tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36702952873607057882023-11-16T08:04:42.215-08:00Deacon's DwellingsA Catholic Deacon's journal and musings.Deacon John's Digesthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12021525349860061898noreply@blogger.comBlogger77125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3670295287360705788.post-66470194910027695212018-08-30T09:28:00.000-07:002018-08-30T09:28:29.165-07:00"You're as sick as your secrets"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As we have gone through these revelations of sexual abuse and cover-ups in certain places in the Catholic Church lately, I am always glad that these things, as horrific as they are, are coming to the light of day. The victims need healing, the public deserves to know, the offenders need to be punished or sanctioned or whatever is appropriate, and the Church itself needs healing and cleansing. The only way any of those things can happen is to reveal them publicly. </div>
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I can speak of this with a bit of experience as I was a victim of sexual abuse when I was 11 years old (NOT by anyone in the church). But I didn't tell anyone until I was 50. As I think about that I wonder what was wrong with me. Why didn't I tell my parents or some other trusted adult? Why did I keep this a secret? I believe there were two reasons: </div>
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1. I was ashamed. I constantly ask myself, even today, how I could have been so weak and stupid. </div>
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2. My dad tried to teach us to be tough. That worked pretty good on my two younger brothers but not on me. I thought if I told my dad he probably would have blamed me for the whole thing. In retrospect, I don't think that is true. He would have been angry and yelled a lot but things eventually would have gotten taken care of in a good way.</div>
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I tell you that little story now because many of the cases that come up are very old. Persons in their 40's or 50's suddenly make these accusations. Assuming they are credible, I understand why they didn't say anything at the time. But eventually it needs to come to the light. In my own experience, I could go for many months or a year without even thinking about the abuse I suffered but then something would be in the news and it would all come crashing back in on me and it would effect me as if I was 11 years old all over again. Once I spoke about it and prayed about it and went through an exercise of forgiveness I finally found some peace. It's one of the reasons I'm sharing this publicly - so more light can shine and the healing can continue.</div>
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I imagine the same thing happens to many victims of abuse in the church. They just want to forget all about it - but it NEVER goes away. My spiritual director tells me "you're as sick as your secrets" and he's right. Those things we repress and think we can handle on our own NEED to come to light and receive the healing balm of prayer, understanding, compassion and the care of a good and loving God so the pain of those old wounds can be alleviated.</div>
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Are you the victim of abuse - either at some time in the distant past or right now? For your own good find someone you trust - a counselor, a friend, a coworker, a police officer, a priest, a pastor - and tell them. Allow them to direct you to the right places so that you can receive healing and that, if possible, justice can prevail. In my case, the person was long dead before I talked about it. Maybe that could be different for you if you start the process NOW.</div>
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Above all, if you are in a situation of ongoing sexual abuse, no matter who the perpetrator is, get some help immediately. Call 911, talk to your school counselor or a teacher, tell a trusted adult friend, but do NOT let it go on another minute. You are a child of God and deserve to be treated with the dignity that goes along with that title. If someone at St Michael Parish (or your own parish) can help, let us know. We have staff members and clergy who stand ready to assist in any way needed and will walk with you through the entire process - whatever that turns out to be. Don't hold on to sickening secrets for another day - get help and get it NOW and let the healing process begin.</div>
Deacon John's Digesthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12021525349860061898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3670295287360705788.post-13187551124193374022015-07-02T09:54:00.001-07:002015-07-02T09:54:25.390-07:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-justify: newspaper; text-justify: newspaper; text-kashida-space: 50%; text-kashida-space: 50%;">
<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><img src="http://media.trusper.net/u/af6fba0e-785a-49d1-afb7-66e084813eea.jpg" />Deacon’s Digest<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Constant connectedness - is it good?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11pt;">I love to ride my bicycle or walk for exercise around town and have been doing that for several years (I used to run). For me, one of the benefits of being out is that I do NOT </span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11pt;">have my phone with me. I like being “disconnected” for a while every day. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11pt;">But the one thing I notice from many fellow exercisers is that they are talking on their phone or listening to something or frequently checking their phone as they walk or ride. Now, I’m an old guy who grew up without all of this technology which probably makes it easier for me to set it aside but I do wonder if this constant connectedness is really good for us, for our relationship with ourselves, others, and especially our relationship with God. I have read many reports over the past couple of years about psychological conditions that some people experience when they are away from their phone or are out of range for a good signal. What about you? Can you leave your phone behind when you go for a walk, go shopping, or go out for a nice meal with your spouse or close friends? </span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11pt;">Here are a few tips for taking a step back from your phone, pad, laptop, and social media that I read in a magazine article:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="direction: ltr; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11pt; unicode-bidi: embed;">1.</span><span style="width: 8.25pt;"> </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11pt;">Take a weekly technology Sabbath (Sunday?)when you do not carry your phone with you throughout the day. You can certainly check it every once in a while to see if there are urgencies.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="direction: ltr; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11pt; unicode-bidi: embed;">2.</span><span style="width: 8.25pt;"> </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11pt;">Plan your data consumption. Cut the number of times you connect on social media or the internet to just 3 or 4 times per day. If you’re really brave you could even set a time limit and close the apps when the timer goes off.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="direction: ltr; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11pt; unicode-bidi: embed;">3.</span><span style="width: 8.25pt;"> </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11pt;">Choose just one (maybe two) social media platforms. If you’re currently doing Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, Hangouts, Yik Yak, and WhatsApp cut out all of them but one to do your connecting.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11pt;">The idea is this - as you spend less time with the “screens” in your life you will be able to spend more time with people, with yourself and with your God. I hope you’re willing to give this a try for at least a week or two and just see what happens. I think you’ll find that you are a much healthier person in body, mind and spirit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Deacon John's Digesthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12021525349860061898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3670295287360705788.post-845242783786145142015-05-14T07:31:00.001-07:002015-05-14T07:31:55.320-07:00What to say, what not to say...<!--[if gte vml 1]><v:rect id="_x0000_s1026" alt=""
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11.8pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Deacon’s Digest<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11.8pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">W</span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11.8pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">hat NOT to say...</span></div>
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<a href="http://elizabethhagan.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/grief.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="163" src="http://elizabethhagan.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/grief.jpg" width="320" /></a><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 11.3pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">One of the most difficult things for us to do is visit someone who is experiencing loss or a bad time in their life. Maybe they just got some bad news about their health or the health of a loved one, maybe someone significant in their life has just died, or maybe they just lost their job. Priests and deacons often find themselves in these situations and it is always tough to find the right words. I’m sure you’ve found yourself in that place a time or two and felt awkward when approaching the person. In my experience ( and probably in yours’) I have learned there are words that are helpful, words that, although well-meaning, are hurtful, and that there are times when saying nothing is the best approach. Also, I recently read an article in “Relevant” magazine that sheds a lot of light on this subject.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="file:///C:/Users/JDEVLI~1.STM/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 11.3pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">First, what NOT to say (things people have actually been told at times of loss):<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="direction: ltr; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; unicode-bidi: embed;">·</span><span style="width: 13.5pt;"> </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 11.3pt; font-style: italic; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“This is all a part of God’s plan.” </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 11.3pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Recently, a young lady lost a 2-month old baby to SIDS. Naturally, this was a devastating experience for her and for her family. But to tell a 21-year old that God took her baby away from her because it was His “plan” is not helpful and in fact was quite damaging to her own relationship with God.</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 11.3pt; language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="direction: ltr; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; unicode-bidi: embed;">·</span><span style="width: 13.5pt;"> </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 11.3pt; font-style: italic; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I know EXACTLY what you are going through.” </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 11.3pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">You may have experienced something similar to what others are going through but you probably have no idea EXACTLY what they are feeling. Each of us handles loss and pain in unique ways and we need to be sensitive to that fact when addressing others.</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 11.3pt; language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="direction: ltr; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; unicode-bidi: embed;">·</span><span style="width: 13.5pt;"> </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 11.3pt; font-style: italic; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“You shouldn’t feel that way.” </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 11.3pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Oftentimes people become angry with God or with others or they may experience depression, anxiety or other emotions in the face of death or other loss. The fact is that they feel what they feel and they probably cannot help it.</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 11.3pt; language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="direction: ltr; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; unicode-bidi: embed;">·</span><span style="width: 13.5pt;"> </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 11.3pt; font-style: italic; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Get over it, it’s time to move on.” </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 11.3pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If you’ve never experienced real grief it may seem odd that come people seem stuck in their loss but they probably can’t help it. Telling them to “move on” may be a direct assault on their memories and attachments to the loved one they lost.</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 11.3pt; language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="direction: ltr; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; unicode-bidi: embed;">·</span><span style="width: 13.5pt;"> </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 11.3pt; font-style: italic; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“You should have prayed harder.” </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 11.3pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In the wake of 9/11 I actually heard a radio station telling their listeners that if they were worried about someone they knew in the World Trade Center or in the Pentagon they should pray for them to be found ’OK’. When people called with stories of death and loss, one of the announcers told the caller that they must not have prayed enough or that they didn’t pray ‘rightly’. </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 11.3pt; language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="direction: ltr; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; unicode-bidi: embed;">·</span><span style="width: 13.5pt;"> </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 11.3pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 11.3pt; font-style: italic; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Don’t worry, God will give you another child or husband or job, etc.” </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 11.3pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When a person is grieving a profound loss they want a particular child or person or job or whatever back in their life - not a replacement. </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 11.3pt; language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 11.3pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So, there are a few things to avoid saying in a situation of loss but what should we say or do? Here are a few suggestions:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="direction: ltr; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; unicode-bidi: embed;">·</span><span style="width: 13.5pt;"> </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 11.3pt; font-style: italic; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">LISTEN</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 11.3pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">! I have found that many people in the wake of death/loss want to talk about the situation or about their loved one. Just being present and listening can be a real help.</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 11.3pt; language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="direction: ltr; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; unicode-bidi: embed;">·</span><span style="width: 13.5pt;"> </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 11.3pt; font-style: italic; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ask what they really need.</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 11.3pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Sometimes we think we know that they need help with food or a gift or a memorial, but that may be the last thing they need or want. Ask them so that your efforts can match their needs.</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 11.3pt; language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="direction: ltr; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; unicode-bidi: embed;">·</span><span style="width: 13.5pt;"> </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 11.3pt; font-style: italic; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When the time is right, tell them what the deceased person meant to you and how they effected your life.</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 11.3pt;">You may know things that this person said or did that no one else knows - sharing those in appropriate ways with the family can be a real boost.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; mso-level-font-family: Symbol; mso-level-number-format: bullet; mso-level-size: 10.0pt; mso-level-text: ·; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="direction: ltr; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; unicode-bidi: embed;">·</span><span style="width: 13.5pt;"> </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 11.3pt; font-style: italic; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Stick with them. </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 11.3pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It’s easy to forget about a person or situation shortly after the funeral. When a person experiences a profound loss it (usually) take them months to start feeling a bit “normal” again. Be sure to call, send a card, or invite them out.</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 11.3pt; language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 11.3pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In the end, the best we can really do is to be a good friend by being present to them throughout the early, middle and later stages of their recovery. And – don’t forget to pray for inspiration and for your friend. This isn’t the least you can do for them but the MOST. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 11.3pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Also, there are many good programs for persons experiencing grief and loss. We offer one right here at St Michael Parish on Thursday evenings. Catholic Family Services and many funeral homes offer seminars and programs as well. Perhaps you could offer to attend one of them with your grieving friend. That support could be what makes the biggest difference for them.</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 11.3pt; language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Deacon John's Digesthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12021525349860061898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3670295287360705788.post-91166639823890178952015-03-24T14:38:00.000-07:002015-03-24T14:38:24.824-07:00A Full Life?????<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ak-cache.legacy.net/legacy/images/Cobrands/ArgusLeader/Photos/SAL028973-1_20150318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://ak-cache.legacy.net/legacy/images/Cobrands/ArgusLeader/Photos/SAL028973-1_20150318.jpg" width="166" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Boston Daniel Devlin<br />January 9 - March 17, 2015</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Exactly one week ago at this very moment I was standing in an emergency room at a local hospital watching the staff do everything they could do to revive a person who had stopped breathing. As I stood there I prayed FERVENTLY that God would put the breath of life back into this person and that we could all leave knowing that everything was going to be OK - job well done!<br />
