DO I CARE ABOUT MOTHER EARTH AND HER CHILDREN

Care for the earth is upon us with world earth day. Every day we hear of how to care for the robins and other creatures who suffer because of the weather.
We also see pictures of children dying due to bombings, and riots in all parts of the world.
God asked us to care for creation how do you think we are doing? What can you do today to make the response different.
St. Francis help us be sensitive to our actions and how they affect the Mother earth and her children

Blessings to you and those your love

May your Christmas be blessed and a peaceful time with those you love. Remember in prayer those who have no one to reach out to them. May we know peace in our hearts and lives.

Advent has begun

Advent is a time of waiting and hope for what will come.
Waiting is a lost art something I have become accustom of not doing. Sorry to say the culture has us now trained to have instantaneous results.
For me Advent is a time to give some time to relearn how to wait.
Even our dog Bella knows the command wait.
Join me in waiting for the voice of God to fill our hearts with His love and direction for us each day one day at a time.
Take some time sit in your favorite place and relearn waiting, some other name may be just sitting in the presence of God.

So Long been gone

It has been since I retired that I have not been connecting by my blog. It is time to get with it again.
a lot has happened in past 3 years since I retired.
I am sure you all can relate to that. God has been good to me, very good walking with me on this life journey.
Re-defining oneself in retirement takes courage, prayer and new sense of meaning. It takes longer than I would have ever dreamed.
Who am I with out a work role, how do others view me and most of all how do I view myself. God's view had not changed of a loving child of God, precious in every way. God reminded me "I knew you before you were born"
I have engaged in several service volunteer opportunities as well as the ministry of prayer and letters.
In the ministry of prayer I pray daily by name for each person who has asked for prayers. If you have a need for prayers just send me a note and I will also pray for you and your request.
I also have on Sundays the ministry of letters. I write to those who come to mind as needing a little note to know someone cares.
I wish you a good week and a good start to Advent time of watching and waiting

memorial day rememberance

Let us remember those who gave their life that we may enjoy this day. Let us continue to pray for the families of those who gave their life that we may be free. For the many children who will not know a normal family and have lost a parent.
May we continue to pray for the safety of those who continue to say yes to keep us free.
As we enjoy this day in whatever way we find fitting, let us not forget the reason for this holiday.

Lent works of Love

Lent begins tomorrow. In Catholic tradition we receive ashes on or forehead to remind us we are dust and to dust we will return. we all receive ashes no matter our status, education, number of friends or whatever we feel is important to us. 

It seems to me if we believe Jesus is our Lord and Savior, knowing he saved us from ourselves most of all, we will rejoice in our salvation. 

For me lent is a time of reaching out to the other, doing works of love not works of obligation. Reaching out to those we would rather not reach out to. That will take some prayer and fasting on my part. 
I am sure you like me have some things you would rather not do, people you would be just as happy not to encounter in a day. 

If we are attentive I am confident God will send in our daily path,  those we need to reach to.  We could also pray for opportunities to reach out with works of love, if we have the courage to do so.

May you lent be fruitful in many opportunities to have works of love.

FRESH AIR AGAIN

Some of the beliefs that are held in the church but contrary to the loving nature of God are now being set aside by the Pope who was recently named The Man of The Year by TIME Magazine.

In his latest revelations, Pope Francis said:

“Through humility, soul searching, and prayerful contemplation we have gained a new understanding of certain dogmas. The church no longer believes in a literal hell where people suffer. This doctrine is incompatible with the infinite love of God. God is not a judge but a friend and a lover of humanity. God seeks not to condemn but only to embrace. Like the fable of Adam and Eve, we see hell as a literary device. Hell is merely a metaphor for the isolated soul, which like all souls ultimately will be united in love with God.”

