Jesus is Risen! He is Indeed Risen!
Alleluia, Alleluia!
LOVE CRUCIFIED AROSE!
A joy-filled and blessed Easter to all!
EveryDay Saints
"EveryDay Saints" Series used with kind permission by artist Sara Drescher Braswell
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
On the Mystery of Suffering
On April 2nd, we celebrate Holy Thursday, the beginning of the holiest days in the Church's calendar. We stand trembling at the precipice, knowing full well what is coming for Our Lord and for His Mother, Mary.
That day is also the 10th anniversary of the death of St John Paul the Great.
And it is during these days that we turn our minds so often to the Mystery of Suffering.
Our own Holy Father Francis recently spoke about the suffering which John Paul endured. Elected young (age 58) to the papacy, a natural athlete in robust health, John Paul brought new life and vigor into Our Church. But it was his first words spoken on the balcony at St Peter's which forever touch our hearts, even now: BE NOT AFRAID!
He became a model for many when his health declined, and most especially during his last public appearance when he could not speak. Yet, he didn't need to; his courageous heart spoke volumes.
In a biography about Our Holy Father Francis, we also learn of a time in his life when there was great suffering. As a young man aspiring to the priesthood, he was stricken with an illness that affected his lungs. He had to have part of one lung removed, but it was the subsequent painful treatments which were virtually unbearable to him.
Many friends and family came to visit him. They tried to be upbeat and consoling, saying such well-meaning words as:
"You're going to be well soon."
"Everything is going to be alright."
"Don't worry...."
And so on.
Yet, Francis admits that none of these words offered any consolation or peace to him.
Finally, it was a nun who uttered the profound and wise words which made the difference. She said, "You imitate Christ."
Now, he had consolation. Now, he had something which would sustain him through the rest of his treatment.
This reminder, that through our suffering, when we join ourselves to the Crucified Christ, we may be able to find a peace, an authentic meaning and a purpose. And yes, often even joy.
Easy? No. No. Never. Never.
But as the great Fulton Sheen had said, "There is nothing worse than wasted suffering."
If you are suffering in any way--whether physically, mentally, emotionally or spiritually, turn your eyes to the Crucified Lord. Sit at the foot of the cross, and spend time with Him. There, there, you will find a consolation that this world could never give. There, there, He will give you His love, His grace, and His peace.
That day is also the 10th anniversary of the death of St John Paul the Great.
And it is during these days that we turn our minds so often to the Mystery of Suffering.
Our own Holy Father Francis recently spoke about the suffering which John Paul endured. Elected young (age 58) to the papacy, a natural athlete in robust health, John Paul brought new life and vigor into Our Church. But it was his first words spoken on the balcony at St Peter's which forever touch our hearts, even now: BE NOT AFRAID!
He became a model for many when his health declined, and most especially during his last public appearance when he could not speak. Yet, he didn't need to; his courageous heart spoke volumes.
BE NOT AFRAID!
In a biography about Our Holy Father Francis, we also learn of a time in his life when there was great suffering. As a young man aspiring to the priesthood, he was stricken with an illness that affected his lungs. He had to have part of one lung removed, but it was the subsequent painful treatments which were virtually unbearable to him.
Many friends and family came to visit him. They tried to be upbeat and consoling, saying such well-meaning words as:
"You're going to be well soon."
"Everything is going to be alright."
"Don't worry...."
And so on.
Yet, Francis admits that none of these words offered any consolation or peace to him.
Finally, it was a nun who uttered the profound and wise words which made the difference. She said, "You imitate Christ."
Now, he had consolation. Now, he had something which would sustain him through the rest of his treatment.
This reminder, that through our suffering, when we join ourselves to the Crucified Christ, we may be able to find a peace, an authentic meaning and a purpose. And yes, often even joy.
Easy? No. No. Never. Never.
But as the great Fulton Sheen had said, "There is nothing worse than wasted suffering."
If you are suffering in any way--whether physically, mentally, emotionally or spiritually, turn your eyes to the Crucified Lord. Sit at the foot of the cross, and spend time with Him. There, there, you will find a consolation that this world could never give. There, there, He will give you His love, His grace, and His peace.
BE NOT AFRAID!
St John Paul the Great, pray for us!
Monday, March 30, 2015
The Ragman
THE RAGMAN
By Walter Wangerin, Jr.
