Daily Thoughts: It is hard to keep my mind of the scriptures this morning. We hear about Elijah, John the Baptist and Jesus but my mind goes to the town of Newtown, the school named Sandy Hook and the 27 lives lost.
I thought about all of you who are parent. I am sure that no matter what age you are, or at what point in your life as a parent you are, you must have stopped yesterday at some point and just thought about your kid or kids, perhaps you tried to contacted them or at some point made your way home with the soul purpose of just wanting to embrace your child or children. It would seem that yesterday's violence in Newtown, Conn. was a parents worst nightmare! It just doesn't make sense. I recalled last night the Old Testament story of Rachel. There is a voice heard in Ramah, weeping and with great mourning. Rachel is weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.
There are many voices weeping today in Newtown and around the world. Voices of parents, voices of children. Perhaps these voices are telling us something. Bishop Oscar Romero once said, "Those who want to bear the mark of the Spirit and the fire that Christ baptizes with must take the risk of renouncing everything and seeking only God's reign and justice." Do we truly want to bear the marks of being christian people? Do we want to bear the marks of Elijah, John the Baptist and Jesus? Do we want to be a people of Life? Perhaps for the weeping and the mourning to stop we need prayer vigils outside of gun shops. Guns are not pro life!
Daily Prayer: Lord, I find it hard to pray today, my tears are for the little lives lost yesterday. May they be at peace with you now never to know violence again! May their parents, families and friends be comforted. And may I shed the weight of indifference and truly be marked with your Spirit and work to bring about your reign and justice!
Runner's Thought: Make your run a prayer for children today. Run in memory of the 20 who lost their precious lives and for all alive that they never know violence in their lives!
My prayers of blessing goes out to all of you today! Peace in Christ's Passion...Fr. Paul
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Friday, December 14, 2012
Advent Week II - Friday - 12/14/2012
Daily Thought: Each time I read today's Gospel I think of the phrase, "You can please some of the people some of the time, but you cannot please all of the people all of the time!" I can also hear Jesus say, "but can I just please somebody!"
The fact is Jesus did please people, but his mission wasn't about pleasing people it was about helping, challenging, enlivening and gracing people. Sometimes these values of faith don't please in the way we expect. Life remains a struggle however if we come through the struggle freedom and God's Love is waiting.
There will always be people in life who don't like anything. We have met them, nothing that gets done or is suggested is ever right. We say black, they say white. Perhaps the challenge of today's readings is to not become one of these people. The voice of God comes to us in many different ways. Sometimes it is the voice of John calling for repentance and forgiveness, other times it is the voice of Jesus offering acceptance, compassion and love. The challenge is to let God's wisdom guide and direct us so that we hear God's voice when God speaks and act so that it transforms our lives!
Daily Prayer: Loving God, fill us with your wisdom today that we might hear your voice when it comes to us even when we do not understand. Help us not to be people who reject but people who are open to the many ways and voices of your love! Amen!
Runner's Thought: Feel the touch of God in your run today no matter if the run is a struggle touched with pain or strong and life giving!
Thank God It Is Friday...blessings to everyone. I hope you can make it through the day and enjoy a weekend with some rest and relaxation. I will be traveling today so I ask your prayer that my travel will be safe. I hate to leave the warmth and beauty of this place but that is life and I am sure my next adventure will be a graced experience also! Peace in Christ's Passion...Fr. Paul
The fact is Jesus did please people, but his mission wasn't about pleasing people it was about helping, challenging, enlivening and gracing people. Sometimes these values of faith don't please in the way we expect. Life remains a struggle however if we come through the struggle freedom and God's Love is waiting.
There will always be people in life who don't like anything. We have met them, nothing that gets done or is suggested is ever right. We say black, they say white. Perhaps the challenge of today's readings is to not become one of these people. The voice of God comes to us in many different ways. Sometimes it is the voice of John calling for repentance and forgiveness, other times it is the voice of Jesus offering acceptance, compassion and love. The challenge is to let God's wisdom guide and direct us so that we hear God's voice when God speaks and act so that it transforms our lives!
Daily Prayer: Loving God, fill us with your wisdom today that we might hear your voice when it comes to us even when we do not understand. Help us not to be people who reject but people who are open to the many ways and voices of your love! Amen!
Runner's Thought: Feel the touch of God in your run today no matter if the run is a struggle touched with pain or strong and life giving!
