Running the race of life

A Week in the Life of a Franciscan Deacon

2006-06-04T18:20:00.000-07:00

I've just completed my first week as a deacon. Wow, I could write so much but I'll just share a bit.

I believe the Lord blessed me deeply in the days leading up to Ordination. A vacation with good friends and a few days of retreat with my spiritual director were wonderful gifts in preparing to offer myself as fully as possible to the Lord.

Ordination day was graced and I simply tried to offer myself to the Lord. I truly sensed the gift of the Holy Spirit as the Bishop laid hands on my head. Perhaps the most moving part was witnessing the brother priests in attendance laying hands upon my friar brother who was ordained a priest.

The week was spent learning my new liturgical role and included making some funny mishaps- my microphone falling off my belt-clip as I reached for the Book of the Gospels! A second deacon came to my rescue!

This weekend I was honored to serve the Lord as a deacon at all of the Pentecost Masses at Holy Rosary Parish in Steubenville. Since I'll be working there this summer, they wanted me to be at all the Masses. It was spiritually energizing and also exhausting.

Thanks again for all the prayers. I ask for your continued prayers to simply keep my eyes on the Lord because thats what its all about!

Pentecost!

2006-06-04T18:15:00.000-07:00

I love Pentecost!

Its just my absolute favorite celebration in the life of the Church! I've always had a deep devotion to the Holy Spirit and felt the amazing richness of the third person of the Trinity.

In fact, if it was up to me (and thank goodness its not! :), I think I'd at least make it an octave in the Church calendar. Certainly, we spend much time preparing for it and thats a great gift. There's just too much to Pentecost for it to be over so quick.

Thank goodness that everyday is a day of receiving more fully of the Holy Spirit. May you and I continue to grow in the graces and gifts of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

I'm a Deacon by the Grace of God!

2006-05-28T16:55:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I was ordained a transitional deacon!

There's so much to tell but the bottom line is that I'm grateful to the Lord for the grace of this call! My Franciscan brother Sean and I put our hands in the Bishops and pledged obedience to him and the people of God.

It was a great privilege to be ordained as our friar brother Timothy was ordained to the Priesthood.

Pictures are coming!

Should I read the Davinci Code?

2006-05-11T13:07:00.000-07:00

I'm thinking about reading the Davinci Code. I'm fairly sure its deserved at least some of the criticism its received but I think its only fair to read it first.

The title of this post reveals the deeper question I think we all wrestle with in terms of being a Christian and engaging culture:

"How do we determine when its right/useful to read/see something within the culture or when it is not appropriate/helpful? How do we negotiate this tension?"

I'm not sure if that makes sense, and I know there isn't easy answers. I don't think we can be ostriches with our heads in the sand because the Church is in the world and our faith is ever so incarnational.

On the other hand, we also have a responsibility to guard our senses and our minds and to be renewed in the Gospel.

If you have any thoughts I'd appreciate it.

Settling in at Steubenville

2006-05-11T13:01:00.000-07:00

I've been slowly transitioning to my new assignment at the Franciscan University of Steubenville. Its a familiar place which I love since I graduated from here. Franciscan University is very unique in many ways, its fair to say its been blessed!

I appreciate the prayers for the transition. Its funny to be coming in as so many students are leaving!

I've been so aware of how our lives are passing one another in transition. It is mysterious to me how God leads us from one place to another. I'm taking solace in the words preached at Mass the day I left D.C.: "The same Lord who has been with you goes with you wherever you go!"

Transition time again

2006-05-08T19:09:00.000-07:00

Tonight I sleep in an empty room (well almost)!

Tommorrow, I'm moving to Steubenville, Ohio to live at our friary on the campus of the Franciscan University of Steubenville.

After a few weeks of settling, a little vacation and a little thing called deaconate ordination I'll be serving as a deacon in a local parish.

I've got to admit, transitions are emotionally tough for me. I need to pray more and keep my eyes on the Good Shepherd. Please pray for me in the transition and for so many who are making life changes right now.

Preparing to be a Deacon

2006-05-02T16:47:00.000-07:00

I haven't written much about it because its always seemed far away, but now its starting to really hit me, "I'm going to be ordained at the end of this month!"

I'm excited to be ordained a deacon on May 27th in Loretto, Pennsylvania. I truly feel this is a privilege and a call that will continue to unfold. I am excited to serve the Church and continue to grow into my vocation.

Please pray for my brother friars who will be ordained as well (One friar to priesthood and two of us to the transitional diaconate).

A Movie worth seeing

2006-05-02T16:42:00.000-07:00

I saw a good movie this weekend: An Unfinished Life.

Basically, its a drama with two great actors and an up and coming actress. Robert Redford and Morgan Freeman are two Wyoming ranchers tied together by fate and trying to deal with their own losses in life. Redford's character is struggling to accept the death of his son and meeting and getting to know his granddaughter effects a conversion.

I liked the movie because it was very real and was about redemption. Its worth a look.

International Prayer for Peace

2006-04-28T07:20:00.000-07:00

I had the opportunity to attend the International Prayer for Peace sponsored by the Community of Sant' Egidio yesterday at Georgetown University. It was a very good experience.

I attended panel sessions on Pluralism and Faith; Media: War, Peace and Religion; and Solving the crisis of HIV/AIDS. As I listened to the panelists, my heart felt heavier and heavier in considering the brokenness, injustice and suffering in the world.

As we came together to pray at the end of the day (the Christians assembled in the local Catholic Church and other faiths to other areas), I was lightened by the hope of the Gospel. At first I was annoyed because we kept singing the Gospel acclamation, "Alleluia" after every reading and meditation. Then I realized, thats what its all about. The Risen Christ is the hope that trumps every darkness!

There was a moving closing ceremony where religious leaders from different faiths signed a common declaration for peace. I know peace has to go beyond signatures on a paper but just being together you could sense the movement of the Holy Spirit.

Free Ice Cream today!

2006-04-25T09:44:00.000-07:00

Today is Free Cone Day at Ben and Jerry's!

Hope you can slip away for a treat! Its Easter, have some extra calories!

Graduation is approaching!

2006-04-24T09:50:00.000-07:00

In ten minutes I'm beginning my last class in seminary. I'm going to graduate! Not that I haven't enjoyed theology studies, but I am thrilled to be finishing what I started.

Hallelujah!

A Man of Deep Faith in the Risen Christ

2006-04-24T09:41:00.000-07:00

I had the privilege of preaching today and speaking about Friar St. Fidelis. Here's my reflection:

Memorial of St. Fidelis, Martyr, Friar Priest
Acts 4:23-31
John 3:1-8

Models of Faith in the Risen Christ

Three great men of faith are put before us in our liturgy today- the apostles Peter and John and the saint we celebrate, St. Fidelis

Peter and John have been preaching and teaching in the name of Jesus and are beginning to receive heavy persecution
What do they do when they are threatened?
They return to the community for support and prayer
In this communal prayer they are refreshed with the Holy Spirit and given further boldness to proclaim the Lord

Sixteen centuries after Peter and John, a man named Fidelis is born
Fidelis was born Mark Rey in Germany in 1577
After getting doctorates in civil law and canon law, Fidelis took on the clients others didn’t earning the title, the ‘lawyer of the poor’
Disenchanted with the corruption and greed of law, Fidelis entered the friars and served the community as guardian in several friaries

Fidelis was then sent as missionary to Switzerland where many people had renounced Catholicism and become Calvinists
The mission was successful as Fidelis effected many conversions through his preaching and writing
At the success of the mission, Fidelis’ adversaries were enraged and they stirred up the peasants against him saying he was a spy for the Austrian emperor

Fidelis, aware of the threat, was said to return to prayer for several days.
He was then preaching a sermon when a bullet was fired, barely missed him and lodged in the wall behind him.
The place became chaotic and Fidelis refusing shelter headed out
He was on his way home when he was attacked and killed when he refused to deny his faith.
He was 45 years old.

