I love this idea 'borrowed' from Catholics Mobilizing: An Advent Jar What’s an Advent Jar you ask? Well, it’s just like an advent calendar, except you use a jar and Popsicle sticks. This is a creative and fun way to incorporate prayer, scripture, service and family time into your Advent journey as a family (or with roommates or even alone). For this project you will need: Mason Jar 26 Large popsicle sticks (the ones that are like tongue depressors) – colored ones are best 2” Wide Ribbon ½” wide ribbon Fine tip Sharpies Glue dots Starting with a clean, empty mason jar, cut the wide ribbon long enough to wrap completely around the jar with a bit extra on the ends to fold over. Fold over one end of the wide ribbon about an 1/8 of an inch. Using glue dots or double sided tape, adhere the large ribbon to the jar. Cut the ½” ribbon long enough to wrap around the jar with enough extra to make a bow. Place the smaller ribbon so it lays over the wider ribbon and tie it around the jar using a bow to secure it. Once the jar and ribbon is done, it is time to make your advent jar popsicle sticks. Using a fine tip sharpie families (or roommates or even an individual, as I did) should select 26 things – either from the list below, or they can make their own – that they can do throughout Advent. Write one thing on each stick and place it in the jar. Each morning, take 2 seconds before running out the door to grab a stick and make that your goal for the day. Or if your family (roommates) gathers for dinner take the stick out before diner and talk over dinner about doing that item for the day. If you draw one that you can not do that day, simply place it back and draw another. 1. Say a prayer for someone who is sick or lonely 2. Drive around the neighborhood to look at Christmas Lights 3. Go out to the town’s annual tree lighting 4. Go to Church this Sunday as a family 5. Do something nice for some who you may not always like 6. Bake Christmas Cookies and listen to Christmas music 7. Read a favorite Christmas story together as a family 8. Decorate the Christmas tree as a family 9. Baking cookies for Santa – make extra to give to neighbors or those who are homeless 10. Read the Nativity story – Luke 2:1-14 11. Send a letter to a family member that lives far away 12. Set up the Nativity 13. Pray Psalm 25 together as a family 14. Write a note to a family member telling them one thing you are thankful for – about them! 15. Offer to help with a chore that is not normally “yours” 16. Make a Christmas Card for your favorite teacher and give it to them 17. Say a prayer at dinner for all those who are hungry 18. Do a kind act for a neighbor 19. Read the story of St. Nicholas whose Feast Day is celebrated during Advent 20.Make 5 Christmas cards and deliver to a hospital or nursing home 21. Make hot chocolate and watch a Christmas movie as a family 22. Pray the joyful mysteries of the Rosary as a family – dedicate your prayers to those who go without 23.Collect change for 5 days – the entire family collects all their extra change each day – donate what you collected to an organization that helps those who are sick. 24.Pray for those who do not have families during this holiday season 25.Wrap presents for friends and family 26. Write your own ideas..... (Could also write carious Scripture verses on each stick to help you remember to include the Bible in your daily life!) I found green and red craft sticks at Dollar Tree (40 for $1) as well as ribbon and a jar...so this can be done very inexpensively and can be used from year to year! Happy Advent!
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One month after my pilgrimage to Philadelphia, I am still processing the experience. There were many blessings! After the lovely drive across Pennsylvania (even if I did not enjoy that long tunnel with construction going on), I participated in the Catholic Parent Revival on Wednesday, September 23 at St. Peter the Apostle Parish (which also houses the National Shrine of St. John Neumann, where his body now lies in state, enclosed in glass under the altar.) We listened to personal witnesses of married couples who integrated faith into raising their children. Thanks Jenni and Steve Angrisano, Maggie and Bob McCarty, and John Angotti. We were also invited to talk with fellow participants and pray for each other. To read more about the parish/shrine, visit: http://www.stjohnneumann.org/parish.html To learn more about CPR, visit: http://www.strongcatholicfamilies.org/cpr/ You can also watch a recording of the CPR session that took place the next night near Philly: http://livestream.com/OCPLiveStream/24-CatholicParentRevival and know that Dave Schmidt, Director of Pro-Life, Marriage and Family and I have discussed adapting the program to support families here in our diocese, so look for more on that in 2016. On Thursday, after an educational visit to ther Liberty Bell and Independance Hall (hey, when in