oh, I could preach all about love and the need to love one another, but in my own soul, I had a void. When I returned to the Catholic Church, the first thing I did was meet with a priest who offered me the fullness of God's love in the form of the sacrament of penance! Yes, by going to confession I opened up my soul and laid myself out before God. All that laid dead within me, or was killing me was out in the open. But more than that, God forgave all of my sins. That was offered to me by Jesus Christ in his death and descending into the depths of hell...the depths of all that divides our spirits from God.
When Jesus rose again on the third day, Jesus overcame our death to sin and evil. Jesus restored our lives! I could not have ever felt that life had Jesus not descended into the depths and offered me forgiveness and wiped my slate clean. I could never have come to that understanding without coming back to the Catholic Church. Our Church provides the sacraments for our benefit. We must not take them for granted.
Before returning to my Catholic faith, I understood the terms salvation, and I knew intellectually what that meant. I also took for granted the offer of Jesus Christ to accept the love of God. Oh, I could preach all about love and the need to love one another, but in my own soul, I had a void. When I returned to the Catholic Church, the first thing I did was meet with a priest who offered me the fullness of God's love in the form of the sacrament of penance! Yes, by going to confession I opened up my soul and laid myself out before God. All that laid dead within me, or was killing me was out in the open. But more than that, God forgave all of my sins. That was offered to me by Jesus Christ in his death and descending into the depths of hell...the depths of all that divides our spirits from God.
When Jesus rose again on the third day, Jesus overcame our death to sin and evil. Jesus restored our lives! I could not have ever felt that life had Jesus not descended into the depths and offered me forgiveness and wiped my slate clean. I could never have come to that understanding without coming back to the Catholic Church. Our Church provides the sacraments for our benefit. We must not take them for granted.
Saturday, June 29, 2013
...And In Jesus Christ...
As we continue on with the Apostles' Creed we arrive at the second Person of the Holy Trinity, Jesus Christ, the Son of God. In this, we are introduced to the Son of God. The Son is both divine and human. God becomes incarnate taking on our limitations of the flesh and along with that our temptations and sufferings. Jesus is born through the intimate connection of the Virgin Mary and the Holy Spirit of God. We know from Catholic teaching that Mary was conceived free of original sin. In this way God acted in Jesus Christ to prepare the way for the salvation of the world in this first act.
Catholics must be clear on this idea of the Immaculate Conception of Mary. Jesus could not be born with the contamination of sin. So, in order to achieve this, God had to prepare the way by initiating the salvation process. It is often said that Mary is the first recipient of Jesus salvific act. The purity of Mary is essential for God to enter into the world to save us from our sins.
Once born into our world, Jesus assimilates into his place in the world and in time begins to teach the people around him about the nature and deep love of God. This teaching becomes threatening to the authority around Jesus--both the Jewish and Roman leaders. At the hands of the Roman procurator Pontius Pilate Jesus is tortured to make him renounce His claims of God. Finally he is sentenced to death on the Roman Cross. Once more an agonizing torture until Jesus breathes his last breath and commends His Spirit to God's care.
Like any human, Jesus' body is removed from the cross and laid in a tomb. This signifies the last step of life on this earth. The chapter should be finished and the book complete! But it is not! In the next blog entry I will continue with our Creed.
Catholics must be clear on this idea of the Immaculate Conception of Mary. Jesus could not be born with the contamination of sin. So, in order to achieve this, God had to prepare the way by initiating the salvation process. It is often said that Mary is the first recipient of Jesus salvific act. The purity of Mary is essential for God to enter into the world to save us from our sins.
Once born into our world, Jesus assimilates into his place in the world and in time begins to teach the people around him about the nature and deep love of God. This teaching becomes threatening to the authority around Jesus--both the Jewish and Roman leaders. At the hands of the Roman procurator Pontius Pilate Jesus is tortured to make him renounce His claims of God. Finally he is sentenced to death on the Roman Cross. Once more an agonizing torture until Jesus breathes his last breath and commends His Spirit to God's care.
Like any human, Jesus' body is removed from the cross and laid in a tomb. This signifies the last step of life on this earth. The chapter should be finished and the book complete! But it is not! In the next blog entry I will continue with our Creed.
Saturday, June 15, 2013
CREED CONTINUED-CREATOR OF HEAVEN AND EARTH
If I think about the concept of nothingness for too long my mind wanders too far. We really can't conceive of the absence of everything material and otherwise easily. Our first encounter of this nothingness in the Book of Genesis in the very first chapter: "In the beginning, when God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was a formless wasteland, and darkness covered the abyss" (Gen 1:1-1:2a, NABRE). And God creates from this chaos. The term often used for this is the Latin term ex nihlo. This means that God creates something from nothing.
For me, this is an important aspect of God. Hope springs from this whole concept of an Almighty God who can create everything--all things visible and invisible. If God is Creator of all, then why could we not put all of our trust in God. I am sure that of humanity with its free will allows us to trust either in ourselves or others or in God. When I thought about trusting in God or others, I am always reminded in that old saying that suggests that the definition of insanity is to do the same thing over and over again and expect a different result. I sure have trusted often in my own decisions or taken advice of others around me, only to see sin and failure. Experience is clear for me in this. And when I have studied God's Word in Scripture, I have always found peace and holiness. There have been times when that peace or holiness took quite a while to happen, but it always has happened. St. Padre Pio once said, "You can't give God deadlines" (from the book Padre Pio Under Investigation).