Peter, John and Fidelis are models of faith in the Risen Christ
They could be bold because they clung to the fact that whatever might happen to them in this world, they would live with Jesus forever in the Resurrection

This living faith in Jesus Christ was evident in one of Fidelis’ last sermons:
“This is the victory that overcomes the world, our faith. It made the most powerful kings subject to the rule of Christ; it brought the nations to serve Christ. What was it that gave the holy apostles and martyrs the strength to endure severe trials and bitter sufferings? It was the faith, especially faith in the resurrection… It is this faith that causes us to give what is good here and now in the hope of what is to come, and to exchange what we have for what will be ours in the life to come.”

Peter, John and Fidelis received power and boldness through prayer with their community of faith. In this prayer, they were given the grace to let God use them, the faith to not be afraid of any threats.
This prayer empowered them to be witnesses of the saving name of Jesus no matter what the circumstances

Almost 2 millenniums after Peter and John, we are worshipping today
Much has changed and yet much is the same
We are called to be people who have deep faith in the Risen Christ
Like Peter, John and Fidelis, we are to live and speak about Christ to those we meet
I’m not saying we do this at every moment but I’m convicted of how seldom I’ve shared my excitement that Jesus is alive

Perhaps we should be like Peter, John and Fidelis in coming back to the community to stir up that boldness
“Can we pray for one another that we may be evangelists of the Risen Christ to whomever we meet? Can we encourage one another in the ways we are already boldly proclaiming the Lord in our lives?”
As we approach the altar of the Lord together, let us indeed pray for the boldness to continue to carry on the mission the Lord has entrusted to us

Congratulations Boston Marathon Runners!

2006-04-17T15:55:00.000-07:00

I got a little excited today watching the Boston Marathon. Lets just say the Kenyans had a good day of running... but so did the Americans.

I immediately procrastinated further on my paper and went out for a run... and yes, I did pretend I was one of those lightning fast Kenyans!

Christ is Risen, Alleluia!

2006-04-15T21:08:00.000-07:00

He is risen! Alleluia. Jesus has conquered. Alleluia. Death is layed under foot. Alleluia. Our suffering, sorrow and loss are dimmed with the undiminished hope of glory, joy and life! Alleluia.

God bless the world on this Easter day!

A Beautiful Day at the Franciscan Monastery

2006-04-13T12:03:00.000-07:00

2006-04-12T05:54:00.000-07:00

Preparation Day

The disciples prepare today

Eleven for the meal of deliverance

One for the deliverance of the Bread of Life

Can compassion stem the movement of betrayal?

Sharing intimacy of food and drink

Deliver us Lord from all evil

Prepare us this day

The Promise of the Holy Spirit

2006-04-11T12:45:00.000-07:00

Last night was our fifth session of the Life in the Spirit Seminar. I can't do justice to how the Lord blessed us!

I simply want to testify to the gift of the presence of the Holy Spirit that was poured out upon us. I know that as a team member it was an incredible privilege to lay hands on our brothers and sisters and pray for them.

Happy Holy Week

2006-04-11T12:40:00.000-07:00

I pray that you are having a blessed Holy Week. As I think of the liturgies ahead I am reminded of the great gift of the richness of what we celebrate.

May the Lord bless you to be immersed ever more fully into the the wonderful mystery of love we recall in these days!

Another Gift of God in my life!

2006-04-01T13:03:00.000-08:00

My niece is growing up! She's going to be 16 months in a few days!

Isn't she beautiful?!

The Earth is the Lord's!

2006-04-01T12:58:00.000-08:00

Praise God that Spring has sprung!!

The Syrian Bride

2006-04-01T12:49:00.000-08:00

Today, I went with a few friars to see a very powerful movie: The Syrian Bride

Its about a young woman named Mona on the day of her wedding. Usually a happy day but for her it was also filled with sadness: Once Mona crosses the border line between Israel and Syria she will never be able to return to visit her family who live in a Druze village in the Golan heights that is Israeli territory. The story focuses on Mona and her family as well as all those who are wrapped up in this day; her family, Syrians and Israeli's.

I liked this movie because it didn't seem to me to be propaganda for a particular people or culture. It honestly probed the emotions of issues such as separation, family loyalty, animosity and redemption. The musical score is also beautiful.

Worshipping the Lord as we honor Mary

2006-03-25T11:45:00.000-08:00

I was blessed today on this Feast of the Annunciation to worship at Mass with two of my friar brothers at the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.

It was a very prayerful experience in the Crypt Church where we celebrated Mass with the good people of God. The cantor sang the "Ave Maria" after Communion.

It just hit me like a load of bricks. We honor Mary because she draws us to Christ.

From today's Te Deum:

"You Christ, are the king of glory, the eternal Son of the Father.

When you became man to set us free, you did not spurn the Virgin's womb."

Not only did he not spurn the virgin's womb, he comes to us, in a special way as we celebrate together the Lord's Supper! Praise God.

Running the Race of Life...through a colon?!

2006-03-25T11:36:00.000-08:00

I hope I don't offend anyone with this post, but its not often that you can say that you've walked through a colon (yes, thats not a typo)! This is an example of how life can be both very serious and somewhat absurdly funny at the same time.

Today, Brother Gregory and I ran the "Scope it Out 5K Run/Walk for Colon Cancer Awareness". The race of course raised funds to help in the fight against colon cancer. And yes, they had a huge inflatable colon that you could walk through (see the pic). Lets just say it was sort of surreal to see.

The run was great! Up until a month ago, I was dealing with knee injuries but amazingly all pain is gone. We enjoyed being with the 1500 other runners and finishing the three miles!

Update on the Life in the Spirit Seminar

2006-03-21T06:29:00.000-08:00

Last night was our second meeting of the Life in the Spirit Seminar.

The Lord has really blessed us in these past two weeks. We have a wonderfully diverse mixture of people who are gathering simply to grow deeper in their faith. We also have several hundred (no exaggeration) people praying for this spiritual endeavor.

Here's something we sent to our intercessors to give you an idea of how God is blessing us:

Dear People of Prayer,Life in the Spirit Seminar is off to a strong start and many have shared with me heart felt impact of the first Monday night. This is all due to the work of the Spirit, the power of God, and the vigilance of prayerful people on the Internet like all of you. One person sharedwith me how she was only intending on attending one ofthe six sessions, " . . . but if all the sessions are like the first one, I'm not missing this for anything!" Brother Jonathan had this to say afterthe first night,"Thank you to all our intercessors! Your prayers are blessing the Life in the Spirit Seminar. We felt a tangible presence of supportive prayer allowing us to be God's instruments. It was exciting to see about twenty people show up for the first session and others are coming next week who couldn't come the first session.I felt a deep sense of confidence in giving the first talk.When it was mentioned about all the people praying for this Seminar it was obvious that people were moved and felt encouraged."

The grace of God continues to be manifest. Thank you to all who are praying for us!

