Lent I: You Must Believe!

Todays Readings

Brothers and sisters: What does Scripture say? The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart —that is, the word of faith that we preach—, for, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For one believes with the heart and so is justified, and one confesses with the mouth and so is saved. For the Scripture says, No one who believes in him will be put to shame. For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all,enriching all who call upon him.  Romans 10: 8-13

The Lord is Near You! This comforting concept is one that we hear often, "Don't worry, God is here!" But an equally popular concept is the age old reality that "seeing IS believing".  Where do we see the Lord, or from what loudspeaker, or pulpit do we hear Him?  I'd love to know the answer so as to write it here, but that would feed your need to have to see to believe.  Today, is it possible for us to let go and truly believe in our God without condition?  The answer is YES, but a few steps must be considered along the way.

Confess with Your Mouth, and Believe with Your Heart!  This is a simple truth, but a hard act to follow.  St. Paul is writing to the Roman people (but includes all, whether jew or greek), who need to change their ways.  They need to be honest with themselves, and consider that their way of living might be the reason why they feel so lost, or unfullfilled.  In my quasi-counselor chair, I would certainly agree that people who hurt should talk about it, and speak to their responsibility (for that hurt) before blaming the world around them.  Speaking about things encourages reflection, and reflection opens the heart, and strengthens one's spirit.  This opens the door to belief and salvation!

When our Lord Jesus is tempted in the desert, he reminds Satan, and the rest of us that:

• We Need the Lord, More Than Food!  So don't try to tempt me with lavish food, items or empty promises!

• When We Worship the Lord, We Are Saved!  So reclaim your purpose, and love the God who has always LOVED YOU!

• We Are Supported by the Lord, and We Do Not Walk Alone!  So let the angels come and greet you, and after a long and happy life, lead you to Paradise!

• Don't Test the Lord, Trust Him!  So relax!

St. Paul reassures the Romans, and us, that, "no one who believes in the Lord will be put to shame".  This whole Lenten concept, and the challenge for us to journey is truly worth the trouble.  May the Lord strengthen you in avoiding the temptations, and bless you in your efforts to speak and believe!

Hunger Games: All for a Children's Crusade

A thought is brewing in my head over "The Hunger Games", and even though I've not read the book, nor have tickets for this weekend's premiere... I've been getting the gist from some as to the story line and some of the real world connections...

So even though the story per se is fictional for sure, there are places in our world where the kids have to do battle, so that society can prosper… Think about it!  How old were the soldiers who fought in previous wars… How old are the soldiers today?  One song I love, is entitled Children’s Crusade by Sting… Listen to the song (via YouTube or other means) and read these lyrics:

Young men, soldiers, nineteen fourteen

Marching through countries they'd never seen

Virgins with rifles, a game of charades

All for a children's crusade

Pawns in the game are not victims of chance

Strewn on the fields of Belgium and France

Poppies for young men, death's bitter trade

All of these young lives betrayed

The children of England would never be slaves

They're trapped on the wire and dying in waves

The flower of England face down in the mud

And stained in the blood of a whole generation

Corpulent generals safe behind lines

History's lessons drowned in red wine

Poppies for young men, death's bitter trade

All of those young lives betrayed

All for a children's crusade

The children of England would never be slaves

They're trapped on the wire and dying in waves

The flower of England face down in the mud

And stained in the blood of a whole generation

Midnight in Soho nineteen eighty four

Fixing in doorways, opium slaves

Poppies for young men, such bitter trade

All of those young lives betrayed

All for a children's crusade

Twelve for '12... Happy New Year!

Twelve for '12!

With a little more than twelve hours left in the "Old Year", I thought I'd offer my Twelve Most Random Thoughts for Making 2012 The Best Year Ever!

12.  Gumbo!  I'm making a pot of Chicken and Sausage Gumbo today, and I'm thinking that while life may be "like a box of chocolates", our New Year can be like a pot of Gumbo.  Make the best of everything you got, use it all and throw it into a pot... Let it simmer and take its own sweet time, for the combination and the spice will make the joy all thine!

11.  Planning!  One always has to set goals, and make a run for achieving each and everyone of them!  Make your list on New Year's Day, and call them promises, or plans or resolutions... My hope it that we all promise to play the game and try to achieve a level of greatness that we didn't reach during the year before!

10.  Coffee Break!  While the caffeine isn't always considered good for you, it's the break that I am touting!  Let's take more time to "break", and put more time into being productive when we work... Breaks should not be procrastination, but rather relaxation!