Thank God It Is Friday...blessings to everyone. I hope you can make it through the day and enjoy a weekend with some rest and relaxation. I will be traveling today so I ask your prayer that my travel will be safe. I hate to leave the warmth and beauty of this place but that is life and I am sure my next adventure will be a graced experience also! Peace in Christ's Passion...Fr. Paul
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Advent Week II - Thursday Thoughts - 12/13/2012
Daily Thought: Isaiah's and Jesus' words seem to have a sting to them today. Isaiah seems to remind us that God is in control. Not matter how bad it get in this life God is always going to be there. God is always going to keep the promise even if we do not. Jacob can turn into a worm and Israel become a maggot but God will still be faithful.
On the other hand Jesus reminds us today that no matter how great we become in this life it still pales in comparison to what awaits us in eternal life. John the Baptist was the greatest of all prophet, perhaps the greatest of all people yet the least person in the Kingdom of Heaven at that moment was greater than John.
These are hard words to hear yet Jesus asks us to hear! We like to think of ourselves as in control. We like to think of ourselves as important. Yet the scriptures remind us today that we are not, in control or important. You might say the Word for today is "remember it is not about us, it is about God." God who always is faithful! And isn't that a hopeful message to take with us and proclaim today!
Daily Prayer: O Mighty and Faithful God, give us the joy and hope of your love today as we live our life in this imperfect world. Keep us ever mindful that life is not about us, it is about you and the gift of eternal life that awaits us. Bless us with the spirit of John, Isaiah and St. Lucy today as we prepare the way for Christ by our care and service to one another! Amen!
Runner's Thought: When you run mindfully. When your run is also a prayer. Remember that each run is a quest for a connection with God!
Have a great Thursday everyone! Peace in Christ's Passion...Fr. Paul
PS Once again we had a great spirit at the mission service last night here at Holy Family. People continue to be faithful to the mission. Prayers for the preacher and the community today as we bring the mission to a close tonight!
On the other hand Jesus reminds us today that no matter how great we become in this life it still pales in comparison to what awaits us in eternal life. John the Baptist was the greatest of all prophet, perhaps the greatest of all people yet the least person in the Kingdom of Heaven at that moment was greater than John.
These are hard words to hear yet Jesus asks us to hear! We like to think of ourselves as in control. We like to think of ourselves as important. Yet the scriptures remind us today that we are not, in control or important. You might say the Word for today is "remember it is not about us, it is about God." God who always is faithful! And isn't that a hopeful message to take with us and proclaim today!
Daily Prayer: O Mighty and Faithful God, give us the joy and hope of your love today as we live our life in this imperfect world. Keep us ever mindful that life is not about us, it is about you and the gift of eternal life that awaits us. Bless us with the spirit of John, Isaiah and St. Lucy today as we prepare the way for Christ by our care and service to one another! Amen!
Runner's Thought: When you run mindfully. When your run is also a prayer. Remember that each run is a quest for a connection with God!
Have a great Thursday everyone! Peace in Christ's Passion...Fr. Paul
PS Once again we had a great spirit at the mission service last night here at Holy Family. People continue to be faithful to the mission. Prayers for the preacher and the community today as we bring the mission to a close tonight!
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Advent Week II - Wednesday Thoughts - 12/12/2012
Daily Thoughts: For the second time in four days we are graced with the celebration of a feast of Mary. Today it is the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. I chose the reading from Luke's Gospel about Mary arrivaling at Elizabeth's house for today. I have always liked that reading especially after I visited the chapel dedicated to the visit in the Holy Land. The chapel is high on a hill and it is a steep, difficult and tiring walk just to reach it, but once there is it one of the most peaceful places I have ever been. There is a statue of Mary and Elizabeth, both pregnant embracing each other as you enter the court yard of the chapel. Every time I see the statue I cannot help but see the great joy on Mary's and Elizabeth's face, that moment must have been one of great grace and joy! Two relative, two friends meeting with the gift of life inside them.
I have often wished that I was part of bringing life into the world though I am happy to be a Passionist and a priest!. I have often though about what it would have been like, had I gotten married, to sit next to my wife and the mother of our children and put my hand on her stomach to feel that new life leap, kick, celebrate and move within her womb. That must be a wonderful feeling for a mother and father. I guess that is why I have always liked this reading, I get to eavesdrop on such a moment. I get brought into the joy, the celebration, the great hope of life.
Perhaps it was similar joy that Juan Diego experienced when Mary appeared to him many years ago. It must be what the people of Mexico and all Central and South America must feel when they celebrate this day each year with such joy!
We all need moments when the excitement of God's presence in our life overwhelms us or at least allows us the gift of joy! May today be a day when like John in Elizabeth's womb we leap for joy when we hear the voice of God in another!
Daily Prayer: Tender, Mary, help us to proclaim the greatness of God today. And like you may our soul rejoice in God our savior! Amen!