That didn't happen. The person died despite heroic effort and heart felt prayer. By the way, the person was my 2 month old great nephew, Boston Daniel. As I prayed I was holding on to my niece, Boston's mother Sara. Boston died for absolutely no apparent reason. He was healthy, he was happy, he was well cared for and was well loved - he simply quit breathing. Although an autopsy was done the likely outcome will be "SIDS".<br />
We had a 'nice' funeral and a nice luncheon and everyone went their own way but something remains with me - I AM ANGRY!!! I am mad at God for taking this little life from his mother. I am angry because I've had to watch my brother (one of the toughest men in the world) be reduced to a blubbering mass of tears, heartache and grief. I am angry because of what this has done to my niece, the one who chose life for Boston. I am mad because one of the holiest women I know is now swimming in a sea of doubt and confusion. I am angry because good prayers are supposed to be answered - aren't they? I prayed that God would spare this little one. When that wasn't working I started to bargain with God. I told him to take me instead - if someone needs to die better a 57 year old man than a 68 day old boy, right!? I am angry because NOTHING WORKED.<br />
So, what should I do with that anger? I know I have to take it to God. It doesn't do much good to be mad at someone and then tell everyone in the world except the one you're mad at. So, I've been talking to God - a lot. Although I still haven't gotten over my anger, I have heard a couple of replies from God that I'm still mulling over. First, God assured me that Boston's 68 days was a full life. He reminded me that the deepest human desire is to love and be loved - Boston experienced that every day from his mommy and grandparents and aunt and big brother (and others). Second, God "said" that he understands my anger very well - he watched Jesus die a violent, humiliating and painful death on the cross. And third, as I asked God for understanding he replied that it would be better for me if I didn't understand. I'm not sure what that's supposed to mean I just hope I can accept it someday.<br />
Some of my friends think I'm having a crisis of faith - nothing could be further from the truth. The God with whom I'm angry is the God that gave me the ability to be angry, to be rational and to be irrational. The same God that created the heavens and earth and Boston created me. That God is patient and understanding and has been loving me all the way through this terrible situation. I can't imagine it being any other way.Deacon John's Digesthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12021525349860061898noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3670295287360705788.post-25183559338956031362014-11-17T14:24:00.001-08:002014-11-17T14:24:20.977-08:00Did you know…?<!--[if !mso]>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-justify: newspaper; text-justify: newspaper; text-kashida-space: 50%; text-kashida-space: 50%;">
<br /><img class="irc_mut" height="150" src="https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSUueQLThkyF5pqJSPhTwnIw_3zjmbZKTUvqzNVGGJmz5FmKWy0" style="cursor: move; margin-top: 85px;" width="200" /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-justify: newspaper; text-justify: newspaper; text-kashida-space: 50%; text-kashida-space: 50%;">
<span lang="en-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11.1pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What do you do on days when the weather is so bad that school is cancelled, work is called off and it’s simply too nasty to even think about going outside? Today, of course, many kids have TONS of distractions with video games, mp3 players, iPads and the like. These things weren’t around when I was young so my brothers and I used to entertain each other with trivia. We would find weird facts in magazines or catalogs or stuff we learned in school and challenge each other to guess the right answer. Some of the goofy questions we posed were:</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; direction: ltr; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; language: x-none; unicode-bidi: embed;">·</span><span style="width: 13.5pt;"> </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11.1pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">How many blood cells dose your body produce every second? Answer - 15,000,000</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; mso-level-font-family: Symbol; mso-level-number-format: bullet; mso-level-size: 10.0pt; mso-level-text: ·; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt; text-justify: newspaper; text-justify: newspaper; text-kashida-space: 50%; text-kashida-space: 50%;">
<span style="color: black; direction: ltr; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; language: x-none; unicode-bidi: embed;">·</span><span style="width: 13.5pt;"> </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11.1pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Which “king” in a deck of cards does not have a mustache? Answer - King of Hearts</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; mso-level-font-family: Symbol; mso-level-number-format: bullet; mso-level-size: 10.0pt; mso-level-text: ·; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt; text-justify: newspaper; text-justify: newspaper; text-kashida-space: 50%; text-kashida-space: 50%;">
<span style="color: black; direction: ltr; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; language: x-none; unicode-bidi: embed;">·</span><span style="width: 13.5pt;"> </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11.1pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">How many pennies are minted each day? Answer - 26,000,000!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; mso-level-font-family: Symbol; mso-level-number-format: bullet; mso-level-size: 10.0pt; mso-level-text: ·; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt; text-justify: newspaper; text-justify: newspaper; text-kashida-space: 50%; text-kashida-space: 50%;">
<span style="color: black; direction: ltr; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; language: x-none; unicode-bidi: embed;">·</span><span style="width: 13.5pt;"> </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11.1pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">True of false - the Mona Lisa does not have eyebrows. Answer - True</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-justify: newspaper; text-justify: newspaper; text-kashida-space: 50%; text-kashida-space: 50%;">
<span lang="en-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11.1pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">How many of those could you have answered correctly? Several years ago I was asked how many homeless people are residing in Sioux Falls. (Talk about being stumped.) I said that there were probably less than 100 living in our fair city. Imagine my surprise when I was told that there were approximately 700! How would you have answered? Does it surprise you that there are so many? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-justify: newspaper; text-justify: newspaper; text-kashida-space: 50%; text-kashida-space: 50%;">
<span lang="en-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11.1pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I have lived my entire life in Sioux Falls. I grew up on the north end near the Cathedral and have always been proud to live here. I have consistently envisioned Sioux Falls as a “big small town” where the needs of the people were always met by someone (family, neighborhood, church, or government). It never dawned on me that there could be so many that “slipped through the cracks”. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-justify: newspaper; text-justify: newspaper; text-kashida-space: 50%; text-kashida-space: 50%;">
<span lang="en-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11.1pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Here are some more interesting facts about homeless people in Sioux Falls:</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; direction: ltr; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; language: x-none; unicode-bidi: embed;">·</span><span style="width: 13.5pt;"> </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11.1pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Over 55% of them have a full-time job.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; direction: ltr; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; language: x-none; unicode-bidi: embed;">·</span><span style="width: 13.5pt;"> </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11.1pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> 22% are single-parent families. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; mso-level-font-family: Symbol; mso-level-number-format: bullet; mso-level-size: 10.0pt; mso-level-text: ·; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt; text-justify: newspaper; text-justify: newspaper; text-kashida-space: 50%; text-kashida-space: 50%;">
<span style="color: black; direction: ltr; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; language: x-none; unicode-bidi: embed;">·</span><span style="width: 13.5pt;"> </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11.1pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">18% are military veterans.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; direction: ltr; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; language: x-none; unicode-bidi: embed;">·</span><span style="width: 13.5pt;"> </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11.1pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">218 are children.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-justify: newspaper; text-justify: newspaper; text-kashida-space: 50%; text-kashida-space: 50%;">
<span lang="en-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11.1pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The one number that really hits me in the heart is the fact that the Sioux Falls School District identified 935 students who were homeless at some time during the 2013-14 school year - 935! Many spend the nights in vehicles, under bridges, or at a motel (when their parents can afford it). For the last few years the Salvation Army has provided a temporary emergency shelter during the winter months so people would have a place to sleep out of the cold and the elements. They announced early this year that they are no longer able to provide that service. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-justify: newspaper; text-justify: newspaper; text-kashida-space: 50%; text-kashida-space: 50%;">
<span lang="en-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11.1pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Most of us don’t have to worry about ever being homeless. We have a place to go, good relatives or friends to help us in times of trouble, and enough of an emergency fund to see us through bad times. But just imagine if you were suddenly homeless. What would you do? Where would go if all of the doors were closed to you? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-justify: newspaper; text-justify: newspaper; text-kashida-space: 50%; text-kashida-space: 50%;">
<span lang="en-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11.1pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Enter the Bishop Dudley Hospitality House (BDHH). This is an effort by the Sioux Falls Diocese along with many other churches and businesses to provide a dignified place for people to stay in an emergency. There will be a section for men, women and families (currently there are NO emergency shelters that provide a place to keep families together). This new facility will be able to house 120 people per night. It will also offer the homeless in Sioux Falls a way to meet with many other social service providers. The Good Shepherd Center (a daytime drop-in facility) will also be housed at the BDHH. This gives people an opportunity to use phones, computers, showers, and laundry facilities as well as place of hospitality and community. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-justify: newspaper; text-justify: newspaper; text-kashida-space: 50%; text-kashida-space: 50%;">
<span lang="en-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11.1pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So, what can you do? PLEASE be ever aware of the homeless in Sioux Falls. This is Homelessness Awareness Week. Keep in mind the plight of so many who work hard but don’t make quite enough money to pay a security deposit or rent. Make plans to volunteer at the BDHH. In time, there will be many daytime and overnight volunteers needed. And, assist them financially if you are able. The BDHH is not yet fully funded and needs your contributions. Please put the BDHH on your list of worthy agencies to receive your donations.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-justify: newspaper; text-justify: newspaper; text-kashida-space: 50%; text-kashida-space: 50%;">
<span lang="en-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11.1pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">There are many percentages and numbers that can be examined concerning homelessness in Sioux Falls. But remember - these are not trivia but a fact of life for far too many in our “fair city”.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-justify: newspaper; text-justify: newspaper; text-kashida-space: 50%; text-kashida-space: 50%;">
<span lang="en-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11.1pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><i>As I finished writing this piece for our church bulletin last week it was announced that a woman had frozen to death in the stairwell of a downtown parking ramp. What a tragedy. Sure, alcohol may have been a factor but this poor woman was still a child of God deserving dignity and respect. Hopefully, this is the last time we will hear of such devastating news. </i></span></div>
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Deacon John's Digesthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12021525349860061898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3670295287360705788.post-19455590334720719592014-11-03T09:53:00.000-08:002014-11-03T09:53:08.011-08:00The Catholic Synod of Bishops said what!!??<img height="120" id="irc_mi" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/18f71abd61f6f0e2f56cf8009/images/5a028a08-af42-407b-acd1-fa98bae5fe46.jpg" style="margin-top: 197px;" width="320" /><br />
Much has been said in the United States news media about the recent document released by the Synod on the Family especially on the topic of persons in homosexual relationships. Some early reports were clearly mistranslated by many in the media when reports came out on CNN and other cable news networks claiming the Catholic Church was moving toward the acceptance of same-sex unions. This was scaled back somewhat by official reports from the Vatican but the true intention of the Synod was still not being accurately reported. Furthermore, many "traditionalists" or "conservatives" in the Church reacted severely when the initial reports were made public.<br />
The "final document" of the Synod has been released and the tone of the document is much different than the early media stories. There are two paragraphs in this final version (three in the draft report) regarding the topic of same-sex unions. Here they are:<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>55. Some families have members who have a homosexual tendency.