9.  Sunshine!  I hope the New Year greets you with a little warmth and light.  New light bulb standards take effect this year, and light will cost more for the bulb, and supposedly less on the "light bill".  Get outside and enjoy the free stuff whenever you can... That big huge warm ball of gas in the sky can offer some amazing warmth, even on the coldest day!  Sounds like a good analogy for another source of light.  I won't preach, just point... God is good, all the time!

8.  Fire!  Like it or not Apple, the Kindle Fire made its mark this Christmas!  Many will read more in 2012, and we all have to promise to get out of the habit of communicating just throughout the "Status Update"  Let's read more, and write more... You know, multiple paragraphs and pages!  Let's formulate and communicate thoughts and ideas, and not just feelings!

7.  Water!  In my Catholic Christian tradition, a simple reminder, every now and then, of my "Baptismal Promise" is in order... I am called to be "Priest, Prophet and King!"  That is, I pray that we all can be a priestly people, offering a caring and compassionate hand to those in need.  I pray that we can proclaim a Truth in life to all who can hear and see and experience, so that our actions will offer hope to a world that needs a kick in the pants every now and then!  Finally, I pray that we all experience this existence of ours as one of great promise and expectation!  We are ALL children of God, and a special people at that!

6.  Mission Possible!  OK... It's a tad hokey, but WE CAN DO THIS THING!  Having a good year is knowing what's ahead of us, but also being prepared to adapt to the surprises!  No, I'm not Tom Cruise, and I'm not sure I want to be, but we all have to use those tricks that we have up our sleeves for the good!  OK, that was hokey.. I'll stop now!

5.  Gold Rings!  You've heard the sappy phrase that maybe it can be Christmas all year round.  Actually, and never forget, that New Year's always happens during the Twelve Days of Christmas!  If you count, I think its day 8, but no matter the day or the symbol, Christmas is a process that begins with the birth of hope (Christmas Day), calls us to plan how we can live out that hope (New Year's Resolutions), and challenges us to leave what we have in the hands of the one who will lead us, trusting in His promise, guiding us "home by another way". (Epiphany: January 6th)

4.  Square!  In 2012, lets think think ahead even more, and plan to lay a foundation for an amazing life ahead.  Four points can make a square, and three dimensions makes it a block... Let's construct a firm foundation with "blocks" that our sturdy and strong!

3.  Ideas!  I'm a big fan of TED, and their motto, "Ideas Worth Spreading", is good rule for all of us to follow.  Let's come up with three "ideas worth spreading" this year!

2.  You and I!  I'm not necessarily a "Little Monster", but one of my highlights from 2011 was watching Lady Ga Ga on Thanksgiving night challenge an entire world (or at least those watching) to be OK with who they are.  I watched a grown up, and kinda weird entertainer, speak a Truth that was loud and clear to an audience of "little monsters", reassuring us that we are loved no matter what!  I know its a stretch, people are moving on to the next "super star", but Ga Ga took us on a ride that culminated with the reality that it is about "You and I"!  Notice the order... YOU then I... If Lady Ga Ga can match the Gospel call of making sure that the other guy is good, before worrying about the self, then I think us "monsters" can do the same!

1.  Confession!  I recently posted a link to a USA Today article on "Confession" entitled "In New Year, Be Honest With Yourself".  It's not necessarily about the Catholic Sacrament of Reconciliation, but it is about something equally important... Internalizing forgiveness, humility, and self confession into your everyday life!  (See a sample of the article below)

I'll wrap up this Twelve for 12 by simply wishing you a Happy New Year, and a lot of gumbo, great plans, coffee breaks, sunshine, fire, water, missions, continued days of Christmas, firm foundations, awesome ideas, "little monsters", and humble heart!

God Bless,
Greg

Here's an excerpt for the article based on the Paul Wilkes' book "The Art of Confession":


Each night before you go to bed (I recommend kneeling; it puts us in the right state of mind: thoughtfully humble), simply review the day. Let your mind meander back through it. As you do you may be surprised that you skip right over what seemed to be the major events of the day and find yourself instead pondering the seemingly inconsequential. Take detours; that is exactly the purpose of this exercise.


If you find yourself making connections between something that happened today and something in the past, all the better. Most of us are creatures of habit. Our objective is to find and reinforce those habits that enrich our well-being and find and eventually put aside those that are not in alignment with who we really are.


