Clearing the Path

Yesterday at Mass, the Gospel reading was the well-known story about the man who asked Jesus what he needed to do in order to inherit eternal life. Jesus’ answer was that not only must one follow the commandments, but one must give up his or her possessions to follow Him. He goes on to tell His disciples how those who are rich cannot enter the kingdom of God, and that those who give up everything to follow Him would one day have eternal life.

I can’t count the number of times I have heard that Gospel reading. And every time, I have always interpreted it in a literal way as meaning to give up material possessions, such as money or a nice house or that extra meal out, in order to help others. Yesterday, though, the priest discussed it and took it to a much deeper level than I ever had. He talked about how we must let go not only of material things, but also of anger, fear, grudges, judgment; anything that is holding us back from God. I had never thought of it like that, but it put things in perspective for me.

This past year, I was pretty badly burned by an organization that I’ve been actively involved with for two years now. To make a long story short, because I stood up for what was right when it wasn’t the easy choice, myself and a few others have been shunned from the organization. People have been spreading rumors about us that aren’t true, along with other unkind actions. It really hurt me, and I have been upset about it for a long time. I’m angry and shocked that people who are supposed to be my friends would do that to me, and I’m having a really hard time getting over it. It’s so easy to be mad, and to hold a grudge against them, but at the same time it sucks. I don’t like being angry; I don’t enjoy feeling so negative whenever I’m around them or thinking about everything that happened. I’ve wanted to be able to let it go for a while now, and after the Gospel and accompanying homily yesterday, I know that’s what I need to do. The priest yesterday talked about how we must clear the clutter from our path to God, and that is exactly what I need to do. It’s silly, when you think about it, to let someone else stand in the way of your relationship with God, and I don’t want to let them do that anymore.

Of course, that’s easier said than done. But I know that if I continue to pray about it and ask for God’s guidance, He will help me overcome these obstacles. It might take some time, but He will help me to forgive the people who hurt me and to move on.

I encourage everyone to take some time to think about what obstacles are cluttering your path to God right now. How can you clear the way? I know it’s not easy, but remember that God is always there to help you out. Even if it’s just listening to you rant, He will be there. Pray to Him, asking for His grace and guidance. He will help you overcome your obstacles if you only ask. I know that will be frequenting my prayers in the coming weeks, and I’ll be sure to include a prayer for everyone in need of some obstacle-clearing.

God bless,

Kathe

April

        I didn’t get to post last week which was a bummer since I really liked a song that we sung in church that day and wanted to write about it, but my house’s internet stopped working the Monday after my last post and just got fixed this past Friday. College without internet is a difficult task. I decided to save my thoughts about the song for another time though because I have something else I want to talk about.

        April, my pet Sun Conure Parrot, passed away last Sunday evening. I was devastated when my Dad called me and told me. It was just so unexpected. Although she was going to turn 16 this December, Sun Conures have an average lifespan of 15 to 25 years, so I just expected her to live much longer. She was well taken care of and had a happy life and I just knew that every time I went home she would be there. She’s been with us for so long and she really became a member of our family. I feel guilty thinking about living at school and not being with her; not being able to pet and scratch her, play with her and feed her, give her attention and comfort her. Did she wonder where I went, why I left, or if I was ever coming back? I didn’t get to say goodbye and thinking about her last moments and wondering if she was in pain or scared or knew what was happening is painful.

       But reflecting more, having the support of an awesome and empathetic friend, and going home to bury April with my family, I realize that she had a great life and that is what I should focus on. April brought me happiness in hard times, she brought me friendship and comfort when I needed it, and she taught me a lot over the years. She got a lot of joy from living with us like getting to dance to music, sneaking licks of icing and ice cream, getting to sit at the dinner table sometimes, getting away with squawking so loud neighbors down the street could hear, and receiving massages to fall asleep to. Even though I wasn’t there with her as she passed away, I know that she knew I loved her. My friend told me that God was with her and took her to Heaven. She said that April is my little angel looking down and watching me. That actually comforted me a lot, thinking that God was there comforting her and holding her in her last moments and that she is still with me in a way.

