Friday, December 31, 2010

A New Year's Prayer









Dear Lord, please give me…

A few friends who understand me and remain my friends;
    
A work to do which has real value,
without which the world would be the poorer;

A mind unafraid to travel, even though the trail be not blazed;

An understanding heart;

A sense of humor;

Time for quiet, silent meditation;

A feeling of the presence of God;

The patience to wait for the coming of these things,
With the wisdom to recognize them when they come.

Amen.
                                             - Author Unknown


A Blessed and Holy 2011 to you and your families.
  

Saturday, December 25, 2010

God Sent Us ...







If our greatest need had been information, 
God would have sent us an educator. 

If our greatest need had been technology,
God would have sent us a scientist.

If our greatest need had been money,
God would have sent us an economist.

If our greatest need had been pleasure,
God would have sent us an entertainer.

But our greatest need was forgiveness,
So God sent us a Savior.  
                                    - Roy Lessin




Merry Christmas and God Bless.

Sunday, December 19, 2010

It's Party Time



Yesterday I was told that the sign language movement for Hallelujah involves swirling your hands while raising them up above your head.   

And, that when you watch a Mass for the deaf, when the attendees "sing" Hallelujah before they hear the Gospel reading, it looks like one big festive party.  

Which got me thinking:  That's what it should be like for everyone.  We should all get as excited to hear the Word of God as we do to go to a big party.   (written as I look in mirror)

Which got me thinking more:  With Christmas coming up in less than a week, most people are getting ready for a big party.

The question is: Is it a present-exchanging, eat-lots-of-food, drink-lots-of-wine, party...

... or a birthday party?

God Bless.

Sunday, December 12, 2010

I Wonder

I wonder what it was like to go from "nobodies" to the Earthly parents of the Most Important Person Ever to Grace the Earth.  In the blink of an eye.
 

I wonder what plans Mary and Joseph had for their future - before God laid out His plan.

Speaking of, I wonder what it was like to be sitting there minding your own business only to look up and see the Angel Gabriel speaking to you.

I wonder what it was like when Mary saw that Elizabeth was indeed pregnant.

I wonder how hard it was for Joseph to believe, when human logic told him otherwise.

I wonder what it was like to travel 100 miles while very pregnant (and with a very pregnant wife). 


I wonder exactly what that nativity scene looked like.

I wonder what it was like - to wonder what it would be like - to raise the Savior of the World.


I wonder what message God is sending us by choosing such an "ordinary" family, and modest setting, for the birth of His only Son.

I hope you are enjoying the wonder of this Advent season.

God Bless.

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Today's Special: Fresh Jordanian Locust

Yesterday I went Christmas shopping.  The mall was a comfortable 70 degrees.
 






"John the Baptist appeared, preaching in the desert of Judea"






I strolled past luxurious, soft cashmere sweaters that people were snapping up by the arm full.










"John wore clothing made of camel's hair"












  Afterward, I had a delicious prime rib dinner with potatoes and vegetables while laughing with friends.  (Did I mention the red wine?)


"His food was locust and wild honey"








It was a good day.  I got a lot accomplished.

"I tell you, among those born of women there is none greater than John."


God, You raised up St. John the Baptist to prepare a perfect people for Christ. Fill Your people with the joy of possessing His grace, and direct the minds of all the faithful in the way of peace and salvation. Grant that, as St. John was martyred for truth and justice, so we may energetically profess our Faith in You, and lead others to the Way, the Truth, and Eternal Life. Amen.


God Bless.