Some possible questions:
• What did I do that made me happiest?
• Where did I feel ashamed of myself?
• What action would I do over again and how?
• What moved me to act the way I did?
• What habits or tendencies worked for or against me?
• When did I feel most in alignment with what is best in me?


Try this simple form of self-reflection tonight. And you will be practicing the art of confession, confession in its purest sense: self-confession. Just zero in on one thing that showed you at your best and resolve to be that person tomorrow. Think about one thing that you didn't like about yourself and try not to repeat it.

Christmas Shopping My Way

Christmas Shopping My Way

I'm not an expert, or a lazy bum. I'm just a little guy with a little bit of time to make the absolute best of something I'm just not built to do...

Wait Until the Mood Strikes!  I'm not the type that can start Christmas shopping in September.  I need the trimmings, the weather, and the urgent need to spark whatever nuclear reaction that it takes to get me into a department store.

You Got to Pay to Play!  Sure, I always work with a budget, but I'm not a big fan of searching high and low for the best bargain.  There's something to be said for the "impulse buy" at Christmas.  When I'm shopping, and I see what I like... I get it, and check it off the list!  Compared to most, this strategy causes me to pump a few more dollars back into this struggling economy than the average shopper... I'm sure the President loves me!

Always Have Fun With Store Employees!  None of this is possible without the worker who doesn't quite get paid enough to deal with "yahoos" like me, decked out in my Santa hat, rushing through the store to get it over with as quick as possible when they have to stay.  Every chance I get, I try and crack the joke, or say thanks, or make the goofy observation.  Its fun, and they need all the support they can get!

Beat the Clock!  When the mood strikes, and the "impulse buys" come quickly, and you're having fun at the checkout cashiers expense... Time flies, and POOF you're done!

The True Purpose of Gift-Giving... The way I see it, we're all paying homage to the Christ within each and everyone of us.  Whether its the way we share a cheerful spirit with a store employee, or hand that really great set of fuzzy slippers to the one we love; we are approaching one of God's wonderful children in a similar way that those "Wise Guys" approached the Christ-child.  We become "Wise Guys" too, showing folks our love and respect, as we say, "Thanks for being YOU!  Enjoy this really cool Yo Yo that plays your favorite football fight song!"

Keep Your O!

Today, and for the next week, let us celebrate the "O Antiphons"  Read a little on the subject, then each night, simply recite the "O Antiphon" O' the Day!  Here they are:

December 17th: O Sapientia: “O Wisdom, O holy Word of God, you govern all creation with your strong yet tender care. Come and show your people the way to salvation.”

December 18th: O Adonai: “O sacred Lord of ancient Israel, who showed yourself to Moses in the burning bush, who gave him the holy law on Sinai mountain: come, stretch out your mighty hand to set us free.”

December 19th: O Radix Jesse: “O Flower of Jesse’s stem, you have been raised up as a sign for all peoples; kings stand silent in your presence; the nations bow down in worship before you. Come, let nothing keep you from coming to our aid.”

December 20th:  O Clavis David: “O Key of David, O royal Power of Israel controlling at your will the gate of Heaven: Come, break down the prison walls of death for those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death; and lead your captive people into freedom.” 

December 21st:  O Oriens: “O Radiant Dawn, splendor of eternal light, sun of justice: come, shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death.”

December 22nd:  O Rex Gentium: “O King of all the nations, the only joy of every human heart; O Keystone of the mighty arch of man, come and save the creature you fashioned from the dust.”

December 23rd:  O Emmanuel: “O Emmanuel, king and lawgiver, desire of the nations, Savior of all people, come and set us free, Lord our God.”

Here's a fun fact that the article linked below describes: "If one starts with the last title and takes the first letter of each one - Emmanuel, Rex, Oriens, Clavis, Radix, Adonai,Sapientia - the Latin words ero cras are formed, meaning, “Tomorrow, I will come.”

http://www.catholiceducation.org/articles/religion/re0374.html

It's Just Too Soon... Why Can't You Just Wait?

This is Miles.  He was killed today in a car accident.  Miles was a great kid with a wonderfully confident attitude.  He was a student at my Parish School several years ago, and our local Catholic High School for a few years... Miles moved on to another school, and I would see him during Cross Country Season running in local meets (my daughter runs).

Miles always said, "Hey Mr. Thompson!"  And I would say, "howz it going Miles?"  His answer would always include telling me about some great achievement, like a fast time or an accomplishment of some sort, followed by one of his amazing plans for his future.  I'm not kidding!  Every time I talked to him he would share his smile, some great news, and some big dreams!

