Glimpse of God for the week of December 30, 2018

My glimpse of God comes from a very God like place filled with wonderful people.

The place is Conchester Animal Hospital. All the Veterinarians as well as the staff, are all like-minded and they minister to the many patients that come to them, with the respect, dignity and compassion that is of God. They see those in their care as a responsibility that is not to be taken lightly. The care and the empathy that they exude when our kids have had to be put to sleep, the tears that they shed, and the concern for us that they shared, has always left a mark on my soul and a sense of peace in my heart

This week I would like to focus on one very special person in that place, our Veterinarian Dr. Tracy who is retiring at the end of this month. Dr. T.  is a person who exudes God’s unconditional love, acceptance, respect, compassion and healing.  She is a Glimpse of God in a place where the patients are one very big glimpse of God because they are one of God’s greatest instruments of healing, unconditional love, joy and happiness to humanity.

Dr. T has always been phenomenal. She has been a true instrument of healing, understanding, compassion, empathy and love to our kids. She has always explained things so that we understood, she treated our kids as if they were her own and she never said or did anything without asking us first. As Dr. T. ministers to her patients and their owners, she does so with a great and contagious smile. Not a fake smile or one that diminishes the illness or concerns of the pets, but rather one that exudes the dedication and devotion that comes from the depth of her being. She not only exudes that deep love and concern for her patients, but she reflects it by her empathy and understanding with their owners. Although we have only had dogs and cats, in her forty-three years as a Vet, Dr. T treated various types of animals, from the birds and rabbits, to the cats and dogs and any other creature that was brought to her for care.

As we begin a new week with the celebration of New Year’s Day, let us try to recognize, with greater clarity, the instruments that God chooses to use so that we can become our best self, the person that He created us to be.

As Dr. T begins another chapter in her life, let us remember celebrate the newness in our life in whatever form it takes. As we bring in a new year, let us pray in gratitude for the many blessings, crosses, and graces that we received it the past. Let us strive to recognize them in our present so that we can appreciate and be strengthened by them in the future. Let us pray in gratitude for all those that take care of God’s 4 legged, flying and crawling creatures: our cats, dogs, rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, mice, birds, snakes and others…, that as they serve God’s most vulnerable, helpless, innocent, forgotten and abandoned creatures, they are serving God who created them. As we begin a new week, let us also remember that our pets are reminders of what we can be and are called to be: unconditionally loving, forgiving, and happy to be alive because they are  in the care of great owners, or in our case, a great God.

 

SUNDAY - “wag the tail” – Dogs wag their tails, as a greeting, to show that they are happy. How do you greet others? Are you happy and look them in the eye or are you unhappy and pass them by? Does your happiness depend on material things or do you recognize that happiness comes from within and God is the source of all happiness? Dogs wag their tail, some people clap their hands, and what do you do to show that you are happy? Do you smile, are you able to laugh, do you radiate that inner happiness by your attitude towards and with others, or do you dwell on your stresses? In the midst of life’s pains, challenges, and crosses, we can learn from our pets that we will not be defeated. Pets have owners that are entrusted to take care of them; we have a loving God who takes care of us. We are all God’s creatures and He takes care of all of us. We have a lot to wag our tails and be happy about.

 

MONDAY – “give the paw” - Dogs are good at giving their paw on command. I see it as a gift. They want to make us happy so they listen and follow the command. Their paw is a part of them that they lift up for one to take and shake.

Do we give our hand to another to take and shake, or do we raise it against another as a sign of power? Do we give of our self to make another happy, or do we isolate our self? Are we selfless or selfish? We don’t need commands to do the right thing. We know in the depth of our heart what is right and what is wrong, yet there are times when we know better but we still choose the wrong. When we do this, we can say that we are sorry; we can reach to another and either extend peace and mercy or ask for it. God wants to take our hand and extend His peace, mercy and love so that we can be happy and share His peace and happiness with others. Can you reach out today and touch someone or ask to be touched by the God of all mercy and love?

 

TUESDAY – “roll over” - Our dog and cat roll over mainly because they want their belly rubbed. In this position they are vulnerable and submissive, but also trusting and content. God doesn’t ask us to roll over, and just accept what we are asked to do as a robot would. But rather He wants us to be in relationship with Him, and through prayer, discover what it is that He has in store for us so that we can be more trusting and content. He asks us to trust Him and know that He will not hurt us or take advantage of us. We have pets that trust us and we have friends and family that we trust and also trust us. In our relationships, when we feel vulnerable and afraid, we are not expected to just rollover and accept whatever we are told, but rather we are called to love our self enough to stand up for our self and be true to our self because that is what God has created us to do. 

 

WEDNESDAY – “purr” Our cat purrs when she is happy. It is a sound and sign that she is comfortable, happy, and her belly is full. You can hear her even if she is not right next to you.

When you are still, does your body resonate with stress, tension or peace? Are the sounds that come from you sounds of disgust, anger, frustration, or do you resound with happiness, peace, love and joy? Do you treat your body as a temple of God’s Holy Spirit? Do you get enough rest; do you try to eat right, and what about exercise? Do you take care of your body, as you know you should? Do you work or are you always so busy that you don’t have time to truly relax with family, friends, or others? Our body is the only one that we will be given so it is up to us to take care of it as best we can. Progress leads to Purrfection.

 

THURSDAY – “cuddle” - Our pets Clover and Cannoli cuddle when they want to be close to us. They come to us to cuddle and sleep. It is nice to know that we are useful.  Anyway, to cuddle involves a comfort level that comes from within, one that calls us to let our defenses down and just be in the presence of another.

Do we feel the need to have our defenses up with others or do we trust others?   We may not cuddle with our friends, but we are called to be open and not have our defenses up all the time. Are you comfortable with others where you can be yourself without feeling the need to make yourself something that you are not out of fear or insecurity? Do you hide behind a mask so that others do not see the real you, but rather the person that you think they want to see or you think that they rather see? Do you recognize that God loves you just as you are and that He wants to cuddle, embrace and hold on to you because of His great love for you?

 

FRIDAY - "stay" - We ask Clover to "stay" because we don't want her to go ahead and possibly get hurt. When we walk and are ready to cross the street or go a different route, the "stay" command is what she will hear and obeys, at least most of the time the rest of the time she is just her Deliberate self.

What are we being called to "stay" with? What do we need to be with, to honor, to process, to discern, to acknowledge? There are times in our life that we want to just get through and not deal or feel that we expect will come. Yet in those times, we can experience great peace, healing, joy, comfort, consolation and solace, if we are willing to stay and not just run ahead. It is in those “stay” moments that God fills us with His grace so that we can make it through the difficult times without running away. God doesn’t tell us to stay, but rather He invites us to stay and be still and know that He is God, He is in control and that He will never abandon or forsake us.

 

SATURDAY – “come” – Our pets come to us when they want or need something. 

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart”

We also come to Jesus when we want something; that something can be peace, joy, forgiveness, love, presence, companionship, a spiritual hug, and a loving embrace. Jesus invites us to come to Him, He wants us to come to Him, and He waits for us to come to Him. He rejoices when we come to Him. When we come, we are responding to the words of encouragement, support and healing that Jesus expressed, are you ready to come?

                                                                                                                     

 

Remember: Your breath is your life, use it wisely. Your heart is big, fill it wisely. Your mind is open, expand it wisely. Your God is present, reverence Him wisely. You are God's temple, honor yourself wisely.

 

Glimpse of God for the week of December 23, 2018

Merry Christmas….and Yes, let us keep Christ in Christmas!

 

As we prepare to celebrate the wonderful gift and feast of the Nativity, let us be mindful that the gift of Jesus is given to us each time we attend and participate in the celebration of Holy Mass. The gift of His real presence is one that we can receive every day, and not just one day a year. Yes, we can behold Christ every day. As we behold Him, we become the Body of Christ, so as you encounter your family, friends, coworkers, community members and neighbors, remember that the presence of Jesus is in each of them. Seek Him and you will find Him.

As Mary wrapped Jesus in a warm blanket, take the season to wrap others in the warmth of your love as you offer it in the form of a hug, in laughter, in mercy, in prayer or in silence.

As Joseph listened to the Angel and trusted in God as He was led to the unfamiliar, the uncertain and the risky, take the time to listen to God as he leads you on the road that might hold a great deal of are uncertainty, possibly risky as you are called to go out of  your comfort zone, and unfamiliar as you place your complete trust in Him as He calls you to personal transformation, conversion and spiritual growth.

 

The spirit and gift of Christmas is a state of mind and one that we are blessed with every day. We are called to be a selfless and not a selfish people. We are and can always try to give of our self. If someone is grieving and is in need of comfort, be God’s instrument of consolation and support. If someone is ill and is in need of a good listener, be the ears of Christ and listen in silence. If someone is alone and in need of a visitor, be the visitor of compassion, support and empathy. If someone has hurt you, be merciful, listen and forgive as God has forgiven you. IF someone is joyful, be joyful with them and don’t let your life crosses, struggles and challenges overshadow their joy, God loves a cheerful giver.

 IF you are carrying a heavy cross, don’t try to carry it alone, remember Jesus accepted help, so let others help. If you find that you are not your best self, remember that what you see is only a partial view where God sees the whole picture. That picture is one of love, compassion, healing, and wholeness, so rejoice that your better self IS emerging, just move out of your way so that you can see it more clearly.

IF you find that you are being tough on you self because of mistakes, weaknesses or sins, there are two words that God knows are in your heart, that He wants to hear so that He can take action to heal, forgive and make you whole. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE. Embrace it, extend it, receive it.

Merry Christmas to all of you, and this is my prayer for you as you prepare to celebrate the wonderful feast of Christmas.

May Jesus open your eyes so that you can see the wonderful gift of His presence in those that surround you: your family, your friends, your community members, your neighbors and yes even the stranger.

May Jesus open your ears so that you can hear the laughter and listen to the stories of those around you and respond with the empathy, compassion, joy and love of Mary, Joseph and Jesus. May your ears be open to hear the message that Jesus has for you that will expand your heart and open your mind.

May Jesus touch your nose so that you can smell the various aromas of the food that is being prepared for your table. As you enjoy the aromas, may that prompt a prayer of thanksgiving for those who are preparing and serving your Christmas dinner.

May Jesus touch your sense of taste and allow you to enjoy all the food that you partake of. Taste and see the Goodness of the Lord.

May Jesus touch your mind, body, spirit and soul with His grace. May you reach out and touch someone today that is in need of comfort, consolation, healing, empathy, compassion, peace, joy, love and laughter.

 

Being and giving might not always be easy, but like Mary and Joseph, if we trust in God and follow the star of His grace that guides us, we know that He will always protect us and show us the right path to follow. There are so many ways that Christ is calling us to be His beacon of light, love and compassion, we just need to listen, look and respond the best way we can.

Merry Christmas. Happy Christmas. Enjoy the presence of Jesus in those that surround you.

Keep Christ in Christmas by your words, deeds and attitudes, don’t give the secular world the credit for Christmas.

Jesus is the reason for the season, so wish people a Merry Christmas!

Enjoy your time with family and friends. Don't let the stress find you saying I can’t wait till this is over.

Christmas comes one time a year and for some, family members can only make it to see you one time a year, so enjoy their presence and recognize the gift of this day.

Find time to spend with someone who cannot seem to find the joy of Christmas in their heart. The peace, joy and happiness that the Baby Jesus wants for each of us is a far deeper than the peace, joy and happiness the world offers or wants you to believe in. As we carry the crosses of life, and they get very heavy and seemingly unbearable, but we, as Christ's followers, are called to let others know that even in the midst of heavy crosses, Jesus is with us and loves us unconditionally and we will get through all of life's crosses with His help.

 

Peace be with you and all those you love, near and far.  As we gather to celebrate with our loved ones, let us remember all those who will be absent from gatherings with loved ones.

To those in our military, we pray that God continue to protect them and bring them home safely. For those who God has called back home to Himself as they made the ultimate sacrifice, may their loved ones find peace and consolation in the fact that they followed the example of their Savior and offered their life unconditionally, selflessly and without a doubt.

For those who are separated from family due to distance, estrangement or personal life challenges, may the grace and love of God penetrate the core of their being so that they can reach out to their loved ones, and may their trust in God give them the strength to follow His direction.

For those who are ill and in hospitals or hospice, and unable to come home for Christmas, may they find the healing, courage, and strength in those that God has placed to care for them. As they are away from family, may the trust of Mary, the hope of Joseph, and the love of Christ be the connection that places them at the seat of the table of their loved ones in spirit and love.

PEACE TO ALL OF YOU and A VERY HAPPY, HEALTHY AND BLESSED NEW YEAR

Glimpse of God for the week of December 16, 2018

This week's glimpse of God: Can you find a Glimpse of God in your wallet? If you lost your wallet, would that mean that you lost everything that you had, all that you worked for, what was important to you? I would venture to say NO!

Let's think about this.......In your wallet you might have some credit cards, a debit card, some cash and some change, right? What does possessing these items mean and how are they a Glimpse of God? If one is to recognize that God is the true and only source of our accomplishments, our success, our happiness, then one can easily see a Glimpse of God in their wallet.

For instance, if you have a credit card or two, then you can begin to see how God is to be given the credit for all the gifts and talents that you have. As you look at the credit cards and how easy they are to use, you can say thank you to God for the many gifts and talents that you have and you use them to give Him glory and be a reflection of a spirit of gratitude. Remember that we do not get these talents on our own, but rather God has gifted us with them, and we are to cultivate and nurture them wisely. Humility recognizes that God is the source and foundation of our accomplishments and success, pride fosters a sense of self that takes credit for one's accomplishments, without recognizing God's hand in them.

If we have charge cards then we can remind ourselves that we have been charged by God to build His kingdom here on earth, to spread His good news, and to love one another as He has loved us.

If you have a debit card, remind yourself that you are in debt to God who sent His son, Jesus Christ who loves you so much that he suffered and died for you. Remember that you are God's beloved child, loved unconditionally and chosen to be His instrument in His world to bring about His love to all in your world: family, friends, community, work and even the stranger. We owe our very hearts and souls to God. He loved us first and all He asks of us is to love Him in return.

If you have some cash, perhaps not as much as you like, but as you look at the bills in your wallet, start with the lowest bill, the $1 bill, and remember that God is the one true and only GOD and give Him reverence, honor and glory. If you have any other bills, don't hesitate, but thank God for giving you that which you need to provide for yourself and your loved ones.

What about that change? Isn't there something in your life that you want to change? Don't make a big leap here, if you think about how your attitude is at this very moment or how you wish you could forgive someone or ask someone for forgiveness, or perhaps how you want to be closer to God but don't know how to go about building that relationship. All God wants from us is to be open to His grace in our life and that will bring about the greatest change and personal transformation you could imagine.

The desire to change any aspect of our self that we feel is not in alignment with what God is calling us to be, is the first step toward becoming a clearer reflection of God's presence in your life.

What if your wallet is empty, it doesn't have anything in it? Spiritually that can be the best stance to have because then you are more open to allowing God to fill you with His grace, love and the many blessings He wants so eagerly to give you. When we fill our lives with other "Stuff" and we don't have room for God, then we are empty in the worst way because God can't force His love on us and we will always be lacking.

What about your license or identity? If you lost your wallet, would you lose your identity as God's beloved? That can never happen. God called you by name, created you in His image, and loved you into existence. This is no accident, you are no accident. God knew what He wanted and what He was doing when He created you. So even if you lose your ID card, close your eyes and remind yourself that you belong to Him. He will never abandon you or forsake you. That your home is in heaven and the road that you take is God's road back to Himself. If you allow God to be your compass on your earthly journey, you can't get lost.

So if you lost your wallet, would that be the worst thing to happen? A wallet can be a symbol of the many graces and gifts that God has given you, a reminder that these gifts and graces are within you and no one can take them away from you.

You may lose your wallet and be frustrated and upset because it seems to hold all that you worked for, but the greater reality is that what God has given you can never be taken, lost or stolen, that is: His unconditional love for you as His beloved son or daughter, His only Son who loved you to death, His Holy Spirit, His many graces and blessings, His peace, His mercy, His life in and through the Sacraments of the Church, and your love for Him. As your wallet holds your ability to enjoy life and the many blessings that you have been given, God holds you close to Himself and wants to enjoy your life with you.

This week, take the time to reflect on the many gifts that you have been given and that you so graciously share with others.

 

SUNDAY “W” The gift of Wisdom

Recognize the gift of wisdom that you possess and use it to make wise decisions. When you have to choose something that you are not comfortable with, then don’t do it. Life will go on if your child, sibling, or loved one doesn’t get the expensive gift on their list because you simply can’t afford it. The gift should come from your heart and guilt should not be the motivating force in your gift giving process. Giving a gift should be done out of love, not guilt or control. 

For today, as you prepare to give of yourself and choose to share yourself with others, try to remember that a gift is a reflection of the giver and not the opposite. We should not measure our worth by the gift that we give. Jesus gave of His life out of love for us. Love is the perfect gift and no one or nothing can change that. Christmas is all about Christ’s love; unconditional, perfect and eternal.

 

MONDAY “A” The gift of Appreciation

Do you appreciate the special gift that you are in the sight of God and others? Do you respect, honor and cherish the person, the gift that you are? Do you recognize that others are gift and should be treated with respect, dignity and care?

For today, as you look into the mirror, try to see how much you are appreciated by God, how much He loves you, how much He cares about you, how much He wants to be in relationship with you because He thinks you are so special, and say thank you. Next take one person in your life that you may not have shown appreciation for and let them know that you do appreciate them, not for what they can do for you, but rather for the person they are, God’s beloved child.

 

TUESDAY “L” The gift of Laughter

The gift of laughter is a great gift. I believe that if we can learn to laugh at our self, then life would not be as stressful.  If we can laugh when things are difficult it allows our bodies to let go of any negative feelings and the laughter penetrates to the core of our being, we find our self a happier person.  The ability to laugh is within us.  We can choose to laugh or choose to be serious and get stressed.  Laughing at another is not what I am suggesting, only at our self, not out of judgment or condemnation, but out of a recognition that we are not perfect, nor are we expected to be. When we make mistakes, they are not the end of the world and we will go on.  God ever laughs at us, but with us.

For today, laugh for God, laugh for yourself and laugh for others. Find something that makes you laugh, a memory, a joke, a photo, find whatever gives you a good reason to laugh and take the time, give yourself the time to laugh and feel good. Recognize how you feel when you laugh and how it changes your perspective, mood, attitude and disposition. Thank God for the gift of laughter and pray that you use that gift more often for your benefit and the benefit of those around you.

 

WEDNESDAY “L” The gift of Love

God loves us all beyond words.  He showed us the magnitude of His love when He sent us Jesus His only Son, who suffered and died out of complete, unconditional, selfless love. How do you reflect that love in your daily life? Is the gift of love that you offer one that you would insure, or one that you would trade in? as the giver, are you holding on to your love with a firm grip, or an open hand? Love is meant to be shared, not selfishly, but selflessly, and as followers of Christ, we are called and given the grace to be the selfless giver.

For today, reflect on those you love, those who love you, those who are far from your love and those who have rejected your love. Pray in gratitude for those who have blessed you with their love, and pray for mercy for those who have refused your love.

 

THURSDAY “E” The gift of God’s Embrace

God’s embrace is greater than any other. He embraces us each day as He calls us to life and invites us to walk with Him each day.  Sometimes we don’t recognize that embrace because of what we are experiencing in life:  ill health, financial stress, family obligations, estrangement in the family, our own weaknesses yet in all of these God is right there with His arms around us to surround us and show us that we are never far from His embrace or His love.

For today, if you know and experience that loving embrace of God, thank Him. If you know someone who is not able or willing to allow themselves to feel the loving embrace of God, or the warmth of His love and the peace of His healing and forgiveness, pray for them. Is it a spouse who feels overworked, or a child who feels burdened or a neighbor who is unemployed or a friend feels alone and unloved? How can a gentle hand shake, hug, expressed words of concern help them or make them feel the love and presence of God?  It is through your actions that they can begin to see how they are loved and not alone and that they will not be defeated but will defeat that which is trying to bring them down.

 

FRIDAY “T” The gift of Thankfulness

Who or what are you thankful for? Do you tell them or God how blessed you are because of them? Do you tell God how your life has been changed because of His many graces and blessings, and that you are thankful? He rejoices in our thankful hearts, rejoice in your thankful heart.

For today, pray for a spirit of thanksgiving. Sometimes in life, when we bear heavy crosses or our life is very busy, we can forget to say thank you to God, others or even our self. We can fail to be thankful for the many gifts and graces that God that has given us that we experience through others and our life experiences.

 

SATURDAY “S” The gift of Selflessness

When we share our gifts with others, it is then that we are not being selfish, but selfless. We are giving a part of our self to another in trust, hope and confidence. Our gift is our treasure that when we share it we hope that it will be received. If our gift is mercy, peace, reconciliation, hope, prayer, or pardon, we want it to be taken seriously and appreciated. And when it is not, it hurts, but even in those circumstances, we cannot take it back or not share it again, because that is not what God does with us. He continues to freely offer His gifts to us because He knows our hearts and the best way to fill them, heal them, expand them, and strengthen them.

For today, are you ready to have your heart expanded? Do you need healing? Are you open to being made stronger?  Are you running on empty and need to be filled with His graces so that you can serve Him more faithfully?  Being selfless means being more Christ filled, Christ like and Christ centered, and less self-centered and selfish.

 

 

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Glimpse of God for the week of August 26, 2018

My Glimpse of God for this week comes in and through a very special person, a long time and good friend, Father Gabriel Zeis, TOR. Father Gabe and I have been friends for over thirty years. We first met at my home parish, and as we became friends, he invited me to work with him on the senior class retreats as well as other speaking events. He was also a concelebrant at the Mass as I prepared for entrance into the convent in Chicago in the fall of 1984. A lot happened in the years between the convent and my returning home to the Philadelphia area, but in all things, I realized that the best was when God placed John in my life and we were preparing to get married in 1998. Father Gabe was one of 6 concelebrants at our wedding Mass, twenty years ago this October 4th, and will again concelebrate with us this October as we renew our wedding vows.

Unfortunately, as our lives, living locations, ministry and schedules changed over the years, our ability to connect up was limited.  Now, since he has been transferred to the Princeton area, John and I have been able to meet with Father Gabe every couple of months.  He hasn’t changed. He is still a man that enjoys life despite the many challenges that his life holds.  Father Gabe is a man of great wisdom mirrored by his sense of humility. He is a man of great compassion, shown in and through his love and care for his family, He is a man of great wealth; for the very gifts of mercy, peace, compassion, generosity, and courage that God has bestowed upon him, he so generously shares with others. He is a man that is true to himself and to his God, authentic and genuine without ego. He is, most importantly, a man of honor and inspiration, as he lives and strives to be the best priest that he can be despite the many challenges and the crosses that being a Catholic priest carry these days. He is a true friend, a treasure, a gift.

Over the years this is the man that I have gotten to know and been blessed to call friend.  He is a more than a glimpse of God, he is more like a panoramic view, for over the years, in and through the presence and person of Father Gabe, I have witnessed God’s love for me, I have seen my love and my knowledge of God grow and I have experienced a spiritual maturity and strong attraction Franciscan spirituality. 

As we begin a new week and enter into the Labor Day weekend, the end of summer and the beginning of a new school year, let us reflect on what it means to be our genuine self and how that self is reflected to becoming a glimpse of God to others.

 

SUNDAY – “G” God centered

As Father Gabe is very God centered, I have learned that in the midst of life and the “stuff” it throws at you, being God centered is not easy, yet with God’s grace it is very possible.  Sometimes when life surrounds you with “stuff” not all good and not all bad, we can lose sight of God and get stuck in the midst of the thick, challenging, not God centered “stuff”.

I believe that It is in and during those times that we are given a Glimpse of God through another and in our self as we recognize our ability to overcome the difficult, face the challenge and stand with our head held high knowing that we are not alone. God’s offers His glimpse through His gifts of affirmation, inner peace, a sense of joy, renewed strength and spiritual transformation.

For today, look in the mirror and seek to see how God centered you are and how God has gifted you with the grace to stay focused and centered in the midst of the “stuff” that you have had to cope with.

MONDAY – “A”  authentic

Don’t look at others as better than you or desire to be someone else because of their wealth, power, friendships, or social status. God created you as the special person that you are. God formed you in the womb and called you by name. You are blessed with special talents and gifts that the next person may not have, and they are also blessed with talents and gifts that you may not have, but together we all create a canvas of unique, diverse and colorful facets of God’s presence that can help us see Him more clearly in each other. 

For today, acknowledge with humility your authenticity and genuineness and thank God for them.  In a world where it seems more of a cross to be and stay God centered and authentic, God says that the cross is what draws us together, makes us stronger, gives us inner strength and conviction, makes us a better glimpse and reflection of His presence and allows us to be true to our self so as to be able to rest with a clear conscience. The cross comes to us in varied and many forms, but I believe that the greatest cross that we carry is the one that calls us to be transformed from within when it is between us and our God and not for others to see. Illness, physical challenges, unemployment, and other crosses can draw attention to our self, but when we truly seek to be God centered, our cross is the one that we hold within and at the core of our center; that is our heart, mind and soul.

 

TUESDAY – “B” breath of life

You are the life and breath of God in and through your words, prayers, and attitudes. What does that mean to you? Are your words uplifting and encouraging or discouraging and disheartening? Do others hear God through your conversations or are your words filled with gossip and swords? Is the power of God’s word your strength and do you share your strength with others?

Your prayers, your words of consolation, encouragement, strength, are of God and given to you to speak, share and spread.

For today, listen to your words; those spoken silently in prayer, those spoken silently about others, those spoken verbally for all to hear, and those you regret saying, and ask for the grace of God so that you may be His breath of life by your humility, by your personal and spiritual transformation, and in and through your words.  

