Urbi et orbi: "Verbum caro factum est"

Every year on Christmas Day, the Pope shares a message and a blessing for Rome and the world. You can watch the entire proclamation here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gG00xblHVCw

“Verbum caro factum est” – “The Word became flesh” (Jn 1:14).

The Pope opened up with this verse from Holy Scripture. He reminded us that God is not far away, but very near, close to us. He emphasized that God is no stranger, but that "He has a face, the face of Jesus."

One of the most beautiful points Pope Benedict made is that God's love affair with humanity culminated in Jesus Christ. The Word was made Flesh, for one reason: LOVE. "Those who love, desire to share with the beloved, they want to be one with the beloved." When we love someone, we want to spend time with that person. We want to share our lives with that person. We never want to be apart from that person. In this yearning for mankind, God came into the world to become one of us.

The rest of the Pope's message focused on how we must use this Love of God to change situations in the world that need healing. He mentioned the Iraqi Christians, and their recent persecutions by militant islamic radicals. He mentioned the situation in China, where Catholics cannot worship in freedom. He mentioned parts of the world that have seen devastation through natural disasters and disease.

I am reminded to pray for all these, as, so often, I feel like they are distant and too far away from my own personal life, that sadly, I don't remember them. How much we could change the world with our prayers!

You may read the entire message here:

http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/messages/urbi/documents/hf_ben-xvi_mes_20101225_urbi_en.html

I hope all of you had a Merry Christmas!

Waiting

The Church is now in the season of Advent. This is traditionally a time spent "waiting" for the Baby Jesus. But the other day...it had me thinking....just exactly what is all this "waiting" for??? I mean...Jesus has been born...Jesus is alive and well, sitting at the Right Hand of His Father in Heaven...why do we Catholics go through these practices of preparing ourselves for events that have already occurred in history???

Just as I am pondering this, a good friend decides to call me up and asks me to go wassailing in New Braunfels. YES! A distraction!!! It's that time of the year! Time for cold temperatures, and frolicking about the town, drinking warm cider to our hearts delights...

We get to the small German-Texas town, and the parking is ridiculous...not one spot within a mile radius of the wassailfest. There has to be about 5,000 people converged in an area as big as half a football field...(and not even that big!) After waiting in traffic that seemed to go nowhere, I think, "The church must have some good spots!" Sure enough, Sts. Peter & Paul did not fail us! HA! I love being Catholic! We got a prime parking space, and my friend and I bounded towards the downtown area. We bought our wassailfest mugs, and immediately jumped into a LOOONG line to try out a sample of wassail.

And we waited...

And we waited...

And we waited...

...drank that sample, enjoyed it, walked to another line...

And we waited...

Of course, we enjoyed our conversation, laughed and talked it up with perfect strangers. We listened to the bands playing around us, and the choirs singing and the dancers dancing. But we sure did wait...a lot. That's when I realized, we humans spend a great deal of time...just waiting....

Looking about the crowd I saw hundreds of families enjoying the festivities. Parents of babies, older parents of teens, and grandma's and grandpas with grandchildren, great grandchildren...I found myself thinking, "There's a whole history of waiting, right there...!" When a couple decides to get married....there's usually a period of waiting and preparing for the wedding. This could be smooth sailing, but most of the time, there's blood sweat and tears involved until the happy couple finally say their "I Do's." And when that moment comes, how sweet it is! But that's not the end. No, the Mrs. will become pregnant, and then there is another period of waiting and preparing, waiting 9 whole months...preparing for the new life that is coming into the family. She will go through a great deal of changes, and pain, to bring that beautiful life into the world. But all that is forgotten when the bundle of joy arrives...very much worth the wait and all it entailed. This is repeated for however many times the Good Lord gives the family life.

I spotted many pre-teens and teenagers. All of them waiting for that big day when they graduate from their studies and move out of their parent's homes, (to their delight.) As they move out into the world on their own, they will begin new periods of waiting and preparing...