The news of his death saddens me, 'cause its just too soon to lose this kid.  He had too much to give, and too many dreams.  Lord, sometimes I just don't get it... Why can't you just wait?

While it doesn't make anything easier, God knows what I don't, and God continues to love Miles very much.  It's my task to search and to find things like answers and meaning... Miles now enjoys everything, and all is now his.  God bless you Miles... Pray for me!

Two Sacraments and a Dance

I don't blog about work too often, but today is one of those interesting combinations of events that makes me appreciate just how diverse this existence of ours really is... I work at a Catholic Church, and today we are hosting an Advent Mass with the Anointing of the Sick. Following that, I will join my Associate Pastor as he presides over a funeral. And later this evening, "DJ Jazzy Greg" spins the hard drive at a local school dance.

 So it's a Mass offering hope to those who are sick, and in need of God's healing touch; a funeral celebrating a long and happy life with an eternity of grace to follow; and a middle school dance to blow off a little steam before mid-terms! Hope, eternal grace, and a dance party...

This weekend is the Third Sunday of Advent ("Gaudete"), and what I always refer to as "Think Pink Sunday"! It's a weekend of Joy, knowing that the Christ who is to come will truly save us! Have hope, and may an eternity of grace flood your existence, and give you the energy to truly "dance the night away!" (cf. Isaiah 9:2 - "A people who walked in darkness have seen a great light!")

Make Straight the Path

St. John the Baptist

Advent 2011: Make Straight the Path

It's always been a mathematical truth that the shortest distance between two points is a straight line.  If Advent is a journey, the it's fair to assume that this journey has a starting and an end point.  The starting point is usually relative to the person making this journey.  It can be from the lowest of the low points, where "life sucks", or it could begin from a very comfortable place where life isn't really that bad at all.  But with respect to Advent, the end point is always the coming of Christ, sent by God into a world that needs His love.  


The Prophet Isaiah promised that one would come to "make straight the crooked path" (Isaiah 11: 1-10) , and that promise would be fulfilled in Christ, the Son of the living God.  By applying the above principle of mathematics, that straight line, fulfilled in knowing Christ, becomes the shortest distance between us and God.


With that said, a disciple of Christ (the student of the Teacher) should always try to learn from, and BE as Christ IS for the world, hence becoming a "straight line", reducing the distance between the world and Christ.


I hope to be that "straight line" for all I meet, and I hope this Advent, you'd consider one or both of the options above by allowing Christ to shorten the distance between you and God, and you committing your life to shortening the distance between those you meet and Christ, who then will take of the rest!

Stay Awake!

Advent 2011: Stay Awake

It's not that we're asleep, in fact our society doesn't get enough sleep, it's that we don't pay enough attention to the details. We allow the summary to speak the "whole truth" without regard to the reality that years of research and education (or the lack thereof) might have a bearing on the accuracy and the authenticity of that Truth.  There is so much packed into our days, do we even recognize that within those days lies a valuable challenge or an answer or two?  


Mark's Gospel warns us to stay awake "for we know not the day, nor the hour".  The popular notion is that this is a warning about the coming of the end time, or even death, when in actuality it refers to the coming of Christ and His Kingdom.  I believe that it's easy to treat this as if it's all about heaven, or some afterlife moment... It's so far away that it doesn't really need our attention today.  After all, we're gonna be here another 100 years, right?  Mark's Gospel has a more urgent nature about it than to think that we're being prepared just for heaven... If it were Mark typing this blog, he would bold it and underline it: "Stay Awake"!  


YOU are being called to be ready TODAY, and right this instant to encounter the real Christ that is among us proclaiming that the "Reign of God is at hand"!  Advent IS a time of preparation for the coming of Christ, but let's be real... Christ has been born in Bethlehem, and He is waiting to be BORN AGAIN in your heart and in the way you live your life. So stay AWAKE and be ready!

The NEW Missal Makes a Direct Hit

This past weekend, the New Roman Missal made a direct hit on english-speaking parishes around the world. A new and what is thought to be a more vibrant and formal translation of the Mass landed in a pew near you. I am sure that some of my initial observations in my own parish are very similar to what greeted the Church around the world...

