12/30/24-Find Your Hill

Everyone dies.  The battle of with earthly death is one none of us can win.  Over our life we should find our personal hill.  We need to find a purpose for our lives so we don't die without reason.

There are a number of hills out there for us to climb and take a stand for.  Maybe over our lives those hills may change.  I know my personal hill has adjusted over the course of my life.

At one point my reason for life might have been personal achievement.  I know when I was young I wanted to achieve athletic or academic success.  That hill was personal, so I guess it wasn't a very big hill.

Later my reason was to represent my country.  I thought I joined the Navy because I needed a direction in life since I had failed in college and was going nowhere. But I really joined the Navy because I felt that that the USA, while it has faults, is still the greatest nation in the history of the world.  It was a pleasure to represent it and defend it.  I would have died for it.

When Cindy and I started having kids a new hill developed.  My reason for life was to provide for and pass on my knowledge to my family.  Decisions I made were made to make sure my kids had the best opportunities.  Some of those choices were made for financial reasons, others were for social growth.  But whatever I did was for Cindy and the kids.

As time has passed and my family has been firmly established my purpose has again evolved.  Now my personal hill, the one I plan to die on, is my faith in Jesus.  The best part of this hill is that it is not a hill I am on by myself.  This hill has been around for nearly 2000 years.  I am joining many others on this hill.  A lot of people have died as martyrs on this hill.  I don't know what my job is on this hill, but I'm working on finding my purpose through prayer.

So here is my advice for today.  As we get ready for 2025 find your hill, your purpose.  Maybe you are at a stage in your life where your hill is a personal one.  Maybe it is a social one like your family or friends.  Maybe it is a hill that has already there that you are joining, like my hill with my faith.  Whatever it is, the most important thing is to find your hill, and do everything you can on that hill.  Try to change that hill to a strong mountain.  Someday we will all be gone from this Earth.  People's memory of us will fade.  But our hill can remain long after we are gone as part of our legacy, we just need to make it as robust and indestructible as a hill can be.

The Feast of the Holy Innocents

Today is celebrated as the Feast of the Holy Innocents in the Catholic Church.  What does that mean to me?

In Ancient Egypt, Pharaoh feared the Israelites were becoming to numerous and he might lose his control over them.  He ordered that all male Hebrews be killed as babies by being thrown into the Nile.  Many children must have died.  Moses was spared by his mother and the charity of Pharaoh's daughter.  He would eventually lead the Israelites from Egypt.  

Years later King Herod heard of the birth of the King of the Jews in Bethlehem.  Fearing he might lose his control, King Herod ordered the massacre of all boys in the area under the age of 2.  Many innocent children must have died.  They are considered the first Christian Martyrs.  Jesus escaped with his parents to Egypt and stayed there until it was safe to return.  Jesus would eventually lead the Jews and become the Savior of the World.

Today our society fears losing control in their own life.  We allow the killing of many innocent children on the womb.  Who knows how many of those children could have led us to making the world a better place by advancing medicine or technology.  I hope we haven't murdered our times Moses before we even get a chance to spare him or her.

I pray for all the innocent children who have perished at the hands of those who fear they will lose control.  I hope they reside in Heaven with Jesus.

That's What Christmas is All About, Charlie Brown

 In 1965, Charlie Brown asked what Christmas was all about.  Linus quoted the Bible to explain what Christmas really meant.

That scene is my favorite of all the Peanuts holiday specials.

It makes me sad that not only have we as a society forgotten what Christmas was all about-focusing on trees and presents and vacations-but this special would never be made today.  Quoting the Bible would be difficult to get any producer of mainstream media to allow.  It would be looked at as not inclusive enough.

We, as a world, seem to have forgotten today is the day that:

"God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life."

Maybe through all the hustle and bustle of Christmas we can take a moment to remember that. 

12/25/24-"Isn't there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?"

"Sure, Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about," said Linus.

"Lights, please."

"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."

"That's what Christmas is all about Charlie Brown."

12/24/24-Frank Thornton

This is probably the last in my series of role models, but for someone who I only knew for a short time Frank Thornton made a big impact on my life.

Mr. Thornton was born in 1916 and served in Europe in WW2, where he lost his leg in combat.  Following the war he eventually ended up in San Diego, becoming the principal at Patrick Henry High School in the 1970's.

Our paths crossed when I was receiving the sacrament of Confirmation in my late teens.  It is the custom when getting Confirmed in the Catholic Church you have a sponsor, who guides you through the process of preparing to receive the Holy Spirit.  Usually a sponsor is an Aunt or Uncle or family friend who is active in the Church.  I didn't have a natural sponsor, but through the Church Mr. Thornton was asked to be my sponsor.  I couldn't have asked for a better guide.  Naturally, I respected him as a war hero, and he knew exactly how to deal with a teenager to keep me engaged and excited about being Confirmed.

We would meet at least weekly and discuss the Church's teachings and what the expectations were for a young man getting ready to receive the Holy Spirit in Confirmation.  The day that truly means more to me than almost any moment in my life is the day we were sitting in Burger King across from the Church and he used the term "transubstantiation."  To this moment I think I understood that the bread and wine we received at Communion were only a symbol of the body and blood of Jesus.  That all changed over a hamburger.

I was just enamored over that term.  And the fact that we believe that the Eucharist, when it is in the Priest's hands, becomes the actual Body and Blood of Christ.  I know that is one of the things that separates Catholics from some of our Protestant brothers and sisters, but from that moment on The Eucharist meant something extra to me.  To this day receiving the moment of transubstantiation at mass and receiving the actual Body and Blood of Christ in Communion are some of the highlights of the week.

My relationship with the Eucharist continues to this day.  I was able to lead Eucharistic Services and distribute the Eucharist when I was in the Navy and we were underway.  As a civilian I continue to distribute the Eucharist at mass, a responsibility I am honored to do and take very seriously.

I owe my life long relationship with the Eucharist to that moment in a fast food restaurant and to Frank Thornton. 