Even before the dawn one Friday morning I noticed a young man, handsome and strong, walking the alleys of our city. He was pulling an old cart filled with clothes, both bright and new, and he was calling in a clear, tenor voice:
"Rags! Rags! New rags for old! I take your tired rags! Rags!"
Soon the Ragman saw a woman sitting on her back porch. She was sobbing into a handkerchief, sighing, and shedding a thousand tears. Her knees and elbows made a sad X. Her heart was breaking.
The Ragman stopped his cart. Quietly, he walked to the woman, stepping round tin cans, dead toys, and diapers.
"Give me your rag," he said so gently, "and I'll give you another."
He slipped the handkerchief from her eyes. She looked up, and he laid across her palm a linen cloth so clean and new that it shined. She blinked from the gift to the giver.
Then, as he began to pull his cart again, the Ragman did a strange thing: he put her stained handkerchief to his own face; and then he began to weep, to sob as grievously as she had done, his shoulders shaking. Yet she was left without a tear.
"This is a wonder," I breathed to myself.
"Rags! Rags! New rags for old!"
In a little while, when the sky showed gray behind the rooftops and I could see the shredded curtains hanging out black windows, the Ragman came upon a girl whose head was wrapped in a bandage. Blood soaked her bandage. A single line of blood ran down her cheek.
Now the tall Ragman looked upon this child with pity, and he drew a lovely yellow bonnet from his cart.
"Give me your rag," he said, tracing his own line on her cheek, "and I will give you mine."
The child could only gaze at him while he loosened the bandage, removed it, and tied it to his own head. The bonnet he set on hers. And I gasped at what I saw for with the bandage went the wound! Against his brow it ran a darker, more substantial blood--his own!
The sun hurt both the sky, now, and my eyes; the Ragman seemed more and more to hurry.
"Are you going to work?" he asked a man who leaned against a telephone pole. The man shook his head.
The ragman pressed him: "Do you have a job?"
"Are you crazy?" sneered the other. He pulled away from the pole, revealing the right sleeve of his jacket-flat, the cuff stuffed into the pocket. He had no arm.
"So," said the Ragman. "Give me your jacket, and I'll give you mine."
The one-armed man took off his jacket. So did the Ragman - and I trembled at what I saw: for the Ragman's arm stayed in its sleeve, and when the other put it on he had two good arms, thick as tree limbs; but the Ragman had only one.
"Go to work," he said.
After that he found a drunk, lying unconscious beneath an army blanket, an old man, hunched, wizened, and sick. He took the blanket and wrapped it around himself, but for the drunk he left new clothes.
And now I had to run to keep up with the Ragman. He was weeping uncontrollably, and bleeding freely at the forehead, pulling his cart with one arm, falling again and again, exhausted.
I wept to see the change in this man. I hurt to see his sorrow. And yet I needed to see where he was going in such haste, perhaps to know what drove him so.
The little old Ragman - he came to a landfill. He came to the garbage pits. He climbed a hill. With tormented labor he cleared a little space on that hill. Then he sighed. He lay down. He pillowed his head on a handkerchief and a jacket. He covered his bones with an army blanket. And, he died.
Oh, how I cried to witness that death! I slumped in a junked car and wailed and mourned as one who has not hope - because I had come to love the Ragman. I sobbed myself to sleep.
I did not know – how could I know? – that I slept through Friday night and Saturday and its night too.
But then, on Sunday, I was awakened by a violence.
Light-pure, hard, demanding light-slammed against my sour face, and I blinked. There was the Ragman, folding the blanked most carefully, a scar on his forehead, but alive! And, besides that, healthy! There was no sign of sorrow nor of age, and all the rags that he had gathered shined for cleanliness.
Well, then I lowered my head and, trembling for all that I had seen, I myself walked up to the Ragman. I told him my name with shame, for I was a sorry figure next to him. I said to him with dear yearning in my voice: "Dress me."
He dressed me. My Lord, he put new rags on me, and I am a wonder beside him. The Ragman, the Ragman, the Christ!
A People for All Seasons
On Palm Sunday, we encountered the scene of the triumphant and celebratory crowd who gave vocal and public support for Jesus as he entered Jerusalem. We also know that just a few days later, many in this same crowd then turned their backs on Our Lord when He needed their love and mercy more than ever.