       We buried her in a perfect little spot in our front yard. She has a peaceful place with a bird bath and freshly planted mums to grow and represent her colors. I took a picture of her resting spot and when I looked at it there were rays from the sun shining down where she lay. It was like God’s rays were pointing down on her and He was telling me that everything was going to be okay.

I love you April, and you'll always be in my heart.

Katie

Two Sides of the Same Coin

Not to sound too much like a broken record,  but my inspiration this week comes again from St. Paul. Continuing in my reading of Romans, Paul introduced the just & wrathful God. I had a lengthy discussion about this concept with the other girls, and their experiences reflected my own. We all seemed to have trouble connecting the image of a wrathful God with that of the merciful, loving God.

I think this conflict comes from missing a bridge somewhere. When we are young, we're taught about Jesus and His love for us, how God created this beautiful world, and how much God loves each and every one of us. All this is true. When we become adults, we're told to take responsibility for our sins, seek to act in just and loving ways, seek forgiveness when we do not and seek God's grace always. This is how we should live. However, I never felt as if I was fully introduced to the God in Romans as Paul describes Him, as if I was being asked to jump across a gap in my knowledge of God.

This just and righteous God allows our choice to reject Him and He will give us to our sins, and the consequences therein. Not to be a Debby Downer, but hell is a very real possibility; one Jesus makes us aware of in the gospel. God is just, and we do have free will. Thus some of us will choose the wrong path and God will allow us to forsake Him.

But that is the key point: God will allow us to forsake Him. It is never the other way around. He would prefer that we accept His love, and seek Him always. And if not that, then at least seek forgiveness and grace, because He is all merciful and loving and will grant that if asked. This week opened my eyes to see how both the just, righteous God and the merciful, loving God are one and the same. And how lucky for us.

So my challenge to myself, and to you--when you are wrong, or out of synch with God, do not forget that He will allow you to walk away from Him. Seek forgiveness, repent, and know that His grace alone will gain you heaven. And above all, be thankful, as I am, that He is merciful.

Peace & Blessings--Clare

A community of faith

I must say I find my inspiration for many things through people, their actions and their words.  I love to really get to know people.  I think every person has a story to tell, and teach me something about life.    And while this may have gotten me into trouble a couple times at clinical, I still believe this is a vital part of how I grow in my faith.  

I see people get really excited about mass and the scriptures and that makes me excited.  I admire the people that dedicate their entire life to helping others, and that makes me want to always extend a helping hand more often than just once in a while.  If there is one thing I have learned, it is that I need people to help me keep in check with my faith.  

I know that God works through each of us.  I think the cool thing that I don’t always remember is how our actions do not just stop with us.  They create a chain of events.  We never know how we will inspire other people to see God. 

My inspiration for this blog is Mother Teresa, who I believe to be one of the most amazing women to live.  She has so much wisdom.  She lived so simple but everything she did, she did with to serve Him.  To pick one quote was kind of challenging but I felt this one captured my thoughts for the day perfectly!

“I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.”

I hope that I can some way inspire others to see God and know his love.  And maybe even someday, they will be able to show the love of God in another light for someone else!

YES

I live about a 20 minute walk away from campus, which gives me a lot of filler time.  Turns out, that is just enough time to pray a rosary.  Recently I have really been favoring the Joyful mysteries; particularly, the Annunciation.   This mystery reminds me of how Mary said “Yes” to the Lord and His plans.  Can you imagine if she had not said “yes”?  Where would we be today?  It is because of this “yes” that our Savior came to earth to save us.  

How many times a day do we have the opportunity to say “yes” to God, but rather we say “no”?  It is in these moments when I remember how Mary reacted, and what her answer was.  I know some times it is much easier to reject what God has planned, and to choose a different path.  The thing to remember is that even though His path may be hard now, as is was for Mary, the end reward for our decisions will be greater than we could ever dream.  Who knows what great things I might miss if I say “no” to what the Lord has in store for me.  