Back to blogging...somewhat that is

2006-03-21T06:26:00.000-08:00

Wow, what a couple weeks! In the past few weeks I've been blessed to be actively involved in three retreats (a retreat for prisoners in New York), my own personal retreat and the Life in the Spirit seminar at school. I'm torn between the desire to spend much time sharing about these experiences of grace and the desire to spend more time in prayer as the Lord has really convicted me. There's no doubt that the second is more important... please pray for me that I can keep it priority. I will try to share some of my experience as well in the days ahead.

Week of Retreat

2006-03-03T05:41:00.000-08:00

I'll be heading out today on a week of retreat. I'll be staying in one of the hermitages (see picture) of our T.O.R. sisters community outside Steubenville, Ohio.

I will bring you with me spiritually to pray for you and your needs. Please keep me and others who are on retreat in your prayers. I look forward to sharing about the experience upon return.
May the Lord give you peace!

Paper-writing prayers please

2006-02-27T16:01:00.000-08:00

Don't you just love alliteration! I've got to write a paper for Catholic Social Ethics and another for a Ministry Seminar. Pray for the grace of the Holy Spirit, I need an infusion of energy and the ability to write somewhat articulately! Thanks.

Two blogs to check out

2006-02-27T16:00:00.000-08:00

I just added David and Don's blogs to my list. David is a talented artist giving glory to God and his blog is really worth checking out.

Don is a fellow Franciscan and he offers some interesting insights.

The Last Samurai and reflections on War

2006-02-26T11:17:00.000-08:00

Surprisingly, I watched the movie, "The Last Samurai" last night. I say surprisingly because I'm not much of a Tom Cruise fan and am not usually apt to watch violent movies. But, I'm glad I watched it, because it included some very powerful scenes and made me think. I'll try not to ruin it by letting out any plot lines for those who haven't seen it and might want to.

What stood out for me was the War scenes. I was struck by the mixture of noble virtue and absolute lack of respect for human dignity in these scenes. The occasion of war drew out the virtues of loyalty and courage and yet the scenes showed how absolutely horrid war is for humanity.

It made me think of Iraq and other places of the world. It boggles my mind that human beings can kill one another. Now, its easier than ever to because (pardon the gruesome image) you don't find your brother humans blood on you, you kill them without ever having drawn close to them.

I am grateful for the men and women who are called to serve in the armed forces but I pray that we can find other ways than killing to solve our problems.

TGIF

2006-02-24T09:12:00.000-08:00

Very interesting ideas on the Divorce Culture

2006-02-23T10:56:00.000-08:00

Divorce is very sad. I have not experienced it but I'm thinking a lot about it today because I'm reading a great book on the topic for a paper. Barbara Dafoe Whitehead's book, "The Divorce Culture" is excellent. Its balanced and its arguments are fascinating.

In the excerpt here, Whitehead speaks about the goal of rediscovering a new consciousness about the meaning of committment itself:

A first step toward that goal will involve recapturing a sense of the purposes of marriage that extend beyond the self. This will require a philosophy and language that offer a richer and more challenging conception of marriage than the one that now dominates our discourse. Our contemporary secular thinking about marriage is a blend of psychotherapy and politics, and its language is one of rights and needs. As the personal ads suggest, the task of finding a partner involves finding someone who will both meet your emotional needs and refrain from infringing on your individual rights...A marital partnership founded on such terms is likely to be both tense and unstable. More centrally, the notion of protecting the essential properties of the self from incursions by another is antithetical to marital commitment in which one must desireand accept as a matter of faith the giving over of oneself to another.

I'm not married but this makes a lot of sense to me even in terms of my own vocation to Franciscan life. When we are too protective and desiring of our own well-being and "fulfillment" (see Noel's homily from the Transfiguration) our commitments fall apart.

What gifts has the Lord given me?

2006-02-22T08:35:00.000-08:00

Erin asked me this question the other day and I've been thinking a lot about it because I'm actually sharing my testimony today about it at an info session for our upcoming Life in the Spirit Seminar.

First a Scripture:
"There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; there are different forms of service but the same Lord; there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone. To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit."

Paul goes on to describe different gifts the Spirit gives to us: wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, mighty deeds, prophecy, discernment of spirits, varieties of tongues, interpretation of tongues.

And then he closes by saying: "But one and the same spirit produces all of these, distributing them individually to each person as he wishes."

What is my gift for the service of others?

My freshmen year of University, I was a good guy who had a heart for God and yet I struggled to feel that I had gifts from the Holy Spirit. I was very shy (not just around girls!) and was afraid to speak up in class or talk in front of people. My confidence was low.

I heard about this thing called the Life in the Spirit Seminar and decided to go on it. The team told us that at the end of the weekend they would be praying for us for a fuller release of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. Sounded good to me! What I didn't know at first was that the team was really praying for the Lord to help them sense the gifts that would be poured out on individuals.

The night we were prayed over, I was shocked when it was revealed to me by the people praying for me that they had discerned that the Lord wanted to give me the gift of Mighty Deeds! Mighty Deeds?! My reaction- "What does that mean? How could that be? I can hardly stand up straight and you're telling me God wants to work Mighty deeds through me?!"

Lets just say that I kind of dismissed the possibility that this might be a gift the Holy Spirit would wish to give me... Until, things started happening... No, I didn't wake up the next day as a great miracle worker... but something was different... I felt a new power in speaking to people and began to take on leadership positions as a student at Franciscan University. I found myself speaking to larger groups and my fear subsiding. After graduating, I volunteered with a group called the National Evangelization Team and sometimes gave talks to hundreds of young people in one shot. And then the Lord called me to check out being a Franciscan and I found myself ministering to people in incredible ways. Even in the last year, the Lord has allowed me to have a special prayer ministry with people, calling them to freedom from past experiences and healing. And I'm going to be ordained a Franciscan Priest within the year!

This is my testimony. Please don't confuse it. Its not about me. I share of these things because its about the gift of Mighty Deeds that I now believe God has given me for the sake of his people.

But its not just for me... its for you. The Lord has given you gifts and you are called to live in and exercise these gifts. Gifts may seem ordinary, but all are extraordinary when they build up the Body of Christ.

So I kind of got excited and wrote a lot. To God be the Glory. Come Holy Spirit, let us live in and practice the gifts you have poured upon us.

"Lord I believe, Help my unbelief!"

2006-02-20T05:20:00.000-08:00

A Gospel reflection for the day-

In today’s Gospel story of healing, I’m struck by the Father of the boy possessed by a demon
Imagine being in this Father’s shoes
Your son has suffered tremendously from childhood with an affliction that has so overtaken him that it makes him hurt himself, you watch your son burn himself with fire and try to drown himself in water
This father is desperate for the compassion of Jesus, for his son’s sake and for the sake of his own family, and he asks for it

And this is where, the Father and Jesus have a conversation that speaks beyond them to us about the reality of faith
In response to the man’s desperate request for help, Jesus reminds him of the power of faith- “Everything is possible to one who has faith!”
Jesus does not require this Father’s faith in order to heal his Son, and yet he emphasizes the need for faith, the need to put faith in his person

And we hear a beautiful expression of the Father’s faith, honest and humble,
“I do believe, help my unbelief!”
It is as if he is saying, “Lord, I have faith but my faith is weak”
How can the Lord not bless this honest desire for a greater faith?!