God has created heaven and earth and all that is. God created us as well. God knows each one of us inside and out. The Psalms remind us of this, "You formed my inmost being; you knit me in my mother's womb. I praise you, so wonderfully you made me; wonderful are your works! My very self you you knew; my bones were not hidden from you" (Psalm 139:13-15, NABRE). How amazing this is! God knows our needs and desires. God also knows everyone else as well. Since we are not alone, God also knows how we can achieve those things we must achieve in order to make this world and our own lives the best they can be. Here is where we must trust in the power of God to create this perfection in and through us.
Each day I must place my whole life into God's hands. I pray you will trust God, too!
Sunday, June 9, 2013
The Creed
There are several "creeds" that can be recited in the Catholic Church. There is the Apostle's Creed, the Nicene Creed, and the Anthanasian Creed. The word creed comes from the Latin Credo, which simply means "I believe." The creeds were the result of a group (such as the Nicene Creed finalized by the Council of Constantinople in 381) and their effort to overcome some type of heresy attacking the Catholic Church.
For me, these creeds help me to identify how God is active in our world. From time to time I will slowly read and pray these creeds to strengthen my faith and to better understand our Church. After all, I returned to this Church and I really do want to understand how to become a better Catholic. The better you can understand something the closer you can feel to it. And for me this is how I have come to love our rich Catholic heritage.
In the next few blogs, I wanted to look into the simplicity of the Apostle's Creed as a prayerful exercise for those of us who have returned, or are considering returning to the Church. Perhaps this meditation of the Creed will stimulate some thoughts and help us all to better understand our Church.
I believe in God the Father Almighty.
The words "I believe" are not just some pipe dream, or some fantastic thought of what might be one day. Rather, belief is the living out of your faith. It is hope in a reality that is promised to us by One who delivers on promises. Saint Paul puts this much better and more poetically when he says in Hebrews 11:1: "Faith is the realization of things hoped for and evidence of things not seen" (NABRE). Those two words alone, "I believe," took me on along journey away from and back to the Catholic Church. I left the Church mainly because I was not really well catechized as a child. Oh sure, I memorized the necessities of the old Baltimore Catechism in the early 1960's, but there is more to forming a child's faith than memorizing abstract thoughts and words. I had lots of questions and I actually had a decent prayer life as a young child, but the direction was not very strong for me in the early days.
It was what came after the "I believe" that took me a long time to rediscover. For almost 25 years after I left the Church I wanted to have something to trust and believe in. I found my way into Eastern thought and New Age philosophies. Some of them did tickle my fancy! They all played on my eagerness to analyze philosophies. I was a young man in search of something to stimulate my mind and not necessarily my heart and soul. By the way...there is plenty of things out there to trap you into thinking you are a magnificent genius and intellectual. On each of the roads, I found some relatiely short satisfaction, but ultimately I was left empty inside.
One day in late Spring of 2005, I was invited by a dear friend to attend a daily Mass. I agreed to go, and then I was immediately struck by the very real tug on my heart as I entered the chapel on a warm Friday morning. I had been away for nearly 25 years and I had actually become a Protestant pastor along the way. But when Mass began, I felt the presence of God the Father Almighty. It was a real and very clear presence. It WAS REAL! God the Father Almighty is real. I could say with certainty "I believe in God the Father Almighty. And in the days after that Mass the Father Almighty proved why we call him Almighty.
Within only a couple of months I felt led to resign my 5 year pastorate in my Protestant church and go to Confession and accept the divine mercy of God who can move mountains and hear prayers of the many people who wanted me back in the Catholic Church. God can work in and through so many people and events to complete His Will. And His Will included my return to the Catholic Church.
In my next installment I will continue to the next few sentences in the Apostle's Creed.
Peace and Blessings,
Jim
For me, these creeds help me to identify how God is active in our world. From time to time I will slowly read and pray these creeds to strengthen my faith and to better understand our Church. After all, I returned to this Church and I really do want to understand how to become a better Catholic. The better you can understand something the closer you can feel to it. And for me this is how I have come to love our rich Catholic heritage.
In the next few blogs, I wanted to look into the simplicity of the Apostle's Creed as a prayerful exercise for those of us who have returned, or are considering returning to the Church. Perhaps this meditation of the Creed will stimulate some thoughts and help us all to better understand our Church.
I believe in God the Father Almighty.
The words "I believe" are not just some pipe dream, or some fantastic thought of what might be one day. Rather, belief is the living out of your faith. It is hope in a reality that is promised to us by One who delivers on promises. Saint Paul puts this much better and more poetically when he says in Hebrews 11:1: "Faith is the realization of things hoped for and evidence of things not seen" (NABRE). Those two words alone, "I believe," took me on along journey away from and back to the Catholic Church. I left the Church mainly because I was not really well catechized as a child. Oh sure, I memorized the necessities of the old Baltimore Catechism in the early 1960's, but there is more to forming a child's faith than memorizing abstract thoughts and words. I had lots of questions and I actually had a decent prayer life as a young child, but the direction was not very strong for me in the early days.
It was what came after the "I believe" that took me a long time to rediscover. For almost 25 years after I left the Church I wanted to have something to trust and believe in. I found my way into Eastern thought and New Age philosophies. Some of them did tickle my fancy! They all played on my eagerness to analyze philosophies. I was a young man in search of something to stimulate my mind and not necessarily my heart and soul. By the way...there is plenty of things out there to trap you into thinking you are a magnificent genius and intellectual. On each of the roads, I found some relatiely short satisfaction, but ultimately I was left empty inside.
