Blog Archives - Articulating Hope

Can You Connect This Photo To The Season of Lent?

2/28/2018

The above photo was shared with me recently. I believe it was taken near San Diego, California. Just looking at it makes me yearn for spring.

How do I tie this photo into the season of Lent? Let me look at the ocean waves, the beams of sunlight, and the palm tress while I ponder that question.

Pondering. Pondering. Pondering.

I don't know how to connect it to Lent. I just want to go on vacation.

Does it help you to see people riding their bicycles in the other direction?

Take Up Your Surfboard Daily And Follow Me

2/27/2018

Do you ever have a desire to modify the Sacred Scriptures to fit your tastes? For instance, how would you change the following statement? "Take up your cross daily and follow me." How about this nuance? "Take up your surfboard daily and follow me."

Let's face it. Life has many challenges, difficulties and sufferings. The journey is certainly no day at the beach at times. Let us also remember that the journey led Jesus to the cross. If we are to follow in the footsteps of the Master, we too, will frequently carry the cross. In those darkest moments of pain and suffering we must remember to turn toward Jesus. "Come to me all who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light." (Matthew 11:28-30)

I realize that I still have some growth opportunities in this area. The yoke does not always seem easy and the burden is actually quite heavy at times. Obviously, when the load feels too heavy to carry, I have most likely not gone properly to the Lord to find rest. I am holding on too tightly to the burdens rather than giving them to the Lord.

The pilgrimage of Lent gives us the opportunity to examine our lives in the context of salvation history. The scrutinies for the Elect will begin this coming weekend. It is a good time to ask ourselves some pertinent questions.

1. What do we believe? (Take some time to study the Creed.)
2. Why do we believe it?
3. How does it make a difference in the way we live?

For all who are hurting today, please know of my prayers for you. I realize that the pain is sometimes overwhelming. This can be physical pain, emotional distress, financial burdens, broken relationships, diagnosis with a serious illness, or the death of a loved one. The suffering is real, and at times it is intense. This is my simple reminder to you during your struggle. You do not walk alone. Be not afraid!

View Mountains From Airplane--A Glimpse Into Glory

2/26/2018

This is about how high I was soaring after the Chorister's Guild Prayer Service on Saturday. It was simply amazing to see the adult leaders exercising their charisms and conducting the children in such a way as to blend their voices with beauty and eloquence. I was wishing thousands of people could have experienced the prayer service. It was a blessing indeed.

Yesterday's Gospel reading told us about the Transfiguration of Jesus.

How have you experienced the glory of God in your life?

Review Your Baptismal Promises--Be Faithful & Holy

2/23/2018

How did the waters of baptism change your life?

How does apathy and complacency show up in our lives? We lose focus of what is important. We take our eyes off of Christ. We fail to cooperate with the generous gift of God's grace. We are sucked into the ways of the world.

The question is simple. Are we led by the Spirit of God, or are we led by our own desires centered on worldly pursuits? Are we building up the Kingdom of God, or are we building our own little kingdom?

According to the Rotary website, today marks the 113th anniversary of its founding. It is a good reminder for each of us to strive to make our local communities better by getting involved in some way.

"Grassroots at the core, Rotary links 1.2 million members to form an organization of international scope. It started with the vision of one man — Paul Harris. The Chicago attorney formed the Rotary Club of Chicago on 23 February 1905, so professionals with diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas, form meaningful, lifelong friendships, and give back to their communities."

Why do I bring up the Rotary? The anniversary of the organization showed up on one of my newsfeeds so I thought I would mention it. However, I think it also presents a wider opportunity to discuss "giving back to our communities." The Church always challenges us to positively impact our communities. Are we responding to the invitation? As a person of faith our response should be rooted in prayer. Does our way of life reflect that reality? For better or worse, are secular organizations influencing our world more dramatically than is the Church? Holiness in our world begins with each of us.

Reflection Questions
Has your prayer life improved since the beginning of Lent?
During this Lenten journey, how are you making your community better?
How will you give of your time, talent, or treasure for the good of others?
In what practical ways are you living out the spiritual and corporal works of mercy? Can you be inspired by reviewing the Beatitudes?
Did you abstain from eating meat today? (Abstinence from meat on Fridays in Lent!)

Please do not let these days of Lent pass you by without bearing abundant fruit in your life. Be a saint! Review your baptismal promises. Renew your commitment to living out those promises faithfully. The Kingdom of God is at hand. Do not delay.

