“The sacrifice acceptable to God is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” Psalm 51:17
When I was meditating on Psalm 51 a few months ago, I had a hard time with this verse. I didn’t like the idea of being “broken,” until God inspired me to take a deeper look at “brokenness.”
A broken spirit is one that has submitted its will to the will of another, like when a horse is broken and trained to do what its master wants. This involves a relationship of trust. The horse needs to learn to trust the master and to accept that the master is in charge.
To have a broken spirit, I need to submit my will to God. I need to pray as Jesus prayed, “Not my will, but thine be done.” I also need to trust that God is in control and that he wants what is best for me.
Brokenness in this sense does not mean to damage something so that it is no longer useful, like when a glass is broken. Rather, the opposite is true. A horse that is not broken is not useful for anything, because it cannot be controlled. A broken horse, on the other hand, can be trained to do all sorts of useful things.
In the same way, God cannot use me until I am “broken,” until I submit to Him and allow Him to use me as He wills. Once I learn to trust Him and submit to Him, He can do great things in and through me.
Sunday, August 23, 2015
Thursday, August 6, 2015
Letting Go
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Matt. 6:19-21)
These verses from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount pretty much sum up my life for the past few months, as God teaches me about letting go and trusting in Him. I have always tended to be a keeper. I don’t think I’ve ever reached the point of being a hoarder, but I definitely tend to hang onto things much longer than I should, especially if they have any sentimental value.
Now that we are preparing to downsize and move into an apartment, I’ve had to re-evaluate my attachment to things. I’ve had to let go and get rid of a lot of stuff.
Something that a friend posted on Facebook a few months ago helped me to see a different aspect of letting go. She was getting ready to move and was having trouble letting go of some of her things because of the memories connected with them. One thing she said really helped me: “If we are lucky enough, we will watch them go out our front door and be part of another family’s home where that family can start a history, have stories and laughter as well.”
The idea that others would be blessed made the pain of letting go of treasured possessions much easier to bear. In fact, I’ve found this whole process of letting go to be very freeing. I’ve tried to think of people who could probably use the things I was getting rid of: dollhouse furniture and craft items to a cousin with two granddaughters; homeschooling resources to other homeschooling moms; bookcases and photo paper to a cousin who does photography; and Legos and Duplos to our parish school.
Letting go of my kids’ drawings and craft projects has been a little more challenging, since I’ve had to trash a lot of those. I’ve saved a few things to scan into my computer, but most of the stuff has gone into the recycling bin. Even though it’s hard to see them go, looking through all those treasures has been a wonderful trip down memory lane.
The hardest thing for me to let go of is my attachment to people. I love the parish that we are in now, and I have made many friends here over the years. It’s going to be really hard to say goodbye to them. However, I trust that God will provide another wonderful parish and many new friends. Also, thanks to modern technology, I’ll still be able to keep up with my family and friends after we move.
Ever since Bob and I got married, he has talked about moving to Texas. He spent some time there as a teenager and really liked it. I pretty much swore that I’d never move to Texas. I wanted to be near my family and friends, not halfway across the country where I was sure I would never see them again.
I’m slowly learning, though, that it doesn’t matter where you live, as long as it’s where God has called you to be. I feel that God is calling us to make this move to Texas, so I trust Him to provide for us as we follow his lead. As long as I can still keep in touch with my family and I have access to the Sacraments, that is all I could ask for. I’m hoping to focus on laying up treasures in heaven, rather than accumulating more stuff.
So, in about a month, I’ll be saying, “Goodbye, PA” and “Hello, Temple, Texas”! Please keep our family in your prayers as we make this big move.
These verses from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount pretty much sum up my life for the past few months, as God teaches me about letting go and trusting in Him. I have always tended to be a keeper. I don’t think I’ve ever reached the point of being a hoarder, but I definitely tend to hang onto things much longer than I should, especially if they have any sentimental value.
Now that we are preparing to downsize and move into an apartment, I’ve had to re-evaluate my attachment to things. I’ve had to let go and get rid of a lot of stuff.
Something that a friend posted on Facebook a few months ago helped me to see a different aspect of letting go. She was getting ready to move and was having trouble letting go of some of her things because of the memories connected with them. One thing she said really helped me: “If we are lucky enough, we will watch them go out our front door and be part of another family’s home where that family can start a history, have stories and laughter as well.”
