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Happy Advent--Are You Prepared for Death?

11/29/2020

This is one of the best books I have ever read. It is small print. It is 382 pages long with about another 90 pages of retreat meditations and reflections. It is great Advent reading.

Advent invites us to look at the second coming of Christ. Are we ready?

Let's look at a few things 2020 has brought us:

Vile politics
Corruption on many different levels
Pandemic
Societal shutdown
Financial collapse
Looting
Rioting
Debates on Science versus a political agenda
Probable rise in domestic violence (anecdotal evidence)
Probable rise in suicides (preliminary statistics)
Cancellation of graduations, weddings, funerals, etc.
Inability to visit loved ones in hospitals or nursing homes

That is just a partial list. What has been the result? We have a country split in half. Regardless of who eventually becomes president on January 20, half of the country will see the election as illegitimate. Trust has been eroded in our processes. It will be nearly impossible to ever get that trust back. Many people will never believe that their vote truly matters.

Speculation or conspiracy theories have run rampant. Is there any truth in some of the ideas being floated? It really doesn't make any difference. There has been enough evidence to raise concerns about a variety of issues in the political arena.

Perception eventually becomes reality. The perception of many is that the swamp in D.C. is deep and wide and covers both major political parties. A large percentage of the population perceives that many of the politicians are just present to enrich themselves and wield power over others. The divide between the ultra-rich and the rest of us is huge, and that gap is not closing any time soon.

The media and tech giants are also looked upon with skepticism and disdain. We lose another safeguard to our republic when we lose an unbiased and uncensored media. Recent events have shown quite convincingly that there is bias as well as censorship. This isn't about one political party winning or losing any longer. This is about maintaining our freedom.

As I review all of these events and actions, it seems we have been sent an important message in 2020. Prepare the way of the Lord. Let's not put our trust in political leaders. Let's put our trust in the King of Kings.

I took some themes from St. Alphonsus' book and connected appropriate Scripture passages to the theme. The three quotes in the middle of the page seem especially pertinent in today's society. I provide this list as a simple way to encourage you to meditate upon your own spiritual journey. Are you walking humbly with your God?

I challenge you to make this Advent journey the best one of your life. Be watchful!

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How Did You Spend New Year's Eve?

11/28/2020

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I worked a few hours on each of the holidays (Thursday and Friday). The first phone call this morning was also a work related call. Thus, it was time to disconnect for a little while. A drive to Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park seemed like the thing to do. It was a beautiful day and only a few slick spots on the roads.

There was a bit of jealousy in my heart when I heard from a few different folks later in the day who either live in the south or spend significant time there during the winter. The pictures looked a little bit like this.

Social media also brought some videos of boat rides out on the ocean. The temperatures in the 70's and 80's seemed quite appealing. I would have definitely preferred that venue.

Unfortunately, Colorado is going back into lock-down mode. We wanted to eat at a restaurant while we were out, but our only options were to take it to go or get delivery. We just went home and ate leftovers. I guess some of our politicians won't be content until we put a few more people out of business. It is simply astounding at the loss of freedom in our country.

I decided to go to Confession and Mass this evening to begin my Advent journey--the new liturgical year. I wanted to be renewed and get away from work, politics, and other annoyances draining me of my energy. Confession and Mass should do the job.

I was at church for two hours by the time Mass was over. I realized my annoyance was already coming back while still there. Two hours of needless mask use was wearing on my nerves. Only every other pew was allowed to be used for Mass. We were six feet away from each other, and yet, we were still required to wear masks throughout the entire Mass. I walked out wishing I would have become a politician so I could do whatever I want.

Okay, maybe my Advent journey will begin a little better tomorrow. I am obviously a work in progress.

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Have You Walked On Water Lately?

11/25/2020

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Someone recently asked me, "How did our country and our Church get into such a mess?" I believe that the short answer is quite simple. We took our eyes off of Christ.