One day in late Spring of 2005, I was invited by a dear friend to attend a daily Mass. I agreed to go, and then I was immediately struck by the very real tug on my heart as I entered the chapel on a warm Friday morning. I had been away for nearly 25 years and I had actually become a Protestant pastor along the way. But when Mass began, I felt the presence of God the Father Almighty. It was a real and very clear presence. It WAS REAL! God the Father Almighty is real. I could say with certainty "I believe in God the Father Almighty. And in the days after that Mass the Father Almighty proved why we call him Almighty.
Within only a couple of months I felt led to resign my 5 year pastorate in my Protestant church and go to Confession and accept the divine mercy of God who can move mountains and hear prayers of the many people who wanted me back in the Catholic Church. God can work in and through so many people and events to complete His Will. And His Will included my return to the Catholic Church.
In my next installment I will continue to the next few sentences in the Apostle's Creed.
Peace and Blessings,
Jim
Saturday, June 8, 2013
Getting Into It
When I returned to the Church I wanted to be involved in some way in the life of the Church. When I left the Church I was on the fray and not at all involved. Then again, I didn't bother to see what the Church had to offer. Hindsight is great! There was and still is so much to do to become an active member and feel a sense of being a member of the body.
At the parish level there are lots of ways to keep involved in the church. Just read the Sunday church bulletin. Ask for a list of parish groups to see what piques your interest. On a wider level there are other organizations that need support and your help. I joined the Knights of Columbus to help out the community.
If you feel called to form your spiritual life with a bit more structure, there are many secular third orders and associations that meet and form their members in a path to seek God and follow Him. Some of the more popular secular orders are the Secular Carmelites, Secular Franciscans, Oblates of St. Benedict and the Dominican Third Order. There are Formal Catholic associations that follow rules of life. The one I belong to is The Brothers and Sisters of Penance of Sy. Francis. We strive to follow the first Rule set forth by St. Francis for his secular followers. This rule of life is known as the Rule of 1221.
Depending upon where you are at in life and where you feel you are being led will certainly contribute to what group or organization you will become involved with. But I cannot stress this next thing enough... before you choose a place to involve yourself, pray first! Prayer is our "go to" source of advice and help. God will guide us to just the right place for you and for me. Realize, too, that there each pathway and organization has some limitations and each has areas where you may struggle a bit. But if you seek the right path through prayer, God will go e you the necessary grace to stay with it.
One final note on this, remembered to keep your eyes on Our Lord, Jesus Christ I whatever direction you go!
At the parish level there are lots of ways to keep involved in the church. Just read the Sunday church bulletin. Ask for a list of parish groups to see what piques your interest. On a wider level there are other organizations that need support and your help. I joined the Knights of Columbus to help out the community.
If you feel called to form your spiritual life with a bit more structure, there are many secular third orders and associations that meet and form their members in a path to seek God and follow Him. Some of the more popular secular orders are the Secular Carmelites, Secular Franciscans, Oblates of St. Benedict and the Dominican Third Order. There are Formal Catholic associations that follow rules of life. The one I belong to is The Brothers and Sisters of Penance of Sy. Francis. We strive to follow the first Rule set forth by St. Francis for his secular followers. This rule of life is known as the Rule of 1221.
Depending upon where you are at in life and where you feel you are being led will certainly contribute to what group or organization you will become involved with. But I cannot stress this next thing enough... before you choose a place to involve yourself, pray first! Prayer is our "go to" source of advice and help. God will guide us to just the right place for you and for me. Realize, too, that there each pathway and organization has some limitations and each has areas where you may struggle a bit. But if you seek the right path through prayer, God will go e you the necessary grace to stay with it.
One final note on this, remembered to keep your eyes on Our Lord, Jesus Christ I whatever direction you go!
Friday, June 7, 2013
Whether you have returned back home to the Catholic Church, or you are thinking about that possibility, or you are somewhere in between you have a story to tell. I am sure of that, because I have spoken to many Catholics who have left the Church, some who wanted to return and those who have returned. I am one of those returning Catholics myself. I have my own story, too!
When I have spoken to people who have come back to the church I discovered a common thread. Everyone said that when they were away from the Church, they said the Church never really left them. One of the most common factors that brought most people back was a great desire to receive the Eucharist. From my own story I can tell you that was the biggest reason I wanted to come home to the Catholic Church.
When I came back, I had a desire to become more involved in the Church and to get a better foundation of my faith--a better understanding. If you are someone who has just returned or is considering returning to the Catholic Church, I can assure you that there are many resources, communities and ways to get a much better understanding of the Catholic faith!
We all know first hand how difficult life can be! We need a strong faith life to see us through the trials and tribulations of this earthly life. We need a glimpse of the life to come. It is my hope that this blog along with your input will help us all to grow in our Catholic faith and ever closer to God through Jesus Christ!
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Mysticism is Not Scary
When you hear the word "mysticism," what does that conjure up in your hear? Unfortunately, for many there is a dark picture with rolling fog and frightening chanting and a foreboding. In reality, mysticism is something that is quite the opposite and very much needed in the Church today. As the 500th anniversary of the birth of one of the Catholic Church's greatest mystics approaches, it is a good time to discuss mysticism.