The idea that others would be blessed made the pain of letting go of treasured possessions much easier to bear. In fact, I’ve found this whole process of letting go to be very freeing. I’ve tried to think of people who could probably use the things I was getting rid of: dollhouse furniture and craft items to a cousin with two granddaughters; homeschooling resources to other homeschooling moms; bookcases and photo paper to a cousin who does photography; and Legos and Duplos to our parish school.
Letting go of my kids’ drawings and craft projects has been a little more challenging, since I’ve had to trash a lot of those. I’ve saved a few things to scan into my computer, but most of the stuff has gone into the recycling bin. Even though it’s hard to see them go, looking through all those treasures has been a wonderful trip down memory lane.
The hardest thing for me to let go of is my attachment to people. I love the parish that we are in now, and I have made many friends here over the years. It’s going to be really hard to say goodbye to them. However, I trust that God will provide another wonderful parish and many new friends. Also, thanks to modern technology, I’ll still be able to keep up with my family and friends after we move.
Ever since Bob and I got married, he has talked about moving to Texas. He spent some time there as a teenager and really liked it. I pretty much swore that I’d never move to Texas. I wanted to be near my family and friends, not halfway across the country where I was sure I would never see them again.
I’m slowly learning, though, that it doesn’t matter where you live, as long as it’s where God has called you to be. I feel that God is calling us to make this move to Texas, so I trust Him to provide for us as we follow his lead. As long as I can still keep in touch with my family and I have access to the Sacraments, that is all I could ask for. I’m hoping to focus on laying up treasures in heaven, rather than accumulating more stuff.
So, in about a month, I’ll be saying, “Goodbye, PA” and “Hello, Temple, Texas”! Please keep our family in your prayers as we make this big move.
Wednesday, July 22, 2015
A Feast for our Souls
“So I will bless you as long as I live; I will lift up my hands and call on your name. My soul is feasted as with marrow and fat, and my mouth praises you with joyful lips when I think upon you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night; for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I sing for joy. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.” (Psalm 63:4-8)
When meditating on this passage a few months ago, I was especially struck by the verse “my soul is feasted.” I think it’s a beautiful way to describe prayer. According to Webster’s dictionary, to feast is “to gratify or delight as with a feast.” Webster’s describes a feast as “a rich and elaborate meal” or “anything that gives pleasure because of its abundance or richness.”
Prayer is nourishment for our souls. We were created to love and serve God, so no created thing can ever satisfy our deepest inner longings. It is only when we are in communion with God through prayer that our thirst for Him is quenched and our souls are “feasted.”
When I “meet” God in prayer, I discover his merciful love for me. Knowing his love fills me with joy and hope. It is in prayer and the sacraments that God gives me the grace I need to face the trials of life and to trust in Him and his love for me.
Another verse that struck me is “my soul clings to you.” According to Webster’s, to cling is to “hold fast … as by embracing [or] entwining.” To me, then, clinging to God means to become one with Him, allowing Him to live and work in and through me. As St. Paul says, “It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” (Gal. 2:20)
When meditating on this passage a few months ago, I was especially struck by the verse “my soul is feasted.” I think it’s a beautiful way to describe prayer. According to Webster’s dictionary, to feast is “to gratify or delight as with a feast.” Webster’s describes a feast as “a rich and elaborate meal” or “anything that gives pleasure because of its abundance or richness.”
Prayer is nourishment for our souls. We were created to love and serve God, so no created thing can ever satisfy our deepest inner longings. It is only when we are in communion with God through prayer that our thirst for Him is quenched and our souls are “feasted.”
When I “meet” God in prayer, I discover his merciful love for me. Knowing his love fills me with joy and hope. It is in prayer and the sacraments that God gives me the grace I need to face the trials of life and to trust in Him and his love for me.
Another verse that struck me is “my soul clings to you.” According to Webster’s, to cling is to “hold fast … as by embracing [or] entwining.” To me, then, clinging to God means to become one with Him, allowing Him to live and work in and through me. As St. Paul says, “It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” (Gal. 2:20)
Thursday, July 2, 2015
The Power of Praise
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the lands! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! Know that the Lord is God! (Psalm 100)
Last month I attended the National Catholic Bible Conference, and it was a phenomenal weekend. The speakers were excellent and the talks were very inspiring. I think the workshop that touched me the most was Dr. Mary Healy’s talk on “The Power of Praise.”
Dr. Healy started by explaining the difference between praise and thanksgiving. We praise God for who he is, for his greatness and his faithfulness for instance. We thank him for what he does, for all the blessings he bestows on us. Both praise and thanksgiving are essential for our spiritual well-being, for that is what we were created for: to give praise and glory to God.