A LITTLE CONFUSION, BUT CERTAINLY NOT CHAOS:  Like most parishes, ours has a new hymnal with everything you need to follow along.  We've even added the follow along,  "red letter marks the changed language" script and the Mass Music Assembly Booklet.  Its all there, and its probably a tad too much to navigate, but it seemed to have taken only a small portion of the hour for folks to figure out where to look and what to follow.  The fun part was watching the faces of many, many well intended people simply fall back into the routine... "The Lord be with you"... And also with y--, oh.. um... your... And with your spirit!" :)

EVERY BIT OF THE PREPARATION WAS WORTH EVERY SECOND:  I'm sure many parishes within the Church worked very hard for many, many months to prepare for the weekend debut of the New Missal.  Some chose to begin practicing months ago, and others have been studying the reasons behind the changes for a year.  Our parish, like many others, worked throughout the last year praying and deciding on what to do, but began the using the new translation only within the past few weeks, focusing on the Gloria, the Confiteor, and the Nicene Creed.  We made the decision not to debut any new music until this past weekend as well.  I believe that like us, the parishes who waited until the official start time of this past weekend to "do the new Mass" were treated to the value of what comes with that newness and how it compliments the season of Advent.

"WHAT ABOUT THOSE BELLS?"  There a certainly a few nay-sayers in the pews, and some people that just aren't happy with the changes in the New Roman Missal.  Our parish has maintained a relatively "middle of the road" approach when it comes to celebrating the Mass.  The ringing of the bells has not been a usual practice at my parish.  While the use of the bells is certainly NOT part of the change of the Roman Missal, in other words, it is not a required element within the liturgy; adding the ringing of the bells at the two "elevations" of the Eucharistic Prayer came as a little bit of a shock to many in our congregation.  I would say that 85%-90% were pleasantly shocked, and enjoyed or could live with their return.  But like the usual "Bell Curve" (no pun intended), 10% just couldn't believe it.  When confronted by the unhappy, I was challenged to have to defend their re-placement within the liturgy because frankly I don't lose too much sleep over such things, but this is a great example of just how much we have to respect the 10%.  No, this isn't some "Occupy Rally", it's just a simple fact.  Many of our faithful, truly thought through, and have owned their style of worship.  No amount of training or prep classes in understanding the "New Stuff" was gonna make things any easier for these folks.  Their Mass was giving way to a new Mass!  One of our staff members put it quite nicely.  "I am now feeling what some of the older folks must have felt when I was younger, and those changes in the Missal "turned everything around".

So, I'll end by saying that while change is difficult, it is a part of growth, and that is exactly what's happening here... We, the living Body of Christ continues to grow!  We seek to perfect our worship because that's what is asked of us... Not by the Vatican, but by God.  We were created to love and worship Him.  He who fashioned us from the dust, and gave us the breath of life, has given us a chance to express our faith in the best way we know how... And that is what we'll do!

Actually, Friday Was Quite Bright!

I get the reason why it's called "Black Friday"... It's an economic thing, right? They, the company, ate trying to turn a profit ("In the Black"), while we spend the money, and go into debt ("In the red"). We started "Black Friday" a few hours early, and hit Wal-Mart at 10pm Thanksgiving Night. Frankly, it was more fun than I thought it would be! I shopped with my a,axing wife, and my two beautiful gals, and about three-million others who were running around buying stuff just because they could. I saw carts with boxes, upon boxes of Rubbermaid storage containers... Everybody seemed to be required to purchase at least one box for $6.88. There were folks with not one, or a couple, but 30 DVD movies. Everyone seemed to need a TV, and we're quite happy standing in a line in the frozen food section to get it. But as is the order of the universe, only 200 were privaledged to be given the right to spend the $298 on the 32" flat screen. I hope they're not disappointed when they plug her in. A 32" TV is actually kinda small. I talked to a guy in the checkout line who wanted me to think he was a genius for having spent $999 on a 55".

We needed a printer, and just before midnight, a few gentlemen rolled out a pallet of boxes containing hundreds of them. I giggled when my wife broke in one direction, and I in another to claim a spot near the stack of valuable, and yet cheap printers. For a guy my size, I was doing pretty well to muscle in on the prize, but Karen actually had her hands on one first. Again, in the order of the universe, we had to wait there next to the pallet until the stroke of midnight, when things magically become cheap! The girls and I headed for the checkout line to reserve our spot. When we got there it was actually very calm, with no line in sight, forcing us to wait on Karen and the printer to reunite with us. We sat next to cooler with the Red Bull in it and waited for her arrival. Then without warning, and I'm not exaggerating, hundreds of people with printers in their hands came rushing for the checkout. We sprang to our feet, and as Karen and our precious little printer arrived, we were at the end of the line. Yep, I failed in my only duty of the evening. We had to wait for another 30 mins. I saw a couple of old students from the high school I used to work at, and I had to endure the advice of that "expert" who went on to tell me that, not only did he buy the 55" TV, but he bought a 32" as well. Yes, he was one of the 200! BTW, he had two printers! Speaking of the 32" TV, actually said, "I'm not sure what I'm gonna do with it!". GENIUS!

