Blog Archives - Articulating Hope

Do You Ever Feel Lost?

10/20/2016

Picture yourself getting lost in a forest. Nightfall is approaching. You have limited supplies. The path is gone. You are seriously lost. What do you do?

Take some time to seriously consider your options. What steps would you take to stay alive? What would you do to find shelter? Where would you go to get water? How would you find food?

It is my impression that we would experience a certain level of anxiety about being in such a predicament. An outdoor enthusiast may feel less stress than someone not accustomed to the woods, but I think the majority of us would feel some sense of concern about our safety and well-being if we were truly lost in the forest.

Now, picture yourself spiritually lost. The nightfall of your life is approaching. You wandered far off the path of faith many years ago or just recently. Either way, you are seriously lost at this moment in time. What do you do?

Take some time to seriously consider your options. What steps will you take to spiritually arise? Where will you find shelter? How will you be nourished?

Our eternal life is a serious issue. We are hardwired to preserve our mortal life and that is good. However, we are also wired to be united with God. "Our hearts are restless until they rest in Thee (God)." Unfortunately, it appears that we as individuals and as a society are very adept at squelching the desire to be united with God. When we reject intimacy with God now we are also rejecting that intimacy for eternity.

I want to encourage you today to do a little spiritual check-up. Are you being nurtured by the proclamation of God's Sacred Word? Are you being nourished in the Eucharist? Are you finding shelter in the arms of God and His beloved Church? Are you seriously striving to live out the Ten Commandments? Do the beatitudes impact your life? Do the spiritual and corporal works of mercy mean anything to you? Do you have a desire to be a saint?

Please don't wait to get right with God. Seek forgiveness of your sins now. Ask God to fill you with grace. Let the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ transform your life. Invite the Holy Spirit to move profoundly in your life. There is no time like the present. The Kingdom of God is at hand.

Twisted Roots and Twisted Politics

10/20/2016

The photo failed to capture the intertwined root system in the shadows, but the two roots visible in the open give you an indication of what is in the underbrush. The roots seem to travel along the ground rather than climbing into the air. After watching the final presidential debate last night I could relate to these unusual roots.

Our country is in dire need of a strong moral conscience. Unfortunately, the voice of the Church has been drowned out in many ways. The sex abuse scandal has weighed down the moral credibility of the message. Lackluster leadership within the Church has failed to proclaim the message of the Gospel with enthusiasm and authority. The winds of popular opinion have influenced the way the Gospel is preached. An absence of truth leads to moral decay and destruction, much like the twisted roots of the trees in the picture.

Politics is simply a snapshot of our culture. Let us recognize that we did not get into this predicament overnight. We are simply reaping what has been sown for decades. Our country is severely divided and it will continue to be after the election is over. When the Church sleeps chaos ensues. It is far past time for the Church to awaken.

Do you pray for our world? Do you pray for the conversion of sinners? Do you pray for the salvation of souls. We cannot sit idly by and watch our nation crumble under the weight of sin and degradation. We each have a responsibility to pray and fast for the conversion of sinners. "When the Son of Man returns will He find any faith on the earth?" Good question!

40 Days for Life Bus Tour in Casper Was Awesome!

10/18/2016

The trek from Colorado to central Wyoming was a long one due to the heavy winds. We are grateful that the 40 Days for Life team made it safely. The winds were still blustery today as we stood outside, but not nearly as windy as the day before. The energy in the crowd helped to keep us warm.

I want to thank David Bereit and his family for their commitment to life. My gratitude also goes to Bob Brechtel for organizing the 40 Days for Life in Casper. I am grateful for the support of the Catholic clergy in Casper as all three priests were in attendance today as well as a couple of deacons. Protestant pastors were also in attendance. We especially appreciate the use of the parking lot at Boyd Avenue Baptist Church just down the street from where our vigil is being held in front of Planned Parenthood. Finally, I am grateful for each and every person that came and stood with us today. It was a magnificent day!

Deacon Vernon Dobelmann and David Bereit (CEO of 40 Days for Life)

Students for Life have a van that tells a story.

Joining The National 40 Days for Life Team in Casper

10/18/2016

It was another beautiful sunrise this morning in Cheyenne, Wyoming. I got my day off to an early start to accomplish a few things before hitting the road for Casper, Wyoming. The 40 Days for Life bus tour made numerous stops yesterday in Colorado and today it is Wyoming's turn.

As I stopped for a moment to watch the sun slowly creep over the horizon I was reminded of the blessing that each day brings. The story of creation in the Book of Genesis makes it clear that it is good, but when we take time to experience it and ponder the majesty we know first-hand that it truly is magnificent.

Young people at the three parishes in Cheyenne are experiencing the outpouring of the Holy Spirit through the Sacrament of Confirmation this week. Last night we had thirty-three people receive the sacrament at the Cathedral of St. Mary. Tonight the celebration moves to Holy Trinity and tomorrow to St. Joseph's Parish. Congratulations to all.

Time to get on the road. Have a blessed day!

The Path Of Life Can Be Quite A Journey

10/15/2016

This has been a year with significant milestone anniversaries for me. On July 17, I marked thirty years since first being diagnosed with cancer. Today, I celebrate fifteen years of survival since the second diagnosis. I will readily admit that I never imagined I would make it this long.