Runner's Thought: As you run today look purposefully for signs of God's presence in creation and in the words of the psalmist let them offer praise along with you. Be one of many voices to offer praise on your run today!
Have a great Wednesday, remember it is "hump day" think of today as getting to the top of a hill during a run and as you journey home this evening you are on the down hill side of your run, your week, with the finish line, the weekend, insight! Blessings today and always...Peace in Christ's Passion, Fr. Paul
PS Another grace filled night of mission here at Holy Family! Please remember to pray for the preacher and the community as we walk by faith together...
I have often wished that I was part of bringing life into the world though I am happy to be a Passionist and a priest!. I have often though about what it would have been like, had I gotten married, to sit next to my wife and the mother of our children and put my hand on her stomach to feel that new life leap, kick, celebrate and move within her womb. That must be a wonderful feeling for a mother and father. I guess that is why I have always liked this reading, I get to eavesdrop on such a moment. I get brought into the joy, the celebration, the great hope of life.
Perhaps it was similar joy that Juan Diego experienced when Mary appeared to him many years ago. It must be what the people of Mexico and all Central and South America must feel when they celebrate this day each year with such joy!
We all need moments when the excitement of God's presence in our life overwhelms us or at least allows us the gift of joy! May today be a day when like John in Elizabeth's womb we leap for joy when we hear the voice of God in another!
Daily Prayer: Tender, Mary, help us to proclaim the greatness of God today. And like you may our soul rejoice in God our savior! Amen!
Runner's Thought: As you run today look purposefully for signs of God's presence in creation and in the words of the psalmist let them offer praise along with you. Be one of many voices to offer praise on your run today!
Have a great Wednesday, remember it is "hump day" think of today as getting to the top of a hill during a run and as you journey home this evening you are on the down hill side of your run, your week, with the finish line, the weekend, insight! Blessings today and always...Peace in Christ's Passion, Fr. Paul
PS Another grace filled night of mission here at Holy Family! Please remember to pray for the preacher and the community as we walk by faith together...
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Advent Week II - Tuesday Thoughts - 12/11/2012
Daily Thoughts: We have all had those moments when we lost something or at least thought we lost something. We search and search, sometimes checking the same places two and three times. Sometimes what we've lost seems small, insignificant other times it is very important, yet we still search. And when we find it there is a tremendous relief and a feeling of joy!
I can remember one time about 22 years ago when I lost my mother and my aunt on Fifth Avenue in the middle of Manhattan on the Friday after Thanksgiving. Now your first question might be what was I doing on Fifth Avenue on Black Friday, well that is another story. The point is that I did not know were my mother and aunt were for over an hour. I ran up and down Fifth Avenue on both side of the street. With every passing moment my anxiety grew. What had happen to them? One moment they were with me the next they weren't! How would I find them in the midst of all these people? How was I going to explain this to my family? I invited Mom and Aunt to New York for Thanksgiving and then lost them! This was my mother and my godmother I had to find them.
At the end of my rope I made my way back up Fifth Avenue beyond the story to Central Park were the car was parked. As I approached my car there on a park bench sat my mother and my aunt. I ran up to them hugged them, kissed them. They thought I was a little crazy, They hadn't been lost, I had been. A great relief came over me. A great joy filled my heart. In today's Gospel Jesus tells us God seeks us in the same way. No matter what we have done, no matter how much we struggle God looks and looks for us. God doesn't stop until we are found and I would bet the relief and joy I felt in finding my mother and aunt that day many years ago is not even close to what God feels when we are found.
Perhaps today might be a good day to go in search of God but do not be too surprised when God finds you and when God does..."feel the love!"
Daily Prayer: O God, give comfort to your people! Be that Shepherd who tenderly gathers us into your arms carrying us when we most need it. May we look forward to the joy of your embrace and never fear because you are always with us! Amen!
Runner's Thought: Make your run a prayer today. A thanksgiving prayer from yourself to God for all the wonderful things that you encounter even on the most difficult of runs.
Have a great Tuesday everyone! Wherever you are and whatever you are doing today, may your day be blessed. Peace in Christ's Passion...Fr. Paul
PS...Just a note to say the opening evening of the mission at Holy Family Parish in Nassau, the Bahamas was wonderful last night. There was a great spirit, many "amens!" Had a hard time getting to sleep. I ask your continued prayers for the preacher and the community as we walk by faith these days together!