In this regard, the synod fathers asked themselves what pastoral
attention might be appropriate for them in accordance with the Church’s
teaching: “There are absolutely no grounds for considering homosexual
unions to be in any way similar or even remotely analogous to God's plan
for marriage and family.”Nevertheless, men and women with a homosexual
tendency ought to be received with respect and sensitivity. “Every sign
of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided”
)<u>Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Considerations Regarding Proposals to Give Legal Recognition to Unions Between Homosexual Persons, 4</u></i><br />
<i>
</i><i>56. Exerting pressure in this regard on the Pastors of the
Church is totally unacceptable: this is equally so for international
organizations who link their financial assistance to poorer countries
with the introduction of laws which establish “marriage” between persons
of the same sex.</i><br />
<br />
As you can see, there is no evidence here that the Catholic Church is changing its doctrines on homosexual issues. However, the Church is indeed changing its approach to persons with same-sex attractions. The emphasis is shifting from a severe outlook that tended to summarily dismiss or reject gays to a stronger push toward understanding and welcoming and finding ways to minister to homosexuals and involve them and their individual gifts in parish life. <i> </i><br />
And so, the Synod did not go far enough for some who were expecting/hoping the Church to change its teaching on homosexual matters and it went too far for some who are more traditional or conservative in their outlook.<br />
In truth, no one should be looking for the Church to change any doctrine regardless of the topic. The Church has NEVER done that. But what you can expect is a more open armed attitude and approach to all persons in difficult pastoral situations (divorced & remarried, homosexual, single parent, etc.). This openness truly begins at the grassroots level with you and me being Jesus to each and every person we meet each and every day. (You can read the entire document by clicking <a href="http://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2014/10/18/0770/03044.html" target="_blank">here</a>.)Deacon John's Digesthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12021525349860061898noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3670295287360705788.post-491357222139293432014-08-14T13:25:00.000-07:002014-08-14T13:25:37.857-07:00Blessed are the PEACEMAKERS<img height="304" id="irc_mi" src="http://www.thegodarticle.com/uploads/5/2/2/3/5223897/8507981_orig.jpg" style="margin-top: 0px;" width="320" />I had the great privilege of spending about 10 days in the Holy Land last fall. What a great trip and opportunity to see all of the Holy Sites. It was humbling to be able to pray in the tomb where Jesus lay, at the
site of his birth and in all of the beautiful places in Galilee. Besides being tourists and sightseers, we were "pilgrims" as well - meaning that this trip had a spiritual and cultural component, too.<br />
The one thing that was impossible to ignore was the animosity between the different religious and cultural groups in Israel. The Israeli population is approximately 77% Jewish, 18% Muslim, and 2% Christian. The remaining 3% are Druze and other religious groups. While we traveled and listened to the "ordinary" people of the country we heard lots of hatred from all of the groups toward the others. I have long devoted some of my prayer time to praying for peace in Israel. Unfortunately, my visit there nearly sapped all of the hope for peace out of me. <br />
So what do we do? How are we supposed to involve ourselves in all of this hatred, violence and unrest? I read an article in Relevant Magazine recently that addressed this very issue. The author, after interviewing those working for peace in the area, concluded that there are two things we in the west can do. <br />
<ol>
<li>Pray and work for peace. Continue to pray that through the power of faith, hope and love a new era of peace can descend on Israel. Although the possibility of this seems remote, if we are believers in God's providence we know our prayers can be effective.</li>
<li>Don't take sides. Those interviewed in the article asked us (especially Americans) to avoid supporting either side in the conflicts. In this way we are open to praying for all sides and all persons involved and intercede for everyone instead of our 'favorite'. </li>
</ol>
<br />
The article is long but it is worth reading. <a href="http://www.relevantmagazine.com/current/peace-possible" target="_blank">Click here to find it. </a><br />
<br />
The United States typically supports the Israeli government in any and all conflicts. While our government officials may have their own political motives for this, we as individuals can choose to work for peace for all. We are still a Christian country (by majority) and almost every Christian in Israel is a Palestinian. They need our prayers and support, too.<br />
Remember, Jesus Christ brought the issue of nonviolence and peacemaking to a pinnacle in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew chapters 5, 6, 7). He shows by the example of His life, and especially by the example of His passion and death, that nonviolence and peace are the path of the Christian disciple. <br />
As you listen to the news and read the papers keep Jesus' words in mind from the Beatitudes: <u><b><i>Blessed are the PEACEMAKERS, for they shall be called children of God.</i></b></u>Deacon John's Digesthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12021525349860061898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3670295287360705788.post-17017727132237794732014-07-14T14:03:00.000-07:002014-07-14T14:03:49.452-07:00Reductionism...What's that???<img height="316" id="irc_mi" src="http://compsys.econproph.net/files/2012/01/economicsystems.png" style="margin-top: 0px;" width="320" /><br />
On Sunday, Pope Francis met with a group that is studying "an increasingly more inclusive economy". In the meeting he decried the tendencies of economic systems to reduce the human being to a simple means to an end, a cog in a wheel, a mere tool in a system that promotes economic imbalance. In this system, mankind loses humanity. (Notice the chart above - it doesn't even mention human beings.) And when we lose are humanity, what happens? What is the outcome of a society where the human is reduced to his or her productive capability and usefulness to the ends of an economic system? That is when the human being becomes dehumanized and disposable. (<i>Neither the Pope nor I are criticizing or affirming any particular type
of economic system, simply the inhumane ways people are treated in
different systems.</i>) It doesn't take long to look at the state of our world today, indeed our own country, to see the effects. Many are seen as a burden and looked at as persons who have lost (or never had) any usefulness. This shows an increased suicide rates particularly among persons over 65 who kill themselves 20% more often than the general rate (according to a New York Times article 8/7/2013). It shows in our willingness to "mercifully kill" those in terminal conditions instead of loving them and affirming their great value right up to the natural end of their life. It shows in our willingness to abort babies because their continued existence is seen as inconvenient or burdensome.<br />
We as Christians, indeed as HUMAN BEINGS, should be railing against the reduction of the human person to their economic usefulness. Please work in your own life and in your treatment of others to affirm their (and your) great worth despite age, illness, infirmity or economic status. Each and every person is in need of others to show them their great value. How will you and I respond to that need?Deacon John's Digesthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12021525349860061898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3670295287360705788.post-25588022800924455902014-07-10T08:17:00.002-07:002014-07-10T08:17:40.262-07:00Less is more<img height="132" id="irc_mi" src="http://dbprng00ikc2j.cloudfront.net/work/image/199294/qg7swq/Logo_less_is_more.jpg" style="margin-top: 174px;" width="200" /><!--[if !mso]>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-justify: newspaper; text-justify: newspaper; text-kashida-space: 50%; text-kashida-space: 50%;">
<span lang="en-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11.1999pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">On June 13th of this year 17 of us from St. Michael Parish embarked on a journey to Belize, Central America. We drove to Omaha late in the day, spent the night in a Catholic school and rose early to be at the airport by 6:30 a.m. We flew to Dallas, waited a few hours and then took off for Belize City. We arrived at about 12:30 p.m. and there began a mission of challenge, self-discovery, hard work, meaningful worship, new friends, and great experiences.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-justify: newspaper; text-justify: newspaper; text-kashida-space: 50%; text-kashida-space: 50%;">
<span lang="en-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11.1999pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The time was challenging because we lived in tough conditions. In other words, we lived much like the people of Orange Walk Town with whom we worked for several days. We slept on air mattresses in rooms that could be hot and stuffy, drank warm water, took cold showers, and fought off a multitude of bugs and other creatures.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-justify: newspaper; text-justify: newspaper; text-kashida-space: 50%; text-kashida-space: 50%;">
<span lang="en-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11.1999pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We worked very hard on a variety of projects in and around Orange Walk Town. We erected a fence around San Juan Church, finished and painted the ceiling of the Church of Palmar, assisted in feeding the “poorest of the poor” at Mercy Mission in the center of Orange Walk, painted the inside rooms of a convent, sanded and stained pews, and painted the exterior of a church in just two and a half hours. Some of our group helped paint new Stations of the Cross for the San Juan Church as well as painting inspiring banners to be hung around the place we stayed (Muffels College). <i>Note - Muffels College is not a college in the way we think of them - it was more like a junior high.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-justify: newspaper; text-justify: newspaper; text-kashida-space: 50%; text-kashida-space: 50%;">
<span lang="en-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11.1999pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We attended Mass on our first Sunday in Belize at La Immaculata Church in Orange Walk. The priest (Fr. Smalls) is responsible for 21 parishes in the area so most of the parishes only get Mass once or twice per month. The music was wonderful (Latin American), the people were VERY welcoming and the Church was packed to the gills with many people standing outside by the open windows. It was Father’s Day so they had a nice presentation of certificates and small gifts for all of the dads who were present. They also sang a song in Spanish for all of the dads who had passed away. Although I couldn’t understand the words, I could tell it was an emotional song as dozens of people in the Church wept openly in love for their deceased fathers. We also had Mass every evening and fun programs in which to participate.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-justify: newspaper; text-justify: newspaper; text-kashida-space: 50%; text-kashida-space: 50%;">
<span lang="en-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11.1999pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We met great people from the local area who opened their hearts to us in gratitude, generosity and hospitality. They were friendly, happy people. We also met many new friends who came from other parts of the United States to participate in the work camp. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-justify: newspaper; text-justify: newspaper; text-kashida-space: 50%; text-kashida-space: 50%;">
<span lang="en-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11.1999pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I believe I speak for all who went on the trip in saying that it was also an experience of self-discovery. When we reached our hotel in Dallas on the way home we gathered in the dining area and discussed our experiences. Rhonda asked us what we were grateful for or what we learned. These are some of the responses:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; mso-level-font-family: Symbol; mso-level-number-format: bullet; mso-level-size: 10.0pt; mso-level-text: ·; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt; text-justify: newspaper; text-justify: newspaper; text-kashida-space: 50%; text-kashida-space: 50%;">
<span style="color: black; direction: ltr; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; language: x-none; unicode-bidi: embed;">·</span><span style="width: 13.5pt;"> </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11.1999pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I am grateful for school –the youth in Belize only go until the sixth grade and most cannot afford to go to high school so I am going to quit complaining about school.” (There is no public school in Belize)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; mso-level-font-family: Symbol; mso-level-number-format: bullet; mso-level-size: 10.0pt; mso-level-text: ·; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt; text-justify: newspaper; text-justify: newspaper; text-kashida-space: 50%; text-kashida-space: 50%;">
<span style="color: black; direction: ltr; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; language: x-none; unicode-bidi: embed;">·</span><span style="width: 13.5pt;"> </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11.1999pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“The people of Orange Walk were so happy, so generous and so grateful for our help.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; mso-level-font-family: Symbol; mso-level-number-format: bullet; mso-level-size: 10.0pt; mso-level-text: ·; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt; text-justify: newspaper; text-justify: newspaper; text-kashida-space: 50%; text-kashida-space: 50%;">
<span style="color: black; direction: ltr; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; language: x-none; unicode-bidi: embed;">·</span><span style="width: 13.5pt;"> </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11.1999pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Simplicity is the best way of life.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; mso-level-font-family: Symbol; mso-level-number-format: bullet; mso-level-size: 10.0pt; mso-level-text: ·; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt; text-justify: newspaper; text-justify: newspaper; text-kashida-space: 50%; text-kashida-space: 50%;">