Praising God helps to put things in perspective. Our problems don’t seem so big when we recall who God is, the creator of the entire universe. He is bigger than any of our problems, and he always does what is best for us. He has a plan for each of our lives. He sees the big picture. We just need to trust that he knows what he’s doing.
I was especially touched when Dr. Healy said that praise “changes the spiritual landscape.” Praising God is so powerful that it actually makes the demons flee!
St. Paul exhorts us to praise and thank God continually, in all circumstances. If we make a habit of praising God in the good times, it will be much easier to do so in the rough times.
I have been trying to develop a habit of thankfulness in my own life, trying to find good in every situation. Like the song says, I’ve been trying to “accentuate the positive” and “eliminate the negative.”
Since the conference, I’ve also been trying to make a habit of praising God continually. When I pray, I try to start by praising God first, and I’m beginning to witness for myself the “power of praise.” Just in the last week, I’ve experienced several miracles which I attribute to praise and persistent prayer. Praise God, our creator and Lord!
Last month I attended the National Catholic Bible Conference, and it was a phenomenal weekend. The speakers were excellent and the talks were very inspiring. I think the workshop that touched me the most was Dr. Mary Healy’s talk on “The Power of Praise.”
Dr. Healy started by explaining the difference between praise and thanksgiving. We praise God for who he is, for his greatness and his faithfulness for instance. We thank him for what he does, for all the blessings he bestows on us. Both praise and thanksgiving are essential for our spiritual well-being, for that is what we were created for: to give praise and glory to God.
Praising God helps to put things in perspective. Our problems don’t seem so big when we recall who God is, the creator of the entire universe. He is bigger than any of our problems, and he always does what is best for us. He has a plan for each of our lives. He sees the big picture. We just need to trust that he knows what he’s doing.
I was especially touched when Dr. Healy said that praise “changes the spiritual landscape.” Praising God is so powerful that it actually makes the demons flee!
St. Paul exhorts us to praise and thank God continually, in all circumstances. If we make a habit of praising God in the good times, it will be much easier to do so in the rough times.
I have been trying to develop a habit of thankfulness in my own life, trying to find good in every situation. Like the song says, I’ve been trying to “accentuate the positive” and “eliminate the negative.”
Since the conference, I’ve also been trying to make a habit of praising God continually. When I pray, I try to start by praising God first, and I’m beginning to witness for myself the “power of praise.” Just in the last week, I’ve experienced several miracles which I attribute to praise and persistent prayer. Praise God, our creator and Lord!
Sunday, June 7, 2015
Treasure the Present Moment
“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Let the day’s own trouble be sufficient for the day.” (Matt. 6:34)
Lately, the Lord has been teaching me a very important lesson: treasure the present moment. In a homily a few months ago, our pastor pointed out that if we’re too busy looking back on the past or planning for the future, we miss out on what God is trying to show us right now.
When I go for my daily walk on the rail trail I tend to spend a lot of time looking back on my mistakes and sins, lamenting what could have been, or looking ahead at what I need to do that day or that week, etc. When I talk to people I often catch myself thinking more of what I want to say next, rather than really listening to what the other person is saying.
For the past few weeks, therefore, I’ve been really trying to live in the present moment. When I go for a walk I try to listen to the birds singing, and I try to look around, taking time to marvel at the beauty of God’s creation.
God has been showing me that I especially need to be more aware of the people around me, not just my family and friends, but the people I meet on the street or in the grocery store. If I’m too wrapped up in my own thoughts and plans, I miss out on opportunities to share God’s love with others.
I like to read “The Word Among Us” (a magazine with meditations on the daily Mass readings). On May 23 of this year, there was a meditation that really struck me. The first reading for that day was about the time St. Paul spent in prison in Rome before his execution. The meditation for that day was about a Vietnamese cardinal named Nguyen Van Thuan, who spent many years in a Communist prison.
Rather than lamenting over what he had lost, or looking ahead to the day he would be free again, Cardinal Van Thuan chose to “live the present moment and fill it with love.” He accepted God’s will and saw his present situation as his “cathedral” and his fellow prisoners as the people God had given him to care for.
The author of the meditation then encouraged readers to look at difficult situations in their own lives and “decide here and now to make this situation your cathedral and…try your best to accept God’s will.” There are many situations in my life that I’ve wanted God to just “fix,” so that I’d be free of the stress and pain. I’m trying really hard, though, to submit my will to God and trust him to work things out in his time, for my good and for the good of those I love.