                 

WEDNESDAY – "R" Reconciling

Father Gabe offers the Sacrament of Reconciliation, the gift of God’s gift of peace to all those he serves; students, faculty, staff and family members. He wants all people to experience God’s healing and strength so that they can live in the light of God’s love for them and His desire for their genuine and true happiness. Father Gabe offers what he himself has experienced and truly believes in, yet we are all capable and able to extend God’s peace to others, and we do not need to be ordained to do that. Although the Sacrament of Reconciliation is the best way to experience God’s healing if you are carrying the heavy burden of wounded ness and hurt. God wants you to be healed and whole, but it is also through each other, as His followers, that we can experience God’s healing and wholeness. If you are struggling and want to grow in your faith, trust and hope, open your hands and heart and God will fill you with what you need to be the best person that you can be and that He has created you to become. Always remember that God’s love is unconditional, His compassion is unending, our sins can never be greater than His love for us, and that we are His beloved sons and daughters, His greatest creation.

For today, try to reconcile with one person that you have been either estranged from or keep your distance from because of a past injury or deep hurt. If you find it too difficult to reach out to that person or if they are deceased, pray to God for the grace to forgive in your heart, and that grace will lead you to a profound experience of peace, reconciliation, healing and wholeness, throughout your body, mind, soul and spirit.

 

THURSDAY – "I" Instrumental 

For today let us look at and pray with a deeper fervor the prayer of Saint Francis. Let us strive each day to be more of God’s instrument of peace and be His peacemakers in a world that does not seem to know, desire or seek true and lasting peace, which can only be experienced in and through God, His beloved Son Jesus, His Holy Spirit and Mary our Blessed Mother.

So where and when there is hatred may you sow love, where there is injury may you extend pardon, where there is doubt may you be a seed of faith, even when you think you have only the faith the size of a mustard seed, where there is despair, may you represent hope, where there is darkness, may you be God’s ray of light and warmth, and where there is sadness, may you bring joy.

May you not seek consolation but choose to console another, may you want so hard to be understood but may you humbly choose to understand another and may you not look for love but offer your love to those who do not know love. God is love and when you choose to offer it to another, then you already have what you seek.

 

FRIDAY – “E” embracing

As we conclude the prayer of Saint Francis, embrace the final words and allow them to penetrate the very core of your being. You cannot give what you do not have. God supplies where you feel that you fall short. When you truly desire to give, God meets your desire and gives in plenty. When you offer consolation, understanding and love, it is not that God doesn’t want you to have these gifts, He is telling you that you already possess them and that with His grace and through your prayer life, they will continue to grow.

As the prayer of Saint Francis concludes, this is the promise that God made through Jesus His Son. May you know as you give from the heart, you will receive, as you pardon from your heat and not in lip service, you will be pardoned and in your dying as a child of God and follower of Jesus, you will receive everlasting life.

 

SATURDAY - “L” = learned

Being learned as a Christian is about knowing the will of God and how we can live that out in our life. Being learned in life is not only about book knowledge, but the knowledge and language of the heart and how we can reach out to others and build them up and not tear them down.

How learned are you? Do you recognize how God has given you the desire to learn about His will for you, how you are living it out and how you are being His light to others? Do you need to have a Bachelors, Masters or a Doctorate degree from a University to be considered learned about the will of God?

No, what you need and already have is a blank page so that God can write His plan and His will for you, where the only book you need is the Bible, the only writing tool you need is your free will and the only test is the one where you challenge yourself to be more Christ centered today than you were yesterday.

For today, let us take an extra step in love to learn more about someone else. It takes a lot to want to become learned and to gain knowledge of a broad variety of topics and issues. When someone is learned they have taken the time to gain knowledge of a variety of topics so that they can share their knowledge with others and relate to more people

 

Glimpse of God for the week of August 19, 2018

My glimpse of God comes from Brandon, who is a very conscientious and hard-working young man who is also a great electrician.  Clover gives him a high five because his first love is of dogs and the first thing that he does when he comes into our home, is to greet, pet and fuss over Clover, and if Cannoli is around, give her a good pet as well.  Brandon is fixing some electrical issues in our home that were, unknown to us, fire hazards.  He is focused and determined to complete the task no matter how long it may take or how hard it may be to fix. He is a very conscientious, morally grounded and authentic individual. He has gone above and beyond to find the problem and fix it.  He knows electricity and he knows that he cannot leave the job undone, or half-baked done. 

When I think of a glimpse of God, I think of a sudden view of a great sight.  I think that in a glimpse one is invited to see the big picture even if it is just for a quick view. God gives us many glimpses during the day of His great love and how He wants to remind us, refresh us, renew us, in that love.  This can be through a person, a sunrise, a rainbow, a pet, a garden, or in the mirror, where God is present and choosing to reveal Himself. I believe that God reveals Himself in people, in their attitudes, disposition, and personality.  When you encounter a person who is caring, conscientious, compassionate and other centered, there is a Glimpse of God.  Individuals who possess the qualities of God show it with a spirit of genuineness and not ego, with a sense of humility and not pride.

It is not by any coincidence that Brandon is an electrician and that He is also a Glimpse of God. It is from God that we get our power and energy to go on.  He is our strength and we need to keep a check on our power source to make sure that it is connected.  When we fail to keep connected, it is then that our life energy, our desire to be the best that we can be, the sense that we are His beloved, is challenged and tested.

As we begin a new week, let us strive to be a glimpse of God that connects others to Him so that they can realize and recognize how they are unconditionally loved as His beloved child, that they are His greatest creation, and that no sin is greater than His mercy.

SUNDAY – “B” – BETTER SELF

Do we strive to be our better self, the self that God knows that we can be, and have the potential to become? Do we try to get beyond our negative emotions so that our better, more loving and forgiving self can emerge? Do we encourage and identify the better self in others so that they can also be the best person that God knows they can be and have the potential to become?

For today, identify your better self: the more compassionate, merciful, and caring self and strive to appreciate and embrace it, and then help another to see and identify their best self especially if they struggle to believe in them self or their abilities.

MONDAY – “R” – REFRESHING

When we are connected in our faith life, there is a sense of being spiritually refreshed even when things might not be going the way that we would like them to.  Our refreshment comes in the graces given by God to overcome our difficulties and believe that we can and that we will not be defeated. How often do you feel refreshed? Do you need to be refreshed still? Where or from whom do you seek refreshment? 

Our faith is a source of true spiritual refreshment whereas other sources are only a temporary source of refreshment. Are you a source of spiritual refreshment to others by your compassion, concern and care for them?

For today, seek true refreshment from your God, and then extend it to another.  God can and will refresh you with a deep peace, a sense of joy, a feeling of being healed, but more importantly a greater belief that you are His beloved child,  and the refreshment that you can extend can be in the form of a prayer for someone who is suffering, the words” I forgive you”, a warm embrace, a phone call, and even a sincere email.

TUESDAY – “A” – ATTENTIVE

Are we attentive to the needs of others or are we focused on only what we want or need? Do we recognize that there are those in need and that we may have been called to be an answer to their needs by our presence and our care for them? Do we recognize our need for God and for others, or do we try to solve our own problems, seek our own solutions and be our own savior?

For today, try to be more attentive to your needs and present them to God, not as a last resort, but the first one. Once you can do that, then seek to pay attention to how God is attentive to you and how He reveals His attentiveness every day.

WEDNESDAY – “N” – NURTURING

What does it mean to be nurturing? To nurture? Who nurtures you? Who have you been a nurturing source to? Where does God fit in? Is He the source of your nurturing and strength or is He to blame when you are not a nurturing person?

For today, reflect and pray about how you nurture others and how they have nurtured you. Being a nurturing person requires a sense of another centeredness and God centeredness.

Parents, grandparents, siblings, friends, colleagues, and peers are called and placed in our lives to nurture us so that we can develop and be the best person that we can be. It is when they fail that we can become less than our best self and exhibit non-nurturing behavior. Who do you credit for your nurturing personality? Thank God for them.

THURSDAY – “D” – DETERMINED

Are we determined? Determined to compete a task, to be the best person that we can be, to overcome a weakness, to reach a peaceful solution, or do we give up and let someone else do what needs to be done? Does our self-determination encourage and inspire others to be more determined and resolute in their daily endeavors, or do we use it as a threat and a source of control?

For today, thank God for the gift of self-determination and seek to help others realize and recognize their gifts of inner strength and determination.

FRIDAY – “O” – OPEN

Are we open, ready and willing to see things differently? Open to listen to what others have to tell us even if it is different than what we think or believe? Are we open to new possibilities, adventures, perspectives so that we can learn more about our self and others? Are we open to God’s will for us, trusting that He knows what is best for us?

For today, think about how open you are or are not. Is your heart and mind open to new ideas, solutions, perspectives or are they closed, refusing to see things in a new light with a new understanding? Are you an open vessel that God can pour His graces, blessings and life into, are you a broken vessel needing His mercy, healing and wholeness, or are you a closed vessel, sealed tight with no room for growth, healing, life, joy, newness, or peace to enter in? God created you and knows exactly what you are and there is nothing that will keep Him away from you, but you, so open your eyes, and ears so that you will see and hear how God loves you.

You are an open book and God is the author who chooses to write with His invisible ink (God’s surprises yet to come), maybe even a highlighter (God’s recognition of your joint successes) and definitely a permanent marker (God’s has called you by name, you are His). But more importantly, a pencil with a big eraser so that He can erase the sins and mistakes of the past and give you a new page to begin anew with every request and desire.

SATURDAY – “N” – NEWNESS

A sense of newness. What does that mean? How would we know that things are new? Is it because they are not old? Or used? Or broken? Or could it be when we see them in a different light? Do we look at those who are older as insignificant and unimportant or do we try to see them in the light of a new insight and wisdom? Do we look at those things that we own, old fashioned and possibly out of style thought they may be, as used and seek to have the next better toy, car, computer, cell phone, instead of seeing the used item in the light of our memories and how they have given us joy and happiness in the past?

For today, reflect on what newness means to you.  As you reflect, take the time to listen to what God tells you. You are a new creation, His follower, one who is a sinner striving to become a saint, redeemed by the blood of Jesus, walking on the path of compassion and truth, peace and mercy, and unconditionally loved as His beloved child. Does hearing this erase the old tapes of how unworthy, sinful, unforgivable, you thought you were in God’s eyes? Does it renew your sense of self before God?

Glimpse of God for the week of August 12, 2018

My Glimpse of God for this week comes from our golden retriever Clover, and TJ, the young man that maintains our pool. TJ loves Clover and Clover loves TJ.  Every week when he comes to clean the pool, Clover has to be the first to greet him with her song and dance. TJ fusses over Clover as if she were the only thing that mattered.  Clover is the center of his attention when he first arrives, and it is not because Clover makes a nuisance of herself, but rather because TJ is a very caring person, one who sees the joy and energy that Clover exudes and honors and recognizes it very affectionately.  I believe that they both are a source of renewal and joy to each other.

Last week in the heat, when Clover was at the pool, TJ realized that she was panting and took the time to slowly pour water on Clovers head and back to refresh her so that she wouldn’t get overheated.  He saw that she was hot and did all that he could to make her feel better and to cool off. This was a big Glimpse of God because in that action I saw how God not only sees that all of His creatures are taken care of, but He opens our hearts so that we can see the needs of His creation beyond our own. The action of TJ was very touching and inspiring.  After he poured water on Clover, He encouraged Clover to jump in the pool, even as they were cleaning it, so that she would stay cool in the 95-degree heat. This might seem like a small deal, but to me, it meant a lot because it showed the genuineness and caring aspect of TJ’s character as well as his ability to be a lover of animals and a conscientious and professional worker. TJ gets his work done and he does it very well and I think that in a small way, Clover helps because she is a reminder of how to balance all that we enjoy and love doing without resisting one or the other.

As we begin a new week in the midst of summer, heat waves and all, let us be mindful that God affords us many opportunities to be a source of cool refreshment and renewal for others. He also affords us the graces to remember how others have been a source of renewal to and for us, and asks us to rejoice for each day is the day that He has made, let us all rejoice and be glad in all of them.

 SUNDAY – Rejoice - This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad. Are you able to rejoice and celebrate the love that God has for you, and the love that you have for God? He has created you, He loves you, you are His beloved and He with His angels is rejoicing over you. Do you believe this? For today, celebrate and rejoice in His love and share that love with those you encounter. Rejoicing is another source of renewal. As you rejoice, allow yourself to feel the joy that comes from the depth and recesses of your being, and smile. 

MONDAY - Remember – As you begin a new work week, try to not dwell on the stresses of the past week, but remember them, surrender them and leave them behind. This week, allow yourself to remember the promise that for those who seek, they shall find, for those who knock the door will be opened and for those who ask it will be given. What is it that you truly seek from God? What do you want God to do for you? What are you looking for that you want God to provide? What doors are closed that need to be opened, and what doors are still ajar that need to be closed? In the process of remembering, strive to focus on the positive and seek the grace to let go of the negative.

 

TUESDAY - Renewal – For today, just take and pray for one aspect of your life that you would like to be renewed. Is it your faith; would you like to deepen your prayer life and grow in a deeper relationship with God? Is it family; do you feel that as a family you are not able spend quality time together because everyone is always on the go? Has the busy ness of life taken away your time together?

Is it relationships; do you feel that you are taken for granted or that you take another for granted? Are there people that you would like to appreciate more or that you would like to be more appreciated by?

In these areas, are you in a “rut” where you find yourself and others doing the same thing and there is no quality time being spent or nurtured? Are you seeking to be renewed or are you happy with the way things are? Ask God to renew those areas, those relationships that He knows are not the best that they can be.

 

WEDNESDAY – Restoration - What in your life do you feel needs to be restored? Ask God to restore those things, those areas, those relationships, that once restored will bring you to a greater recognition and appreciation of His presence, His grace, His healing, in the restoration. God brings back, or returns something, someone, to you, when He feels and believes that you are ready to receive it. As you seek restoration, seek wisdom so that you will see with clarity the change and the newness that you are being blessed with.

 

THURSDAY – Relaxation – take time to relax and use your senses to bring your body, mind and spirit to a deeper awareness of God’s gift of serenity, peace and calm. Use your eyes to see God resting on the 7th day, after the creation of man and woman, His greatest creation. Use your ears to hear Him say IT IS GOOD, after He was finished with the creation of man and woman. Listen to Him tell you that you are Good and that He is happy with you and loves you very much. Use your nose to smell the aromas that surround you, those of the spring flowers, coffee brewing, meals cooking, fresh cut grass. Appreciate the ability to smell and breathe in the story behind the aroma. Use your hands to reach out and feel the presence of God in and through everything that He has created. When you reach out and touch someone or something, you are touching a part of creation given to you to cultivate, appreciate, reverence and tend to. As you touch someone who is grieving, rejoicing, carrying a heavy cross, you are reaching out in the name of Jesus and offering His love, compassion and mercy to them.

 

FRIDAY – Resist – For today try to resist the temptation to talk about another, hold a grudge, remain angry, carry a hurt another day, but instead, seek to forgive and be forgiven. God’s grace is there to grasp as you strive to be His witness in the world. The devil tempts us with those things that we like and are drawn towards. If we like being angry, holding a grudge and talking about others, then we will not be able to resist the temptation to continue, but if we recognize that these are not healthy spiritual practices, then God will give us the grace to say no, and seek ways to build up others and His kingdom here on earth.

 

SATURDAY – Reconcile – Is there anyone that you would like to be reconciled to? Are you estranged from God, from others? Are you punishing yourself for a choice or choices that you made and feel that you can’t be forgiven? The grace of reconciliation is always there. As you seek to be reconciled, know that you will be called to forgive, seek forgiveness from another, and experience the joy that comes from the healing. Sometimes we hold on to things because we are afraid to experience true happiness; God’s happiness for us. God wants us to experience His happiness for us, not the world’s idea of happiness. As you seek to live as God’s beloved, allow yourself to be loved. You are loveable and loved. God rejoices when we are reconciled to Him and each other.

 

Glimpse of God for the week of August 5, 2018

Usually my Glimpse of God is about how, where, or through whom, I have been given the grace to see God. The view can be as quick as a glimpse or as long as a stare. Yet. it is through God's grace that I am able to recognize His presence in all things; in the ordinary and in the extraordinary, people, places and events that I encounter.

To recognize the presence of God in a greater way with more clarity and understanding, it takes not only one’s eyes, but also all of the senses as well as with an open heart and mind.  Altogether, I am able to recognize God's glimpses, maybe not all of them, but many, in the course of the day.

I believe that we are all given the graces to recognize His presence in the many ways that He chooses to reveal Himself. I also believe that like any parent, He wants us to know that He is always with us even when we can't seem to see or hear Him.  The greatest way that He reveals himself is through the sacraments of the Church, especially the Eucharist. But as members of the Body of Christ, God chooses and uses us to be His presence in the world.  Every time we look into the mirror, we are looking at a Glimpse of God.  We are a glimpse of His light in a dark world, His voice when others are silenced, His consolation when suffering is inconsolable, His eyes to see to the heart of others, His heart that extends his mercy and compassion, and His peace when discord abounds. Sinful though we are, God knows us and still calls us to reach our potential.

 

So for this week's daily reflections, I am suggesting that we take each day and try to be more aware of how God chooses to reveal Himself to us through our senses and how He chooses to use us to be His glimpse to others.

 

SUNDAY - SEEING WITH THE EYES OF YOUR HEART

What do you see first in the morning when you awake from sleep? Do you see God? Is He disguised as a child, a spouse, a garden, the gentle rains, or a beautiful sunrise? Does seeing God bring clarity to the beauty that surrounds you? God created all things and yes, He created you and me. We are His greatest creation? Do you, can you, see that as you look into the mirror?

Today, thank God for the gift of your eyes just as they are.

 

MONDAY - HEARING AND LISTENING WITH THE EARS OF OUR HEART

What do you hear, how well do you listen? I believe that we hear with our ears and listen with our hearts. Do you hear a lot of noise or nothing at all? Do you hear the cries of your children, the requests of your family, and can you take the time to listen to the cries of the poor, the hungry the forgotten? Do you hear the front door closing, and can you take time to listen as the doors close to strangers, to the homeless? Do you hear your family begging for your attention, and can you take time to listen to their need to feel and be loved? Do you think that God hears your prayers and can you take time to listen as He responds to them, even when and if the answer is not what  you prayed for?

Today, thank God for the gift of your ears just as they are.

 

TUESDAY - RECOGNIZING THE SCENTS AND AROMAS IN OUR LIFE EXPERIENCES

What smells or aromas do you remember as a child? Do they bring back happy memories or painful ones? Do you remember the smells/ scents that surrounded your house as your mom baked cookies or cooked a meal? Do you recall the smell of your dad’s after shave or your mom’s cologne that indicated that you were happy because they were home? Can you recall how the various smells or aromas were a part of your life experiences and made them so significant?

Today, thank God for the gift of your nose just as it is.

 

WEDNESDAY - TOUCHING OTHERS BY OUR HANDS IN PEACE AND PRAYER

How are your hands the hands of Christ? Do you offer up your prayers for those in need, or do you blame them for their situation? Do you extend your hands in peace and reconciliation, or do you clasp them shut in anger or bitterness? Do you pray with your hands and arms extended and open so that you can receive God’s blessings, or do you close them in despair or discouragement?

Can you recall how you felt when another offered you peace and mercy through a handshake? Can you remember how you felt when you extended peace to someone that hurt you badly? Can you allow yourself to be embraced by God as He looks happily on you and the joy that He has in you?

Today, thank God for the gift of your hands just as they are.

 

THURSDAY - WALKING WITH OTHERS IN THEIR SHOES

It is tough to walk in the shoes of another. We can be as empathetic as possible, but we can never walk completely in the shoes of another nor can they walk in ours. Our feet have walked miles and will walk many more as we continue our earthly journey. We can use our feet to walk or say stuck, to run for a cause or have no cause to run for. In any case, the ground that we walk on, no matter where or with whom, is holy ground. It is God’s ground and we have been given the gift of being able to walk on it. The challenge that comes with that gift is that we help others walk with God so that they can also experience His powerful and unconditional love for them. How have your feet been an instrument of empathy and strength for you and others?

Today, thank God for the gift of your feet just as they are.

 

FRIDAY - BEING GOD'S VOICE WHEN OTHERS ARE SILENCED

How are you the breath and voice of God? Do you speak up when others; victims, children, the forgotten, the elderly, the most vulnerable in society, can’t? Do you stand up for what you believe; the gospel message, or do you fall for whatever sounds good to you at the time? Do you offer words of mercy and forgiveness or judgment and contempt? Are you familiar with the words “I am sorry” and “I forgive you”? or do you avoid them by making excuses for bad choices and behaviors? Can you hear, do you listen, as God tells you how much He loves you, how He adores you, how you are His beloved and that He forgives you?

Today, thank God for the gift of your voice just as it is.

 

SATURDAY - LOVING OTHERS BY EXTENDING GOD'S MERCY AND COMPASSION

How big is your heart? Is there room for it to continue to grow in love for God, self and others? Who has helped you grow in love for God? Have life experiences made your heart whole or is it broken?  Can you allow God to heal the brokenness so that you can become whole and healed? How have you allowed others: Your spouse, your children, your parents, members of your community, to grow in God’s love for them?

Today, thank God for the gift of your heart just as it is.

My Glimpse of God for the week of July 29, 2018  

My Glimpse of God for this week comes from several people; a doctor, a Franciscan Sister, our neighbors, and the completely different and varied circumstances for our encounter.  It has been through my encounters with these very special individuals, and their ability to touch my heart in unexpected ways, that I have seen a kaleidoscope of glimpses of God’s care, love, compassion, peace and presence.

The two glimpses that I will focus on this week are that of my doctor and our neighbors. The first glimpse came though my dermatologist Doctor Mutizwa. I have been a patient of Dr. M for several years. He is a very good, compassionate and caring doctor. He takes the time to get to know my situation and he listens so that he can get the whole picture and make the correct diagnosis. He spends time with me and is truly present to me when I am his patient. He has a great sense of humor and is genuine in his concern, diagnosis, treatment plan and in follow-up.  I see a glimpse of God in his compassion, authenticity, presence and concern. God has called him to be an instrument of healing and Dr M. has responded very generously and with great dedication.

My second glimpse came in and through our neighbors, Pam and Jerry. They have been our neighbors for the past 15 years and I have to say that we are truly blessed not only be neighbors, but more importantly, friends. Pam and Jerry recently traveled abroad and upon their return, they came bearing gifts.  These gifts were very unexpected, but very thoughtful land meaningful.  The fact that they not only thought about us during their travels, but that they took the time and special attention to assure that the gifts would make it through the various airports and baggage handlers and home in one piece. 

Pam and Jerry are like that. They are there whenever you need them. They are the most genuine, caring and giving people that we have had the privilege to know.  They both are very busy about family, work and other obligations, but they are always willing to chat, see how we are doing, pet Clover and check in on Cannoli, the cat. When I recently had surgery and John was away on a conference, Jerry offered to walk Clover in the evening. When Clover got out of the yard, Jerry was the first person that I called in a complete panic. When Cannoli was just a kitten and quite small, got out of the house and I couldn’t find her, I called Pam and Jerry once again. We all walked up and down the street with a can of tuna, calling out her name.  Now who would do that?   Pam and Jerry are the kind of people that would and did. They are the kind of people that are there in the weirdest, most unexpected circumstances and are able to make things better by their calm and peaceful nature.   A glimpse of God that comes through from them is that of what the book of Sirach says: “a faithful friend is a sturdy shelter; he who finds one finds a treasure. A faithful friend is beyond price, no sum can balance his worth. A faithful friend is a lifesaving remedy, such as he who fears God finds, for he who fears God behaves accordingly and his friend will be like himself”.

This week God graced me with many glimpses of Himself.  It was and remains in the individuals that I encounter that truly exude the peace and happiness that can only come from God. My glimpses have come from those who are suffering as well as with those who rejoice in their time of healing. It has come from those who feel as if they can’t go on and hold onto the last thread of hope that they can as well as with those who have reached out and want to be an instrument of hope.

As you enter into a new week and a new month, take the time to reflect on how you have been a glimpse of God to others by your presence, understanding, and friendship. When you think of friendship, and what it truly means, think of how the book of Sirach is reflected in those who you consider friends, and with those who have befriended you. Can you recognize the treasure that has been given to you? Can you imagine your life without your best friend? Your close friends? Your childhood friends? Do you think that they can imagine their life without you?

SUNDAY – “F” – faithful

As a friend, with a friend, what does it mean to be faithful? How have you been a faithful friend? In choosing your friends or keeping friendships alive, how is being faithful a gift and a grace in friendship? When someone is not faithful, how can it be a test in friendship which, at a later time, can also be seen as a grace and a gift? Can you forgive, or ask forgiveness, when you or someone you cherished as a friend, was not faithful?

MONDAY – “R” – respectful

A friend is one who treats us with respect.  In a friendship there should be mutual respect and understanding. Do you think that respect is earned? Should one respect another is they demand respect from another? Do we respect only those people that hold certain positions, social status or control or are we called to respect all people because we are all created in the likeness and image of God and we are all His beloved children no matter what we do?

Who do you respect and why?

TUESDAY – “I” – integrity

How do you hold integrity in the light of friendship? If a friend is not truthful, honest or reliable, how do you or can you maintain a friendship? Friendships of God need to built on the foundation of truth, honesty, mutual respect and understanding. Do you agree? If not, how do you or can you maintain the friendship?

As you reflect on the gift of friendship and how you have also been chosen as a friend, think of how you have treated your friends with integrity and how your friendship has grown to be healthy, strong and life giving.

WEDNESDAY – “E” – empathetic

Being empathetic is a gift, it is not a quality that you can steal, borrow or forge, but rather it is a disposition of the heart that invites and embraces the story of another with understanding, compassion, kindness, care and gentleness. Into Being empathetic is an opportunity to grow into the person that God knows that we can be and have the potential to become, but it is not always easy.

In your friendships, with your friends, are you able to recognize how you express your empathy and how it is received? Are your friends empathetic when you need them to be? How does it feel when your friends don’t seem to recognize your need for their concern or support? How do you feel when you miss the mark in their life?

THURSDAY – “N” – natural

A friend is one who sees us just as we are and loves us anyway.  With friends, we do not need to, or feel that we have to, put on a façade. True friends accept each other just as they are, for who they are: God’s beloved child, and not for what they do. Our friends should not be expecting something from us that we cannot give, or that would go against who we are and what we stand for.  When we choose friends, we choose that person that not only is likeminded, but also themselves. Friendship is an opportunity to take the courage that God offers and allow oneself to be vulnerable and weak so that in and through the friendship, another can see to the heart and touch it with their compassion, empathy and support.