Little kiddos were running about, laughing and happy as can be, most of them fascinated by the live Nativity Scene with all its animals. Probably those little ones are just dreaming at night of Christmas Day, waiting to open presents and gifts. Their joy was contagious, and I found myself reminiscing of past Christmasses when I had my family intact. Now, it just seems as if we are in survival mode these days, waiting for that "Eternal Christmas Day," when our family will be whole again.

As I was enjoying a sausage on a stick, I almost bumped into an estranged friend. She didn't see me, but I saw her all alone in the crowd. And I immediately felt a pain in my heart. She was like a sister to me, more like family than friend. And I started thinking about how long I was going to have to wait in order to enjoy her friendship once again. And as Tom Petty once sang, "The waiting is the hardest part..."

So, now, I can better understand why the Church puts us through this "practice drill." We wait for Jesus every Advent. The "waiting" is really a lesson about life, endurance, patience...love. It is a chance for us to stop and reflect on ourselves...try and see how we really are, and make the changes we need in order to better receive Christ into our hearts. We need to be reminded of this over and over, year after year...and continue to welcome Christ...not just once in our lives, but ALWAYS. For most of that which we wait for in our lives, waiting for Jesus is the longest..., but in the end, it's all worth it.

The Power of Prayer

Tonite I went to a talk on the power of prayer given by a Jesuit priest in San Antonio. He focused mainly on the Holy Rosary and various Chaplets. He began by asking us "what are the first words God speaks in the Bible?"

The answer is, "Let there be LIGHT."

The priest used that as an anthem of sorts, a victory chant, A COMMAND...he said that each individual on this earth has a very unique and powerful gift, in that we can speak to Our God and He listens to our cries for help. He said that God has blessed us with the "power of prayer" and prayer can be our weapon against satan, as well as our hope in this world of darkness. He said that God continues to COMMAND, "LET THERE BE LIGHT!" AND WE MUST RESPOND. Each prayer lights up some dark corner of our world. Together, we, the Church Militant, can destroy the darkness, the hopelessness, the despair the world suffers from. WE can CHANGE THE WORLD FOR THE BETTER...just with PRAYER!

He went through the history of the Rosary, as well as various chaplets. The one that I found most intriguing was the one imploring the Archangel Michael's help, as well as all the choirs of angels!

Later, I will posts in full all the chaplets this good priest shared with our community tonite.

In the meantime, I am going to use my time in prayer, and I won't be on as much as I have been in the past. PLEASE POST ANY PRAYER PETITIONS YOU WOULD LIKE ME TO PRAY FOR. If any are of sensitive subjects, you may private message me, and I will keep all matters confidential...

Tonite was a blessing. I was only invited to this event last nite...I had no idea of this...I know now that Our Lady was calling me to come, and as always, She leads us to Her Divine Son. I have been feeling very low these few weeks, because two of my favorite people are in danger of falling into sin with one another. I have been crying out to Our Lord for quick assistance in this matter, begging Our Lady for her powerful intercession. Tonite, I realize that we have many "weapons" and armor. We are called to pray for one another. I HAVE FAITH...I BELIEVE THAT OUR LORD WILL HEAR MY CRIES FOR HELP. Our prayers are powerful!! And together, we can change men's hearts and save souls!!!

BELIEVE!!!

God bless!

Remembering 9/11

I had not even been in the convent for one month. My postulant class had to go to campus that morning, I didn't. So, I took advantage of my "free" time to do extra duties around the Motherhouse and to go to adoration with the Novices. When adoration was over, I was met in the stairwell by Sr. Mary. She whispered something to me, which was odd, because we were in silence...I had to listen harder...she whispered a little louder..."I said, we are under attack, Sister!" And I wasn't sure what she meant, but I saw the terror in her face...and I knew something terrible was happening to our beloved country. She then directed me upstairs to the Novitiate community room, and there I saw some of the Novices who had just left the chapel, and the Superiors with their eyes glued to the tv sets, and some were crying...