In a shocking speech that is reverberating across the world, Pope Francis declared that:
“All religions are true, because they are true in the hearts of all those who believe in them. What other kind of truth is there? In the past, the church has been harsh on those it deemed morally wrong or sinful. Today, we no longer judge. Like a loving father, we never condemn our children. Our church is big enough for heterosexuals and homosexuals, for the pro-life and the pro-choice! For conservatives and liberals, even communists are welcome and have joined us. We all love and worship the same God.”
In the last six months, Catholic cardinals, bishops and theologians have been deliberating in the Vatican City, in discussing the future of the church and redefining long-held Catholic doctrines and dogmas. The Third Vatican Council, is the largest and most important since the Second Vatican Council was concluded in 1962.
Pope Francis convened the new council to “finally finish the work of the Second Vatican Council.”
The Third Vatican Council concluded with Pope Francis announcing that…
Catholicism is now a “modern and reasonable religion, which has undergone evolutionary changes. The time has come to abandon all intolerance. We must recognize that religious truth evolves and changes. Truth is not absolute or set in stone. Even atheists acknowledge the divine. Through acts of love and charity the atheist acknowledges God as well, and redeems his own soul, becoming an active participant in the redemption of humanity.”
One statement in the Pope’s speech has sent traditionalists into a fit of confusion and hysteria…
“God is changing and evolving as we are, For God lives in us and in our hearts. When we spread love and kindness in the world, we touch our own divinity and recognize it. The Bible is a beautiful holy book, but like all great and ancient works, some passages are outdated. Some even call for intolerance or judgement. The time has come to see these verses as later interpolations, contrary to the message of love and truth, which otherwise radiates through scripture. In accordance with our new understanding, we will begin to ordain women as cardinals, bishops and priests. In the future, it is my hope that we will have a woman pope one day. Let no door be closed to women that is open to men!”
A few cardinals in the Catholic church are against Pope Francis’ latest declarations. Watch out for the report.
SOURCE: Copyright © 2013 Diversity Chronicle All Rights Reserved.

NEW YEARS RESOLUTION

I believe in one word resolutions. 

Think of one word that you want to keep in mind everyday as your resolution. 

My word is Presence. Presence to my God, others and myself.
Being as totally present in the moment as I can Be

Holy family

Today we hear the story of the holy family. Of course mine was holy as well.

My mom and dad did the best they could during the depression and WWII to keep me safe and give me the basics. Yes, we had warts too. Sometimes we focus on the warts too much and don't see the goodness, the kindness the good intent of their actions.

I pray today as we listen to the story of the holy family we think of the wholesome things that are good about our families and thank God for them.

Sign from God

Today we hear of sign from God in his dream which directed Joseph in the way he should go regarding his pregnant Mary.  

How often we ask God for signs to show us the way to go or a decision to be made or just to know God is there?

Asking for signs is very Franciscan way. Francis was often noted to be asking God for a sign either coming from his friends, Clare or the Bible. 

What signs do you need from God this week? If you receive them will you be like Joseph and do what was revealed to you either in your dream as was the case with Joseph or by your friends?

ADVENT TIME OF WAITING

Sunday is the 1st Sunday of Advent in the Christian tradition. The word Advent comes from the Latin and means waiting.

Waiting is not something we are particularly good at. The people of old waited for centuries for the savior to come.

I am sure you as I have waited for God's answer to a prayer, a hope a dream. Years later we realized God came in God's time and in our readiness to receive God's answer for us.

During this time of Advent in preparation for Christ coming in to our life more fully as the answer to our prayer, hope and dreams, may we learn to slow down, to wait and to listen for Gods direction to each of us individually.

Life after death

It has been a very emotional week for me. some days very draining others rejoicing.

 I was saddened by the unexpected death of a Sister friend. She was out to lunch with friends and started not to feel good. she asked them to take her home, instead she said to the hospital. To the Ed she went and after 30 min or more was unresponsive with a massive bleed in her brain. As I mourn her passing I ask myself did she really do what she always wanted to do?

An Thursday's I help pack back packs for Blessing in Back Pack program which provides food for children for the weekend who are eligible for meal program during the week. this past week we packed 175 for 3 schools. Now I grew up during the WWII when we had food stamps and limited ability to get sugar etc but we were never hungry. What has happened in our world that we need now feed the children. I asked how old are the youngest that will receive these food back packs, kindergarten.