As you think of your friends, can you see how they are people that are their natural self and not trying to be someone or something that they are not. How do you see yourself as a friend? Are you your natural self or do you try to be someone or something that you are not?

FRIDAY – “D” – dedicated

Most friends are committed to keeping their friendships alive, loving and healthy. How much energy do you place in keeping your friendships alive, loving and healthy? Do you feel that you are the only person trying to maintain a friendship, or do you feel that both of you are striving to maintain a good relationship, one that is strong, has weathered the storms and can withstand others?

As a friend, do you see your self as dedicated? Are you able to recognize the difference in how you relate to a friend vs an acquaintance, and how the relationship has called you to become your better self?

 SATURDAY – “S” – selfless

Friends are selfless most of the time. Many times, we befriend others because they are just like us, and we see a similar aspect of their personality that we also see in our self. We accept our friends just as they are, we know that we can’t change them, and although they are not perfect, we know that they are trying to be the best person that they can be, just as we are. 

Being selfless in friendship is truly a gain in love.  How have your friendships expanded your heart to love more, forgive more and see God more clearly in   them?  

For today, and as you enter into the weekend and as you reflect on the various aspects of friendship, think of those you consider friends and thank God for the gift of their faithfulness, resourcefulness, integrity, empathy, naturalness, dedication and selflessness which has enabled your friendship to grow and become stronger.               

 

My Glimpse of God for the week of July 23, 2018

 

My  Glimpse of God came through in the many and various conversations that I have had on the telephone this week. The presence of God within the telephone conversations automatically came out when others reached out to talk to me. There was a trust and courage present that enabled one to pick up the phone knowing that it would be a difficult conversation. The glimpse was in the actual conversation that took place, in the words that were exchanged between two people that care about each other, and in the visualization that took place as I spoke to the other.

God’s Glimpse can be seen not only in the various elite forms of communication such as Facetime, Skype, Email, Voice mail, and Text messaging, but also in the simple form of a telephone conversation. The Glimpse is in the conversation that takes place and the method or instrument that God chooses for us to use is an added gift.

What is conversation? Whether it be in person or on a telephone, I believe that it is the shared thoughts, feelings, ideas, life experiences and events that are spoken between two people; privately, openly and without fear and with great trust. There are many other types of phone conversations, like job interviews, sales calls, and scheduling of appointments, but the more important ones are those where personal interest and well being are discussed, feelings are shared and a sense of care, concern and love are the basis for the dialogue. A good conversation is when you can hear the pitch; tone and volume of the voice on the other end, and with your heart listen to where they are coming from and where you might help them get to.

The conversations that are on my mind, and I hold fondly to, are the ones that I had with various family members, good friends, acquaintances and supportive medical personnel. In all of the conversations that I took part in, I found myself listening to a variety of emotional levels. There were high levels of stress, personal frustration, fear, professional frustration, and anxiety, but there were also high levels of acceptance, faith, trust, compassion, mercy and love. As I talked with many this past week, I was able to hear in their voice, where they were coming from and could envision their facial expression as well as their body language. The conversations were healing, touching, and gifts from God. God showed Himself not only in the presence of the person on the other end, but also in the inspiration and the guidance that came through the words that were shared.

As we begin a new week, I would like to focus on the various methods or tools that are used in conversation and how they can all be instruments where God not only reveals Himself through the words expressed, but more importantly in and through the people that are exchanging them.

 

SUNDAY – Prayer

The best form of conversation comes in and through our prayer time. When we take the time to pray, we are placing ourselves in the presence of our Creator, Lord and Redeemer with open hands and trusting heart. Our prayer time is a time where God speaks to our hearts and gives us the graces we need so that we can continue to see Him more clearly, love Him more dearly and follow Him more nearly each and every day. It is a time where we can express our deepest feelings,

concerns, fears, weaknesses, prayers of gratitude, and blessings and know that not only does God hear us, but He listens with a forgiving, compassionate and loving heart. It is the most blessed and strengthening conversation that we can have and it is by no mistake that we begin each week in Prayer and Worship. Each day God gives us the opportunity to be at prayer: It can be memorized prayer, rote prayer, simple prayers or prayers from the heart. God is pleased and happy to hear prayers in whatever forms they take because when we pray and lift up our minds and hearts to Him, we are choosing to converse with our God and creator, reverencing Him and putting Him first whereas many choose not to.

For today, ask God to bless all of the conversations that you will have. May He bless your words and the words of those you are speaking with, so that in and through them, you both may come to know, hear and listen to God’s voice speaking through you.

 

TUESDAY – Text Messaging

Text messaging is important and necessary for us to keep up with people especially when we are not able to speak with them directly. As we text, we are conveying what we feel is necessary for the recipient of the text to know. As you text someone, try to see them as they read your text and how they will respond. Why do you text? Are you texting to purposely avoid talking to them because of your or their situation, experiences or circumstances? Do you text because is it not a good time to talk? Do you text because it is easier than conversation?  Is there a need to be reconciled or to forgive or to ask for forgiveness and words would be difficult to speak or hear so texting seems easier?

For today, if you are about to text someone, first think if it would be more beneficial to you and him or her, if you were to have a conversation with him or her. If it would, then make a resolve to reach out to them in and with a personal conversation.

 

WEDNESDAY – Face Time

Face time is great because you can see the person; their body language and their facial expression, you can hear the tone and volume of their voices, as well as their level of joy or anxiety, peace or frustration. Face time is a double blessing.

For today, when and if you face time, make it a prayer face time.  As you look at the person on the other end of the phone, take a moment to thank God for the gift of their life in yours. When we can see each other face to face, we are looking into the depths of their soul through their eyes, in their voice, by their expressions and their trust as they speak with us.

Imagine you are face timing with God, what does that look like?  What is His expression as you speak to Him? Is He smiling at you? Laughing with you? Crying with you? Can you see Him wanting to embrace you and touch you? Allow your prayer face time to be a time where you see God’s face. Listen to Him as He talks to you in love because you are His beloved child, His greatest creation and He wants to remind you of how special you are to Him.

 

THURSDAY – Voice mail

Voice mail is something that we use when we cannot seem to catch up with someone on the phone. We end up having to leave a voicemail message about why we called and needed or wanted to talk.

When we leave a voice mail, we are missing an important aspect of personal interaction and communication. We are not given the opportunity to see or hear the person that we are trying to reach or that is trying to reach us. This creates a void as to how the person is doing, what is going on in their life and in ours. Voice mail can let someone know that you are trying to reach him or her and that you want to talk with him or her. With voice mail you are given the opportunity to hear the other person’s voice or they get to hear yours.

For today, if you should have to leave a voice mail or receive one, think of the person on the other end. Say a prayer, that as you listen to their voice or they listen to yours, that the Spirit of God speak through them as they continue to be the breath and life of God through their voice, in their words and by their actions.

 

FRIDAY – Email

Email is an essential aspect to living today. We are emailing people near and far. Email is great to let someone know what is going on in your life when you do not or cannot actually speak to him or her. We use email to let loved ones and friends know what is going on in our life when we are not able to call them. Email has been a salvation to many grandparents whose grandchildren are away and are not able to call, but are able to send an email keeping them up with current events in their

ife. When we email, we are sending information to another where they cannot see us, or our facial expression or our body language. When we receive an email we are receiving words. It is up to the recipient to connect those words with the person who is sending them and read into what is happening in their life.

For today, if you are going to send an email to a loved one or friend, think of what you are trying to convey through your email and the person to whom you are sending it. Pray that God speaks to their heart the words and the experience that you need them to know.

 

SATURDAY – Phone conversation

Phone conversation is what started this glimpse and what I will use to complete it. It is through phone conversation and personal dialogue that we get to know what is happening in the lives of those we love and care for. Although we cannot talk to everyone that we love and care for, all those on our contact list, we can pray for them. Phone conversation allows one not only to hear our voice but we can hear theirs. God gives us a voice to speak His words and spread His message. It is through our voice that others learn of, become more familiar with, get closer to, the God that not only created them but also loves them unconditionally.

For today, when you are talking on the phone with a loved one or friend, imagine God is the connection that brought you together, that allows you to speak openly and honestly with each other, and allows you to be His instrument of empathy, healing, forgiveness, mercy, compassion, understanding, peace, joy, happiness, hope,love and laughter. As you talk on the phone, remind yourself that it is not a call in vain, but a call in love and service.

 

 

 

Glimpse of God for the week of July 15, 2018

This week’s Glimpse of God comes in the form of a different kind if rainbow, the one of friendship. When we look at a rainbow, we see the many beautiful colors that together create the bow in the horizon. When I look at a rainbow I am always struck with a sense of awe and wonder.  When I close my eyes, I am always filled with a spirit of joy, great hope and a deep abiding sense of peace. Friendship is a different type of rainbow in that it also renews my joy, deepens my peace and strengthens my hope. It is in friendship where I recognize the promise and presence of God in and through His  beloved sons and daughters. I am blessed that I have people that I consider friends and even more blessed that they consider me their friend.

 

This week, we had a good friend, Mr. B over with his grand dog Gus for a swim date with Clover.  It was a refreshing, joyful and amusing time to enjoy the dogs as well as their antics. This week I also had the opportunity to do a morning of reflection with the Sisters at Assisi house, as well as catch up with a long time good friend. Gathering with longtime friends as well as with the Sisters, was a gift. I saw a different kind of rainbow, a promise being fulfilled.  

Those individuals are an incarnational sign of the fulfillment of God’s promise that He would always be with me, and that He would never leave or forsake me. I saw it in friendship. I believe that the friends that we choose or that God places in our lives, are the extension of that promise as Members of the Body of Christ. As faithful, faith filled individuals, trying to live and be the best people that God has created them to be, and sinners striving to be saints, they are tangible witnesses of God’s presence in my life. Their presence reminds me that God’s promise is being fulfilled in the many different and varied ways. They are signs of hope when things are tough. They are merciful. They are instruments of peace and vessels of joy. They are humble disciples that through their lives profess their love for God, others and self.

The gifts of friendship, the gift of a rainbow, the gift of self are three of the many signs of God’s love. We are all signs of God’s love for and to each other, but do we know that, and if we know it, do we believe it?

This week, as you think of the rainbow as a sign of promise and of hope, I would like to look at the colors of the rainbow and the meaning in the colors as you look at what friendship  means.

Sunday (RED) – Love.

The gift of God’s love for you, your love for God, your love for self and your love for others.  Can you let your heart be expanded so that it can be filled with more love? Has your heart been broken that you are afraid to love?   Let God, through your friends, be a source of healing, consolation and peace., so that you too can be a wounded healer. If you allow friends to love you as you truly are, with your flaws and your virtues, then you can stand before God in a spirit of humility, gratitude and peace. 

Monday (ORANGE) – Openness

Are you open to the surprises that God has in store for you? Are you ready to recieve the many graces that will transform, conform and reform you into a clearer image of God to others? Can you stand before others and humbly accept their honest criticism  of you so that you can grow? Is  the door of  your heart  open so Christ can enter in and rest in you?

Tuesday (YELLOW) - Joy   

Joy is not the denial of pain or suffering, but the trust that in and through it, God is present. Joy comes when you realize that God’s presence is the source of your happiness. Do you want to be a joyful person? Are you surrounded by joyful people? Are your friends joyful people? Is the joy of the Eucharist, the true presence of Christ in your life,  your spiritual foundation and the foundation of your friends?

Wednesday (GREEN) - Hope

Do you have hope? Are you a messenger of Hope? Allow the love and peace of God transcend your stress, alleviate your suffering and transform your mind so that you can be a hopeful, hope filled person of faith.

Thursday (BLUE) - Rebirth,

Do you remember the promises that were made for you at baptism by your parents and Godparents? Can you close your eyes and allow the feeling of God’s love washing away your sins and making you whole? We love our friends for who they truly are, from what we see to what we know lies in their heart. As a human being we sin and offend  God and those we love the most, are we merciful to those around us?  In and through our baptism we enter into the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ,  with our friends, are we faithful companions and witnesses of the power and presence of Christ in our lives?

Friday (INDIGO) - Integrity

Are you a person of integrity? Do you have strong moral principles? Do you stand up as a witness to your faith? Do you see in yourself and in your friends: a person of good character, a fair person, a  person that is truthful and trustworthy? All these virtues are aspects that make and create a rainbow of friendship. 

Saturday (VIOLET) - Peace

Is there someone you need to forgive so that you can be at peace with them?  Is your heart troubled and do you want to experience peace, healing and reconciliation? Can you allow your friends to help you and bring you the comfort and peace that Christ wants for you? Are you a peacemaker and are the friends you choose peacemakers and instruments of  God;s peace, love and mercy?

 

    

 

My Glimpse of God for the week of July 8, 2018

My Glimpse of God for this week comes from Lauren, the daughter of Randy who recently passed away.  Lauren spoke about him at the funeral service and how he was a source of encouragement and inspiration especially when it came to developing her art talent. 

I have known Lauren and her family for many years; her mother, Christine has been cutting my hair, and Randy had done some painting in our house over the past 15 years. I have watched Lauren’s brother grow up and till this day is the tallest man that I know. 

Lauren is an extremely talented and gifted artist. Lauren is an exceptional, inspirational and very mature 16-year-old young woman. As I watched her grow up, I saw a very special person emerge: one that possesses a very caring and compassionate personality as well as a person with strong conviction, determination and one that continues to follow her heart. She has self-respect as well as respect for others.  She possesses a wisdom and maturity that many women twice her age are lacking.

At Assisi House, where I volunteer during the week, they recently began an art mural project in the Clare Unit, which is the unit for the retired Sisters who are suffering from Dementia, Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s disease.  The mural project is where an artist is sketching out various scenes on the walls and they are looking for volunteers to come in and paint them.  There is a picture provided that indicates what colors each object should be painted, so in a way you can say it is a huge paint by number project. The purpose of the project is to stimulate the Sisters by involving their senses.  The vision for the project is to have all the walls painted with a variety of scenes and ideas: a garden spot, a bird watching area, various pets, sports, inspirational, and whatever other ideas may come. 

I instantly thought of Lauren for this idea not only for the painting aspect, but also for creating ideas for the various walls. I asked her if she would be interested, and she was so we went on Friday, had a brief orientation to the project and Lauren stayed and painted for the mural.  I, as were the volunteer coordinators, not only impressed that she stayed and painted the same day, but that she chose to paint and give up her free summer time for the benefit of the sisters. A win win situation! She is using the gift of art that God has very generously endowed her with. She is not letting her talent go to the wayside, but she is choosing to develop it so that she can become the great artist that her father believed she was and has the potential to become. I think that the timing for this project is very providential because, to me it is God’s way of reminding Lauren that not only is her father watching over her, is still very proud of her.

How do we use our talents and gifts? Do we even honor or recognize them?  When we see that we are good at something, who do we give the credit to? God has given us all numerous talents and gifts that are as unique as we are.  Although we all might be able to draw, each person’s perspective, mindset and life experience’s will be reflected in the work, which will then reflect the artist. God gives us the talents and gifts that we possess and all that He asks is that we use them to glorify Him, not our self.

This week, let us reflect on the gifts and talents that we possess and how we use them to build up God’s Kingdom here on earth.

SUNDAY – “T”- THANKFUL

As you recognize what your gifts and talents are, are you thankful for them? Do you honor them or down play them? Can you see how special your gifts are to others and how you make a difference when you share your gifts and talents instead of holding on to them?

Where is God in your response? As your creator, He alone knows your heart and how you can best serve Him. Can you recognize that in and through your compassion, care for others, joyfulness, selflessness, that the seed, the gift of a generous heart was planted long ago? Are you thankful that God has given you the gift of your faith so that you may grow in relationship with Him and others?

MONDAY – “A” – AWESOME

Our God is an awesome God and how do you know that? Each time you look into the mirror and see that you are His beloved child, created in His image and likeness, loved unconditionally and endowed with special gifts and talents. That is a sign of the awesomeness of God. He has poured out His many graces and blessings upon you, and they have developed into your very unique gifts and talents that He wants you to use to bring His love and presence to others. To me that is awesome. Do you need to be reminded of just how awesome God is and how awesome He thinks you are? Carry a mirror. Not just to see your reflection, but more importantly the reflection of God that comes from you.

So how are your gifts awesome? When you make someone laugh or lift up another by your sense of compassion and consolation; when you can draw a picture that makes someone smile, or when you can solve a problem that was overwhelming them because of your exceptional possession of patience, when you are a peacemaker and others choose hatred. These are all awesome gifts because they speak of God and how He chooses to speak through you to others. They are His healing presence, His joy, His peaceful presence.

TUESDAY – “L” – LIFE GIVING

When you share your gifts with others, are you a doing so to bring forth life or a sense of control and inferiority? Are you genuine in your concern for others or are you acting out of a sense of obligation, guilt or sympathy? When we are called to share our gifts with others, God doesn’t want us to lord them over people so that they feel as if they are less than us or inferior to us. If someone has the gift of being an artist but hides their work or downplays their talent as nothing, or if someone has the gift of being selfless, but yet ignores their own health and never has time to rest, or if someone has the gift of faith, but makes others feel as if they have none, or if someone is a big CEO of a company and is doing very well but does not see or seek to help the poor in his community, this is not life giving. We are called to let our light shine, the light of God’s goodness to us and when we choose to hide, diminish or blowout that light, then we are not being life giving.

Take a look at how life giving you as you share your gifts and talents with others and how others have been life giving to you. Take a moment to offer a prayer of thanksgiving to God for all that He has blessed you with: Your gifts and talents, your desire to share them with others and the desire of others to share their gifts and talents with you. Take a look at one time that you can recall where you chose not to share your gift or talents, for whatever reason, and ask for the gift of God’s grace to let go and move forward.

WEDNESDAY – “E” – ENCOURAGING

When you encounter others who are in need, discouraged, down, are you a source of encouragement or despair? Do you desire to raise people from their lowliness? Is bringing joy, happiness, consolation and the peace to others more important than you being noticed or the center of attention?

Being a source of encouragement is a special gift, because when one feels down or discouraged, it is easy to share that sediment rather than one of joy and hope. Hope does not disappoint. Encouragement brings out the beauty and the meaning of a situation. Look at how you are a source of encouragement and hope and seek to spread it more; one smile, one word, one hug at a time.

THURSDAY – “N” – NATURAL

Natural. Not fake, not made up, not pretend, but real, authentic, honest and genuine. God calls us to be our most genuine self, and He asks that we are that way in our relationship with Him and others.  We have no need to pretend with God. He is our creator, He knit us in our mother’s womb, He made us in His likeness and image, so who are we fooling when we choose to pretend to be someone that we know that we are not, and worse, we try to fool others to believe that we are? When we share our gifts and talents with others, we need to be genuine with them. We can’t steal someone else’s talent or gifts just to take credit for them or make them to be more than they are to impress another.

You have your own special and unique talents and gifts. They are God’s gift to you and how you use them is your gift to God.  What gifts will you lay at the Lord’s feet in your prayer tonight?

FRIDAY – “T” -  TALENTS AND GIFTS

It has been a long and beautiful week. You have made it through another week, a week of possible: personal or family health challenges, of unemployment and the constant searching and replying, of unexpected physical and emotional ups and downs, of family triumphs, struggles, victories and defeats, of personal faith discoveries, and transformations and those personal conversions as well.

In all of this week whatever it has looked like, your blessings, your gifts and talents have not disappeared or been diminished. It is when we are facing weariness that we can fail to see clearly the writing of God on the script of our hearts, so as you end the day, take a moment to write down: at least 5 of your gifts, and 5 of your talents.

And now take a moment to write down at least 5 gifts and talents of someone you know: family member, friend, coworker, church member or neighbor that is feeling as if they have nothing to offer others, that they are a disappointment to everyone, they feel that God has abandoned them. Present your list to God and ask Him how He would like you to present it to them and then be ready for His answer. I think that suicide springs from despair, when one thinks that there is no hope, nothing to offer or that things are beyond them, but when one can offer hope by honoring and reverencing their presence, their giftedness, their person with dignity and respect, this can be the spark that they need to light the fire of encouragement and gratitude and bring them to a renewed sense of hope and conviction.

SATURDAY – “S” – SELFLESS

Being selfless vs being selfish is a big difference. When we act of fear or insecurity, we can find it easier to be more selfish than selfless. When we become afraid of what others will think of us or how we will look in front of others, we can revert to self-preservation, or saving our ego. As we are called to share our gifts and talents with others, we are called to do so with a spirit of trust and confidence. God places others on our faith journey for only reasons known to Him. He chooses us to be His instrument because He knows our heart and our potential to be the best person that we can be.

 

Sometimes that can mean that we are the center of attention or being in the background. God isn’t expecting us to always be in the background where the focus is on others. I believe that He places us in the forefront more often than we probably realize. But when our desire or our need to be in the center is more important, we are then humbled and shown where we need to be to best grow in our spiritual life. Humility is the seed that grows strength, understanding, compassion and inner peace, the flower of humility can resemble a radiant smile and even a warm embrace. What does your flower of humility look like?

 

Glimpse of God for the week of JULY 1, 2018

Recently John and I attended a Wilmington Blue Rocks Baseball game at which the attraction that evening was Cowboy Monkey Rodeo. Sounds interesting, right? That night is, as always, very entertaining. For those of you unfamiliar with this event, it consists of 2 monkeys, each harnessed on the back of a border collie, sheep, a trainer in which the monkeys are acting as the cowboys and ride the border collies which herd the sheep, and a lead dog to bring them in and around the field. All of the animals are treated humanely and respectfully. This evening it seemed all the animals wanted to follow their own script: the sheep went this way and that way and for several minutes went around the ball field, the lead dog that guided the sheep, laid down several times and the players had to dodge a few sheep. At one point the lead dog had to go and did it…the clean up crew was right there with the pooper scooper. So the results were hilarious, unexpected, and completely memorable. Everyone including the animals had a good time. Maybe there are a few lessons for us in this story, and possibly you can see a Glimpse of God.

My Glimpse of God is in the unexpected changes that came through the animals and their actions. How often do we as adults, do what God calls us to, that which we know is right? Or when we were children and young adults, did we do what we were told, or in the order that we were expected to?  God doesn’t use us or control us as robots, but rather He gives us a free will and we can choose to follow Him or not. But, even as His most faithful follower, we sometimes think that we know what is best for us. We become inpatient and can’t wait for God’s answer so we rush our decisions to meet our wants and needs because we think we know better than God.

God knows our hearts and knows that there are times that we won’t wait. He sees us changing our mind about His plan and He patiently watches the results. He doesn’t laugh at us, but I think that He laughs with us. We, like the animals, tend to do things completely unscripted and unexpected. Sometimes the results can be harmless and humorous, but there are times, that we can probably identify, that the results were anything but humorous and harmless. God waits for us to see that our change, although not meant to offend Him, was not part of His plan. It is when we recognize this and ask for His help, He gently puts us back on course. The trainer gently put the leash on the dog which enabled the dog to lead the other animals back the stalls. God doesn’t use a leash on us, but rather He uses His gentle touch, His voice, our heart and our conscience to bring us back to where we can flourish as His loving and trusting children.

Like last night, all the animals went their own way. They all ran in circles on and off the field and back again, they even got relief, but in all of that, we were entertained.  There are times that it is not just us that change the course and go unscripted, it even seems that everyone that we are with does the same thing.

We are all God’s creatures and although animals do not have the same thought process that we humans do, they are able to recognize that some routines need to be changed up once in a while. Is there anything “wrong” with that. Not “wrong” since there is no sin involved, but it can be seen as an opportunity not only to laugh at our self, but also to free our self of the stress and seriousness that has us bound and unable to see the funny side of life, our personality and the humor that others can bring to us.

SUNDAY “C” -  The Challenges of Change

Change is difficult for some, and yet it is welcomed by others. In either case, life brings change and it occurs sometimes without notice and in other times with preparation. Change is necessary for us as humans to experience if we are to grow as God’s Children. We change as we mature in age, our children change from those little ones who needed to be lovingly guided in life so that as they matured they were able to use the tools and the wisdom that was shared to make good choices and become the loving men and women that God has created and wants them to be. We grow and change spiritually as God dwells in our hearts and we grow in relationship with Him. We lean more on Him as we face each day, our prayer grows from “want” to “desire”, and our heart is more open to expand with compassion, mercy and understanding.

Do you recognize where you have changed? Does change scare you? What feeling does change bring to you today vs, when you were younger?

Monday “H” – Your Hidden wisdom

You are a person created in the likeness and image of God. You have been given the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit that are with you to aid you on your spiritual journey so that your choices are Holy Spirited guided and used to build the Kingdom of God here on earth. Your wisdom is a hidden wisdom in that it comes forward when needed, and it is used to share the presence of God in your life with others. Your wisdom of today is different than the wisdom that you had as a child. Although all wisdom should be used build up the God’s kingdom here on earth, there are times when it is not, but rather it is used to build egos at the expense of other’s dignity and respect. As mature followers of Christ, the bricks and the knowledge needed become heavier and more thought and reflection is required is our wisdom is to be shared correctly.

How do you share your wisdom? Is it shared with humility and grace? Or with control? Do you hold back out of fear, embarrassment, or low self-esteem, or are you able to recognize that genuine wisdom comes from God and is to be shared? Can or do you want to change how you share your wisdom?

 Tuesday “A” – Your Ability to Accept

You may have heard the serenity prayer: God grant me the serenity to accept the things that I cannot change (others), to have the courage to change the things that I can (our self), and grant me the wisdom to know the difference. This prayer is an essential aspect of mostly all of the 12 step programs of addictions. Although you may not be in a 12-step program, this prayer is essential for any situation where we encounter change and struggle to accept it or what life will mean once we do. We are a changing people, and with that there can be some hesitation, reluctance or absolute refusal. But not all change is bad or impossible to accept. If we pray the above prayer, we will find that as we choose to change our self, then how we deal with others will also change. We will begin to recognize that there are things, people or situations that we encounter that we cannot change, and thus we need to surrender to the God that can.

For many the ability to surrender is the change, where holding onto things and thinking that one can do all things alone was the previous way of thinking and acting. How do you read that prayer? How do you face change, and what does changing the way you see change mean?

