A common term for the city is the concrete jungle. I have never truly related to this term until today. last night and into the early morning, a gentle rain fell on the good city of Philadelphia, so when i walked off to Mass this morning, there were a few worms remaining on the sidewalks. I am accustomed to picking them up and placing them out of harm's way in the nearby gardens and grasses which surround the sidewalks and streets.
Being still new to the "big city" life, I found it quite strange that as I picked up a few little worm friends, there was nowhere close-by to place them! I was in a concrete jungle! No gardens... not even apiece of grass. Which also led me to commend my little friend for making it so far out! As I finished my walk to the train, my mind remained fixed upon the number of thin worms i saw in comparison to the thicker, larger worms i am used to saving. After a bit of contemplation I surmised that perhaps these poor little guys are the only ones that life because they can make it up through the dirt which intersects the concrete slabs and the cracks in the asphalt. Whereas our bigger buddies are stuck below as the water levels rise in their underground world.
Just a few thoughts... :)
God be Praised
March 28, 2009
March 27, 2009
12 Angry Seminarians
I just returned from a wonderful evening, compliments of the Little Sisters... compliments of the seminarians. St. Charles Borromeo Seminary put on the play, "12 Angry Men". A story well known to most, but for those of your who don't know I shall indulge. 12 jurors sit in the jury room to decide if there is reasonable doubt for a young boy who is on trail for the murder of his father.
As anger broke out in the jury room and tensions swung back and forth while the debate continued on, I could not help but think.. these are seminarians! They are discerning the priesthood and will one day, God willing, stand en persona Christe! Our simple, broken humanity charged with the great privilege and task of bringing Christ into the world today with "skin on him".
It also reminded me how necessary our prayers are for priests, seminarians, and those who are called but not yet in formation.
Let us remember to pray! To stay human and allow emotions to be real, but also to allow Love to pervade every aspect of our life!
AMEN!
As anger broke out in the jury room and tensions swung back and forth while the debate continued on, I could not help but think.. these are seminarians! They are discerning the priesthood and will one day, God willing, stand en persona Christe! Our simple, broken humanity charged with the great privilege and task of bringing Christ into the world today with "skin on him".
It also reminded me how necessary our prayers are for priests, seminarians, and those who are called but not yet in formation.
Let us remember to pray! To stay human and allow emotions to be real, but also to allow Love to pervade every aspect of our life!
AMEN!
March 11, 2009
NINE-DAYS NOVENA TO ST. JOSEPH
(Note: This prayer was found in the 50th year of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. In 1505, it was sent by the Pope to Emperor Charles when he was going into battle. It is said that whoever shall read this prayer or take it with them, shall never die a sudden death or be drowned, nor shall poison take effect on them; neither shall they fall into the hands of the enemy, or shall be burned in any fire or shall be overpowered in battle.)
Say this prayer for nine days for anything you may desire. Then let go and let God. Trust that whatever is the outcome of your novena is truly what is best for you in accordance with the will of God.)
O Saint Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the throne of God, I place in you all my interests and desires.
O Saint Joseph, assist me by your powerful intercession and obtain for me from your Divine Son all spiritual blessings through Jesus Christ, Our Lord; so that having engaged here below your heavenly power, I may offer my thanksgiving and homage to the most loving of Fathers.
O Saint Joseph, I never weary contemplating you and Jesus asleep in your arms; I dare not approach while He reposes near your heart. Press Him in my name and kiss His fine head for me, and ask Him to return the Kiss when I draw my dying breath. Amen
O Saint Joseph, hear my prayers and obtain my petitions. O Saint Joseph, pray for me. (Mention your intention)
Say this prayer for nine days for anything you may desire. Then let go and let God. Trust that whatever is the outcome of your novena is truly what is best for you in accordance with the will of God.)
O Saint Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the throne of God, I place in you all my interests and desires.
O Saint Joseph, assist me by your powerful intercession and obtain for me from your Divine Son all spiritual blessings through Jesus Christ, Our Lord; so that having engaged here below your heavenly power, I may offer my thanksgiving and homage to the most loving of Fathers.
O Saint Joseph, I never weary contemplating you and Jesus asleep in your arms; I dare not approach while He reposes near your heart. Press Him in my name and kiss His fine head for me, and ask Him to return the Kiss when I draw my dying breath. Amen
O Saint Joseph, hear my prayers and obtain my petitions. O Saint Joseph, pray for me. (Mention your intention)
Simple Speech
I was struck today by the beauty of direct and simple speech. It came about as I was speaking with one of our dear residents as she whispered, "I have to go wee wee". I smiled and told her someone would help her soon as I knew her aide was already in the restroom with another resident. As we sat together waiting and I tried to take her mind off the matter at hand, she patiently explained how a child cannot hold it very long and that she was only a child!
My mind raced with thoughts of how complicated and coded our language becomes as we "mature". We use the "facilities" or the "ladies' room" or perhaps, we simply need to excuse ourself for personal reasons. Why is it culturally "wrong" for a well-formed adult to tell her friends while out, "Pardon me ladies, I have to go pee". Or and even more blunt, "Be right back, I am going to have a bow movement". These are natural parts of life and although simple, we guard them and hide them in most "civilized" situations.
There is a beauty in the direct speech and the simplicity of stating what needs to be done. Why must we hide it and cover it with code words?
My mind raced with thoughts of how complicated and coded our language becomes as we "mature". We use the "facilities" or the "ladies' room" or perhaps, we simply need to excuse ourself for personal reasons. Why is it culturally "wrong" for a well-formed adult to tell her friends while out, "Pardon me ladies, I have to go pee". Or and even more blunt, "Be right back, I am going to have a bow movement". These are natural parts of life and although simple, we guard them and hide them in most "civilized" situations.
There is a beauty in the direct speech and the simplicity of stating what needs to be done. Why must we hide it and cover it with code words?
March 02, 2009
Lasting Faith
As I stood next to one of our dear residents at Mass today, trying to predict if she would try to kneel, stand, sit during the various Mass parts, her faith began to astound me. The beauty of that frail body kneeling faithfully even as she struggled to make it walk or even simply stand! As we awaited the Lord coming to us in the Eucharist and could hear the priest as he communicated to other communicants, "Body of Christ", at each moment she heard the words, she responded, "AMEN". For every time the Lord in His Sacred Presence of the Eucharist was presented by the priest, she responded in faith, I believe!
How beautiful that even as she may not know where she is sometimes or what she is doing, the Lord still has such a hold on her that she becomes captivated by His Sacrifice of the Mass, forgets her bodily pains and struggles, and freely proclaims her faith in His Tender Presence. Thank you Lord
How beautiful that even as she may not know where she is sometimes or what she is doing, the Lord still has such a hold on her that she becomes captivated by His Sacrifice of the Mass, forgets her bodily pains and struggles, and freely proclaims her faith in His Tender Presence. Thank you Lord
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