Prayers needed .... pass it on.

Baby Laith needs your prayers, and the prayers of everyone you know.

Check out his story here

I am truly blessed

A faithful friend is a sturdy shelter; 

he who finds one finds a treasure. 

Sirach 6:14

This is one of my friend Eileen's favorite bible verses. She told me that it reminds her of me {how blessed am I}. We have know  each other for 19 years and I think we both found treasure in each other and are blessed by our friendship. I believe that God puts people in my path for reasons only he knows and sometimes I am aware enough to notice. Thanks be to God.

Soul Surfing

I liked this message from Holy Cross Family Ministries

"Magi from the East arrived in Jerusalem, saying, 'Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising, and have come to do him homage.'" (Matthew 2:1-2)

The Epiphany of the Lord

Fr. Robert deLeon, CSC

"At a major industrial corporation, the board of directors felt it was time for a shake-up. They hired a new CEO. The new boss was determined to rid the company of all slackers. On a tour of the facilities, the new CEO noticed a guy leaning against a wall. The room was full of workers, and the CEO wanted to show them that he meant business. He walked up to the guy leaning against the wall and asked, 'How much do you make a week?' A little surprised, the young man looked at him and replied, 'I make $400 a week. Why?' The CEO then handed the guy $1,600 in cash and screamed, 'Here's four weeks' pay. Now get out and don't come back!' Feeling pretty good about himself, the CEO looked around the room and asked, 'Does anyone want to tell me what that goof ball did around here?' From across the room came a voice, 'He was the pizza delivery guy from Domino's.'" (Original source unknown)

Aren't you glad you're not that CEO! And don't you wish you were the pizza delivery guy! How quickly the tables turned when the man who thought himself the rising star of the corporation actually did become a celebrity of sorts. And the kid from Dominoes who was only hoping for enough of a tip to put some gas in his car ended up the real shining light of the day. Indeed, it's what can happen when one gets a little too full of oneself. Or when one has become a legend in one's own mind.

The feast we celebrate today, Epiphany, marks the revelation that Jesus has come for all peoples of all times. Today's gospel passage tells us, "Magi from the East arrived in Jerusalem, saying, 'Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising, and have come to do him homage.'" (Matthew 2:1-2) When his birth occurred in Bethlehem, nearby shepherds came to adore, but with the arrival of the non-Jewish magi from the East, it became clear that this child's mission was to spread far beyond the environs of Bethlehem, far beyond the reach of Judaism. Indeed, this child had come for everyone. By the guidance of a star, the three travel-weary magi, members of the priestly class of Zoroastrianism, discovered the location of his birth. Balthasar, Melchior and Caspar had searched the stars for guidance, and by following the beam of a singular bright orb, they came to the birthplace of God's own son. And finding him, they worshipped the infant king, laying before him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

Today's feast invites us to reflect upon our own life's journey. Most importantly, what is our intended destination? And are we on the road that truly leads there? Indeed, by what light do we navigate the path that leads us? Is it the same light, the guiding star, which led Balthasar, Melchior and Caspar to Bethlehem? Or are we following other lights that bring us to far darker places?

As we reflect upon our life's journey, certain people will stand out as highly influential, people who have loved us, who have provided support and guidance, who have stood by us even when we've left the right path. These people are the true stars in our lives, people bright as the beam that led the magi to Bethlehem. But there have probably also been darker lights, fallen stars, if you will, who have also had a strong pull on us, perhaps even encouraging a misstep off the path of righteousness. Today we pause on the journey to take stock of both the brighter as well as the darker lights whose guidance has led us thus far. The feast of the Epiphany invites us to be thankful for the stars who have led us closer to God and ever more wary of the darker stars that have not.

As we consider those people who have played a vital role in our lives, there's a yet more challenging question we must ask: for whom are we role models? For whom are we guiding lights? And where are we leading those trusting souls who see something bright in us? Yikes! It's terrifying even to consider the question! But truly are there people who look to us for example, for leadership, for support as they make their own way home. Indeed, there are people on the road behind us following faithfully, trusting that we are as Bethlehem-bound as those three magi who arrived weary at the birthplace of Jesus. Those following in our footsteps believe that we are in search of the very best this life can offer, something to be found only in God. This Epiphany day, we ask not only if we have been true to the right road but also if we have led others along its path.