Wednesday “N” - Take time to Notice

Happy 4^th of July and take time to notice and celebrate your freedom to worship as a child of God, your independence as a citizen of the United States of America under God and reverence your cross for God has used it as His instrument and avenue that has led you to rediscover your inner strengths, has transformed your woundedness into healing, and has allowed you to recognize His great love for you and how that love is unconditional, unfailing and freely given.

Thursday “G” – You are Gift: Generous, Gracious and Giving

You are Gift: What does that mean to you and do you believe that you are gift, not only to God but to those who know you and even to yourself. What is a true gift? It is something or someone that is given freely, out of love and with no expectation of a return action other than a word of gratitude and acceptance. God gave us His Son Jesus. He was the gift giver and the gift was Jesus over 2000 years ago and He still is our gift. He comes to us freely and unconditionally each time we receive Him in the Sacraments, especially in Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist. In those sacraments we receive the gift of our spiritual nourishment and healing. As His followers and witnesses in the world, as members of the Body of Christ, we are called to bring that same love to others. We are called to bear the gift of mercy, compassion, peace, joy and reconciliation to those who are in need, and where we can fill that need for them, without expecting any return.

When or where have you recently brought God’s gifts to others? How were you gift to others by your ability to listen, being present to, consoling? You are gift to yourself by how you treat yourself and how you take care of yourself. By your quiet time in prayer, by your rest and relaxing time spent, by being with those who you love and love you: family, friends, neighbors. As a member of the Body of Christ, you cannot be truly effective if you are worn down, burnt out or just disconnected. Jesus is always there to refresh, renew and reconnect with you, just ask Him to.

Friday “E” – Embrace your Transformation

Change is transforming is we allow it to be. We can take change, weather we welcome it or it just happens, and invite God to show us how we can grow closer to Him through it, with it and in it, or we can just watch it happen and wait for it to be done. If we truly desire to be more Christ like and draw into a deeper relationship with Him so that we can be His beacon in our world today, we need to change and be transformed. Spiritual transformation is a spiritual renewal where we are invited to see God more clearly in our self, so that we can see Him more clearly in others. This can be painful, but yet for every good Friday there is an Easter Sunday that will follow. 

Can you name your spiritual transformations? Would you invite them the next time, or walk away from them?

Saturday “S” – God is a God of Surprises

God is a God of surprises in that He knows us better than we know our self and since He does, He knows what we need exactly when we need it. We tend to think and pray for what we need and ask for it to immediately come to us. God is always in tune with our hearts and knows our desires as well as our weaknesses and sins. It is in that knowledge that He freely gave us Christ, gives us the gift of His mercy and compassion when we think that our sins are beyond them, and He always is there to remind us that in the midst of all of our human choices and changes, that we are created in His likeness, that we are His beloved Sons and Daughters, and that we are loved freely and unconditionally.

Have you heard Him lately tell you this? Look in the mirror and listen, you will hear His gentle Spirit flow in and through your heart since that is where He dwells, has dwelt and will continue to dwell, just keep the dors open.

MY GLIMPSE OF GOD FOR THE WEEK OF JUNE 24, 2018

Have you ever experienced the sense of awe and wonder? Do you remember when you were left speechless and could not put into words what you were feeling? Can you remember the last time you were caught by surprise?

This week's Glimpse of God comes from what we probably perceive as "ordinary", but in actuality is "extraordinary".

Whether you live a life full of chaos, fun and excitement or one that seems mundane, boring and simple, the main character in your life is YOU.

You are the main character in your life and others are your supporting cast. The life that you have is God's gift to you, to be lived to the best of your ability and potential, and one that promotes and builds up the Kingdom of God here on earth. Everyone is different and everyone's life is different. Although there may be others with the same first and last name as you, you are one of a kind, there is no one like you nor will there be anyone like you to come. (I am not supporting selfishness or self-centeredness, but rather calling us to recognize our uniqueness as God does.)

As you focus on your life, begin by looking at your body, not whether you think it is too big or too small, too fat or too thin, too short or too tall, but more importantly that God has chosen to dwell within you and that you are His holy temple. God's temple is never too....., only.....or just...., but rather perfect in His eyes.

As you look at your body, then reflect on all that it can do, not what it can't, and honor those activities. Whether you can put your hands to work or together to pray, or you can use your legs to drive, or walk in the shoes of one who is less fortunate, or you can use your voice to call a friend or family member or whisper words of mercy and healing to one who has injured you, these activities are not "ordinary" but "extraordinary" because they are done in and out of love, both God for you and you for God and others. When we can begin to see and honor the "ordinary" it is then that we see more clearly how "extraordinary" it really is.

The bridge that makes our life "extraordinary" vs "ordinary" is where we encounter God and desire to be in relationship with Him. When we meet God where we are and decide that we want Him to take us where He wants us to be, then we begin to be and act in extraordinary ways. We act as one who has not only encountered the living God, but who has seen Him face to face. When we choose to be with God, it is then that we change and become God centered. It is in that encounter where God chose again to dwell in our heart and it is in that encounter where our lives go from "ordinary "to "extraordinary". 

How often do these encounters take place? These encounters take place as often as one recognizes God and desires to grow in relationship with Him. Only you can recognize, decide and answer!

So as you look at yourself, try not to be critical, but rather honor and reverence yourself, your body, your whole being, because it is the instrument that God uses as He chooses to encounter you on your journey of life, faith and personal transformation.

As you answer the questions that I stated above, try to imagine that God is looking at you in awe and wonder, that He is speechless when you choose Him over the other 'gods' society has placed before Him, and that He is happy to be surprised when one of His sons or daughters returns after a long journey with little contact made. Our God is not a God who lives in heaven, but rather dwells in our hearts and this is reflected by how we open the doors of our hearts so that He can not only be seen, but more importantly, personally encountered.

Open the door to your heart and allow God to make Himself known a Glimpse at a time!

 

SUNDAY - "Surprise"

How are you with surprises? do you like to be surprised? or do you hate surprises? does a surprise make you feel like you were not on "top of your game" and that somone was able to totally catch you off guard?

Our God is the God of surprises. He surprises us with His many graces, blessings and gifts that we would never expect or deserve. God doesn't surprise us to catch us off guard or make us feel vulnerable, but rather because He knows what is best for us, and the right time to surprise us with it. His surprises come in many forms. Some forms are in and through the compassion and mercy that is extended to us, a physical healing that we or someone that we love experiences, the joy of a child's first......, a job offer, or a deep sense of peace following a difficult prayer time.  He is always surprising us when He forgives that which we thought was unforgivable. He surprised us when He chose to die on the cross for us and for our sins.

For today, think of the last time that you were surprised or had the chance to surprise someone. Look for God in the surprise and when you find Him, take a moment and thank Him for being there.

 

MONDAY - Encounter

When did you encounter God last? Was it during your prayer time, at the celebration of Mass where you listened to His word and received Him in the Eucharist, (our greatest encounter), or was is in the time spent with your spouse, children or a close friend? Was it during your ride to work or with a co-worker at work?

We are all God's beloved sons and daughters, and therefore we all have been given the grace to be His instrument, His beacon to those around us so that they can encounter Him, through us, in a unique and different way.

For today, look at the many and varied activities, conversations, and circumstances that you experience, and ask for the grace to recognize with greater clarity, how God has placed them in your life so that you can encounter His presence and grow in His love.

 

TUESDAY - Awe

The feeling of awe is a great feeling. It comes with few words yet it fills the soul. I am in awe when I see a rainbow, or when I think of how the human body functions without being plugged in, but it all works together. I am in awe as I think about a child being born or a person taking their last breath. These are awesome and grace filled moments and God is there. I  am in awe as I gaze into the sky and see the beauty and formation of the clouds during the day or the stars at night. The awe comes when I realize that only God can create such beauty and that He chooses to share it with us. The greatest sense of awe comes when I reflect on how Jesus chose, wasn't forced to, but chose to suffer and die for me out of complete and selfless love.

For today, allow yourself to be filled with awe. When you have this experience, recognize God's hand in it and thank Him.

 

WEDNESDAY - Wonder

What does it mean to wonder? Is it a state of unknowing? uncertainty? or is it a state where one is speechless in the sight of something beyond imagination or words? When one stands in awe and wonder, I see it as one standing before God and there are no words to describe the experience or the encounter. We stand before God every day of our life. We stand as sinful saints that have the potential to be the best person that we can be that God has created us to be, yet sometimes we fall short of that potential. It is when we stand before God recognizing that we are weak and sinful, that the beginnings of wonder and awe are awakened. How can God, who created everything, who sent His Son Jesus to suffer and die for me 2000 years ago, care about me so much as to know every thought, deed, action, attitude and sin of mine and love me anyway? This is a different type of awe and wonder, but it is one that brings me to my knees and compels me to thank God for the gift of His love, a love that is unconditional,  and freely given and will never be taken away. 

For today, dwell and bask in the gift of wonder and see how God chooses to reveal Himself to you.

 

THURSDAY - Joy

Joy to the world, our savior has come. We are joyful, joy filled at the birth of a child, the various life celebrations, accomplishments and milestones that are celebrated, the obstacles that are overcome and the personal goals that are met.

Yet, if we were not joyful or joy filled at the birth of the Savior, no other event or circumstance, would or could bring us true joy.

Our joy, our reason for rejoicing comes from God, is directed to God and returns to God.

God rejoices in us. He created us and rejoices in His creation because it is good. We are good. God invites us to celebrate the events and occasions of our life with a true and genuine sense of joyfulness. Yet there are times where we are not feeling joy because of personal pains, sorrows, concerns or stresses and joy can't seem to find its way in. That doesn't mean that we are not joyful people, it means that we are experiencing the good Friday's of our life that have not yet made way for the resurrections that will soon occur. We have hope, we have Jesus' promise and we  have each other to hold onto as we eagerly await our resurrection to occur.

For today, look back on your good Friday's and see how and when your resurrections occurred. Also look at when your joy returned. Did it return stronger and with more clarity? Do you feel it today? If you need help returning to the true source of your joy, find the Christmas hymn, "Joy to the World" and take the time to truly listen to the words. Remember that the joy of Christmas can fill us every day because Christ comes to us every day at the Mass, in the Eucharist.

 

FRIDAY - Emptiness

How does one reflect on emptiness when it seems so negative? Yet I have included it between joy and inner peace. To be empty can be a very good thing. An empty vessel needs to be filled. If we look at our self as an empty vessel, then there in only one, genuine, lasting way that we can be filled, and only God can fill us. He knows our needs and those things that make us feel empty inside. Only His grace, mercy and peace are needed for us to feel filled so that we can continue to walk on this faith journey of ours. We are His beloved children so His love is woven through us. We are never void or empty of His love. So, if we sincerely ask God to fill our emptiness, He will fill us with what He knows we need out of His unconditional love for us; that which will keep us going in a spiritually and physically healthy direction.

For today, seek to rid that which is filling your heart, mind and soul and is taking you away from God. Is it loss, jealousy, anger, lack of forgiveness or desire to forgive? Whatever it is, ask for the grace to let it go, then allow  yourself to feel the emptiness, just for a short time, and trust that God is and will continue to fill it with what is lasting, loving and transforming.

 

SATURDAY - Inner Peace

This is a great gift, can you feel it, do you recognize it? What is reflected through your body language, your facial expressions? Is it peace or worry, anxiety and stress? Are the cares and worries that you are experiencing speaking through you, or is it your trust and faith in God that has allowed you to surrender those cares to Him?

For today, after a long week and as you enter into the weekend, be your best at being God's instrument of peace by extending, compassion, love, pardon, faith, hope, mercy and light to others. As you do this, a feeling of deep and inner peace will not only fill your being, it will stay as long as you allow it to. Remember that no one has the power to take your inner peace away, only you can give it or throw it away.

 

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY To all those who are Dads, Granddads, Foster dads, Single dads, Uncles, Moms who are fulfilling both father and mother roles, and brothers. For all of our dads who have gone before  us, May God's eternal light shine on them and may they rest in the peace of His loving embrace.

Let us thank our HEAVENLY FATHER for the gift of His Fatherly love in the giving of His only Son, Jesus. Let us pray for our Holy Father and all priests, that they  continue to serve God faithfully through the reception of the sacraments, the support of their fellow priests  and the prayerful encouragement of the faithful.

Let us pray that God will continue to bless those dads who are striving to be the best dads that they can be in the light of His strength, courage, grace and love. May their faith and the support of their spouses, children and families help them to flourish and grow as an instrument of God's peace, healing, mercy, compassion and love for them and all those they encounter.

Let us pray that God will be merciful to those dads, living and deceased, who have been instruments of harm, pain and estrangement to their spouses and children, and may He open their hearts to seek forgiveness and conversion.

Let us pray that we seek God's grace as well, for the times that we have been hurt by our fathers so that we can shine as His instrument of mercy and compassion and live in His peace, joy and healing.

My Glimpse of God for the week of June 17, 2018

My Glimpse of God for this week comes from a good friend that recently passed away and I had said the funeral prayers for. He was a wonderful man, a loving husband, a devoted father, a good friend and an inspiration to all who knew him well, as well as to those who only had a brief encounter with him. Randy embodied what it meant to live life despite the challenges that came and wanted him to feel or become defeated.  I have included the words that I shared of a man that touched the hearts of so many.

To Christine, Logan, Lauren, Mom and Dad, extended family, and friends, may the consolation and peace of Christ be a source of strength today and every day that comes where your love for Randy is remembered, his memories are cherished and his presence is missed. To his loved ones that have gone before him especially his grand mom Clyde, and his daughter Cindy, may he rest with them in the loving embrace of God and all the saints.

HIS BIRTHDAY WAS YESTERDAY AND I THINK IN HIS SPECIAL SENSE OF HUMOR, LEFT BEFORE HE TURNED 55. BECAUSE NO MATTER HOW YOU LOOK AT THOSE NUMBERS THEY ARE THE SAME EITHER WAY, BUT HE KNEW HE WAS DIFFERENT AND HE WANTED US TO REMEMBER HOW MUCH SO. HE WAS UNIQUE IN THE WAY HE APPROACHED LIFE AND DEATH:

WHEN HE HAD HIS FIRST STROKE, HE CAME BACK WITH FIERCE DETERMINATION, COURAGE, AND THE DESIRE TO LIVE AND DEFEAT DEATH. HE CHOSE TO LIVE AND FIGHT RATHER THAN BE DEFEATED AND DIE FROM WITHIN.

HE SAW NEW LIFE IN ALL ITS WAYS: IN HIS FAMILY BY THEIR LOVE FOR EACH OTHER, IN THE ANIMALS SURROUNDING HIM, HIS CATS SNOWBALL AND PSYCHO AS WELL AS HIS DOG GEORGE ALONG WITH THE SQUIRREL THAT HE FED RIGHT OUTSDIE THE FRONT DOOR. ALL WERE SPECIAL AND HE WANTED TO GIVE THEM THE SPECIAL ATTENTION THAT THEY DESERVED.

HE WAS DIFFERENT IN HOW HE RELATED WITH OTHERS. WE NEVER HEARD A HARSH WORD FROM HIM ABOUT ANYONE, AND WE NEVER HEARD HIM RAISE HIS VOICE OR GET ANGRY. THE FOLLOWING ARE SOME OF THE THINGS THAT HE ENJOYED>

HONDA: the power of dreams: RANDY DIDN’T PURSUE THE DREAMS THAT OTHERS HAD OR MAY HAVE WANTED, BUT RATHER HE PURSUED HIS DREAMS, NOT WHAT OTHERS EXPECTED OF HIM, BUT WHAT HE CHOSE AND THAT GAVE HIM POWER OF DREAMS WHICH GAVE HIM STRENGTH OVER BEING CONTROLLED BY THEM, A HONDA, BUT ALWAYS WORE A HARLEY BASEBALL CAP SINCE THEY DIDN’T SELL HONDA HATS.

ENJOYED RIDING HIS CYCLE: A MAN THAT ENJOYED THE FREEING FEELING OF RIDING HIS BIKE. HE DIDN’T WORRY, AND WAS NOT CONFINED OR INHIBITED. TRUSTED OTHERS THAT HE SHARED THE ROAD WITH. ENJOYED NATURE AND THIS ALLOWED HIM TO ENJOY IT ONE STEP FURTHER.

ROCK N ROLL: HE WAS A ROCK THAT PEOPLE COULD DEPEND ON, BUT YET HE LET THINGS ROLL OFF OF HIS BACK.  HE WAS A MAN THAT WHEN HE MADE UP HIS MIND, WOULD BE HESITANT TO CHANGE IT, BUT AT THE SAME TIME, CARED ABOUT OTHERS FEELINGS AND WOULD NOT DO ANYTHING TO HURT ANOTHER PERSON.

BURGER KING: “Be your way” IF YOR WAY IS ONE OF TRUTH, CARING, COMPASSION, COURAGE AND CONVICTION, THEN RANDY LIVED THE BURGER KING WAY. HE DIDN’T LIVE THE WAY OTHERS DID, HE LIVED THE WAY HE CHOSE THAT WAS BEST FOR HIM AND IN TURN WAS BEST FOR THOSE HE LOVED.

PEPSI’S SLOGAN IN THE YEARS OF1961-1964 WAS “Now it’s Pepsi for those who think young”

HOW APPROPRIATE SINCE RANDY NEVER THOUGHT LIKE AN “OLD” PERSON, ONE WHO WAS BITTER OR DIDN’T SEE THE GOOD IN LIFE, IN EACH DAY, BUT RATHER HE THOUGHT YOUNG IN THAT HE WAS YOUNG AT HEART AND THOUGHT WITH A RENEWED SENSE AND NOT ONE OF TOO OLD TO CHANGE OR SEE THINGS DIFFERENTLY SO WHY BOTHER.

MYTHBUSTERS: A SHOW THAT SETS OUT TO TEST THE VALIDILITY OF TIMELESS MYTHS AND URBAN LEGENDS.

RANDY, WITH ENCOURAGEMENT FROM CHRISTINE, WATCHED SHOWS THAT WERE REAL, EDUCATIONAL AND NOT JUST PLAIN STUPID. RANDY WANTED TO LEARN THE TRUTH AND NOT PASS ON THAT WHICH WAS MADE UP BECAUSE IT SOUNDED BETTER. HE WAS A MAN OF TRUTH AND DIDN’T MAKE UP THINGS JUST SO THAT HE COULD LOOK OR SOUND BETTER BEFORE OTHERS. HE MADE THE CHOICE TO BE TRUE TO HIMSELF, BE A MAN OF HONESTY, DIGNITY, AUTHENTICITY AND GENUINENESS, BEFORE HIS FAMILY, OTHERS AND HIS GOD.

WAS ATHLETIC: ENJOYED SPORTS AND COMPETITION BUT WASN’T CONTROLLED BY THEM.

WAS A PAINTER: A MAN THAT BROUGHT CHANGE, A SENSE OF NEWNESS, COLOR, REFRESHMENT INTO THE LIVES OF PEOPLE. SOUGHT TO MAKE PEOPLE HAPPY. WAS EXCELLENT AT WHAT HE DID BECAUSE PEOPLE MATTERED TO HIM.

AVID PICTURE TAKER; HE APPRECIATED BEAUTY AND WANTED TO KEEP IT LONGER SO HE WAS ALWAYS TAKING PHOTOS. HE APPRECIATD THE NATURALNESS AND THE REALNESS THAT GOD’S CREATURES PRESENTED BEFORE HIM AND WANTED IT TO LAST. HE HAD MEGA PICS ON HIS PHONE BECAUSE HE NEVER ERASED ONE. A CHERISHED MEMORY FOR HIM.

WE LEAVE HERE SAD BECAUSE THE PHYSICAL PRESENCE OF RANDY WILL BE MISSED, BUT WE CAN TAKE GREAT CONSOLATION IN THE REALITY THAT IN HIS DIFFERENCES:  HIS FREEING AND TRUSTING SPIRIT AS HE RODE HIS CYCLE, HIS ROCK AND ROLL APPROACH TO LIFE, AND HIS SENSE OF HUMOR.

AND FINALLY, HIS LOVE FOR BEING PARTICULAR WHICH WAS GOD’S BLESSING IN THAT HE CHOSE CHRISTINE AND SHE CHOSE HIM. THEY DIDN’T SETTLE FOR EACH OTHER, THEY CHOSE EACH OTHER AND IT WAS IN THAT CHOICE WHERE HE WAS GIVEN THE GRACE TO GROW AND BECOME THE BEST PERSON THAT HE COULD BE, THE PERSON THAT CHRISTINE LOVED THEN, LOVES MORE TODAY AND WILL ALWAYS LOVE,

THE PERSON THAT GOD CREATED HIM TO BE. THE PERSON THAT WE ALL LOVE, WILL MISS, BUT WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN, BECAUSE ONCE YOU ENTER INTO ONES HEART BY CHOICE, AS RANDY DID WITH US, HE WILL NEVER LEAVE, NO MATTER WHAT.

 

In light of today being Father's Day, instead of daily reflections, let us take each day and remember a specific characteristic or personality trait of our father that inspires us, keeps us going or reminds us that we are special and strive to exude that quality in our daily life.

SUNDAY - "F" - FORGIVING, FRIENDLY, FATHERLY,

MONDAY - "A' - ADORABLE, ACCEPTING, ABSOLVING....,

TUESDAY  - "T" - THANKFUL, TRUSTING, TRUTHFUL....

WEDNESDAY - "H" - HAPPY, HONORABLE, HOLY......

THURSDAY - "E" - EMBRACING, ENDEARING, ENERGIZING......

FRIDAY - "R" - RESPECTFUL, RARE, REFRESHING,....

SATURDAY - "S" - SAINTLY, SELFLESS, STATELY, .......

 

Glimpse of God for the week of June 10, 2018

John and I are in Boston for the first time and I have to say that it is breathtaking.

I am in awe! There is so much that I want to write but the words are not coming to me. They say that a picture is worth a thousand words, here is one that I think speak volumes. I have chosen this for my Glimpse of God, not only is it of God, in the cross of Jesus Christ, but how and where it is placed provides a different glimpse of Christ, God’s only begotten Son, for the beholder.

The crucifix is on the outside of the building of the Shrine of Saint Anthony in Boston. It is on the side of the building where it is visible from the street, from the different buildings that surround it, from the various high rises that are above it and from any window that looks out at it.

As you look at it, take a moment to see that from any direction or place that your eyes behold it, the word magnitude comes to mind. The magnitude of the cross, the magnitude of the love that Jesus had for us as He died on the cross, the magnitude of presence as we are reminded that in our cross is His presence and that we are not alone, the magnitude of gift in that He is always in our life: our challenges, our joys, our sorrows, with our crosses if we desire to see Him. The cross on the side of the building reminds me that just as He is visible from any point of view, He is visible in and through us as we seek to be His glimpse by our words, actions and deeds of kindness towards and with others.

As we reflect on the cross, let us be mindful that the cross is a very significant and essential part of our life as followers of Jesus Christ. We can make it a cross of pain and suffering or we can make it a cross of joy. Our crosses are our challenges to come to know Christ better and the magnitude of His redeeming love, healing, compassion and mercy for us, so that we can share it with others. We can allow them to make us feel defeated or we can make them a cause for joy. They can become a cause for joy in that we recognize that we have reason to rejoice in the deep and abiding love, and the magnitude of that love, not only that Jesus has for us but that we have for Him.

As we begin this week, let us be mindful of the crosses that we carry and how they have the power to transform, reform, and conform us to be more like Christ. Let us see how we are called to be His beacon so that others may see the magnitude of His love for them and how their crosses can also become crosses of joy.

Instead of daily reflections,  I thought I would offer the following words for reflection so that you can prayerfully see how the magnitude of God's love, presence and peace; the crosses of joy, are an integral part of your spirit, your mind and your whole being. 

 

SUNDAY  - the cross of joy in "healing"

Healing from physical, relational, or spiritual pain........

MONDAY - the cross of joy in "reconciliation"

Reconciliation with relationships, personal ambiguity, .......

TUESDAY - the cross of joy in " laughter"

The ability to laugh, to see joy even in the midst of one's mistakes, to see how even God laughs......

WEDNESDAY - the cross of  joy in "compassion"

That which is shared with another, towards another, towards you......

THURSDAY - the cross of joy in "peace"

Being a sign of peace in the midst of injury, anger, discord, hatred,,,,,,,

FRIDAY - the cross of joy in "a smile"

he ability to smile so that the inner your joy can be reflected to others, the ability to try to share a sign of peace...

SATURDAY - the cross of joy in "a hand offered to raise up, console, encourage...." to help others who have fallen into discourgement or despair, to make someone feel welcome, to extend peace.....

 

Glimpse of God for the week of June 3, 2018

My Glimpses of God for this week comes from Chloe, a faithful and faith filled woman who attends daily Mass at my parish, Saint John’s. Although I don’t know her well; we’ve never sat down and had any lengthy conversations or discussed our families, I do know that her love for God our Father, Christ His Son and Mary, our Mother, is deep and inspiring.  Chloe exudes a presence of peace in what could be a life of motherly cares and concerns.

When she arrives for daily Mass, she quietly gets the prayer materials ready that are recited after Mass, she attends to the flowers as she carefully places them in the vases and puts them next to the statue of Mary and the picture of Jesus of Divine Mercy. She is always ready to share her prayer books and various saint materials.

Recently, I had cut some roses from a bush in our yard. They had many thorns and at 6am in the morning as I was cutting them, I found myself being pinched with many thorns that could not be avoided. Ouch!!!!

As Chloe arrived to the chapel, I let her know that I had cut roses for the chapel and asked if she could do her magic with arranging them. I also was very aware of how painful the thorns were, and I said that I would take them out of the bag and put them in the vases so that she wouldn’t get pinched as much. I didn’t want her to get hurt with all of them. As I tried to help her, I looked in amazement as she quietly took the roses in her hands, thorns and all, and placed them in the three vases. She embraced the thorns and said nothing. What I saw in and through her actions was her deep love for Mary and Jesus that could never be overshadowed or defeated by the thorns of any heavy crosses or personal suffering.  She probably wasn’t even thinking, but rather prayerfully placing the roses so that their beauty could be seen by all who come into the chapel.