St. Teresa was fortunate enough to develop a very close relationship with God in Christ. The relationship became a friendship and this friendship allowed Teresa to experience the knowledge that God was within her and she was within God. And there is the basis for mysticism--that ability to know that God is within us and we are within God. Can you imagine a real and true friendship with God. I am not talking about that warm, fuzzy feeling you get after a particualrly good homily or when you did something nice for someone (although, these are wonderful feelings). I mean the feeling to know that you know that God is your friend. The closeness that St. Teresa felt is something we may all want to aspire to!
But, there is more to mysticism than feeling good. Mysticism allows us to come close to God and make a difference in our own lives and the lives of everyone in the world. I grew up with the impression that mystics were hermit-like creatures who were "in it for themselves." I had that feeling for years growing up. For me this whole idea of mysticism seemed very selfish. But, to the contrary! The mystic is impelled by the very closeness of God to seek God's Will for the world! The mystic is responsibile for praying for the world and for peace and justice in all corners of the world. Mystics are needed to introduce the One, True God to a hurting world in need of healing!
Mystics are not scary, they are in demand!
St. Teresa was fortunate enough to develop a very close relationship with God in Christ. The relationship became a friendship and this friendship allowed Teresa to experience the knowledge that God was within her and she was within God. And there is the basis for mysticism--that ability to know that God is within us and we are within God. Can you imagine a real and true friendship with God. I am not talking about that warm, fuzzy feeling you get after a particualrly good homily or when you did something nice for someone (although, these are wonderful feelings). I mean the feeling to know that you know that God is your friend. The closeness that St. Teresa felt is something we may all want to aspire to!
But, there is more to mysticism than feeling good. Mysticism allows us to come close to God and make a difference in our own lives and the lives of everyone in the world. I grew up with the impression that mystics were hermit-like creatures who were "in it for themselves." I had that feeling for years growing up. For me this whole idea of mysticism seemed very selfish. But, to the contrary! The mystic is impelled by the very closeness of God to seek God's Will for the world! The mystic is responsibile for praying for the world and for peace and justice in all corners of the world. Mystics are needed to introduce the One, True God to a hurting world in need of healing!
Mystics are not scary, they are in demand!
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Let's Stay Focused!
One thousand apologies to my readers. I have been away from blogging for too long again. It seems between summer vacation, a new dog that required much of my attention (she is a beautiful golden retriever that we rescued) and taking a class at the local university to stay current with my job... I have let the blog slip! Oh my, yes! I have many, many excuses. And that is all they are, EXCUSES!
I am not sure why, but excuses seem to make us feel better about failing to do what we set out to do. Perhaps it is best to have a list of excuses in our pockets before we begin a project so that we are ready when we don't live up to our goals. The fact of the matter is, I just let the blog go fallow like a field that just had finished a crop of corn.
Here's the deal... I began this blog with the intention of reaching out to anyone who was returning to the Catholic Church and needed some encouragement, or someone who wanted to reach out to someone who was thinking of returning to the Catholic Church. I am also finding a great joy in my faith while exploring the great wealth of spirituality within this grand Church! In doing that, I sometimes can go off on a tangent and find all new blogs to start.
Now, I return (yes, a returning Returning Catholic). But with the return to this blog, I have discovered so many rich possibilities for anyone wishing to return to their Catholic roots--be you a person who physically left the Church or be you someone who wants to return to the excitement and joy that made your faith alive and exciting!
And so, here is my alteration to this blog--- This is for Returning Catholics in the broadest sense of the word. I am inviting anyone who wants to return to the Catholic Church with its many spiritual growth opportunities. And that is what I want to explore with all of you! So, in the motto of my own Benedictine yearnings: "Let us begin again!"
I am not sure why, but excuses seem to make us feel better about failing to do what we set out to do. Perhaps it is best to have a list of excuses in our pockets before we begin a project so that we are ready when we don't live up to our goals. The fact of the matter is, I just let the blog go fallow like a field that just had finished a crop of corn.
Here's the deal... I began this blog with the intention of reaching out to anyone who was returning to the Catholic Church and needed some encouragement, or someone who wanted to reach out to someone who was thinking of returning to the Catholic Church. I am also finding a great joy in my faith while exploring the great wealth of spirituality within this grand Church! In doing that, I sometimes can go off on a tangent and find all new blogs to start.
Now, I return (yes, a returning Returning Catholic). But with the return to this blog, I have discovered so many rich possibilities for anyone wishing to return to their Catholic roots--be you a person who physically left the Church or be you someone who wants to return to the excitement and joy that made your faith alive and exciting!
And so, here is my alteration to this blog--- This is for Returning Catholics in the broadest sense of the word. I am inviting anyone who wants to return to the Catholic Church with its many spiritual growth opportunities. And that is what I want to explore with all of you! So, in the motto of my own Benedictine yearnings: "Let us begin again!"
Monday, August 31, 2009
Pro-Life and a View on the Kennedy Funeral
I have heard many comments since the burial of Sen. Ted Kennedy and the blessing given by the pope in light of Kennedy's record on abortion. I think those who are Roman Catholic politicians ought to sit up and take notice exactly of what happened in the exchange of those letters between Pope Benedict XVI and Sen. Kennedy.
Senator Kennedy wrote to ask for a special blessing from the pontiff with the consideration that he was gravely ill. In the portion of the letter that was revealed, we see a man who pleads his case and admitsfailing, even though he has tried to follow Church teachings. Now, we can never know Senator kennedy's confession, but we can hope that he repented of his stances on abortion and other stances that were contrary to Catholic teaching.
The fact is that Pope Benedict XVI did give his apostolic blessing. This is a significant blessing, indeed. I do not think that he would offer such a blessing unless he felt there was a genuine understanding of the sins commited and the repentence necessary.