I had a husband of a friend of mine get the news he has stage 4 lymphoma and is now on aggressive chemotherapy. She is trying to grasp it all. He continues to want to work, rather then stay home and feel sorry for himself. What a blow. How did this happen, what was not noticed is the question.

Oh yes another friend had a little baby boy, somewhat early but healthy. He is so cute. they both went home this past week.

So it is with rhythm of life. Keep them all in your prayers.

Today in the scripture we hear of the Resurrection where all will be made whole again. Thank you Jesus for making this possible.

In the meantime may we live in relationship with Jesus in the other.

THANKFULNESS

Today's scripture stories are all about being grateful and giving thanks for what God has done for us. 

Naaman experienced healing in a strange way, just bathe in the river and you will be healed of your leprosy. Often God asks us to do things that seem strange to us to achieve wholeness. Thankfully we do not have the disease of leprosy but often we do hold on to ideas and resentments that make us sick. May we let go of the things that keep us from God's simple directions to us to achieve fuller healing in our lives. 

Being thankful for the simple things of life are a choice. Another story of today is the one of the 10 lepers only one came back to say thank you and he was one that was not accepted by those in his day. 

How so very hard it is for us to say thank you when we have to go back out of our way to do so. 

This week I pray we are aware of the little things God does for us and to say thank you.

FALL SEASON

Today as I changed the calendar the thought came to me Oh my it is beginning the fall season.
This time of the year brings many changes to mind. 

As the day went on I found myself thinking what season am I in? 

I remembered the reading in Ecclesiastes 3 "There is a season for everything, a time for every occupation under heavens." " A time for searching, a time for throwing away, a time for keeping"and other times are mentioned.

I believe I am in the season of Fall in my life. I am not sure what that all means but it certainly is a time for searching, throwing away and deciding what I need to keep of my life's journey. It is a time for many things. 

Then I thought maybe I am in the season of Winter and don't  know it. What difference would that make in how I live each day. Answer if none. No matter what season I am in I depend upon God for daily guidance, support, friendship and love.

In prayer today and reading the scripture for the day, Tobit says Give in proportion to what you own. I don't believe I won anything but all is gift from God. Am I willing to give it in proportion to what I have received. " A time for giving"

In first reading today, Sirach says "conduct your affairs with humility and you will be loved greater than the giver of gifts" I often find myself asking what does it mean to be humble? Paul answered me in his reflection today by stating "God is the judge of all" Servant leadership keeps me grounded so I can be humble in my relationships with others.

Jesus today challenges me to look a who are my friends, do I have a personal relationship with anyone who is disadvantaged, broken, those who don't see thing as I might see them? 

A lot for me to think about  and continue to reflect on by just turning the calendar to a new month.

Have you thought about what season are you in? 

Re-creation (vacation)

Beautiful in the early morning, fog lifting off the water, coffee and just relaxation.

This past weeks vacation was just what body and soul needed. No TV, No radio, No other electronics working just peace and inner quiet. Time to get in touch with inner self, hello I know you!!

Don't get me wrong we did enjoy the scenery. Went to wolf center, why keep them in captivity just so we might see one of the 5 they have. They had the right idea. We saw two sleeping, one looked at all the people looking at him and headed for the wild out of sight for his nap. We on road that said road ends here in 500 feet. Up in the boundary waters. Went on echo train drive through the forest. Surprising to me we didn't see much wild life. I guess with all the magnitude of forest why come by the road. 

Came home and went to Oshkosh today for Jubilee of Sisters. 70, 60, 50 years of dedicated service to God and people of God. I am sure each could tell stories of joys, laughter, support of community, challenges but in all knowing God is with her all the way. Was also good to see so many Sisters from around the area. 

I wish you a good week after a meaningful weekend for you as well.

TEACH ME TO PRAY

The followers of Jesus asked him to teach them to pray. They watched him often in prayer, sometimes overnight. They saw the healing and compassion, maybe if I learn how to pray as he does I will also know healing and compassion.

Have you listened to your prayers lately? What do they tell you about yourself? Prayer is a relationship a conversation with God and the one who is praying. 

The followers were accustom to the multiple prayers, sacrifices and yet God told them I do not take pleasure in your sacrifices give me your heart.