This reminded me of how the rose can be a great picture and reminder of what life is like, especially as a follower of Christ. There is great beauty surrounded us. God has surrounded us with His great creation with all of its beauty, to not only enjoy but also to take care of. All of God’s creation, both in nature and in humanity, is good, but life crosses, challenges and circumstances, cause the beauty to be overshadowed by pain and suffering. The beauty is always there but sometimes we allow our crosses, life challenges and our own personal suffering, to take over and cover up the beauty. We are God’s beloved sons and daughters, and there is no sin, mistake or choice that will ever take away or lessen His unconditional love for us. As we journey through life it is like we are journeying with the thorns, our Good Friday’s, to remind us that there is always a rose, our Easter Sunday, that awaits us. As a follower and disciple of Christ we cannot walk through life expecting it to be suffering free or without thorns, but rather can walk through life ready to embrace the thorns with the hope that the beauty of the rose of resurrection awaits us. Christ embraced the thorns of our sins through the cross, so that we can behold the beauty of eternal life, through His resurrection.

This week as we enter into another weather mystery, let us look at the many and various subtle ways that we are of benefit or service to others by our prayers, our example, our care and concern. Let us look at how we embrace our thorns, and how by our example, we live the hope that we offer to others.

SUNDAY – “S” – Steadfast, (faithful, loyal, trustworthy….)

What does it mean to be steadfast? Do you see yourself as steadfast, faithful, loyal, or trustworthy? Do you think that God sees you as steadfast, faithful, loyal and trustworthy? Have the thorns in your life made you feel as if you are not steadfast, to God, others or self because you struggled with them or felt defeated by them?

For today, look at how you have reached out to others: spouse, children, siblings, friends, community members, despite your thorns, and by your actions have offered them hope and given them strength. Can you recognize that even in the midst of your thorns, the beauty of your faith, your desire to help, your care and concern for others, brought out the beauty of God’s love and presence in your life?

MONDAY – “E” – Earnest (sincere, heartfelt, intense…)

Being earnest or sincere brings forth a recognition that one needs to speak from the heart and for many that is difficult. When we speak from the heart, we take a risk that what we say or do may be rejected or judged. When we open our hearts, we leave room for others to hurt us. Yet, when God expands our hearts, He does so gently so that we can allow Him to fill us with His love, His graces, His blessings so that we can His voice of sincerity, consolation, mercy, compassion, forgiveness and hope.

For today, be more earnest or intense about what is important to you. A bout that which occupies your heart and makes you passionate.  Allow God to expand your heart so that your passion can grow and your heart can be healed and whole where the thorns of life may have made you wounded and broken.

 TUESDAY – “R” – Reverent (respectful, awed, humble…)

Do you reverence yourself? Do you have self-respect? Do you see yourself as Blessed? By God? Special and chosen by God? Do you respect the body that He has given you? DO you stand in awe and wonder at the creation that is YOU? Look at all that is in you: your beauty that lies within, your talents and gifts, your creativity, your virtue, your genuine goodness, your love, your openness,…and reverence YOU,  do not discard YOU as not important or not talented….God has no rooms for nots.

For today, reverence yourself as Blessed by God at your baptism and deserving a respect by all. No one should be made to feel less than a person no matter what. We are all created in God’s image and thus deserving to be treated as the members of the Body of Christ. When we were baptized we were blessed with Holy water and at that moment on our life, we were chosen by God as His own, His greatest creation, unique and special, one to be reverenced and treated as his Child.

WEDNESDAY – “V” – Virtuous (good, righteous, moral…)

Not many of us will identify with being righteous, moral or good. These adjectives seem to better describe the saints and not the average person. When one thinks of being virtuous, moral or good, one thinks of the Saints, Sisters, or those who are in monasteries, but not one self. Yet, as God’s beloved sons and daughters, we are all created good and moral and righteous. We all have the potential to be the best person that God has created us to be and that we can become and there are no limitations. Being moral or good or righteous are gifts that we are given and to be used in a spirit of humility and love. When one is self-righteous, or uses religion, morality as a source to judge, condemn or abuse others, and not see the presence of God or that they are also God’s beloved, ’then they are not being virtuous.  

For today, pray for those who choose to judge others and not see the goodness God in them.    Look in the mirror and as the Holy Spirit to show you the goodness of God that dwells with in you, that which makes you a sinner who is striving to be a saint. God looks at you and sees that you are good. Do you agree?

THURSDAY – “I” – Inspirational (motivating, stirring, moving…)                                                                                                         

When was the last time that you were inspired? Left with a feeling of awe and wonder? Felt as if God were standing right there? Was it at the birth of a child? Or the death of a loved one? Was it I n something that you read or heard? Were you changed? Were you moved to see something or someone differently, with greater clarity or understanding? The Holy Spirit is the source of inspiration and can lead us to seeing God’s presence, hearing His voice or feeling His touch.

For today, take a moment to recognize the working of the Holy Spirit in your life and how He has been a source of inspiration and motivation for you and to others.

FRIDAY – “C” – Creative (inspired, resourceful, artistic…)

Are you creative? What does that mean and how does your creativity shine through you? Does creativity just mean being an artist, or a flower arranger, or someone who does arts and crafts or needle point? I don’t think so. I think being creative is when one uses their mind, their heart and soul to bring forth beauty with what they have in the way God has blessed them. We all have the ability to be creative, our creativity is as unique as we are, it is our humble gift to God. it comes from a desire to bring forth joy and a reason to smile. Can you recognize that you are creative and that your creativity is a gift from God so that you can bring forth His beauty? Do you see how you are His instrument to be used to glorify Him?

For today, be creative with whatever you have , and however you understand that.

SATURDAY – “E” – Encouraging (hopeful, positive, uplifting…)

Do you encourage others? Are you encouraged as you live each day and embrace your thorns or are you someone who can only see the negative?  Can you recognize the times where you have consciously chosen to rise above the weight of your cross so that others can also find hope with their cross? The love of Christ as He died on the cross for us is a great reason to be encouraged especially as we try to carry our own crosses, embrace our thorns and uncover the beauty of God’s love in our pain and suffering.

For today, take a moment to recognize how you have overcome many obstacles and have been a witness of hope and encouragement to others. As you recognize that within yourself, take a moment to also see how others have been an instrument of hope and encouragement for you.

 

 

 

 

Glimpse of God for the week of May 27th.

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND!!! 

This week's Glimpse of God was one that was very clear, lasting and profound.  I had the opportunity to be at the “Walk for the Wounded” last week, but due to the rain, was held at one of the local schools. Although the rain may have cancelled the run/walk, many people still came out to support the wounded warriors, the many military support organizations, and the many speakers who not only told their stories but also shared their love for their country, their fellow men and women warriors, and most importantly their God and how He had blessed them.

They felt honored serve their country and although many of them returned home wounded, they were able to come back home to their families filled with a spirit of humility, pride and gratitude. This special day was initiated ten years ago to honor all of our military who have paid the ultimate sacrifice and have died as a result of War. It is an event filled with many opportunities to recognize the depth of personal conviction and selflessness of each person called to serve displayed and continues to exude.

 

.It is an opportunity to honor all of the families that are left with the emptiness and the pain that losing a loved because of war brings.  It is an opportunity to honor all those who have been wounded and coming home to a new normal. This is usually an opportunity for the communtiy to do the Warriors 5K run or the  10K walk for the wounded, but this year they were not held, due to the inclement weather. It is an opportunity for all who attend to recognize that in the hearts of the men and women who choose to serve their country, there is God. In each man and woman that chooses to serve, there is the presence of the selfless, emptying, giving, sacrificial heart where God dwells, strengthens, encourages and calls them to give all they have for another especially the stranger.

 

It also is an opportunity to raise awareness to the reality that our military members are coming home wounded physically, emotionally, spiritually and in need of our help, prayers, encouragement and support. We need to support our military.  They are losing their lives so that others may be free to live life and not be afraid of it. Freedom may be a gift that we have received, but there are many others who are still searching and hoping to become free and not be afraid; to live their lives in light of God’s love and not in light of bombs, guns, rape, abuse, hunger, homelessness, or death. There were many military veterans, active duty members, supporters, family members and organizations like "Bikers for Christ" that were there to show their support to those who serve and for the families of those who have lost loved ones because of war. There were stories read of those who died because they chose the path that they hoped would bring about peace and freedom to others, the path set by God. There were stories of those who have survived but changed because of injury, death of their fallen comrades and the guilt of "why them and not me?.  

 

Our military are one of our greatest Glimpses of God that He can send us.  Those in the military are those who desire to be God's peacemakers in a world that has lost the meaning and the sense of peace.  They went as peacemakers and sought to bring about the peace and freedom that God wants for all of His children.

 

In our society today, it seems that we are doing all that we can to take God out of everything. Yet, it is our military members, our Veterans that are not afraid to praise God, thank Him for the gift of life and for bringing them home safely, to echo His name in prayer and blessings, and entrust their fallen comrades and critically injured service members to His tender love, care and mercy.

As we prepare to celebrate Memorial Day, let us be mindful of how this day came about and let us pray for those whom we are called to remember, our military past and present, that selflessly sacrificed and continue to do so for the good of others. Let us close our eyes and see that through their faith, courage and determination, we are free and know what peace is.

 

If you are looking for Glimpse of God, seek out, talk to a Veteran, an active duty member or a reservist, and listen to their story, learn from their wisdom and discover the God that called them, sustained them and loved them through the most difficult period and time of their life. Their time, their sacrifice, their love for God and others, all formed them to be the selfless and courageous person that they are today. We all need examples of faith, hope and charity. We can find it in those who served and are serving our country, the family members, close friends, neighbors and all others of soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines who support the home front while their loved ones are deployed far away.

Our military, both active duty and reservists are a Glimpse of God. Family, friends and supporters are big glimpses of God, so where do you fit in?

As you celebrate the weekend, take each day to pause, pray and remember how and why this day came about. Don't just make this Memorial Day a day off or all about parties, car sales and picnics, but rather see it as a Glimpse of God in and through our memory and those who have created our memories: our Veterans. 

Duty, Honor and Country; Honor, Courage, Commitment; Semper Paratus, Semper Fi.

One Nation Under God

Indivisible

With liberty and justice

For all.

 

This week, instead of taking each day to reflect on one aspect, let us take each day to see the whole picture and reflect on how blessed we are and how our blessings blend in and create the life that we have today. Let us never forget, but choose to be grateful for and remember, the many gifts and blessings that we have been given because of our military.

Have a safe and healthy weekend.

 

HAPPY JUNE TO ALL f God for the week of May 27th.

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND!!! 

This week's Glimpse of God was one that was very clear, lasting and profound.  I had the opportunity to be at the “Walk for the Wounded” last week, but due to the rain, was held at one of the local schools. Although the rain may have cancelled the run/walk, many people still came out to support the wounded warriors, the many military support organizations, and the many speakers who not only told their stories but also shared their love for their country, their fellow men and women warriors, and most importantly their God and how He had blessed them.

They felt honored serve their country and although many of them returned home wounded, they were able to come back home to their families filled with a spirit of humility, pride and gratitude. This special day was initiated ten years ago to honor all of our military who have paid the ultimate sacrifice and have died as a result of War. It is an event filled with many opportunities to recognize the depth of personal conviction and selflessness of each person called to serve displayed and continues to exude.

 

.It is an opportunity to honor all of the families that are left with the emptiness and the pain that losing a loved because of war brings.  It is an opportunity to honor all those who have been wounded and coming home to a new normal. This is usually an opportunity for the communtiy to do the Warriors 5K run or the  10K walk for the wounded, but this year they were not held, due to the inclement weather. It is an opportunity for all who attend to recognize that in the hearts of the men and women who choose to serve their country, there is God. In each man and woman that chooses to serve, there is the presence of the selfless, emptying, giving, sacrificial heart where God dwells, strengthens, encourages and calls them to give all they have for another especially the stranger.

 

It also is an opportunity to raise awareness to the reality that our military members are coming home wounded physically, emotionally, spiritually and in need of our help, prayers, encouragement and support. We need to support our military.  They are losing their lives so that others may be free to live life and not be afraid of it. Freedom may be a gift that we have received, but there are many others who are still searching and hoping to become free and not be afraid; to live their lives in light of God’s love and not in light of bombs, guns, rape, abuse, hunger, homelessness, or death. There were many military veterans, active duty members, supporters, family members and organizations like "Bikers for Christ" that were there to show their support to those who serve and for the families of those who have lost loved ones because of war. There were stories read of those who died because they chose the path that they hoped would bring about peace and freedom to others, the path set by God. There were stories of those who have survived but changed because of injury, death of their fallen comrades and the guilt of "why them and not me?.  

 

Our military are one of our greatest Glimpses of God that He can send us.  Those in the military are those who desire to be God's peacemakers in a world that has lost the meaning and the sense of peace.  They went as peacemakers and sought to bring about the peace and freedom that God wants for all of His children.

 

In our society today, it seems that we are doing all that we can to take God out of everything. Yet, it is our military members, our Veterans that are not afraid to praise God, thank Him for the gift of life and for bringing them home safely, to echo His name in prayer and blessings, and entrust their fallen comrades and critically injured service members to His tender love, care and mercy.

As we prepare to celebrate Memorial Day, let us be mindful of how this day came about and let us pray for those whom we are called to remember, our military past and present, that selflessly sacrificed and continue to do so for the good of others. Let us close our eyes and see that through their faith, courage and determination, we are free and know what peace is.

 

If you are looking for Glimpse of God, seek out, talk to a Veteran, an active duty member or a reservist, and listen to their story, learn from their wisdom and discover the God that called them, sustained them and loved them through the most difficult period and time of their life. Their time, their sacrifice, their love for God and others, all formed them to be the selfless and courageous person that they are today. We all need examples of faith, hope and charity. We can find it in those who served and are serving our country, the family members, close friends, neighbors and all others of soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines who support the home front while their loved ones are deployed far away.

Our military, both active duty and reservists are a Glimpse of God. Family, friends and supporters are big glimpses of God, so where do you fit in?

As you celebrate the weekend, take each day to pause, pray and remember how and why this day came about. Don't just make this Memorial Day a day off or all about parties, car sales and picnics, but rather see it as a Glimpse of God in and through our memory and those who have created our memories: our Veterans. 

Duty, Honor and Country; Honor, Courage, Commitment; Semper Paratus, Semper Fi.

One Nation Under God

Indivisible

With liberty and justice

For all.

 

This week, instead of taking each day to reflect on one aspect, let us take each day to see the whole picture and reflect on how blessed we are and how our blessings blend in and create the life that we have today. Let us never forget, but choose to be grateful for and remember, the many gifts and blessings that we have been given because of our military.

Have a safe and healthy weekend.

 

HAPPY JUNE TO ALL 

   

 

Glimpse of God for the week of May 20, 2018

As I begin this Glimpse, I want to take a moment to recognize the many graces that the Church of Philadelphia has received through the open hearts of many men and women who have answered the call to serve as Priests, Consecrated Religious and Permanent Deacons.  This month we celebrated and rejoiced with the  Ordination of 6 men to the Priesthood and the Jubilee celebrations for the Sisters of Saint Francis of Philadelphia, as well as other Religious orders, and in june we will celebrate the Ordination of the Permanent Deaconate. God continues to call men and women to serve Him by serving His Church, and we celebrate with those who recently responded, those who continue to discern God’s call, and those who continue to say Yes as they celebrate many years of faithful service.

My Glimpse for this week comes from the retired Sisters of Saint Francis of Philadelphia who celebrate their Ruby (80 years) and Diamond (70 years Jubilees. All are gems and precious in the eyes of God and all those they encounter and serve.

Every week when John and I take Clover, our Golden Retriever, for pet therapy, Clover is welcomed, hugged, fed, complimented, fussed over and given many kisses. From the moment that she enters the doors of the vestibule to the moment that she walks out, she is the hit of the parade. They make her feel welcomed in their home. Although it is about Clover and the calming affect that she has on the Sisters, they always make us feel welcomed and a part of their family. They are present to us as they spend time with Clover. They share their stories with us, their challenges, their wisdom and their prayers and they embrace our stories, our challenges, and offer us their prayers, support and encouragement.

As I reflect on their jubilee and their vocation as Consecrated Religious I am inspired and in awe. These Sisters who are celebrating 70 and 80 years as a Consecrated Religious said YES so long ago, and yet just moments ago as well. Their YES is a daily YES. They live out their YES to God by the life that they live, have lived, and hope to live: that of a faithful service with a heart that remains open always ready to be transformed, conformed and reformed to the heart of Jesus.

They said YES with no treasure map to follow, no guarantee or refunds, no promises or exceptions as the world would ask or expect. Instead they put their trust in God’s wisdom and knowledge of their deepest desire and love for Him, their treasure map was and remains in the Sacraments of the Church, for it is in them they find the direction and path that they need to follow, their promise was eternal life and the guarantee was given to them by Jesus as He was nailed to the cross, and there are no exceptions, we are all included.  All who choose to follow Christ will inherit eternal life.  The Sisters have remained faithful followers despite and amidst any physical limitations, pain, discouragement and disappointments. In the midst of it all they renew in their heart their YES to Christ as His beloved bride. All of the Sisters are not only a Glimpse of God but a clear picture of God and His wonderful all-encompassing love for all of His children. They, like Saint Francis, exude the simplicity, humility and compassion that makes them truly God’s instruments of peace in a world torn by division.

As we begin a new week and enter into Memorial Day weekend, let us take a moment to thank God for all of those individuals, both religious and military, who have given us our freedom so that we can practice our religion, have given us religion so that we can pray for freedom, and who have united us as one under God so that we will not be afraid to be religious, be military, and be proud.

As I write the daily reflections, I have included the definitions from Marian Webster because they truly reflect the Sisters of Saint Francis at the Assisi House and how they continue to live out their YES.

SUNDAY – “J” – JOYFUL - The feelings expressed or a causing of great pleasure and happiness.

Are you a joyful person?  What brings you joy? What takes away your joy? Joy is not a fleeting gift from God, but rather one that is planted with deep roots. It is up to us; we can choose to cultivate it or ignore it. We can be a joyful person despite the challenges that come our way, or we can allow them to make us bitter and unhappy.

For today, take a look at the various events, people, circumstances that bring or have brought you joy and offer a prayer of gratitude. Then take a moment to think of when you were the cause of joy for someone and how it made you feel and offer a prayer of gratitude.

 

MONDAY – “U” - UNIQUE - Someone or something that is unlike anything or anyone else, very special or unusual, belonging to, connected with only one particular thing, place or person.

Do you see yourself as a unique individual? Do you recognize that you have been given special gifts and talents by God that make you who you are and the special person that you are? God sees you as unique, special and He calls you His beloved. Can you allow yourself to be loved by God? It is a gift to be different and not blend in with everyone. God has created you to be you and not anyone else. Do you like who you are or do you try to be someone else? Can you allow God to love you and show you how special and unique you are and that you are gift?

For today, look in the mirror and begin to identify your uniqueness, your giftedness by God, what makes you special, intellectually, physically, or emotionally, what makes you stand out from the crowd, what people notice about you. Honor who you are, reverence who you are, and recognize that God created you and wants you to see how unique and special you are to Him and all those in your life.

 

TUESDAY – “B” – BOUNTIFUL - Giving generously, unselfishly openhanded.

We all have opportunities to give generously of our selves: by being present to another as we listen and words are not necessary, by offering our prayers to those who are seeking to feel God’s presence, by lending a hand to someone who is need, and by lifting up one who has fallen by our showing of compassion, mercy and understanding.

For today, look at how you have been bountiful and how others have been bountiful in your life. Ask God for the grace to continue to extend yourself to those in need, be it spiritual, physical or emotional and thank Him for those who He has sent to you when you needed them most and, in some cases, didn’t realize it.

 

WEDNESDAY – “I’ – INTUITIVE -  Having the ability to know or understand things without any proof or evidence.

The prayer of Saint Francis can be a prayer of intuitiveness because it is in the prayer where we identify those areas that are “off”, hatred, doubt, despair, darkness, … and we want to make right with God’s love, pardon, faith, hope,…We want to make right what we spiritually intuit to be bringing us away from the Lord. We might not be able to identify the exact moments where we have fallen to hatred or how we have doubted God or the how or why we gave into despair, but we sense deep within that something is not right and we want to change. Hatred, injury, doubt, despair, discord, darkness, sadness, can permeate our very being, but it is the desire to bring forth love, pardon, faith, hope, truth, light, joy, understanding, and consolation that enables us to act in a positive way toward others before the weakness of sin wins.

For today, slowly pray the Prayer of Saint Francis and pray for the grace to identify one aspect in your life that you want to change, or that needs healing or has been healed.

 

THURSDAY – “L” – LOVING - Feeling or showing love or great care.

The Sisters have lived their life showing great love for all those that God has placed in their care. We all have the potential to be loving people, yet there are times when our love is overshadowed by hate, our compassion is overshadowed by rash and harsh judgment, and our mercy is overshadowed by bitterness. Yet in an instant, we can change and be loving and better people. We just need to ask God for His help and His grace.

For today, ask for His grace to let go of those dispositions, attitudes, actions, judgments that make you unloving and ask to be filled with the gifts of the Holy Spirit that will make you become the best person that you can be, the person that God knows you have the potential to become and wants you to be.

 

FRIDAY – “E” – EFFUSIVE – Expressing a feeling of gratitude pleasure in a heartfelt matter.

The celebration of the Mass is an act of thanksgiving. We come together to give thanks and to celebrate as a community the great love of Jesus as He gives us His Body and Blood in the Holy Eucharist. We are the Body of Christ. We are commissioned to be the hands, feet, voice, eyes and ears of Christ in our families, our church, our neighborhoods, our community, our workplace, with those we know and the stranger, the outcast and the forgotten, the humble and the proud. We are all called to build the Kingdom of God here on earth. When we possess a spirit of gratitude, we can build without being inhibited or restricted, where there are no walls only open spaces.

For today, express your gratitude to those who need to hear it. If it is God, pray it, if it is to a family member, say it, but don’t let it go.

 

SATURDAY – “E” – ENDEARING – Inspiring love or affection

Do you inspire love or affection or do you shy away from it?  God draws us to love.

For today, as you prepare for the weekend, think of how you have inspired love and how you have shared that love for God, others, self and country. Remember not to forget those who have inspired love by paying the ultimate price with their life for their country, their fellow man and for their God so that we can be free, safe and live in peace

             

 

 

Glimpse of God for the week of April 29, 2018

 

As I reflect on our week here in Lancaster, I can’t help but see how God is revealing Himself. There have been many glimpses of His love, light and presence in and through the home that we are staying in, seeing “JESUS” at the “Sight and Sound Theatres, seeing the movie, “Paul”, the ability to go to daily Mass, the two dogs that are our neighbors and how I was just able to sit on the ground and have them approach me, the peace and beauty that surrounds us in the landscaping of Lancaster, and the people that are so God centered, friendly and peace filled.

As we approached the house that we are staying in, the first thing that we noticed is the style of the home, it is in the shape of an “A”. It is very different from the homes that surround it. As you walk in you might have a problem if you are tall in stature because the walls do form an “A”, and this requires that one walk in the center of the room if one does not want to walk into the walls and hit one’s shoulders, toes or head.

SO…. where or how is God revealing Himself? What is my glimpse for this week? It came to me as I entered into the home and realized that I needed to walk in the center of the room if I did not want to walk into the wall, stub my toes, rub my shoulders or hit my head. As one walks into the room looks ahead, one can see the beauty of the outside through the windows. God’s creation awaits anyone who is willing to appreciate it.

Our faith requires that we walk straight and keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. As one stays in this home, one constantly is reminded that they need to stay focused and walk in the center of the room. Christ is our center and if we are to walk with Him, we need to keep our focus on Him. When we stray, we hit the walls hit our heads and feel the bumps that come. As we walk with Christ, He does not lead us to darkness, but He leads us through the darkness. This home is a reminder of the great love that He has for us and how in some extraordinary and rare way, He reminds us of how we are walking with Him, how we are keeping our focus on Him, and how He blesses us on our journey with the His sacraments.

As one stays here, one might say that there is a lot of wasted space, but yet it is in the empty space that one is called to walk straight and keep their focused. Is there a lot of empty space in your life? Is it too much work and not enough prayer time, is it consumerism? Social status? What is holding you back from keeping your focus on Christ? How are you bumping your head, rubbing your shoulders, and stubbing your toes as you try to keep focus and can you get back on track?

As we approach this week and the beauty of the month of May, let us try to look at those things that are making us bump our heads, toes and shoulders and see what we need to do to get back on center. Let us REFOCUS on Christ.

SUNDAY – “R” – Refocus. Can you see where you need to refocus and how Christ may be calling you in a different direction? How difficult is it to admit that you need to change the direction that you are walking in or want walk in? Are you bumping your head, stubbing your toes or rubbing your shoulders on the walls as you try to avoid listening and seeing the direction that Christ is pointing you in?

For today, try to look straight ahead and put one foot in the front of the other so that if there is one choice that you want to make that will stub your toe or make you hit your head, ask for the grace to change your mind.

MONDAY – “E” – Embrace. Take the gift of God’s direction and embrace it. Make it yours, choose it and as difficult as it may seem to be, once you choose to walk in His light, the path will be clearer and there will be less opportunities to walk into the walls that surround you. Walking into walls, as painful as that is, is also an opportunity to look at the wall and examine and evaluate your direction and the choices that you are making and make better choices, ones that don’t hurt as much, give you a sense of fulfillment and allow you to go forward.

For today, pray for the grace to know God’s will, direction and desire for you. Seek to live up to your potential and ask that God help you to embrace it and achieve it. God does not want us walking into walls when He has our path ready for us. When we fail to live up to our potential, we are failing to listen to the Spirit of God and how the Holy Spirit is calling us to go forward, in the light of God’s love, in the direction that He is pointing out to us. Sometimes, that comes in the form of an” A” house, the house with a foundation that immediately leads us to the center of our life, the person of Jesus Christ.

TUESDAY – “F” – Follow. Follow your heart. Allow the love of God that dwells within you be your guide especially when you are facing decisions, either difficult daily ones or life changing one’s. In either case, that God knows your heart and wants only the best for you. Follow the path, walk in His way, trust in the journey, and you will find peace.