If this is the case, then I think it would be important for our Roman Catholic brothers and sisters involved in politics to sit up and take notice. If Sen. Kennedy sought and apostolic blessing, he must have come to the realization that he was out of line in that area of Catholic teaching. And like so many of us, he, too, sought to be made whole again in the Church.
Speaking from the perspective of a returning Catholic, I can admit that I did not follow many of the teaching of the Catholic Church, but when I returned, I also came to the clear realization that some of my stances were not in line with the teachings of the Church. I was fortunate to realize this while still healthy. I could repent of these failings and come to the Sacrament of Penance. I hope it was the case, too, with Senator Kennedy. Now I would pray that all of those who currently support the Pro-Choice agenda would re-consider their position in light of this.
Senator Kennedy wrote to ask for a special blessing from the pontiff with the consideration that he was gravely ill. In the portion of the letter that was revealed, we see a man who pleads his case and admitsfailing, even though he has tried to follow Church teachings. Now, we can never know Senator kennedy's confession, but we can hope that he repented of his stances on abortion and other stances that were contrary to Catholic teaching.
The fact is that Pope Benedict XVI did give his apostolic blessing. This is a significant blessing, indeed. I do not think that he would offer such a blessing unless he felt there was a genuine understanding of the sins commited and the repentence necessary.
If this is the case, then I think it would be important for our Roman Catholic brothers and sisters involved in politics to sit up and take notice. If Sen. Kennedy sought and apostolic blessing, he must have come to the realization that he was out of line in that area of Catholic teaching. And like so many of us, he, too, sought to be made whole again in the Church.
Speaking from the perspective of a returning Catholic, I can admit that I did not follow many of the teaching of the Catholic Church, but when I returned, I also came to the clear realization that some of my stances were not in line with the teachings of the Church. I was fortunate to realize this while still healthy. I could repent of these failings and come to the Sacrament of Penance. I hope it was the case, too, with Senator Kennedy. Now I would pray that all of those who currently support the Pro-Choice agenda would re-consider their position in light of this.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
RETURNING AFTER A (TOO LONG) HIATAS!
One Thousand Apologies! I have been away from blogging since April! So much has happened since I last wrote a blog--I moved into a house! Following my divorce, I lived in an apartment for a couple of years, and then--miracle of miracles a nice little house with a good-sized yard went up for sale. The house needs only some minor cosmetic work/updating, but for the most part, it is gorgeous!
So, now, the Returning Catholic returns to blog. Let me tell you, when I got very busy I also had a somewhat "desert experience" spiritually. I still felt God was in my life, but I began to question my own journey. Specifically, I have been struggling to find a spiritual connection with a third order. I have researched and prayed and read and prayed and talked to people and prayed. Well, I am amazed how God works... God does act in our lives... but wow... I wish God would work in my time! Serious, though, I have been learning patience in these few months that I have been away from the blog. But, God has taught me alot in that time.
My life has been turned upsidedown in the past four years and I think I was looking for a "group" to help me settle down. Since I first heard about Third Orders or Secular Orders I have felt drawn to the idea of strengthening my spiritual walk, while becoming part of a community.
It was through quiet prayer and settling myself down that I realized I have been rushing myself to acheive MY IDEA of what a spiritual life should look like. I have a work-life that doesn't lend itself well to monthly scheduled meetings, and I then felt I would not find a community.
I started and stopped with an online community (which is very reputable) called the Confraternity of Penitents. As I started the inquiry stge with them, I felt a live community would be more helpful, so I became restless and looked for Third Order Carmelites and Third Order Franciscans and Dominicans, etc.
Then I got tired of my restlessness and I was about to give up all hope of this idea of a spiritual community. But, I sat down with God and took a long hard look at my life. I was trying to intellectualize everything about the spiritual and religious life. I also must admit that I was becoming obscessed with me. I was selfish... not a good sign. What did God want me to do? That is when my heart-to-heart with God transformed my focus. The question, "What is your rush?" came to my mind.
I returned to the Confraternity of Penitents, because that is where I felt at home and I was simplifying my life, while at the same time learning how to look for God's Will.
So, now I have a new home, a peaceful yard and a new and improved outlook on life.
If you are know to my blog, welcome! If you are returning to see if I am still alive, I am and welcome back!
God Bless!
So, now, the Returning Catholic returns to blog. Let me tell you, when I got very busy I also had a somewhat "desert experience" spiritually. I still felt God was in my life, but I began to question my own journey. Specifically, I have been struggling to find a spiritual connection with a third order. I have researched and prayed and read and prayed and talked to people and prayed. Well, I am amazed how God works... God does act in our lives... but wow... I wish God would work in my time! Serious, though, I have been learning patience in these few months that I have been away from the blog. But, God has taught me alot in that time.
My life has been turned upsidedown in the past four years and I think I was looking for a "group" to help me settle down. Since I first heard about Third Orders or Secular Orders I have felt drawn to the idea of strengthening my spiritual walk, while becoming part of a community.
It was through quiet prayer and settling myself down that I realized I have been rushing myself to acheive MY IDEA of what a spiritual life should look like. I have a work-life that doesn't lend itself well to monthly scheduled meetings, and I then felt I would not find a community.
I started and stopped with an online community (which is very reputable) called the Confraternity of Penitents. As I started the inquiry stge with them, I felt a live community would be more helpful, so I became restless and looked for Third Order Carmelites and Third Order Franciscans and Dominicans, etc.