These significant anniversaries have given me a lot to ponder this year. Reflecting on my life's journey also renewed within me a project I had been attempting  since finishing chemotherapy back in October of 1986. At the suggestion of the hospital chaplain back then I tried to write about the experience while it was fresh in my mind. That attempt fell horribly flat. Future attempts did not flourish much better until this year. Thirty years of theological reflection finally compelled me to sit down and write about the journey of my life and the impact of suffering. I completed that manuscript back in August.

Writing just under 40,000 words to describe a journey made me seriously consider the many ripple effects of the whole experience of suffering. The twists and turns of life have been numerous. It has not been an easy road to travel, but it has brought many blessings nonetheless. Tim McGraw probably sums it up best in his song, "Live Like You Were Dying." I invite you to pull up his music video and listen closely.

My book will probably come out just after the first of the year. The editing phase concluded last week and it now moves to the layout phase. Work has been done on the front and back cover. Proofreading all of it before it goes to print will be another major endeavor as well. It is amazing how many times you can read something and still not catch all of the typographical errors.

My prayer is that my book will be a blessing to anyone who is going through difficult times. Reflection and discussion questions are given at the end of each chapter to encourage serious dialogue about complex issues. Bottom line--I want to give hope to anyone who is hurting. I have used my blog title for the book along with a subtitle:  Articulating Hope--A Journey of Healing

As I quietly reflect today I am grateful for many things. Margaret and I will celebrate our 28th wedding anniversary later this week. I have lived long enough to see both of our children make it to adulthood. Being ordained as a deacon and serving in the Church for nearly two decades has been a definite asset in processing all of these memories through the years. Philosophical and theological training can help immensely in grappling with the major questions of life.

Publicity photos were taken in college when I played basketball. These photos were used for different publications to promote the university and its basketball program. I recently had some publicity photos taken in preparation for the publishing of my book. I have aged significantly since the last set of photos were taken, and that is okay. As Tim McGraw sings it so well, "I hope someday you get the chance to live like you were dying."

2016

1982

What Will Newscasts Cover After The Election?

10/15/2016

Yesterday's sunset in Cheyenne was phenomenal. It was a pleasant reminder that God is still in our midst despite the ugliness of politics in America. We are a nation in deep need of spiritual conversion. Beautiful sunsets and sunrises are quiet invitations to each of us from the Creator to turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel.

My encouragement to you today is short and to the point. Be a person of prayer. Regardless of who wins the presidential election it is obvious that our nation is in serious trouble. Each of us need to pursue holiness in our own lives, and we desperately need to pray for our entire world. Pray that we find an effective method to assist the persecuted Christians in the Middle East. Be the Light of Christ in your home, church, and neighborhood. We need your faithful witness to the Truth!

"Liberal Arts Major: Will Think For Food"

10/11/2016

The way we process thoughts and communicate them to others can take a variety of forms. The current political discourse among the major presidential candidates is one way of doing it--probably not something we want to emulate. As pictured above, you can put your message on a wedding cake to deliver a message to your spouse shortly after you have said, "I do." Skywriting, jumbo-trons, billboards, YouTube videos, and a multitude of other methods can be used to deliver a message. My question today concerns what we do before communicating a message. How do we think?

Liberal Arts majors often get ridiculed. In addition to the title of this blog I have also heard others. "I have a degree in liberal arts--do you want fries with that?" When discussions turn toward college debt I hear something like this. "I attended a liberal arts college. I graduated with a Bachelor of Unemployment Degree." These jabs may be offered in a fun-loving manner, but they highlight a sentiment of society to a certain degree. Intellectual and philosophical endeavors are less honored than practical degrees one can attain to pursue money, power, and prestige.

The political discourse is disheartening to say the least. Well-educated people including politicians, media pundits, and the Hollywood elite have all demonstrated that common sense does not automatically come with an advanced degree. Furthermore, an advanced degree seems to hinder the faith journey of many. Without faith in God, our country is headed for some serious trouble. The political discourse of the last year is only a symptom of what we will experience in the years ahead.

Politicians have long manipulated and used certain segments of society to garner votes. This is nothing new. However, when a candidate for public office refers to many of us as "deplorable and irredeemable" I am saddened for our country. I have been redeemed by the Blood of Christ; I don't need a politician to fill that role.

Rude comments, immoral actions, and even criminal behavior have been commonplace among high-profile political leaders on both sides of the aisle. The astonishing aspect in all of this is that many people don't seem to care. Excuses will be made for the candidate of their choosing. The consequences of bad behavior are only applied to the common folk--at least that is the perception.

My dear people of faith, pray for holiness. Ask our Lord for an outpouring of the theological virtues of faith, hope, and love. Do not look to the government for truth. Seek Jesus Christ. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Hard times are ahead. Religious persecution is knocking on our door more loudly with each passing day. Read Ephesians chapter six and put on the armor of God as directed. We each need to be fully equipped for the spiritual battle that lies ahead.

What Remains Constant In The Midst Of Change?