For today, try to make a difficult decision, one that you have been putting off. Look at your choices and ask for the grace and the wisdom of the Holy Spirit to follow your heart, listen to the truth that is spoken in the depths of your heart, and make the best one. As you go forward and try to avoid bumping your head, stubbing your toes or rubbing your shoulder, remember that it is only when we truly desire to see God in all things, that our hearts are open and the presence of God is revealed.

WEDNESDAY – “O’ -  Outlook. What is your outlook or attitude towards life? Are you a positive person, one that tries to see the good in most circumstances, situations and people? Or do you look for the negative and seek to bring others down instead of raising them up? What is your outlook when it comes to your faith? How do you see God in your life? Are you in a relationship with Him, one that is nurtured through your prayer and the sacraments of the church, or is He the God that you call on only when you need Him and expect Him to clean up the mess and fix things?

For today, listen and choose to believe that God’s outlook for you is much brighter, healthier, wholesome than you can ever imagine or hope for. He knows your heart, your potential, your desires and yes even your weaknesses and sins. BUT the good news is that His love is still greater than anything that you could do, no matter how many walls that you walk into or hit your head, no matter how many times you lose your focus, or even choose to stay stuck with decisions that you need to make. His outlook is one of healing, wholeness and peace for you and He wants you to believe that and live accordingly.

THURSDAY - “C” – Change. Change can be difficult for some and yet for others, is viewed as an invitation to do, see or respond to something differently. In any case it is not always easy. Personal or spiritual change is an invitation by God to personal and spiritual transformation.

Change can be deeply painful but yet eternally rewarding. God sees those things that we do that cause us to move away from Him and the good that HE wants and has in store for us. God doesn’t force us to make decisions or changes but invites us to see how the decisions that we are making are causing us to stray and be confused, not at peace with our self and never really happy within. Change can alleviate the darkness that we feel we are walking in and bring about light and understanding and peace.

For today, invite the changes that you know that you need to make and seek to take one step at a time to make them. I remind you of the serenity prayer, one that brings serenity and peace: “God grant me the serenity to accept the things that I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference”

FRIDAY -” U” – Unobstructed view. What is obstructing your view to God, the cross, healing, wholeness or peace? What in your life is keeping you from seeing the truth and the direction that God is trying to point out to you? Whatever is obstructing your view can be removed, ask for the grace to move it and God will give you a clearer view, one that had no obstacles, but rather opportunities to see Him more clearly.

For today, recall the times in your life when you were able to recognize the presence and view of God clearly. What were the choices that you made that helped you see God clearly and with an unobstructed view or obstacles in the way? Seek to discern His will again as you make a decision, but take one decision at a time, and seek to take one step at a time and that way you won’t be walking into the wall, but rather recognizing the wall and stopping short of it.

SATURDAY – “S” - straight ahead. This has been a challenging week one where you have to examine and evaluate your choices and the direction that you are taking and where that direction may be different than the one that God has in store for you. Take a look at where you have gone straight ahead towards God and thank Him for the Holy Spirit’s guidance.  We know that it can be difficult going straight ahead when we want to take our short cuts, go the back roads or just pull over, but yet when we believe that the God who created us knows the best and wants the best, then we need to go straight ahead.

For today, go straight ahead and take a moment to thank God for the shot cuts, the back roads and the rest stops, because it is through all of those, that you came to realize the truth and the direction that is of God. Also, think of how you have been chosen to build God’s Kingdom here on earth and go build it one act of kindness at a time.

Glimpse of God for the week of April 22, 2018

My Glimpse of God for this week comes as I reflect on Good Shepherd Sunday and thank God for the pastor and staff of Saint Pius X, where Father John resides. Father Kaufman, the pastor and Cyndee, the secretary of Saint Pius X, are two people, along with the other staff members, who truly exude, witness to and live out the presence and love of Christ in their life. I believe that I, along with many others, have been and will continue to be recipients of their love for God and the joy that comes from that love every time we enter the doors of the rectory.  The words that come to mind as I reflect on their true sense and spirit of hospitality are warmth and welcome. 

As often as I go there, I am always greeted with a true spirit of warmth, I am always made to feel welcome and I feel as though I belong there even though I am not a parishioner.  As I reflect on what it means to be Church, what it means to be a member of a parish, and what it feels like to belong, I can say that Saint Pius X embodies and embraces these ideals, fulfills the mission of the Church on the parish level, and responds to Christ’s call to welcome all.

As a pastor although I do not know Father Kaufman well, every time he sees me at the rectory, he greets me and I feel welcomed.  As a pastor, he is called to welcome with the hospitality of Christ and help those who he encounters to feel that welcome as if it were Christ Himself at the door. As a pastor in the Catholic Church today, he has, as do all pastors, the role and responsibility of pastoring the flock of believers to come to know their true shepherd, Jesus Christ better, so that they may want to love Him more dearly, serve Him more faithfully and follow Him more nearly day by day. As an observer, I can see that he embraces his priesthood, as do the other priests, and often goes beyond to help others to see Christ in their specific experience or circumstances. 

People today are looking to belong when they feel outcasts, to feel welcomed when they feel like the stranger, to feel loved when they feel unloved.  As a church and the Body of Christ, we have the responsibility to be Christ and to welcome, forgive, embrace all those we encounter as if we are encountering Christ, and we might just be. Saint Pius does that and does it very well. Through Cyndee and her smile, her ease of conversation, and her ability to relate to people is a great gift and of Christ’s presence.  We often chat and recently as I shared a medical dilemma that I was having, she was very warm, helpful and quick to make me feel less embarrassed and self-conscious.  

Hospitality is God’s invitation for us to be our best self and greet all those we encounter as if we were greeting Christ himself.  This gift is a call of faith for us to see beyond what appears, and to look at the heart of others with compassion and not judge, but to embrace and not to turn away from. We are all called to be extend the warmth of Christ’s hospitality. How we choose to do that is as special as God’s call to each of us.

So…. as we begin a new week, let us look at how we are called to extend Christ’s hospitality and seek to be His warmth and WELCOME to all those we encounter.

SUNDAY – “W” – warmth

In a world where people can be cold and uncaring, how are we called to bring the genuine warmth and tenderness of God ‘s love to others?  When we are stressed and feel overwhelmed, it can be easy to be cold and uncaring, judgmental and harsh, but yet as followers of Christ, that response does not work and it goes against what we stand for and who we stand with. Christ’s warmth melted the hearts of the most sinful and ashamed and He welcomed and embraced all, even those disliked and judged by others.

Being warm can melt the coldness of our hearts, our harsh judgments, our deep-rooted anger, our past hurts and can ignite the passion of our mercy, our compassion, our peace and bring about healing.

For today, think about how it feels when you are warm and caring. Take a moment to pray for those who either choose not to be, cannot be, do not know how to be, and those in our society who are the recipients of our cold and uncaring responses. Ask God to melt the coldness of their hearts and fill them with the warmth of His love, mercy, compassion and healing.

MONDAY – “E” – embrace

How do we embrace others? What does a hug or embrace mean? Do we embrace others or do we turn away? When we are embraced, how do we respond and how does that embrace make us feel afterwards? Do you believe that Christ embraces you in and through the Sacraments especially Eucharist and Reconciliation, in and through each other, and just by the virtue of your baptism?

For today, as you strive to be God’s instrument of warmth and welcome, spiritually embrace someone who is far from embracing; an estranged family member, an outcast of society, someone who has caused you harm, someone who is alone and has no one. Ask Jesus to help you embrace them with His compassion, mercy, forgiveness, healing, and love and try to see yourself embracing them as Christ embraces you. Do not limit your embrace but ask Jesus to completely embrace them so that they may know that He loves them and is always with them even when you are unable to be.

TUESDAY – “L” – laughter

Do you laugh enough or do you take life so seriously that you can’t find it within yourself to laugh? Laughter is good medicine, iit lets go of stress and lowers one’s blood pressure. If we can laugh at our self, then we are able to see that in the midst of our goodness, we can find humor in something that we say or do even though it may have been embarrassing. Laughing is good. I believe that Jesus laughed, after all look at the crew He chose, the many times they missed His point and the many more times that they put their foot in their mouths. Jesus wouldn’t have laughed at them to make them feel bad or embarrass them, but rather to show them that although He knew their hearts and loved them, they provided a moment or a source of humor and He wanted to celebrate it, not ignore it.

For today, take a moment to laugh and see how your body responds to laughter. Think of a good joke, a funny story, your own personal embarrassing moment that you can look back on, and yes laugh at, a funny show, your favorite comedian….You can think of something that makes you laugh, so find it, laugh at it and then thank God for the gift of  laughter. It is truly a gift and if one tries to live without it, life just becomes too serious and less joy filled.

WEDNESDAY – “C” - compassion

How compassionate do you think you are? What does compassion mean to you? Do you feel that you extend compassion or hold on to it? Have you experienced compassion being shown to you and if so, how did you feel? Do you feel that extending compassion is a sign of weakness or a sign of humility and selflessness? Compassion is a gift of love. It is a gift that shows how your heart has been expanded and filled with love over hatred, acceptance over judgment and peace over bitterness. Jesus had compassion on those who were rejected and scorned by others.  He reached out and lifted up those who felt that they were far from His embrace, compassion and love. You are within His grasp and embrace. He has touched you with His compassion, not to be done in vain, but so that you can extend it to another.

For today, seek to be more compassionate towards someone that you will find it difficult to love. Being kind, caring and selfless towards someone that causes you stress, makes you feel less than the person that God has created you to be, or makes you think badly about yourself is difficult, painful and not immediately rewarding, but it is required if we are serious about our decision to be like Christ. When you perform a random act of kindness, please look to the cross to see that your return was an everlasting act of redemption.    

THURSDAY – “O” – oversight

How do you respond when there is an oversight with something or when you miss something that you thought was important? Do you get angry and take it out on someone, do you blame others, or do you just take it in stride and go forward? Oversights or misunderstandings can make or break relationships, cause life to be miserable, and make us feel like failures, yet they happen and will happen again. God doesn’t want us to beat ourselves up when we make a mistake, but rather learn from it and try not to repeat it. Done deal!.

I think that the biggest oversight that we should be grateful for is the one God has for our sins and shortcomings. God does not beat us up when we sin, but He gently invites us AND waits for us to come back to Him.

He waits for us and He embraces us. He doesn’t make us feel like the worst people because He can’t. We are His greatest creation, loved unconditionally and there is no sin that is greater than His love for us.

For today, as you think of an oversight that happened, a mistake that you made or something that did not go the way that you expected it to, think of the many other times when you got it right, hit the mark and were pleased with your efforts, and be grateful. God loves a grateful heart.

FRIDAY – “M” – mission

Our mission as disciples of Christ and witnesses to His presence in our life, is to build the Kingdom of God here on earth and to be His instruments of peace, healing, mercy, compassion, truth, hope, joy and healing to all those He places in our life. But there are times when we do not feel as though we are fulfilling the mission due to low self-esteem, our own sinfulness, or the belief that God has chosen us to be His missionaries, yet we were and continue to be. We don’t need to go to school or be the best or brightest, all God requires of us is an open heart, one that desires to love Him and serve Him.

For today, think of how you have been chosen to build God’s Kingdom here on earth. Think of how you have been working at it: either one brick at a time, one prayer at a time, one embrace at a time or one moment of silence at a time. Try to see how your action has been a glimpse of God’s presence and how that glimpse brought light and peace to His kingdom where there was the darkness of doubt, discouragement or despair.

 SATURDAY – “E” – empathy

In a world where understanding of individuals, ideals, choices, and change is minimal and judgment, condemnation and hatred are chosen first, we need to reevaluate our decision-making process and the foundation from which we make those decisions. If we claim to be followers of Christ, but we choose to pass judgment on another, then we need to ask our self who is guiltier, them or us? When we choose to turn away from the wounded, the outcast, the afflicted and yet claim to be people of compassion, we need to ask our self what does compassion mean? When we choose to close the doors of our heart to mercy, peace, and love, we need to ask our self how we will live if the doors to Christ remain closed?

For today, ask yourself where is Christ in your decision-making process and does He need to change places? Is He on the front line and the foundation of your decision-making process, or do you place Him in the back, and blame Him when your choices don't go the way that you wanted or expected them to go? He is big enough to take the blame for your decisions, but you need to be big enough to accept the responsibility for them

re on earth. Think of how you have been working at it: either one brick at a time, one prayer at a time, one embrace at a time or one moment of silence at a time. Try to see how your action has been a glimpse of God’s presence and how that glimpse brought light and peace to His kingdom where there was the darkness of doubt, discouragement or despair.

 

Glimpse of God for the week of April 8, 2018 

What did Mary Magdalene, The Apostles, Thomas, and The Disciples on the road to Emmaus, have in common after Jesus rose from the dead?  What they had in common was that they were prevented from recognizing Jesus after He rose from the dead. They thought that He was the gardener, a stranger in town, or just another man. What was preventing them? What did Jesus know about each of their hearts that needed to be healed by His presence after He died on the cross and they felt abandoned, left alone to figure out things, led to a darkness that they never felt or expected?

All were prevented, unable to see or recognize the risen Christ. The very Jesus that they broke bread with, ministered together with, experienced His miracles, and probably shared their stories about their brokenness, their joys, their hopes, their sorrows, and their hopes about the Messiah and how He would change things for the better. Christ raised people from the dead, healed the blind, the deaf, the crippled, he ate with sinners and ministered to the outcasts, and these very apostles, disciples, and women followers were with Him to see it first hand. They had come to know Jesus and the kind of person He was. They learned of the kind of person that they would need to become if they were going to be His followers and follow His example from His life to and through His death and to His resurrection.

Yet they were unable to recognize Him after He rose from the dead, Why? Seeing Him after He rose from the dead, frightened them instead of being jubilant and happy to see Him, they were unable to recognize Him for who He was and they stood in disbelief. What was preventing them from seeing Him as Jesus and not the gardener or a stranger? Was it their grief at His horrible death, was it their anger at how they followed and believed in Him, and now they had no one to follow and they felt abandoned and left on their own? Was it fear? Was it overwhelming disbelief at all that happened and they still couldn't make any sense of it all?

What causes us to not see the resurrected Jesus in our life and in the face and life of others? Is it the pain or separation that comes from the physical death of a loved one? is it our woundedness where we need to healed and made whole? is it the death of a relationship through separation, divorce, disagreement? is it the death of an ideal? of a dream?  is it anger, loneliness, or fear? We are prevented from seeing the risen Jesus in the faces and lives of others when we can't see past the pain of our cross, our own personal suffering; whether it is spiritual, emotional or physical.

I believe that our anger, our sorrow, our weariness at what we are coping with can prevent us from seeing the Risen Christ and  experiencing the resurrections in our life that Jesus has in store. You can't have a Good Friday without a Resurrection Sunday. They go together. Jesus' first words to His followers who stood in disbelief were "Peace be with you!" He didn't reprimand them for not recognizing Him because he knew their hearts and how much they loved Him, but yet how they were filled with so many other emotions. The resurrections in our life comes in the forms of peace, joy, happiness, reconciliation, healing, compassion, mercy, understanding and a renewed desire to be the best person that God created us to be despite our crosses and the challenges that they bring. It is difficult to experience resurrection if we cannot let go and let God bring us these gifts because of our disbelief that He wants to give them to us and our fears that we will be called to change and be transformed forever.

When Jesus saw Mary Magdelene, she at first was unable to recognize Him as Her Lord and Teacher. He saw through her fear and instead of causing more pain for her, He touched her heart because He knew the depth of her love for Him. He brought that forward, past her fear, her pain, her deep sense of loss and much confusion, and it was then that she recognized Him.  He offered her Peace. That is what He offers all of His children. He knows that depth of our love for Him even in the midst and the weight of our crosses. When we say Yes to His will, and desire to do and be the very best we can and surrender our will to Him each day, then we are experiencing a resurrection.

So this week, let us take time to see the resurrected Jesus in our lives and in the faces and lives of others.

            "Rabboni" which means teacher. Your prayer for the week can be: Teach me your ways O Lord and make known to me the path that I must travel to walk closer to you.

SUNDAY - "T" - Thanksgiving

Are you thankful for the gift of Jesus' passion, death and resurrection that gives you your personal resurrections? Through Jesus' passion, death and resurrection you have someone that knows your pain, your suffering and your confusion and can help you as you carry your cross. He blesses you with His peace, joy, and happiness here on earth, so that you can move forward and recognize your resurrections and rejoice in them.

MONDAY - "E" - Empathy

Are you empathetic, understanding, compassionate towards others who fail to recognize the risen Jesus in their life because of the weight of their crosses and the pain that they are feeling? or do you put them down, judge them, lose patience with them, see yourself as better than them? Empathy requires an open heart, one that is in relationship with God and wants to share His good news of mercy, healing, peace, love with others, and how they are His beloved children, loved unconditionally, and His greatest creation. You can't be empathetic if you want to hold others back and think yourself as better than them. Recognizing the risen Christ and the resurrections in your life means that you have the heart of Christ and the desire to expand it so that Jesus can fill it with His presence in the way that He chooses to reveal it.

TUESDAY - "A" - Amazement

Are you, can you allow our self to be amazed? Can you see, do you see the many signs of resurrection in your life?  Do you recognize your resurrections, the place where you experience the Risen Christ in your life? Do you see them in and through the healing that has taken place through reconciliations? Can you recognize the Risen Christ, your resurrections in your joys, your family, your spouse, your children, your neighbors, your church, and your place of employment? All of these can provide signs of resurrection and the peace that Jesus wants for you. Can you see them? Ask for the ability to recognize the Risen Jesus as you encounter others, see circumstances differently, recognize that personal grudges as an unnecessary weight that is holding you back from peace and seek the grace to let go.

WEDNESDAY - "C" - Charity

Are you charitable in your words, deeds, actions and attitudes? Do you offer peace, reconciliation, mercy, compassion and forgiveness to others, especially those who have caused you pain and have made your cross heavy? Jesus offered peace to His disciples even after they denied Him, abandoned Him and hid in fear. He forgave them because He knew their hearts. He knows your heart and how it wants to be the best in love. He offers you His mercy and peace so that you can be more charitable. He does not want you to hold onto grudges because it is then that you miss out on the possibility of reconciliation, renewal and reconnection.  

THURSDAY - "H" - Honor

Do you honor yourself, others and God by how you treat yourself, others and  in your relationship with God? Can you honor others, who are also God's beloved children, who have offended you in some way ? Do you recognize that God honors you? Or are you your greatest offender? Do you want to ask God for His grace and love to penetrate your brokenness so that you can recognize not only how He honors you, but loves you beyond any sin or weakness that you have committed? God's love is greater than any sin that you committed and He wants that to be your resurrection. He wants you to embrace your new life with the Risen Christ. 

FRIDAY - "E" - Embrace

Do you go towards Jesus as He holds out His arms to embrace you or do you run from His embrace? What brings you towards Christ so that you can be embraced by Him? Is it your desire to say thank you and talk to Him about what you are experiencing in your life? Is it because you want to be healed and you realize that only he can heal your woundedness in whatever form it is taking? You can't fix what is broken or shattered, only Jesus can. You can become the wounded healer though and that is a great gift, a big resurrection, the recognition of the risen Christ in your life.

 SATURDAY - "R" - Revelation

What or how has God revealed Himself to you this week that has made you respond with joy and happiness, that brought you a deep sense of peace and gratitude, thanksgiving and serenity? Was it a reconciliation of a relationship? forgivenss of self for something that you have held on to but now are able to let go of and forgive yourself for? Was it a blessing that you have been praying for and have received and found it to be better than you could have imagined?  What resurrections have you experienced this week? Do you see the Risen Christ because of your resurrections, more readily in those around you? How has He revealed Himself to you? How have you revealed Him to others this week? How do you want to reveal Him to others?

limpse of God for the week of April 1, 2018

Happy Easter !!!!!!

My Glimpse of God for this week comes from a variety of sources. As I think of a Glimpse of God, I think of those places, people, events and situations that I have encountered or experienced this past week that led me to recognize Him more clearly. It is those glimpses that I share with you as I hope that they too will help you appreciate and recognize Him more clearly as well.

Today, for this week, I am seeing His Glimpse not from what has occurred, but rather what is yet to occur, what He has in store for me. This is not about looking past the present and wanting to jump into the future, but rather, appreciating the present and seeking to grow in a greater appreciation of the present by what lies ahead.

As I reflect on the upcoming days, I realize that I have been entrusted with the cares and concerns of many and it is through their trust in me that I have come to a greater trust in God and His will for us. I pray for my nephew and godson who both are having major surgery this week, I trust in God and that He will guide the surgeons as they seek to bring healing and a better quality of life to both men.  I am lifting up in prayer several friends who have lost siblings suddenly and without much warning. I have been asked to pray for those whose jobs are affecting their physical health and how they need to trust in God as they prepare to make some difficult decisions. I am praying in gratitude for the successful surgery outcomes that have come to be for several friends and acquaintances. The gift of prayer is a great gift, it is the gift that unites our hearts to the heart of God, it is the gift that we all possess, one that is an act of selflessness and humility and not selfishness or self-centeredness. It is the hidden glimpse of God, the glimpse that expands our hearts to know, love and serve Him without reservation, and with a greater determination.

As I celebrate the joy of Christ’s resurrection and the Easter season, I celebrate how I have been called from the tombs of my life so that I can see the Son rise and experience reconciliation, peace and freedom as only He can offer it to me. As I reflect on the great love that Christ has for me and how HE selflessly gave of His life so that I may live forever with Him when my earthly journey is over, I am stilled in peace, renewed in love, filled with awe and silenced in humility.

So as we prepare to be renewed and refreshed this coming week, take this week to look for the ways that God wants to renew and refresh you and use this week to appreciate in a deeper way where you are coming from and what direction He wants you to go.

 

SUNDAY – Rejoice - This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad. Are you able to rejoice and celebrate the love that God has for you, and the love that you have for God? He has created you, He loves you, you are His beloved and He with His angels is rejoicing over you. Do you believe this? For today, celebrate and rejoice in His love and share that love with those you encounter. Rejoicing is another source of renewal. As you rejoice, allow yourself to feel the joy that comes from the depth and recesses of your being, and smile.

 

MONDAY - Remember – As you begin a new work week, try to not dwell on the stresses of the past week, but remember them, surrender them and leave them behind. This week, allow yourself to remember the promise that for those who seek, they shall find, for those who knock the door will be opened and for those who ask it will be given. What is it that you truly seek from God? What do you want God to do for you? What are you looking for that you want God to provide? What doors are closed that need to be opened, and what doors are still ajar that need to be closed? In the process of remembering, strive to focus on the positive and seek the grace to let go of the negative.

 

TUESDAY - Renewal – For today, just take and pray for one aspect of your life that you would like to be renewed. Is it your faith; would you like to deepen your prayer life and grow in a deeper relationship with God? Is it family; do you feel that as a family you are not able spend quality time together because everyone is always on the go? Has the busy ness of life taken away your time together?

Is it relationships; do you feel that you are taken for granted or that you take another for granted? Are there people that you would like to appreciate more or that you would like to be more appreciated by?

In these areas, are you in a “rut” where you find yourself and others doing the same thing and there is no quality time being spent or nurtured? Are you seeking to be renewed or are you happy with the way things are? Ask God to renew those areas, those relationships that He knows are not the best that they can be.

 

WEDNESDAY – Restoration  - What in your life do you feel needs to be restored? Ask God to restore those things, those areas, those relationships, that once restored will bring you to a greater recognition and appreciation of His presence, His grace, His healing, in the restoration. God brings back, or returns something, someone, to you, when He feels and believes that you are ready to receive it. As you seek restoration, seek wisdom so that you will see with clarity the change and the newness that you are being blessed with.

 

THURSDAY – Relaxation – take time to relax and use your senses to bring your body, mind and spirit to a deeper awareness of God’s gift of serenity, peace and calm. Use your eyes to see God resting on the 7th day, after the creation of man, His greatest creation. Use your ears to hear Him say IT IS GOOD, after He was finished with the creation of Man. Listen to Him tell you that you are Good and that He is happy with you and loves you very much. Use your nose to smell the aromas that surround you, those of the spring flowers, coffee brewing, meals cooking, fresh cut grass. Appreciate the ability to smell and breathe in the story behind the aroma. Use your hands to reach out and feel the presence of God in and through everything that He has created. When you reach out and touch someone or something, you are touching a part of creation given to you to cultivate, appreciate, reverence and tend to. As you touch someone who is grieving, rejoicing, carrying a heavy cross, you are reaching out in the name of Jesus and offering His love, compassion and mercy to them.

 

FRIDAY – Resist – For today try to resist the temptation to talk about another, hold a grudge, remain angry, carry a hurt another day, but instead, seek to forgive and be forgiven. God’s grace is there to grasp as you strive to be His witness in the world. The devil tempts us with those things that we like and are drawn towards. If we like being angry, holding a grudge and talking about others, then we will not be able to resist the temptation to continue, but if we recognize that these are not healthy spiritual practices, then God will give us the grace to say no, and seek ways to build up others and His kingdom here on earth.

 

SATURDAY – Reconcile – Is there anyone that you would like to be reconciled to? Are you estranged from God, from others? Are you punishing yourself for a choice or choices that you  made and feel that you can’t be forgiven? The grace of reconciliation is always there. As you seek to be reconciled, know that you will be called to forgive, seek forgiveness from another, and experience the joy that comes from the healing. Sometimes we hold on to things because we are afraid to experience true happiness; God’s happiness for us. God wants us to experience His happiness for us, not the world’s idea of happiness. As you seek to live as God’s beloved, allow yourself to be loved. You are loveable and loved. God rejoices when we are reconciled to Him and each other

 

 

Remember: Your breath is your life, use it wisely. Your heart is big, fill it wisely. Your mind is open, expand it wisely. Your God is present, reverence Him wisely. You are God's temple, honor yourself wisely.

 

 

GLIMPSE OF GOD FOR THE WEEK OF MARCH 25, 2018

Glimpse Of God for Holy Week,

 

As we enter into Holy Week, my Glimpse of God is not in a single experience that I had this past week or in any special situation that I found myself in, but rather in the anticipation of this Holy Week and what it means to me.