Well, that's another Black Friday perspective... It was actually not back at all. We're a tad in the red, and it was actually a lot of fun... A real bright spot in my Thanksgiving of 2011! Post Script: can you believe that girls brought me home around 1am, picked up my Mom, went out for another round at a different store, brought her home a little before 3am, then went back out to find shoes! They're still sleeping. Oh, the printer works great! I'll complain about the evils of capitalism on another day! :)

To Be Thankful, and then Sleep!

I am sitting in the midst of the preparation for our family Thanksgiving meal. My job is to simply to simply stay out of the way, yet keep the glasses the full. So far so good! The Turkey has been rubbed, stuffed, and is roasting ever so slowly, and the kitchen (like yours) smells marvelous! We are all so blessed and, dare I say, should all be very thankful for the stuff (and stuffing) we have this day. When we sit down and eat our abundant meal, know that God and his beautiful nature have built in the ingredient to make it all perfect. TRYPTOPHAN! Tryptophan is, as defined in the British Dictionary, which is appropriate on this truly unique American holiday :), "an amino acid that is a constituent of most proteins. It is an essential nutrient in the diet of vertebrates." I'm sure that it is essential for many reasons, but one ting I know is that anything to help this country relax is certainly essential! Later, we will drift off to sleep knowing that our bellies are full, life is great, and all shall be well! Is Tryptophan a drug? No, not really! Do we need it to relax? No, not really! But it sure is a welcome gift this day, and yet another reason to be thankful! "To sleep: perchance to dream: ay, there's the rub..." - Hamlet

Hope: The Goal and Desire That Gets Results!

This is gonna sound funny, but I just had a ministry moment at my Parish Finance Council Meeting. When I sit at meetings like this, believe it or not, I have nothing to say. Let's just say that I'm a tad outta my league, and am very happy to let this part of the think tank do all the thinking. Tonight was no different, but in my listening I heard one member offer a statement that brought a concept of our faith into clear view. The word "goal" was used in a statement, as in looking ahead and setting goals for the future. One of the members stated that they preferred the term "desired result" instead of "goals". This prompted another member to add that maybe "hope" was the better term. But the person who likes "desired results" thought that the term "hope" might not have enough "umph" to it, or measurability. This got me thinking about the Gospel, and the whole WWJD thing. What would Jesus prefer? With respect to our faith, should we have goals or desired results? I would argue that both terms would be fine in planning one's journey of faith, but another term might be "more better!" :) The term is HOPE! I would say that a GOAL involves a victory that comes after much effort and hard work! This process seems to involve research and dreaming, but the key word is "victory". I would say that achieving a DESIRED RESULT also comes with much effort and hard work, but the term seems to imply that the outcome was understood from the beginning, and the culmination of the process is simply a measured and understood result. I'm not 100% sure, but I would maintain that nowhere in the Scripture do the terms "goal" or "desired result" appear. The term HOPE, however, appears quite frequently. It's most popular appearance is of course it's listing as one of the big three of FAITH, HOPE AND LOVE in St. Paul's Letter to the Corinthians. HOPE seems to involve the similar elements that "goals" and "desired results" have, but it is unique in that it involves trusting a promise. St. Paul promises that with Christ one can have a new life. Christ promises that in living this new life, one can have life everlasting! With those kind of promises, one can live with HOPE, and it is in that hope that one becomes motivated to work hard and give supreme effort. So let me offer my thanks to tonight's Parish Finance Council Meeting for giving me some great stuff to pray about. I would say that I prefer the term HOPE, for it is HOPE that gives us the purpose to dream dreams, set goals, and work for desired results. It is also HOPE that gives us the courage to keep trying, especially when we falls short of the victory of achieving goals, or being able to relish in results. It is HOPE that breeds goals and desires that will some day get the ultimate result. Because of the promise made by our Father in heaven, HOPE will always keep us alive!

On or Off... Sharing God Right Here, Right Now!