Perhaps we know such "fair weather friends;" and if we are truly honest with ourselves, perhaps we have been a fair weather friend ourselves at some point. It's easy to come around when everything is going well in someone's life.
But what about when things turn very dark, when there is real suffering or tribulations?
Where do we stand when negatively confronted about our Catholic faith, about our beliefs, about Jesus Himself? Are we "fair weather" friends then as well? Or, do we stand with Our Lord during these challenging moments?
In the great film, A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS, St Thomas More stands firm in his faith and does not back down, even when confronted by the King of England, even when his very life is threatened, even when his family is reduced to poverty, through imprisonment, and even unto his death by decapitation.
One of the most poignant parts in the film is when a long time friend of St Thomas tries to tempt him to sign an oath of allegiance to the King (who has made himself head of the Church of England so he can remarry once again, thus abandoning the authority of the Holy Father and the teachings of our faith). Thomas's response reverberates through the ages:
The Duke of Norfolk: Oh confound all this. I'm not a scholar, I don't know whether the marriage was lawful or not but dammit, Thomas, look at these names! Why can't you do as I did and come with us, for fellowship!
Thomas More: And when we die, and you are sent to heaven for doing your conscience, and I am sent to hell for not doing mine, will you come with me, for fellowship?
Are we a people for all seasons? At the end of this coming week, will we stand with Our Lord at the foot of the cross?
Perhaps we know such "fair weather friends;" and if we are truly honest with ourselves, perhaps we have been a fair weather friend ourselves at some point. It's easy to come around when everything is going well in someone's life.
But what about when things turn very dark, when there is real suffering or tribulations?
Where do we stand when negatively confronted about our Catholic faith, about our beliefs, about Jesus Himself? Are we "fair weather" friends then as well? Or, do we stand with Our Lord during these challenging moments?
In the great film, A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS, St Thomas More stands firm in his faith and does not back down, even when confronted by the King of England, even when his very life is threatened, even when his family is reduced to poverty, through imprisonment, and even unto his death by decapitation.
One of the most poignant parts in the film is when a long time friend of St Thomas tries to tempt him to sign an oath of allegiance to the King (who has made himself head of the Church of England so he can remarry once again, thus abandoning the authority of the Holy Father and the teachings of our faith). Thomas's response reverberates through the ages:
The Duke of Norfolk: Oh confound all this. I'm not a scholar, I don't know whether the marriage was lawful or not but dammit, Thomas, look at these names! Why can't you do as I did and come with us, for fellowship!
Thomas More: And when we die, and you are sent to heaven for doing your conscience, and I am sent to hell for not doing mine, will you come with me, for fellowship?
Are we a people for all seasons? At the end of this coming week, will we stand with Our Lord at the foot of the cross?
Tuesday, March 17, 2015
St. Joseph's Feast Day Recipe
Sfinge di San Giuseppe
THE STORY
Long ago, during famine in Sicily, the people prayed to Saint Joseph to end the drought and hunger that plagued them. They promised to honor him with a great feast if he interceded. Good Saint Joseph (patron of Sicily, fathers, husbands, carpenters, job seekers and others) took care of his people, and the people of Sicily kept their word.
The Sicilians honored him with a grand feast in his name. They built an altar (usually consisting of three tiers for the Holy Trinity) called the Tavola Di San Giuseppe, or Saint Joseph's Table. Since his feast day falls during Lent, much of the food was meatless, consisting of authentic recipes of the region. Basically, they cooked what grew in their area, such as fava beans and artichokes. There was always a great deal of homemade bread, often shaped into symbolic crosses, shepherd's staffs, or carpenter's tools. And the altar is gloriously decorated with pictures of St. Joseph and, of course, lilies (a symbol of his purity).
Sfinge di San Giuseppe Recipe
(Some recipes create a more “cream puff” kind of dessert. But this is the version I grew up with from my Sicilian mom. For the cream puff version, please search the web.)
Ingredients
Total Time: 55 minutes
Preparation
Mix the ricotta, sugar, vanilla, and eggs. Mix in SELF-RISING flour, beat until smooth. Heat oil to 370 degrees F (185 C).
Drop tablespoons of batter into the oil a few at a time, and remove the sfinge from the oil when they reach a golden brown. Drain them on absorbent paper. Sprinkle with confectioner's sugar, or cinnamon sugar or honey.