I think that we’re more often like this Father than his Son
In our families and our ministries, we bring people to Jesus, and we try to bring them with faith; I think of my own experience of so desiring the Lord’s healing… for my sister Janine
There were times in the past few months, where all I could see was how much Janine was suffering, how much she had regressed, my faith in God’s power to heal and restore her has been a struggle
And those were and are the times, when I’m thankful that I can be like the Father of this story- vulnerable, lacking in faith, desiring faith
“Lord, I do believe, help my unbelief”

The good news is that Jesus does heal, in spite of our weak faith
The good news is that Jesus strengthens our faith and takes the little we have and transforms it!

2006-02-17T08:14:00.000-08:00

Find your delight in the Lord who will give you your hearts desire.

Commit your way to the Lord; trust that God will act

Psalm 37:4-5

Preparing for a Life in the Spirit Seminar

2006-02-17T06:08:00.000-08:00

Its been a busy week! One of the reasons I haven't posted much is that I've been busily preparing for a spiritual venture soon to happen. I thought I'd share a little about it.

I haven't written a lot about it but I'm one of those "charismatic" Christians (please, don't run away in terror! :) Being charismatic is not about barking like a dog or an overemotional faith. We are all filled with charisms; gifts given to us by the Holy Spirit at our baptism and strengthened through the sacraments of initiation. These gifts are for the service of the Body of Christ! What we don't often realize is that we're called to live an abundant life through the exercise of those gifts!

In about three weeks, I'll be helping to coordinate a Life in the Spirit Seminar at our seminary. Its a six week seminar that focuses on a fuller release of these gifts of the Holy Spirit. We'll have talks, personal witnesses, praise and worship and small group sharing.

Just thought I'd share a little bit about what is exciting for me right now. Please pray for the seminar, we need the prayer support. I'd love to share more about this spirituality because I am truly convicted that we're all called to a fuller life in the Holy Spirit. If you'd like to learn more about this spirituality here's a good link.

Inspiration from the losing team

2006-02-12T07:34:00.000-08:00

I haven't been able to watch much of the Olympics (although I have to admit that I thoroughly enjoyed the 80's American Pop music playing as the various countries came out during the opening ceremonies).

I did catch a few minutes of Women's Hockey yesterday. Powerhouse Canada as Goliath versus the Italians as David- this time the giant won... by a landslide 16-0.

Perhaps what most caught my attention was the loyalty of the Italians for their team. As the AP article reported,

"The lopsided result did not deter a crowd of 8,399 from chanting "I-tal-ia! I-tal-ia!" early in the game, cheering whenever the puck was cleared from the Italian end and singing the national anthem and waving the flag in the final minute. 'That was fantastic. I cried,' Montanari said."

Its refreshing to hear about loyalty that endures through any outcome.

Busy week!

2006-02-10T05:56:00.000-08:00

I haven't posted in a few days because its been super busy! You know that feeling where it seems there's more to get done than there is time to do it? And I find myself trying to keep a balance by not letting the important things slide... time in prayer, time with the brothers, exercise. We can only study so much right??

I'm about to go shopping for the friary- my turn for the month of February. Its funny to see the look on the checkout cashier's face when I bring two carts full of stuff up. I usually assure them that I live with a lot of people! Here we go....

A Rock Star speaks on Justice

2006-02-05T10:23:00.000-08:00

A friend sent me the link to Bono's speech at the National Prayer Breakfast. Yes, Bono, of U2 fame was the main speaker.

I enjoy the music of U2 and have been growing in fascination with this man who has used his notoriety to really help people.

What I think is especially interesting about his words is his call to look beyond our domestic interests to consider the needs of our brothers and sisters around the world. His concept of tithing from our domestic resources is very interesting and one I've never considered. It was also interesting to me that he experienced conversion through the jubilee call; the call of the modern Church modeled after the Old Testament notion.

Kids say the darndest things

2006-02-01T17:00:00.000-08:00

This week happens to be "Catholic Schools Week" in the U.S. and so this friar got to visit some schools to tell about life as a Franciscan!

I just have to relate some of the funny things that came straight from the mouths of kids.
Their humor totally blessed me!

Here's a few zingers that really were spoken.

Kid responses are in italics:

"What's a Franciscan?"- A person from France?

"What do these three knots on my cord stand for?" The Three Wise Men.

(Showing a statue of St. Francis) "Who is this?" Jesus.... Joseph.... Herod... Satan?
(I thought the teacher was going to jump out the window after the last response.
I was trying not to laugh)

"Do I look anything like St. Francis?" Yeah, but you don't have a halo.
Yeah, you have a bald spot too.

The kids really blessed me. We encouraged them to ask God what he wanted them to do with their lives. I pray that indeed the Lord will be with them as they grow.

Good words from the Church to Us

2006-01-30T08:43:00.000-08:00

Sometimes in the course of my reading, I come across a few lines that make me stop and say, "Whoooooahhhhh!" (okay, that just doesn't translate on paper). Anyways, here's a paragraph that stopped me in my tracks as I was reading the other day. While the language isn't exactly inclusive, the message is certainly one for all:

From the Pastoral Constitution on the Church, Gaudium et Spes:

Such is the mystery of man, and it is a great one, as seen by believers in the light of Christian revelation. Through Christ and in Christ, the riddles of sorrow and death grow meaningful. Apart from his Gospel, they overwhelm us. Christ has risen, destroying death by his death. He has lavished life upon us, so that, as sons in the Son, we can cry out in the Spirit: Abba, Father!

The Kindness of Strangers

2006-01-27T19:24:00.000-08:00

I'm reading an interesting book I recently received as a gift. I've always loved traveling especially for the surprised encounters of grace with others along the way. You know, the unexpected conversation with the guy next to you on Southwest or the kind deed someone does when you're in a jam. The Kindness of Strangers is a collection of short stories worth checking out.

Some thoughts on the Sacrament of Reconciliation

2006-01-27T19:07:00.000-08:00

Having asked for others thoughts on the Sacrament of Reconciliation, I wanted to share some of my own thoughts.

My personal experience of the Sacrament of Reconciliation has been an one of conversion. I must admit that for a long time I was riddled with scrupulosity and confession became something I pushed myself to do to get relief.

By God's grace, spiritual maturity has slowly (and continues to) taken root. I now go to the Sacrament not just because I want to shed a laundry list of sins but because I believe there's more to it: The Lord wants to encounter us there with Love.

I've realized that Reconciliation is an opportunity to look humbly and honestly at how I've received or not received God's attempts at embracing me. Now I know this might sound kind of "pie in the sky" but I think there's something to it.

It blows me away to think that in less than a year, I'll be on the other side of the confessional at times. I'll be a Priest hearing the intimate confession of another human being.

Frankly, this is scary and humbling all at the same time. Perhaps thats good, maybe it will open me to really be the Lord's instrument.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation- Thoughts and Perspectives

2006-01-27T05:52:00.000-08:00

In "Sacraments of Healing" class we're about to begin discussion about the Sacrament of Reconciliation. We have been encouraged to seek input from people on the role of the Sacrament in their lives. I figured it might be interesting to hear how some bloggers out there see the Sacrament. I plan on posting more of my own thoughts soon.

Some questions to consider:

Why do you or do you not celebrate the Sacrament of Penance?

Is there a decline in the celebration of the Sacrament?

Do you experience the Sacrament of Penance as worship/prayer?

Love to hear your thoughts.

Today's Readings in Art

2006-01-24T07:24:00.000-08:00

David dances before the Ark of the Lord!

