Good Intentions

I thought of many great things I could write about for my mini-blog over the holidays, but really I don't have time this school year.  But when I might try to squeak out a complaint, I get a post from a page called iamviable, that I follow on fb.  I added the quote because I want to hang this in my class room.

http://www.iamviable.com/

The Generosity of Mary the Mother of God

The beauty of Mary the Mother of God is able to be seen in the faith of a child's prayer. With beautiful hearts those children that experience the love of Our Lady trust her as a child trusts a mother to bring food or care or help.

The other day while in the beautiful church of Our Lady of Mercy, I remembered the childlike love I had for her. I always credit my own human mother for the love that the Spirit grew in my heart for Mary because she is the one who told me to ask her for help when I was four.

Our Lady readily came to my aide in a very distressing series of nightmares. I didn't have those nightmares again for several years after. My faith in God grew from a simple act of a Mother telling her child to ask Sweet Mary for her help.

Ever since that time Our Lady has gently coerced me back to the loving arms of Christ and his saving love. I revere Mary as the Theotokos, the God bearer. But also as one great and first saint among us that as shown me the fruition of trusting in the will of God and not my own will.

Saintly Irony- Merry Christmas 2011

This is the night that we celebrate Christ’s birth as a man.  God is all good and allowed his Son to come and open a door for humanity to know holiness.

I’ve just come in from a dark and rainy night to continue watching the Bears run the ball against the Packers and in my mind I ask the question: Is it better to try really hard or better to win in regards to sainthood?

In regards to football, most know that winning is the desire.  There are some fantastic plays from the losers but the best end result is another win.  I can relate a desire to holiness to a desire to win easily, but in the words of my dad, “There isn’t any ‘saint school’", so it is not so straight forward.

The answer has to come from within to know if you’re a winner.  In my case, I am pretty bummed out that I have so far to go and reading about Saint Faustina being told she has far to go doesn’t give me too much hope in the holiness department.

Saintly life isn’t easy these days with what is on television and on the streets in the form of hate, sensuality, greed and selfishness. I wish there was a ‘Saint School’.  That would be really cool, but the irony is the same for those who strive for MVP.  You don’t seek after that stuff, you have to live it.  

What is better in the end?  Trying really hard counts when you are doing it for good reasons I think.  Even though I won’t win the holiness game, I can play it and build up my yardage as I keep running the ball toward the goal.  Even if life doesn't play fair with me, I am trying to do things for good and thinking of others. 

Saint school is living life and learning from your mistakes to seek to do as Christ did.  Don't try for MVP,  play the game as if you are the MVP and inspire others to do the same. That is what holiness is, that is what Christ became man to do.

Happy Thanksgiving! 2011

 from www.ewtn.org

Daniel 3

62 Sun and moon, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.

63 Stars of heaven, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.

64 Every shower and dew, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.

65 All you winds, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.

66 Fire and heat, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.

67 Cold and chill, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.

Inspiration

This year at school I really want to inspire the children like some of the great teachers I know.  It makes me think of the times I have been inspired and how I can revive that in myself and bring it to others.

I always come back to music.  I think music carries many people through many burdens.  Music and words sooth and express rage.  One song in particular that inspired me when I learned it in the high school choir as a freshman was O Magnum Mysterium.  The version was from 1572 and I think we were learning it for Spring concert.

The teacher I had was not very inspiring.  She was crass and rude to me on more than one occasion.  I didn't know why.  I saw here again about 5 years later and I tried to be nice but she was rude again.  I appreciate that she introduced me to this song though.

The lyrics just came back to my mind last night and they are perfect for preparing for Advent. The music inspires me every time and brings me closer to God's call in my life to love those that don't show they want to be loved by others.


One last thing, I often went to the dark below level music library at LSU to listen to this recording when I felt I needed an uplift.  My favorite part is everything and the alleluias.

The Listener

What Boudreaux heard in Church

Old Boudreaux died and went to the pearly gates. St. Pete was just waiting for him to get there. When they met up, St. Pete said, "Whoa, Boudreaux, I can't let you pass through the gates until you answer three questions." Old educated Boudreaux say, "Go ahead, St. Pete, give me your best shot," St. Pete say, "O.K., Boudreaux, question number one. How many seconds do they have in a year?" Boudreaux say, "Aw, that's easy, St. Pete, twelve." St. Pete say, "Boudreaux, how did you get twelve?" Boudreaux say, "Jan second, Feb second, etc." St. Pete say, "Boudreaux, that's not quite what I'm looking for, but I'll let you slide. Question number two. How many days do they have in a week?" Boudreaux say, "That's easy, St. Pete, two." St. Pete say, "Boudreaux, where you get two from?" Boudreaux say, "Today and tomorrow." St. Pete say, "Boudreaux, that's not quite what I'm looking for. Now Boudreaux, this last question you have to get it right or I can't let you into heaven. Who is our father?" Boudreaux say, "That's easy, St. Pete, Howard." St. Pete say, "Where did you get Howard from, Boudreaux?" "Our father who art in heaven, Howard be thy name.