<span style="color: black; direction: ltr; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; language: x-none; unicode-bidi: embed;">·</span><span style="width: 13.5pt;"> </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11.1999pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“The people were very joy-filled and proud of their homes, their churches and their families.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; mso-level-font-family: Symbol; mso-level-number-format: bullet; mso-level-size: 10.0pt; mso-level-text: ·; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt; text-justify: newspaper; text-justify: newspaper; text-kashida-space: 50%; text-kashida-space: 50%;">
<span style="color: black; direction: ltr; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; language: x-none; unicode-bidi: embed;">·</span><span style="width: 13.5pt;"> </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11.1999pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“God showed me what true happiness is. Despite the fact that the people live in poverty they are joy-filled and content.”</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; direction: ltr; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; language: x-none; unicode-bidi: embed;">·</span><span style="width: 13.5pt;"> </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11.1999pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“The people showed me a level of kindness I had never experienced before. I have never felt so at home when I wasn’t.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-justify: newspaper; text-justify: newspaper; text-kashida-space: 50%; text-kashida-space: 50%;">
<span lang="en-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11.1999pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">That is just a sample of the many responses the young adults shared.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For me, I now appreciate the Mass (daily and Sunday) much more than ever. The people in the Orange Walk area live good and holy lives while only receiving the Eucharist once or twice per month. They are lucky if they get to go to Confession once per year. We truly are blessed (and maybe a bit spoiled) because we can receive these Sacraments daily if desired. I also learned that I had not yet appreciated the lesson I learned in Guatemala several years ago - </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11.1999pt; font-style: italic; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">people with very little are much more happy, content, faithful and family centered than people with much</span><span lang="en-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11.1999pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. To interact with the Belizean people and see the love of God beaming through their smiles and their open hearts was a humbling experience. It seems that less stuff means more God and simple living conditions lead to strong families and caring communities. I have to keep asking myself </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11.1999pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“When will I learn?”</span><span lang="en-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11.1999pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> these simple but important lessons?!</span></div>
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Deacon John's Digesthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12021525349860061898noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3670295287360705788.post-28055129543178958542014-05-27T14:30:00.000-07:002014-05-27T14:58:12.372-07:00How's your luck?<img src="http://thumbs.dreamstime.com/x/good-luck-horse-shoe-shamrock-6860269.jpg" height="200" id="irc_mi" style="margin-top: 66px;" width="186" /><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-justify: newspaper; text-justify: newspaper; text-kashida-space: 50%; text-kashida-space: 50%;">
<span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 11.6pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Do you feel lucky?...</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-justify: newspaper; text-justify: newspaper; text-kashida-space: 50%; text-kashida-space: 50%;">
<span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 11.6pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Luck is an interesting concept or word. Depending on who you talk to, luck can be supernatural, superstition,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>or just random coincidence. According to Webster’s Dictionary luck is </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 11.6pt; font-style: italic; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US;">"a purposeless, unpredictable and uncontrollable force that shapes events favorably or unfavorably for an individual, group or cause"</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 11.6pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US;"> </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 11.6pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-justify: newspaper; text-justify: newspaper; text-kashida-space: 50%; text-kashida-space: 50%;">
<span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 11.6pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I read an article recently in Inc. Magazine that said luck is most certainly under your control. The gist of the article was that the events we see as simple good luck or coincidence were determined by the diligence and preparedness of the so-called ‘lucky one”. For example, the baseball player that makes the seemingly impossible (lucky) catch in the outfield was able to do so because of years of practice and discipline. You or I, without that same training, would NEVER be able to make that catch. Business success, according to the article, was not a matter of luck but of good preparedness and staying connected with many people. Ray Kroc, the man who made McDonald’s famous, says that <i>“Luck is a dividend of sweat. The more you sweat, the luckier you get”</i>. Another wise person has said<i> “Luck is preparation meeting opportunity”. </i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-justify: newspaper; text-justify: newspaper; text-kashida-space: 50%; text-kashida-space: 50%;">
<span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 11.6pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Each one of us can probably point at times or events in our lives when we were inexplicably lucky. Regardless of our efforts, sometimes things just turn out well. But the opposite can be true, too, can’t it? Sometimes bad things happen that we could not have avoided if we tried. For example, my mother has Parkinson’s Disease. There is no way she could have dodged it by her own effort or by changing one single thing in her life. Others get cancers or other diseases seemingly out of the blue. Or maybe you’re driving down the road following all of the rules of good, safe driving and someone runs into you anyway. All sorts of “random bad luck” can happen at any time.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-justify: newspaper; text-justify: newspaper; text-kashida-space: 50%; text-kashida-space: 50%;">
<span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 11.6pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As Christians, though, I think we are called to try and find God in our good luck </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 11.6pt; font-style: italic; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">and </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 11.6pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">in our bad luck. Somehow, God can play a role in our life regardless of the circumstances - we simply need to stay open to God’s presence.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-justify: newspaper; text-justify: newspaper; text-kashida-space: 50%; text-kashida-space: 50%;">
<span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 11.6pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">For example, I knew a person who had been arrested and put in jail for an extended period of time. I visited her regularly and encouraged her to do her best to see God - even in the jail. This young lady was able to assist two different people who attempted suicide. First, she found them during the attempt and stopped it, and second, she helped them spiritually afterwards in the way that she prayed with them and ministered to them. She marveled later on how these things would not have happened had she not been placed in jail.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-justify: newspaper; text-justify: newspaper; text-kashida-space: 50%; text-kashida-space: 50%;">
<span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 11.6pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In her book, <i>The Hiding Place</i>, Corrie TenBoom recounts her time in a Nazi Concentration Camp. She, her sister, and her father had been placed there for trying to help their Jewish neighbors escape Holland during the German occupation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They endured horrendous conditions in the camp but Corrie eventually found a blessing even in the worst of circumstances. She tells about a time when her section of the barracks was heavily infested with lice. Although she hated the lice, the fact that they were infested kept the guards away and they were able to have a Bible study and share the love of Jesus Christ with their fellow inmates.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-justify: newspaper; text-justify: newspaper; text-kashida-space: 50%; text-kashida-space: 50%;">
<span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 11.6pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And, for one last example, a man I know told me about his adult daughter who suffered for many years from a traumatic injury. She was bedridden and unable to get along in life as she once did. She eventually died from a series of infirmities and at her funeral her father told an interesting story. He said that, although he would have never chosen for his daughter to be in the condition she was, it had brought them much closer. They had been estranged for some time and when she got hurt he started visited her again and their relationship was eventually healed. He said this never would have happened had she not suffered this tragedy. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-justify: newspaper; text-justify: newspaper; text-kashida-space: 50%; text-kashida-space: 50%;">
<span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 11.6pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So there you have it. God can use even our worst days and our most trying experiences to bring hope, healing, and light to our lives. I try to remind myself of this each time I am frustrated by my own “bad luck”. How about you? How has God made you feel lucky even in tough times?</span><span lang="en-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11.6pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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Deacon John's Digesthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12021525349860061898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3670295287360705788.post-77997433116929998752014-05-07T09:17:00.000-07:002014-05-07T09:17:23.452-07:00Lesson's From Mom<img class="irc_mut" height="200" id="irc_mi" src="http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0230/3895/files/poor-church-for-poor_large.jpg?437" style="margin-top: 73px;" width="200" /><!--[if !mso]>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-justify: newspaper; text-justify: newspaper; text-kashida-space: 50%; text-kashida-space: 50%;">
<span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 10.6999pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Something my mother always taught me and my siblings was a patience and concern for others - especially those who were poor or “different” in any way. She grew up in a very poor family in the northeast corner of South Dakota and had to survive on very little most of the time. For long periods - sometimes months - she and her brothers and sisters would eat nothing but potatoes. She tells of one day when the only thing left in the house was a plate of butter and little bit of sugar so they split it up and ate that until their mother could get more spuds. Because of her experience and because she was a very loving person and strong Catholic, my mom never let us make fun of anyone because of their economic status. There were two very poor families that lived just one block north of us. The kids wore old clothes that didn’t fit well and were sometimes unable to bathe for long periods of time (the water in the house didn’t work). If we said anything derogatory about them my mom would threaten to give them our clothes, our bedroom, our bath privileges and we could have theirs’. We learned to accept them just the way they were. Now and then a pair of our pants or shoes would be “missing” and we would soon see one of the kids from up the block wearing them. Once I even saw their mother wearing a winter coat that once belonged to my mom.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-justify: newspaper; text-justify: newspaper; text-kashida-space: 50%; text-kashida-space: 50%;">
<span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 10.6999pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pope Francis has been a strong advocate for the poor of the world. Long before he was elected Pope, Cardinal (Bishop and Father before that) Bergoglio spent much time ministering to the poor of Argentina. He turned his back on the comforts he was offered as a high church official and lived a simple life instead. He used his own resources and the resources of the Church to bring comfort and aid to those who needed it most. He admonished the Argentine Catholics to take the Gospel to the streets of their cities and do so with love and joy.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-justify: newspaper; text-justify: newspaper; text-kashida-space: 50%; text-kashida-space: 50%;">
<span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 10.6999pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Last Friday, I was at a seminar at St John’s School of Theology entitled “A Poor Church and a Church for the Poor?”. The presenter, Dr Shawn Colberg, did an excellent job of using Old and New Testament Scripture, quotes by Saints, and much of what Pope Francis has said to educate all of us in attendance about the urgency of our calling to assist the poor. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-justify: newspaper; text-justify: newspaper; text-kashida-space: 50%; text-kashida-space: 50%;">