10/11/2016

Photo taken on October 9, 2014

Photo taken on October 12, 2015

Photo taken on October 10, 2016

The colors of the trees astound us every year in the fall. As the pictures above indicate there will be a fluctuation in the brightness from year to year, but change they will. The beauty of the sky is less predictable as to when it will change, but as the picture above from October 3, 2016 demonstrates, it does change as well.

It has been a challenging week for us in the chancery office in Cheyenne as we come to grips with the news that our bishop is leaving for Anchorage, Alaska. While we are excited for this new adventure in his life, there is also a grieving process that we must enter into as we strive to embrace the changes that will impact us as a staff.

In the midst of change certain items remain constant. We still have responsibilities and obligations that need to be upheld. My personal schedule has remained full this past week as I gave a presentation to the Cathedral Guild women on Thursday evening, planned a women's Lenten retreat for a neighboring parish, and spent the weekend with the deacon aspirants and gave a presentation to them on Sunday regarding supervised practical ministry.

Today has been centered upon the 40 Days for Life as we prepare for the national tour bus to stop in Casper next week on October 18, 2016 at noon. Compiling annual school statistics for the diocesan NCEA report is on the agenda as the form sits on my desk awaiting attention. I also have to prepare a talk for the diocesan youth gathering on October 22-23, 2016 in Casper.

Our young people at the Cathedral will be celebrating the Sacrament of Confirmation on Monday, October 17, 2016. A planning meeting is set for this afternoon. I only have a few more opportunities to assist at Mass with Archbishop-elect Etienne presiding before he moves to Anchorage. I want the liturgies to proceed smoothly and prayerfully. Planning, preparation, and rehearsal will help ensure that we pray well.

Upcoming events include an evening of remembrance on All Souls Day. We will gather at the Cathedral on the evening of November 2, at 7:00 P.M. to pray for all of our faithful departed, and to also pray for ourselves as well. This will be my first time to lead this special prayer service at the Cathedral and I am humbled to share this sacred moment with our parishioners. (November 2, will mark exactly one year since we celebrated the funeral liturgy for my mom. i am sure this celebration of evensong will have a personal impact on me.)

On November 5, I will lead a retreat for the parishioners of Our Lady of the Mountains in Jackson, Wyoming. I will also stay and preach at the weekend Masses celebrated in English. I am looking forward to spending this time in a beautiful city with wonderful people. I simply pray that the weather cooperates so the seven hour drive is not extended any longer. Praying for good driving conditions seems to be a constant thing to do in the midst of change as well.

After spending the weekend in Jackson I will quickly return to Cheyenne, unpack my suitcase, repack it, and head to Denver to fly to Anchorage. Solemn Evening Prayer will be celebrated on November 8, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. at Holy Family Cathedral in Anchorage, Alaska. The Mass of Installation will take place on November 9, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at our Lady of Guadalupe Co-Cathedral in Anchorage, Alaska. While I am saddened by the departure of Archbishop-elect Etienne, I am glad I will be able to participate in his installation as Archbishop of Anchorage, Alaska.

Congratulations To Archbishop-Elect Paul Etienne

10/4/2016

I have had the privilege to work with Bishop Paul Etienne for nearly seven years in the Diocese of Cheyenne. I began my ministry here on November 2, 2009 as the Director of Pastoral Ministries. Bishop Etienne was installed as the bishop just six weeks later on December 9, 2009. It was released today that he is now the Archbishop-Elect of Anchorage, Alaska.

I have given some thought to this since the news broke and my initial reactions are these:

I am grateful for these past seven years.
I am happy for Archbishop-Elect Etienne to have this new opportunity.
I am grateful for the Etienne family and I want to acknowledge the sacrifice this entails for them.

The distance from Indiana to Wyoming was significant enough for the close-knit Etienne family. The distance from Indiana to Alaska is huge. My prayers go with Archbishop-Elect Paul Etienne, but the entire Etienne family is in my prayers as well. I realize the sacrifice that each of you will make with this increased distance between you. Please know that the Church is blessed by your commitment and generosity.

LifeChain 2016 in Cheyenne, Wyoming

10/3/2016

There were 119 people standing in solidarity in Cheyenne, Wyoming on Sunday, October 2, silently proclaiming the sacred dignity and value of each human life. We quietly prayed for one hour interceding for our nation to end the scourge of abortion. (These photos show the view from my point in the middle of the chain--top photo looking east and bottom photo looking west.)

It was a beautiful day with just a few clouds. The temperatures were warm and the winds were calm. The hour flew by and I was grateful to be part of this annual event. LifeChain began in 1987 in one location in Yuba City, California. This year it took place in approximately 1,600 communities across the country. Our society is blessed to have people willing to be a public witness for the cause of life.

After preaching at four of the six Masses over the weekend, attending LifeChain, and visiting yesterday evening with a couple of family members who stopped in to see us on their way back to Missouri, I was tired and looked forward to a good night's sleep in preparation for a new week. As the sun rose this morning and I stepped outside to enjoy the view, I realized just how blessed I am.

My encouragement to you today is simple. Spend a little time offering prayers of gratitude to God for the blessings in your life.