Mr. Thornton passed away in 2006.  I hope to be able to look him up in heaven someday to thank him for truly introducing me to Jesus. 

My Relationship with the Eucharist

I'm not sure if this is actually true, but I remember receiving my first Communion on Christmas Eve.  So today is the the anniversary of the day I started my relationship with the Eucharist.

Since then, every time I need to be reminded about my faith it is through my Communion with Jesus in the Eucharist.

1978?-Received my first Communion.

1988?-During my preparation for Confirmation learned about the miracle of transubstantiation, where the bread and wine truly become the body and blood of Jesus.

1996-Became an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist in the Navy.  When we were deployed and at sea there was no Priest on board.  I was allowed to possess the consecrated hosts and held communion services at sea.

2004-After my Navy time was over I returned back to the Church where I first received Communion and became an Eucharistic Minister.  Over the years I must have given communion to thousands of the faithful.  I continue to do this, and look at it as one of the most important things I do.

Now, I look forward to the moment every week when I am reminded that God gave his begotten Son for us so we can live on in eternal life.  It is through the Eucharist that I become closer to Jesus.

Why I Feel So Close to Mary

I think I might have already talked about the reverence that The Catholic Church has for Mary the Mother of God is one of the things that separates us from other Christian religions. 

My personal admiration towards Mary is rooted in the fact that she has the closest human relationship to God.  When she was chosen to become the mother of God, Jesus grew in her womb.  Her flesh and blood supported the Baby Jesus.  Eventually, Jesus was born from and of her flesh.

So when we celebrate the Eucharist at Mass and partake in the union of the body and blood of Christ, we are in some way celebrating the woman who agreed to let Jesus grow in her body and become man.

If not for her giving her body to do God's will, we would have no Christ to give his life for our redemption.  Mary is not God, but definitely is someone God favored, so why shouldn't we also honor her? 

When John the Baptist Met Jesus

 

In today's Gospel we hear the story of the Visitation, where Mary came to visit Elizabeth before the birth of their children.  The center of this story is where Elizabeth proclaims "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb."  This eventually became part of the Hail Mary prayer which is recited countless times every day since it is the root of the Rosary.

But the Visitation is also  the first time John the Baptist met his cousin, Jesus.  Still in the womb, John leaps for joy at the presence of the Savior.

We should all have that same joy that John had when we meet Jesus in mass, especially in the moment of the Eucharist, where we are allowed to become one with him.

Is It Right to Call Jesus My Friend?

I look at the title of this blog and I think to myself is it ok to call Jesus my friend?  Afterall Jesus is my Lord.  He is not my buddy.

I came up with the name of the blog one night after church.  I do not like singing at church, but I try to participate.  One of the songs I do enjoy is called "Because the Lord is My Shephard."  The chorus of the song says:

"Lord, You are my shepherd,

You are my friend.

I want to follow You always

Just to follow, my friend."

Jesus was friends to his Apostles. I want to be his friend as well.

Sometimes when I pray to him I talk to him like I would talk to a friend.  Sometimes I might get a little sarcastic, or even crack a little joke.  I think he knows when I do this it is not out of a lack of respect or worship.  Afterall, he knows everything about me.  It is because I long to be closer to him, to be his friend.

I hope He and I can walk together, both as my savior and my friend.

Morning Prayer

I believe it is the best habit to form to start every day with a morning prayer to God.  It is a good opportunity to thank him for all He has dome and to ask him for guidance for the day to come. 

Personally, I listen to the Gospel for the day and a reflection on how to apply its message to my day.  If I have time I might also pray The Rosary if I have time.

Today I was watching one of my Catholic resources on YouTube, The Religious Hippie, and she had a video on her daily prayer routine.  I absolutely love a couple of the options she uses for her morning prayers and am trying to incorporate them into my daily wake-up regimen.  Here are my favorites:

“O my Jesus, I offer this day, with all of its joys and sufferings, for the holy souls in purgatory. I ask that You grant them the relief they need and hasten their entry into Heaven. May this offering bring them comfort and bring glory to God.  Amen.”

“O Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I offer you my prayers, works, joys, and sufferings of this day for all the intentions of your Sacred Heart, in union with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass throughout the world, for the salvation of souls, the reparation of sins, the reunion of all Christians, and in particular for the intentions of the Holy Father. Amen.”

 “Dear Lord, I give You my heart this morning. I dedicate all that I am and all that I do to You today. May my thoughts be focused on Your goodness, my words speak Your truth, and my actions be a reflection of Your love. Help me to carry Your presence throughout the day and to be a witness to Your grace.  Amen.”

I am not comfortable enough to write my own prayers, but there are parts of all 3 that I would like to incorporate into something for me.  Maybe that's a preview of an upcoming post where I write my own prayers.

Have I Completed My Mission on Earth?

This is a question we all ask ourselves when we know our time on Earth is coming to a close.  I heard this quote the other day and it sums up the way we should feel about our reason for living and the solace we can take when we are finally called to our heavenly home.

“God has created me to do Him some definite service. He has committed some work to me which He has not committed to another. I have my mission. I may never know it in this life, but I shall be told it in the next. I am a link in a chain, a bond of connection between persons.

He has not created me for naught. I shall do good; I shall do His work. I shall be an angel of peace, a preacher of truth in my own place, while not intending it if I do but keep His commandments.

Therefore, I will trust Him, whatever I am, I can never be thrown away. If I am in sickness, my sickness may serve Him, in perplexity, my perplexity may serve Him. If I am in sorrow, my sorrow may serve Him. He does nothing in vain. He knows what He is about. He may take away my friends. He may throw me among strangers. He may make me feel desolate, make my spirits sink, hide my future from me. Still, He knows what He is about.”   

-St. John Henry Newman

12/18/24-The Last...

I have been kind of down in the dumps lately.  I'm starting to feel like my life is getting ready to become a series of lasts.  The last Christmas, The last New Year, The last National Bean Day (January 6th, by the way).

I guess it would be heathy to try to embrace the days and to get the most out of them.  But right now that is hard to do.  I find myself just dreading the days themselves.