We never know what we will be called to next if we are following the path God has willed for us.  If you work in a job where you speak with other people daily there is always a call to serve others in Christ by listening rather than speaking.

I have not practiced listening well in the past, but I am learning to listen.  My big question is learning how to listen to the things that others do not say.  This is where true reflection about our own lives helps us to listen to others.

For example, listening while working with an especially difficult or as I like to call it, ‘high-maintenance’ person is imperative.  But how to I do this and show Christ’s patience and charity when the person is constantly in my face complaining?

One thing I had to do is reflect on my personal goals and redirect my temperament.  I prayed and thought about the real reason I love Christ and my desire to serve others.  This reflection helped me to engage in a change within myself so that I could redirect my frustration with my circumstances into understanding and loving.  By looking at the bigger picture of my life with this other person intersecting it, I realized by listening to my inner conscience and desire to serve, I could best serve this other person by loving more.

“A whole new world of freedom, possibility, and creativity emerges when we can listen to change.”  The Sacred Art of Listening  by Kay Lindahl

The sad fact is that I come across many people who remind me of times in my life where I felt like no one listened to me.  Sometimes I am overwhelmed by my desire to listen to them and friend them and also get away from them at the same time.  I think you have to pick and choose your battles with the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

We are called not only to listen to others in charity, but to listen creatively to the sound of God’s call in holy scripture and to the advice that lies within.  Jesus lives a life of service as he conquers his own doubt and fear in those moments of the Passion.  Jesus lives a life of service as he works at his craft and studies the ancient texts.  Jesus lives a life of service when he listens to the call of every wounded heart that has been removed from Eden.  

There are ways to listen creatively, but listening starts with me. 

The New Translation of the Roman Missal

I remember several years ago when I went on this awesome camping and hiking trip to North Carolina.  There were about 16 of us with half being seminarians.  One of those days, we were just getting out for a hike and I heard one of the guys talking about what one of the seminary's professor's said about liturgy.

The young guy, a seminarian at the time, didn't get why the Father had hopes for a more meaningful liturgy with a change of words.  I butted in, young and probably not as knowledgeable as the seminarian and said, "well I know what he means, just take a look at the Athanasius Creed." 

I happened to have a copy in my trunk and I handed it over for him to ponder. 

I don't know if it was the Holy Spirit speaking or just a little know-it-all in me, but I do know the power and beauty of words.  There is a difference in the words of Stephanie Meyers and Marcel Proust. There is a difference in the words of Billy Graham and Pope Benedict XVI. 

It doesn't matter though if the words are fictional or theological, the power lies in the depth of meaning.  If the mass were still said in Latin, I can't say that I would understand everything.  But there is certainly a reverence in the words that have so much meaning that transcend all languages. 

This new Roman missal is an emergence to a brighter light in our lives.  Those who have diligently participated in the Holy Roman mass have been surrounded by the Church as an ocean.  I feel this rising up is a way of bringing the depth to those who have not known the true beauty of the Holy Catholic Church, or who have been waiting with excuses on the surface to dive in to the fullness of the Liturgy.

It's quite exciting because the center of the Church is the Word.  Those who seek the true Word, find the Truth of Christ in the Most Blessed Sacrament.

Link to the Wikipedia explanation:
Athanasius Creed

The High Cost of Communication

Communication comes in many forms as I found out even more when I asked my students to name them.  Even with all of these we don't always communicate enough with others.

 

Facebook

cellphone

talking

im

email

mail

internet

chatting

psp

skype

texting

ipod

Ignoring people has become an art and almost impossible.  One group of people we try to ignore is one we interact with on a daily basis. Coworkers.  I spend a lot of time seeing mine and answer their email questions on the weekend, but every now and then I need a break.  It is important to be positive with coworkers, but I think I could show Christ’s love even more by sending an email out to encourage and inspire. 

With all of these means of communication, I really have no excuse as a follower of Christ.

Diagonal vs. Straight

There is a clear advantage to the diagonal cut sandwich.

The Vineyard owner in the readings today gave equal portions to all men that labored for him.  The diagonal cut takes the guessing game away from the dilemma of perfectly squared equal portions.  Though the two parts look different, it doesn't really matter how big the two sides are if you are eating the whole thing yourself.  God is bountiful in his mercy and divvies it up like a diagonal cut.  We all get the whole she-bang.