ENJOY!
Love and prayers,
Simple Soul
THE STORY
Long ago, during famine in Sicily, the people prayed to Saint Joseph to end the drought and hunger that plagued them. They promised to honor him with a great feast if he interceded. Good Saint Joseph (patron of Sicily, fathers, husbands, carpenters, job seekers and others) took care of his people, and the people of Sicily kept their word.
The Sicilians honored him with a grand feast in his name. They built an altar (usually consisting of three tiers for the Holy Trinity) called the Tavola Di San Giuseppe, or Saint Joseph's Table. Since his feast day falls during Lent, much of the food was meatless, consisting of authentic recipes of the region. Basically, they cooked what grew in their area, such as fava beans and artichokes. There was always a great deal of homemade bread, often shaped into symbolic crosses, shepherd's staffs, or carpenter's tools. And the altar is gloriously decorated with pictures of St. Joseph and, of course, lilies (a symbol of his purity).
Sfinge di San Giuseppe Recipe
(Some recipes create a more “cream puff” kind of dessert. But this is the version I grew up with from my Sicilian mom. For the cream puff version, please search the web.)
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450 g) ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup (100 g) sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla, and nutmeg if you like
- 6 eggs
- 2 cups (240 g) SELF-RISING flour
Total Time: 55 minutes
Preparation
Mix the ricotta, sugar, vanilla, and eggs. Mix in SELF-RISING flour, beat until smooth. Heat oil to 370 degrees F (185 C).
Drop tablespoons of batter into the oil a few at a time, and remove the sfinge from the oil when they reach a golden brown. Drain them on absorbent paper. Sprinkle with confectioner's sugar, or cinnamon sugar or honey.
ENJOY!
Love and prayers,
Simple Soul
A Hidden Life of Holiness: St. Joseph's Yes
Ah, St Joseph! Everyone's favorite. Don't you just love him? This week is also his feast day.
Mary's husband, Jesus' foster dad. Jesus is also referred to in the Gospels as "the carpenter's son." By doing so, we are recognizing and honoring the man who raised Jesus, who taught him a trade, taught him his Jewish faith, and who was an example of manhood to a young boy.
Still, so little is known about our dear Joseph! He is not quoted, and at one point when Jesus is older and begins his ministry, nothing more is ever said about Joseph's presence.
We often speak of Our Blessed Mother's obedience to God, and "Mary's Fiat": Her great YES. Yes, let it be done to be according to Your will.
But Joseph, too, freely offered his great YES to God, didn't he? God spoke to him in a dream, as we know, and it was Good Joseph's response and reaction to Mary's pregnancy that makes his YES resound through the ages.
I remember once being present at Mass when a young reader, who was nervous and seemed inexperienced, read the passage describing St Joseph. Instead of saying, he was "a JUST man," this young reader became confused and said, he was "JUST a man."
I smiled at that mistake, but then it struck me: Yes, St Joe was also JUST a man. A man who lived a life of hidden holiness, cooperated fully with God's grace in his life, but ultimately was a regular person, just like us.
Good St Joe, please pray for us. Pray that our hearts are always open to accept God's will, and then please pray that we will rely on God's grace, just as you did.
Did you ever hear the story of St Joseph's staircase? I hope you enjoy this video as well as the one from Father James Martin, SJ:
With love and prayers,
Simple Soul
Mary's husband, Jesus' foster dad. Jesus is also referred to in the Gospels as "the carpenter's son." By doing so, we are recognizing and honoring the man who raised Jesus, who taught him a trade, taught him his Jewish faith, and who was an example of manhood to a young boy.
Still, so little is known about our dear Joseph! He is not quoted, and at one point when Jesus is older and begins his ministry, nothing more is ever said about Joseph's presence.
We often speak of Our Blessed Mother's obedience to God, and "Mary's Fiat": Her great YES. Yes, let it be done to be according to Your will.
But Joseph, too, freely offered his great YES to God, didn't he? God spoke to him in a dream, as we know, and it was Good Joseph's response and reaction to Mary's pregnancy that makes his YES resound through the ages.
I remember once being present at Mass when a young reader, who was nervous and seemed inexperienced, read the passage describing St Joseph. Instead of saying, he was "a JUST man," this young reader became confused and said, he was "JUST a man."