How do I put on a happy face and celebrate the holiday when I really don't want to.  At this moment 6 days from Christmas, I just want to sit by myself and wallow in my own sadness.  But that's not fair to my friends and family.

I know that I'm not going through this alone.  I have support from friends and family.  I can always take comfort in my faith in God.  But sometimes it does seem like I am going through this out on a branch by myself, waiting for the branch to finally break.

So what should I do?

I know that my friends and family would understand if I acted a little bah humbug for the holiday, but I really should try to embrace the day and celebrate as best I can.  Hopefully as we get closer to Christmas the holiday spirit will overcome me.  Probably not, but time will tell.

The Faith of Joseph

Today's Gospel contains the Nativity Story as told by Matthew.  This story is pretty short but it is one of the few places I am aware of where the Bible specifically talks about Joseph, the Earthly Father of Jesus.

The story of the Annunciation where the Angel Gabriel comes to Mary is well known.  But we sometimes forget Joseph's role in the birth of Jesus.  He was also visited by and Angel of the Lord and told that he should still take Mary to be his wife even with child, because she is with child through the Holy Spirit.  He, like Mary, showed faith, and gave the rest of his life to the young Jesus.

We know very little from the Bible about Jesus's youth, therefore we know very little about Joseph either. But even though Jesus was and is the Son of God, I'd assume there were lessons that, as a father, Joseph passed on to the young Jesus.  Earthly lessons might have been Joseph's job.  But it must have been hard knowing that he, a man, was teaching the Messiah.

By the time of Jesus's mission when the Gospels really start, Joseph is no longer mentioned at all.  Still, I believe, that he was an instrumental part of getting Jesus to the point where he start his preaching.  Thank God for Joseph-the head of the Holy Family. 

The Book of Job

Until relatively recently the only thing I knew about the book of Job was it was how Tom Cruise communicated with the terrorists in the first Mission Impossible movie.  Then, a couple of years ago, I did a "Bible in a Year" challenge and was finally exposed to the actual Book of Job in the Bible.

Job was a righteous and prosperous man, who was tested by Satan by losing his sheep, servants and children, then being afflicted by painful sores.  He was encouraged to renounce his faith.  He spends most of the story complaining about the trials his life.  It's a lot of him saying "Woe is me." 

I really didn't like this book of The Bible.  I dreaded the daily toil of reading about Job's life.

Eventually I got to the end of the Book of Job and realized what it was really about.  It wasn't about Job and his horrible life.  Job never gave up on God no matter how bad things seemed to get.  Eventually met God and was restored to health and even more prosperity than he had before.

We should learn from Job.  No matter how many trials and tribulations we face in life we should never lose hope and faith in God.  We will be rewarded in this life or the next.

Modern Depictions of The Bible

Over the years there have been many movies and shows that have told a part of the story of salvation.  While the main source for many of these is the Bible, in order to tell a complete story the creators have had to take some liberties with their depictions.  In same cases they might find another source that may or may not be accepted by people or faith groups.  In other cases the creators might just make the missing parts of the story themselves.

This leads to the question:  Is it ok to watch these projects, even if they don't follow the accepted stories by The Church?

I know there has been a number stage shows and films in history that have told biblical stories, but my first exposure to Hollywood Bible Version was the "Passion of the Christ."  As I understand, this film is accepted mostly by the Catholic Church as accurate.

The next thing that comes to mind is the series "The Chosen."  The Catholic Church is pretty silent on this one.  I get the impression that they are not thrilled with some of the choices that the creators made to tell a complete story, but the Church does like the presentation overall along with the attention it has given.

That leads me to the present where Netflix has just released the story of Mary, the Mother of Jesus.  They didn't have much to go by in the Bible, but they used other sources.  In this case from what I've heard the Church is not happy with some of the choices they made for the parts of Mary's life.

So that's the spectrum.  Sometimes the church likes the depiction sometimes not.  God gave us free will to decide what we should do.  So here's how I feel about Hollywood Bible.  If I see something that looks good I will watch it.  I try to separate the Biblical facts from the part that is not faithful to the Bible.  I can accept it for what it is.

What we should be thankful for is the attention that those projects give to the Salvation story.  Those stories can expose people to the Bible.  Maybe some of those people will want to investigate the life of Jesus more.  And maybe it will lead to them returning to the Christian life or starting the journey to become Christians.  More people following Christ can never be a bad thing.

12/15/24-Evolution of the News? (Old Man Rant Warning)

I remember watching the national news when I was a kid.  You could turn on Peter Jennings or Walter Cronkite and they would spend 30 minutes reading the news, concentrating on the facts, allowing the viewer to make an informed conclusion.  If they wanted to interject their opinion you would know because it was during an editorial segment.

I read the newspaper sometimes when I was growing up.  The stories focused on facts.  There was an entire section of the newspaper you could open if you wanted to get people's views.  They even sometimes had opposing positions on a story right next to each other so the reader could look at both viewpoints.

To my recollection CNN was the first 24 hour news network.  It was nice to be able to get a complete story whenever you wanted it rather than have to wait until the 5 o'clock news.  Seeing the facts of the big stories as they were happening was a great way to see what was going on in the world.

Then something happened.  I don't know when but all the news needed to include an opinion.  Even the most basic news story on the news had to have commentary from the newscasters.  The newspaper basically disappeared, replaced by the internet where it seems every news story has a definite agenda, from the titles to the final line.

Which leads to the 24 hour news.  Whether you watch Fox, CNN or MSNBC you not only get opinion in the stories, but they choose the stories they cover based on what they can sensationalize.  They are proud of their leanings.

Don't even get me started on supposed commentary programs like "The View."  I can't imagine that Barbara Walters, a true newsperson, can be happy with the direction that show has gone.

Sports news is littered with with guys just wanting to state their opinions rather then focus on stats and results.  Late night TV is a cesspool of individual point of views and insults, rather than focus on comedy and talent.

I just can't watch the news anymore.  I miss being able to sit down and get the facts from someone I trust.  Then I can decide to look into getting more information if I need to so I can come to my own conclusions.