Chorister's Guild in Cheyenne This Saturday

2/22/2018

This Saturday will be another new experience for me. I have been invited to be the presider and homilist at the 66th Annual Rocky Mountain Chapter Chorister's Guild Festival Worship Service for Children and Youth. I have deep appreciation for all the music ministers who help lift our hearts and minds to God. Providing effective training and education to our youg music ministers is a tremendous blessing for our faith communities. My thanks to all who give of their time and talent to keep this tradition alive. It is my pleasure and privilege to be a small part of it here in the Rocky Mountain Region in this 66th year.

Saints In Our Midst

2/21/2018

When I was growing up I remember thinking that saints were all people who lived hundreds of years ago. It really had nothing to do with today's modern society. That was certainly a significant misconception in my mind.

As the journey of Lent continues, it is important for us to remember that we are each called to be saints. The way we live matters. God first loved us. Now, what is our response to that love? Will we live in a manner consistent with the Lord's commands?

What did the ashes mean to you when you received them last week? "Remember man that thou are dust, and unto dust you shall return." When was the last time you seriously pondered and reflected upon your death? It will eventually happen to all of us. Do you pray and meditate upon the four last things--death, judgment, heaven, and hell? If you have never given much attention to the four last things, I encourage you to read some of the writings of the saints on the topic. Read the book by St. Alphonsus Liguori entitled, "Preparation for Death." That will give you ample food for thought.

It is easy for us to get caught up in worldly affairs and allow our spiritual journey to suffer. Lent calls us back. Are we heeding that call to repentance?

Social and Structural Sin Equals Shattered Societies

2/20/2018

I cannot even imagine the level of pain experienced by our Lord when the spikes were driven into his hands and feet. After being beaten, crowned with thorns, and then forced to carry his own cross to the place of execution, the swinging of the hammer and the crashing blow to the spike that pierced his flesh must have surely sent shock-waves through his fatigued and battered body. The brutality of it all is too much to comprehend.

Unfortunately, horrible things still happen in modern society. Instead of learning from the horrendous behavior of the past, we seem to "improve" the methods in which we can hurt and destroy others. The level of violence escalates instead of diminishing. All of society pays the price.

The school shooting in Parkland, Florida has reignited many of the same talking points which follow each of the massacres that take place. Here are a few of the statements I have heard verbally or read on social media recently.
"We need common sense gun laws."
"We need better mental health care."
"We need armed teachers."
"We need armed veterans or retired police."
On and on the debate continues. Yet, nothing changes. Why? Could it be that we are seeking answers in the wrong places? The societal dysfunction we witness clearly demonstrates that the problem is much deeper than a simple talking point.

How has sin shaped modern society? More to the point, how has the lack of awareness or acknowledgment of sin contributed to societal dysfunction? This could be a lengthy dissertation on societal and structural sin (in addition to personal sin), but I will just highlight a few things.

Sex sells. When we objectify other individuals for the sake of pleasure, why are we surprised when a lack of respect soon follows?

If we are willing to condone, and pay for with tax dollars, the killing of millions of unborn children, why are we surprised when a lack of reverence for life follows as demonstrated by a mass shooting?

If we pass legislation approving physician-assisted suicide, why are we surprised when life loses value and meaning all across the spectrum?

Finally, if the domestic Church--the family home, is shattered and broken from dysfunction, why are we surprised when aberrant behavior follows in its wake?

The devastation we experience each time tragedy strikes is huge, whether we realize it or not. If we are directly impacted by a shooting, bombing or other attack, the repercussions are long-lasting and deep. If we are not directly impacted, we still suffer repercussions. We can become fearful. We can become disillusioned with life. We can become hard-core and cynical. There is a price to pay. Sin does not live in isolation.

In this season of Lent, it would behoove each of us to return to the basics of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. The world needs our faith-filled witness that Jesus Christ is the King of Kings.

Thursday After Ash Wednesday

2/15/2018

What sufferings do you carry? How will you find strength in Jesus?

Pray for all those families affected by the school shooting in Florida.

Ash Wednesday--Repent and Believe in the Gospel

2/14/2018

The journey begins--where will it lead you?

How will you serve others?

How will you pray?

Seeking Serenity on Fat Tuesday--Preparing for Lent

2/13/2018

There are times when you just need that calm, peaceful feeling. A photo like this one helps provide the atmosphere to enter into that type of serenity. As we enjoy this final day before the Lenten journey begins, it is good to stop and pause for a moment to reflect upon life. How will this Lenten experience change me? What will I learn about surrendering my will to the will of God?

Have a wonderful "Fat Tuesday," but take some time to prepare for Lent as well. Don't let this holy season pass you by without it producing abundant fruit in your life. Prayer, fasting and almsgiving--how will these things impact you during these days of Lent?