The Sacred Scriptures share a story of Peter walking on water toward Jesus. He steps out of the boat and walks on water but grows fearful and begins to sink. It is easy for us to sit back and criticize his lack of faith, but at least he stepped out of the boat. How many of us have refused to even get out of the boat and take that step in faith?

In 2018, Fr. Bill Peckman wrote a post on social media which summarized the scandal in the Church. He asked, "Why is there scandal in the Church?" He then answered his own question. "One answer: We took our eyes off Christ. Like Peter walking on the water, when we take our eyes off Christ, we sink."

My dear people, I want to encourage you to walk in faith. Keep your focus on Jesus. Do not let the scandals of our country and our Church divert your attention from Christ.

When Jesus bids you to "Come," respond with deep faith even if you do not understand the calling. Faith is simply taking that next step toward Christ.

We, who have assumed roles of leadership within the Church (both clerical and lay), are responsible for shepherding God's people well. Unfortunately, there are many examples of us not living up to our responsibilities. Do not let our human failures to be effective leaders take your focus off of Christ.

I have now been a deacon for over 21 years. The ordination ceremony still sticks in my mind when Archbishop (Cardinal) Rigali handed me the Book of the Gospels and said, "Receive the Gospel of Christ whose herald you now are. Believe what you read. Teach what you believe. Practice what you teach." That responsibility has weighed upon me ever since. Pray for me. Pray that I keep my eyes fixed on Christ.

Pray for all of the clergy. Pray that we are people of supernatural faith. Pray that we have the courage to teach the Truth with clarity and authority. Pray that we never water down the Gospel simply to make it more palatable.

Also, spend some time this weekend giving thanks for the people in your life who have led you closer to Christ. Say a prayer for them in gratitude.

"This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it!"

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What Do You Attract In Life?

11/23/2020

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As I walked into the office this morning, I noticed these corn husks all piled up in our dormant bushes. The corn field is probably two-tenths of a mile away from this spot, but a strong and steady wind was able to get these remnants of the crop right outside of our front door.

This made me think about the many motivational speakers and authors who have spoken or written about the law of attraction. Napoleon Hill was adamant about this concept in his book "Think and Grow Rich." What are we attracting in life? Right now, our office building is attracting corn husks.

Do you know the old saying about birds of a feather flocking together? Do you see this happening in your local communities, your churches, and even in your own families? Are you attracted to people who bring out the best in you? Do you like hanging out with other saints in training?

I don't recall the entire story of the two wolves who live within you, but I remember it being based on good and evil. The ultimate question about which side wins was calmly answered by this simple line, "The one you feed." Are you feeding the good and holy?

Have a blessed Thanksgiving Week!

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"They Shall Not Enter Into My Rest"

11/21/2020

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Ordained Catholic clergy and members of religious communities are required to pray the Liturgy of the Hours. This is a very structured prayer format with a heavy emphasis on the Psalms. It is the prayer of the Church.

As I prayed the Invitatory Psalm this morning, I had to stop and pause for a while to let Psalm 95 resonate within me. As I reflected upon the culture around us, I could not help but think how these words may apply to us today.

"Forty years I endured that generation. I said, 'They are a people whose hearts go astray and they do not know my ways.' So I swore in my anger, 'They shall not enter into my rest.'"

The brief Scripture reading contained in "Morning Prayer" then reinforced the need to be vigilant in following Christ. "Be solicitous to make your call and election permanent, brothers; surely those who do so will never be lost." (2 Peter 1: 10)

My dear people, we are headed into some very troubling waters regardless of the final verdict of the presidential election. Half of the country is going to be quite angry either way. What does that mean for your faith journey?

Reflection Questions:
Are you concerned at all about religious freedom in the United States of America? Why or why not?

Do you believe the divide in the Church is just as immense as the divide in our politics? Why or why not?

What role does relativism play in our current situation?

What role does the media play in shaping your spiritual journey?

How does the political climate impact your spiritual growth?

