Blog Archives - Articulating Hope

Creating A Culture Of Life--One Person At A Time

11/28/2017

Statistical data regarding criminal activity can certainly cause us to feel a little sense of despair. The homicide numbers alone are staggering. How can we have such little regard for other human beings?

I spent a great deal of time studying sociological trends and aberrant behavior when I was pursuing my college degree. I graduated with a double-major in Sociology and Criminal Justice. In the course of my studies I accumulated nearly ninety credit hours in the social and behavioral sciences. It was my desire to truly understand human behavior so I could have a positive impact on the lives of others. My idealism clearly met realism after graduation.

Unfortunately, many of the systemic problems I studied thirty years ago remain in place today. Unemployment, poverty, drug and alcohol use, inadequate education, and a deterioriating community infrastructure can lead to isolation, anger, and hopelessness. How do people respond when they have lost hope?

Since I grew up about 40 miles from St. Louis, Missouri, I still follow many of the news outlets from that region. I saw in one of the articles recently that the homicide number for the city of St. Louis now stands at 190 for the year 2017. I checked the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department website to verify that number. The 2017 UCR (Uniform Crime Reporting) Homicide Analysis on their website reveals that as of November 27 the number of homicides indeed stood at 190.

Since the city of Chicago is frequently referred to when gun control discussions take place, I looked up their statistics as well. A website came up in my search engine and it caught my attention because of its unique name. According to "heyjackass.com" these are the stats for Chicago as of early today.

Shot and Killed: 581
Shot and Wounded: 2752
Total Shot: 3333
Total Homicides: 630

What can we do to change the trajectory of things? How can we more effectively address the social issues confronting us? Sitting on the sidelines is really not a viable option for the person of faith. I encourage you to not be overwhelmed by the magnitude of the problems. I simply invite you to make a positive difference in your little corner of the world. How will you positively impact one person today?

Parish Mission in Douglas, WY Begins on December 2

11/28/2017

I am looking forward to being with the people of Douglas, Wyoming this coming week for an Advent parish mission. This will be my first time preaching at St. James in Douglas and I appreciate the invitation. We put this event on my calendar 20 months ago, and now it has finally arrived. It is exciting to begin the season of Advent in such a beautiful way.

As we make preparations to begin Advent I am also working on the season of Lent. I received an invitation today from the pastor of Corpus Christi Parish in Newcastle, Wyoming to lead a parish mission there from March 3 through March 7, 2018. That will be my first time preaching in Newcastle as well.

It is truly a privilege to be welcomed into the lives of parishioners during these parish missions. I invite the people of Hulett, Sundance, and Upton to consider joining us for the mission in Newcastle. I will preach at all of the weekend Masses in those communities, but the mission itself will be held in Newcastle on March 5, 6, and 7.

How will you prepare the way of the Lord during this Advent season?

"Be Watchful. Be Alert!"

11/27/2017

Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and now Cyber Monday--we Americans can certainly cram a lot into a few days. This coming Sunday begins a new church year as we enter into the season of Advent. We are admonished in the Gospel to, "Be watchful. Be alert!" Let's be sure we are attending to our spiritual goods as diligently as we are our temporal goods.

Is There Music In Your Life?

11/23/2017

Reading posts on social media this morning proved to be uplifting in some ways and a bit disheartening in other ways. Many people were expressing gratitude. I am grateful to have surrounded myself with good people such as these. However, I messed up by reading some of the "news" organizations posts along with the comments that followed. Civil discourse is pretty much a part of our past. Disagreeing with an idea or an opinion can lead to a fruitful discussion and dialogue. Unfortunately, the goal in the comments section appears less about discussing ideas than it does personal attacks and crushing someone's spirit.

I was glancing through my photos to see which one I should use today for my blog. I chose the piano because I think music adds a calming dimension to our lives if we allow it to do so. Thanksgiving Day should be a day of gratitude, peace, and serenity. May the music play quietly in our hearts.

Several people I know are celebrating birthdays today. Happy birthday to each of you. The whole nation is apparently celebrating with you on your important day.

Being in ministry for over 18 years has made me more sensitive to the hurts and struggles of those who find the holidays difficult. Families who have lost loved ones in the previous year can find the first Thanksgiving without that person extremely difficult. That empty chair at the table is a reminder of the loss. Others can find the holiday filled with anxiety because of family tension and strife. Loneliness is prevalent in many instances. Others struggle financially to even put a meal on the table. How do you maintain a heart of gratitude when the circumstances are so dire?

Whatever the circumstances are in your life today, please know I am praying for all who read these words today. May you experience God's love in a profound way.

I am blessed by God's grace; I hope I never take that gift for granted. I will do my best to keep the music in my heart even when life seems a little off key.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

What Will You Enjoy Most This Holiday Weekend?

11/22/2017

It is mild in Cheyenne (relatively speaking), but this photo is from last April in California. Living in Wyoming has made me appreciate lush greenery in a more profound way than ever before. There were times when I lived in Missouri that I would be tired of mowing the lawn in May already. Now, I enjoy seeing the green vegetation at any time. I do not miss the allergies that come with a lot of vegetation, but I do miss seeing all of the green.

What else am I thankful for today? I am thankful that I do not work in any of the retail stores this week. If any of you work in retail, I extend my sympathy to you for what you will endure on "Black Friday." I can't even imagine how you mentally prepare for that experience. As a side note--I do not intend to join the ranks of the shoppers.

Happy Thanksgiving!
"Give thanks to the Lord for He is good. His mercy endures forever."

Giving Thanks All The Time--Not Just A Day

11/21/2017

The sky was gorgeous two evenings ago. The magnificence of God's creation never ceases to amaze me. It is truly something to admire, and giving thanks to God for such beauty comes naturally.