Moving Witness at the March for Life

2006-01-23T16:08:00.000-08:00

I was blessed to be among the thousands who participated in the March for Life in Washington D.C. today.

The picture above is related to the most moving experience of the day for me.
The first group to lead off the March was a group of women silently walking with outraised arms holding signs that read, "I Regret My Abortion".

Moved by their witness, I realized that I just wanted to give one of them a hug. I approached Mary Anne (she had a name tag on) and she accepted my gratitude with humility and we embraced. I told her that I would pray for her continued healing and she said she would appreciate those prayers.

I pray that we will come to realize the suffering that is inflicted upon all when we take the life of children in the womb and devalue the dignity of life at all stages.

Morning Reflection

2006-01-19T07:46:00.000-08:00

A little reflection that came through prayer this morning:

You are all about us Lord.

We stir from our sleep this morning,

because you have opened our eyes to your newness.

We breathe, because you give us our very breath.

We offer you thanks because you have

planted the seeds of gratitude in our hearts.

We are silent because you give us

an awareness of your glory.

We speak because you are the Word that is always spoken.

We celebrate the Eucharist because you desire to give us life.

We are all about you Lord.

The Journey to Holy Orders

2006-01-18T16:27:00.000-08:00

Today, was a significant day for me. In my final semester of studies in preparation for Ordination to the Priesthood, I am enrolled in a presiding class.

Basically this means that we practice the role of being a transitional deacon and then a priest.

Today, fully vested in Alb, Stole and Chasuble, I had the opportunity to pray the Eucharistic Prayer. Whoaa!

My feelings... nervousness and yet excitement. My thought... awe at the action God is calling me to. The prayers are beautiful and they come naturally.

So much to learn and yet perhaps even more to pray about. I'm smiling as I write this. Thank you Lord for your calls in our lives and your patience as we grow into our call!

Nuclear Weapons in Iran

2006-01-16T06:53:00.000-08:00

The situation in Iran baffles me.

While I acknowledge a legitimate fear of weapons of Mass Destruction, I don't understand the rationale behind U.S. and European policy.

We are a Nation that has developed Nuclear Weapons. Who are we to dictate that another country cannot do the same?

I'm certainly not saying we don't have a right to defend ourselves. And we do have an obligation to challenge those who threaten peace. But, it seems to me that Natural Law, Church teaching and Political thought call us to reconsider the proliferation of Nuclear Weapons on our home soil and abroad.

What do you think?

Who is that masked man?

2006-01-12T16:13:00.000-08:00

Since I'm new to the World of Blog I've had several people ask me, "What does it mean that you are a Franciscan Friar of the Third Order Regular of Penance?" Its a good question, since we're not well-known and so I thought I'd share a little more about my Franciscan identity and welcome any other questions that come this way.

I am a Franciscan Friar of the Third Order Regular better known as Franciscans, T.O.R. Borrowing from our website:

Basically, we are a religious community of Catholic priests and brothers dedicated to God. Our beginnings can be found in the Penitents of the Middle Ages: people who were seeking holiness in their daily lives. Francis of Assisi was himself a Penitent, but he gave this movement a new direction and spirit. Our community is international and yet small (around 900 friars).

Part of the confusion about Franciscans is that there are so many different types. I like to use the phrase someone once told me: Franciscans are like Ice Cream; one basic product but many different flavors! May God be glorified in the different expressions of the Gospel!

How did I decide to become a T.O.R.?

I was first exposed to the T.O.R.'s as a student at the Franciscan University of Steubenville. The Province of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus of which I am a part serves at Franciscan U. One of the friars was our hall chaplain, we got to know each other better and soon I was seeking his wisdom in Spiritual direction. I continued to get to know the other friars during my years at Steubenville but really was thinking my vocation was going to be marriage. In the two years following graduation, the Lord really began to place the Priesthood on my heart. Within this call, I found myself longing to live in community and to live in a community open to the gifts of the Holy Spirit. At this point, I was naturally drawn to the men I knew- the T.O.R.'s. I checked them out and decided to give it a try! Emphasis on give it a try! I guess you could say that the Lord confirmed it all throughout. I professed my solemn vows as a Franciscan last July and will be ordained a deacon in May and God-willing a priest in November (I hope to speak more about my sentiments on this in future blogs).

The Alito Affair: Faithful to God and to the Law?

2006-01-10T06:53:00.000-08:00

The Confirmation hearings on Samuel Alito have me thinking a lot about the interesting relationship between personal faith and public policy.

It is fascinating to consider the questions being raised. The questions aren't new but they really beg for exploration:

What does it mean to be faithful to God and faithful to the Law?

Is it possible to make a distinction between one's beliefs and the way one acts and discerns publicly?

I was speaking about this with one of my brothers who is very interested in Politics. He was helping me appreciate the complexity of all of this.

One thing he said was particularly interesting. He proposed a situation where a political persona such as Samuel Alito came to him for advice on how to handle the "grilling" of a confirmation panel- How would he advise this person to be true to their faith without saying something that would be political suicide?

His answer was simple yet wise: Speak the words of Jesus.

He said that we have to look to the example of Jesus. Jesus was questioned often and while he didn't compromise, he didn't necessarily tell all nor did he always answer the question directly (e.g. "Whose face is on the coin?").

Interesting stuff.

The Baptism of the Lord

2006-01-09T08:55:00.000-08:00

Today we celebrate the Baptism of Jesus by John in the Jordan River. There are many things that stand out from this Feast but the words pronounced over Jesus strike me as particularly important because they apply to us as the brothers and sisters of Jesus:

"You are my beloved Son with whom I am well pleased"

Under Construction... Slowly

2006-01-03T16:27:00.000-08:00

I'm slowly adding links to a few of my favorite blogs.

Thanks DP, Noel and Lauren for welcoming me to your blog spaces. Fr. Seraphim continues to offer wisdom and humor through his blog.

Happy New Year everyone!

2006-01-03T16:04:00.000-08:00

Its three days into the Year but its still fresh! I'm back at the friary after a few days of vacation with my family. It was a blessed time but I'm glad to be back.

Have any New Years resolutions? Mine is more of an attitude I hope to embody through God's grace. Live a little more boldly, take some more risks out of love, thats my desire. Lord, help me to live out what you resolve for me.

Today's Gospel in Art

2005-12-23T06:36:00.000-08:00

In today's Gospel, we hear of the birth of the Prophet who will speak recklessly for Jesus. All are shocked to hear his name- "John". Zechariah is able to speak.

Prayer Request

2005-12-23T06:30:00.000-08:00

Please continue to pray for my younger sister Janine. The story is complicated but its fair to say that she's suffering in different ways.

In talking with my parents we've all had a deep sense of praying God's protection around her. Thanks for joining us in this. This is beyond us. We need answers, we need resources and all of these are only possible through the Lord.

Prayer and Blogging

2005-12-23T06:26:00.000-08:00

I've been remiss in posting the past few days for a reason. Ever since we went on retreat last weekend I've been convicted of the reality that I was spending more time on the computer than with the Lord.

For a bit, I even thought about discontinuing the blog. Mixed on this. While its a blessing getting to know people in a unique way, there's always the temptation of giving it more of a priority than its worth.

Zechariah's struggle for Faith

2005-12-19T06:59:00.000-08:00

A Deeper Understanding of Prayer

2005-12-19T06:47:00.000-08:00

We were blessed to have a retreat this past weekend at the friary. I was doubly blessed because my Spiritual Director happened to be leading us in prayer and reflection.