(The following questions about the pandemic will help you delve into that last question more fully. Whether you answer yes or no to each question, follow it up with rationale for your answer. Then examine what impact this has on your spiritual journey.)

1. Do you believe it was right for government to close down businesses?
2. Do you believe it was right for government to close schools--even private schools?
3. Do you believe it was right for government to close churches?
4. Do you believe it was right for government to close beaches?
5 Do you believe it was right for government to ban funerals (or limit attendance to ten people)?
6. Do you believe it was right for government to ban graduation ceremonies?
7. Do you believe it was right for government to ban parties?
8. Are you okay if the government bans you from gathering as a family at Thanksgiving next week?
9. Do you think it was right for the government to ban hospital visits?
10. Do you think it was right for the government to ban nursing home visitors?
11. Do you think it was right to ban dads from delivery rooms in the hospital?
12. Do you think it was right for the government to allow multiple funerals with large gatherings for people they found worthy of the occasion?
13. Do you think it was right for the government to allow protests (and even riots) while not allowing other gatherings?
14. Do you think the government did enough to protect our churches and statues from vandalism during the civil unrest?

I ask these questions not to start a political debate, but to explore one's worldview. People look at these recent events through very different lenses.

I sum it up with these final questions:

What do you believe is the role of the government in society?
What do you believe is the role of the Church in society?
How does individual freedom and responsibility fit into these institutions?

The gates of hell will not prevail against the Church. However, "When the Son of Man returns, will he find any faith on earth?" (Luke 18:8)

The 1960's ushered in a whole new morality into the American culture. Subsequently, God has endured our generation for 60 years--not just 40. When does the mercy and patience of Almighty God draw to an end and righteous anger take over?

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The Geese Were Abundant This Morning

11/17/2020

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As I approached the last stop sign before arriving at work, I could hear the honking of the geese. I pulled safely off the road to witness the landing of hundreds, if not thousands, of geese. It was spectacular.

Look at the line of geese on the ground already and the multitude in the sky in the background.

Give thanks to God for the beauty of creation.

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Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave

11/11/2020

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To all of the veterans and their families--THANK YOU!

Living in freedom is not something that should be taken for granted. Please pray for the United States of America. While we are not a perfect nation, we have done much good throughout our brief history. I am grateful to all who sacrifice in one way or another to serve our fellow human beings. On this day, we honor our military veterans in particular. May peace reign in our hearts, our country, and throughout the world!

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Making A Positive Difference One Person At A Time

11/8/2020

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The election has brought an extra dose of anxiety and tension to our country for many months. The media projecting a presidential winner before the results are all in has only added to the dilemma. The end result will have huge repercussions regardless of who is eventually confirmed as the official winner.

Our country is divided and it will remain so. Divergent worldviews are only one component to the animosity we see spewed day after day on television and social media outlets. As a nation we do not recognize Eternal Truth. Subsequently, there is no moral compass to guide our way. As I mentioned in yesterday's post, John Adams gave a very prophetic statement in pointing out what would happen if we lost our way spiritually and morally.

"Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other." ~John Adams

I had the privilege of working with a magnificent group of people this weekend as we opened our Cold Weather Shelter for the homeless. The picture above shows the set-up before our guests arrived. Thankfully, the weather has been giving us a little break recently, but it won't be long now before the shelter will be a life-saving venture.

Our world has problems. It will continue to have problems. It also has a lot of good. I see the good every day in my co-workers and volunteers who bring hope to those most in need. My thanks to all who support the life-giving work of Catholic Charities.

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There Are Consequences For Empty Pews

11/7/2020

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John Adams was born on October 30, 1735. He died on July 4, 1826. I share with you today his prophetic statement made on October 11, 1798:

"Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other."

"Evil preaches tolerance until it is dominant, then it seeks to silence good."
~Archbishop Chaput

My dear people, get back to the sacraments. Pray with fervor. Live your life in a state of grace. Walk in the power of the Holy Spirit. The spiritual battle is going to the next level.

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