Today it seems everyone from the network anchor to the barely followed blogger needs to interject their opinion into every story.  And the viewer doesn't actually want the news, they just want to find someone to confirm their views of the "news."

Bring back the real news anchors.  David Brinkley.  Maria Shriver.  Bring back the sportscasters.  Vin Scully.  Rick Reilly.  Bring back the late night variety shows.  Johnny Carson.  David Letterman.  Bring back "The View."  Never mind on that one-it's a lost cause. 

Gaudete Sunday! or Why is my Priest Dressed like a Barbie?

Today is Gaudete Sunday.  It's the Sunday the Priest wears his pink rose vestments.  It is the reminder to rejoice, because we are almost to the birth of our Savior.

It is also a reminder that we are almost done with Advent.  And if you need to do anything to get ready for Christmas this is last chance.

So if you haven't it's time to get to confession.

One of the things I feel really bad about when I go to confession is repeat sins.  I hate going to the priest and just asking for forgiveness for the same things as last time.  For me that's profanity.  I spent 10 years in the Navy and still do have times when I "talk like a sailor."

But I am doing better by swearing less and being aware of it when I do.  So I asked the Priest if I get partial credit for improving.  He laughed.  No partial credit but he said "A sinner sins and accepts it.  A Saint sins and realizes it, trying not to let it happen again."  I think it is a take-off of a quote from Oscar Wilde.  And it makes sense.

The journey from sinner to Saint is a long one.  Going to confession helps keep you on the path.  If you can go you should. 

The Evolution of the Church

Over time things evolve.  Change over time is almost inevitable.  But change does not always happen for the better.  So I ask the question-Should the Church change with the times?

Over the last 2000 years I am quite sure much has changed in the way we celebrate Jesus as Catholics. For example, the language, the music and the structure of the mass itself has changed many times I'm sure.  I have never been to a mass that follows the rite as it was done before Vatican 2 in the mid 20th Century, where it was entirely in Latin and the congregation was looked at as observers rather than participants.  I'm not sure how I'd feel about that.

But I am at heart a traditionalist in most things.  So as long as the mass revolves around Jesus and the Sacrifice of the Eucharist I'm mostly ok with changes.

However I was confused by the recent restoration mass at Notre Dame in Paris.  The repairs following the fire were done well or the most part. I heard rumors that th Franch Government wanted a glass roof or a rooftop cafe.  I'm glad the Church was able to block that.  The thing that did bother me was the bright pastel vestments that looked like they were a billboard for a new version of Windows.  In my opinion, they were a distraction from the mass.  I was even more disappointed when I found they were designed by a Non-Catholic.  They couldn't find a practicing Catholic who understood the importance of the mass to design what the clothing for the bishops at the mass?

In all honesty I would prefer the Church concentrate on being the traditional Church first. Changes and updates should be slow and over time.  It is not the job of the Church to conform to the times, socially or politically. It's the job of the people to worship God as he intended.  The mass is not a fashion show or a musical concert.  It's a celebration of The Body and Blood of Christ.

So to answer the original question-No. The Church shouldn't change with the times.  We worship Jesus. We worship God.  They don't worship whatever today's world deems socially acceptable.

Very Superstitious

I am committed to blog daily during Advent. I don't actually like daily blog commitments because sometimes it's hard to find a topic or inspiration.

Today I did struggle. Then I realized my topic was staring back at me whenever I looked at my watch.  It's Friday the 13th.  Is that ok to believe in as a Christian?

I am not claiming to be an expert, but I think this is a definite no.  Believing that something bad is going to happen to you just because of the calendar is believing something over God.  That's directly against the 1st Commandmant.  In fact, believing in any superstition violates the 1st Commandmant.  Superstition is a sin against God.

Can you do things out of habit like putting on you left shoe first. Sure. Can you go to a Friday the 13th Party? Yes. Can I pick up a penny for luck? Yep. As long as you don't believe that the way you put your shoes on, or the calendar or that penny actually will have an impact on what happens to you or anyone else. Only God has that control.

Definitely no to Ouija Boards or Tarot Cards though. Those are both superstition and silly.

Our Lady of Guadalupe

I can understand sometimes when non-Catholics can't understand why we hold Mary in such high regard.  

Today is another day we celebrate Mary, The Feast of Our Lady Guadalupe.  Only 4 days after celebrating her Immaculate Conception, today we  commemorate the day in 1531 where Mary appeared to a peasant boy, Juan Diego.  After going to the Bishop and being turned away multiple times, her image then appeared on on Juan Diego's cloak right before their eyes.  This cloak still exists and is displayed in The Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City.

The entire story is pretty amazing. The image has been studied and science has been unable to explain how it was created nor how it has lasted nearly 500 years with little sign of age.  It as been directly attributed to healings and may be the inspiration that lead the Aztecs to turn away from human sacrifice and cannibalism.

Our Lady of Guadalupe is the first Marian apparition in the Western World.  She is called the Patroness on the Americas, which happens to be where I live.  So I chose to honor her, and hopefully you can honor her as well.  She is our Spiritual Mother and by her intercession transmits the grace of God to all who willing to believe in her.

12/11/24-Staying Together for the Kids

No relationship is perfect.  There were times way back when it seemed that Cindy and I wouldn't be a lifelong thing as it has become.  Mostly it was stuff that I did that put our relationship in jeopardy at times.

I always hear about families staying together for the kids.  I don't know if that is really a healthy reason to stay with someone.  I'm not a psychologist, so I'll refer to the experts to make a determination on the efficacy of using kids as a reason to stay with someone who you maybe shouldn't.

In my case staying together for the kids has been a positive.  As I have said before, I don't know what I would have done for the past 34ish years without Cindy to take care of me.

So I guess I owe it all to my first child,  Bob the Beagle.  Having a "child" together kept our relationship alive through tough times.

Today we celebrate the day we had to say "Good-bye" to Bob.  Cancer took him.  Someday it will probably take me as well.  But its hard to imagine all that a little puppy who peed on me in the pet store is responsible for.  If not for him there might not be 30 years of marriage.  There might not be a Steve or a Jeff.

