Blog Posts - Articulating Hope

Weather Forecast for Ash Wednesday

2/19/2023

Will hell freeze over on Ash Wednesday at -14 degrees, or will it take until Thursday at -26 degrees? It probably makes a fire and brimstone sermon at the beginning of Lent a little less effective at those temps. The congregation won't be thinking the fires of hell look all that bad as they are enduring such cold temperatures.

In all seriousness, I hope you are making plans for a fruitful season of Lent. How will you grow in holiness during these days of penitence?

Gumbo Cook-Off in Mexico Beach, Florida

2/18/2023

What are you doing for fun during these final days before the start of Lent?

I stare at the snow on the ground while others enjoy the Sunshine State.

Thankfully, I can share in the fun through photos and technology.

We can't have a celebration this close to Mardi Gras
without having beads somewhere on the premises.

Have a blessed weekend!

Refresh and Replenish Your Languished Soul

2/17/2023

While I am looking at snow out of my window, people in the south enjoy a different type of view. I would definitely find it easier to be refreshed and replenished in a warmer environment. Maybe next year?

The Season of Lent has typically been a busy one for me since my ordination to the diaconate over 23 years ago. However, the shutdown of society changed all of that back in 2020 in the blink of an eye. All of my speaking engagements on the calendar were wiped off with one swoop of the eraser. Sadly, none of them returned even after all of this time.

Lent is a time in which we focus on prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. It is a time for increased awareness, self-discipline, reflection, and growth in holiness. It is also a time for us to be refreshed, replenished, and renewed.

What do I miss most about not having my calendar filled with speaking engagements? I miss having the opportunity to share God's love with people who are searching, struggling, or simply seeking a deeper relationship with the Lord. In a season where I would typically preach several parish missions, lead a few days of recollection or retreats, I now find myself with only three speaking engagements for the whole season of Lent. I mentioned this to someone recently, and the reply came back, "Enjoy the time for your own refreshment and replenishment." That sounds good in theory, but I find my refreshment and replenishment in bringing God's Word to others. Sharing in the preaching, teaching, and healing ministry of Christ is where I find my joy.

For now, I wait in joyful hope.

"Wait for the Lord, take courage; be stouthearted, wait for the Lord!"
~Psalm 27:14

"For I will refresh the weary soul; every soul that languishes I will replenish."
~Jeremiah 31:25

Mountain West Cold or Florida Warmth

2/15/2023

My brother is in the panhandle of Florida. He kindly sends me videos each day of the waves as he sits on the beach. Today, I sent him the above photo and said, "Don't be jealous." He responded with, "I think I'll be okay." He then sent these photos.

I think he wins.

We are one week away from Ash Wednesday.
How will you make this season holy?

It's An Interesting World

2/13/2023

This past Saturday was "World Day of the Sick." Although I did not have the opportunity to attend Mass in a chapel at a Catholic hospital, I did have the opportunity to get out in nature and attend Mass at Our Lady of the Mountains in Estes Park, Colorado. (Picture above)

There were a multitude of things I brought to prayer this weekend in addition to the sick and suffering. Watching the signs of the times troubles my heart.

1. World Politics--
     A. What is really going on with the airspace?
     B. How is the World Economic Forum impacting our day-to-day lives?
     C. Excess death statistics seem quite troubling around the world.

2. National Politics--
     A. The crushing weight of inflation on the poor and the middle class
   continues to destroy families.
     B. What are the ramifications of the growing distrust that people have of
           the government, media outlets, tech companies, and the medical
           industrial complex?
      C. Is there a way to be compassionate and still maintain the security of our
            southern border? Do we not owe it to the citizens of the country to slow
            the spread of illegal drugs across the border? Do we not owe it to all
            people to do our best to combat human trafficking? A wide open border
            exacerbates these problems.

3. Train derailment and explosion in Palestine, Ohio--
     A. I have not seen much on mainstream media, but social media is labeling
            it as a "Chernobyl" event. Is that true?

4. There was apparently a big football game yesterday.
     A. Much of society tends to even distrust the legitimate outcome of a
           football game. How sad of a commentary is that?

5. Finally, tomorrow is Valentine's Day. Our world could use a day of love.

Our Lady of the Mountains Catholic Church (Side View) in Estes Park, Colorado

Rocky Mountain National Park

The downside to visiting the park in the winter is driving on snow-packed roads.

Our Lady of Lourdes--World Day of the Sick

2/11/2023

In a letter dated May 13, 1992, Pope John Paul II designated February 11 as World Day of the Sick. This is a day very near and dear to my own heart because of my own experience of suffering. St. Pope John Paul II described the day well when he stated that the World Day of the Sick is "a special time of prayer and sharing, of offering one's suffering for the good of the Church and of reminding us to see in our sick brother and sister the face of Christ who, by suffering, dying, and rising, achieved the salvation of humankind."

St. Scholastica

2/10/2023

Prayers for all the Benedictines today
as we celebrate the life of St. Scholastica.

Learn more here:

www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-scholastica/

I'd Settle for Florida if the Caribbean Is Not an Option

2/9/2023

After posting about the record low temperature in Wyoming on this day in 1933 with a -66 reading, my brother sends me a few pictures. The first one was of his current temperature reading of 76 degrees in Florida. The second one was of this vehicle hauling flowers. Then, it was on to Pineapple Willy's.

I wish I was there too.

Outdoor dining right on the beach.

Who's ready for a road trip?

Coldest Temperature ever In Wyoming (-66 degrees)

2/9/2023

The record low for the State of Wyoming is -66° F observed February 9, 1933, at Yellowstone Park.

www.wrds.uwyo.edu/sco/wyoclimate.html

What does that make me consider? Living in the Caribbean!

Give thanks and praise for the blessings in your life.

Two Weeks Until Ash Wednesday

2/8/2023

Start planning now. You have two weeks.

How will you make this the best Lenten journey of your life?