Take Away Just One Thing

Bored with going to Mass? Simple answer....we all wait to hear the response from a very enthusiastic Matthew Kelly....Simply walk in and pray, " God, please give me just one message, one thing that I can take away from this service. One song, one message, one person that speaks to me." He guarantees that it will happen. How often has that happened to you? How often do we forget these amazing gifts of grace that God himself hands us on a silver platter? Matthew continues...Be proactive; write these weekly occurrences in a journal and refer to them when necessary. When you check back, they will speak to you again. You will discover prayers answered, problems solved, difficulties that you may still be working on. Very simple, yet this action may lead to something very profound as well. He states that he has years of Mass journals to which he refers when the need arises. That was the one thing that stood out to me, one thing that I took away, amidst the wealth of inspiration provided in this day of reflection.

Life Experience:  There are numerous times when I have had a burning question, a doubt, or a difficulty that has been addressed while attending Mass. Many times, it is when I have also been given an inner nudge to attend in the first place. A hymn that speaks to me will bring a smile or a tear, giving me the verification that He is listening. While listening to the Gospel or Homily, an answer of help in dealing with a current struggle is answered. Sometimes, it has happened when I had been drifting off in my thoughts and the message wakes me up, calling attention to itself. That is why we are called to be there. We are not perfect; we are sinners. We are not there because we are perfect Christians, we are there to humbly accept God's love and grace. God calls us to be present, and bestows on us His gifts.

Writer's Block

Coincidence. I love this word. Is there coincidence, no coincidence, or is it God-incidence? I have found myself  many, many times smiling at something I have just 'happened to read, someone I have 'happened to run in to, some door that has been opened, or closed.

While struggling to come up with a post yesterday, my thoughts were reverted by news of a fatal car accident, the death of a sibling of a good friend, and other daily concerns and obstacles. I read the daily excerpt from "Jesus Calling". Fascinating. ......"you begin each day with joyful expectation, watching to see what I will do. You accept weakness as a gift from Me, knowing that My Power plugs in most readily to consecrated weakness.."
 Interesting....weakness was the topic of my first post, just two days ago. (The word Joyful also jumped out at me, the topic of my second post. )The daily message follows with a passage from 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.....For when  I am weak, then I am strong."

Interesting, powerful, amusing confirmation. Brings an inner smile. Much better stated than I attempted to convey on Monday's post.

Life Experience:   I was still distracted yesterday, and felt I needed to collect my thoughts and did not post a message.  This morning I felt the urge to try again.   I started with the prayer to the Holy Spirit and a little later decided to pick up "Jesus Calling" to see how the writing for Sept. 3rd might inspire.
So, it begins...."Let the dew of  My presence refresh your mind and heart. So many, many things
vie for your attention in this complex world of instant communication." Okay, cute. I read on. "The world has changed enormously since I first gave the command to be still and know that I am God........communicate with me continually, and I will put My thoughts in your mind.
Well, alrighty then. ;)

Channeling My Inner Rita

Channeling My Inner Rita

She was bustling around the cafeteria, retired after 35 years in administration, working still, loving being active and on her feet. "I love cleaning!", she said. I looked at her. Really? How refreshing to find joy in this unpleasant task. I believe it was the same year some friends had gotten together to celebrate the holidays. While sharing our lives that contained many hardships, a friend announces that the word Joy kept coming up while reading prayers and elsewhere in her everyday life. She thought we all looked at her like she was crazy to suggest that we find joy amidst our daunting trials in life! However, I filed that message in my consciousness and decided soon thereafter to rediscover that little three letter word. It IS a fruit of the Holy Spirit : love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. It is even listed second, right behind the most important....Love.......
Rita also volunteered at Hospice, caring for those near the end of life. "Wow, how do you do that? It takes a special person....."  Rita empowered others, " You know, you should consider volunteering there, you would be good at that". I filed that as well for....later.

That little word, Joy, started popping up in my readings and in my daily life as well; as I tried to incorporate it, even during obstacles, even despite trials, as we are told to do. There is Grace available to us in this decision. We are also able to offer our sufferings up to God for another person's sufferings to obtain Grace and strength for them.

Life Experience:  Rita found joy in her work and in her daily life despite what she was suffering physically and internally. I visited her in the hospital with another co-worker a few days before she passed away.  Even though it was difficult for her to breathe, she was asking us about work and our lives. She missed being there and we missed her.  At her funeral service, the minister spoke about how Rita had found Joy in her life.  It made an impression.