Thanks Bobby, where ever you are, you will always be part of the family you helped create. 

My Yoke is Easy, My Burden Light

Today's Gospel contains one of my favorite lines.

In Matthew 11, Jesus invites us to join him by taking up his yoke.  When I found out I was sick, I felt like my burden was so heavy that I could not bear it.  Then I heard this line.  In sharing my burden for him Jesus would help me.

So what is Jesus asking of me?  I think he is telling me that living by his teachings will not be oppressive, but a path of peace.

And I continue to live day by day remembering that it is thru His Grace that I have life, it is under his authority I continue to live every day.  And for as many days as I continue to live on this Earth, I will proclaim His glory, together with him on the yoke of salvation.   

The Sacrament of Reconciliation Part 1

This week of Advent the readings are devoted to John the Baptist and his call for repentance to make ready for the Lord.  Over the next few days I am going to focus on confession a little.  Admittingly, this is going to apply most directly to Catholics, but everyone sins against their neighbor, so these posts may still be relevant for everyone in sone form.

I went to confession this weekend.  The line was pretty long to see the priest and while we were waiting someone asked one of the people in line, "How often do you go to confession?"

To this there is no right answer.  It's going to be "As often as you need to."  The Church itself says a minimum of once a year.  A lot of people try to go at least twice a year, once during Advent and once during Lent.  I am trying to go once a month now.  St. Mother Theresa went every week (I'm not sure what she had to confess).

What it really comes down to is how often should I go to confession is an individual decision.  If you feel you have committed a mortal sin-go.  If you feel guilt about something you have done or failed to do-go.  If you are not sure if you should go or not-go.  You'll feel better afterwards.

The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception

I'm not afraid to admit that up until the past few years I always thought on December 8th (Note: In 2024 the Holy Day is being observed December 9th) we were celebrating Christ's Conception.  You are never too old to be wrong.  And in this case I was wrong.  We are actually remembering on this date that Mary was also conceived without sin.

Mary is an important figure.  She is even called in the Quran as the greatest woman to have ever lived.

 

I understand one of the things that separates Catholics from other Christians is our level of devotion to Mary.  To some it seems we think of her as almost Godlike. But I always say we worship God alone as the 1st Commandment instructs is to do,  while we honor Mary for her role in the redemption of the human race.

So why did Mary need to be conceived without sin? I think of it this way.

Eve was created without sin, was tempted by a (fallen) angel, Satan, and in doing so doomed the human race with original sin.

Mary is the new Eve. In order for Mary's story to parallel Eve's, Mary was also needed to be conceived without sin, be approached by an Angel, Gabriel, to give give herself for the redemption of the world from original sin.

Today, I believe as Christians, whether or not we think Catholics devote too much to Mary, we should all take a moment to thank her for saying "Yes" to the Angel Gabriel and brought Jesus into the World.

12/8/24-Negative Energy

I was talking to my Mom yesterday and she said she's "Done with negativity."  That got me thinking about how hard it is to be negative.  My Mom is the inspiration for this post.  So if it's bad its her fault.

Before I got sick I think I was a pretty negative person.  It was almost a joke how people would always come to me expecting cynicism on any situation.  I was always looking toward the bad that can come out of an event.  Sarcastically, I lived my life under the premise that if you expect the worst to happen you can never be let down.

And that included the way I viewed people as well.  I would always look to them expecting to be disappointed by their actions or their abilities.  I assumed they would live their life selfishly, always looking for the easy way out for their benefit.

Living with that attitude was hard.  It left me with a bad taste for the world itself and especially the people in it.  I used to justify my attitude as bring a realistic view of the world, but it was really just a pessimistic outlook on society.

When I got sick I realized that I only had so much energy to give, and I was wasting it on being so gloomy about everything and everyone.  It was much easier to try to live life looking for the good rather than the bad.

Now, when I look to a situation rather than trying to figure out ways it will fail, I am trying to work out how to make it work.  I am trying to look for ways to make a condition better.

The biggest difference in my attitude is towards people.  When we opened the hospital 7 years ago one of our mottos was "Assume good intentions."  Rather than looking at every thing someone does, even if it turs out bad, as a potential failure, the idea was that assume everyone does things to try to make things better.  We should appreciate their efforts in trying.  Celebrating their efforts not only leads to them trying again, but also leads them more open to ideas on how to improve.  At the time I thought it was kinda a corny statement, but it has stuck with me all these years later, so I guess its not.

The other thing that has changed is my effort to use gratitude towards others.  I think that finding the good in people and thanking them for it can only make relationships better and easier.  I am trying to go out of my way to appreciate people and thanking them for their efforts.

I used to say, sarcastically, "I hate all people equally."  That was a stupid way to live, even as a joke.

I am finding it much easier to use my energy towards positivity.  And I think the world would be a better place if we all used a little bit of positive energy and let the negativity go sometimes.

I'm still here if you need your dose of sarcasm or cynicism, but I am also here if you need a little bit of a pick me up or just a thank you.

Prepare the Way of the Lord

John the Baptist is a strange figure in the Bible.  We first hear of him while he is still in the belly of his mother, Elizabeth.  He recognizes Jesus, the savior, in Mary's womb and leaps for joy.  We know little about the childhood of John, but as a close cousin of Jesus I'm sure that he and Jesus grew up together almost as brothers.

We next hear about John the Baptist as wearing clothes of camel hair, living on locust and wild honey.  What a sight he must have been.  I bet there were people wondering what that wierdo was doing on the banks of the Jordan eating bugs and proclaiming baptism for the repentance of sin.

Should we imitate John the Baptist?  I don't think wearing itchy camel hair and foraging for grasshoppers is the way any of us are looking to lead our life.  However, John's real purpose on the bank of the Jordan was to prepare the way for the coming of the Lord.  He was baptizing with water, but also proclaims that after him another will come and baptize with the Holy Spirit.  We know that is Jesus.

