Merry Christmas

This That and the Other…….

Ringing the Bell for Pizza

I am not a pizza fan but on occasion I pick up a pie on my way home so I don’t have to go out to eat. Well tonight I stopped at a local pizza place no names but it starts with D and ends in O. I parked and walked to the front door to pick up my pizza and found the door locked. They were busy taking orders and putting pizza in boxes. There was no instruction on the door no clue as to what I needed to do to get in. I found a key pad but no secret code. I knocked and then saw a button on the key pad that said bell, now we are getting some where. I rang the bell nothing happened. I rang again and finally someone pushed a button and I gained entry.

To be honest while I was locked out it crossed my mind to let them keep their pizza. It actually crossed my mind several times. But hey it’s the season to be jolly not going to let a lock ruin my day. But what has the world come to when a place of business must keep the door locked. I could understand if we were talking about jewelry store. But a pizza joint give me a break. What do they think will happen? If someone was going to rob the place if they are smart they will hide the gun and ring the bell. Hey maybe they will take some pepperoni hostage.

Bah Humbug

Well maybe not this year. I have resolved to have a Merry Christmas. In an earlier blog I indicated that my problem with Christmas was the commercialization of the holiday. Well I am sure you have noticed that retailers have not in unison put Christ front and center this season. So what has changed? Quite simply I have. I cannot turn the tide of commercialism but I choose to participate in a limited way. I will spend time with family and friends. Attend mass and do my best to put Christ first during Advent and through out the year.

I have purchased my wife’s gift and she has made travel arrangements for our daughter to celebrate Christmas with us this year. Our oldest son will be home our youngest son will not be with us but we will get together by phone. First and foremost our grandson will celebrate his third Christmas. And you can’t imagine how much fun it is to watch him open his gifts. You can bet he is no scrooge. And he has reached the age where he knows what Christmas is about from a child’s perspective. Imagination is a wonderful gift.

I cannot control what others choose to do but I can make my holiday what I believe it should be. So if I choose I can have a Merry Christmas. I know the pressures placed on parents this time of year to provide for their children. The hustle and bustle in and of itself will ruin a holiday in a heart beat.

It is my prayer for myself and for you that this year Christmas will be a peaceful joy filled season. And may you be surrounded by the love of Christ and those dear to you.

Merry Christmas one and All

Wondering about heaven - Thirty Second Sunday Ordinary Time

Thirty Second Sunday Ordinary Time

Luke 20:27, 34-38

Wondering about Heaven

The Sadducees a religious sect in Jesus day did not believe in the resurrection. They came to Jesus and proposed a scenario followed by a question. The scenario and question were an attempt to discredit Jesus teaching about the resurrection and life after death.

The scenario is about a young childless widow. Following her husbands death she is given to her husband’s brother in marriage as prescribed by law to provide descendants for her husband. The first brother also dies as well as the second third until all the brothers were dead leaving a childless widow. The wife also dies. The question proposed, following the resurrection whose wife will she be?

Jesus response affirms his teaching of a bodily resurrection and provides insight about what heaven will be like.

1. There will be no marriage in heaven.

Why, because there is no death in heaven. There are many benefits to marriage two of which I want to mention here. The first is children. Children ensured the continuing of the human race. Secondly marriage produces a bond between a husband and wife that does not exist outside the marriage bond. Sex outside of marriage reduces the sex act to one of passion and lust. No bond exists and a mockery of made of the marriage bond.





2. God is the God of the living not the dead

We live on through out all eternity. This is our hope. The apostle Paul said we sorrow not as others who have no hope. God is the God of Abraham Isaac and Jacob. They are physically dead and yet live awaiting the resurrection.

3. Heaven is not an extension of this life

The Sadducees painted a picture of life after death much like this life. Who will her husband be?

We have a tendency to do the same. Heaven is much like this life only better. No death, taxes, tears or pain. All of which are true. But we carry the idea a bit further saying that golfers will play golf. Fisherman will fish and numerous other activities are noted that loved ones enjoyed in this life and will enjoy in heaven. These thoughts bring comfort during a difficult time but have no basis in scripture.

4. We are equal to angels

Angels are immortal and we like them will experience immortality. I don’t have a clue about what type of body we will have in heaven. Wings or no wings take your pick.

5. We are sons and daughters of God

We have the opportunity to have a relationship with God on earth by accepting his gift of salvation. We have a relationship with God in heaven. We fall asleep in death and awake in the presence of God. Quick note here Vatican II did not set aside the Churches teaching on purgatory.

Heaven is not about what we do but who we are. Heaven is about relationship. We experience a relationship with God on earth and that relationship carries on in heaven.

No relationship with God on earth, none in heaven. This life is about preparing for eternity. Are you getting ready for heaven?

Heaven is about experiencing God in a way not possible in this life.

Santa Is Already in town!

