December 5, 2007
Jesse Tree
We hope you are having a blessed Advent. Here is an excellent resource about the Jesse Tree and how to make one. Enjoy.
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April 8, 2007
A Blessed Easter!
The Light of Christ
by Brian
One of my favorite parts of the morning is the dawn. Watching the sun slowly appear over the eastern mountains is an awesome sight. It’s beautiful to see the various shades of yellow, orange and red slowly taking shape and ushering in a new day and pushing back the darkness of the night.
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”(Jn. 1:5) Like the dawn, the light of Christ dispels the darkness, pushes it back, and reveals the majesty, beauty and love of the Most Holy Trinity. This light is not for a chosen few, but is for everyone. It is a light that radiates the glory of Heaven and the love God has for the world. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.”(Jn 3:16)
Each baptized Catholic is called to be a bearer/channel of this light. As Jesus said, “you are the light of the world…let your light shine before men…”(Mt. 5:14,16) Christ needs each one of us to share His Light with others, by following his commandments, especially to love God and neighbor, while listening to His Bride the Church. By being channels of His Light we will push back the darkness of sin and evil and become “living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God.” (Rom. 12:1)
This heavenly light that permeates the world and is the focal point of the Easter season, can never be manufactured or produced, but is a free gift from the “Father of lights.” Like an icon that captures the depths of light radiating the holiness of the person or Biblical event depicted, any man or woman whose heart is filled with the Light of Christ will also radiate holiness.
When I reflect upon the life of Pope John Paul II, I see a man who was filled with the Light of Christ, and because of it, produced remarkable fruit for the Kingdom. How many people, who were of other faiths or beliefs, recognized his love for them and all the good works he initiated? Because of this, many hearts were turned toward Heaven and many people could be heard giving glory to God.
The light that radiated from John Paul II bears witness to its beauty and power. It attracts those trapped in sin, it warms those bitten by the coldness of evil and nurtures those stunted by spiritual darkness. Where the Light of Christ is, there you will find Christ Himself.
I encourage all of you during this Easter season, which ends on Pentecost Sunday, to reflect on the theme of Light and how each one of us is called to be channels of that light, instruments of love and people of holiness. I also encourage you to pray daily to the Holy Spirit who will gladly answer your prayer and fill you with the Light of Christ.
Happy Easter!
God bless.
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December 25, 2006
A Christmas Reflection
We hope you all have a blessed and joyful Christmas!
Christmas is about love. The love God has for his children. It points to the ultimate truth of how "God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life." (Jn.3:16)
As Our Lady laid Jesus in the manger, she and St. Joseph adored the infant Jesus and the love of God swept over the world. Darkness no longer reigned. It was dispelled and "the true light that enlightens everyman (came) into the world." (Jn 1:9)
Christmas is more than a special time to get together with family members, exchange gifts or attend parties. Christmas is a time when every follower of Christ, who is the "way, the truth and the life;" (Jn.14:6) becomes aware of the simple truth that the "Word became flesh and dwelt among us" (Jn.1:14) in order to "…save his people from their sins." (Mt.1:21)
We are all sinners but God would not have his children remain in sin. Why? Because He loves us and wanted us to experience His love in the person of His Son, Jesus Christ. As St. John says in his first epistle, "If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us." (1Jn.1:8). In other words, we are sinners, whether we like it or not. Because we are all sinners is the very reason Jesus took on our human nature and became one of us.
This is precisely what makes Christmas so beautiful and holy. Christmas is not about warm, fuzzy feelings as we gaze upon a representation of the Nativity, but it is about Christ who came to redeem us and save us, simply because He loves us.
From Christmas, until the feast of Epiphany, I encourage you to reflect upon the infant Christ lying in the manager. What you will recognize in this glorious and heavenly event, is the love of God, for He desires not the, "death of the wicked,"(Ex.33:11) but "…that (we) may have life, and have it abundantly." (Jn.10:10)
God bless and Merry Christmas!
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March 21, 2006
A Lenten Refresher
Give It Up by Fr. Raymond de Souza
We are two weeks into Lent and for those who observe the Christian practice of making a Lenten sacrifice, it's about now that the novelty of the challenge gives way to the onerous realization that Easter is still a month away...