I smiled at that mistake, but then it struck me: Yes, St Joe was also JUST a man. A man who lived a life of hidden holiness, cooperated fully with God's grace in his life, but ultimately was a regular person, just like us.
Good St Joe, please pray for us. Pray that our hearts are always open to accept God's will, and then please pray that we will rely on God's grace, just as you did.
Did you ever hear the story of St Joseph's staircase? I hope you enjoy this video as well as the one from Father James Martin, SJ:
With love and prayers,
Simple Soul
St. Patrick's Breastplate
Two of our great saints have feast days this week. One is St Patrick and the other is St Joseph.
As with St Valentine's Day, in the case of St Patrick, often the real great message of his life is obscured by what this day has evolved into--which seems to focus on green beer and corned beef. But, as Catholics, we know that there is so much more to this man. I confess that during times in my life when I experience darkness or anxiety, I receive immeasurable comfort and strength when I pray St Patrick's Breastplate. This powerful prayer seems to surround me with the spiritual armor needed.
Please share this prayer with others. This is the long version below: ST. PATRICK'S BREASTPLATE St. Patrick's Breastplate is a popular prayer attributed to one of Ireland’s most beloved patron saints. According to tradition, St. Patrick wrote it in 433 A.D. for divine protection before successfully converting the Irish King Leoghaire and his subjects from paganism to Christianity. (The term breastplate refers to a piece of armor worn in battle.) More recent scholarship suggests its author was anonymous. In any case, this prayer certainly reflects the spirit with which St. Patrick brought our faith to Ireland! St. Patrick's Breastplate, also known as The Lorica (the cry of the deer), was popular enough to inspire a hymn based on this text as well.
I arise today
Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,
Through belief in the Threeness,
Through confession of the Oneness
of the Creator of creation.
I arise today
Through the strength of Christ's birth with His baptism,
Through the strength of His crucifixion with His burial,
Through the strength of His resurrection with His ascension,
Through the strength of His descent for the judgment of doom.
I arise today
Through the strength of the love of cherubim,
In the obedience of angels,
In the service of archangels,
In the hope of resurrection to meet with reward,
In the prayers of patriarchs,
In the predictions of prophets,
In the preaching of apostles,
In the faith of confessors,
In the innocence of holy virgins,
In the deeds of righteous men.
I arise today, through
The strength of heaven,
The light of the sun,
The radiance of the moon,
The splendor of fire,
The speed of lightning,
The swiftness of wind,
The depth of the sea,
The stability of the earth,
The firmness of rock.
I arise today, through
God's strength to pilot me,
God's might to uphold me,
God's wisdom to guide me,
God's eye to look before me,
God's ear to hear me,
God's word to speak for me,
God's hand to guard me,
God's shield to protect me,
God's host to save me
From snares of devils,
From temptation of vices,
From everyone who shall wish me ill,
afar and near.
I summon today
All these powers between me and those evils,
Against every cruel and merciless power
that may oppose my body and soul,
Against incantations of false prophets,
Against black laws of pagandom,
Against false laws of heretics,
Against craft of idolatry,
Against spells of witches and smiths and wizards,
Against every knowledge that corrupts man's body and soul;
Christ to shield me today
Against poison, against burning,
Against drowning, against wounding,
So that there may come to me an abundance of reward.
Christ with me,
Christ before me,
Christ behind me,
Christ in me,
Christ beneath me,
Christ above me,
Christ on my right,
Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down,
Christ when I sit down,
Christ when I arise,
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.
[Note that people sometimes pray a shorter version of this prayer just with these 15 lines about Christ above. The conclusion follows below.]
I arise today
Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,
Through belief in the Threeness,
Through confession of the Oneness
of the Creator of creation.
When St. Paul referred to putting on the “Armor of God” in his letter to the Ephesians (6:11) to fight sin and evil inclinations, he could have been thinking of prayers just like this one! We may not wear combat gear in our daily lives, but St. Patrick's Breastplate can function as divine armor for protection against spiritual adversity.
And to learn more about how St Pat used the shamrock to explain the difficult doctrine of the Trinity, please click here.