One thing that really stuck with me was how he compared prayer with our encounters with one another.

Now, I've heard it said many times that prayer is conversation with God. But what is new for me is envisioning prayer as a personal encounter much like any face to face encounter.

Our retreat leader spoke about the Power of our Eyes and how we can receive people through the simple willingness of looking them in the eyes and being able to be totally present to them. This is a tough one for me! I sometimes struggle to look people in the eyes or to stay with them and be really present to them.

It made me think about everyday encounters we have with others. We have to have the vulnerability to initiate that encounter with the person. To continue to be vulnerable we are invited to look the person in the eyes and really look at them. We can speak but we must listen just as much.

It seems to be the same for our encounter with the Lord. We have to come before our God in vulnerability and be willing to make eye contact. And here's the wonder of it all: God's eyes are looking at us with love!

Our God is so vulnerable to us. Isn't that what we'll celebrate in a few days?!

Making the poor a priority

2005-12-14T10:20:00.000-08:00

Lately the Lord has really convicted me that I must take active steps to reach out to the poor.

I am not sure what this means exactly. As a Franciscan this is certainly an essential part of our charism and yet it can take so many forms.

What I do know is that when the Lord puts something in your heart, you usually receive a push towards practical action as well if your eyes are open.

Poverty seems so complex. It seems to me that we must approach Poverty spiritually, systemically and individually. We have to see that our faith calls us to reach out to all who are impoverished physically, emotionally and spiritually. We are brothers and sisters with all because of our common dignity as creations of God. In some sense we have to look at our system and how it promotes poverty. And in all this we must remember the individual who we bump into day to day and how the Lord might be calling us to reach out to them.

There's not much just wisdom here, but thoughts to consider.
Any thoughts from fellow bloggers?

Interestingly enough, the first reading from today's office from Isaiah speaks of the evil (strong word) of letting others needs go unmet:

For the fool speaks foolishly, planning evil in his heart: How to do wickedness, to speak perversely against the Lord, To let the hungry go empty and the thirsty be without drink.

The Newest Evangelization of Blogging

2005-12-13T08:20:00.000-08:00

There's an interesting article on the phenomenon of blogging in Catholic circles in the current issue of Church magazine called, "The Newest Evangelization: Life at St. Blog's". (Winter 2005).

The author, Phyllis Zagano, gives examples of numerous Catholic bloggers pointing out the diversity of spiritual ideologies expressed through blogs. Zagano claims that blogs "tend to lean to the right or to the left, although more 'conservative' than 'liberal' Catholic blogs populate the Web, and bloggers usually either claim or accrue particular expertise through their own writing."

I'm new to blogging but its one of the first references to it I've seen in Catholic periodicals. Is blogging still off the radar screen of most theologians, or is it out there and I'm simply not aware of it?

Laughing with them or laughing at them?

2005-12-13T06:06:00.000-08:00

There's an interesting new movie soon to be in theatres called, "The Ringer".
I have to admit that I'm not quite sure what to make of it.

Its a comedy about two guys who decide to rig the Special Olympics to pay off a debt by having one of them, Steve (Johnny Knoxville), pose as a contestant in the games, hoping to dethrone reigning champion, Jimmy.

When I first heard about it, I thought it was the most indecent thing I'd heard in a while. It seemed like the plot of the movie could not avoid stereotyping images of persons with disabilities. But what really shocked me was to hear that the organization of Special Olympics is supporting it and has been fully engaged in the production of the movie.

Interesting. "Special Olympics" organization reps have said that they see this movie as an opportunity to humanize persons with disabilities. The goal is for people to be laughing with them instead of laughing at them.

But I'm still skeptical. Can Hollywood handle a challenge like this? The collaboration between advocates of the disabled and moviemakers seems admirable, but will it work out?

My younger sister is a Special Olympian and I've been incredibly blessed to work with persons with developmental disabilities. I'm certainly sensitive to how we as a society communicate the needs of our brothers and sisters with disabilities.

I plan on seeing "The Ringer" but I'm a little concerned about what I'll see.

Humility is knowing what we're Not

2005-12-11T09:48:00.000-08:00

I was talking with one of the other friars about John the Baptist and it dawned on me that this was a man who had great clarity about who he was and who he wasn't.

To the Pharisees curiousity, John says, "I am not the Christ". And later, "I am not a Prophet".

And I love the next way the Pharisees ask the question, "So, What are you then?" Its kind of funny to hear them getting so annoyed they lose their patience.

John has a singular role and he accepts it, but he can only live it as he lets go of the temptation to take on the role others desire for him.

This is good for me to hear because I sometimes want to be the "Savior" (for good intentions, of course!) or I want to do more than I'm called to do.

We have a Savior, we are his heralds, Rejoice!

A Poem- "Advent" by Jessica Powers

2005-12-09T06:34:00.000-08:00

I was looking through an old book last night and discovered this poem by one of my favorite contemporary poets, Jessica Powers:

I live my Advent in the womb of Mary.

And on one night when a great star swings free

from its high mooring and walks down the sky

to be the dot above the Christus i,

I shall be born of her by blessed grace.

I wait in Mary-darkness, faith's walled place,

with hope's expectance of nativity.

I knew for long she carried me and fed me,

guarded and loved me, though I could not see.

But only now, with inward jubilee,

I come upon earth's most amazing knowledge:

someone is hidden in this dark with me.

Continued Prayer Request

2005-12-09T06:30:00.000-08:00

I would ask that you continue to pray for my younger sister Janine who is going through a very difficult time physically and psychologically. She will be undergoing some tests this week that will hopefully give us more of an idea of whats going on.

This has been an ordeal for my parents and they are emotionally drained. I truly do believe that prayer is sustaining and its needed at this time. Thank you very much.

Happy Birthday Naomi Sharon St.Andre!

2005-12-07T08:09:00.000-08:00

Today is the 1st Birthday of my niece Naomi Sharon! Here' s a picture of the smiling beauty with her "dadoo", my brother Michael!

A year ago today I remember hearing about Naomi entering the world and being so thrilled I left my office and announced it to everyone! What a gift, a child!

Its hard to believe its been a year and Naomi is growing up! Happy Birthday Naomi!

Scripture Reflection for Tuesday

2005-12-06T05:58:00.000-08:00

Here is a reflection I shared with the friars at Mass this morning:

"Come Home"

There is a common theme that runs throughout our celebration today and its summed up in two words:

"Come Home!"
Come home to where you belong- in communion with your God who created you and intimately loves you

This theme of Homecoming is vividly real in the words of the Prophet Isaiah
The passage takes on a whole new significance when we understand that the figurative language is describing Israel’s homecoming as they return from exile in Babylon
“Speak tenderly to Jerusalem and tell her that her exile is at an end. A voice cries out in the desert prepare the way of the Lord! Make straight in the wasteland a highway for our God!”
After years of being away, God was calling his people home- he was calling them back to Jerusalem but also back to covenant with him

The measure of God’s desire to bring us to himself is evident in the Gospel
Here, Jesus speaks to his disciples and asks their opinion-
“Should the Shepherd leave the 99 sheep to bring the lost 1 home?
I have to admit that I’ve sometimes been tempted to say no
There’s part of me that figures that it might be better to lose the one than risk the safety of the 99
Plus, 99 out of 100 is close to perfect Mathematically
I’d take a 99 out of 100 on a test, or 99 out of 100 foul shots
But 99 isn’t enough for our God! He is relentless in wanting to claim all who he loves!
“It is not the will of your heavenly Father that one of these little ones be lost!”