<span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 10.6999pt; font-style: italic; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“You shall not molest or oppress an alien, for you were once aliens in the land of Egypt. You shall not wrong any widow or orphan. If ever you wrong them and they cry out to me, surely I will hear their plea” </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 10.6999pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(see Exodus 22:15-24)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-justify: newspaper; text-justify: newspaper; text-kashida-space: 50%; text-kashida-space: 50%;">
<span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 10.6999pt; font-style: italic; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“This is the temple of the Lord! Only if you thoroughly reform your ways and your deeds; if each of you deals justly with his neighbor; if you no longer oppress the resident alien, the orphan and the widow...will I remain with you in this place?” </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 10.6999pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(see Jeremiah 7:3-7)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-justify: newspaper; text-justify: newspaper; text-kashida-space: 50%; text-kashida-space: 50%;">
<span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 10.6999pt; font-style: italic; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 10.6999pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">.” (Mt 5:3)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-justify: newspaper; text-justify: newspaper; text-kashida-space: 50%; text-kashida-space: 50%;">
<span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 10.6999pt; font-style: italic; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“A young man approached Jesus and said “Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”…. Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be perfect - go, sell what you have and give it to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven then come, follow me”. The young man went away sad for he had many possessions. (</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 10.6999pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">See Mt 19: 16-26)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-justify: newspaper; text-justify: newspaper; text-kashida-space: 50%; text-kashida-space: 50%;">
<span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 10.6999pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">These are just a few quick examples of the plethora of instructions in the Bible to TEND TO THE POOR. Whether it is through direct service or service through an agency, we are called by God in Scripture to be mindful of those who are poor.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-justify: newspaper; text-justify: newspaper; text-kashida-space: 50%; text-kashida-space: 50%;">
<span lang="en-US" style="color: black; font-size: 10.6999pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What does Pope Francis have to say about the poor? A great deal, indeed! Just after he was elected, Francis was giving a press conference and stated, </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: black; font-size: 10.6999pt; font-style: italic; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“How I would like a Church that is poor and for the poor!”</span><span lang="en-US" style="color: black; font-size: 10.6999pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> He also gave a homily in a Brazilian barrio (Varginha) and said </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: black; font-size: 10.6999pt; font-style: italic; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“When we are generous in welcoming people and sharing something with them … we are enriched. Doing this with love demonstrates that true riches consist not in material things, but in the heart.” </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: black; font-size: 10.6999pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(July 25, 2013 in Brazil)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-justify: newspaper; text-justify: newspaper; text-kashida-space: 50%; text-kashida-space: 50%;">
<span lang="en-US" style="color: black; font-size: 10.6999pt; font-style: italic; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“We are called to be poor, to strip ourselves of what is not essential and to do this we must learn how to be with the poor, to share with those who lack basic necessities, to touch the flesh of Christ! In this way we save ourselves from the shipwreck of the world</span><span lang="en-US" style="color: black; font-size: 10.6999pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">.” (October 4, 2013)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-justify: newspaper; text-justify: newspaper; text-kashida-space: 50%; text-kashida-space: 50%;">
<span lang="en-US" style="color: black; font-size: 10.6999pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I can only tell you that I left this conference feeling challenged. Pope Francis doesn’t just say these things, he lives them! We as a parish, each of as individuals, as families and neighborhoods are to encounter the poor and thereby touch the flesh of Christ. I need to remember this in all I do and in all I say in my own life. I thank my mom for teaching me the dignity of each and every human person and the call to assist those in need without stripping them of their pride. Like Pope Francis, she modeled this behavior in her life, sharing even the meager resources she had at her disposal. </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: black; font-size: 10.6999pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Happy Mother’s Day, mom - blessed are you!</span></div>
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Deacon John's Digesthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12021525349860061898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3670295287360705788.post-54692665748205089202014-04-09T13:22:00.004-07:002014-04-09T13:22:58.639-07:00Living ALL of Holy Week<!--[if !mso]>
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<span lang="en-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11.0pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Wow! It is nearly Palm Sunday - already! I say already because it seems to me that Ash Wednesday was recent and, at that time, Easter seemed so far off. But here we are just one week or so prior to the MOST important Holy Day in all of Christianity. Recently, I said that to a group of people in a conversation and they were perplexed. They thought that Christmas was the big day - not Easter. Certainly that is true in our culture, isn’t it? Christmas is the big celebration with gift giving, big meals, family gatherings, etc. Easter is a day when people do gather for special meals but not with the intensity or commitment they do at Christmas. But it is necessary for us to understand that it is the Resurrection of Jesus that makes everything else about His life significant - including His birth. If Jesus had not risen from the dead, His miracles, His ministry and His life would have quickly faded away and no one would still be talking about Him today. </span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-justify: newspaper; text-justify: newspaper; text-kashida-space: 50%; text-kashida-space: 50%;">
<span lang="en-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11.0pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But I’m getting ahead of myself because we still have a week to go before that glorious celebration. Palm Sunday, and for the days following, we ponder Christ’s coming into Jerusalem to shouts of honor and great “Hosannas” and His quick demise in the eyes of the people, the religious leaders and the government officials of Jerusalem. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-justify: newspaper; text-justify: newspaper; text-kashida-space: 50%; text-kashida-space: 50%;">
<span lang="en-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11.0pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This <i>entire week</i> is called Holy Week. I recommend that you to try and live that last week of Jesus life with Him and walk in His steps as He did His best to preach and minister to the people. What happened? Why did the tide turn against Jesus so quickly? </span></div>
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<a href="file:///C:/Users/JDEVLI~1.STM/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span lang="en-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11.0pt; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sunday</span><span lang="en-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11.0pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">: Jesus comes into Jerusalem and is welcomed with great joy. Let that palm in your hand remind you to travel with Him throughout this week. According to Mark’s Gospel (11:11), Jesus went that night and stayed in Bethany. Who was He with? Pray with Jesus as He considers the rough week ahead of Him.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-justify: newspaper; text-justify: newspaper; text-kashida-space: 50%; text-kashida-space: 50%;">
<span lang="en-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11.0pt; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Monday</span><span lang="en-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11.0pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">: According to the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke Jesus comes to Jerusalem and cleanses the temple by driving out the merchants and money changers. He also rebukes the crowd for their lack of faith. Make plans to purify your “temple” by making it to the Sacrament of Confession </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11.0pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: underline; text-underline: single;">this week</span><span lang="en-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11.0pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-justify: newspaper; text-justify: newspaper; text-kashida-space: 50%; text-kashida-space: 50%;">
<span lang="en-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11.0pt; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Tuesday</span><span lang="en-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11.0pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">: Jesus returns to Jerusalem where He is confronted by the religious leaders. They want to know who he thinks he is and by what authority he threw the merchants out of the temple. Jesus responds with<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>parables and prophecies about the wedding banquet, the vineyard and the destruction of Jerusalem. What parable or warning would Jesus give you as he approaches His passion and death?</span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11.0pt; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Wednesday</span><span lang="en-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11.0pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">: This day is traditionally called “Spy Wednesday” because this is the day that Judas conspires with the Pharisees and Scribes to hand Jesus over to them. At the Last Supper Jesus foretells His betrayal and Judas says “Surely it is not I, Lord”. Pray for the grace and strength to be faithful to Jesus regardless of the social pressures or persecutions you might face.</span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11.0pt; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Thursday</span><span lang="en-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11.0pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">: The Passover meal is prepared and Jesus and His disciples gather in the “Upper Room”. As Catholics we recognize this Last Supper as the First Mass. Jesus instates the Eucharist and the disciples share in His body and blood. They head to the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus prays. After Mass tonight we will head to a “garden” in our chapel where the Blessed Sacrament will be reposed. Can you pray with Jesus for just one hour? Tonight?</span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11.0pt; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Friday</span><span lang="en-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11.0pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">: Jesus is held all night in a dungeon awaiting trial by Pilate and Herod. He is scourged, crowned with thorns and , at the request of His own people, is crucified and dies on the cross. Please come to the Good Friday liturgy and reverence the cross of Jesus Christ.</span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11.0pt; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Saturday</span><span lang="en-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11.0pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">: Jesus’ body is in the tomb but His soul is among the<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>dead announcing to them that the Kingdom had come! </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11.0pt; font-style: italic; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US;">The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear it will Live</span><span lang="en-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11.0pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US;"> (John 5:25)</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 11.0pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US;">. At the same time His disciples are spending the Sabbath in great sorrow and distress because they have forgotten Jesus promise to rise from the dead. You and I must NEVER forgot His promise to rise. We must live our lives immersed in the new life He came to give us through His Passion, Death and Resurrection. Participate with us this evening at the Easter Vigil. Invite others to come with you as we celebrate the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist with those who have been preparing to enter the Catholic Church. Sing “Alleluia” for the first time in 40 days!</span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 11.0pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US;">There you have it, a quick telling of Jesus’ last week. Live it with Him! In prayer, in Mass, in Confession, in Adoration and, in profound reverence, experience Holy Week as you never have before. </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11.0pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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Deacon John's Digesthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12021525349860061898noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3670295287360705788.post-47868203943981469382014-03-26T08:34:00.000-07:002014-03-26T08:34:15.316-07:00A Bruised and Beaten Church?<img class="rg_i" data-src="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSOibB8HuTAaKf5_Or2gEFFNchTVH4iOhh2goTRPyV0ZSv89y7E" data-sz="f" name="3U6qNdDCqCoOkM:" src="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSOibB8HuTAaKf5_Or2gEFFNchTVH4iOhh2goTRPyV0ZSv89y7E" style="height: 171px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: -8px; margin-top: 0px; width: 255px;" /><br />