It took a few attempts, but I finally caught the soaring creature in one of the photos.

Many people will be traveling this week to see family and friends for Thanksgiving Day. Please be careful in your travels so that everyone gets to their destinations safely. A safe return trip home is also a big part of the equation. Please do not drive if you are too tired or have consumed too much alcohol. The life you save may be someone you love.

I have seen the 30 day "gratitude list" circulating on social media. I will probably not commit to listing something for 30 days, but I will spend today listing a few things of which I am grateful. Here are ten items--not necessarily in order of priority.
1. Faith in God
2. Love of Family (I could list individuals separately and make this a long list quickly.)
3. Sacramental Life of the Church (Experiencing avenues of grace)
4. The years of good health
5. The trials of poor health (which help me understand # 4 more fully)
6. Eyesight (to see the beauty that surrounds us--people, places, things, creation)
7. Hearing
8. Sense of smell
9. Taste
10. Touch

I listed the senses separately to make a point. Can you imagine what your life would be like if any one of those five were absent? Maybe you are living it? What happens when something is altered? The sense of smell can be wonderful as you appreciate the scents permeating the house as Thanksgiving dinner is being prepared. What happens to the individual going through chemotherapy treatments? His/her sense of smell is heightened and previous aromas found to be pleasant now cause vomiting. It is all a matter of perspective.

Finally, we could list all of those things that impact us almost daily. I am grateful for a job and a paycheck, a vehicle to drive, gas and oil to put into the vehicle, streets to drive on, a home, electricty, heat, air conditioning, a washer and dryer, clothes to put in the washer and dryer, food, water, a sense of safety, a telephone, a computer, access to the internet, etc. Life can seem difficult at times, but when I look at the bigger picture it is actually pretty good.

Three questions:

What are you thankful for these days?

How does gratitude impact your prayer life?

If you have the luxury of gathering with family on Thanksgiving Day, what can you do differently this year to more fully embrace a sense of gratitude?

Thanksgiving Lunch at St. Mary's Catholic School

11/20/2017

The 62 degree temperature did not feel like Thanksgiving week in Cheyenne, but the 60 mph winds made me grateful that the temperature was unseasonably warm. The wind was quite brutal. St. Mary's Catholic School in Cheyenne hosted a Thanksgiving lunch today. Students, parents, grandparents, staff and volunteers enjoyed a festive gathering. My thanks to all who made this event possible.

I took special note of the fact that Fr. Andrew was working hard behind the counter serving up the gravy. Although I gave him a hard time while I was there, I am truly grateful for his presence and his ministry. We are truly blessed by the dedicated priests who give so much of themselves in service to God's people.

A special tip of the hat today to all of the volunteers. Our Catholic schools depend upon the gracious support of many, many people. Whether you give of your time, your talent, your treasure, or all of these things, please know of my gratitude for your generosity. Your kindness and faithfulness is appreciated.

Bishop Steven spent some time visiting with the guests as well. Thanksgiving week has gotten off to a good start.

Praying A Novena--Solemnity of Christ the King

11/17/2017

I began my annual novena today in preparation for the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, which will be celebrated on November 26. It is my attempt to always finish out the liturgical year in fitting fashion so as to be well-prepared for the start of the new liturgical year. I want to be headed in the right direction.

Driving through major metropolitan cities can be a bit daunting if one is unfamiliar with the city. This is especially true if the roadways are crowded as well. Missing a single turn can cause a person to get really lost in a hurry. Being lost in an unfamiliar city is not a good feeling. In modern times we frequently have access to a GPS, but I still manage to find ways to get lost. Let's just say that I have a knack for being in the wrong lane at the wrong time. Am I the only one who has heard the word "recalculating" more times than I care to admit?

The Solemnity of Christ the King is a wonderful opportunity for each of us to set our spiritual GPS on the proper destination. Are we setting our gaze upon the Lord? Just as a highway has many entrances, exits, twists, turns, potholes, construction, accidents, and drivers who can be distracted, angry, or aggressive, our journey with the Lord is also hindered with many obstacles and barriers. It is with God's grace that all things are possible. We simply have the responsibility to keep our gaze fixed upon the Lord to fully cooperate with that grace. If we do that, we will make our way safely to our heavenly home despite the storms of life in our overall journey.

Is there any "recalculating" that needs to take place in your spiritual quest?

November 16--Merry Christmas???

11/16/2017

I walked to the bank this afternoon and noticed that the Christmas decorations had been installed on the utility poles along Capitol Avenue in Cheyenne. The "Christmas Parade" is just a little over a week away. Other than getting dark before I leave work in the evening, there is not much in nature to indicate that Christmas is approaching. It was 64 degrees as I walked to the bank. That is very balmy for Cheyenne midway through the month of November.

We are just a little over two weeks away from the beginning of Advent. How will you prepare the way of the Lord during this holy season? Please don't miss the blessings of the start of a new liturgical year on December 3, by jumping straight to Christmas immediately after celebrating Thanksgiving Day. Prayerfully wait upon the Lord!

Two Options--"Make Progress or Make Excuses!"

11/15/2017

What do people do to feel better physically? They may start exercise routines, change their eating habits, give up smoking, or a whole list of other potential endeavors. How long do these commitments generally last?

How frequently do we set any spiritual goals? Are we successful in keeping those commitments?

If you have made a commitment to pray each day, are you living up to it? How frequently and fervently do you spend time with the Sacred Scriptures? Do you participate in the sacramental life of the Church with full, conscious, and active participation?

I think each of us can ask ourselves a very simple question today: "Am I making progress in my spiritual quest or am I simply making excuses?" If we are going to respond effectively to God's call to holiness, we need to cooperate with God's grace. What are the steps we need to take to be open to the promptings of the Holy Spirit in our lives?