Yom Kippur is tomorrow -what can we learn

In the Jewish religion tomorrow is the beginning of Yom Kippur. For Christians we need to be aware that Jesus was also involved in Yom Kippur. What can we learn from Yom Kippur?

The name "Yom Kippur" means "Day of Atonement," and that pretty much explains what the holiday is. It is a day set aside to "afflict the soul," to atone for the sins of the past year.

Yom Kippur atones only for sins between man and G-d, not for sins against another person. To atone for sins against another person, you must first seek reconciliation with that person, righting the wrongs you committed against them if possible. That must all be done before Yom Kippur.

You can clearly see examples of these infractions in the Yom Kippur liturgy, for instance in this excerpt from Al Khet:

For the sin that we have committed under stress or through choice;
For the sin that we have committed in stubbornness or in error;
For the sin that we have committed in the evil meditations of the heart;
For the sin that we have committed by word of mouth;
For the sin that we have committed through abuse of power;
For the sin that we have committed by exploitation of neighbors;

For all these sins, O God of forgiveness, bear with us, pardon us, forgive us!

In  listening to the teaching of Jesus we hear many of these words such as  go to the one you offended before you bring your gift to the altar.

I pray in the spirit of atonement we also can reach out to those we have offended. Often I hear said God knows me and forgives me. True but what about seeking forgiveness from others we have wronged.

LISTENING TO MY GUARDIAN ANGEL

Earlier this week we celebrated our guardian angels. In the church there is special mention on many days of holy people to remember, events and the special guides God has for each of us. It is our belief that each of us has been given a angel to be our guardian. Scripture has many references to angels and their role in our lives.
Over the years I have learned to hear the voice of my angel.

Yesterday as I was leaving my driveway for work I looked both ways and saw nothing, in a second the voice said wait a minute and behold a motorcycle driver sped by. I am grateful for the angel as I would have surely hit the person straight on. I hear my angel saying go to this floor and visit and there is someone there I didn't expect that needed something I could provide. I am grateful for this frequent guiding voice in my life.
Have you ever thought of the fact you also have an angel? Ask your angel to speak to you to guide you and you will be surprised. I have heard positive encouragement and also warnings like Don't go there? I headed the warning and was spared harm and grief.
Get to know your angel and you will also be grateful. 

RESPECT FOR LIFE

In the Catholic churches the 1st Sunday of October is designated as Respect for Life Sunday. It is a reminder for us to respect all life

The priest today in his homily said be glad you are alive. Today you are alive so you can extend respect to the world.

We often don't think of ourselves in these remembrance days

I found myself thinking of who are the people I come in contact with whose life is not respected. I couldn't help but think of the older people I meet daily whose families are at a distance and they are facing a illness. They are often all alone and in less than respectful situations. Is there someone elderly you can extend yourself to that will let them know they are not forgotten and are respected.
I also found myself thinking of the many homeless children, children needing school lunch because their parents have no jobs, means to assist them. Food panties in our area are low of food I am sure they are in your area as well. When you go shopping this week could you buy something and take it to a pantry in your area?

In refecting on respecting others what are some ways you could show respect for yourself? In your own quiet space maybe take a little time for your own reflection on what you do to respect yourself and thereby be more able to show respect to others.

Today is the feast of St. Therese known as the little flower.
She died at a young age of T.B.
I am sure you can imagine living with all women in a convent where they do not go out in the public can be very interesting, yet she was cheerful and saw her frustrations, trials and rejection by some as an opportunity to be in solidarity with those who are marginalized, rejected and misunderstood. She daily prayed for missionaries, those sent to help the poor and marginalized. She wanted to be a missionary but God called to a life of prayer. She full filled her desire by praying for missionaries. Who do you pray for?
I was thinking how do I cope with the little irritations and frustrations of daily life. Am I aware of the other? I really don't know the intentions of others so, do I  at first think the best of them, not always!
Today let us say a prayer asking God for whatever grace we need to be patient, kind, cheerful and accepting of each days trials the best we can. Praying for those in need where you may experience them.

Today we celebrate Rosh Hashanah-Happy New Year

Today is the Jewish celebration of Rosh Hashanah.
Now you may wonder why is this important to me. Jesus was a Jew he was not a Christian.
Unless we spend some time learning of the Jewish heritage we will not understand the tradition which Jesus learned, lived and challenged. It was because of his challenging what he felt God was calling him to change the Christian tradition came to be.
Today let us celebrate with our Jewish brothers and sisters. Wishing them a Happy New Year. If you want to learn of the traditions you can find them on the Internet.

The following is a Jewish prayer
"As we dip our apples in honey, we pray for an additional measure of sweetness. May we continue to grow in our commitment to our faith, our people and community. May all Jews experience blessings in the year ahead, and may the world become a better place for all your children." Rabbis Bennett Miller & Eric Lankin

Rosh Hashanah traditions include many practices symbolic of leadership and blessings for a year in which we lead with success in our respective concerns. May Israel lead this year with strength and courage. May all of us, wherever we are, be blessed with wise and courageous leadership, and may the new year bring peace, prosperity and life to all humankind.

Signs

Earlier today I wrote on the blog and lost it twice. So a sign for me not to publish it. Are you thinking what that was about?

God speaks with me and guides me by signs. Such a sign for me was asking God if he was with me and the sign I asked for was a cardinal. Few moments later a cardinal showed up outside our house in the tree. I felt more confident the way the decision I was making was the right way to go.

When reading about the Franciscan way I learned it also is open to signs. Loosing the blog twice mean to me not to publish that one.

Have you ever asked for a sign as an answer to your  discernment?

How does God speak to you?

Recreation necessary for contemplation

Today we went to Warrens to the cranberry mash festival

I tell you alot of vendors and more stuff one didn't need. Saw hundreds, hundreds of people in main street of town.

Two people said hi Sister Sharee, oh my so much for anonymity!Then Sister Lois saw someone she knew from home. Friends from high school.

We enjoyed the day and the changing of the leaves.The leaves were brighter today than a couple of days ago. Staycation is winding down and the best idea we had for a vacation for a long time.

Sometimes we drive so far and then back that we need a vacation to recuperated from vacation.

What have you done for fun this week? there are still another day left if you need it to take a break. Recreation is necessary to put ones self in the spirit for contemplation. It all part of the mind, body spirit.