Today, make a little extra effort to listen to the Lord, and to say “yes” to what he has planned for you. 

- Brent

Our Father

Sometimes, when I am praying, or during mass, when everyone is praying the Lord's prayer, I take the words for granted. In the Gospel, today, we see the origin of a pray that forms the foundation for what we believe. However, it is interesting to see that there are significant differences in the Our Father that is spoken in the Gospel today and the form that is recited every week at mass. The form that is familiar to most people is the version from Matthew 6: 9-13. In comparison, the version in Luke 11: 2-4 is very basic and not as long. However, after further observation, both versions of the pray cover all the same topics and ideas.

Luke's version starts with the title Father, which is chosen by Jesus to illustrate the loving, longing, caring qualities of a Father. It is also agreed that Jesus most likely used the term Abba, which is translated from Aramaic to mean Daddy, a friendly, family style version of Father. Next, Jesus calls us to keep the name of God holy. However, name can be a substitute for one's self, so Jesus is essentially calling us to keep God holy in our lives.Then, Jesus exclaims that the kingdom is here  in you and me but it will come fully and completely when Jesus returns to earth to reign over all as King and Lord. 

The next part is the first petition for our own needs in the prayer, asking God to meet our everyday needs. Thus, we must remember to thank God for everything that is provided for us because, personally, I know that I take many of these blessings for granted. 

The final verse of this Gospel reading starts out with a petition that requires the recognition of the need for forgiveness. This is not just forgiveness that we receive once in our lives, but it is continual forgiveness. On the other hand, forgiveness is not simply something that is to be received, but it must also be offered by us to others. Forgiving others does not equate to being forgiven for something that we have done wrong, but, at the same time, unforgiveness can block God's grace. The final phrase of the prayer reminds us that God does truly guide our steps, and that we are able to call upon the Father for strength when we are tempted.

It seems as though the main message in today's Gospel is twofold. First, a prayer does not have to be fancy or long-winded. God wants to talk to us like we would talk to each other. If we have a need or want to thank Him, it does not have to be long and formal. Second, the Lord's Prayer is packed with meaning in its words. Every single passage has its own message. Next time, when you are praying the Lord's prayer in mass or on your own, think about the words and what they mean to you. 

-Luke

Maybe I'm A Mass Dork =)

This Sunday, something crazy (and actually, in my opinion, kind of funny) happened that has never happened to me before.

A little side note first:  I believe that God speaks to me at mass.  There’s always some message that I know I need to hear.  Sometimes it comes through the music, sometimes the homily, sometimes the reading, sometimes the Eucharist and sometimes it’s simply just being in Church.  It all depends.

Well this week at mass, I felt the presence of God so strongly – I felt God speaking to me through all of those ways!  I don’t know how to explain it you guys, but I was overcome with excitement and happiness!  I was just really enjoying mass.  The lyrics to the music were comforting, the homily was good, and throughout the mass Father just had so many excellent and challenging things to think about.  I was enjoying mass so much that I could no longer pay attention.  I couldn’t focus anymore because I was distracted by how excited I was to be having such a cool mass experience.  This just makes me laugh because I was distracted by mass from mass.  This probably makes me a mass dork but I never claimed to not be one, so sorry for all you people out there who now see me differently ;) I was just overwhelmed by the love of Christ and I felt completely at peace.

 

My faith has always been one of the most important things in my life but it wasn’t until recently that I really began to understand the beauty that the mass holds.  And I know I still have so much to learn!  So if you are reading this and still struggle to find mass relevant or worthwhile or you have a hard time understanding what the Eucharist really is, I urge you to keep praying.  If you have a desire to experience mass in a deeper way, ask God to help you.  But also know that you are not alone.  God doesn’t expect you to have all the answers and He never wanted you to walk this journey by yourself.  We learn so much from the people that surround us.

So today, maybe say a prayer asking God to teach you something new about the mass – no matter how "religious" you are, there is always something to learn.

Until next time,

Mel