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March 1, 2006
A Blessed Ash Wednesday
From Brian -
Pedro's Little Sacrifices: A Story about Lent
Lent is here! Today we receive the green light, or maybe I should say the black ashes, that will signal the beginning of our journey into the desert. Jesus Christ is our guide and He has given us a blueprint, through His Bride the Church, on how we can make the most of this Lenten season.
The Gospel of St. Matthew 6: 1-6, 16-18, which is read every Ash Wednesday, reminds us that over the next forty days we are to follow the path of prayer, sacrifice and almsgiving.
Rather than go into great detail about how you and I can make this the best Lent, I would like to tell you a short story about a little boy and his journey through Lent.
In the small mountain village of Carmel, there lived a young boy named Pedro. One Wednesday, very early in the morning, Pedro's Mother awakened him. Groggy eyed and full of yawns, Pedro said, "Mama its still dark outside. Why do I have to get up so early?"
"I know it is early Pedro," his Mom whispered, "but we must get up and go to Church. Today is Ash Wednesday and Fr. Antonio will be blessing us with ashes. Come now and get dressed. We don't want to be late..."
Pedro obeyed his Mother and got dressed. During the Mass, Fr. Antonio called the people to the front of the Church and placed ashes upon the head of each person. Even Pedro received ashes. After returning to the pew, Pedro looked around the Church and started to giggle a little because the people looked funny wearing ashes.
After Mass, Mama led Pedro to the back of the Church and dropped him off in front the small schoolhouse where Sister Lucia was greeting the children. "Ah Pedro," said Sr. Lucia in her booming voice, "I see you received ashes. Bless you my child." Pedro went into the schoolhouse to join the rest of his classmates.
Later that morning Sr. Lucia began to tell her class about the meaning of Lent and why the children received ashes on their foreheads. She mentioned how Lent was a time of preparation for Easter and how it was time for Catholics to pray and make sacrifices. She even mentioned some ways in which the students could make sacrifices by prayer and doing penance.
On his way home from school Pedro began to think about what Sr. Lucia had said about the Lenten season. "Boy," he thought to himself, "If I could do what Sister said over the next forty days God will bless Mama and Papa and all the other people in the village who are in need of His help." He ran off home full of joy.
That same night while lying in bed, Pedro decided not only to say his usual prayers, but also several more. As he started to say his prayers he began to yawn and before he knew it he was fast asleep.
The following day Pedro decided to give his lunch away to another classmate. Before giving it away he quickly looked to see what type of lunch Mama made for him. When he opened the bag his eyes widened because it was his favorite sandwich and snacks. He noticed that the sandwich was cut in half so he took half of it and ate it and then gave the other half to a friend.
This pattern continued throughout Lent. Whatever sacrifice Pedro made it was always half of what he intended. Because of this Pedro's attitude slowly changed. Each week he seemed to become more and more unhappy.
It was Holy Thursday and after dismissing her class for the day, Sr. Lucia asked Pedro to remain for a minute, she wanted to talk with him. She had noticed that Pedro's attitude had changed. Pedro approached her desk. "Come here Pedro," Sister said - this time more quietly, "I want to talk with you."
Although Sister did her best, Pedro remained silent. He did not want to tell her why he was unhappy. Sister could tell that Pedro was not going to say anything so she continued, "Pedro, can I make a little suggestion." Pedro nodded his head. "Why don't you go into the Church. No one is there. Speak to Jesus about what is troubling you. Will you do that?" Pedro nodded again. Sr. Lucia gave Pedro a big hug and sent him on his way.
Sr. Lucia was right; the Church was empty. Pedro dipped his tiny fingers into the holy water font and blessed himself. He slowly walked up the aisle and then sat down in the first pew. Right in front of Pedro was the huge tabernacle that housed Jesus.
Pedro closed his eyes and clasped his hands together. Just as he was going to speak to Jesus, a big gust of wind opened the Church door, which caused it to slam shut. It made a terrible noise. Pedro quickly turned around thinking that someone had entered the Church but no one was there.
Pedro turned back around and was startled to see that a young, fair-haired man sat down at the opposite end of the pew. The young stranger made the sign of the cross.
Pedro could not keep his eyes off the young man for there was something very special about him. The young man smiled at Pedro and Pedro smiled back. The stranger got up and moved closer to Pedro and sat right beside him. "Hello, Pedro," the young man said. Pedro responded by saying, "Hello."
