Blog Archives - Articulating Hope

Lunch @ Laramie County Community College

5/11/2017

My son invited me to lunch today at the cafeteria on the campus of Laramie County Community College. It was nice to eat a casual lunch while catching up on each other's lives. His semester is coming to an end, and my travel schedule is also coming to an end for the current academic year. I think we are both grateful for certain things coming to a close. I always celebrated the end of school when I was a student. That was nothing compared to how I celebrate now as an administrator!

Our table in the cafeteria was surrounded by windows on three sides. Enjoying the sunshine and looking out over the well-manicured campus was very pleasant. There are times when the simple pleasures mean a lot. I had been away from home quite a bit over the last ten weeks. This opportunity for lunch with just the two of us was a welcome gift. Having a conversation without the distractions of television, e-mail, or text messaging was an added bonus. A trip through the campus library at the end of lunch was the icing on the cake.

As I watched the young people on campus it reminded me of how many years have come and gone since my own college days. (A recent invitation to my high school 40th class reunion did that as well.) It was nostalgic to think back to the hopes, dreams, and aspirations that I had as a young man. Some of those dreams came true; many did not. Through the struggles and challenges of life have come many blessings. While things did not turn out the way I imagined in many cases, some of the results have been better than expected. Being diagnosed with cancer at age 25 certainly changed the trajectory of my life. Planning for circumstances such as that never crossed my mind.

Where is all of this going? I simply encourage you to take some time to enjoy the simple pleasures of life. I did that today and it was a blessing indeed. Thanks for lunch, Joe.

Governor's Symposium on Suicide Prevention

5/11/2017

I had the opportunity yesterday to attend the Second Annual Governor's Symposium on Suicide Prevention. I attended last year as well. Wyoming definitely has some specific challenges in this area, and I am grateful the issue is at least being discussed in a proactive manner.

My thanks to all who made the day possible. I have much to learn in regard to mental health, depression, and the warning signs a person may exhibit when they are in crisis. These symposiums have heightened my awareness and have started my path toward greater study. Being involved in ministry does not make a person an expert in these arenas, but a basic understanding can certainly enhance our ability to reach out and be of service when people are in need.

Governor Matthew Mead gives opening remarks at the symposium.

Finding Hope In Very Difficult Situations

5/10/2017

I am just a few weeks away from marking my 18th anniversary as a permanent deacon. I never imagined where life would lead following my ordination. Within my own struggles throughout life I have come to learn many things. One of the most consistent reminders has been to cling to hope even through the worst of times. That is sometimes easier said than done.

It is a privilege to to minister to others who are hurting. I know what it is to hurt, and my heart grieves for those who are walking through dark circumstances in life. I am unable to provide answers to every dilemma that arises; I can simply walk alongside someone and share their pain. In the midst of the struggle I strive to bring comfort.

I am preparing to attend the Governor's Second Annual Symposium on Suicide Prevention being held today in Cheyenne. I attended last year and learned a few things. More than anything, it reminded me that Christians have a duty to bring God's message of hope, healing, and peace to everyone we meet. The world is in desperate need of hope. You and I can be those ambassadors of Christ bringing that hope.

I Like Dreaming--That Could Be A Song

5/9/2017

If I cannot go on vacation myself, I appreciate getting pictures from others who are able to enjoy some time away. My daughter is good at capturing "blog-worthy" photos for me whenever she travels. The one above is from a recent trip to the San Francisco area. The cold and rain in Cheyenne that we are currently experiencing makes this photo even more appealing right now.

My final speaking commitment for the spring was last weekend. I still have diaconate formation for one more weekend, but will hopefully then begin to enjoy a bit of a slower pace for a couple of months. The ordination and installation of our new bishop on June 5, will obviously require some time and attention in the days and weeks ahead. However, I do not have to travel to be engaged in those endeavors.

How will you recharge your batteries over the summer? What memories will you make with your family? I think it is time for a little dreaming. What new adventure can I tackle this summer? I don't have any plans yet, but I am looking forward to a little rest and relaxation in the process.

How Did You Offer Hope To Someone Today?

5/9/2017

As the sun goes down and you reflect upon your day, what sticks out in your mind the most? Was it a good day or a tough day? What were the blessings you experienced?

We impact other people by the way we interact with them. As you think back, what was the most hopeful thing you said to someone today? Were you able to brighten someone's day with a few kind words?

What was the most hopeful thing you heard from someone else? Did you appreciate any words of kindness or encouragement that you may have received?

We each face challenges in life. God's grace is needed in those times. Thankfully, that is one thing we can count on as we walk in faith.

Catching Up Or Losing Ground--I Am not Sure

5/8/2017

Afton, Wyoming

Each time I go on the road to visit parishes I am grateful for the experiences. I have traveled through most of Wyoming now, but there are still a few pockets of hidden gems that I have yet to see. I enjoy seeing God's handiwork in creation and getting to meet His people as well.