John was the trumpet that was blowing to announce the coming of the Lord.  He was unafraid to stand on the banks of the river and proclaim Jesus's arrival was near, so people needed to repent and be prepared.  He continued to do this until his death, by beheading, under the order of King Harrod.

We can follow in John the Baptist example and ready the world for the return of our King.  We should look for the opportunity to discuss our faith with friends and family, including the need for repentance.  We need to get the word out to today's society that Jesus is coming and to prepare for his return.

I don't know if you can buy camel hair clothes anywhere, but in this little post I will try to let John the Baptist live through me.  

Let this be your reminder that Jesus will come to be both our savior and judge, so be ready to proclaim his glory!

"The Harvest Is Abundant, But The Laborers Are Few"

"The harvest is abundant, but the laborers are few.  So ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest." (Matthew 9)

After saying this Jesus calls his disciples, gives them the ability to cast our demons and heal sicknesses.  He sends them out to proclaim Jesus's message to the lost sheep of Israel.

Jesus is the master of the harvest.  His disciples are his laborers.  The people are the harvest. 

How does this apply to us today?  I don't know anyone who has the ability to cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers or drive out demons.  I know I can't.

But I think we can still be laborers for Christ's harvest.  We can learn about Jesus's message.  We can follow his teachings.  We should be virtuous in our actions.  We shouldn't be afraid to talk to people about Jesus and invite others into his flock.

It's important to make the proclamation that Jesus told his disciples to pass on the the lost people of Israel:

"The Kingdom of God is at hand."  

That statement is as true today as it was 2000 years ago.

Shopping for Bibles

I am far from an expert on anything to do with The Church or the faith.  In fact, the purpose of this little blog is to document and share my process of learning about my faith and becoming closer to Jesus through that learning.  So don't take anything I say as definitive-I may misstate things or interpret them wrong.

One thing that it seems everyone learning about God is a bible.  They are available for free on line and can be gotten relatively inexpensively if you prefer the feel of an actual book in your hands.  They can also be very expensive.

If you search "Bible" on Amazon you get an overwhelming list of all kinds of different bibles with a number of translations.  Its an alphabet soup of KJV, NIV, ESV, ASV, NAV, etc.  Even if you search for Catholic Bible there are a number of accepted translations.  What one is the best to get?

Most of these are "Protestant" versions.  I don't think that makes them "bad" bibles from the Catholic point of view, but they are different in some sort of way.  Maybe some of the passages are different or the interpretations are presented differently.  But different isn't necessarily bad.

I would recommend doing a little research on the particular translation, as I am sure there are some that may cross the line on interpretation, and I am far from the expert on every bible.

Just to put this out there, for Catholics there are several approved translations, but the main ones are the Revised Standard Edition and the New American Version.  So I guess if you are Catholic you should start with those.

But I contend this-The best Bible is the one you will read.  Maybe you found an old King James Version and like the way it feels, so you read that.  Maybe you have a New American Version and like the way the pages smell so you read that.  Maybe you have a Children's Bible and like the pictures so you read that.  In my uninformed and humble opinion the most important part is the reading of God's Word, not necessarily the translation.  Just opening the book and reading the stories will allow God to inspire you, and that's what's really important.

So open the best selling book of all time, The Bible.  And be inspired.

I thought I should include a list of approved bible translations according to the US Council of Bishops.

12/5/24-Accepting Limitations

One of my new philosophies since I got sick is to live "Day by Day."

Before I would always try to get the most out of every day.  I'd push my days to the limit and make big plans to get a lot accomplished.  If I didn't check everything off my list I'd get disappointed in myself and feel like the day was a failure.

What I think now is everyday is its own day, with its own struggles.  I can plan things on a day, but until I live that day I don't know what I realistically can accomplish.  Things that I didn't expect may come up.  Maybe I don't feel up to doing everything I hoped due to how I physically feel that day.

And that's Ok.  Just because I didn't do everything, doesn't mean that day was a waste.

It's like this.  I am back at work.  While my job most of the time is not physically demanding, there are times when I would need to lift heavy object or climb on things.  It was not unusual to see me laying across a pipe 15 feet off the ground with a 3 foot wrench trying to reach a bolt.  I can't do that anymore.  And I accept that.

I hate asking for help.  But I am coming to understand that there's nothing wrong with asking for a hand to do things.  And friends and family are happy to come to my aid.

Everyday is its own journey.  And sometimes that journey will have limitations due to my age, my physical being, or my mental health.  And that's part of life.  With ageing and sickness we all will find ourselves dealing with new limitations that maybe we didn't have before.  We just need to understand that and celebrate what we can do everyday and now dwell on what we can't.

The First Brothers and the First Murder

I have read the story of Cain and Abel, the first two sons of Eve, before and never really understood it.  For those who may not be familiar with it basically Cain was the keeper of the field and Abel was the keeper of the flock.  Both brought offerings to God.  God favored Abel's offering more.  Cain got jealous and killed his brother.

I never understood why God favored Abel's offering over Cain's when I read the story.  Until today.  I missed the nuance of the phrasing.  Abel's offering was from the best of his flock.  Cain's offering was from the fruit of the ground, basically leftovers.

God favored Abel's offering because it was a more complete sacrifice rather than from giving God something from his excess, like Cain did.  Jesus echoes this sentiment in Mark 12, when he says the poor widow who gave only two coins gave more then the rich men who put large amounts of money in the temple collection.  She offered from what she needed, not from the excess like the rich men did.

Today, we give the sacrifice of our heart in love and faith to God.  Like Abel, we should offer our whole heart to him, not just what is leftover after our love for secular things like football and Taylor Swift.  To not give God our whole heart is the same as giving him the fruit that fell on the ground, like Cain did.  If we put God first in our mind and heart, he will show us favor back, both in our life and when we meet Him at the final judgement.   

Judge Jesus

Jesus was sent to Earth and became man to be our savior.  He gave his life on the cross to save us from original sin.

But he also has another job.  He will come to judge the living and the dead.