In the meantime, I’m trying to be more open to the promptings of the Holy Spirit and to follow through on every opportunity he gives me to “fill the present moment with love.” It's a daily struggle, but I believe that God will accomplish his work in me, little by little, if I but trust in him and respond to his grace.
Lately, the Lord has been teaching me a very important lesson: treasure the present moment. In a homily a few months ago, our pastor pointed out that if we’re too busy looking back on the past or planning for the future, we miss out on what God is trying to show us right now.
When I go for my daily walk on the rail trail I tend to spend a lot of time looking back on my mistakes and sins, lamenting what could have been, or looking ahead at what I need to do that day or that week, etc. When I talk to people I often catch myself thinking more of what I want to say next, rather than really listening to what the other person is saying.
For the past few weeks, therefore, I’ve been really trying to live in the present moment. When I go for a walk I try to listen to the birds singing, and I try to look around, taking time to marvel at the beauty of God’s creation.
God has been showing me that I especially need to be more aware of the people around me, not just my family and friends, but the people I meet on the street or in the grocery store. If I’m too wrapped up in my own thoughts and plans, I miss out on opportunities to share God’s love with others.
I like to read “The Word Among Us” (a magazine with meditations on the daily Mass readings). On May 23 of this year, there was a meditation that really struck me. The first reading for that day was about the time St. Paul spent in prison in Rome before his execution. The meditation for that day was about a Vietnamese cardinal named Nguyen Van Thuan, who spent many years in a Communist prison.
Rather than lamenting over what he had lost, or looking ahead to the day he would be free again, Cardinal Van Thuan chose to “live the present moment and fill it with love.” He accepted God’s will and saw his present situation as his “cathedral” and his fellow prisoners as the people God had given him to care for.
The author of the meditation then encouraged readers to look at difficult situations in their own lives and “decide here and now to make this situation your cathedral and…try your best to accept God’s will.” There are many situations in my life that I’ve wanted God to just “fix,” so that I’d be free of the stress and pain. I’m trying really hard, though, to submit my will to God and trust him to work things out in his time, for my good and for the good of those I love.
In the meantime, I’m trying to be more open to the promptings of the Holy Spirit and to follow through on every opportunity he gives me to “fill the present moment with love.” It's a daily struggle, but I believe that God will accomplish his work in me, little by little, if I but trust in him and respond to his grace.
Thursday, February 5, 2015
This Too Shall Pass
My new baby granddaughter has been suffering from reflux and has been pretty miserable for the last week or so. When talking to my daughter about it, she said that the hardest thing was watching the baby suffer and not being able to do anything to help her. I encouraged her and reminded her that “this too shall pass.” I told her that one of the hardest things about being a mother is watching our children suffer.
That brought to mind our Blessed Mother, who watched her only Son ridiculed, beaten, and nailed to a cross. She then stood by and watched as He died an agonizing death. I encouraged my daughter to seek Mary’s intercession, as she knows only too well what it is to watch a child suffer.
Later, as I was praying in the chapel at church, I was reflecting on the whole idea of suffering and people who have gone through terrible ordeals throughout history. I have been reading about the Battle of Antietam during the Civil War, “the bloodiest day in U.S. history.” In the midst of all that carnage, men on both sides fought bravely, many giving their lives or limbs in the process. How, I wondered, did they do it? How did they move forward, with the roar of bullets and shells and screams all around them? Where did they find the courage to do what they had to do?
The answer, I think, is that they had a goal, something that was worth fighting for and possibly giving up their lives for. For many of these men, they were fighting for their families and for their way of life.
I think the same could be said about the battles we face in our life in Christ. We are able to persevere in times of trouble because we have a goal. We see a “light at the end of the tunnel.” For us, that light is Jesus and eternal salvation with Him.
As the author of Hebrews put it: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Heb. 12:1-2)
We persevere in our own “races” because we believe that this life is not the end of all things. We trust in the resurrection, and we have hope that our sufferings will not go on forever. We look forward to that “joy that [is] set before [us].”
In my Bible study on salvation history, I just finished reading about the Maccabean revolt during the Seleucid persecution of the Jews in the second century B.C. During the revolt, Judas Maccabeus led a group of faithful Jews against much larger and stronger armies. Before each battle the Jews prayed and fasted, putting their trust in God. Because of that, they fought bravely and were victorious.
Perhaps the most compelling example from this time period is the story of a widow and her seven sons, found in 2 Maccabees 7. During the persecution of Antiochus Epiphanes, this mother was forced to watch as each of her sons was brutally tortured and martyred for his faith.