The Humility of Inspiration

Some weeks I just can't wait to receive Christ in the Holy Eucharist.  I don't work on a schedule that allows me to attend daily mass anymore, and the place I live is vastly different from the very Catholic state of Louisiana.  So the assurance of the sacrament on Sundays seems far away on long days like I had last week.

One part of the readings this week refers to Romans 12:1-2 "present your bodies as a living sacrifice" and "be transformed... that you may prove what is the will of God"

The letter to the Romans is so forthright. I have always found it the most engaging letter of scripture.  This call to not 'do' what the will of God is, but to 'be' the will of God that He may prove what that will is, is the narrow path.

Most of what I write on this website is part of an ongoing life's reflection. Currently I am reflecting on the role of leadership.  At first I thought it was a good thing to be in leadership, but then I realized my focus should not, and can not be for my own aggrandizement.  I turned my heart toward trying to inspire the little people I teach.  I think to inspire them to care and to love and to learn would be the most important thing that would lead them to Christ.  Loving and learning and inspiring is what Christ did while on Earth.  The will of God IS good and acceptable and perfect, though I am not, I must move aside and 'be' that will rather than try to 'do' that will myself.

The Murky side of the Sun

Being a saint is like being a champion at the most popular sports events but you hide in the bathroom after the game.

Being a saint is like finishing all paperwork for everything forever but you forgot where you put it.

Being a saint is like swimming across the ocean and discovering all fish and mammals in the sea but you can't remember their names.

Sometimes it is really hard to even try to be a saint. Anything worth trying is going to be difficult. Good thing it's only the Risen Christ who judges us and not a crowd, a due date or a fish population.

A Few Good Books Before the End of Summer

Summer is almost up for this teacher. I am starting at a new school, as in, newly built, so they want us to come in for training early.  That means I have about a week to cover a few good books I wanted to read or re-read this summer.

1. Re-read: Poverty of Spirit by Johannes Baptist Metz
I can't get enough of this 52 page small book. The description of the crucifixion is beautiful.

2. Read: Eleanore of Aquitane and the Four Kings
I don't always read biographies, but I think this one promises to hold my other favorite subject, history.  I'm sure when I finish reading it, I'll relate it to something suitable for Jesus.

3. Skim Read: Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu
This will probably finalize my interest in Eastern culture and religion. I took a world religions class in college which was very interesting.  The professor asked us to introduce ourselves the first day with what we expect to get out of the class, I went with a chipper, " To evangelize for Christ!"  It's true though, He is Truth.  I feel it is important to understand other religions so you can meet people where they are and then be able to bring them toward Christ if it is the Father's will.

4. Practice Read: Fables Choises by La Fontaine
One of many French prose books I like to read and study. I am not fluent in French but I read it often.  Five years of French in elementary and high school and a Cajun French speaking grandmother have endeared the language on my heart.

5. Quick read: Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin
A children's book, a Newbury Honor book.  I teach 5th grade, delightful and pleasant little people, so I try to find books they like and put them on my classroom shelf.

Wish me luck!! I have a full week and then my brain starts preparing for school even though it doesn't start until Aug 22nd!

New to me Website for Catholics

This looks pretty cool, but I haven't read everything in it yet.


http://www.catholicscomehome.org/

The Grand Expectation

Expectations.

Guy walks into a church, bartender asks, “The usual, Bob?” Bob says, “Yep!”

Bob has been going to a place where his usual drink is well known.  The bar may be his church in a world where vice is accepted as necessity.  Our expectations of life and living vary in wide degrees between cultures.  And thankfully they also change as we learn more about our Savior and ourselves.  

Many people we hear about, seem to get really hooked on expectations.  There are ideas about what a loved one should do or look like or have.  There are scales for wealth depending on race and age and status.  There are expectations for yourself as far as your dreams and hopes and worries.

Do these matter?  Do any of our expectations for ourselves or expectations of other people matter?  No they don’t.  In some ways, if they are centered on the good for a person, other’s opinions may be helpful. But in the long run, imagine a Creator that is Omnipotent, Powerful and Engaging, who could also crush you like a bug.  

This is the guy whose expectations matter.

This guy, or God, has set us up for life!  We have prime positioning over all the Earth and beyond.  We have emotions that can carry you to the moon, in a good way.  We have the full and complete attention of the same divine God that created a Pangea as well as our very selves.

Expectations you say?  Innocent guy walks into a court, comes out sentenced to die for all humanity so they know what true Love is.

Pretty wacky and illogical if you don’t expect it, but this God that gives full attention to small man, planned the whole thing.

Grace.

Christ said, “Hey guys, I’ll see ya later in Heaven, but I’m going to send my friend over to help you out.”