Philly...), where we saw the preparations for the Papal visit that would take place there days later, we went to the World Meeting of Families and were fortunate enough to see Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Archbishop of Manila, speak with such passion and joy. He discussed how we all have wounds and hurts, which can be great opportunities to rely on God. These woulds also help us to better witness to the saving power of God to others. You can watch a recording of his session, and several other session from the WMOF on their website: http://www.worldmeeting2015.org/the-latest/congressvideos/ These recordings are great for those who were not there to be inspired and learn from the sessions, and serve as great reminders for those who were there. (You may need to be patient as they begin or fast forward to the speaker you want to hear/see.) It was interesting to see how many vendors and organizations exhibited at the WMOF. Some of the same I see at youth ministry events, lay ministry conferences and education convocations, while others were new to me. It is reassuring to know that there are so many resources around wanting to support the Domestic Church! On Friday, I met up with the busloads of Youngstown folks who traveled with Wednt to see the theatrical production of "Joseph." Oh my goodness, the Sight and Sound Theater truly invests in the productions there, with support sound and staging. Also, real animals! The show also gave me new aspects of the Joseph story to ponder. If you are ever in the Lancaster, PA area, this is a worthy investment. Visit their website at: https://www.sight-sound.com/WebSite/home.do We then enjoyed family-style dinner at the Hershey Farm Restaurant and Inn near the theater. What a fun evening discussing the play and to upcoming weekend plans with folks from Blessed Sacrament Parish (and others on the bus from there!) Saturday brought the Festival of Families. This meant creative planning for transportation and packing for the day, but it was all worth it. Security lines moved along smoothly, over 3,000 port-a-pots were available, food vendors lined some streets, and jumbotrons helped those of us without tickets enjoy the entertainment, pray along, and view the parade. I decided to settle in with a busload from the Solon area at JFK part near the Love Sign. There, we were fortunate to see Pope Francis go by in his Popemobile TWICE! It was amazing! (The picture above gives you one glimpse of my view.) On the jumbotron, we enjoyed: Nigeria/Igbo Community @ St. Cyprian Viva Mas Mutya Philippine Dance Company St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Community Oscuro Quintet Everything Fitz Joe Castillo Jackie Evancho (not sure why some Disney songs, but sounded lovely) Matt Maher American Dance Wheels Sister Sledge (We are Family!) Jim Gaffigan (a few family-themed laughs) MC Mark Wahlberg The Philadlephia Orchestra Comments and pray by the Holy Father Aretha Franklin The Fray Andrea Bocelli (oh, that Lord's Prayer was fantastic!) Juanes (although, I will admit, we started to head to the train station during his performance, nothing against him, it was just getting late!) You can read more about some of these performers at: http://www.worldmeeting2015.org/papal-center/festival-of-families/ We (we being most often my sister, Jenn, by the way, who traveled with me) went to the Cathedral where there was a temporary grotto dedicated to Mary, Untier of Knots, who is one of Pope Francis' advocates. They had strips of cloth on which to write the situation or people suffering with "knots" that need untied. These clothes were then hung around the grotto (or being knit into a tapestry, as you can see in the photo below of the woman at work.) It was a powerful place of prayer. Sunday brought a lot of time to meet people from all around the globe as I chose the wrong side of the city to enter (retrospect, hundreds of thousands of us did not know at the time what was going on as security checkpoints were moving very slowly, being closed, redirecting people to another checkpoint, etc. for hours... while on the north side, they seemed to get inside in 30 - 120 minutes.) We gave up after a few hours, but not before meeting lovely faith-filled people from many states and countries. We also clapped along and sang a bit. While I did receive text messages from friends who made it inside, we watched the parade from ComCast Center (where I was interviewed by a Philly paper and while misquoted, they spelled my name right, ha!), then settled in for a while near JFK Park. It was an interesting juxtiposition to have thousands sitting and sitting, attentive to a jumbotron while some vendors still tried to peddle their wares. Latter, we paused near City Hall and the thousands of Catholics who had celebrated Mass there, before heading back to the train station. It wasn't the day I planned or hoped for, and I really didn't fell like I