So, aren't you glad you're not the CEO in the opening story! And don't you wish you were the pizza delivery guy! How quickly the tables turned when the man who thought himself the rising star of the corporation actually did become a celebrity of sorts. And the kid from Dominoes who was only hoping for enough of a tip to put some gas in his car ended up the real shining light. Indeed, it's what can happen when one gets a little too full of oneself. Or when one has become a legend in one's own mind.

So, be wary of those twinkling, blustering orbs that call attention to themselves. They are likely dangerous stars to follow. Rather, true stars, the ones we best allow guide us, are usually demure and even elusive, detracting attention from themselves while focusing a bright beam on the road towards home. Me? I'm going to follow the pizza guy. I think he's headed in the right direction.

Merry Christmas

A Christmas Prayer

Loving Father, Help us remember the birth of Jesus,
that we may share in the song of the angels,
the gladness of the shepherds,
and worship of the wise men.

Close the door of hate and open the door of love all over the world. Let kindness come with every gift and good desires with every greeting. Deliver us from evil by the blessing which Christ brings, and teach us to be merry with clear hearts.

May the Christmas morning make us happy to be thy children, and Christmas evening bring us to our beds with grateful thoughts, forgiving and forgiven, for Jesus' sake. Amen.

by Robert Louis Stevenson

The Season of Advent

On Monday the kids and I went to the church to make an Advent wreath together. It was a group effort and I am quite happy with the way it turned out. Besides making the wreath they had a couple stations to talk about Advent and what it means. Advent littlerly means "coming" or "arrival". 

I did a little research {because I couldn't remember what the pink candel stood for} and this is what I found.

The circle of the wreath reminds us of God Himself, His eternity and endless mercy, which has no beginning or end. The green of the wreath speaks of the hope that we have in God, the hope of newness, of renewal, of eternal life. Candles symbolize the light of God coming into the world through the birth of His son. The four candles represent the period of waiting during the four Sundays of Advent, which themselves symbolize the four centuries of waiting between the prophet Malachi and the birth of Christ.

The colors of the candles vary with different traditions, but there are usually three purple or blue candles, corresponding to the sanctuary colors of Advent, and one pink or rose candle. One of the purple candles is lighted the first Sunday of Advent, a Scripture is read, a short devotional or reading is given, and a prayer offered. On subsequent Sundays, previous candles are relighted with an additional one lighted. The pink candle is usually lighted on the third Sunday of Advent. 

The light of the candles itself becomes an important symbol of the season. The light reminds us that Jesus is the light of the world that comes into the darkness of our lives to bring newness, life, and hope. It also reminds us that we are called to be a light to the world as we reflect the light of God's grace to others (Isa 42:6). The progression in the lighting of the candles symbolizes the various aspects of our waiting experience. As the candles are lighted over the four week period, it also symbolizes the darkness of fear and hopelessness receding and the shadows of sin falling away as more and more light is shed into the world. The flame of each new candle reminds the worshippers that something is happening, and that more is yet to come. Finally, the light that has come into the world is plainly visible as the Christ candle is lighted at Christmas, and worshippers rejoice over the fact that the promise of long ago has been realized.

The first candle is traditionally the candle of Expectation or Hope (or in some traditions, Prophecy). This draws attention to the anticipation of the coming of a Messiah that weaves its way like a golden thread through Old Testament history. As God’s people were abused by power hungry kings, led astray by self-centered prophets, and lulled into apathy by half-hearted religious leaders, there arose a longing among some for God to raise up a new king who could show them how to be God’s people. They yearned for a return of God’s dynamic presence in their midst.

The remaining three candles of Advent may be associated with different aspects of the Advent story in different churches, or even in different years. Usually they are organized around characters or themes as a way to unfold the story and direct attention to the celebrations and worship in the season. So, the sequence for the remaining three Sundays might be Bethlehem, Shepherds, Angels. Or Love, Joy, Peace. Or John the Baptist, Mary, the Magi. Or the Annunciation, Proclamation, Fulfillment. Whatever sequence is used, the Scripture readings, prayers, lighting of the candles, the participation of worshipers in the service, all are geared to telling the story of redemption through God’s grace in the Incarnation.

The third candle, usually for the Third Sunday of Advent, is traditionally Pink or Rose, and symbolizes Joy at the soon Advent of the Christ. It marks a shift from the more solemn tone of the first two Sundays of Advent that focus on Preparation and Hope, to a more joyous atmosphere of anticipation and expectancy. Sometimes the colors of the sanctuary and vestments are also changed to Rose for this Sunday. As noted above, in some churches the pink Advent candle is used on the fourth Sunday to mark the joy at the impending Nativity of Jesus.