Jesus listened and did tell them how to be in prayer, relationship with God.

Praise God as our Father, He is good and holy and wants us to share in the goodness of the world as He made it. He wants us to bring his love and caring to others so his way on earth may be as it is in heaven.

He will provide for us our daily needs, perhaps not our wants. 

We do ask God to forgive us as we forgive those who we feel have trespassed against us. How do we honor the no trespassing signs of others or do we just barge in and violate their boundaries. We  don't like those who do that to us but we are saying forgive me for when I do it as I forgive them. One way to forgive them is to pray for God's blessing on those who have trespassed against me. Sometimes not easy as it sounds, at least not if I wish to be sincere and honest with myself and God.

I ask God to not let me walk in the way of that temptations which will lead me further away in our relationship with each other. Deliver me from evil. Have you thought about what is evil for you. Perhaps it is gossip, ignoring others, telling stories that change how we think positively against the other, not doing the best I can in relationships at home and at work. Evil comes to us in the way that is attractive to each of us. 

We again acknowledge that God alone has the power to help us bring about goodness in the world. 

I pray I acknowledge the good that God does though me to bring his love to the world. 

As we all know relationships are enjoyable but also need nurturing. Take some time this week and listen to how you pray and decide is it relational or just a give me Santa type of thing. 

Doing and Being

Today's reading is about Martha, the cook and Mary the one listening. The balance of doing and being is a daily endeavor.

I am sure we all can identify with Martha, working hard to make a good meal while those who could help are chilling out or listening to someone talk. I am sure we can talk a break and chill out ourselves and join in the conversation. Sometimes I get so engrossed in the cooking I forget to just chill out and enjoy it. Jesus says just relax and learn to be there.

On the other hand learning to listen and just be there is a task as well. It takes discipline to be quiet and totally present to the other. Sometimes the cooking seems easier. 

the adventure is to balance both.

Good Samaritan or for my good

Recently I have been reading the 1st encyclical letter by Pope Frances called LUMEN FIDEI or light of faith. In this writing he states christian faith is based on the belief in the death and Resurrection of Jesus. Christ's life, his way of knowing the Father and living in complete and constant relationship with him, opens up new and inviting vistas for human experience. 

We believe and follow Jesus doing good because it was his way. We have the choice to do good so we can show we can do good and thereby do it for our own edification. Doing good works alone does not make one a follower of Christ. 

Today we hear the story of the Good Samaritan who stopped to help a injured man beaten and lying on the wayside. He stopped not only to help but took him to be taken care of. The story says the priest, the Levi a church minister not only passed the man by but crossed the street. 

We too have a choice to be followers of Jesus and help those in need as he would.  Or we too can cross the street, take a different hallway, ignore on crying, not only not help at the warming shelter, or food program but choose to not want them in our neighborhood, make judgments against those who partake of these programs. 

You can find the encyclical letter on line it is worth the read no matter what religious tradition you follow. This week be more aware of your choices are they of a good Samaritan or not?

Relax, contemplate, serve

Today the 4 Th of July Holiday weekend is over with many experiences of relaxation, some were camping, swimming, cooking out, meeting family. Some of us watched parades, family gathering, enjoyed sitting in gentle rain showers, and just plan relaxing in chair, iced coffee and zoned out. 

Now refreshed to be sent out as Jesus sent out his followers in the reading this Sunday. They went out in Jesus name giving hope, curing sick, encouragement. We too are sent out tomorrow in Jesus name as baptized persons. We too will have the opportunity to bring hope, encouragement, helping those who are sick. Do all you do in Jesus name. 

Avoid going out in your name, resist as our culture says we can do anything. 

CHOICES

Today's scripture is about choices and discernment. Jesus gives the invitation to several to follow him, one needs to say goodbye to family, another bury the dead and so on. 

It is only a example but often we are given invitations to follow Jesus in a special way to be bearers of the good news, but we too say oh can I visit my friend first, I need to do my laundry, I am too tired and so on. 

This week may we be aware of the invitations to be Gospel people and accept the invite. Let us know how it went for you!