The Mother General wouldn't have known this was happening had it not been for the retired Sisters in the infirmary. They had called down a few minutes after the attacks occurred, because they couldn't find "The Price is Right" and instead, as one little old sister put it, "The same thing is playing on all the channels..." As soon as Mother became aware of what was happening, she had the television sets in the community rooms turned on so all Sisters could watch...

When my postulant class came home, we all went back into the chapel for a special call to prayer. I remember feeling very numb, and thinking that it was somewhat providential that this would be happening just weeks after entering the convent. I remember my conversation with the Lord...and after praying for the souls of those who were dead and dying, their families, and for my own (because we didn't know if the acts of terror would continue...and where next?) I prayed for the nation and the world and Holy Mother Church...I was determined to be a reflection of Jesus Christ in this world, knowing that the darkness that held the world in captivity could only be conquered by the Love of God...it all begins with us, individually...and collectively as the Body of Christ on earth...if we Catholics do not live up to our faith as we should...the world can very well... be lost...

that was 9 years ago...and I feel like I have done nothing to contribute to making this world a holier place...it's an ongoing struggle...and everytime this anniversary comes around...I renew my determination to make it a better year for all those in my life, my family, my coworkers, my parish...and to all those God deems to enter into my path, whether they be Muslim, or Jew, or Protestant, or Atheist...

...and I thank God, I know it's not too late...

Christ is Risen, Alleluia!

Today, we rejoice in the Lord Jesus Christ, who prevailed over tribulation and rose to life in order to conquer death!

"Let all men know that grace comes after tribulation."

The above quote comes from St. Rose of Lima, O.P. The Lord Jesus appeared to her and told her that suffering is essential, in order to rise to greater heights of grace.

How often do we see in nature, the devastation that is left after turbulent storms? And yet, the earth is left somehow renewed, re-quenched, refurbished...like new?

For us humans, we have two choices. We can either allow the storms in our lives to make us stronger...or destroy us...

Let us contemplate on the Mystery of the Resurrection today. Let us recognize that the sufferings Christ endured were temporary. He triumphed over death! He has risen! We will follow in Our Master's footsteps! Let us endure our sufferings for they will lead us to everlasting life...!

My losses are not lost

I've been pretty depressed since the year began, and since my best friend axed me out of her life...

I don't have many friends. I do on paper, but not in real life. I am pretty much a loner, and I don't allow myself to get close to anyone. I've been speaking to a couple of guys, wondering if I should be romantically involved...perhaps date again...but none of them seem to stand out to me. There is only one Guy that I am interested in...and that Guy is Jesus Christ.

Romance is one thing, but friendship is different. Even God says so. All throughout the Bible, there are references on how important friendship is. God calls it a "treasure." Even Jesus had a best friend in St. John, His beloved apostle. For me, friendship comes from the heart. I tend to love my friends very deeply, incorporating them into every aspect of my life. It's only once in a while, a friend comes along that has such an effect on me, that I feel I can not deal with my own life without that person's support. I find myself surviving...despite the agony of loss...

I am not sure sometimes whether I am going forward, backward, up or down. Sometimes I see my whole life flash before my eyes, and it's nothing exciting...and it doesn't seem to be going anywhere...

A few days ago, I left work feeling overwhelmed with the stress of my job. I find it to be never-ending and never-satisfying. I drove to the Catholic Student Center on campus, parked in the handicapped parking, and fumbled out of my car. I limped my way into the Chapel, and to my suprise...there were four figures all in white kneeling in the front pews of the Chapel...

...my Dominican Sisters were here praying! They were praying the Divine Office, also known as the Liturgy of the Hours. This ancient prayer has been prayed for thousands of years, and is so universally shared, that those who pray it on this hemisphere are sharing in the same exact prayers being prayed on the other side of the world. It's a truly Catholic prayer, with it's chants and rhythms and structure. Heavenly in every sense...