was part of Mass, but I was very much part of a larger community that made the best of the situation and were singing and responding and celebrating! Oh, I almost forgot, I also did my best to watch some of the coverage of the Holy Father addressing various audiences. I LOVED the address to the Congress. To have selected such different Americans to help make his points was inspired. It was challenging and motivating. Thank you for bringing forth some of the teachings and words of Abraham Lincoln, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Dorothy Day and Thomas Merton. I also watched Pope Francis as the prison. Watching a work of mercy on TV was awesome. If you missed (or want to read to review) any of the Holy Father's addresses or Homilies, know that theey are posted on the USCCB site at: http://www.usccb.org/about/leadership/holy-see/francis/papal-visit-2015/2015-papal-visit-speeches-homilies.cfm They also have a few on video to watch at: http://www.usccb.org/about/leadership/holy-see/francis/papal-visit-2015/papal-visit-2015-video-on-demand.cfm I am sure that aspects of the pilgrimage will continue to occur to me, as the messages I heard and images I saw sink deeper into my soul. THANK YOU to everyone who has allowed me to share some of my story, and for those who have shared their experiences as well as that helps me consider additional insights! In any event, may we all be blessed by the visit of the Holy Father to our country. I'll end this post with the final words of Pope Francis at the Closing Mass in Philadelphia: Anyone who wants to bring into this world a family which teaches children to be excited by every gesture aimed at overcoming evil – a family which shows that the Spirit is alive and at work – will encounter our gratitude and our appreciation. Whatever the family, people, religion or region to which they belong! May God grant that all of us may be prophets of the joy of the Gospel, the Gospel of the family and family love, as disciples of the Lord. May he grant us the grace to be worthy of that purity of heart which is not scandalized by the Gospel! Amen. I was a little frustrated today to fail at finding a good pre-written session to give to one of our pastors addressing the topics of "Fear Not/Trust int he Lord." I know there HAS to a few, but I was unable to find one at the time.... (feel free to email me with ones of which you are aware! [email protected] ). I also failed at finding a good, usable for CCD/ministry video clip of a modern movie (closest I came was to an Evan Almighty (c) 2007, but it wasn't even as appropriate as I would have liked... So, at least I was able to sit down and type up a few ideas... I am posting them here just in case I want to access them again, or in case anyone else would like to borrow the ideas. Kudos to Carla for finding the activity shared below (On the Edge of an Adventure), although we cannot cite the resource as it was a loose paper in a folder. (I'm sure you can relate to that, but now note the title/publisher!) Feel free to tweak, adapt or change to fit your needs. (By the way, I did not include a good old fashioned Trust Fall activity or even a Trust Walk since you need space and blind-folds for that, but they could have been included as well!) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Fear Not – Trust in God! Session ideas from Cindee Case (10.7.15) Music: If group likes to sing and/or listen to music – Be Not Afraid (Dufford) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=snmwD6d9Xo4 Trust in the Lord (O’Connor) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rx7ArO-freU You Are Mine (Haas) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sgm9lkTNQmc&index=3&list=RDx9m77bfUvI4 Shepherd Me Oh God (Haugen) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AmFM4jZasvs Small Groups for Bible story discussions
ii.Jesus in Garden iii.Abraham – Genesis 22 iv.Noah - Genesis 6 v.Joshua - Joshua 1: 1 – 11 – God commands him to move the people of Moses – do you think the promises he heard from God made his decision easy?
---OR--- See “on the Edge of An Adventure” handout – all consider Matthew 14: 22-33 Witness story of 1 or 2 parishioners/ministry leaders share a time when they had to decide to trust in God. (Perhaps when making a decision regarding marriage, big move, child care, health care, etc.) RITUAL: Have each teen write a fear they have on a slip of paper, then bring forward and place in a basket – in exchange for a scripture verse (if utilize more than one copy of the same verse, mark one of each to signify which one to be read aloud, numbered in order of being read…) Reading of Scripture verses – select students to read one of the following (or other) Scripture verse: DO NOT BE AFRAID: Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. John 14:1 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. Psalm 56:3 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. Isaiah 41:13 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. 