I can remember one time about 22 years ago when I lost my mother and my aunt on Fifth Avenue in the middle of Manhattan on the Friday after Thanksgiving. Now your first question might be what was I doing on Fifth Avenue on Black Friday, well that is another story. The point is that I did not know were my mother and aunt were for over an hour. I ran up and down Fifth Avenue on both side of the street. With every passing moment my anxiety grew. What had happen to them? One moment they were with me the next they weren't! How would I find them in the midst of all these people? How was I going to explain this to my family? I invited Mom and Aunt to New York for Thanksgiving and then lost them! This was my mother and my godmother I had to find them.
At the end of my rope I made my way back up Fifth Avenue beyond the story to Central Park were the car was parked. As I approached my car there on a park bench sat my mother and my aunt. I ran up to them hugged them, kissed them. They thought I was a little crazy, They hadn't been lost, I had been. A great relief came over me. A great joy filled my heart. In today's Gospel Jesus tells us God seeks us in the same way. No matter what we have done, no matter how much we struggle God looks and looks for us. God doesn't stop until we are found and I would bet the relief and joy I felt in finding my mother and aunt that day many years ago is not even close to what God feels when we are found.
Perhaps today might be a good day to go in search of God but do not be too surprised when God finds you and when God does..."feel the love!"
Daily Prayer: O God, give comfort to your people! Be that Shepherd who tenderly gathers us into your arms carrying us when we most need it. May we look forward to the joy of your embrace and never fear because you are always with us! Amen!
Runner's Thought: Make your run a prayer today. A thanksgiving prayer from yourself to God for all the wonderful things that you encounter even on the most difficult of runs.
Have a great Tuesday everyone! Wherever you are and whatever you are doing today, may your day be blessed. Peace in Christ's Passion...Fr. Paul
PS...Just a note to say the opening evening of the mission at Holy Family Parish in Nassau, the Bahamas was wonderful last night. There was a great spirit, many "amens!" Had a hard time getting to sleep. I ask your continued prayers for the preacher and the community as we walk by faith these days together!
Monday, December 10, 2012
Advent Week II Monday Thoughts - 12/10/2012
Daily Thoughts: Today provides us with two wonderful readings. The first from Isaiah, within it we find a wonderful image, a world where everything is about life. A world were every obstacle is over come. My favorite part of this reading is, "A highway will be there called the holy way...It is for those with a journey to make, and on it the redeemed will walk." Once again, Isaiah provides us with the gift of hope. Recently I saw the movie "The Way" with Martin Sheen. It to was about a journey that started out as a struggle but ended with redemption. It like Isaiah's reflection today was about faith and hope made possible by God's gracious love.
The Gospel presents us with a two part story. One Jesus' struggle with the religious leadership and the other is the graced story of the man who cannot walk and his friends bring him to Jesus. They cannot get to Jesus because of the crowded house so the open up a hole in the roof and lower the man in so that he might be healed by Jesus. The great gift of the second part of the story is that the man was healed because of the faith of his friends.
We might say that these two reading work together for us today. The image of Isaiah's wonderful world is hopeful only if we work together, only if we journey together. Community, friendships, relationships bring about life and help us overcome what is not life. They often make healing and forgiveness possible.
Perhaps today we might get a little closer to the world of Isaiah if we get on the holy way and bring someone else with us so that we can make the journey to God's love together!
Daily Prayer: O God of power and mercy, open our hearts in welcome friends on this holy journey. Help us remove what hinders the way so that we may bring others and ourselves into your forgiving and healing presence. Bring our deserts to life. Open our eyes, our ears, our mouths and enable to leap with joy along the highway to you our God! Amen!
Runner's Thought: That someone on your run today, perhaps in physically but spiritually. Bring them to God for healing, forgiveness. Make your run a holy way today!
Have a grace filled Monday everyone. Blessings on all journeys, all work and all friendships today! Peace in Christ's Passion...Fr. Paul
PS Prayers for our mission here at Holy Family in Nassau, The Bahamas today. We begin tonight at 7:30 pm. May it truly be a time of grace and hope!
The Gospel presents us with a two part story. One Jesus' struggle with the religious leadership and the other is the graced story of the man who cannot walk and his friends bring him to Jesus. They cannot get to Jesus because of the crowded house so the open up a hole in the roof and lower the man in so that he might be healed by Jesus. The great gift of the second part of the story is that the man was healed because of the faith of his friends.
We might say that these two reading work together for us today. The image of Isaiah's wonderful world is hopeful only if we work together, only if we journey together. Community, friendships, relationships bring about life and help us overcome what is not life. They often make healing and forgiveness possible.
Perhaps today we might get a little closer to the world of Isaiah if we get on the holy way and bring someone else with us so that we can make the journey to God's love together!