In his document "The Joy of the Gospel", Pope Francis has this to say in one section <i><span style="color: red;">"I prefer a Church which is bruised, hurting and dirty because it has been out on the streets, rather than a Church which is unhealthy from being confined and from clinging to its own security." (49)</span></i><br />
Wow, that is quite a statement! Sometimes, in our desire to "go to Church" and pray and worship with others, we forget our duty to be out on the streets with the Joy of the Gospel. We were talking about this very statement at our staff meeting this morning when our Youth Minister said it reminded her of our ministry to kids at the Detention Center. She and I go there and encounter many bruised, beaten and hurting teenagers. They are in the grips of addiction, abandonment and despair and we do our best to bring the Joy of the Gospel to them. But, quite frankly, we often leave feeling bruised and beaten and hurting ourselves.<br />
In your life as a Christian, when do you take on the pain of the needy to the point of feeling bruised and beaten. You don't have to look far in any direction to see people who are in great need. They need a friend, they need a meal, they need a place to stay, they need the Joy of the Gospel - in other words, they need YOU.<br />
It's still Lent. I hope you are still living out the call to increase prayer, to fast from attachments, and to give alms generously. This is the discipline that will open your eyes to those in need. Between now and Easter I exhort you to take a chance. Find just one person who is bruised and beaten in their own life and step into that pain with them. You can be the agent of joy, hope and love they need. You can be the answer to their prayers - if you choose to be.Deacon John's Digesthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12021525349860061898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3670295287360705788.post-10256450759556098142014-03-19T15:10:00.001-07:002014-03-19T15:36:13.190-07:00Thirsty?<img class="irc_mut" height="132" id="irc_mi" src="http://missionventureministries.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/living-water1.jpg" style="margin-top: 0px;" width="200" /><br />
Why is it so hard (sometimes) to quench a thirst? In my life I have been very thirsty many times and I imagine you have, too. When I was a young and playing baseball, football and running around the neighborhood constantly, taking care of the thirst was easy - get a drink of water. As I grew older I developed a bad habit of drinking Pepsi, Coke and then later on the diet versions of both. The problem was this - they did not quench my thirst. I would drink several cans per day and always had the feeling that I needed more. The problem - Pepsi and Coke were not designed to quench a thirst, they were meant to taste good. In fact, the more you drink the thirstier you will get because your body uses it's reserve "water" to process the elements in the soda pop.<br />
This is true of the desires (or thirsts) of the human heart, too. Oftentimes in my own life I have felt a strong desire for love - God's love - but I tried to quench that thirst with more TV, more money, more stuff, more, more, more. Of course, none of it ever worked. I work with teens at the local detention center and find that is true in many of their lives. They strongly desired to be loved by a parent and when they don't get it they do all sorts of crazy things to fill that urge. Sex, drugs, video games, violence, bullying, and self harm are just a few of the substitutes these young adults use to fill the void they feel in their heart.<br />
In John's Gospel, Jesus meets a Samaritan woman at the well and tells her that if she "drinks the water that He gives" she will NEVER be thirsty again. WOW! What a declaration. In essence, Jesus is saying "Come to me and receive EXACTLY what your heart is looking for. Stop trying to fill the voids in your life with the 'stuff of earth'".<br />
So, what it is it that you are thirsty for? What do you most desire in life. For many it is love, peace, justice, joy, freedom and the like. Do you think you can find them from your own efforts, from others, or from the government? True love comes from only ONE person and that person is Jesus Christ. In John's First Letter he tells his followers that "God <i>is </i>love". It only follows that if you want love in your life you must unite yourself to the source of that love and watch peace, freedom, joy and justice follow right along.Deacon John's Digesthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12021525349860061898noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3670295287360705788.post-49677690575150298132014-03-04T11:50:00.000-08:002014-03-04T11:50:34.145-08:00Can you have "it" both ways???<img class="rg_i" data-sz="f" name="k9JHz4SXIstzQM:" 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I just read an <a href="http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/02/23/10488531-stylist-to-anti-gay-marriage-governor-no-haircut-for-you" target="_blank">article on NBC News </a>online regarding an interesting situation in New Mexico. It seems that Governor Susana Martinez has been opposed to legislation or policies that would allow for same-sex marriage in New Mexico. Recently, her aide called hair-stylist Antonio Darden to schedule an appointment for the Governor. Darden refused stating that he disagreed with her stance on the issue of same-sex marriage. The staffer called again the next day to see if Darden had changed his mind and was told "no".<br />
I find this interesting because the Governor did not take out a lawsuit against Darden for refusing her service based on her views - she simply went to a different hairdresser. There have been many articles lately about lawsuits filed against photographers, bakers and caterers who have refused business to same-sex couples. Does this seem hypocritical to you? Should the proponents of same-sex marriage be able have "it" both ways by refusing service to those who disagree with them but insisting on service from those whose stances differ from theirs?<br />
You can read the entire NBC article by clicking <a href="http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/02/23/10488531-stylist-to-anti-gay-marriage-governor-no-haircut-for-you" target="_blank">here</a>. <br />
Please comment and let me know what you think. Deacon John's Digesthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12021525349860061898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3670295287360705788.post-12509180273543721782014-02-19T09:12:00.000-08:002014-02-19T09:12:14.469-08:00Happiness = Downsizing<!--[if !mso]>
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</span><span lang="en-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11.1999pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><img class="rg_i" data-sz="f" name="VFLRymsLFBv7iM:" src="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQCXA92BZqp9P9TaQ687LlCMjjpkQJH8dC4tomhEyvJlp2TlfA1" style="height: 180px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; width: 265px;" /> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-justify: newspaper; text-justify: newspaper; text-kashida-space: 50%; text-kashida-space: 50%;">
<span lang="en-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11.1999pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As you may know, Lent is right around the corner. From my childhood in Catholic School I was trained to “give something up for Lent”. But what? What should I give up now that would truly benefit me in my relationship to God and to other people? There are many things I could do to improve my health, my prayer life, and my mind. I could read more, exercise more, and spend more time in prayerful meditation but this year I KNOW I need to find something to GIVE UP. I found this parable by Fr Anthony de Mello that should help:</span></div>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-justify: newspaper; text-justify: newspaper; text-kashida-space: 50%; text-kashida-space: 50%;">
<span lang="en-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11.1999pt; font-style: italic; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">An American, on his last day of a trip to India, was idly shopping in the Bombay marketplace. As he strolled from stall to stall he noticed a beggar sitting on the ground with a few dust covered trinkets spread out on a blanket before him. Curious, the American walked over to get a closer look. He was quickly drawn to several dust covered, almond sized items that glimmered in the sun. The beggar motioned for him to pick them up and take a closer look. When he did his heart stopped. These were not worthless trinkets - they were diamonds!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-justify: newspaper; text-justify: newspaper; text-kashida-space: 50%; text-kashida-space: 50%;">
<span lang="en-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11.1999pt; font-style: italic; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Don’t look to eager,” the tourist cautioned himself, but the shrewd beggar noticed his customer’s heightened tension instantly. So when the tourist feigned disinterest and casually offered $10 the beggar shook his head. He really wanted those diamonds but he did not want to pay too much so he finally said “Well, I’m not that sure I want them, but I’ll give you $25 - that’s my final price.” The beggar shook his head again and said “that’s way too low”. The tourist finally asked how much he would take. The beggar said, “I can see that you admire these stones very much. Please take them.” The tourist was stunned. “I can’t just take them from you”, he protested. The beggar insisted and the tourist finally relented, stuffing the diamonds in his coat pocket. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-justify: newspaper; text-justify: newspaper; text-kashida-space: 50%; text-kashida-space: 50%;">
<span lang="en-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11.1999pt; font-style: italic; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Hurriedly, he made a bee-line for his hotel. Suddenly, he was very aware of all of the pick-pockets who were staring at him from behind every corner. When he got to the hotel he was going to put the items in the safe but he knew he couldn’t trust the clerk. Finally in his room, the tourist double bolted the door. He looked frantically around the room for a place to hide his precious stones. The American finally decided to just keep them on his person - that would be the safest. As he laid on his bed he thought of all the things he could purchase when he sold these big rocks. His heart was pumping with anticipation but he was filled with fear because he was sure someone would break into his room and steal his stones. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-justify: newspaper; text-justify: newspaper; text-kashida-space: 50%; text-kashida-space: 50%;">
<span lang="en-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11.1999pt; font-style: italic; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">After spending a sleepless night, he finally arose early in the morning to get ready for his trip back to America. He carefully packed all of his things and, after checking out of his hotel, went back to the market. He wandered, dazed and desperate, until he found what he was looking for. The beggar was sitting cross-legged on the ground in the same place he had been the day before. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-justify: newspaper; text-justify: newspaper; text-kashida-space: 50%; text-kashida-space: 50%;">
<span lang="en-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11.1999pt; font-style: italic; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Hello, my friend!”, smiled the beggar.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-justify: newspaper; text-justify: newspaper; text-kashida-space: 50%; text-kashida-space: 50%;">
<span lang="en-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11.1999pt; font-style: italic; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The American anxiously dug into his pocket and took out the stones, handing them back to the humble Indian.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-justify: newspaper; text-justify: newspaper; text-kashida-space: 50%; text-kashida-space: 50%;">
<span lang="en-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11.1999pt; font-style: italic; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“But, my friend, you were so happy with these stones yesterday”, said the beggar evenly.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-justify: newspaper; text-justify: newspaper; text-kashida-space: 50%; text-kashida-space: 50%;">
<span lang="en-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11.1999pt; font-style: italic; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Yes, yes, I was. But I have learned something. I have learned that the stones, as you call them, are not so important. I thought they would make me happy but instead they made me miserable. Now I realize that what would really make me happy is to have the power that YOU have within you - the power to give them up so effortlessly.”</span></div>
</blockquote>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-justify: newspaper; text-justify: newspaper; text-kashida-space: 50%; text-kashida-space: 50%;">
<span lang="en-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11.1999pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The point is simple: you cannot add things to your life to make yourself happy. As I have added things to my own life they surely have NOT made me happier. Usually, it turns out a little like the tourist in the parable. Now that I have this new thing where will I keep it? How will I maintain it? How can I keep it safe and secure? Should I buy the extended warranty? Should I tell anyone I have it? - and on an on.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-justify: newspaper; text-justify: newspaper; text-kashida-space: 50%; text-kashida-space: 50%;">