Then I got tired of my restlessness and I was about to give up all hope of this idea of a spiritual community. But, I sat down with God and took a long hard look at my life. I was trying to intellectualize everything about the spiritual and religious life. I also must admit that I was becoming obscessed with me. I was selfish... not a good sign. What did God want me to do? That is when my heart-to-heart with God transformed my focus. The question, "What is your rush?" came to my mind.
I returned to the Confraternity of Penitents, because that is where I felt at home and I was simplifying my life, while at the same time learning how to look for God's Will.
So, now I have a new home, a peaceful yard and a new and improved outlook on life.
If you are know to my blog, welcome! If you are returning to see if I am still alive, I am and welcome back!
God Bless!
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Divine Mercy Sunday
The week following Easter has been designated Divine Mercy Sunday. You may have noticed the banner I use for this blog. This is the Divine Mercy portrait that Jesus asked St. Maria Faustina Kowalska to have painted. The picture is a representation of how Jesus appeared to St. Faustina. Jesus one evening in her cell (bedroom). Jesus had one hand raised to give a blessing, while his other hand was touching his garment at the breast. From beneath the white garment there shone forth two rays of light. One light was red, which represents the blood of Jesus, while the other light was a pale light which represents water. Beneath Jesus the words "Jesus I Trust in You."
We are called by Jesus to trust in his most divine mercy which has its foundation in His perfect love for us. It is good that Divine Mercy Sunday should follow Easter since it is a solid reminder that dear Jesus, through a perfect and divine mercy, saved us and gives us eternal life.
Now, it is our responsibility in the world today to pray this Divine Mercy upon our world. When possible we ought to pray the Chaplet of the Divine Mercy at 3 pm each day. I try to do this when I can, but I don't often get the chance at that moment. Still, it is good to pray this chaplet when we can. If you are not familiar with the chaplet, I would recommend EWTN's site for Divine Mercy at: http://www.ewtn.com/Devotionals/mercy/dmmap.htm.
Pope John Paul the Great made the Sunday following Easter officially Divine Mercy Sunday. This was announced during the canonization of St. Faustina on April 30, 2000. From my personal experience, I can assure you that God does provide a deep blessing when you pray the Divine Mercy chaplet. Divine Mercy will touch you for sure, as well as those for whom you pray.
CHRIST IS RISEN!
I wish all of you a blessed and joyous Easter! Live with the Spirit of Christ in you and greet one another in the love Jesus the Christ.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Almost There?
The thing about a spiritual journey is that...well...it's a journey. When I was young, and we were going on a day trip to the shore, my father would load up the '57 Chevy with blankets and some of our toys while my mother would pack sandwiches, snacks and something to drink. The four children would squeeze into the backseat and we'd all settle in for about an hour drive. Of course, when you are going somewhere fun, an hour drive might as well be a trip to Mars or Jupiter! And it never failed, about ten minutes into the trip, one of us kids would yell out from the back, "Are we there yet?"
Coming back to the Catholic Church was also my spiritual re-birth. That sounds strange coming from someone who left the Church and became a Protestant pastor, but it is true. The Catholic Church has such a treasure of spiritual life, that it is mind boggling when you stop and take a look at it. Within that great spiritual treasure chest lies many ways to develop a strong loving Communion with Our Lord. Coming back to the Church was another step on that journey to that holy union with God. Sometimes I stop and wonder how far I am on this journey and from time to time I want to yell out, "Am I there yet?"
I am not there yet. I get excited with anticipation of that full communion with my Lord and Saviour, but that also causes me to get frustrated now and again. Humans are so wonderfully made, and yet, so easily frustrated. I want what I want, when I want it! That is my humanity speaking. We travel on this spiritual journey through life and we think we know where we should be at any given moment. But, I think the journey to a full communion with God is more than just sitting and waiting to arrive. I believe the journey is also when we are given the time to become familiar with God.
When we got too antsy on our trips to the shore, mom would tell us to play a game along the way. One of those games was to look out the window of our car and spot something that began with the letter "A." after someone located that we would continue down the alphabet until we spotted something that began with the letter "Z." This was more than something to occupy our time until we arrived. This was also something to let us see the beauty of the world around us. This was to remind us that the trip to the shore included many wonderful sights of beauty along the way.
When I returned to the Church I discovered that there are many ways offered by the Catholic Church to develop a fuller communion with God. There are many routes within the Faith to forge a relationship with the Almighty. I have been inquiring into a few of the associations and third orders of the Chruch in the hope of finding a group that will help me see the beauty of God's world as I travel. I have discovered a path with the Confraternity of Penitents that uses the Franciscan Rule of 1221. For me, this association of the Catholic Church has opened my eyes to beauty of the journey on my way to Our Lord, while still reminding me of the place where our hearts will find perfect communion and rest.
How is your journey going? What do you see today that begins with the letter "A?"
Coming back to the Catholic Church was also my spiritual re-birth. That sounds strange coming from someone who left the Church and became a Protestant pastor, but it is true. The Catholic Church has such a treasure of spiritual life, that it is mind boggling when you stop and take a look at it. Within that great spiritual treasure chest lies many ways to develop a strong loving Communion with Our Lord. Coming back to the Church was another step on that journey to that holy union with God. Sometimes I stop and wonder how far I am on this journey and from time to time I want to yell out, "Am I there yet?"