Daily Prayer: O God of power and mercy, open our hearts in welcome friends on this holy journey. Help us remove what hinders the way so that we may bring others and ourselves into your forgiving and healing presence. Bring our deserts to life. Open our eyes, our ears, our mouths and enable to leap with joy along the highway to you our God! Amen!
Runner's Thought: That someone on your run today, perhaps in physically but spiritually. Bring them to God for healing, forgiveness. Make your run a holy way today!
Have a grace filled Monday everyone. Blessings on all journeys, all work and all friendships today! Peace in Christ's Passion...Fr. Paul
PS Prayers for our mission here at Holy Family in Nassau, The Bahamas today. We begin tonight at 7:30 pm. May it truly be a time of grace and hope!
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Second Sunday of Advent - 12/09/2012
Daily Thoughts: As I write this morning I find myself in one of the neighborhood of the city of Nassau in the Bahamas. It is nice to be in a warm climate and near the sea, although were I am staying is not near the beach. I had seafood yesterday that was delicious! Yet, amid the warmth and sea breezes things are a bit unsettling. They drive on the opposite side of the road here, the roads are narrow, the drivers impatient and fast. And I have been told that walking around the neighborhood is a bit unsafe. Life in other words is a bit different than I am use to.
This little introduction leads to my reflections today. The readings especially the first reading from Baruch and Gospel are about looking in a different direction, they are about seeing life differently. Baruch a disciple of Jeremiah, wants the people of exile to look at life differently to be hopeful, to look eastward to those who will return from exile. He calls for a hopefulness in Jerusalem the city will no longer have to morn because her children will returned. Baruch asks the people to look with hopeful eyes even in the midst of their struggles. John the Baptist in the Gospel is a voice in the wilderness struggling against the power that be, Roman and Jewish. He crys out words of hope, that soon the mountains will be made low and the valleys will be raised up and the path to God will be straight and flat. He wants the people to look in a different direction. First at themselves, letting go of the worldly paths they have walked and secondly to look toward the east, tp the coming of Christ. Baruch and John in different ways proclaim a vision of hope by asking people to look at life differently!
In my short time here in Nassau I have had to look at life differently, no TV, none of the usual comforts that create a comfort zone in life. Yet, I too have a sense of hopefulness. It comes from the people that I have met and what this week of mission is going to tell me about myself and about the presence of God in my life.
Friends in faith my hope for you today is that you will find your east to look toward. An east that will tell you a little more about yourself, an east that will create a sense of hope within you, an east that will help you to see and to know the gift of God in your life! Look East my friends...See Emanuel (God is with us!)
Sunday Prayer: O God of all searchers, let no earthly undertaking hinder us as we journey in haste to meet you. May we learn the wisdom of heaven and always have the hope of your love! Amen!
Runner's Thought: May your run today take you into the heart of God!
Have a Great Second Sunday of Advent! Blessings on your journeys today and peace in your living of life! Peace in Christ's Passion...Fr. Paul
This little introduction leads to my reflections today. The readings especially the first reading from Baruch and Gospel are about looking in a different direction, they are about seeing life differently. Baruch a disciple of Jeremiah, wants the people of exile to look at life differently to be hopeful, to look eastward to those who will return from exile. He calls for a hopefulness in Jerusalem the city will no longer have to morn because her children will returned. Baruch asks the people to look with hopeful eyes even in the midst of their struggles. John the Baptist in the Gospel is a voice in the wilderness struggling against the power that be, Roman and Jewish. He crys out words of hope, that soon the mountains will be made low and the valleys will be raised up and the path to God will be straight and flat. He wants the people to look in a different direction. First at themselves, letting go of the worldly paths they have walked and secondly to look toward the east, tp the coming of Christ. Baruch and John in different ways proclaim a vision of hope by asking people to look at life differently!
In my short time here in Nassau I have had to look at life differently, no TV, none of the usual comforts that create a comfort zone in life. Yet, I too have a sense of hopefulness. It comes from the people that I have met and what this week of mission is going to tell me about myself and about the presence of God in my life.
Friends in faith my hope for you today is that you will find your east to look toward. An east that will tell you a little more about yourself, an east that will create a sense of hope within you, an east that will help you to see and to know the gift of God in your life! Look East my friends...See Emanuel (God is with us!)
Sunday Prayer: O God of all searchers, let no earthly undertaking hinder us as we journey in haste to meet you. May we learn the wisdom of heaven and always have the hope of your love! Amen!
Runner's Thought: May your run today take you into the heart of God!
Have a Great Second Sunday of Advent! Blessings on your journeys today and peace in your living of life! Peace in Christ's Passion...Fr. Paul
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