<span lang="en-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11.1999pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It seems that if I want to be truly happy I need to SUBTRACT things from my life. Simplifying, rather that complicating, is the key! And so that will be my Lenten journey this year - elimination, closet cleaning, tossing things out, donations to the St Vincent Store etc., etc. </span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11.1999pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What about you? Where do you see the need to downsize and simplify your life? Are there things that cause you stress, worry, too much space, etc.? Lent begins March 5th this year. Use it to exercise the virtue mentioned in the parable by having the power to give "valuable" things away effortlessly.</span></div>
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Deacon John's Digesthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12021525349860061898noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3670295287360705788.post-61731120237270567102014-02-13T09:11:00.000-08:002014-02-13T09:11:17.203-08:00National Marriage Week<img alt="bride-groom-getty-images-home" border="0" class="img-left" height="155" hspace="0" src="http://usccb.org/home/images/bride-groom-getty-images-home.jpg" title="bride-groom-getty-images-home" vspace="0" width="228" /><br />
This is National Marriage Week! The Catholic Church and other churches and agencies are asking us to pray for and to encourage married and engaged couples. I realize that our society does not value marriage as it once did but that doesn't mean that marriage is not important. Strong marriages have the power to change to world for the better. As they live out their vows to one another in love and in sacrifice the married couple blesses their community by raising good kids, supporting one-another fiscally, emotionally and physically, and by serving their community in beneficial ways.<br />
On the other hand, a bad or broken marriage can change the world, too. Much emotional, financial and family damage can come from broken marriages. It is estimated that as many as 80% of the inmates in prisons come from broken families. I visit our Juvenile Detention Center every Monday evening and have been doing so for over four years. I have visited hundreds of kids and I can tell that less then 20 of them came from a home that had both biological parents.<br />
If you are a person who likes a fiscally responsible government you should support, pray for and encourage strong marriages. When marriages end, the local, state, county, and federal governments are often called on to supplement the situation financially. But the real reason to support good marriages is because they are good for the couple, the children and the society. John Paul II is quoted as saying "the future of humanity depends on marriage and the family". WOW! Marriage is important.<br />
What do we do? Encourage engaged couples to seek good pre-marriage preparation at their church or from a trained professional. Work for laws that support marriage and family. Discourage people from living together prior to marriage - the divorce rate is about 45% higher for those couples who do so. Pray, pray, pray that God's grace will be the glue the holds couples together through difficult and trying times.<br />
Are you married or thinking about getting married? Check out this website: <a href="http://www.foryourmarriage.org/" target="_blank">www.foryourmarriage.org </a><br />
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<br />Deacon John's Digesthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12021525349860061898noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3670295287360705788.post-54873114980763481722014-02-05T10:06:00.002-08:002014-02-05T10:06:40.089-08:00Eliminate destitution through poverty? <img class="rg_i" data-src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTdnrdGfpjnkJ-s235iq4NA3QXIa1mHryn1VTYTL0k83XP9XImB" data-sz="f" name="wUUQvcIE5_71AM:" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTdnrdGfpjnkJ-s235iq4NA3QXIa1mHryn1VTYTL0k83XP9XImB" style="height: 177px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: -1px; width: 284px;" /><br />
Yesterday (2/5), Pope Francis sent out his message for Lent, 2014. I have read it a couple of times and feel challenged and inspired by his thoughts. He challenges ALL persons to do whatever is possible to alleviate physical, moral, and spiritual destitution in our world. The challenge is this: he wants us to do it out of our <i>poverty and not out of our wealth</i>! That is inspiring since most us do not possess great wealth - but all of us can contribute sacrificially from our "poverty". He recommends we do that by imitating Jesus Christ who <i>"though He was rich, yet for our sakes became poor, so that by his poverty we might become rich"</i> (2Cor 8:9). If you think about it, God could have saved us out of His Divine Wealth but instead he brought us salvation by taking on our nature (becoming poor). Pope Francis says we need to imitate Jesus if our efforts in eliminating destitution are going to be effective. Here is a portion of his message:<br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In imitation of our Master, we
Christians are called to confront the poverty of our brothers and sisters, to
touch it, to make it our own and to take practical steps to alleviate it.
Destitution is not the same as poverty: destitution is poverty without faith,
without support, without hope. There are three types of destitution: material, moral
and spiritual. Material destitution is what is normally called poverty, and
affects those living in conditions opposed to human dignity: those who lack
basic rights and needs such as food, water, hygiene, work and the opportunity
to develop and grow culturally. In response to this destitution, the Church
offers her help, her diakonia, in meeting these needs and binding these wounds
which disfigure the face of humanity. In the poor and outcast we see Christ’s
face; by loving and helping the poor, we love and serve Christ. Our efforts are
also directed to ending violations of human dignity, discrimination and abuse
in the world, for these are so often the cause of destitution. When power,
luxury and money become idols, they take priority over the need for a fair
distribution of wealth. Our consciences thus need to be converted to justice,
equality, simplicity and sharing.</span></i></div>
</blockquote>
I recommend you read the whole thing (about 10 minutes worth) by clicking <a href="http://www.news.va/en/news/popes-lenten-message-2014-by-his-poverty-you-might?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter" target="_blank">here</a>.Deacon John's Digesthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12021525349860061898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3670295287360705788.post-3425552693406195672014-01-28T13:33:00.000-08:002014-01-28T13:33:58.021-08:00What on earth am I doing here????<br />
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<img alt="http://billditewig.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/vocation.jpg" class="decoded" src="http://billditewig.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/vocation.jpg" height="188" width="200" /><br />
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One of the ministries I am involved in is to teenagers who are in trouble. These young men and women are usually locked up because of alcohol and/or drug use, running away, or because they are simply in need of supervision and the State does not know what to do with them. As my partner and I meet with them we often ask "What on earth are you doing here?" This does not mean "why are you locked up", it means "what could/should you be doing with your life?" Most of these teens have never considered where life may be leading them and how their choices are effecting their options. We encourage them to keep asking themselves the question "What on earth am I doing here?". We recommend that they take that question to God each and every night before they go to sleep and then spend a few moments in silence - just in case God might want to give them an answer. That way they will (hopefully) make choices that lead them to a life of fulfillment, true freedom and peace. <br />
What about you? What on earth on you doing here? Do you have a sense of purpose and/or vocation in your life? The little tricolor illustration above is a good way to evaluate your self. YOU may have an idea of what you want to do with life - that's the yellow circle. As you consider your own talents and desires you may feel led in a particular direction. The blue circle we will call "other people and circumstances". You may have close friends or family members who advise you or encourage you to choose a certain path. But you must also consider the "circumstances" of your life. Not every path is open to every person due to education, location, skill, talent, etc. The Red circle is God. It can be difficult to hear the "still, small voice" of God in our culture. Prayer and listening is ESSENTIAL! Spend some quality time with God <b>today </b>and make a habit of spending at least 5 minutes with God EVERYDAY. God's advice to us in Scripture is to <i>"be still and know"</i> (Psalm 46). Begin today and allow your Maker to assist you in discerning your calling.Deacon John's Digesthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12021525349860061898noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3670295287360705788.post-11880914087490499242014-01-22T14:43:00.000-08:002014-01-22T14:43:34.692-08:00Obsessed? Who's obsessed?<img src="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQ4ToLj5AGtLz2iUEURYJAlS9Vyo1LVS3mFbAC1tNwb-_JGIryYyu7Vd7p5" style="height: 167px; margin-left: -16px; margin-right: -16px; margin-top: 0px; width: 259px;" /><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-justify: newspaper; text-justify: newspaper; text-kashida-space: 50%; text-kashida-space: 50%;">
<span lang="en-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11.0pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Obsession is a word used frequently in our society today. There seems to be a growing obsession with being obsessed, you might say.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Merriam-Webster online Dictionary defines the word as “</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 11.0pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US;">a persistent disturbing preoccupation with an often unreasonable idea or feeling”. There are other definitions given as well but this is the first one listed. Words to note in that definition are “preoccupation” and “unreasonable”. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-justify: newspaper; text-justify: newspaper; text-kashida-space: 50%; text-kashida-space: 50%;">
<span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 11.0pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US;">Do you know people who are obsessed with something? Could you be described as a person with an obsession? In our day, people get obsessed with Facebook, video games, sports, technology, and so on. While these seem like innocent obsessions, they can become harmful when they interrupt normal human interaction and preoccupy the person constantly. People also get obsessed about more disturbing things like drugs or pornography. These obsessions can rise to the level of addiction and they not only damage the person, these obsessions can have very negative social consequences.</span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 11.0pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US;">Sometimes the Catholic Church is accused of having an obsession about abortion but I would disagree with that. Going back to the definition of obsession, I don’t think the way our Church treats abortion is a “disturbing preoccupation” nor is it “unreasonable”. If our Church were preoccupied with abortion you would be hearing about it CONSTANTLY. It would be the subject of nearly every homily, bulletin article and newsletter. But<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>that simply is not true, is it? Most of us hear a homily on the topic of abortion once or twice per year. We may never hear one on artificial contraception, embryonic stem cell research or other issues related to the earliest stages of life. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-justify: newspaper; text-justify: newspaper; text-kashida-space: 50%; text-kashida-space: 50%;">
<span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 11.0pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US;">In a recent interview with the Boston Globe, Cardinal Sean O’Malley had this to say:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-justify: newspaper; text-justify: newspaper; text-kashida-space: 50%; text-kashida-space: 50%;">
<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 11.0pt; font-style: italic; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Georgia; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Georgia; mso-default-font-family: Georgia; mso-greek-font-family: Georgia; mso-latin-font-family: Georgia; mso-latinext-font-family: Georgia;">“The normal Catholic in the parish might hear a sermon on abortion once a year. They’ll never hear a sermon on homosexuality or gay marriage. They’ll never hear a sermon about contraception. But if you look at the New York Times, in the course of a week, there will be 20 articles on those topics. So who is obsessed? Now, the Church’s positions are very clear and very consistent. For us, life is at the very center of our social teachings. Life is precious. It is a mystery. It must be nurtured, protected, the transmission of life is sacred. And our defense of human life is a great service to society. When the state begins to decide who is worthy of living and who isn’t, all human rights are put in jeopardy, but the voice of the church is very clear. And we’re not just saying that life is precious in the womb but life is precious when someone has Alzheimer’s when someone has AIDS when someone is poor when someone has mental illness. Their humanity is not diminished – and they have a claim on our love and on our services. So the church’s position is a very consistent one. It is a consistent life ethic. I don’t think that we are obsessed, however, when the New York Times is writing 20 articles a week about these things and make reference to the Church in half of those articles, it gives the impression. But I think in the parishes, these things are talks, in a routine way, in CCD classes, along with the rest of the Catholic doctrine but all of our teachings fit together. They’re part of a whole. There’s a consistency in our life ethic.”</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-style: italic; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-justify: newspaper; text-justify: newspaper; text-kashida-space: 50%; text-kashida-space: 50%;">