We've all seen court shows.  People's Court or Judge Judy.  Or maybe we've seen a courtroom drama on TV or at the movies.  In those cases we see the defendant or their lawyer try to explain the defendants transgressions.  Maybe the person didn't do the crime.  Or maybe they were tricked into a situation or had no choice.  Or maybe the slick lawyer can find some loophole in the law to help his client.

Evidence is introduced.  There might be discussions about the defendants past.  Witnesses might be called to talk about the character of the defendant.

The judge looks at the case and then decides the person's guilt.

When we face final judgement there won't be any need for all those processes and procedures.  Jesus knows all we have done.  Jesus knows why we did it.  And His judgement is final.

It is our job to live righteously. Show hope, faith and charity. Ask for forgiveness when the time arises.

Face Judge Jesus with your best case.  And he will allow you passage to eternal life. 

Even if Our World is Collapsing Around Us, Jesus Never Abandons Us

The world today is far from perfect.  There is war.  There is poverty.  There is hunger.  It may seem as if we are living through the end of the world.  

On a personal level we might be dealing with fear, stress or sadness.  It may seem as if we are heading on a journey to our own personal hell.

But even no matter how bad things may seem, Jesus never abandons us.

The entirety of the Old Testament is littered with stories of disasters and lack of faith in God. Adam and Eve disobeyed God.  Man attempted to build a tower to the sky to show they were equal to God.  After Moses led the Israelites from slavery, they worshiped golden calves instead of God.

And still "God so loved the world he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life." Jn 3:16

No matter how bad things may seem, Jesus is there for us.  On the darkest of days all we need to do is ask for Jesus.  He will always be there for us.  That's what he became man to do-to save us all.  We just need to have faith in Him.

Only Say the Word and My Servant Will Be Healed

One of the things that has increased my faith Christ over the past few years is the series "The Chosen."  It is the story of Jesus and his Apostles from their first moments together to the eventual Crucifixion and Resurrection.

The story is taken from the Gospels, but it is the show's creator's vision and interpretation of the stories.  So I'm not sure its really the accepted account by the Catholic Church, but seeing the stories come to life has brought me to tears on many occasions.

The story in the Gospel today is the culmination of the centuriation's belief in Jesus.  In the show the centuriation is Gaius.  He wishes for Jesus to heal his young servant boy.  Jesus offers to come to his house, Gaius refuses saying he is not worthy to have Jesus enter under his roof.  Jesus is so amazed by the faith of a man who has spent a lifetime worshiping many Roman gods that he heals the young boy.

This story shows that no matter what we have done in the past and whatever we have chosen to praise before today does not matter to Christ.  There is time for all of us to be redeemed in His eyes.  He is accepting of all who believe in him.  If a Roman soldier who persecuted Jesus's peoples can be saved none of us is beyond his forgiveness and redemption.

Pray for me this Advent.  I am praying for all of you.

New Year's Resolution in Faith

Happy (Liturgical) New Year!!  Today starts the season of Advent, the beginning of the Church year and a time when we prepare for the coming of the baby Jesus.  Everyone knows about Lent, the time before Easter, but Advent doesn't seem to get the same attention.  We don't give up something or abstain from meat on Friday or make other sacrifices Advent as we do during Lent.

Today Advent is looked at as a countdown to Christmas.  I know when I was young I used to look at the 4 candles on the Advent wreath as a timer until Christmas morning.  What I am finally learning is that Advent is not about the day at end but the journey to get there.

If we look at Advent as the New Year we can make a "New Year's Resolution in Faith."  We should look at our relationship with God and figure out what we can do over the next 4 weeks to get closer to out Lord.  Pray more, read the scriptures or attend church are some ideas.

Personally, I am going to reflect daily on the Word of God, the Gospel.  There is no better way, in my opinion to get closer to God than by reading his words.

I am also going to follow the story of salvation from creation to Jesus by practicing the "Jesse Tree."  I never heard of it until this year but a Jesse Tree is a series of daily readings tracing the salvation story.  It is usually done by families with young kids as the daily readings end with putting a special ornament on a tree to represent the day's journey.  I'm not a kid, but I still have much to learn about, so taking advantage of the Jesse Tree tradition can only help my relationship with Jesus.

Pray for me, this Advent.  I'm praying for all of you.

11/28/24-Thankful for Cancer?

I don't think anyone is going to ever utter the phrase "I'm thankful for getting cancer."  Cancer sucks.

But I am grateful for some of the things that cancer has done for me over the past 6 months.

Cancer has made me have a better perspective on life.  I realize what is really important.  I live day to day.  I realize that not every day is going to be perfect, but I celebrate the positives, rather than dwell on the negatives.

Cancer has made me realize what's really important in my life.  I appreciate my family more.  The way that family pulls together over a tough situation can't be understated.

Cancer has reminded me of the role God has in my life.  I have become aware of the importance in my faith in God's plan for me.

Cancer has connected me with people who I lost contact with over time.  I used to think I was okay without friends, but now I realize how important those relationships were to me and to get the most out of them from today on.

Being sick is not something anyone can be thankful for.  But I can be thankful for what cancer has done for my overall mindset.  I may not be happy all the time, but I am more appreciative all the time. 

Carpe Diem.  Make most of the present.

The Feast of the Miraculous Medal

November 27th is the day we celebrate the day that Mary appeared to St. Catherine Laboure.  At a small chapel on this day in 1830, Our Lady revealed herself standing on the Earth, crushing a serpent under her feet.  She asked that a medal be struck with this image to receive graces of God through her.

The medal was eventually struck, and wearers of the medal have seen numerous conversions, healings and other intercessions. 

One of the biggest followers of Mary, St. Maximilian Kolbe, described the medal as the silver bullet to bring down the enemy of souls, Satan.

I always wear my Miraculous Medal, and I always feel as if Mary is there with me. She never lets me go through any daily toils alone.  Remember, Jesus first love was his Mother. After giving her to us as Our Mother on the cross when he said, "Woman, behold your son."  Followed by telling John, "Behold, your Mother."  We should love her just as Jesus did.