"My name is Michael," the man continued. "I am a close friend of God's. Jesus sent me here to tell you not to be sad. He knows what is in your heart and you are trying very hard to make sacrifices. Don't be discouraged, little one. Jesus loves you and accepts all the little sacrifices you make, for they are very pleasing to Him."
Pedro just smiled. He dropped his head and lowered his eyes for just a second to collect his thoughts. He wanted to ask the stranger a question. When he raised his head, the young stranger was gone. Pedro looked both to his left and right, but the Church was empty. He immediately got up from the pew and left the Church.
Sr. Lucia was watching Pedro from the schoolhouse window. She could instantly tell that Pedro was once again happy. She thanked God.
Lent is a time for us to increase our prayers and make sacrifices. In other words, it is a time to do penance. If you plan on making certain spiritual commitments or resolutions during this holy season and find yourself falling short, don't get discouraged. Keep at it. God sees what's in your heart. We are all weak and we are all sinners, but don't let that stop you. Your determination and resolve may be more pleasing to Our Lord than any penance you could ever do.
God bless.
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December 18, 2005
For the Last Week of Advent
Here's a post from Brian:
A Christmas Stocking for Jesus
The Advent season invites us to prepare our hearts and souls for Christ's humble, yet glorious birth. It is a season of preparation and anticipation that helps us meet the Christ child and reminds us of what were called to be - people of peace, joy and love.
Unfortunately, Advent is far too often overshadowed by the holiday frenzy of buying gifts, baking cookies, attending parties and mailing cards. The season can go by so quickly that before you know it Christmas has come and gone.
In order to truly celebrate Christmas day we must strive to make the most of the final week of Advent. Of course, our society is no help in this endeavor. It seems like every other day I hear or read about people trying to drive the real meaning of Christmas out of our schools, marketplaces, industry and communities.
With the secularization of Christmas, it is easy to see why many Catholics have forgotten "whose" birthday we celebrate on Christmas day. I liken this to having a celebration, but forgetting to invite the guest of honor. It's as if Jesus has been buried under all the wrapping paper, ribbons and holiday decorations.
One of my favorite Christmas movies is the Bishop's Wife. In the last scene of the movie Bishop Grougham, played by David Niven, gives his Christmas sermon to the congregation of St. Timothy's Church. The sermon is short, but contains a powerful reminder that Christmas is more than just exchanging gifts. Instead, it is about "The Word - Jesus Christ - becoming flesh and dwelling among us."
At the conclusion of his sermon, Bishop Grougham asks the congregation not to forget to hang up a stocking for Jesus, because it is HIS birthday we celebrate on Christmas day. I believe this is sound advice. Something all Christians should remember. For Christmas without Jesus is a holiday of exchanging gifts, not a day for celebrating Christ's birth and our redemption.
I encourage all of you to use this last week of Advent to focus on the real meaning of Christmas. Prepare your heart for Christ's coming. And don't forget to place a stocking for Jesus on the mantle of your heart. Fill it with thanksgiving, praise and humble adoration. What better gift could we give Christ, the Savior?
May the Babe of Bethlehem bless you and your family!
God bless.
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November 20, 2005
The Feast of Christ the King
Here's a post from Brian:
The Feast of Christ the King is a glorious feast day that not only celebrates the end of the liturgical year, but also the Kingship of Christ.
What makes this feast day significant is that it unveils the connection between Christ Our King, who calls us to follow Him, and our response. One saint who really understood this connection was St. Ignatius of Loyola. Before his conversion, Ignatius was a soldier and a brave one at that. Ignatius was blessed with the ability to apply his soldiering experiences to his spiritual life. He understood that when a soldier was called to fight for his king, he put on his armor, picked up his sword and marched into battle.
I believe this is what prompted St. Ignatius to place within his Spiritual Exercises a meditation based upon "Christ the King." For an experienced solider like Ignatius, I am sure this meditation hit home.
Ignatius starts the meditation by reflecting upon the characteristics, virtues and attributes of the best possible earthly King. In the second part of the meditation, he compares this earthly King to the King of Heaven, Jesus Christ.
Ignatius brilliantly asks two questions. Who is calling us? The answer is Christ. Secondly, to what enterprise does He call us? The answer is to fight for Christ the King. In fighting for Christ, we are combating the devil, the world and our own hearts. According to Ignatius, the weapons needed to fight in this battle are faith, prayer, humility, patience, self-denial, charity and zeal.