Santa Claus is Coming to Town

I am probably the only person concerned with Santa’s early arrival. I don’t have an issue with Saint Nick but it seems Santa arrives earlier each year. A local mall is proudly announcing Santa’s arrival on November 10th.

You have got to be kidding me. Maybe we should celebrate Christmas on the fourth of July. I think combining these two holidays could be a boost to both days. Not much patriotism these days and Christmas is not what it used to be. It’s no longer the celebration of the birth of Christ. Celebrating the savior’s birth is no longer politically correct. In stead of merry Christmas and happy New Year it’s happy holidays. Happy holidays give me a break.

Well we must be considerate of others beliefs and be careful not to offend. I wondered today if anyone was even slightly concerned with my feelings or faith. The answer is no.

I have never been called and asked by a TV pollster what programs I watch on a regular basis. Or which programs I think should be cancelled. I have never been questioned about my political views. And I have never been asked if I have been offended by the fact that Christmas has been reduced to happy holidays.

Well you bet I am offended, and tired of the birth of the Lord being used to set the cash registers humming for a commercial holiday. No religious symbols in schools, no merry Christmas.

And sad to say we Christians have done very little to stem the tide of political correctness. We are guilty of saying happy holidays instead of merry Christmas. We get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season.

So where do we go from hear. Well may I suggest we start by putting Christ back in Christmas? Celebrate advent preparing for the coming of the Lord. Teach your children the true meaning of Christmas. Santa has his place, but keep in mind Santa cannot forgive sin. Santa brings gifts but the gift of eternal life is not in his bag.

My prayer for all this Christmas is that we find the peace joy and love only Christ can bring.

Merry Christmas

A Card Carrying Curmudgeon

Webster’s defines a curmudgeon as a crusty ill tempered and usually old man.

A co-worker called me a curmudgeon can you believe it? She was kidding of course; honest she said she was kidding. By definition I am not guilty. Well ok I can be crusty and I guess ill tempered at times but I am not and old man.

Those that know me would say if you look up curmudgeon in the dictionary you would find my picture. And if I am honest I am guilty as charged from time to time.

That begs the question have you wondered how others see you? Many will stop here and proclaim I don’t care what people think of me or how they see me. Yes you do and the more you protest that you don’t care are signs that you really do.

We all want to be loved and accepted by others. We seek approval and praise for a job well done. Yes even an old curmudgeon needs a hug now and then.

I have another question: From a Christian perspective should we be concerned about how people see us? The answer of course is YES.

As Christians we are to be Christ like. We are to be a reflection of Jesus to others. When people see us do they see the Lord? Of course this reflection of Christ filters through our personality and we are who we are projecting an image of Christ.

Please note that I am not talking about physical appearance, way too much emphasis is placed on our outward appearance. My father in law used to say if the barn needs painting paint it. Looking your best is one thing obsession is another.

Do you live your life mindful of the fact that you are a Christian? Can others see Jesus in you?

As for me I am striving and at times struggling to be a light in this dark world. At times I maybe a curmudgeon but my goal is to be a Christian and a reflection of Christ 24-7.

Time Does Not Heal All Wounds

Case in point Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas. Justice Thomas has a book on the best sellers list “My Grandfather’s Son. I have not read the book but I have seen two interviews on television and listened as Justice Thomas spoke about his upbringing in Savannah Georgia, his education and his confirmation hearings.

To this point Thomas has suffered in silence, the book opens the door to the heart and mind of this witty, intelligent man who paid a huge price for a chance to be all he could be.

Thomas indicated in one interview two reasons for the Anita Hill accusations. First they were an attempt to keep him in his place and second his confirmation might tip the court to set aside Roe v Wade and abortion would no longer be the law of the land.

After all these years Justice Thomas is still a polarizing figure. Those that opposed his confirmation still do, the black community has issues with his stance on affirmative action.

The interviews were of course designed to promote the book. But they opened the door for the first time to the mind set of Justice Thomas.

My first thought was this guy is still hurting after all these years. He suffered the injustices of Jim Crow laws. His degree from Yale in his mind is tainted his words not mine. I believe he said his law degree resides in the basement.

His confirmation hearings which he said were an electronic lynching were staged to keep him off the highest court in the land. According to Thomas the underlying issue was abortion. Many feared he might tip the balance of the court and over turn Roe v Wade.

Hindsight is 20/20 and looking back Thomas had to face the issues anew to write a book about his journey from humble beginnings to Supreme Court Justice.

Just a couple thoughts about what we may learn from the interviews and the book.
When we are hurt by others the effects can be life long.

Injustices aimed in our direction are not always seen for what they really are.

Defending ourselves is not always successful.

We cannot rely on others to determine our happiness or final destination.

One person can make a difference.

There is nothing a determined individual cannot accomplish if given an opportunity.

Well I am off to read Thomas book, Stay Tuned.