1 John 4:18 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4 Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe. Proverbs 29:25 The Lord is my light and my salvation-- whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life-- of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1 But when they saw him walking on the lake, they thought he was a ghost. They cried out, because they all saw him and were terrified. Immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” Mark 6:49-50 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” 1 Peter 3:14 TRUST IN GOD: Blessed are those who trust in the LORD; the LORD will be their trust. They are like a tree planted beside the waters that stretches out its roots to the stream: It does not fear heat when it comes, its leaves stay green; In the year of drought it shows no distress, but still produces fruit. (Jeremiah 17: 7 – 8) But I trust in you, LORD; I say, “You are my God.” (Psalm 31: 15) Trust in the LORD with all your heart, on your own intelligence do not rely; In all your ways be mindful of him, and he will make straight your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6) when I am afraid, in you I place my trust. praise the word of God; I trust in God, I do not fear. (Psalm 56:3 – 4) The LORD is near to all who call upon him, to all who call upon him in truth. He fulfills the desire of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them. The LORD watches over all who love him, (Psalm 145:18- 20) But I trust in your mercy. Grant my heart joy in your salvation, I will sing to the LORD, for he has dealt bountifully with me (Psalm 13: 6) Thus we may say with confidence: “The Lord is my helper, [and] I will not be afraid. (Hebrews 13: 6) End with an adult reading the following: Matthew 6: 25-34 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat [or drink], or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are not you more important than they? Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life-span?* Why are you anxious about clothes? Learn from the way the wild flowers grow. They do not work or spin. But I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was clothed like one of them. If God so clothes the grass of the field, which grows today and is thrown into the oven tomorrow, will he not much more provide for you, O you of little faith? So do not worry and say, ‘What are we to eat?’ or ‘What are we to drink?’ or ‘What are we to wear?’ All these things the pagans seek. Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom (of God) and his righteousness,* and all these things will be given you besides. Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. God in peace! (Song) I had to really pause to ponder this from Gratefulness.org: If I had my life to live over again, I would ask that not a thing be changed, but that my eyes be opened wider. ~ Jules Renard I will admit, there are many times when I replay memories and yearn to have a "do - over" -- too often I speak too flippantly, or I missed moments I could have savored, or I have been in too much of a hurry to truly experience a moment... Sound at all familiar? I am sure I cannot be on the only one, but I envy you if you have already mastered this (perhaps you can help teach me?) This must help to explain the wisdom of the Church in giving us the season of Lent each year.... time for us to examine our lives, our choices, our conscience and see what can be done differently in the future (not a do-over, but at least a do-better opportunity!) Today's quote now shapes my Lenten reflection: How can I live with my eyes open wider more often in the future... ... to see needs of others that I may be able to assist? ... to see the good in stressful or negative situations? ... to see pain behind forced smiles? ... to see love rather than malice, hostility, anger, or hatred? ... to see more of God's amazing creations? ....to see the face of Christ in more of the people I encounter! The lyrics to Jesse Manibusan's "Open My Eyes, Lord" continues to have deeper meaning for me: Ahhh, to see with the eyes of Christ! God help me,
and St. Joseph, on your feast day, may you also strengthen me! Amen! One of my favorite discussion starter stories (can be done with or without props, but does offer a simple visual): CHOOSE YOUR PATH... A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose. Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water. In the first, she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil without saying a word. In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl. Turning to her daughter, she asked, "Tell me what do you see?" "Carrots, eggs, and coffee," she replied. She brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they had gotten soft. She then asked her to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard-boiled egg. Finally, she asked her to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma, and then asked, "What's the point, Mother?" Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity - boiling water - but each reacted differently. > The carrot went in strong, hard and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. > The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior. But, after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened. > The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water they had changed the water. "Which are you?" she asked her daughter. "When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg, or a coffee bean?" Think of this: Which am I? Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity, do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength? Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and a hardened heart? Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you. When the hours are the darkest and trials are their greatest, do you elevate to another level? How do you handle adversity? Related Scriptures: Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Romans 12:12 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3: 5-6 More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance Romans 5: 3 I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Philippians 4: 13 Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1: 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12: 9 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4: 6 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1: 2 - 4 What additional scripture(s) came to your mind? (Please share in the comments below -- thanks!) May we all be like coffee when we find ourselves in hot water! (Just a quick reflection on today's readings) Go out to all the world and tell the Good News --- this is the Responsorial Psalm for Mass today. It goes on to point out: Praise the LORD, all you nations; glorify him, all you peoples! For steadfast is his kindness for us, and the fidelity of the LORD endures forever. (Psalm 117) And it hit me..... the focus for my work in evangelization needs to be my recalling times when God's kindness and fidelity have been present in my life.... the times when I could SEE or FEEL God's presence with me, as well as the times when I was only aware upon looking-back. (This seems to tie in well with it being the Feast of St. Thomas the Apostle -- blessed are those who have not seen, but have believed! John 20:29) Summer seems like a great time to pull up these memories then work on articulating them....and then work up the courage to share my stories when opportunities arise. This is the Good News that others long to hear: a kind and faithful God available to each and every person. While I can serve as a Lector at Mass (as the photo shows) sharing the Scriptures , I need to work on tying my own story to the stories we read/hear in the Bible of how God revealed Godsself to Moses, Abraham, David, Job, Mary, Peter, Thomas, Paul, and so on... If I can tell of times I have seen God at work in my life, it encourages others to do the same! Isn't that what evangelization is all about, helping others to see God in their own lives? Then they may wish to learn more about the Scriptures, the person of Jesus, and our faith communities. Then, we will realized what we heard from St. Paul's letter to the Ephesians in today's 1st reading: Brothers and sisters: You are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the holy ones and members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the Apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the capstone. Through him the whole structure is held together and grows into a temple sacred in the Lord; in him you also are being built together into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit. Amen! Yesterday was Pentecost Sunday -- some times called The Church's Birthday, because as the Holy Spirit touched the Disciples, and those who could hear them, They were sent on a mission from God -- and we are called to follow their lead. Yes, We're on a mission from God! OK, so the quote from the 1980 movie "The Blues Brothers" came to mind. I saw the movie many years ago, and I do not recall most of it -- but I do recall this line. Seems it was repeated throughout the movie (view the video linked from YouTube above to see as a group in Chicago pulled them for use.) In any event, if these Blues Brothers had been Baptized Catholics, they would indeed be sent on a mission from God -- just like we are! In the Catechism of the Catholic Church, we read: "Reborn as sons of God, [the baptized] must profess before men the faith they have received from God through the Church" and participate in the apostolic and missionary activity of the People of God (#1270). So, as the Baptized, we are to carry on this work of the Apostles. We have learned to do this by watching and learning