<span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 11.0pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US;">I don’t know about you, but I like that statement. It very clearly states that, as Catholics, we are respecters of life at absolutely every stage, that we honor and protect human life as sacred - no matter what. </span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 11.0pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US;">I am writing this article on Wednesday, January 22nd, the 41st Anniversary of the legalization of abortion in the United States. Yes, our Church still prays, marches, and stands against that decision. We hope beyond all hope that the hearts of the people in our country can be changed so that life can be seen as the gift it truly is. We love every person regardless of their “stage” of life or state in life be it in the womb, in the prison, in the nursing home, the intensive care unit or in a hospice facility. We serve people in need with food, health care, clothing, shelter, counseling and a plethora of other services designed to enhance their human dignity. These are the things that make me proud to be Catholic. </span></div>
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<i><b><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 11.0pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US;">If that means I am obsessed then so be it!</span></b></i><span lang="en-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11.0pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-currency-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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Deacon John's Digesthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12021525349860061898noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3670295287360705788.post-179027797408718272014-01-15T14:25:00.000-08:002014-01-15T14:25:21.401-08:00To kill or not to kill?...<img class="irc_mut" height="320" id="irc_mi" src="http://desertpeace.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/death-penalty.jpg" style="margin-top: 0px;" width="241" /><br />
If you live in South Dakota you should know that there will be a bill introduced in this legislative session entitled "An Act to Repeal the Death Penalty as it Applies to All Prospective Homicides". It has not been introduced yet and all that is available is a draft copy. In this form it is a very simple bill - it reclassifies 1st Degree Murder as a Class B felony thereby taking the death penalty off the table of sentencing options.<br />
This bill is being introduced by a man who was a strong supporter of the death penalty at one time, Rep. Steve Hickey. In a recent article with KELO TV he said that he changed his mind after realizing that the death penalty is not a deterrent, does not save the state money and does not increase public safety.<br />
I would like to state my support for this action to repeal the death penalty. Besides the reasons that Rep. Hickey states I would add that we do not have the right to take life - that responsibility rests with God and with God alone. Certainly, state and local governments are responsible for public safety and need to do what they can to protect us from dangerous individuals. Fortunately, we have the means to do that in our state prison system. Killing an individual does nothing to enhance the state's ability to ensure the safety of the people. (There was an unfortunate incident in the Sioux Falls penitentiary recently where a guard was killed by men serving sentences for terrible crimes. If I understand what has been reported about that incident it seems that protocols and policies were not followed. If they had been these men would never have had the chance to kill this public servant.) <br />
Naturally, I could go on and on with many other reasons of my own but I would rather hear from you. So...<br />
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<i><b>Where do you stand? - and why? - please weigh in!</b></i>Deacon John's Digesthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12021525349860061898noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3670295287360705788.post-3122903557658359862014-01-06T09:51:00.000-08:002014-01-06T12:34:19.315-08:00Immigration, immigration. What's a Deacon to do?<br />
<img class="irc_mut" src="http://wilson.house.gov//images/user_images/Immigration.gif" height="246" id="irc_mi" style="margin-top: 123px;" width="400" />As a person who grew up with strong politically conservative views my opinions on immigration (legal and illegal) were quite strict. It seemed to me that migrants were just going to be a burden on our economic, governmental and social structures. As a lawful society we should simply round up these "illegals" and get them shipped out - and do it quickly.<br />
But then something happened that I didn't expect. Through my ministry in the jails, detention centers, homeless shelters, and prisons I started meeting some "illegals" face-to-face. Their stories are much different than the stereotype I had in my mind. I thought they just came to the United States to take jobs from our people, to take advantage of our health-care, and become a drain on our welfare systems. The reality (at least for most) is quite different. Many were brought here as infants or young children with their parents. They have lived here most of their lives and really have no connection to another country. Their parents came here to escape a severe poverty and economic situation that left them no opportunity to even feed their children. Most work in menial jobs and are paid in cash at a wage that is much below the minimum. If they are caught they are held in jail and then (usually) deported to their home country. Often this leaves their spouse and children here with no means of support.<br />
I guess the point I am trying to make is this: The problem is NOT a simple one, it is a HUMAN one and therefore demands a humane response - especially from the Catholic Church and from all Christians. Certainly, we should do our best to know who is entering our country and what their intentions are and that's the job of the people hired to regulate the borders. But just as certainly we need to realize that ALL persons in the world are our brothers and sisters in Christ regardless of their migration status and that's our job. In the Catholic Church we call this the principle of Solidarity. Obviously, these people need help and assistance and an understanding response from us.<br />
At this time of year it may be beneficial to remember that Mary and Joseph had to flee from their home country and enter a foreign land to protect Jesus from an unjust ruler. We can assume they found people willing to take them in and give them a helping hand. In assisting or denying the "strangers among us" today we are saying "yes or no" to Jesus, himself (Mt 25: 31-46). <br />
<b><i>I realize that this is an emotional and political hot button issue. Please leave your thoughts in the comments section.</i></b><br />
<br />Deacon John's Digesthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12021525349860061898noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3670295287360705788.post-46399500905063668432013-12-12T08:21:00.000-08:002013-12-12T08:21:55.506-08:00How to get a horse back to pasture...<img class="irc_mut" height="232" id="irc_mi" src="http://www.organicvalley.coop/fileadmin/img/wyf/sw/Postmus-2013Handful-of-Grass.jpg" style="margin-top: 197px;" width="348" />I had an experience last summer while on a mission trip that taught me a great lesson. I was working on a horse farm with a bunch of kids. We were to cut weeds, trim trees and pull this horrid parasitical vine out of the trees. The one thing we were NOT supposed to do was leave the gates open and let the horses out. The second day we were there one of the kids left a gate open to a pasture that had only one horse in it. I knew we had to get this animal back without telling the owner so we decided we could push it back in. It was only standing about 10 feet from the gate so we thought it would be easy to give him a few hard shoves and then quickly close the gate. Two big teenage football players and I could not move this horse even one inch. As we tried to force this big animal by brute strength something amazing happened. The granddaughter of the owner, a little girl of about 4, pulled a handful of grass and clover and stood in front of the horse. It followed her back into the pasture and she closed the gate. Wow, did I feel foolish!<br />
For years I have been trying to get certain people to re-engage their
Catholic faith. These are persons who have no hostility toward the
Church or God or anything like that. They simply have grown into a
lifestyle that does not include the practice of prayer, faith, Mass,
etc. Despite my best efforts I have had little or no luck in "pushing"
them back into the Church. Then Pope Francis wrote a document entitled
"The Joy of the Gospel". It is a lengthy piece but the message is clear -
you lead people to (and back to) the Church by the JOY and PEACE they
see in your life. Certainly, you may need to witness with words at times but
the chief way of attracting others to a life of faith is the witness of
your life. <br />
It makes me wonder what I am holding out to persons who are away from their faith. If what I show them is force and bullying they are going to resist with all of their might. If I show them that they are missing out on a life of true joy maybe they will hurry back on their own.<br />
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<i><b>Live this day in the peace and love of this Holy Season. You never know who might follow!</b></i>Deacon John's Digesthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12021525349860061898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3670295287360705788.post-36553400803552312572013-12-04T13:27:00.002-08:002013-12-04T13:27:59.489-08:00Advent Waiting<img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTc_k7UxNdCfwj3FNs34FiF0XYGSGUeba405V8PxiuM--cYGd1tR3486G__" style="height: 182px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: -31px; margin-top: 0px; width: 273px;" /><br />
Advent, for most of the Church's history, has been a time of quiet, Holy waiting. You don't have to go too far back in time (maybe 100 years) to find an era when people treated Advent with the reverence it deserves. Advent is a time to wait. But we don't like to wait for anything in our culture today, do we? We have grown so accustomed to having what we want, when we want it, that we don't want to wait for anything anymore. That's because we see waiting as boring, frustrating and empty. In reality, the opposite is true, but we need to learn to wait rightly. Waiting rightly is a source of peace, joy, and fulfillment. It gives a perspective on life that will never be seen in the anxiety and tension of our "get it now" culture. <br />
I am around a lot of people who are forced to wait. I visit teenagers at the local detention center who are waiting - for their court appearance - for their mother to visit them - for a phone call from anyone. I have been visiting one young person who has been locked up for 4 years. She has to wait all of the time for the next hearing date, the next judge's decision or for a phone call from her lawyer. I visit people in the hospital who are waiting for a visit from their doctor - hopefully with good news. I see people in the nursing home who are waiting for a visit - from anyone. I pray with people in hospice who are waiting, waiting, waiting - to die. The funny thing is that most of these people, in hind-sight, say that the waiting was a very good thing for them. They tell me that they needed that time in "suspended animation" so they could order their own lives more rightly. They tell me they needed that time to finally learn how to pray.<br />
Please, please, please use this Advent Season to wait. Wait for God in the stillness this season was designed to give. He might just surprise you and show up.Deacon John's Digesthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12021525349860061898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3670295287360705788.post-89242482811741292122013-07-09T14:01:00.000-07:002013-07-09T14:01:06.821-07:00Are you a contender?<img class="rg_i" data-src="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQAExMEo7bTRJRcJ-AqFEw-wRDs8_dpzbjuEuUZhfpnoajU0a3vcw" data-sz="f" name="bJZtgsEpMArxNM:" src="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQAExMEo7bTRJRcJ-AqFEw-wRDs8_dpzbjuEuUZhfpnoajU0a3vcw" style="height: 179px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; width: 180px;" />In Genesis 32:23-33 we hear of Jacob's "match" with the Lord. The text says that they wrestled until the break of dawn. When the divine being saw that it could not prevail it struck Jacob's hip so that the hip socket was wrenched. When it was all over Jacob was given a new name by God - "Israel", because he had contended with and prevailed over both divine and human beings.<br />
As I have read commentaries on these verses I have learned that not all the "scholars" are in agreement on whether or not this was an actual event or just a story. For me, I think both are true. Jacob likely did have a divine altercation because that seemed to be his way. He was always scheming to make things come out for him as in his theft of the paternal blessing from Esau. But the story also has great allegorical value. Which of us has not contended (wrestled) with God? What shall I do with my life? How shall I best serve God and others? With whom shall I spend my life? Where shall I go? Or should I stay? All of these big questions and countless others often put us in a "wrestling match" with God. Should I do what I want? Should I take a different path - one that is more difficult but seems to be where God is calling me?<br />
In my own life, mostly over the past few years, I have contented with God. Should I be a Deacon? That question took me six years to answer in the affirmative. As I look back, I see that God was patiently waiting for me, persistently calling me. Should I leave my job and work full time for the Catholic Church? Maybe when I'm 60 or 65 was the answer I usually gave to that question. But the nagging response I received from God was "Why wait? Why not give me and the Church some of the youth you have left?" So I did. Then it was suggested that I visit the kids at the Juvenile Detention Center. No ministers were going out there on a regular basis but I felt wholly inadequate and ill suited to the work. After him-hawing around for several weeks I gave it a try. I've been visiting kids there now for almost four years and found great blessings in the ministry.<br />
What about you? Have you, are you, wrestling with God? Submit and see what God has in store for you. You won't look back. You won't regret it.Deacon John's Digesthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12021525349860061898noreply@blogger.com0