Come home, come home to where you belong, to the Father’s love!

My brothers, as we celebrate this Eucharist today, we are strengthened by the Good Shepherd through these Words and the Word become flesh
And as we worship at this table, our spiritual home as friars of this fraternity, let us consider the home of the Church as well
“How is the Lord calling you to come home?”
“Who is the lost sheep the Lord may call home through you?”
Is it a relative? Is it a friend? Is it a friar who’s broken and alienated? Is it someone you minister to?
Perhaps your role is prayer or service or more.
Let us pray for the 99… plus the 1 today!

Let us all come home to the Father.

Stress and Snow

2005-12-05T09:35:00.000-08:00

I have to admit that I'm feeling stressed. Do you know that feeling in the pit of your stomach when it seems you have more work than the ability or time to get it done? Pardon, the venting. Someone reminded me today that perhaps its better to look at the small picture and work hard at one thing at a time then being overwhelmed by the big picture. Sounds good, but its difficult.

To all out there in the jungle of papers and finals, may you have the Lord's peace and grace to make it through intact (that includes professors)!

Some good distracting news: We may get our first snow here in the Nation's Capital. After an incredibly warm fall, its welcome. There's something about snow that still (especially that first snow) that captures my imagination. Perhaps its the snow football games growing up! How do these Florida people live without it?

Is Interfaith prayer possible?

2005-12-02T09:57:00.000-08:00

I'm in the midst of writing a paper on Interfaith prayer for my "World Religions" class. I have to say that I'm fascinated by the whole discussion.

The whole question of Interfaith prayer certainly raises strong responses. The springboard for my paper is the Assisi Prayer Gathering of Religious leaders in 1986. If you remember, John Paul II had invited various leaders of the World's religions to gather and pray for peace. The reaction to this event was explosive- some hailed it as a step in the right direction while others considered it an idolatrous abomination.

I don't expect to add anything novel to the discussion but I do look forward to delving into some of the theological questions and especially seeking a Catholic understanding of such prayer:
"Do we pray to the same God?" "What is the Christological issue involved?" "What does it mean to pray in another's sacred space?"

If you have any thoughts or good resources, I'd love to hear it. It is such a pivotal issue in this day and age and something we all have to grapple with.

Janine returns home

2005-12-02T09:55:00.000-08:00

Thanks again to all who have been praying for Janine. She returned from the hospital last night and this seems to be a good sign. We are still struggling to get at the root issues since there are so many things going on. I will continue to provide updates of her progress.

Desire for the vision of God

2005-12-02T09:46:00.000-08:00

"Teach me to seek you, and when I seek you show yourself to me, for I cannot seek you unless you teach me, nor can I find you unless you show yourself to me. Let me seek you in desiring you and desire you in seeking you, find you in loving you and love you in finding you".

(From the Proslogion by Saint Anselm- Office of Readings for Friday of 1st week of Advent)

This passage from today's Office really hit me today. I realized lately how easy it is to become frustrated in what seems to be a lack of progress in prayer. Sometimes it seems there are connection problems and I wonder if I ever learned to pray at all.

But Anselm's words are encouraging and perhaps even more importantly the spirit of the words is encouraging. He reminds us that the very desire to seek God is gift and that all the spiritual perfectionism in the world is remiss without a dependence upon the Lord.

How often might the Lord speak to us if we simply said, "Show yourself to me Lord, for on my own my vision is lacking!"

Signs of Hope, smiles from Janine

2005-11-30T18:43:00.000-08:00

I was able to spend some time with my sister Janine today. It was graced! My mom and aunt spent the night there and everybody has been involved to some degree.

Physically, Janine is feeling better and thats an answer to prayer. She smiled today, played a little Uno with me and even laughed a bit. It was great.

We know there will be a long road ahead for some psychological issues she'll have to work through. We had a long meeting with the psychologist and it was very helpful. Maybe the best part of it was that we've been having rough experiences with the doctors and in the meeting we felt listened to.

I'm too tired to get into it more. Thanks for the prayers.

Pray for Janine

2005-11-29T13:17:00.000-08:00

My sister Janine has been admitted to the hospital because of GI problems as well as some psychological issues. I spent most of last night with her and my dad in the emergency room. She's doing alright, but we just don't know whats going on. Janine struggles to articulate her thoughts and she is understandably overwhelmed by the tests and the people and being away from home.

When I returned today, I was praying the office and came upon Psalm 10. Its all about praying for the vindication and rescue of the poor. I sometimes don't know what to make of these passages of Scripture- today it made a lot of sense. My sister is one of the poor and so are we (in our lack of understanding of whats going on). "Lord, rescue the poor who call to you!"

Thank you for the prayers for Janine and my family.

Attentiveness in Advent

2005-11-26T21:14:00.000-08:00

Happy Advent! Happy New Year (at least liturgically)! I'm somewhat excited to enter into this season of Advent. As one of the friars put it- Advent is a time to prepare for the Lord who comes to us in humility (Incarnation) and in power (Second coming).

As I've been praying about it the word that comes to mind is "attentive". Attentive?! I'm inclined to shake my finger at the Lord: "With three papers left and tons of other stuff how can I be attentive to anything else?" And then the answer I sense is this, "Attentiveness doesn't require much. It is about an awareness that you and all things belong to God."

How does the Lord speaking to you at the start of this Holy Season? May our humble and powerful God bless you in peace.

Harry Potter

2005-11-26T21:09:00.000-08:00

I went to see the Harry Potter movie tonight with one of my brothers. I must admit I'm not an enthusiastic Harry Potter fan although I do enjoy the creativity and the English accents! Harry, Herminie and Ron are growing up so there was some teenage romance and even a funny dance with all of them acting like typical wallflowers.

I won't give away of the plot but to say that the action is pretty intense. Yes, I scare easily, but I still would think twice before you take your kids.

In the little theological circles where I run, the question has come up about whether the Harry Potter movies are supporting witchcraft. Not so sure about that. I think that would be to take it too far. Perhaps though we should pause to consider the spiritual realities at play in such movies. Drop me a line if you have a thought on the subject.

Thanks, Football and Food

2005-11-24T18:11:00.000-08:00

We had a blessed Thanksgiving here today in D.C.! It was great to start the day with Mass. It seems to me that here we can truly join our whole selves to the thanksgiving that Christ offers to the Father. The homilist today noted how Jesus was able to give thanks even when he was "on the edge"- knowing he would die the next day. It is incredible to think about how people imitate this example in their ability to be grateful in the midst of impending crisis.

Being thanksgiving, some of us guys had to get out and toss the pigskin. We ended up playing a pick-up game with a bunch of kids in the neighborhood. What an experience! First of all its not everyday you see a bunch of white guys playing with a bunch of black guys (lets be honest). There was definitely cultural differences but its amazing how a game can bring a bunch of boys together. I sort of felt like they accepted us because we took the chance to reach out to them.

Tonight, we had a great meal. I hope I never take a hot meal for granted. Aren't turkey sandwiches the next day just the best?

The Turkey that made a difference!