It's been a while... Actually it's been just too long since I've taken a real opportunity to share and reflect on what it means to be "Greg" on this little planet of ours. That's what these Blogs are for, right? Share yourself with a world that pops in to see what's what about the people who offer a piece of themselves and their lives as a witness of what it is that makes them tick... I've been blessed today to participate in the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) as a workshop presenter. I had the pleasure of sharing the stage with Anne Marie Cribbin, Parish Youth Minister in the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C.. She also serves the Church as a motivational speaker and story-teller... It was a joy serving today with her. Back to my opening thought... My purpose and the purpose I'd like to suggest for all those that do this digital stuff, is to use this opportunity to continue sharing all that is you, so as to further the Kingdom of God! We'll talk more later as to what that can mean, especially those "popping in" that aren't interested in God these days. We are called to be prophets of hope, and not doom. We need to be instruments of change, and peace, not evil. This is our challenge and this is our opportunity. This was the subject of our workshops today, and this was our privaledge. We shared the challenge to our young Church that, as disciples of Jesus Christ, every tool, every gadget, and every moment can be one of simply sharing the love of God. It's never been a complex principle to me, just a tough thing to start. Everything we do on blogs, or FB, or over on Twitter can simply be the continuation of the Word of God, and Truth of the Gospel. Anyway, thanks for the rumblings. Peace!

This is a GregCast video tribute to my Dad that I did last year... It's worth the repeat... Today he would have been 73 years old. Happy Birthday POP!

Procrastinating in the Rain

When it rains, I yawn. When it pours, my mind wanders. When its grey, I like to sit and wait. For what? Sunshine, or definite thoughts. But that's not until tomorrow!

Can One Be Critical of Church?

Recently, I had the opportunity to speak with a friend about their concerns related to someone else's outspoken criticism of the Catholic Church. Specifically, this criticism that the Church, and it's Popes were "not catholic enough". The concern was so great that it challenged my friend to the core, causing him to wonder if there was any credibility at all to the claims. The overwhelming thought was simply, "What if they were right? What if we're 'not catholic enough'?" When it comes to dealing with such religious criticisms and concerns, my first inclination i

s to be skeptical. Isn't that the tenant of our human spirit? In other words, why would a criticism like "the Catholic Church is not catholic enough" be of any concern?

I have to say here that there are plenty of criticisms of the Church that are of concern these days, like the abuse scandal and how to respond and improve, or the level of attendance and participation in the pews. But when a criticism comes from "the fringe", and seemingly seeks to aim torpedoes at the core of a system, I think there needs to be a level of responsibility demanded of the "criticizer" and of course the "criticizee" as well. A level headed debate is always a good thing, but a barrage of accusations, without concern for accuracy, academia, discussion or compromise is, in itself, very destructive and should be greeted with MUCH SKEPTICISM.

Now you're saying, "What's the criticism? I want to know more!" While I respect your curiosity, I am not blogging about this to enter into this particular debate. I am curious, though. What what makes a "fringe" like criticism worth responding to, especially when an organization claims to know that "Satan lives in the Vatican"? Here's the point... Can one be critical of Church and the people that claim to serve God? Absolutely! But, in an educated and enlightened society, there must be some "rules of engagement. While researching and reading about some of "the fringe", I came upon this particular list that seeks to guide the critical thinker in times of dealing with controversy. The following came from a discussion thread in a religion forum, and is seemingly attributed to a writer named John Daly. I can't find much bio info, so while you should never trust what is on the internet, I still find the info that was quoted in this particular forum very interesting and worth some reflection:

When confronting a controversy or a critical issue, one should take care to present concerns with the following "rules of engagement" in mind...

Form the quoted list...
"a. It (the argument) must be clear. 
b. It must be amply based on authorities with due references. 
c. Its facts must be true and its arguments valid. 
d. It must avoid overstatement.
e. It must be mild and charitable in expressing disagreement with the controverted issues."

Furthermore, and with respect to theological debate, take these principles to heart...

The list continues... "To write in public on matters of theological controversy it is necessary to be competent. That competence comprises the following elements: 

a. Correct use of the mind - thinking straight. Distinguishing between a valid and an invalid argument; identifying a convincing proof, a probable proof, suggestive evidence, tenuous possibility and outright sophistry. 

b. Sound general education: background familiarity with philosophy, history, etc. 

c. The ability to write clear and correct English communicating exactly what one means. 

d. Good all-round familiarity with all aspects of the theological doctrine. 

e. Ability to read and understand the language of the theology itself.

f. A profound knowledge of the specific subjects being written about. 

g. Integrity. I do not mean by this a high degree of sanctity. I mean the minimal austere uprightness that would never twist the truth, abuse logic or muster up unjustified certitude on doubtful matters and would always retract any mistake made. 

h. Orthodoxy - [Consideration] to what [theological] authorities teach (which entails knowing what [they] are obliged in conscience to accept as sound doctrine and the different ways in which the [theology] teaches us)."