from the examples of our families -- those in our homes, in our communities, and in our Church. We share stories of faith, read Scripture, pray together....and then are sent out to share our faith with others -- this is the missionary activity of the People of God. In the Gospel from Pentecost, Jesus tells the Disciples: "As the Father has sent me, so I send you” (John 20:21). Remember, Jesus didn't say, "Stay in the upper room and only talk amongst yourselves." No -- Jesus and our Creator sent the Holy Spirit to give us the gifts of wisdom,understanding, counsel, knowledge, fortitude, piety, and fear of the Lord (wonder and awe)... and the power to speak so that others can understand! (Back to the Pentecost readings.) What an awesome responsibility we have to go forth and share the Gospel. This is what evangelization is. Fortunately, we do not have to (nor should we) do it alone. The Church was born to guide and support us. The Church helps us with the mission from God. How does your parish support your mission? (I hope you respond through worship, sacraments, ministries, resources, community, etc....) Speaking, of mission, are you familiar with the Mission Statement for the Diocese of Youngstown? It pretty nicely ties in to these ideas: We are people of God in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Youngstown. Blessed with a rich variety of backgrounds and talents, we are a living reflection of the Universal Church. Through our baptism, we continue Christ’s mission to further the kingdom of God through the human family. We share our living faith by proclaiming the Gospel in word and example. Together we celebrate Christ’s presence in worship and sacraments. In a spirit of justice, mercy and love, we dedicate ourselves not only to minister to the people in the six counties of northeastern Ohio but also to minister to the world community. Yes, the Diocese of Youngstown (and it's ministries, like youth and young adult ministries) is on a mission from God! Thank you for being part of this mission! (The Diocese is NOT just the Cathedral, Chancery and diocesan staff....no, it is ALL OF US -- the Baptized that live within these 6 counties in Ohio.) May the Holy Spirit continue to strengthen us to go forth as Jesus has sent us on this Mission from God! =================================== Bonus -- Prayer to the Holy Spirit (by Saint Augustine) Breathe into me, Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may all be holy. Move in me, Holy Spirit, that my work, too, may be holy. Attract my heart, Holy Spirit, that I may love only what is holy. Strengthen me, Holy Spirit, that I may defend all that is holy. Protect me, Holy Spirit, that I may always be holy. Following the 2014 Academy Awards, this lovely video began circulating of the winner of the Supporting Actress Oscar, Lupita Nyong'o Speech on Black Beauty Essence Magazine Black Women In Hollywood Award (See below, or visit this website:) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPCkfARH2eE#t=87 What a beautiful witness of her own struggle with a sense of beauty, and of self-acceptance. How many other young people do we know have these struggles? While it took the model Ilek Wek to help Lupita begin to see her own beauty, rather then just feeling the love of God, I am sure that God sent her that inspiration. It took seeing that model for Lupita to see that she was made in God's own image: Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth." 27God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. God blessed them (Genesis 1:27 - 28a) How do we in our ministries help teens see that they are made in God's image? How can we help them to avoid the "seduction of inadequacy" as Lupita put it -- settling as being 'less than' or less worthy? We need to give up negative self-talk -- not like giving up for Lent, but giving up for Life. Miss Nyongo went on to say that "Beauty is not a thing that I can acquire or consume." This, too, is an important lessen we can help our teens to learn. Once they can see God in themselves, we can help them to see God in other people. Then comes the ability to look into someone's eyes with love. "What is fundamentally beautiful is compassion. Compassion for yourself and for those around you," she says. Compassion is an expression of love. And, since God is love (1 John 4:8), compassion is an expression of God -- what could be more lovely? "Get to the deeper business of being beautiful inside," Miss Nyongo stated. I add, and help others to do the same! Have you heard that this Sunday (April 27), two new saints will be officially named....two blessed popes (John XXIII and John Paul II) will be elevated to help us remember to be inspired by their faith. The Vatican has been posting information for our use at: http://www.vatican.va/special/canonizzazione-27042014/index_en.html as have the U.S. Bishops Conference: http://usccb.org/about/leadership/holy-see/canonizations-john-xxiii-john-paul-ii.cfm Here is a quick video that explains the canonization process (Thanks, Busted Halo for another great video!) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUGRdpRJWYA If you want a quick visual guide on the canonization process, CNS created this one: http://cnsblog.wordpress.com/2014/04/11/the-long-winding-road-to-sainthood/ A few personal thoughts: Related to this historic moment of the canonization of two popes, It JUST occurred to me moments ago that I have been SO fortunate to be in the presence of a saint.... I mean, I know that I am often near people filled with God's love so deeply that we can call them a saint, but this is a real-life, almost canonized (will be on Sunday) person. Wow. How cool is that? I was "with" Blessed John Paul II in Denver 1993, Paris 1997, Rome 1999, Rome 2000, and Toronto 2002. Although I never got to talk with him one-on-one, I was within 5 feet of him twice and impacted by his ministry. Here are just a few memories: Denver, August 1993 -- World Youth Day events Papal Welcome on Thursday, August 12 at Mile High Stadium --- Our group (Diocese of Cleveland) received tickets for this event, so we fed into the crowd funneling into the stadium. As we awaited the Holy Father, we sang songs, talked with teens and young adults from numerous countries, and we got wet -- it was raining! However, as the helicopters approached the stadium, a rainbow arched in the sky, and the sun peaked out.....by the time Pope John Paul II greeted us, the rain had stopped! What a stunning moment for us all! Here are the words he shared with us that evening: http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/speeches/1993/august/documents/hf_jp-ii_spe_19930812_saluto-denver-gmg_en.html Vigil Prayer on Saturday, August 14 at Cherry Creek Park --- a long pilgrimage walk led us from downtown Denver to this large open area. Many of us Ohioans expected trees at the park, bu it was just an open area. The heat of the sun exhausted us, but the singing and prayer kept us going. Camping out with a half-million people is a unique experience! Here are the Holy Father's words from the vigil: http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/speeches/1993/august/documents/hf_jp-ii_spe_19930814_vigil-denver-gmg_en.html Closing Mass on Sunday, August 15 at Cherry Creek Park --- Despite dealing with altitude sickness/thinner air, lack of sleep, and some lack of adequate nutrition (McDonald's supplied the food stands for the week, and there was a minimal number of options, which caused some people to suffer digestive issues), the community rallied together for a fantastic outdoor Mass. Here is the homily from that day: http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/homilies/1993/documents/hf_jp-ii_hom_19930815_gmg-denver_en.html Feast of the Immaculate Conception, December 1999 in Rome, Italy --- Did you know that there is a tradition for the Holy Father to meet with faithful near at the Piazza di Spagna near the Spanish Steps in Rome at a statue of Mary to pray during the Feast of the Immaculate Conception? I did NOT know this until happenstance placed me there, and lo and behold, a car pulls up right next to where I am standing and I see Pope John Paul II get out to lead the prayer! Wow! There was even a moment when our eyes met, and I truly felt a sense of God's love rush over me. I know, it sounds a bit strange, as I was even surprised by it -- but this man definitely exuded a spiritual presence! This was a much less formal celebration that the World Youth Day liturgies and events I had attended, so I was struck by the humbleness and "centeredness" of the Holy Father as he took a few minutes to venerate the Holy Mother at the statue. I have more memories (and many more pictures), but this isn't really about me....although I am still amazed that I was able to be with a saint so many times. I cannot even imagine what it must have been like to be near Pope John XXIII, since he was so unexpected and ushered in so much change/rejuvination for the ChurchI hope that I can always stay focused on the GOOD done by these holy men so that I can be inspired to faith-filled in my daily life. May we all be inspired by the witness of faith of both of these holy men! St. John and St. John Paul, pray for us! ---------------------------------------- Here is a bonus news story on Popes as Saints: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/04/24/popes-saints_n_5205270.html WHY DID JUDAS DO IT? Great reflection for Spy Wednesday (Did you know this term used by some folks for today?) The first time I recall being really challenged by the question of "Why would Judas do this" was after seeing the Passion play/musical "Tetelestai" as a teen wherein the creators placed Judas in a prominent role. As much as I may want to be like John or Peter, I have to ask: How am I like Judas? When do my greed... Ego... Desire to be connected to