Shortly after the hours, the Sisters began praying the Holy Rosary, meditating on the Sorrowful Mysteries...the Passion and suffering and death of Our Lord. My heart, meditating on the great Love Our Savior has for me, was filled with peace and joy...and I haven't felt this way in a long time...

I began speaking to God about how this was very reminiscent of my time with these beautiful Sisters in the convent. I used to pray the Divine office with them, and pray the Holy Rosary. So, it was a blessing to be able to partake in these with them again. Who would have ever told me I would be doing this again with them? Here, in my hometown? God is good!

I asked God, "Why can't I return to them? I loved that life. Why can't I have my friend back? I just keep losing people, God! I have lost them forever."

Mass began, and I lifted up my heavy heart to the Lord...

The Gospel was about the Last Supper, how Jesus knew his betrayer. I wondered, how Jesus felt about Judas? Here was a guy who had spent two years following our Lord, listening to His words, eating with Him, drinking with Him, sharing the jokes, the bad times, the struggles and the victories. Here was a FRIEND, in the true sense of the word, ready to betray Him now...

...I can relate...and I felt a sharp pain in my heart...I have spent agonizing months, feeling abandoned and alone...and scared for my life...

Jesus was feeling all these things, I am sure...for as He was totally Divine, He was also totally human...and in His humanity, I am certain, His agony came at the loss of His friends...

But how did Jesus respond? Was He bitter at Judas? During the Last Supper, Jesus also revealed that Peter was going to deny Him three times. Was Jesus bitter when Peter kept insisting that he would never deny Him?

When Judas betrayed Jesus, he kissed Him on the cheek. Our Lord responded, "You betray your FRIEND with a kiss?" Our Lord never shut the door of friendship to Judas, despite his betrayal. It was Judas who made a very sad choice, in despairing and not relying on Our Lord's friendship. Judas felt he could never be forgiven. And so, in his rejection of the mercy of Jesus, he went off and hung himself.

Peter denied our Lord three times. The Bible states, that a cock crowed, reminding Peter that Our Lord had prophesied that Peter would abandon Him and deny he even knew Who He was! Peter wept bitterly, and ran out into the night. It was after the Resurrection that Our Lord came to Peter and asked him three times, "Peter do you love me?" Our Lord asked him three times in order to "erase" Peter's three denials. He gave Peter a chance...

What is my response to my best friend's total rejection? Have I been bitter? Have I lost sight of the mercy of God? Have I responded with the same love that Jesus showed?

What is my response to Our Lord, in His will for my life?

Father Eilers' homily focused on how weak we Christians can be, and how often we fail Jesus. But, there is always hope...in that we can rise up out of our sinfulness, and reach out to Jesus, knowing full well, that OUR LORD WILL NEVER LEAVE US alone...

...we can be absolutely confident that Our Lord Jesus will never refuse us, never reject us, never hold our failures against us if we choose His Salvation, His Friendship...

At that moment, I felt God telling me that my losses are not lost. I felt Him reminding me, that these Sisters are here...for me! That He brought them here to be closer to me...! I felt God reminding me that He holds everyone in the Palm of His Hand, so I shouldn't be missing my best friend. When I come before the Presence of our God, these people become present to me in a supernatural way...through Our Lord in the Holy Eucharist... I may not have them in my life...but I have them in God. What I feel I have lost...is not lost after all.

Fr. Eilers told us that we should just strive to please Jesus every day of our lives. We should live one day at a time, living righteously in God, living the best we can live. In choosing God every single day, we step closer to Paradise. We had to make the right decisions every day, not to sin, not to fall, not to hurt Our Lord, but be confident that even when we do, we can always come back.

...It was then that I felt God reminding me, that what I cannot have in this world, I will have in the next. I cannot be with my Dominicans here on earth, but I will see them in Paradise. I cannot possess the friendship I once treasured, but I will in the next.

Today is Good Friday. Looking at the Crucifixion, I recognize how Jesus lost everything in this world...He was abandoned...rejected....unloved....yet...His losses were our gain...

Losses are not lost when you live your life in light of Eternity...