As a source of personal reflection and to discern my motivations, I often ask myself; What is Holy Week and what is it all about to me? Is it about the long passion gospel narratives that I hear on Palm Sunday and Good Friday, or the passing out of palm, or the unusual crowds, or the different liturgy times on Thursday and Friday, or the misunderstanding that people have about lent and the triduum, or the barrenness of the sanctuary and the empty tabernacle on Good Friday, or even the long Easter vigil and how people either avoid it or are attracted to it?

I don’t believe that it is these elements that make the week “holy”; they make it different, but not holy. These elements are necessary to celebrate and remember the specific events of Jesus, but it is not the outward celebration of the events that make them “holy”. I think that it is the spirit in which they are celebrated, and the inner disposition of those who participate in the celebrations, both the celebrants and the congregation, that make them “holy”. “Holy” means sacred, and blessed, as well as consecrated and hallowed.  Liturgy is sacred. We are blessed. The celebration of the Mass is the most sacred and holiest events that we are privileged to attend. It is through the Mass that we encounter Christ in Sacred Scripture and in the reception of the Eucharist.

We were blessed at our baptism as we were immersed in the waters of Jesus’ passion, death and resurrection. All that being said, if our hearts are not present to the reality of the liturgy, then we are going through the motions. We miss the true meaning, the “holy”, of the holy week services.

Jesus often criticized the religious leaders for “looking” holy, by saying all the right things but they were not doing the right things. Jesus said that the people could listen to what the religious leaders said because they knew the law, but do not follow their example, for their heart was far from God. I don’t think that Jesus would want us to celebrate His entrance into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, or the Last Supper on Holy Thursday, or His passion and death on Good Friday out of obligation or guilt but rather out of love, desire and gratitude.

Out of Love for Jesus in that He endured His passion and death for you and me in complete selflessness, unconditional love, mercy and sacrifice. If we are truly in love with Him and desire to draw nearer to Him and live out our baptismal call to enter more deeply into His passion, death and resurrection, then we would want to attend the special liturgies. It is in and through them that we encounter the suffering Jesus, the Jesus that although did not and could not sin, endured the death of a hardened criminal out of pure love. We want our hearts to be more like His because His heart is the perfect heart and we want to strive to love as He loved and be more perfect in our love. He said Yes to His Father and gave of Himself completely so that we may live in eternity with Him, what love, what gift.

He would want us to celebrate with a spirit of gratitude in that we have been redeemed and forgiven and that we are grateful for such a wonderful life changing, life long gift. He would want our hearts to be united with His in His passion, death and resurrection so that we can truly appreciate and be thankful for the gift of His love and life in ours. We can choose to enter into the liturgies as just a body in the pew but I think that it would be better if we entered into them with a heart ready to be loved and embraced and a mind open to being truly present at the special events of Jesus’ life.

So as you enter into Holy Week, my idea is to just take each day and reflect by using your senses as you draw nearer to and enter into the Holy Triduum.

 

SUNDAY – PALM SUNDAY – As a bystander at the entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem on a donkey,

Are you one that is throwing palm or your personal cloak on the ground to make a path for Jesus? (touch)

As you listen to the crowd, are you also shouting Hosanna to Jesus as He passes by you? (hearing)

Are you so far back in line that you can’t see Him and you are experiencing so much frustration that you are ready to leave for you home miles away? (sight)

When you hear that Jesus is entering on a donkey, the worse smelling animal, do you just turn away and go home, missing the greater purpose for which He is there? (smell)

When you hear that Jesus is coming and you want to be there because you witnessed His miracles and wanted to see Him again, can you taste the excitement in the air? (taste)

 

MONDAY OF HOLY WEEK  - Using your sense of mystery, can you recall Jesus entrance into Jerusalem yesterday, and look ahead to Holy Thursday and Good Friday and see such a stark change, and ask yourself where would I have been in these events? Would I have changed from glorifying Jesus to condemning Him? Every time we sin, we are not choosing Jesus, so are we denying Jesus as did Peter and are we choosing Barabbas, as did the crowd?

 

TUESDAY OF HOLY WEEK – Using your sense of Wonder, Jesus washed the feet of His disciples and calls us to do the same. Jesus washed the feet to show us that we must serve the needs of others. How difficult that is for us, yet as followers of Jesus we must. Do you wonder when you are going to be called to do such a thing?  To wash someone’s feet? It may not be someone’s feet that you are called to wash, but you may be called to serve the needs of another by your compassion, mercy, consolation, forgiveness, or humility. When you find yourself being present to the needs of the poor, the homeless, the forgotten, the unforgivable, the estranged, then you are allowing yourself to be servant, not the judge, but the humble servant being and bringing Christ to them by your words, deeds, attitude, actions and love.

 

WEDNESDAY OF HOLY WEEK – Using the sense of Awe, do you try and make sense out of Jesus’ actions, or do they leave you in a sense of awe because you can not explain or understand how He can do what He did out of complete and unselfish Love? That is so hard for us to believe, understand or imagine, but if we are truly His followers, it is not impossible for us to imitate.

Do you believe this? Get ready, the Triduum is coming and if you are still trying to understand Jesus, you will truly not understand Him in these coming days, so get ready, be open and allow Him to speak to your heart. He will stretch it, open it, embrace it and return His mark of love on it.

 

HOLY THURSDAY – Using your sense of sight, can you be present and allow yourself to experience the humility of being a servant and serving the needs of others as Jesus did in the Washing of the Feet? Or can you use your sense of taste and perhaps as you receive the Holy Eucharist in the Commemoration of the Last Supper, reflect on how Jesus gave us of Himself to His apostles at the Last Supper and continues to give of His real presence today in every celebration of the Mass? This is Jesus’ real presence, His true Body and Blood, not a symbolic representation, but the real deal. Taste and see the goodness of the Lord…..

 

GOOD FRIDAY – Jesus dies on the cross. We hear Him being condemned, crucified and dying on the cross. We know that He did nothing to deserve such cruel and terrible treatment, but we also know that He willingly, selflessly and lovingly accepted His fate so that we may live forever in His and His Father’s love. Are you listening? As you venerate the holy cross, are you allowing yourself to be present at the cross to tell Jesus how much you love Him and how sorry you that your sins are the cause for His suffering? Not just do you hear, but also are you listening when He says “Father forgive them for they know not what they do”? He was talking about you and me, not just His persecutors. He forgives us when we say we are sorry, do you listen when He tells you that He forgives and loves you or do you just walk away?

 

HOLY SATURDAY – We celebrate the joy of the resurrection. We celebrate all of our senses in that we have the blessing of the fire, the lighting of the paschal candle and the lighting of the congregation’s candles, the proclamation of the Exultet, the Liturgy of the Word, the blessing of the Holy Water to be used at the baptisms of those being received into the Catholic faith that evening, and to be sprinkled on those at Mass reminding them of their baptismal call and promises, the Confirmation and the reception of Holy Communion by those entering the faith and the congregation. We are truly a resurrection people. We proclaim the Gloria and the Alleluia again to celebrate this great mystery. Lift you voice and proclaim the great things that the Lord has done, they are marvelous in our eyes. Let us fully be present to this great and glorious gif

 

Glimpse of God for the week of March 18, 2018

I apologize for the lateness of this week's Glimpse of God.

 

 

This weeks Glimpse of God comes from a variety of eye opening experiences. It is in and through these experiences, that I have been able to see how God reveals  Himself and how, through that revelation, I have come to be transformed and renewed in His love.

 

Some of these experiences are: speaking to a cousin who is still grieving over the loss of her dad, and having to sell his house, the very same house that she grew up in; a friend who is facing the challening and difficult task of having to possibly retire earlier than she expected due to the stress of her job and toll that it is taking on her body, another friend who lost her sister suddenly due to the flu and the devastation that she feels because they were so close, a good friend who is enduring the pain of metatastic colon cancer and has decided not to undergo any treatment, and my sister who despite her many and serious challenges, never gives up or seeks self pity, but rather manages to  tie another knot on the rope so that she can keep holding on.

As I reflect on the above conversations that took place and how I was informed of what was happening in the lives of those I love, I find myself often in prayer. I am praying for all of those who I call family and friends, who are suffering greatly and in need of  strength, hope and courage so that they may continue to carry their crosses as they seem to be getting only heavier.

My personal transformation and renewal has come as I have been gifted with their trust as they shared their story, their pain, their hope and their desire. 

Every person has a cross to carry and each person's cross is a heavy cross to them. We cannot, nor should we, compare our cross with that of another, thinking that theirs is not as heavy as ours or that ours is a greater burden than theirs.  We all have gifts and graces that God has instilled and bestowed upon us, and it is through God; His graces, His gifts and His love,  that we are able to carry our crosses and help others carry theirs.

Since this is late, and since I could not publish a glimpse last week due to computer issues that carried themself through to today, I am not going to offer daily reflections, but rather offer a prayerful suggestion.

Winter is coming to an end as of today, reflect on those areas of your life, the cross that you carry, and ask God to show you, if you don't know or are unable to recognize, the ways that you have died to self and have become a greater, stronger beacon of His presence to others in your life. What area of your life, your heart, have you been stretched and have allowed His healing presence in? Do yo see youself as a wounded healer?  God does.

Another suggestion is: Since spring starts tomorrow, Tuesday, relfect on those areas of your life that are springing up with new life and are calling you to think, act, behave, or pray differently, and say a prayer of thanksgiving.

Another sggestion: Summer has to follow the spring. As you reflect on the areas of your life that are springing up with new life, look and reflect on how much spiritual, emotional, and physical work that you do to be the best person that you can be, the best person that God has created you to be and knows that you can become. As you look back on the work that you've do to be your best, take time to rest in His presence and relax in  His Love. Take some RnR so that you can be renewed, refreshed and rejuvenated. Take time to enjoy the summer of your spiritual journey.

One more suggestion: As you have already figured the theme of my suggestions out, there is only one more season to reflect on and that is autumn or fall. 

the beauty of this season is how the leaves change colors,the trees are full, there is more of a breeze in the air and the weather is not hot nor cold, but in the middle.  As you reflect on the joy of the season of thanksgiving and color, take a moment or many moments and rcall how you have been color to others. God offers us and invites us to be color to others. His colors are those of  compassion, mercy, healing, peace, joy and happiness. How have you brought color into the lives of others? How have others brought color into your life?

God wants to bring color, lots of color into our lives. He has the best colors, ready to use and

 in abundance for us. We jsut need to be ready to paint, get paint on us and help others paint so that when God is finished, we will see the beauty of His rainbow of color in ourself,  and in others.

His rainbow is His promise that He loves us, that He will always be with us and that He will never leave us. He is our hope. How can we be hope for another whose rainbow is without color?

Go and remember that you are never too old to color or too young to know how

Glimpse of God for March 4, 2018

 

My Glimpse of God comes from time. (As we prepare to set our clocks ahead next weekend and we lose an hour of sleep)

Time is a precious gift. What is time? It can be seen in seconds, minutes, hours, days, months, year, etc. We often find our self-looking at our watch or clocks to see what time it is so that we know when something is either going to begin or end, or where we need to go and be. There are times in our life that we celebrate and there are those that we mourn, there are times that we are fearful of and times that we face with all the courage and conviction that we can muster. Time is an experience where we not only see where it has passed and realize that we cannot get it back, but also where we can see ahead and not know how it will unfold. We are given time here on earth to live and become the best person that God has created us to be.

From the beginning of time God has been continually showing Himself to His people, revealing to His people His presence and calling them to take their time and use it to Worship and adore Him alone. God’s time is not our time. We sometimes waste time or overbook our time. We watch time pass us by and then we get bored and wish time would hurry up. I would say that many of us do not take the time to appreciate God in the experiences of our life and the lives of those that we encounter and surround us.

Next weekend we are going to set our clocks ahead 1 hour for daylight savings time. What do we gain by setting our clocks ahead 1 hour? Certainly not more sleep or energy when we wake up, but rather more sunlight for the days ahead.

When I think of daylight savings time in the light of my faith, I come with a few similarities. For instance; when we are in the previous mode  we are usually journeying through the winter season, where it is darker longer. This isn’t a bad darkness but rather a period where God is planting and preparing for things to flourish and grow. It is a necessary time if creation is going to be what God wants it to be. It is the same for us. Although it is difficult and challenging we need to accept those dark, barren times in our life so that we can recognize the light and the newness that will soon become ours. Everything becomes a matter of perspective and balance with the darkness, light and many shades of gray.

The glimpse of God is how we recognize, reverence and honor the gift of time that God has given us.  No one is promised tomorrow so carpe diem (those that know Latin!) and for the rest of us “Seize the day”!

Reflections of time…….

 

Sunday  - Today honor, reverence and appreciate your time with God. During this Lenten season, seek God’s wisdom to discern how you can grow in a greater and deeper relationship with Him, and be a greater reflection of His presence to others.

 

Monday – Today, honor, reverence and appreciate your time with family and friends. Time goes quickly, children grow and friends move, appreciate all of these many blessings today for only God knows their destiny of tomorrow. No one knows when their time on this earth will run out so before regrets settle in, bless all of those whom God has placed in your life. Forgive those who have offended you, seek forgiveness from all you have offended. Ask for God’s healing and peace in those areas of your life where you are broken so that you may become whole.

 

Tuesday – Today, honor, reverence and appreciate your time spent with your self, you are your best company. One is never alone, but at times may feel lonely. Today honor your alone time as a gift from God to be in communion with Him, His Son Jesus and our Blessed Mother Mary. Don’t run away or be afraid of the quiet but invite it, embrace it allow it to transform you as you listen to the gentle whisper of God speaking to your heart.

 

Wednesday – Today, honor, reverence and appreciate your time in and with God’s creation. Go out into the world and see it in all of its beauty, magnificence and splendor. God has given us His creation to take care of so that it may flourish. We are all called to build up His kingdom here on earth. As we learn to appreciate and honor all of God’s creatures in His creation, let us remember that we are all created to work together to be God’s presence in the world.

 

Thursday – Today, honor, reverence and appreciate your time as you work. Work satisfies us, compliments us and allows us to use the talents and gifts that God has given us. Today, look at your work as an instrument that God has given you to help be His beacon of light, love, and understanding to those around you, and allow it to be a source of humility, peace and joy.

 

                       

Friday – Today, honor, reverence and appreciate your time with Christ on the cross. He suffered and died for you on the cross, spend time in quiet gratitude with Him. We are all called to carry our crosses, yet we think that we need to carry them alone. We are never alone. Christ walks with us and just as Christ accepted help from Simon of Cyrene, we too are called to accept help when the cross seems too heavy. Surrender and acceptance are characteristic of a true follower of Jesus. We must surrender our will as Jesus did so that God can do what is best in and through us and we can openly accept the many graces and blessings that God wants to share with us.

 

Saturday – Today, honor, reverence and appreciate your time in prayer for all of those who have entrusted their needs, desires, prayers, hurts, and pains to you. When we can take our personal prayer time with God and offer it up for others, we are acting in a very humble , selfless and compassionate way. When others entrust their needs and prayer to you they see in you the presence and spirit of God that enables them to ask you for prayers. This may seem easy, but when one truly feels the needs, pains and prayers of others, their empathy draws them in a closer union with Mary our great intercessor, and to her Son Jesus

 

Glimpse of God for the wek of February 18and 25th , 2018

I apologize for the lateness of my weekly Glimpse of God. My computer completely gave up and it was unable to be repaired, so it had to be replaced. I also am preparing for surgery on Thursday so my reflections will hopefully offer enough for you to reflect on for                the next two weeks. 

 

This week's Glimpse of God comes, once again, our golden retriever, Clover and the Sisters at the Assisi House. Both yesterday and today,Clover, our 75 lb golden retriever visited the Sisters at Assisi house and was an instrument of transformation, inspiration and a source of magic.  As soon as we walk into Assisi house, Clover is like a magnet that attracts the Sisters from every direction, and when they come to pet her, talk to her, or give her treats, she just sits there for as long as the Sister needs her to be there.  Clover, although a very excitable dog, when she arrives at Assisi, knows or intuits that she needs to be still.  When the Sisters approach her, she doesn't run away, she sits and waits for them. When the Sisters are walking with their walkers, Clover will walk along side of them. When there is  Sister that is physically challenged, due to bad eye sight, or the inability to speak, or the inability to communicate, Clover will sit or lay in front of the Sister and be present to her. It is a moment of personal transformation becuase it seems like Clover is communicating with the Sister in a way that only the Sister can understand. Clover has aslo been known in intuit when a Sister was not feeling well and she wanted to be right there for her. She senses when someone is not feeling well or when something is wrong and when this happens, we follow her instinct.        

The glimpse that comes to me is that God doesn't pull us ahead or leave us alone or behind, but rather walks along side of us on our faith journey. We often think that we walk our dogs, in that we know what direction to go in and thus we are in control. Yet when it comes down to it, the dogs in our life give us the direction that we need to walk in. They, by their unconditional love, forgivenenss, their joy to see us, and their inability to hold a grudge,  are a reminder from God of how we are called to be and how we should act. When we try to do things on our own and forge ahead leaving God in the dust, it is like the dog got off the leash. We break away and run and we even try to hide, but yet if we stay still, calm down and remember that God is a living and loving God, He will e right where we left Him. We can run from God, but God does not run from us, we can try to hide from Him, but He sees all of our hiding places, we can pretend that we are invisible, but God knows that we are His visible and shining witness in His Kingdom.

As a loving and patient Father, God waits for us to return to Him and humbly try again, this time with His help and guidance.

There are times when we walk behind God and we don't even try to move, but rather we choose to stay stuck because it is easier and less frightening. We fear moving ahead because we don't know what lies ahead and that scares us. God waits for us to try, not to make big leaps but rather to take baby steps toward Him and His will for us.

There are times when we don't even see God, we fear that He has left us and that is why things are going badly for us. We blame God for all the  bad things that are happening to us. We blame Him for the times when He didn't answer our prayers, for the times when the answer that He gave wasn't the one we wanted to hear, and for the times that He just said NO.

Yet, in our life, on our faith journey, if we are open and honest, we are given the grace to  recognize that God walks along side of us, in our pains and struggles, in our joys and in our laughter, in our births and in our deaths. God feels every pain and joy that we feel and lets us know that in all times and in all seasons of our life. He is present to and with us.

Clover walking with, along side of, or just sitting in the presence of the Sisters, is a reminder that God is always with us, sometimes He is quietly sitting with us or walking with us, at our pace, on our journey. We have nothing to fear, nothing to back away from, or run from, but rather He gives us the confidence and assurance, that as long as we trust Him, no harm will come to us that will separate us from Him.

Clover is an intuitive dog and the Sisters are animal lovers. For some, like Sister Angela, who have been afraid of dogs, or for those who have always loved dogs or for those who grew up with dogs, but    They are present to each other together without fear. God is asking us to do the same; He said fear not, I am with you always, That is God's promise.

This week, let us recognize the times when we are not walking along side of Him, but rather  are walking ahead or behind Him. Let us also recognize when we choose to walk with God and He, with us, as a loving Father walks along side of His child.

Sunday - Today, as you rejoice in the beauty and love that surrounds you, ask God to shower His blessings and graces upon you as you begin the new week nourished by His Body and Blood. Ask God for the courage and self determination to be the Body of Christ in all that  you do at work, at home and in your community.

Monday - Today, if there are times when you are tempted to run ahead and try to do things your way, ask God for the grace to recognize that only with His guidance, can you truly grow, learn and make the right choice. Pray for a greater insight and a slower pace.

Tuesday  - Today, if you feel overwhelmed by your fears, your mistrusts and your challenges, ask God for His nudge and courage take one small step at a time. Seek to walk  a steady pace in shoes and not to stumble in flip flops.

Wednesday - Today, if there are times when you feel abandoned and don't see God in the midst of your pain and suffering, pray and trust that even in the silence and stillness, God was and is ever present. Ask for a greater trust in God who knows your every desire, sees the depth of your heart, and answers your every prayer.

Thursday - Today, if there are times when you feel that God has appointed you as judge and ruler and you dismiss the feelings and experiences of others, in humility seek the compassion and mercy of God and extend it another. Ask for the gift of blinders so that you can accept the humanity of others in a spirit  of humility, mercy, compassion and love.

Friday  - Today, if you are tempted to see yourself in a negative light because of your sinfulness, ask God to shine His light into your heart so that you can see in a greater light, how you are  created in His image and likeness. Light your candle so that it may shine before all.

Saturday - Today, if you feel worn out and lifeless because of the this week's many challenges and responsibilities, ask God to refesh and renew you. Close your eyes and see yourself resting in God's His loving embrace.

As my front license plate reads"Lord help me to be the person my dog thinks I am"

May we all try to be the compassionate, loving, caring, fun and joyfilled persons that God created us to be. May we never forget that as a Sister of 90 can overcome her worse fear of dogs and become best friends with Clover, that we are all called to surrender our fears so that we can recognize the power and strength of God's grace through our newly experienced courage, trust and peace.  God wants us to walk with Him without fear, but rather with a joyful , trusting, excited heart. Who are you walking with?

 

 

Weekly Glimpse of God, February 12, 2018

 

This week’s glimpse of God is that of a very special Franciscan sister who not only was a glimpse of God but also the love, joy, humor, presence, fortitude, perseverance, humility and faithfulness of God.

Sister Angela, OSF was a nun who was in her 90s but had the attitude, disposition and wit of someone much younger!

She suddenly passed away last night and it was a great shock to all, especially the sisters in her community.

Clover, our therapy dog, visits with the OSF community each Sunday and Sister Angela was one of her favorites. Over a year ago, Sister Angela confided in us that she was deathly afraid of dogs because she had been bitten when she was a child. Sister Angela, with Clover’s help, conquered her fear and was able to greatly enjoy the visits of Clover, giving her treats, kisses and petting her. Sister Angela called Clover her “Miracle” and giggled when Clover was with her…….a life changing experience for Sister Angela (and us)!

To see the joy and happiness with Sister Angela when Clover visited was amazing and inspiring

We will greatly miss Sister Angela (as will Clover) but we were blessed to be part of the “Miracle” and know that Sister Angela is with the loving embrace of God in the company of Mary and the Saints.

Rest in peace, Sister Angela

As we begin new week, a week that celebrates the gift of love both in Ash Wednesday, where we are reminded to repent and believe in the Good News, that of God ‘s great love for us, and in Valentine’s Day, where we celebrate the gift of love for each other. In both instances, it is God’s love for us that is the foundation of our experience of love: our love for God, others and self.

As we realize every day that only God knows when He will call any of us back home to Himself, let us appreciate, be grateful and recognize how blessed we are for all those in our lives and how their  presence is a blessing and a gift from God.  Let us also take the time to remember those who have gone before us in faith, hope and love: our parents, our grandparents, our spouses, our children, our siblings, our extended family members and our friends. As we remember them, let us offer a prayer of gratitude to God for the gift of their presence in our life. Let us reflect on how their presence changed, transformed, and touched our life and made us the better person that we are today. With God’s mercy and compassion, let us forgive those whose memory causes us pain, but in love we seek to forgive and ask forgiveness.

SUNDAY – “A”……AUTHENTIC

What does it mean to be authentic? Do you see yourself as an authentic person? In the people that surround you and that you encounter on a regular basis, do you recognize their authenticity and how it has influenced you? One does not have to be a religious sister to be authentic; one only has to possess and recognize the love of God in their life and strive to be faithful to that love.

For today, look within and ask for the grace to recognize how authentic you are and how your authenticity influences and inspires others to be their best authentic self before God and others

MONDAY – “N”……NOTABLE

A saint was a sinner who strived to love God in their everyday life and did the ordinary things of life in an extraordinary way. For some that meant bearing their cross without complaining or helping others without the need for recognition, they sought to live and serve their God and neighbor in a spirit of humility, love and compassion. Being extraordinary or notable reminds me of Sister Angela and how she carried her cross of illness without complaining, but rather when she saw Clover, she became a beacon of joy and laughter. She was able to see past her pain and suffering and allowed Go to embrace her through our dog Clover. She overcame her deep fear of dogs at 90 years old and from that day on she found a new joy amid her pain and discomfort. To me that is an extraordinary, notable person.

For today, in a spirit of humility, look within and ask for the grace to recognize how notable or extraordinary person you are. Ask for the ability to recognize the things that you have done and continue to do that are remarkable. We are all called to build up the Kingdom of God here on earth and there are times that in that building we have to do or are called to do things that are challenging and difficult. It is in that building that our humility is challenged and our ego can be inflated, but with the grace of God we can and are able to put things in perspective and do God’s work.

TUESDAY – “G”……GENUINE

We are all called to be our genuine self before God, self and others. Being honest is a grace and gift from God. The temptation to be dishonest is always there, but God’s grace is there to overcome it. When we encounter an honest person, it can sometimes be painful if their honesty with us is for our own good and given out of and in love.

For today, look within and ask for the grace to recognize how honest you are with yourself, God and others. Is your honesty used as a weapon to hurt others or a tool to build them up? Honesty if used as a tool can help others become their best self, the self that God created them to be and knows that they can become. Honesty and being genuine are great qualities to possess. How rich are you? What do you hold as important before God, self and others? Does whatever you hold as important make you a more genuine person?

WEDNESDAY – “E”…….ENTHUSIASTIC, wholehearted, passionate, aflame on fire, excited…..

These are some of the words that come to mind when I think of not only Sister Angela, but also all the Sisters at Assisi House. They exude their joy for life, their love for God and neighbor each and every time we encounter them either in the hall as we walk with Clover, in the chapel at Mass or in the dining room as we assist in serving them at supper time. They are always a joy to behold. Their joy is contagious and Sister Angela definitely caught it.

For today, look within and ask for the grace to recognize what makes you enthusiastic. What are you passionate about and how do fulfill your passion? Being passionate in faith means being full of God’s love and sharing that love with others in and through your words, deeds, actions, attitudes and behavior.

THURSDAY – “L”…LOVING

What is love and how do you love? How loving are you? Do you find that you are not as loving as you would like to be? How can you change that? Do you want to change that? Being a loving person is a choice. Do you choose to be a loving person or a bitter person?  Being a loving person amidst pain and suffering can be a challenge and maybe even an obstacle. God gives us the grace to overcome obstacles and accept challenges. The Church gives us this great season of lent so that we can grow in grace, and stand firm in the good news of His great love for us, so that we can continue to overcome the obstacles that are placed in our path to defeat us and make us be unloving, uncaring and bitter people. This lent, choose to give up the bitterness or any other unloving attitude and choose to embrace mercy, compassion and life.