While I'm a little nervous to offer all of this, for fear of getting more than what I am bargaining for, I do feel that there is a responsibility that comes with criticizing the hearts of God's People!

Who Believes in Angels?

"Questions for the angels... Who believes in an angel?
I do... fools and pilgrims all over the world."*

Today I pray with the people of hope, and hope to see what the folks with vision truly see!

*Paul Simon from Questions for the Angels on "So Beautiful, or So What?"

Fix Yourself!

Today, I am experimenting with the possibility that it just might be OK for a guy to sit in the back pew of his Day Chapel and share a few thoughts, all in the real presence of Christ, and the virtual presence of you, my wonderful friends!

From Deuteronomy 4:39-40a... "Know, and fix in your heart, that the Lord is God in the heavens above and on earth below, and that there is no other. You must keep his statutes and commandments which I enjoin on you today."

I sit here in the back pew of my parish Day Chapel, and pray from time to time. Actually I should be able to say that I pray here all the time, but I'm working on that one. Anyway, today I am interested in the word "FIX" a

s offered in the reading above, as it seems to ask me to keep my focus on God, who is everything, and is always here, even when I am not in the back pew.

It would seem very probable that to focus in such a way would offer me an opportunity to not only FIX my heart on God, but also FIX my heart as well. Staying close to one's faith can never hurt, and if we are believers in this God of ours, then we know that there is always a benefit, even when their doesn't seem to be one.

God is, and always will be love; and through love all things are conquered, or better yet, made whole. To fix my life ON God, allows my life to be fixed in a way that brings me closer TO God, hence becoming whole, or "not broken". So, let is be written (and it already was)-let it be so... Fix your heart on God the Father, Christ, His only Son, and the power of the Holy Spirit, and maybe, just maybe you can fix yourself!

BTW... Good luck with that, for it's really easy for a guy in the back pew to say such things, when you are the one that has to live it out. I am praying for you... Peace be with you!

Pierce the Veil!

I have been participating in a wonderful Discussion Board on helping Catholic Youth understand the New Translation of the Mass that is coming later in the Fall. This is a closing thought that I shared with the group...

Our young people are being called FROM where they are; that is, their starting points vary, but all lead to the same joy and Truth in our Lord, Jesus Christ. Welcoming them into this journey, at whatever starting point they might be coming from, keeps them closer to the Church, calling us to be patient, and hopeful. I've heard it said that "no matter their tattoos, or dress, or opinions [at this point in their journey], as long as they are sharing those things HERE, in the Church, we have a better chance at putting them in a position to experience the Spirit, and begin their personal relationship with Christ. With that said, the rules, the gestures , the real expectations of what it means to mature in life and in faith are certainly crucial in our mentoring these youth to progress and move forward!

Now, with respect to the liturgy and the New Translation o

f the Mass, where are they headed? Why is it worth the effort? I asked my own Spiritual Director a very specific and pointed question this weekend. "Why do we go to Mass? Is it to receive the Eucharist, or hear the Word, or offer God our prayers and worship?" I expected an answer like "All of the above!" But what he said was, "We go to Mass to participate in the sacrifice given to us by our Lord, Jesus Christ. We pierce the veil that seperates time, heaven and earth, and we share in the love of God!" He went on to add that in the Mass, "when that veil is pierced, it is not Christ who comes to us, but it is we who are invited and able to come to Him!"

In the spirit of this past Sunday's readings, and with respect to what it is that we YM's do so well, we need to keep inviting young people to "come and see", knowing that where they are going, God's love is there to greet them! So be it Youth Group, or Bible Study, or retreats, or in this case Mass... Let us lead them to the sacrifice and the celebration of the love of God that is the Body of Christ. Remember to stay relaxed, for we are trying our best to attach words and gestures to that which we can never comprehend, but through our faith we can always attain.

I have enjoyed presenting, reading and participating in this experience with you, and I again thank Charlotte and Leigh and MTS for ALL of their amazing efforts and strength in bringing you this opportunity, because that is exactly what it is; an opportunity to come to a fuller understanding of what it is that Christ has in store for US! God bless you all, and good luck in your ministry this coming season. I look forward to our continued worship together, as the "one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church" celebrates the love of God, yet again, at a Mass near you!