Do you pray?

If so could you pray for a friend of a friend of mine. And then pass it along to others who you know pray. She could use all the prayers anyone is willing to say for her and her family.

Her name is Margy. I do not know this woman but she was just diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian and it has metastasized throughout her body with enlarged nodes on her ovaries, uterus, spine, chest, aorta and neck. She has young children who could also use your prayers. Thank you for spreading the word.

One Year Bible

I came across a blog called One Year Bible Blog and have started checking in on it everyday. Although I don't think I am using the blog quite like it was meant to I have enjoyed reading the Bible passages. I liked this one so I thought I would share it.

Where were you?

Just like the shuttle, or when JFK was shot, unfortunately most of us will always remember where we were and what we were doing when the towers fell.

I found this prayer for 9/11 and today I pray for all the families affected by the tragic events of a single day 9/11

God of the ages, before your eyes all empires rise and fall yet you are changeless. Be near us in this age of terror and in these moments of remembrance. Uphold those who work and watch and wait and weep and love. By your Spirit give rise in us to broad sympathy for all the peoples of your earth. Strengthen us to comfort those who mourn and work in large ways and small for those things that make for peace. Bless the people and leaders of this nation and all nations so that warfare, like slavery before it, may become only a historic memory. We pray in the strong name of the Prince of Peace. Amen. 

Stolen

This "thought for the day" was stolen from an email that was thought provoking and I liked this part the best

Thought for the day: Remember, when the world pushes you to your knees, you're in the perfect position to pray.

Shannon

On Wednesday afternoon I got a phone call from Kathleen saying that Shannon had slipped into a coma. I was not surprised by the information but it still saddened me. She died peacefully later that evening. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends and I pray that her children find strength in the Lord to make it through this truly difficult time in their young lives. 

Thinking of Shannon, trying to make sense of what has happened to her and her children I fall back on the Bible verse that got me through the toughest year in my life. I trust in the Lord that I can not know his plan and I continue to walk the path that he directs for me and I pray for peace for Ari and Joseph as they walk the path that God has directed for them, may they trust in the Lord with all their heart.

Trust inthe Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

Opening my ears and my heart

The Lord remembers his covenant for ever. (Ps. 105)

Lord Jesus, we want to remain faithful to living a holy life. However, when interacting with family members, friends and co-workers, it is not always an easy task to live in holiness. Help us to be able to respond with an open heart when we find ourselves in less than comfortable situations. We ask this in your name. Amen.

So, things have been a little 'less than comfortable' with some of the people I am working (volunteering) with currently and the prayer that I receive daily via email spoke to me today. So much so that I forwarded it to everyone on the group email (I hope they don't find me presumptions) all 13 of them. I tried to ignore it but even a movie meant for children (Horton) spoke to me. Horton reached out to the 'mean' Kangaroo who did everything she could to stop him. He saw that she was sad and he reached out gave her a cookie. OK, so it doesn't sound like much but I am telling you I feel like everywhere around me are messages that are telling me something so I went out on a limb and sent a cookie, I mean an email (with a prayer). I hope they get what I am trying to say.

All I need to know

"A Sunday School teacher decided to have her young class memorize one of the most quoted passages in the Bible, Psalm 23. She gave the youngsters a month to learn the text. Little Ricky was excited about the project, but he just couldn't seem to get it right. After many weeks of practice, he could barely get past the first line without stumbling. On the day the youngsters were scheduled to recite Psalm 23 in front of the entire congregation, Ricky was terrified, nervous beyond belief! But something truly marvelous happened when his turn came,  he stepped up to the microphone and announced proudly, 'The Lord is my Shepherd, and that's all I need to know.'" (Original source unknown)

Yes, indeed: it's all I need to know!

A reminder for me

If your wish to be perfect, go, sell what you own, give it all to the poor, then come, follow me (Mt. 19)

Lord Jesus, today we celebrate the feast of St. Anthony who knew what it was to give all to the poor and to follow you. From this example, may we take some time to reflect on our own lives and see how we can let go of our belongings and give to the poor. May we remember all those who are in need this day. We ask this in your name. Amen.