Each one of us is called to lead souls to Christ, who is the way, the truth and the life. Ignatius wants those who take part in this meditation to recognize that Christ calls all the baptized to join Him in fighting the "good fight." Because Christ is a "perfect gentleman," He will never force Himself upon anyone. Rather, like a good King, He calls His subjects to join Him and fight under His banner.
On this glorious feast day, we should ask ourselves the simple questions, "Over the past year, how have I responded to Our Heavenly King's invitation to join His army? As a soldier for Christ, have I been full of enthusiasm, passion and drive? Am I committed to the spiritual life and living the Gospel faithfully? Is My Heavenly King the center of my life, and if not, then who or what is?"
To help facilitate your meditation, some further questions to ask yourself are the following: Have I faithfully picked up my cross and followed My Lord? Have I used the weapons of humility, prayer, self-denial and charity to fight for My King? Lastly, have I served My King with joy or have I served Him with reluctance and regret?
May Christ Our King, bless you and your family. Amen.
God bless.
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December 31, 2004
12/10/04 - More Advent Ideas
I received another idea of how a family incororates Advent into their family life. Check out these great ideas from AM in CA. (We posted these ideas on RoL - Keeping Christ in Advent and Christmas 2004.)
As for Advent, we are doing things quite different this year. Every year we have always gotten out all the Christmas decorations and the tree the weekend after Thanksgiving. This year we got out some decorations for the fireplace and the stockings for St Nick Day. (Dec. 6) Everything else, will be put out the 3rd week of Advent (pink week) as we show signs of Joy! Our tree will go up the third week also or we might wait for Christmas Eve.We have several Advent calendars and our Advent wreath, which we gather around every evening as a family to light the candles and say our Advent prayers. We emptied our basket of reading books in the living room and filled it with religious, advent and Christmas books.
We have been celebrating the special feast and Holy days as a family. We celebrated St Nick with stockings in the morning filled with several religious gifts and a few small treats, then read books about him. We celebrated The Feast of the Immaculate Conception with Mass, prayers, and a SPECIAL new book called Angel in the Waters. We will also try to celebrate other special days this month.
We have been talking everyday about the presents we are going to give Jesus, and have been trying to teach the kids that these are gifts we can give him all year long( being nice to brothers & sisters, helping Mom or Dad without being asked, saying extra prayers, playing a game with sibling, doing a chore for someone else, etc.) We are trying to steer them away from talking about what they want to get, and lead them toward talking about what they want to give (this is very challenging at times!)In years past, I have been so overwhelmed during December that I never got to enjoy Advent, or teach the kids about it, just spend it as a time of prayerful waiting. I have always been so busy with activities, Christmas shopping, and general business, that I missed the whole season, and always said, "I'll do it different next year." This year, I'm actually trying to do it different. We streamlined our Christmas shopping and did it all in one day before December arrived. We got out our advent materials early, and had them ready, when the first Sunday rolled around. We are just simplifying, and really enjoying it so much more. I feel peaceful, and happy, and have time for spontaneous book reading and prayers with the kids.
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12/9/04 - Bringing Advent Home
Some of the local Catholic families were talking about how they are incorporating the Advent season into their home. One of our friends had an excellent idea so I thought I�d share it with you. She says:
In previous years I've waited until the last minute to decorate, cook, etc, but that puts a huge strain on the season in those final days of Advent. This year I wanted to keep Advent as a waiting period and a time of penance, but also try to avoid the last minute rush. This is what we're doing this year.Once "Pink week" comes this Sunday (the third Sunday of Advent is Gaudete Sunday) we will slowly begin to decorate (dragging it out for the next 2 weeks) since "pink week" invites us to recognize the hope and joy to come. But our biggest change is we have our tree up and decorated with wonderful PURPLE balls, silver garland, and PURPLE and PINK lights. I saw all these things at Target and now we have an "Advent tree!" This way our tree is up and ready to go and is getting the water it needs. Closer to Christmas we'll take down the purple and put up the Christmas decorations.
We also have Advent calendars, Advent wreath, candles in the window as a sign of waiting, etc.
I love that idea and will keep it in mind next year. (This year we were so excited to have a real tree and house to decorate that we put up our Christmas decorations now along with our advent things.) For a refresher you can also read last year's article Keeping Christ in Advent and Christmas. If you have an advent idea you'd like to share, let us know!
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