2005-11-23T12:01:00.000-08:00

In a bizarre twist of events, a turkey ended up being a life saver.
CNN Video covers this interesting story at http://www.cnn.com/video/player/pages/detection/wm_10.html?url=/video/us/2005/11/23/baca.il.frozen.turkey.rescue.wls&wm=10
(I'm still working on links to the site, please be patient with this turkey)

This piece of news reminded me of the time where our turkey caught on fire in the St.Andre oven. We were engrossed in a football game when we started smelling smoke. My dad ran to the oven and threw it open. I think it was my brother who proceeded to spray the turkey with our fire extinguisher. All the while my dad's yelling because the turkey's getting sprayed (even though the house might be burning down)! Turns out that the turkey was covered pretty well in a cooking bag and except for some extinguished drumsticks, it worked out okay. It was memorable alright.

Check out javascript:

Slacker Blogger

2005-11-14T05:49:00.000-08:00

I started with a fervor but fizzled after a bit. Time to break out of my slacker ways and be more frequent in my blogging. I hope to hear more comments and learn to include more things.

Thoughts on T.O.

2005-11-14T05:38:00.000-08:00

If you're a sports fan, you know T.O. refers to the amazingly talented and notoriously cocky Philadelphia Eagles receiver Terrell Owens.

Its been very interesting to following the saga of Owens as Coach Andy Reid finally said he'd had enough with TO for this season. Reid suspended the receiver for four games and said he wouldn't be enlisted for the rest of the season. The reason: Conduct detrimental to the good of the whole team (arguments, bashing fellow players on National Television).

The sportswriters have been conflicted on the issue. Last Thursday's Washington Post sports section is a good example. Fantasy football writer Gene Wang says that TO has been vilified for lesser offenses than other players. Wang thinks the Eagles are kissing their season goodbye. Sally Jenkins takes a very different but interesting approach in her op-ed column. She says that TO is a liability from an organization management point of view. Ultimately, Jenkins says, TO would draw the team down through his behavior.

I'm more inclined to agree with Andy Reid's decision. I think that he's made a decision of integrity as well as wisdom. This is bigger than TO and the Eagles. Its about the integrity of the team in team sports. Some will write me off right there. "No, its about Wins and Losses". What about the integrity of the game?

Andy Reid recognized the priority of team over player. Is our culture sliding to a preference for player over team?

I'd love to hear people's thoughts on this.

Prayers from a broken heart

2005-11-14T05:25:00.000-08:00

Today's Gospel reading at Mass is the Blind Man crying out to Jesus, "Lord Jesus, have pity on me!" I'm struck by this cry of desperation. There's no saving face, no self-consciousness, just a desperate prayer from a desperate heart.

I have to admit that these often seem like the prayers that the Lord answered but we aren't often able to go to the place of brokenness that such prayers require. I think of the times where I've been struggling and its brought me to cry out to God in absolute surrender: "Okay I admit it, I can't handle this Lord, help me... help me."

When I've done this, the Lord has come through in tremendous and tangible ways by providing sustaining grace. The voice of a friend, a song, a sense of holy presence. It almost seems like he'd answer any prayer at that moment where I'm in such a disposition of childlike dependence. Its getting there thats hard.

Connected to the core

2005-11-02T07:51:00.000-08:00

Today we celebrate the commemoration of All Souls. Sometimes we hear the word soul and I think we sluff it off as some medeival word connoting some ethereal reality. But today we remember in a special way the gift of community we have in Christ! In some incredible way through baptism we are drawn up into mystery of Jesus Christ- the mystery of suffering, death and resurrection!

Hearing the Gospel story of Lazarus being raised from the dead, I'm struck by Martha's acknowledgement that Jesus has power over life and death- "If you had been here my brother would not have died." But even more interesting is Jesus' response- "I AM the Way, the Truth and the Life". Present tense! We are invited to live the fullness of life our Lord offers now! Maybe life is about an ever greater appreciation of this reality.

Exhilaration and sore muscles

2005-10-31T06:08:00.000-08:00

We did it! Not only do I know that Brother Gregory and I finished the 30th Marine Corps Marathon, I can feel it! My muscles are feeling it, my body is feeling it, but my spirits are high because we accomplished what we set out to do.

The whole experience was pretty incredible. Gregory and I started the day in our little chapel praying morning prayer (and begging for God's mercy) at 6:00 a.m. Soon we were on our way to the Metro toting along gatorade, our clear bags with changes of clothes and powerbars in hand. What a culture! By the time we got to the Metro Center stop there were lots of runners looking ready to go.

We arrived at the starting line with a few minutes to go (Actually, it took us five minutes once the race started just to get to the starting line). The first thing that impressed me was the presence of the Marines all over the place. Throughout the day I was reminded of the sacrifices they have made and are making for our country. In our prayer before the race I offered my race up for them in part- especially the families of those who have died.

What a mass of humanity! They call it the People's Marathon and for right reason. 30,000 runners of ALL shapes and sizes gathered. I wondered why they had come. The reason for some was obvious just by looking at their shirts- they were running for a charity or for a member of their family. I smiled, when I read one women's shirt: "Tell Andrea she's doing a good job, she's the mother of three children." Another man had on a shirt that said team 413- "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". When I passed him, I said, "Brother, I'm with you".

The first few miles were a bit chaotic. You could hardly run because it was so congested. Gregory and I walked a bit and ran a bit since it was hilly at the beginning. About mile five, it started to hit me what we were doing. And so I drank in the scenery as it went by. Little kids slapping us five as we went by, Marines cheering us on, the people in costume (I saw Superman, Captain America and others). It was a cultural experience for sure.

We made our way through downtown Georgetown. The sun was getting stronger and I was conscious to drink the powerade that was offered along the way. By this time, Gregory and I were separated and so I said a prayer that he was doing well.

Mile after mile went by and soon half the race was over. I was aware that my legs were starting to hurt so I began a series of walking and running that would carry me through to the end. By the time I had reached mile 16, I just felt a deep conviction that this was a finishable race. Plus, my knee was holding up!

Mile 26.0 was the most powerful part of the race for me! I was hurting in body but overwhelmed at making it to this point. It all hit me at this point. The months of training and then getting injured. The doubts about running the marathon, wondering if we could make it. The many, many people who were praying for us. I also thought about the children and their families whom we had dedicated our race to. By the grace of God and the generosity of many, we were able to raise money to help an organization that takes pictures of sick children (many of whom might pass away and the pictures become a precious gift to their families). All these thoughts hit me as we hit the crowds going up the final stretch. And unexpectedly, I started to cry. I was overwhelmed by the grace of God at that moment. I knew that when I saw my Brother Gregory I'd probably lose it again. He had motivated me in many ways to do this. I crossed the finish line somewhere around 5 hours even and bowed my head while a young Marine put a medal over my head.

What an experience! I will be sore for a week or two but very grateful in so many ways. God's grace at work in us can accomplish far more than we ask or imagine.

Running the race of life

2005-10-27T16:46:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking about joining the ranks of bloggers for a while now... so I did it! Despite my initial wondering, "Who would want to read this?", I'll take the chance that it might just be worth the risk.

I chose the name, "Running the race of life", because its a metaphor that is personally powerful for me. I happen to be a runner in body, but I'd like to think we're all runners in the sense of this adventure we've been gifted called life. Its a long-distance race that has many twists and bends and while we run it on our own we couldn't do it without one another. From time to time, I hope to share some of my journey. In the end, our journies share incredible connections.

Speaking of running, I'm joining 29,999 other people to run the Marine Corps Marathon this Sunday. 26.2 miles... talk about a race! My Franciscan brother Gregory and I will attempt to navigate the twists and bends and make some friends along the way.