Christmas Prayer

Today is born our Savior Christ the Lord. (Ps. 96)

Lord our God, with the birth of your Son, your glory shines throughout our world. May the brightness of your light radiate in the hearts of all those who believe in you and are prepared to celebrate the gift of your life. We ask this in your name. Amen.

an email reminder

A few months ago my friend Eileen turned me on to a sight called Soul Surfing - it emails me daily scripture readings and a prayer to go along with it. Sometimes I don't have time to read it right then so I save it for later (when I have the time to let it sink in). I must admit that at times I have several to read but I never feel like I can delete them. This morning I was going through email deleting email that I knew I didn't need to read and accidentally double clicked on one of my Soul Surfing emails that I had not read yet. I took it as a sign and read it. It spoke to me and made me cry so here it is.




"The virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means 'God is with us.'" (Matthew 1:23)

Fourth Sunday of Advent
Fr. Robert deLeon, CSC

While the near hysterical media screams to us that there are but a few shopping days left 'til Christmas, the scripture readings we hear today from Isaiah and Matthew offer even more startling news: Forget the shopping! He's already here! God is with us in the largeness of the human heart that often finds its warmest expression at this time of year.

Still, it is the season of gift-giving, and undoubtedly the best gift one can give is the reminder that God is with us in the care we show one another. How, though, to integrate this most Christian of attitudes with the less spiritual buying frenzy that sets the culture on edge at this time every year? Let the true story of one family's holiday celebration serve to spur us on to a like response.

"It's just a small white envelope stuck among the branches of our Christmas tree; no name, no identification, no inscription. It has peeked through the branches of our tree for the past 10 years or so.

"It all began because my husband Mike hated Christmas -- not the true meaning of Christmas, but the commercial aspects of it: the overspending, the frantic running around at the last minute to get a tie for Uncle Harry and the dusting powder for Grandma -- the gifts given in desperation because you couldn't think of anything else. Knowing he felt this way, I decided one year to bypass the usual shirts, sweaters, ties, and so forth. I reached for something special just for Mike. The inspiration came in an unusual way.

"Our son Kevin, who was 12 that year, was wrestling at the junior level at the school he attended. Shortly before Christmas, there was a non-league match against a team sponsored by an inner-city church. These youngsters, dressed in sneakers so ragged that shoestrings seemed to be the only thing holding them together, presented a sharp contrast to our boys in their spiffy blue and gold uniforms and sparkling new wrestling shoes. As the match began, I was alarmed to see that the other team was wrestling without headgear, a kind of light helmet designed to protect a wrestler's ears. It was a luxury the ragtag team obviously could not afford. Well, we ended up walloping them. We took every weight class. And as each of their boys got up from the mat, he swaggered around in his tatters with false bravado, a kind of street pride that couldn't acknowledge defeat.

"Mike, seated beside me, shook his head sadly, 'I wish just one of them could have won,' he said. 'They have a lot of potential, but losing like this could take the heart right out of them.' Mike loved kids, all kids, and he knew them, having coached little league football, baseball, and lacrosse. That's when the idea for his present came.

"That afternoon, I went to a local sporting goods store and bought an assortment of wrestling headgear and shoes and sent them anonymously to the inner-city church. On Christmas Eve, I placed the envelope on the tree, the note inside telling Mike what I had done and that this was his gift from me. His smile was the brightest thing about Christmas that year and in succeeding years.

"For each Christmas, I followed the tradition, one year sending a group of emotionally challenged youngsters to a hockey game, another year a check to a pair of elderly brothers whose home had burned to the ground the week before Christmas, and on and on. The envelope became the highlight of our Christmas. It was always the last thing opened on Christmas morning, and our children, ignoring their new toys, would stand with wide-eyed anticipation as their dad lifted the envelope from the tree to reveal its contents.

"As the children grew, the toys gave way to more practical presents, but the envelope never lost its allure. The story doesn't end there. You see, we lost Mike last year to cancer. When Christmas rolled around, I was still so wrapped in grief that I barely got the tree up. But Christmas Eve found me placing an envelope on the tree, and in the morning it was joined by three more. Each of our children, unbeknownst to the others, had placed an envelope on the tree for their dad.

"The tradition has grown and someday will expand even further with our grandchildren standing around the tree with wide-eyed anticipation watching as their fathers take down the envelope. Mike's spirit, like the Christmas spirit, will always be with us." (Original source unknown)

In today's scripture readings, we hear both Isaiah's prophecy and Matthew's declaration that the prophecy has been fulfilled: "The virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means 'God is with us.'" (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23) Even as we stand at the edge of the yearly celebration of God's coming among us, our care for one another boldly proclaims him already here.

So, let our Christmas gift-giving be simple, even silly, for what matters most has already been given and received, a thing understood only by the heart, a thing incomprehensible to the wild-eyed retailers hawking fool's gold in winter's chill.