I am not there yet. I get excited with anticipation of that full communion with my Lord and Saviour, but that also causes me to get frustrated now and again. Humans are so wonderfully made, and yet, so easily frustrated. I want what I want, when I want it! That is my humanity speaking. We travel on this spiritual journey through life and we think we know where we should be at any given moment. But, I think the journey to a full communion with God is more than just sitting and waiting to arrive. I believe the journey is also when we are given the time to become familiar with God.
When we got too antsy on our trips to the shore, mom would tell us to play a game along the way. One of those games was to look out the window of our car and spot something that began with the letter "A." after someone located that we would continue down the alphabet until we spotted something that began with the letter "Z." This was more than something to occupy our time until we arrived. This was also something to let us see the beauty of the world around us. This was to remind us that the trip to the shore included many wonderful sights of beauty along the way.
When I returned to the Church I discovered that there are many ways offered by the Catholic Church to develop a fuller communion with God. There are many routes within the Faith to forge a relationship with the Almighty. I have been inquiring into a few of the associations and third orders of the Chruch in the hope of finding a group that will help me see the beauty of God's world as I travel. I have discovered a path with the Confraternity of Penitents that uses the Franciscan Rule of 1221. For me, this association of the Catholic Church has opened my eyes to beauty of the journey on my way to Our Lord, while still reminding me of the place where our hearts will find perfect communion and rest.
How is your journey going? What do you see today that begins with the letter "A?"
Monday, March 2, 2009
Never Too Late to Confess
There is such a beauty in returning to the Catholic Church. I had been away for such a long time, I was literally overwhelmed when the priest I visited offered to give me the Sacrament of Reconciliation. For so many years that term "confession" frightened me. I grew up Catholic and I went to confession fairly regularly. I remember the queesy feeling as I approached the confessional. I remember feeling my heart pounding hard against my chest as I opened the curtain to the confessional box. Oh, and how could I ever forget the swirling of all those sins in my mind as the kneeler squeeked! When I was young it was so scary to spill out all of my sins to the priest.
But when I returned to the Church after twenty-four years away it was a matter of need. I wanted to unburden myself. I wasn't sure what to expect. There wasn't a fear of telling the priest my sins; the question was where to begin? I didn't know if I could possibly recall twenty-four years worth of sin. And here is where the priest is wonderful. The priest led me through the whole process. I did remember how to begin! "Please bless me Father for I have sinned. It has been twenty-four years since my last confession." After that the priest just listed groups of sins as they related to the Ten Commandments. I simply had to think about my past and answer yes or no to each sin that Father mentioned.
When Father finished the list, he gave me my penance and then gave me what I had absolutely longed for--absolution! Oh my! It is just such a great burden that gets lifted from one's shoulders when those words of absolution are pronounced.
In February, it was just three years since I returned to the Church. I have gained such a strong appreciation of the Sacrament of Reconciliation that I try to let no more than a month pass before I return to confession. There is an amazing spiritual strength a person gains with the frequent reception of the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
If you are just returning to the Catholic Church or perhaps just thinking about it, I would encourage you to talk with a priest about this sacrament. Ask a priest what to expect and how he handles the sacrament when a person has been away for a long time. A priest once told a penitent who had been away for a long time that the saints and angels were rejoicing at the foot of God's throne when the penitient returned. Imagine that! I hope if you are considering a return to the catholic Church you will speak with a priest and take him up on the Sacrament of Reconciliation. I would love to know that the saints and angels are having a party because you are coming back!
But when I returned to the Church after twenty-four years away it was a matter of need. I wanted to unburden myself. I wasn't sure what to expect. There wasn't a fear of telling the priest my sins; the question was where to begin? I didn't know if I could possibly recall twenty-four years worth of sin. And here is where the priest is wonderful. The priest led me through the whole process. I did remember how to begin! "Please bless me Father for I have sinned. It has been twenty-four years since my last confession." After that the priest just listed groups of sins as they related to the Ten Commandments. I simply had to think about my past and answer yes or no to each sin that Father mentioned.
When Father finished the list, he gave me my penance and then gave me what I had absolutely longed for--absolution! Oh my! It is just such a great burden that gets lifted from one's shoulders when those words of absolution are pronounced.
In February, it was just three years since I returned to the Church. I have gained such a strong appreciation of the Sacrament of Reconciliation that I try to let no more than a month pass before I return to confession. There is an amazing spiritual strength a person gains with the frequent reception of the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
If you are just returning to the Catholic Church or perhaps just thinking about it, I would encourage you to talk with a priest about this sacrament. Ask a priest what to expect and how he handles the sacrament when a person has been away for a long time. A priest once told a penitent who had been away for a long time that the saints and angels were rejoicing at the foot of God's throne when the penitient returned. Imagine that! I hope if you are considering a return to the catholic Church you will speak with a priest and take him up on the Sacrament of Reconciliation. I would love to know that the saints and angels are having a party because you are coming back!
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Recollection and the Returning Catholic
I have been reading the autobiography of st. Teresa of Avila. She speaks much good about our need to recollect. So, I had been away from the Church for a while, but I never remembered hearing about recollecting anything! Needless to say, since St. Teresa mentioned it, I had to investigate. It is such a confusing word for such a wonderful life-giving exercise.
To recollect is simply to remind yourself of the presence of God within your life and within all that you say and do. Now, I shouldn't really say 'simply,' because recollection is a lifelong process of seeking God within your life and often requires effort on your part. The benefits, however, are legion. There are two degrees of recollection. The first is an active recollect in which we place ourselves in solitude before God and place our attention before Him. This requires only the ordinary graces God gives us. The second type of recollection is a passive recollection and this requires special graces given by God which places us before Him.