The road crossed into Idaho just briefly. It looks like quite a few other people stopped by the sign and left their mark. I simply took a picture.

It is time to get back at cleaning up the e-mails, answering voicemails, and going through the regular mail. That is the downside to spending so much time out of the office. Things just pile up.

Let me give a little food for thought before i get back to my work at hand. Did you feel great comfort this weekend while attending Mass? Did you truly embrace the words we heard in the responsorial psalm? Do you believe what we proclaimed? "The Lord Is my shepherd. There is nothing I shall want."

If you are struggling with seeking comfort in the Lord, may I put the last nine weeks of liturgical celebrations into context for you? Why should yesterday's Gospel bring us hope? We can trust in the Lord and His goodness to us. Look at what we have heard and experienced since Ash Wednesday on March 1 through this past weekend.

On Ash Wednesday each year, we hear the first reading from the prophet Joel in which we are encouraged to return to the Lord our God with our whole heart. We are invited to turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel as we recall that we are dust and unto dust we shall return. God wants to be completely united to us. This reminds me of the quiet prayer I offer at each Mass when pouring the drop of water into the wine. "By the mystery of this water and wine may we come to share in the divinity of Christ who humbled himself to share in our humanity." We share in the divine life of Christ. It does not get any better than that.

On the First Sunday of Lent we heard about the temptations of Jesus. Jesus gave us a model for overcoming temptation in our own lives. Furthermore, He gave us an example about being "led by the Spirit." Do we allow ourselves to be led by the Holy Spirit on a daily basis?

The Second Sunday of Lent gave us the account of the Transfiguration. We received a glimpse of the glory of God. and were reminded that Jesus did not come to abolish the law and the prophets. He came to fulfill them.

The Third Sunday of Lent brought us the story of the woman at the well. That was one powerful conversion story. Jesus clearly meets us at the point of our need.

The Fourth Sunday of Lent was the healing of the man born blind. When the people exclaimed that this was unheard of, it really was. Jesus demonstrated awesome power as he healed the sick.

We saw it taken to a whole new level on the Fifth Sunday of Lent as Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. Jesus has power over death itself.

On Palm Sunday we were ushered into Holy Week as we heard the account of the Lord's passion and death. This is the prelude to Jesus' triumph over death of which we will experience at the Great Easter Vigil.

On Holy Thursday we were reminded of the great gift of the Eucharist. That should fill each Catholic with immense hope.

On Good Friday we commemorated the passion and death of our Lord. We venerated the cross, the instrument of our salvation.

At the Great Easter Vigil, we entered in darkness. Then, the Light of Christ dawned upon us as we celebrated his triumph over the grave.

On the Second Sunday of Easster we celebrated Divine Mercy Sunday. This intentional focus on the mercy of Jesus should bring great comfort and solace to each of us.

On the Third Sunday of Easter we heard about the road to Emmaus. When the disciples recognized Jesus in the breaking of bread, they were so excited that they turned right around and walked seven miles back to share the good news with others. That is the enthusiasm that can fill each of us as we come to know Jesus more intimately in the breaking of the bread. (Read John's Gospel chapter six [6] to be renewed in fervor for the Eucharist.)

Finally, this past weekend we heard about Jesus, the Good Shepherd. After everything we have heard and experienced liturgically in the last two months, we should have been ready to embrace the Good Shepherd with our whole heart, mind, soul. and strength--just as we were encouraged to do on Ash Wednesday.

As we continue on with the Easter Season headed toward the magnificent celebration of Pentecost, ask the Lord to fill you with His Holy Spirit. May the grace of our Lord, Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father, and the communion, fellowship, and power of the Holy Spirit be with you always!

Holy Family Church in Thayne, Wyoming--Beautiful

5/7/2017

I made my first visit to Holy Family Church in Thayne, Wyoming. I conducted a weekend men's retreat from Friday evening through Sunday morning giving a total of five presentations throughout the weekend. I was also invited by the pastor to preach at the morning Mass on Sunday. It was a privilege to do so.

I have spent seven of the last nine weekends in parishes other than my own. It was quite the hike this weekend as I logged just under 1,000 miles, even dipping into Idaho for a couple of miles on my way to Thayne.

It was a great weekend with the men of both Thayne and Jackson, and even a man who made the trip from Meeteetse, Wyoming. Since the roads through Yellowstone Park are not all open yet, this man's drive was almost as long as mine. It is always exciting to see men who are striving to live their faith more fully.

This was my first time driving through Star Valley. The lush green pastures, the aspen trees with their new leaves, and the snow capped mountains were simply gorgeous. Enjoy the photos.

As I drove home I got to see the snow up close in a couple of spots. There is still a lot of snow.

My thanks to everyone who made this weekend a success. May God bless you abundantly!