Ghost Walk - - - - -

A Ghost Walk on St. Simons Island

My wife and I returned home yesterday from a wonderful vacation on St. Simons Island Georgia. Come to think about it all my vacations have been wonderful with only a couple of exceptions. The first exception was a trip to Graceland (Our daughters idea) it was memorable I don’t think I will ever forget the green shag carpet in the jungle room.

The second exception was a trip to Washington DC with our children in tow. I know it’s a great place for kids but not my kids. They all had moments they seemed to understand where we were and why we were there. But for the most part they were miserable and guess what I was not happy. Go figure.

Our children are grown so my wife and I have discovered we vacation very well on our own. Last week while on vacation our daughter joined us for a few days, yes she crashed our vacation. But I must confess her presence made a great vacation even better.

It was her first time visiting St. Simons and it was great as she discovered all the things we love about the island. Since it was her first trip we pondered doing tourist stuff. I work at not being a tourist; we have been visiting the island a couple times a year for over twenty years. But to some locals you are forever a tourist.

We settled on a ghost walk. Saturday night 9:00 PM we gathered at the pier with several other tourists and set out to learn about the spirits that haunt the island.

The first and most memorable stop was the lighthouse. It seems all lighthouses are haunted. Go figure. The story told by the local spirit guide informed us of a murder and the spirit of the keeper who still walks the stairs to tend the light.

Well the spirit named Fredrick did not appear. I was not disappointed though some in the group seemed to be. I don’t know what they expected given the price of admission. Besides if Fredrick had shown up I think those longing for him to appear would have disappeared quicker than he appeared.

I wondered as we walked what place ghosts and spirits have in our world? Yea boy I can really ruin a good ghost walk. I believe in the communion of Saints, but I have a problem believing anyone in heaven would long to return to this life. The answer is they would not return even if they could. St. Simons is a great place but heaven it’s not. But spending time with my wife on a beautiful island is pretty close.

Life's Storms - there is hope

Hope in the midst of a Storm

Luke 6:17, 20-26



Barak Obama Democrat running for president has written a book titled “Audacity of Hope”.

Apostle Paul admonishes us to “Sorrow not as others who have no hope”.

I meet and talk with people on a daily bases that are on the verge of hopelessness. The storms of life are numerous seemly unrelenting and hope of relief is waning. Where are we to turn how are we to respond when the storms come?

Psalm 1: 1-4 says in part is - Cursed is the man who trusts in human beings, who seeks his strength in the flesh. Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord whose hope is in the Lord.

Notice the contrast one man is cursed while the other is blessed. As Christians our hope during the storm is not found in our strength but our hope is in the lord.

Luke 6: 17, 20-26 say blessed are the poor, hungry, those who weep. Or we might say hopeful are the poor, hopeful are the hungry, hopeful are those who weep.

Many times people expect bad things to happen to them. And our life experiences have taught us that some times the storms of life do come. The scripture tells us it rains on the just and the unjust. But God uses all things as an opportunity to bless us. We must learn to face difficulties which arise in our lives from a position of faith and trust in the Lord.

So how are we to respond when you face the storms of life?



1. Don’t Announce the Coming Storm

Don’t expect to be devastated by the storm. Don’t let the storm be the defining moment of your life. Jews that survived the Holocaust have been an inspiration for me. They suffered atrocities my mind cannot fathom and yet they did not allow the storm to destroy their remaining days.

The disciples find themselves in the midst of a storm. Mark 4: 35-41 tells us how they responded. They were fisherman by trade and this was not their first storm or their last. So they did what they knew how to do. They rowed for shore bailed water and did the things they learned from previous storms to reach a safe harbor. When the storm comes respond based on past storms.

2. Don’t let your Faith of Yesterday determine the out come of today’s storm

Past failures of faith arise when we responded in our own strength and can ruin our tomorrow. We all stumble and fall from time to time it is part of the human condition. We also seem to enjoy living in the past and respond to a storm today with the faith of yesterday.

The disciples called upon the Lord. They had expectations they saw storm as a man power problem. They thought Jesus would help them row or bail water he would provide the additional man power to get them to shore.

We are guilty of calling upon the Lord and having expectations as to how Jesus needs to respond to our request.

Jesus answered the disciple’s prayer but not in the manner they expected. He did not row or bail water he did not help raise or lower the sail. He simply said peace be still. When Jesus answers our prayers he always exceeds our expectations.

3. Don’t be impatient wait upon the Lord

God does not have a watch and he has no time table. We must have faith and allow God to bring us through the storms of life in his time.

4. Pray

The disciples called upon the Lord and he answered their prayer. During the storms of life we must pray. We must pray even though it seems hopeless. Jesus said I will never leave you or forsake you. Keep in mind we are never alone. I am Alright Jesus is with me.

When you see storms on the horizon follow these four steps:

Don’t announce storm

Don’t let our faith of yesterday determine the out come of today’s storm

Wait

Pray

The same Jesus who calmed the storm on the Sea of Galilee will stand in the midst of your storm and you will hear his words by faith

Peace Be Still