Happy New Year's -

Happy New Year!!!!

A new year holds more fascination for me than the Christmas season. We wish those we meet a merry Christmas knowing full well that not everyone we meet will have a merry Christmas.

I spoke with a business acquaintance who shared that her sister had been shot by her husband who then took his own life. Her sister survived the attack. A co-worker lost his dad yesterday the funeral is Saturday. A friend related in a blog that some years ago her mother attempted suicide on Christmas Eve many years ago. She stated that the attempted suicide had stripped the tinsel off the Christmas tree for her.

Unfortunately I could go on relating stories that at the very least put a real damper on Christmas.

But the New Year is a bit different in that it has an element of hope. We can say without reservation Happy New Year. There is no pressure to come up with the perfect gift or traveling from place to place with little or no time to relax and spend quality time with family.

I must interject here that Christmas this year for me was wonderful for many reasons. I do have a problem with the commercialism of the season. But my Christmas is made special because I am married to my best friend. My children are healthy and happy and our daughter was home for Christmas. Having her here was a special treat that I will keep with me forever.

I have no idea what the New Year has in store for me and mine but I know and believe the following:

1. God loves me and I love him.
2. My wife will be there for me no matter what.
3. I am proud of my children.
4. My wife knows I love her more than life itself.
5. My children know I love them.
6. My dog reminds me to be loyal to my friends.
7. I don’t have a large number of friends but the friends I have are an inspiration.
8. Books are important to me.
9. Sickness and suffering are not necessarily bad they teach us to lean on others.
10. I would have enjoyed having lunch with John Paul II.
11. I see the future in the face of my grandson.
12. I have lived long enough to know the end is closer than it was.
13. Not knowing seems to be better than knowing.
14. Our faith has elements of mystery accept it.
15. One person can make a difference.
16. Getting old is getting old.
17. Wide eyed wonder does not have to disappear with age.
18. My parents in large part made me who I am and I miss them.
19. This past year went by to quickly.
20. I suspect this year will pass even quicker.

The list is not in order of importance. I hope you will take a moment to reflect on your past year.

I am not big on New Year resolutions but for those of you who are let me offer this advice.

Resolve to lose weight – Wonderful no gym membership required save your money. Simply stop eating so much and move around every now and than. Going to the fridge to get a snack is not exercise.

Resolve to break a bad habit – Well if you know it’s a bad habit than that ought to motivate you to stop _________ fill in the blank.

Resolve to - you name it – Most resolutions don’t last much past January 2nd.
Is it due to lack of will power or resolve? No failure has much more to do with unrealistic expectations. We resolve to lose 25 pounds in two weeks. Set a goal to lose 25 pounds in twelve months.

If you must make New Years resolutions. How about resolving to set realistic goals in your life, that will make 2008 your best year ever.

May God Bless You and Your Family. Happy New Year

Advent

First Sunday of Advent
Matthew 24:37-44

Sunday marks the beginning of Advent and a new Church year. Advent provides an opportunity for reflection. Our focus centers on three areas, the birth of Christ, the second coming of Christ and discovering ways to invite Christ into our daily lives during Advent and through out the year.

We are familiar with the persons place and circumstances surrounding the birth of Christ. So familiar in fact that we may not see the benefit of reflecting on this wondrous event. But consider just a few topics that come to mind, Mary’s role in salvation history. Jesus is the son of God and son of Mary. The star, shepherds and wise men led to the stable. A king set on derailing God’s plan of salvation. The birth of Jesus provides a wealth of opportunity to reflect on how this single event has changed our lives.

Our scripture reading from the gospel of Matthew centers on the second coming of our Lord. Jesus used the days of Noah as a back drop to explain his return to earth. Advent encourages us to reflect on our spiritual readiness for the return of our lord. Are we ready if the Lord were to return today? The good news as long as there is life there is hope. If you find your spiritual life has gotten off track Advent offers a great opportunity to get back on track.

Inviting Christ into our daily lives sure sounds simple enough but trust me it’s not. The invite is easy enough but seeing Christ and finding ways and having the courage to let him control all aspects of our lives is not. Advent if we take the time to reflect can help us find the Lord in nature people and the events of every day life. Can you see him in the suffering of others? Is he visible to us in natural disasters? How about when we experience a job loss? Seems easy to see Christ in the good times of our lives. Consider this Jesus suffered should we expect less? I think not. We need to see Christ in all things. What better way to spiritually train than spending time during Advent reflecting on the birth and seconding coming of the Lord and making room for him in our lives.

Remember there was no room for him in the Inn the Savior of the world was born in a stable. Are we guilty of not making room for Jesus? The liturgical year provides us with the method and means to celebrate the Advent and Christmas seasons to the benefit of our souls.
Tomorrow is the first Sunday of Advent a new beginning a fresh start, make a commitment to attend mass each Sunday throughout Advent. Make time to reflect on the true meaning of the season. God will honor your commitment and you will experience the Lord’s presence in a fuller way.

Have a blessed Advent

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.