The Season of Sacraments--How Is God Calling You?

5/4/2017

Milestone moments are plentiful at this time of year in the Catholic Church. We celebrated a few sacraments on the night of the Easter Vigil. We had baptisms, confirmations, and first holy communion for numerous people, and then a few wedding validations took place afterward as well. Many of our young children are receiving their first holy communion during these weeks of the Easter season. Our adolescents are receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation in many parishes. Wedding season will soon be upon us too.

How does God call us to growth in these sacred moments? Obviously, a child in second grade receiving his/her first communion is at a different developmental stage than an adolescent receiving the sacrament of confirmation or an adult getting married. However, in each celebration of the sacraments God's grace is poured out upon us to grow in wisdom, grace, and holiness.

As I get older and recognize that my days on earth will at some point come to an end, I reflect upon the importance of growing more in union with Almighty God. As I look at the photo above and ponder the setting of the sun, I marvel at the beauty of God's creation and the cycle of life. When our days upon this earth draw to a close I pray we hear these beautiful words, "Well done my good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Master." (Matthew 25:21)

Are You Going Through A Rocky Patch In Life?

5/3/2017

Snow was falling as I left the house this morning. That experience certainly did not put a spring in my step. I am psychologically done with winter. It is time for warmer weather, sunshine, and contentment. That is why the picture above from the California coastline is the photo of the day. I prefer that look as opposed to snowfall. (When you look at the photo, what do you predominantly see? I will give some thoughts at the end of this post. Scroll to the bottom to see.)

My hometown area in Missouri is battling floodwaters. I can remember the days of going through backroads looking for a way to get to work around the closed highways. My heart goes out to all who are experiencing the devastation of the flooding in the midwest.

I hopped on Facebook briefly this morning to view updated pictures of the flooding. In the midst of the pain that some folks are feeling, others are obviously unaffected, and the world continues to move as usual. (The political commentary and memes never seem to take a day off.) Even though we are globally connected we still live in our own little pocket of the world.

Social media has been an interesting phenomenon to watch through the years. We are able to view photos and share stories with family and friends all across the world. Some people post almost every thought that crosses their mind while other people only post when something major has occurred. Some of us fall somewhere in between the two extremes. (A few people just stalk others. You know who you are.)

I have frequently marveled at the narrative that some people communicate through their regular posts on social media. Their life looks like the fairy tale many of us imagined as children. Everything appears to be perfect in their world. However, the reality is often a much different story. They struggle with many of the same challenges we each face to one degree or another. Life is not a fairy tale. There are good times and there are difficult times.

The other aspect of social media is the sharing of hurts. People are diagnosed with a serious illness and they ask for our prayers. Others keep their specific dilemma a secret and just ask for prayers. We are sometimes invited into a sacred moment when people share their vulnerability. How do we respond in these instances?

Complaints about "significant others" are not uncommon in social media. Advertising such dirty laundry in the public domain will most likely not help in mending those fences that have been damaged. I wonder how many times people have regretted certain postings after repercussions began to manifest themselves.

Finally, there are a lot of joys and good memories to be shared as well. I taught at Valle Catholic High School from 2003--2005. One of the teachers from my floor of the building, and my assistant basketball coach, revealed that he is retiring at the end of the school year. What an opportunity to recall some of the good times we had together! Congratulations Frank!

On a side note--both of my siblings are joining the ranks of the retired as well. I will admit that I am a little envious. Being the "baby" of the family does not feel so good right now. I wonder if I could start a "Go-Fund-Me" page for my retirement so I could quickly follow in brothers' footsteps. Just a thought....
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What did you see first when you looked at the photo above? Was it the water, the sunshine, the rocks, the cliff, the shadow, or something else? Did the title of my blog simply draw your eyes to the rocks? Do you think our perspectives on life influence the way in which we view a photo such as this?
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If you are going through a rocky patch in life, please know of my prayers for you. I lift up in prayer each and every day all who are hurting. There is healing and hope to be found in Jesus Christ.

School Field Trips Can Still Bring New Adventures

5/2/2017

Last week I had the opportunity to travel to Denver, Colorado for my first visit to Coors Field. It was "school day" at the ballpark, and I joined the eighth grade students from St. Mary's School in Cheyenne at the game. Since Wyoming does not have a professional baseball team or football team, the Colorado Rockies and the Denver Broncos capture our attention. While the weather was more suited for a football game, it was nice to see the stadium and watch all the young people enjoying their experience at the ballpark.

This was about thirty minutes before game time. There were still a lot of empty seats.

This was the first Major League Baseball game I have attended since leaving the St. Louis area over seven years ago. The Cardinals were not playing, but it was good anyway. We are blessed with abundance in our country. An experience like this reminds me to be appreciative of the many material blessings I have to enjoy. I don't ever want to take these opportunities for granted.