And what better way to show our love and honor for the Ever Virgin Mother of God than wearing her image around our neck-close to our heart.

"Oh Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee!"

Everyone is better than you

 

“Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory; rather, humbly regard others as more important than more important than yourselves, each looking out for his own interests, but also for those of others."

-Philippians 2

A good resolution would be to practice that. Paul seems pretty smart. He's probably one of the most read authors in history after all.

Far from me to try to translate Paul or try to put his work in context, but I think the best way to look at it always trying to consider the other person to be better than yourself so that the interest of the other first.

Today's society is so self-centric. With the internet and social networking it's all about the ME. Posting about your meals and your drive to work and the like. The common thing is all the posts are about the ME.

Maybe if we realized that in the grand scheme of things none of us is really that important. Maybe if we could post more about the good in others we would be more aware of the needs of not only ourselves but also others.

I don't think the Philippians had Facebook, but I think take Paul's words to them and apply them to our lives today, both on the internet and out there in the real world.

11/26/24-Short People

Randy Newman is a songwriter who became known first for  "I Love LA" in 1983.  I think he is now best recognized for the theme from Toy Story, "You Got a Friend in Me," or the song from the sequel "When She Loved Me."  He does have an excellent, extensive catalog of songs from the 1960's both as a songwriter and performer.

I first heard of Randy Newman when I heard his song from 1977, "Short People."  It is (I assume) a satirical ode to the reason that short people don't belong and there is no place for them.  While I like the humor in the the song, some of what he writes do hit close to home.  I hold no negative feeling to Newman, but I'm going to quote parts of his song for this post.

"...Short people got no reason to live..." 

If you haven't seen me in a while, I'm still short.  I like to tell people I'm 5 foot 3 inches tall.  I think my driver's license says I'm 5'4".  But here's a secret, I'm probably closer to 5-1 or 5-2 on a good day.  For you Europeans out there that's 157cm.

No matter what I choose to say, all of those numbers are well below the average height of a man, 5'9" in the United States. 

I think I have always portrayed my self on the outside as having the attitude that my height was not something that bothered me, but since I'm lying to the DMV to gain an extra inch or two, I guess at least unconsciously, it must on bother me.

"...Don't want no short people 'round here..."

It's hard to overcome a first impression.  And I think its pretty obvious at first glance when someone is short.  And I think that does lead to some preconceived ideas of what a short person can do.

I know that it has affected my ability to do things athletically.  My time playing basketball and soccer both ended in junior high.  I realize that basketball players in my height range are few and far between (Spud Webb is the shortest one I can think of at 5'6"), but I think I was a good soccer player when I started high school.  The game was played mostly in the air at that point with headers, and I was one of the first cuts at the beginning of tryouts as a high school freshman I honestly believe because the coach didn't look past my height.  Luckily I found sports in high school that my height wasn't an issue in track and cross country.

"...Short people got nobody to love..."

There have been studies that short people do get less recognition in the workplace.  People look at being short as something they need to make accommodations for.  In some ways they are right.  I am always looking for a stool or ladder at work.  

Is being short a disability?  Being short is something people are and have no control over.  It is something that we shorties definitely have to overcome.  Kind of sounds like a disability to me.

I am not equating being short to any other mental or physical disability.  I'm not asking for it to be recognized by the ADA or anything.  I just wish it wasn't the expectation short people can be made fun of or in some situations ignored.  You can't call someone fat in public, but it seems to be ok to make fun of someone who can't reach the top shelf.

I hate internet dating sites (that's a different rant), but there have been studies that once a woman finds out a man is a short person he gets swiped left (rejected).  It's ok for a woman to put in their dating profile they wont date someone under 5'10" or whatever.  If she were make the same statement about race or religion that would be called discrimination.  But its ok to make that statement about a short person without a second thought.

"...Short people got no reason to live..."

This has gotten a little long, and turned into a little bit of a rant.  I don't want people to think that I hate my life because I'm short.  I found a great wife who was able to look beyond my height (maybe because she's shorter than me) and a great family (with kids who can reach the top shelf).  I was fortunate enough to find a career where my height has not been a detriment and was able to spend significant time on a cramped submarine only seldomly bumping my head.  Now any time I spend looking for a ladder to reach the ceiling is time well spent since Kaiser pays me by the hour.

I just wish that people wouldn't look as at a tall person as someone to idolize and look at a short person so negatively.  Is is impressive that LaBron James is such a great basketball player?  He's 6'9" and 250 pounds.  What else was he going to do?  I'm sure he works hard, at basketball.  He is an expert, at basketball. But to idolize him and follow his beliefs just because he is big is ridiculous.

People should be looked at and respected due to the people they are.  Regardless of their sex, religion, sexual preference, disability, wight or height they should be treated and compensated based on what they are capable of.

On the other hand we need to realize that all people are not created the same and some people are better suited to some tasks.  While I do think paying LaBron what he makes is a lot, he does have a special talent and brings in hundreds of millions of dollars to the NBA every year, and deserves to be paid for that league revenue.  We should not hold it against anyone who is getting paid commensurably for their talents (which in his case is being tall and flopping even with lightest contact so he can while to the referee).  Oops, this kinda went off the rails and turned into a LaBron negativity post.

I close on this.  Everyone needs to be able to laugh at themselves. I've laughed at the "Short People" song for 40 years.  The world was much less stressful when someone could make a little joke about someone's haircut or clothes or weight or height without being concerned about the how everyone will react or the mental health implications of everyone in the area.  I'm not saying we should take the reigns off and allow all talk about all subjects.  But as the world has gotten smaller from the internet and cultures are more mixed it is hard to know what words may offend people, sometimes people are afraid to say anything at all.  I propose if a joke or statement is made at our expense and we are offended you have the right to say so either there or in private.  Give the person a chance to apologize or have an open dialogue about why it was wrong to say what they did.

If you made it this far and are still reading, I admire your fortitude for putting up with my rant.  Now go watch Toy Story to hear some other Randy Newman songs, that's what I'm about to do.