powerful people... Feelings of knowing-it-all... Lack of trust... betray my love of Jesus? Looks like I have much on which to reflect today... Thank you Fr. Jim for posting this on Facebook for many of us to contemplate. It brings a new/different aspect to this most Holy Week. --Cindee ---------------------- By Fr. James Martin, SJ Why did Judas do it? The Gospel readings for today and tomorrow ("Spy Wednesday") focus on Judas's betrayal of Jesus. But why did Judas do it? . . . . . . A few years ago I served as a “theological adviser” to an Off-Broadway play, called “The Last Days of Judas Iscariot,” that put Judas on trial for Jesus’s death. We spent many hours sifting through the possible reasons for history’s most famous betrayal. The Gospel of Mark gives no motivation for Judas's sudden betrayal. Confusing things further, Matthew has Jesus telling Judas at the Last Supper, "Do what you are here to do," which seems to imply some acquiescence, or at least foreknowledge, on Jesus’s part. Matthew attempts to clarify things in his account by introducing the motive of greed: "What will you give me if I betray him to you?" Judas asks the Jewish high priests. The Gospel of John echoes this theme: before the Last Supper, Judas is depicted by the evangelist as the greedy keeper of the common purse. When Jesus is anointed in Bethany, shortly before his crucifixion, Judas complains, asking why the money was not given to the poor. In an aside, John writes, "He [Judas] said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it." Thus John paints Judas as greedy, and dishonest as well. Finally, Luke's gospel tells us that at the Last Supper "Satan had entered into Judas." Daniel J. Harrington, SJ, told me that this phrase from Luke explained "either everything or nothing." There is another hypothesis that sometimes remains unstated by commentators: the evangelists concocted the entire story of Judas's betrayal for dramatic purposes. Some have posited that the one who betrayed Jesus could have come from outside the Twelve, and that Judas was simply a convenient fall guy. Similarly, Judas may have been invented as a generic "Jewish" character in order to lay the blame for the crucifixion on the Jewish people. The name “Judas” (the Hebrew would be Judah) lends credence to this idea. So might Paul, who suggests that Jesus was “handed over” not by Judas or anyone else but by God. But a wholesale invention is unlikely. Mark wrote his gospel around 70 A.D., only a few decades after the death of Jesus. Luke and Matthew wrote some 10 to 15 years later. The Christian community of that time still would have counted among its members those who were friends of Jesus, who were eyewitnesses to the Passion, or who knew the sequence of events from conversations with the previous generation. They most likely would have criticized any wild liberties taken with the story. Rather, as Father Harrington told me, "Judas's betrayal of Jesus was a known and most embarrassing fact." The ignominy of having Jesus betrayed by one of his closest friends is something the Gospel writers would have wanted to avoid, not invent. Overall, none of the Gospels provides a convincing reason for why one of the 12 disciples would betray the teacher he esteemed so highly. Greed fails as an explanation—why would someone who had traveled with the penniless rabbi for three years suddenly be consumed with greed? (Unless he was indeed stealing from the common purse.) William Barclay conjectured that the most compelling explanation is that by handing Jesus over to the Romans, Judas was trying to force Jesus's hand, to get him to act in a decisive way. Perhaps Judas expected the arrest to prompt Jesus to reveal himself as the long-awaited Messiah by not only ushering in an era of peace, but overthrowing the Roman occupiers. Barclay noted that none of the other traditional explanations (greed, disillusionment, jealousy) explain why Judas would have been so shattered after the crucifixion that the Gospel of Matthew has him committing suicide; only if Judas had expected a measure of good to come from his actions would suicide make any sense. "This is in fact the view which best suits all the facts," Barclay concluded. Finally, there is an explanation at once simple and complex: sin. Why do we do what we know is wrong? It is an inexplicable mystery. Perhaps Judas’s reasons for betrayal were obscure even to himself. . . . . . From "Jesus: A Pilgrimage":http://www.harpercollins.com/books/Jesus-James-Martin/?isbn=9780062024237 Image: "The Taking of Christ in the Garden," by Caravaggio. |
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*** Note: The Office Blog is now inactive, but posted for continued reference as needed (6/30/21) ***Cindee Case, MPSFormer Director of the Diocese of Youngstown Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry (2/2002 - 6/2021) Archives
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