For today, look within and ask for the grace to recognize how loving a person you really are and thank God for this great gift. In a world where hatred and indifference is chosen over acceptance, compassion and mercy, being a loving person is a risk and a call to be courageous. Recognize and thank God that you have been given the gift of courage and have taken the risk to stand out in His name.

FRIDAY – “A” ……….ADMIRABLE

I admire you….When you look in the mirror, do you ever hear God telling you that? If you can, you still doubt it because you don’t know or can’t imagine why. God highly regards you, loves you as His beloved child and has chosen you to be His follower.

For today, look within and ask for the grace to recognize how admirable you are and the many ways that you are admired. You are a gift and inspiration to many and that is because God dwells within you.

SATURDAY – “TF”…… TRUE FRANCISCAN

Sister Angela was truly a great Follower of Saint Francis, Bride of Christ and Servant of God. She lived a life of simplicity, compassion, joy and service. She loved God, herself and others with a heart that was expanded by her love for Christ and her own passion, filled with God’s grace and open to hear God’s voic

Glimpse of God for the week of February 4th

EAGLES!!!!! SUPER BOWL CHAMPIONS!!!!!!

Of course, what else would the topic be for this week?

The Eagles football team is playing today in the Super Bowl, this day, February 4^th, is a day that will be remembered as one of unity, mutual support, determination and sportsmanship of both the players and fans of the city of Philadelphia, as well as nationwide. It has also been a source of great inspiration to all of Philadelphia; the avid sports fans as well as those who have been unexpectedly drawn in by the excitement and thrill of our very own football team achieving the greatest honor a football team can accomplish:  WINNING THE SUPERBOWL AND TAKING HOME THE VINCE LOMBARDI TROPHY.

The team was not expected to be competitive this year, however, they surprised us all!  So many times we have seen professional ball players be aloof to their fans or face legal issues but this team is different. They personify the aspect of teamwork and supporting one another in good times and bad. They have fun and that is apparent in all of the news coverage and many photos.

Recently, I was informed that members of the team had met a child being treated at a hospital in Philadelphia for significant medical issues.  The team actively embraced the child and spent significant time with him! Imagine, these are professional athletes showing true compassion and concern and humility ……..quality individuals and role models on so many levels!!!   Nick Foles wants to be a minister when he retires! God has called Him and He is ready to respond, can we say the same?

SO, as we prepare for a week that could include a super bowl parade in Philadelphia, let us take time to thank God for the team that has represented His presence of being good role models of compassion, support, encouragement and selflessness to their fans, the city and those in need. But let us not lose sight of where God is, has been and will continue to be. He resides in the lives and hearts of all of us as His beloved children.  I believe that as you journey through the week , the various reflections will no only help you  grow as a more prayerful person, but will also help you to see that when one plays on a team, as a true teammate, a good role model, a mentor, these qualities shine through. We are all members of God's team. We are all members of the Christian faith that calls us to build each  other up, strenghten each other and see the good in each other. I believe that the Eagles strive to exemplify these qualities on and off the field.

SUNDAY,  “E” = Empathetic

We are all called to extend empathy towards others. As followers of Christ and God’s beloved children, we are given the grace to walk with others through our care, concern, prayers and presence.

As you begin a new week, look to those in need, not to pity them, but rather to extend God’s compassion. Ask God to show you how you can be His instrument of empathy, care and kindheartedness and pray for the grace to respond. Empathy requires humility but rewards you with peace and spiritual fulfillment.

 

MONDAY “A” = Agile

Do you consider yourself agile? Have your ever considered yourself as being spiritually agile?

To discover the answer to this question, I suggest that in your prayer, ask yourself and God if you are swift to answer His call or invitation to be the best person that you can be? Do you see yourself as one that is responsive to God’s call to serve Him by serving the needs of others? Does living out your faith come easily, are you on fire or do you feel as though your fire has become a little spark? Do you believe that God is with you, that He loves you unconditionally and that you are His beloved child? Can you imagine that He wants your spark to become a fire that draws others to want to know Him better through you?

As you journey through the beginning of the workweek, ask God to increase your desire to be an instrument that draws others to Him. Ask for the grace to allow Him to take and make your sparks more like a great fire of love, faith and devotion, that draws other to love Him more dearly, see Him more clearly and follow Him more nearly in and through your example.

 

TUESDAY, “G” = Grateful

Do you have a grateful heart? Do you find that you have much to be grateful for? Do you remember to thank God for the gift of the very next breath that you take, the gift of a new day, the gift of family and friends, colleagues and community that surround and embrace you, the gift of your crosses that have strengthened you, made you a better and more empathetic person and have drawn you closer to Christ, the gift that has been implanted in you of a deeper love and concern for others, for the gifts of mercy, compassion, forgiveness, peace and joy that being a follower of Christ has made you a recipient of?

In your prayer today, reflect on the gift of gratitude that God has given you. Pray always for a grateful heart and seek to spread that desire to others especially those who are struggling and cannot recognize any reason to be thankful or grateful. Today, as you encounter family, friends, coworkers, neighbors, community members and even the stranger, take time to sincerely thank them for some quality that you recognize in their presence that has made you appreciate them more and has allowed you see God more clearly in them.

WEDNESDAY, “L” = Loving

Do you think that you are a loving and kind person? What does it mean to be a loving person?

Do you think that it means being perfect?  Being a loving person begins with desire and completes with fulfillment. If one desires to be a loving person, a desire that can only originate with and from God, and seeks to follow through on that desire, can be a very loving person. Love is of God, finds its origin in God and grows only through God’s grace. In our sinful nature, that nature that Jesus died on the cross to redeem, God loved us into being and calls us to love in return. It is in our loving, that of God, self and others, we grow in a habit to love, to seek the good in others, to forgive others, to reach out seeking forgiveness and to bind the wounds and be God’s healing instrument of love.

So today, as you communicate and interact with others, seek love. Look for love, that of the presence of God in those with whom you interact with and see how they interact with you.

Do they see the love of God within you, in your presence, surrounding you in and through your words, attitudes, actions, and deeds?

A truly loving person sees the positive before recognizing the negative, sees the good before pointing out the bad, recognizes and embraces that we are all God’s beloved sons and daughters, sinners as well, before judging and casting out.

What the world needs now is love sweet love……..be that love today.

 

THURSDAY, “E” = Esteemed

It is tough to accept being esteemed by others. It seems more like an ago trip than a trip on humility highway. Yet as Christians, who truly seek to follow Christ and bring others to know Him better, we can be esteemed by others and that is not a bad quality, if it doesn’t go to one’s head.

Who do you hold in high esteem? Why? Who holds you in high esteem? And why?

For today, take a look at whom you hold in high esteem and look at the reasons?

If they are God centered, have brought you to know God better, and have helped you grow in your relationship with His Son and our Mother Mary, then thank God for such a great gift.

If others hold you in true genuine God centered esteem, ask God to show you how you can improve, build on, grow in His love, the very love that has attracted others to Him through you.

 

FRIDAY, “S” = Selfless

Being selfless means being other centered and not selfish. It can be hard to be selfless when others seek to be more selfish and self centered. One cannot be God centered if they are always looking at what they can get, acquire, own or have. God wants us to grow and become the best persons that we can be, the best person that He created us to be, but yet we get in the way of what God’s will is for us when we seek to have things our way and not His.

Jesus died on the cross for us. It was a free selfless act. He chose to die for us and when we suffer, when we are wounded, He is dying with us as we die to self.  When we unite our pain with His, when we choose not to be bitter, but rather to forgive, then we are being selfless.

For today, look at the many ways that you are selfless: as a parent, as a spouse, as an employee, and ask God for the grace to grow in that humility and love that has placed His will first before any selfish will of yours.

 

SATURDAY, “1” = One

There is only 1 God, 1 you, 1 eagles team, and 1 chance for them to win the super bowl today.

We are all given special gifts and talents by God to be used to glorify and praise Him. Let us pray that the Eagles players take this opportunity to glorify God by playing their best and coming together as a team to win. Let us seek to see the good in both teams during the low times and in the high times. Let us not seek to diminish the other team by mean and degrading words or behaviors, for when we do that we are not giving glory to God. Enjoy the game!!!

 

Glimpse of God for the week of January 28, 2018

 

My Glimpse of God comes from time. Time is a precious gift. What is time? It can be seen in seconds, minutes, hours, days, months, year, etc. We often find our self looking at our watch or clocks to see what time it is so that we know when something is either going to begin or end, or where we need to go and be. There are times in our life that we celebrate and there are those that we mourn, there are times that we are fearful of and times that we face with all the courage and conviction that we can muster. Time is an experience where we not only see where it has passed and realize that we cannot get it back, but also where we can see ahead and not know how it will unfold. We are given time here on earth to live and become the best person that God has created us to be.

From the beginning of time God has been continually showing Himself to His people, revealing to His people His presence and calling them to take their time and use it to Worship and adore Him alone. God’s time is not our time. We sometimes waste time or overbook our time. We watch time pass us by and then we get bored and wish time would hurry up. I would say that many of us do not take the time to appreciate God in the experiences of our life and the lives of those that we encounter and surround us.

When I think of the winter time in the light of my faith, I come with a few similarities. For instance when we are in the previous mode and we are usually journeying through the winter season, where it is darker longer. This isn’t a bad darkness but rather a period where God is planting and preparing for things to flourish and grow. It is a necessary time if creation is going to be what God wants it to be. It is the same for us. Although it is difficult and challenging we need to accept those dark, barren times in our life so that we can recognize the light and the newness that will soon become ours. Everything becomes a matter of perspective and balance, darkness, light and many shades of gray. The glimpse of God is how we recognize, reverence and honor the gift of time that God has given us.  No one is promised tomorrow so carpe diem (those that know Latin!) and for the rest of us “Seize the day”!

Reflections of time…….

 

Sunday  - Today honor, reverence and appreciate your time with God. During this winter season, seek God’s wisdom to discern how you can grow in a greater and deeper relationship with Him.

 

Monday – Today, honor, reverence and appreciate your time with family and friends. Time goes quickly, children grow and friends move, appreciate all of these many blessings today for only God knows their destiny of tomorrow. No one knows when their time on this earth will run out so before regrets settle in, bless all of those whom God has placed in your life. Forgive those who have offended you, seek forgiveness from all you have offended. Ask for God’s healing and peace in those areas of your life where you are broken so that you may become whole.

 

Tuesday – Today, honor, reverence and appreciate your time spent with your self, you are your best company. One is never alone, but at times may feel lonely. Today honor your alone time as a gift from God to be in communion with His Son Jesus. Don’t run away or be afraid of the quiet but invite it, embrace it allow it to transform you as you listen to the gentle whisper of God speaking to your heart.

 

Wednesday – Today, honor, reverence and appreciate your time in and with God’s creation. Go out into the world and see it in all of its beauty, magnificence and splendor. God has given us His creation to take care of so that it may flourish. We are all called to build up His kingdom here on earth. As we learn to appreciate and honor all of God’s creatures in His creation, let us remember that we are all created to work together to be God’s presence in the world, and to build His kingdom here on earth.

 

Thursday – Today, honor, reverence and appreciate your time as you work. Work satisfies us, compliments us and allows us to use the talents and gifts that God has given us. Today, look at your work as an instrument that God has given you to help be His beacon of light, understanding, reconciliation, and compromise to those around you, and allow it to be a source of humility, peace and joy.

 

                       

Friday – Today, honor, reverence and appreciate your time with Christ on the cross. He suffered and died for you on the cross, spend time in quiet gratitude with Him. We are all called to carry our crosses, yet we think that we need to carry them alone. We are never alone. Christ walks with us and just as Christ accepted help from Simon of Cyrene, we too are called to accept help when the cross seems too heavy. Surrender and acceptance are characteristic of a true follower of Jesus. We must surrender our will as Jesus did so that God can do what is best in and through us and we can openly accept the many graces and blessings that God wants to share with us.

 

Saturday – Today, honor, reverence and appreciate your time in prayer for all of those who have entrusted their needs, desires, prayers, hurts, pains, to you. When we can take our personal prayer time with God and offer it up for others, we are acting in a very humble and compassionate way. When others entrust their needs and prayer to you they see in you the presence and spirit of God that calls them to ask. This may seem easy, but when one truly feels the needs, pains and prayers of others, their empathy draws them in a closer union with Mary our great intercessor, and to her Son Jesus.

Glimpse of God for the week for January 21, 2018

My glimpse of God comes from a source that brings me a deep sense of joy, makes me smile when my eyes behold it, reminds me that even in the midst of the severe cold of winter, the snow that accumulates, the frost on the windows, the lack of daylight and the lack of desire to be outside because I get cold too easily, he or she is still a picture of joy with a great smile to go with it.

What is this glimpse? This glimpse is that of SNOWMAN or SNOWWOMAN or SNOWCHILD.

When I was a child, the first thing that I did when it snowed and the snow was good for packing, was to go out and make a snowman. My snowman was as unique as I was. It would have a variety of things that could be found around the house to be used as his ears, eyes, nose, mouth, hands and shirt buttons. Then the topper would be his hat, hopefully like the one that Frosty wore, but in my case, any hat that I could find around the house would do. My snowman, depending on the cold and the packing of the snow, would have two or three big balls of snow. The biggest on the bottom, the next smallest would be his belly and the smaller would be his head. If it was too cold or the snow wasn’t packing snow, he would have a big belly and a small head. When I was done, I would look at he finished product and smile.

How can it bring me to see God more clearly? Does God work through such “made up” characters? I believe that God works through and with all of His creation and creatures. We are His greatest creation and when we seek to see His joy, in the small and big ways, and desire to bring it to others, than we are working in unison with Him in bringing about and building His Kingdom here on earth. We are all called to use the gifts that God has given us. Snow is a gift. We can complain about it, tolerate it, ignore it or use it to bring joy to children and the big kid in all of us.

I still smile today when I see children creating a snowman. I don’t think that the fun that I experienced making or building a snowman can be compared to anything else.

So if you come to our house during the winter months, your eyes will behold the many sizes and shapes of various snowmen, snowwomen, snow children, and even one snow dog,but we lack a snowcats . I am surrounded by various snow creatures that make me smile and remind me that even with the simplest gift, that of snow, God invites, allows and waits for me to be attentive and creative. I also believe that as people enter our home and smile, they are remembering something that brings them joy. I don’t ask whey they are smiling,

I can only imagine that it may be for the same reasons that I do.

So as we enter a new week of winter, although without snow according to the weather people, let us think of ways that we can bring a smile to another and strive to accomplish that task.

 

 

SUNDAY  - “S”  = Sincere

In all of interactions with others, our first thought is that we need to be sincere genuine and authentic as Children of God, followers of Christ. We cannot, should not interact with others, attempting to make them smile or bring them a sense of peace, happiness or joy, if we are not sincere in our reason and desire to help them. We cannot bring happiness to others if our message is just words and not from the heart. People who are suffering or unhappy for whatever reason, are not always looking to hear the right words, as much as they are looking for someone to be honest, sincere, and humble as they interact with them. People see through our deception, our false image, our need to make our self feel good at their expense, and our ego that thinks we are succeeding and fooling them. We don’t have to pretend that we are perfect, but we do have to be sincere when we meet another imperfect human being, just as we are, and seek to raise them up.

 

MONDAY – “N” = Not me

When we seek to help another to make them happy, it should not be about us. God will reward us, will show us that in our spirit of humility and selflessness, that we are being taken care of, that we are loved, and in our being loved, we are able to love others. As you go to help others today, go with the attitude that it is about them and that God will give you the words to speak. He will show you how to be present and to that person. He will also show you how with Him, it is about you and how you responded to His invitation to build another up, and not tear them down or ignore their plight.

 

TUESDAY – “O” = Open minded

When you reach out to others today, keep an open mind. One never knows what another is thinking or feeling, yet what they say can shock, surprise or hurt you. Keeping an open mind will allow you to see things better from their perspective, experience or circumstances. As you reach out to others in an attempt to help, remember that they are in a need and in that need, they are vulnerable, and when one is vulnerable, they tend to say or do things that they would not normally do or say.

 

WEDNESDAY  - “W” = Wise

Being wise or having wisdom is not something that one can fall upon; it has to be gained by personal experience and the ability to see things from another perspective. One of the gifts of the Holy Spirit is wisdom. Wisdom is a gift that allows us to make the right decision, as God would want us to do. When we strive to make another happy or help raise them up, then we are using the gift of wisdom. Wisdom differentiates the right motives from the wrong, and enables us to make a decision that goes in accord with the will of God and not our own. They say that wisdom comes with age. I believe that we mature the desire to make the right decision no matter what it may be.

As you seek to help another today, pray for the gift of wisdom so that you can see more clearly where and what God is calling you to say or do.

 

 

THURSDAY – “M” = Merciful

We are all called show mercy, just as God has been and continues to be merciful with us, we are called to share that gift with others. When you seek to make another happy, you are seeing beyond any weakness and looking to the heart. Being merciful is not something that we can take lightly. As we are weak, so too is our brother and sisters in Christ. When we seek to help others, we are seeing their need, not their weakness.

Today when you go to help another, remember that they might feel vulnerable, needy, and possibly stressed to the point of being angry. See past this and look to their heart.

 

FRIDAY – “A” = Awesome

God is awesome!!!!

His gifts are not only special, but awesome because they have been chosen just for us.

People have been placed in our life to show us that we are all God's chosen beloved children and that we are here to help support each other on our earthly journey. 

For today as you recall the many memories that bring you joy, like the snowmen do for me, offer a prayer of thanks to God for those memories. As you are placed in the lives of others and you want to help them recognize the awesomeness of God, don't just use words but let your heart speak. Let your heart speak of the love that it is filled with and that you want to share. Others will see the power, presence of the awesome God more clearly and with greater clarity. 

 

 

SATURDAY  - “N” = Newness

When we attempt to lift others up, we often find our self more lifted than the person that we hoped to help. God works with the hearts of His faithful and when our hearts are in the right place, He can work wonders. We expereince a newness . We experience a refreshing spirit that not only is uplifting, but also transforming. As I look at the many snowwomen,snowmen and snow children in my home, I experience a refreshing spirit of joy and happiness. No maatter what the day had or has in store, I believe that in and through the gifts that God showers upon me: His grace, His mercy, His peace, His unconditional love, these gifts transform me and invite me to transform the lives of others. So when I seek to help others, it is not my idea, but rather God speaking.

So today when you extend a helping hand to lift another up, remind yourself that it is God extending His hand to you and lifting you up so that you can do likewise. "For what you do to the least of my breathren you do unto me."

 My Glimpse of God for the week of January 7, 2018

 

My Glimpse of God for this week comes from various glimpses that came from special events, wonderful people and unique circumstances that I found myself involved in.  One might say that my glimpse is a gathering of many smaller glimpses that were surprising, uplifting and inspiring.

 

My first glimpse of the week came as I started my new position as Chaplain at Fair acres Geriatric Center.  My first workday was filled with many graces. The first one came to me as I was called to speak to a resident that called the suicide hotline. I spoke to him for a while and he assured me that he would call me if he thought that he needed to call the hotline again. I felt comfortable with his promise and left him with the assurance that I would be available at any time if he wanted to talk.

Another glimpse came from my supervisor afterwards when she came in to tell me that she, the nurse, his social worker and the resident were very pleased with the way I handled the situation and if I would be willing to see him on a weekly basis.

Another glimpse came as I handed out the prayer that I composed last week for the New Year to the daily Mass attendants at my parish. A few of them came up to me and gave me a hug and let me know that it was just what they needed to read. It helped them to see the New Year and its resolutions in a new light. It was a prayer that they could pray that would help them grow closer to God and gain a better spiritual insight to the person that God was calling them to be and the potential to become.

Another glimpse came to me as my husband and I met with a priest friend that I have known since high school, that I had not seen since he concelebrated at our wedding in 1998. Since our wedding he had been transferred various times and we had lost track with each other. When we caught up last evening, as friends we weren’t strangers, but friends who needed to play a little catch up but we had the backgrounds still deep in our memories of where we were then, and just needed to fill in some gaps as to where we are now. A great priest still, a wonderful friend and a great witness to the faith as he continues to lead students to Christ.

The week was filled with many glimpses of God in between the ones that I have mentioned. My husband, John and his awesome support, encouragement and love, our pawsome kids Clover and Cannoli who always are intuitive to my needs and there to make me feel better despite any physical limitations, and our family and friends that have all been supportive with phone calls and texts with my new endeavor and the apprehensions that go along with starting a new position in a field that only God would have chosen. I have been involved in parish ministry for over 27 years and if you had asked me if I ever thought that I would serve the geriatric population, my answer would have been no. It was not a population that I ever saw my self ministering to. God saw differently and I am very happy with His vision and plan. It is a great surprise and it is surrounded with wonderful and caring people.

Some words that would define this week and the glimpse that came would be surprises, gifts, reconnections and support.

So as you begin a new week in this New Year and we remember that as we celebrate the feast of the Epiphany, let us be mindful that we all have our gifts to share. God has given us special gifts that are unique to us, ones that we are called to share with others and not to selfishly hold on to.

What are your special gifts and talents that you have been blessed that you are being called to share? The wise men gave of their treasures to the Holy Family. They shared what they had and were called to, by God, for the Christ child. We might not have gold, frankincense or myhr, but we have our hearts, open and ready to receive the love of God so that we can share it with others in the forms of mercy, joy, happiness, compassion and peace. Christ’s gift to us was His free, complete and unconditional love. He gives us His love; as we accept His love we in turn are called to share it with others. That is our gift to Him.

 

SUNDAY – “S” –selfless

When we share our gifts with others, it is then that we are not being selfish, but selfless. We are giving a part of our self to another in trust, hope and confidence. Our gift is our treasure that when we share it we hope that it will be received. If our gift is mercy, peace, reconciliation, hope, prayer, or pardon, we want it to be taken seriously and appreciated. And when it is not, it hurts, but even in those circumstances, we cannot take it back or not share it again, because that is not what God does with us. He continues to freely offer His gifts to us because He knows our hearts and the best way to fill them, heal them, expand them, and strengthen them.

For today, are you ready to have your heart expanded? Do you need healing? Are you open to being made stronger?  Are you running on empty and need to be filled with His graces so that you can serve Him more faithfully?

 

MONDAY – “H” – happy

When we want to share a gift with someone, we are sharing a part of our self. Our gift is something that we honor and want to let others see why we honor it, what there is to honor in it and how to best honor it. If we have the gift of peace that we want to offer someone, we should offer it with a sense of happiness and not begrudgingly. Peace is a gift. Many people are not at peace, do not know what true peace is and are searching for peace. When we offer our gift of peace, we are offering a part of our self that Jesus has given us. We cannot be at true peace if that peace is not of Christ. When we are being the body of Christ to others, we are reaching out and offering the very peace that Christ freely offers us and so therefore we freely and happily should offer to others.

For today, are you ready to freely and happily offer your gift to another? Whatever your gift is, can you share it with a genuine sense of happiness?

 

TUESDAY – “A” – appreciation

Do you appreciate the special gift that you are in the sight of God and others? Do you respect, honor and cherish the person, the gift that you are? Do you recognize that others are gift and should be treated with respect, dignity and care?

For today, as you look into the mirror, try to see how much you are appreciated by God, how much He loves you, how much He cares about you, how much He wants to be in relationship with you because He thinks you are so special, and say thank you. Next take one person in your life that you may not have shown appreciation for and let them know that you do appreciate them, not for what they can do for you, bur rather for the person they are, God’s beloved child.

 

WEDNESDAY – “R” – respect

What does it mean to show or be respectful?  When you have a gift to share or when you recongize the giftedness of others, how do you respond? Respect means honoring the giver and the gift. God endows all of us with special gifts and talents that He would like us to shwre with others and when we choose to, we are respecting both God and self. When we choose to hold on to our gift out of selfishenss or ego, then we are disrespecting God and ourself.

For today, honor and respect yourself, your gifts, your talents and the person that God has created you to be. The week will include many surprises and opportunities to recognze and see God more clearly. Take them and use them to see how mauch God loves you and continues to shower you with His many gifts and blessings, graces and talents.

 

 

THURSDAY –“I” -Individual, unique, special, one of a kind.

That is you. You are God's creation, His special gift to others one that has many asepcts to share and use to build up His kingdom here on earth. How does that mek you feel? Do you think that everyone else is special but you don't see yourself as anything special? 

When god created yyou, He did so out of complete and unconditonal love. He did so that you could bless others with your many gifts talents, attributes, qualities and aspirations. 

For today, jot down what and how you see yourself as gift. what are  your talents, gifts that you so freely share with others? How do you inspire othes? How do you call others to be their better self? I can only imagine that your list will belong, pray and aks Go dot shwo you  how blessed you are and seek to share that part of yourself more freely , without reservation and with a feeling and sense of being blessed and a blessing.

 

FRIDAY -  “N” – nurturing

Do you believe that you are a nurturing individual? Do you try to build others up or do you try to tear them down? Do you offer spiritual guidance in and through your prayers, words and thoughts for others so that they can grow and become the best person that they can be? As a parent, sibling, or spouse, do you try to strengthen those you love, by they way you show your love, support, encouragement, and kindness?

For today, look at the ways that you are nurturing. Look at how you not only help others grow to become the best person that they can be and that God calls them to be, but also look at those who have nurtured you and have helped you become the person that you are now. Our ability to nurture comes from how we have been nurtured. Humans can fail at being nurturing, but God never fails, He is the perfect nurturing parent, Abba, Father.

 

SATURDAY – “G” – God –given

Life is God given. Our very breath is God given. Our loved ones are God given. You are God given to others; your spouse, your children, your family, your friends, your community, and your Church. Think of it, God has given you to others, not without thought, but He has carefully placed you in the presence of others because He knows what is best for you and how you can grow in relationship with Him and how you can help others, who choose to be in relationship with him, grow closer to Him. You have been chosen. God has a plan, a very special mission for you. He wants you to not only recognize that you are His child and that He loves you unconditionally, but He wants you to be His messenger and share that special message with those He has given to you. How does He want you to do that? By being, by bringing, by sharing love as best you can by your actions, deeds, words, attitude, gestures o