That friend, The Holy Ghost, came along with a big load of grace. It’s like when your sick and some cheesy girlfriend or boyfriend at the time brings you a can of Campbell’s. Replace the ‘chicken noodle’ with ‘Grace: Zero Sodium, No Calorie!’ and you’ve got an allotted portion of grace that is for you!

Now take all of your expectations about life and living and the way those have changed and morphed into what you didn’t want and maybe did or found out was kind of okay.  Jesus has a big-ole-pantry full of extra cans of ‘Grace:Zero Sodium, No Calorie!’ and you can have as much as you want! 

You only have to ask.

Remember, God had the expectation that his creation would have the free will to love Him. Jesus came and gave us his expectation for life and living.  It’s a matter of getting over the other people’s opinions and ideas and expecting great things in Christ.

The Paraclete Judge

In light of today's ruling in the case of a small child that died, I was thinking about judges in general when I went to adoration and read John 16.  In verse 8 Jesus says: "And when he comes he will convict the world in regard to sin and righteousness and condemnation".  In the 1983 version I read, it said justice instead of righteousness.

The link will guide you to the USCCB reading of Chapter 16 of John in the New American Bible.  This chapter goes on to state the necessity of the Holy Ghost coming and Christ going back to his Father.  In the footnote to explain the passage I mentioned is the word 'forensic', meaning in this instance I assume, a judgement made with methodical and meticulous logic.

All of this made me think of the direct relationship of authority and how our systems reflect the Kingdom.  I am no theologian or philosopher, but I know that the Kingdom of God is flawless in its judgement, where we are full of flaws in our systems.  But we can see in a logical way the idea of a judge working for a greater personage as 'the state' or on the federal level, 'the nation's interests'.

This brings me back to the Holy Ghost coming to guide us and judge us and the fact that Christ says that the Holy Ghost will share nothing that is not of Himself and of the Father.  I think it is pretty interesting to consider the Holy Ghost in light of your relationship with Jesus Christ.  Many may have heard of Christ, but have they truly sought Him? The Holy Ghost will know.  Many may have talked the talk, but the Holy Ghost reads the heart.

I have met a judge before to help me with a speeding ticket.  I was definitely speeding, but I was young and didn't want it on my record.  But the point is, he knew me.  If he wouldn't have known me, he probably wouldn't have helped me.  The Holy Ghost, the Paraclete is the divine judge in the end acting for the one true King that we have in this life, Our Lord Jesus Christ Son of God.

Galactic Catholic Photo of the Day: Mission

Mission work in Mexico was probably easier 15 years ago.  I have more than a few friends working on mission projects in Mexico. Please pray for them and their success in Christ's mission.  The picture below is when I was still coming back into the Church. Our Lady of Guadalupe was my guide.

 

An hour outside Saltillo, Mexico 1997

Our Lady, Pray for Us!
Saint Therese of Lisieux, Pray for all Missionaries throughout the world!

The Mission Trip

Looking Past the Present

A friend recently made a comment about something I said about disliking all the yucky stuff that goes on in this world. I said I couldn't wait to be done with it, but I know I'll end up living till 100 years old like the rest of the Cajuns in my family.

When I said this, she tilted her head slightly and said,"You know, it is good to have that perspective, that there is more to look forward to."

She said it because she has so many beautiful things in her life, and so do I, but it is easy to forget that our main goal is to be able to stand before Christ unashamed.

I would like to think that everybody thinks like me, but the fact is there are plenty people that are much, much smarter! and holier! But one thing I keep in mind is the prize of being in the presence of Our Lord Jesus Christ on the Throne of Heaven and Earth. While there are so many good things on this planet and people to love, no one who knows anything about love cannot deny that people are doing a lot of hating lately.

The same people who preach tolerance and peace are the ones that define those terms as "agree with me" or else your stupid and intolerant and racist and a bigot and a homophobe.

So my peeps, don't be hatin' and remember that Christ is the Kingdom, the Power and Glory.

The New Prayer for Vocations

Pope Benedict XVI released in a statement recently a new prayer for vocations. It is so beautiful. Please check out his address here for the original context.

Santa Clara University Chapel

My Favorite Scripture

My favorite bit of scripture is Ephesians 6:12

"Our battle is not against human forces but against the principalities and powers, the rulers of this world of darkness, the evil spirits in regions above."

The Aura of Home

It's great to be back in Louisiana for a bit. There are so many opportunities for Catholic get togethers. Not with friends so much, but in general in the Catholic bulletins at church and in the diocese in general. Louisiana is so Catholic. Though friends are a callin' too!

I wish Florida had more opportunities like that, but they are all in the morning geared toward the retired crowd.
Either way, it's nice to be with the best dad in the world today and the best mom too.

Happy Father's Day to Father God, Creator of the Universe.