As her sons prepared to meet their fate, she encouraged them to remain steadfast: “Therefore the Creator of the world, who shaped the beginning of man and devised the origin of all things, will in his mercy give life and breath back to you again, since you now forget yourselves for the sake of his laws.” (2 Macc. 7:23)
In the end, this virtuous woman shared the same fate as her sons, becoming a martyr for her faith. She kept her eyes on the goal and surrendered herself completely to the God who gave her and her sons life, trusting that He would give her sons back to her at the resurrection.
So when we find ourselves facing battles or trials, let us remember, as this widow did, that “this too shall pass.” Let us keep our eyes on the goal. Nothing that we endure in this life can compare with the glory that awaits us if we put our trust in God and allow Him to purify us and transform us into his image.
Sometimes it takes a little child to put things into perspective for us. A young mother and her two little children came into Mass this morning. The little girl, who is about 3 or 4 years old, sat right down in the front row when she came in. The mother thought it would be better to sit back in the corner, where they wouldn’t disturb anyone, but the daughter objected, “But then we won’t be able to see Jesus.” This little child, in her simple faith, reminded me of what we adults, in our busy lives, tend to forget: We need to keep our eyes on Jesus.
Mother Mary, pray for us. Help us to keep our eyes on your Son and to persevere in the midst of adversity. Help us to remember that “this too shall pass,” and help us to trust in God’s love and compassion for us.
That brought to mind our Blessed Mother, who watched her only Son ridiculed, beaten, and nailed to a cross. She then stood by and watched as He died an agonizing death. I encouraged my daughter to seek Mary’s intercession, as she knows only too well what it is to watch a child suffer.
Later, as I was praying in the chapel at church, I was reflecting on the whole idea of suffering and people who have gone through terrible ordeals throughout history. I have been reading about the Battle of Antietam during the Civil War, “the bloodiest day in U.S. history.” In the midst of all that carnage, men on both sides fought bravely, many giving their lives or limbs in the process. How, I wondered, did they do it? How did they move forward, with the roar of bullets and shells and screams all around them? Where did they find the courage to do what they had to do?
The answer, I think, is that they had a goal, something that was worth fighting for and possibly giving up their lives for. For many of these men, they were fighting for their families and for their way of life.
I think the same could be said about the battles we face in our life in Christ. We are able to persevere in times of trouble because we have a goal. We see a “light at the end of the tunnel.” For us, that light is Jesus and eternal salvation with Him.
As the author of Hebrews put it: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Heb. 12:1-2)
We persevere in our own “races” because we believe that this life is not the end of all things. We trust in the resurrection, and we have hope that our sufferings will not go on forever. We look forward to that “joy that [is] set before [us].”
In my Bible study on salvation history, I just finished reading about the Maccabean revolt during the Seleucid persecution of the Jews in the second century B.C. During the revolt, Judas Maccabeus led a group of faithful Jews against much larger and stronger armies. Before each battle the Jews prayed and fasted, putting their trust in God. Because of that, they fought bravely and were victorious.
Perhaps the most compelling example from this time period is the story of a widow and her seven sons, found in 2 Maccabees 7. During the persecution of Antiochus Epiphanes, this mother was forced to watch as each of her sons was brutally tortured and martyred for his faith.
As her sons prepared to meet their fate, she encouraged them to remain steadfast: “Therefore the Creator of the world, who shaped the beginning of man and devised the origin of all things, will in his mercy give life and breath back to you again, since you now forget yourselves for the sake of his laws.” (2 Macc. 7:23)
In the end, this virtuous woman shared the same fate as her sons, becoming a martyr for her faith. She kept her eyes on the goal and surrendered herself completely to the God who gave her and her sons life, trusting that He would give her sons back to her at the resurrection.
So when we find ourselves facing battles or trials, let us remember, as this widow did, that “this too shall pass.” Let us keep our eyes on the goal. Nothing that we endure in this life can compare with the glory that awaits us if we put our trust in God and allow Him to purify us and transform us into his image.
Sometimes it takes a little child to put things into perspective for us. A young mother and her two little children came into Mass this morning. The little girl, who is about 3 or 4 years old, sat right down in the front row when she came in. The mother thought it would be better to sit back in the corner, where they wouldn’t disturb anyone, but the daughter objected, “But then we won’t be able to see Jesus.” This little child, in her simple faith, reminded me of what we adults, in our busy lives, tend to forget: We need to keep our eyes on Jesus.
Mother Mary, pray for us. Help us to keep our eyes on your Son and to persevere in the midst of adversity. Help us to remember that “this too shall pass,” and help us to trust in God’s love and compassion for us.
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