As a returning Catholic, I know that I need God's help to get through my daily life. I know what it was like to be without the feeling of God's presence in my life. I am not saying God was not with me, but I was not intentionally aware of God in my life. And this makes all the difference in the world. As I practice the presence of God in my life, I pay more attention to the needs of others around me--for the sake of God. I am not perfect, but I am certainly more aware of God drawing me in certain directions. I am also aware, more than ever before, of God's love surrounding me and protecting me in every situation.
Once again, I wish that I had know all these things years ago. I am just happy now that I did finally learn about it. Perhaps God will bless my years in the desert. Now I have the gift of recollection to get to know and love God on a new level.
To recollect is simply to remind yourself of the presence of God within your life and within all that you say and do. Now, I shouldn't really say 'simply,' because recollection is a lifelong process of seeking God within your life and often requires effort on your part. The benefits, however, are legion. There are two degrees of recollection. The first is an active recollect in which we place ourselves in solitude before God and place our attention before Him. This requires only the ordinary graces God gives us. The second type of recollection is a passive recollection and this requires special graces given by God which places us before Him.
As a returning Catholic, I know that I need God's help to get through my daily life. I know what it was like to be without the feeling of God's presence in my life. I am not saying God was not with me, but I was not intentionally aware of God in my life. And this makes all the difference in the world. As I practice the presence of God in my life, I pay more attention to the needs of others around me--for the sake of God. I am not perfect, but I am certainly more aware of God drawing me in certain directions. I am also aware, more than ever before, of God's love surrounding me and protecting me in every situation.
Once again, I wish that I had know all these things years ago. I am just happy now that I did finally learn about it. Perhaps God will bless my years in the desert. Now I have the gift of recollection to get to know and love God on a new level.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
OUT OF DARKNESS
We live in a world of opposites. If there were no opposites, we would never be able to understand relationships. Would there be only good? Would there be only hot? Would there be only light? Our God has distinguished opposites to help us live find eternal life where we can experience the positive aspects of all that is.Can I truly appreciate a warm summer day if I did not have to experience the frigid winter? Could I ever really appreciate good health, if I had not suffered the pain of a herniated disk in my back? And could I ever completely appreciate the unconditional love and light of God had I not left His light and wandered in the depths of darkness and dispair?
Most certainly there is darkness in the world. That old addage of misery loves company applies to the darkness. Those who reside in the darkness I doubt like it, but they cannot see the way out and they do not want the loneliness of darkness...so they will try to pull anyone they can into the darkness with them.
Think of being trapped in a dark cellar with no electricity. Someone upstairs discovers that you are down they and opens the door and you can see that there is electricity and light upstairs, so you walk toward the light, hoping to escape the darkness. Unfortunately there is no light switch for the basement, so you must stumble and you fall many times as you do not have enough light to escape. You fall so often that you tire out and get frustrated. You cry out that you want to give up trying! So, the person from upstairs gets a flashlight and comes down to rescue you.
From that crude analogy, I would suggest that if the person upstairs has no flashlight or avery weak flashlight as he tries to go down and rescue you, he might easily stumble and fall himself and be in te same predicament as you. But, if the person upstairs is wise he will be prepared and come to rescue you with a strong flashlight and guid you to the safety of the lighted upstairs.
My point in all of this is that if we are to combat the darkness and not fall into the pit is to prepare ourselves if we are to bring others to the light. If we don't have a flashlight (faith and love) that is strong enough, we cannot help another who has no light (faith and love) at all. We do need the Church, because the Light of the World, Jesus Christ, gave the Church that light to pass on to all of us. We need to strenghten and prepare ourselves in and through the Church if we are to be Christ for our world.
As we conclude a week that saw a change of power in the White House, a wonderful March for Life on Washington, D.C., and still so much darkness throught the world, let us let's us be about the task of strenghtening our light through our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ!
Most certainly there is darkness in the world. That old addage of misery loves company applies to the darkness. Those who reside in the darkness I doubt like it, but they cannot see the way out and they do not want the loneliness of darkness...so they will try to pull anyone they can into the darkness with them.
Think of being trapped in a dark cellar with no electricity. Someone upstairs discovers that you are down they and opens the door and you can see that there is electricity and light upstairs, so you walk toward the light, hoping to escape the darkness. Unfortunately there is no light switch for the basement, so you must stumble and you fall many times as you do not have enough light to escape. You fall so often that you tire out and get frustrated. You cry out that you want to give up trying! So, the person from upstairs gets a flashlight and comes down to rescue you.
From that crude analogy, I would suggest that if the person upstairs has no flashlight or avery weak flashlight as he tries to go down and rescue you, he might easily stumble and fall himself and be in te same predicament as you. But, if the person upstairs is wise he will be prepared and come to rescue you with a strong flashlight and guid you to the safety of the lighted upstairs.
My point in all of this is that if we are to combat the darkness and not fall into the pit is to prepare ourselves if we are to bring others to the light. If we don't have a flashlight (faith and love) that is strong enough, we cannot help another who has no light (faith and love) at all. We do need the Church, because the Light of the World, Jesus Christ, gave the Church that light to pass on to all of us. We need to strenghten and prepare ourselves in and through the Church if we are to be Christ for our world.
As we conclude a week that saw a change of power in the White House, a wonderful March for Life on Washington, D.C., and still so much darkness throught the world, let us let's us be about the task of strenghtening our light through our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ!
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