(from http://www.ourcatholicprayers.com)
As with St Valentine's Day, in the case of St Patrick, often the real great message of his life is obscured by what this day has evolved into--which seems to focus on green beer and corned beef. But, as Catholics, we know that there is so much more to this man. I confess that during times in my life when I experience darkness or anxiety, I receive immeasurable comfort and strength when I pray St Patrick's Breastplate. This powerful prayer seems to surround me with the spiritual armor needed.
Please share this prayer with others. This is the long version below: ST. PATRICK'S BREASTPLATE St. Patrick's Breastplate is a popular prayer attributed to one of Ireland’s most beloved patron saints. According to tradition, St. Patrick wrote it in 433 A.D. for divine protection before successfully converting the Irish King Leoghaire and his subjects from paganism to Christianity. (The term breastplate refers to a piece of armor worn in battle.) More recent scholarship suggests its author was anonymous. In any case, this prayer certainly reflects the spirit with which St. Patrick brought our faith to Ireland! St. Patrick's Breastplate, also known as The Lorica (the cry of the deer), was popular enough to inspire a hymn based on this text as well. I arise today
Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,
Through belief in the Threeness,
Through confession of the Oneness
of the Creator of creation.
I arise today
Through the strength of Christ's birth with His baptism,
Through the strength of His crucifixion with His burial,
Through the strength of His resurrection with His ascension,
Through the strength of His descent for the judgment of doom.
I arise today
Through the strength of the love of cherubim,
In the obedience of angels,
In the service of archangels,
In the hope of resurrection to meet with reward,
In the prayers of patriarchs,
In the predictions of prophets,
In the preaching of apostles,
In the faith of confessors,
In the innocence of holy virgins,
In the deeds of righteous men.
I arise today, through
The strength of heaven,
The light of the sun,
The radiance of the moon,
The splendor of fire,
The speed of lightning,
The swiftness of wind,
The depth of the sea,
The stability of the earth,
The firmness of rock.
I arise today, through
God's strength to pilot me,
God's might to uphold me,
God's wisdom to guide me,
God's eye to look before me,
God's ear to hear me,
God's word to speak for me,
God's hand to guard me,
God's shield to protect me,
God's host to save me
From snares of devils,
From temptation of vices,
From everyone who shall wish me ill,
afar and near.
I summon today
All these powers between me and those evils,
Against every cruel and merciless power
that may oppose my body and soul,
Against incantations of false prophets,
Against black laws of pagandom,
Against false laws of heretics,
Against craft of idolatry,
Against spells of witches and smiths and wizards,
Against every knowledge that corrupts man's body and soul;
Christ to shield me today
Against poison, against burning,
Against drowning, against wounding,
So that there may come to me an abundance of reward.
Christ with me,
Christ before me,
Christ behind me,
Christ in me,
Christ beneath me,
Christ above me,
Christ on my right,
Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down,
Christ when I sit down,
Christ when I arise,
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.
[Note that people sometimes pray a shorter version of this prayer just with these 15 lines about Christ above. The conclusion follows below.]
I arise today
Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,
Through belief in the Threeness,
Through confession of the Oneness
of the Creator of creation.
When St. Paul referred to putting on the “Armor of God” in his letter to the Ephesians (6:11) to fight sin and evil inclinations, he could have been thinking of prayers just like this one! We may not wear combat gear in our daily lives, but St. Patrick's Breastplate can function as divine armor for protection against spiritual adversity.
And to learn more about how St Pat used the shamrock to explain the difficult doctrine of the Trinity, please click here.
(from http://www.ourcatholicprayers.com)
Thursday, March 12, 2015
A Virtual Visit to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem is considered to be the holiest site in the world for Christians. Unfortunately, many of us may never have the opportunity to visit in person. The site is venerated as Calvary (Golgotha), where Jesus was crucified, and also contains the place where Jesus is said to have been buried. Within the church are the last four (or, by some definitions, five) Stations of the Cross along the Via Dolorosa, representing the final episodes of Jesus' Passion. The church has been an important Christian pilgrimage destination since at least the fourth century as the purported site of the Resurrection of Our Lord. Why not take a virtual visit to the church via the internet? Click here to view and explore the outside and inside of this ancient holy site through our computer using a 360 degree viewpoint. And while it's not as extraordinary as being there, it is an amazing and evocative experience.
Here are 3 photos from inside the church:
Considered the holiest site in Christianity: the tomb of Christ inside the edicule of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. © HolyLandPhotos
After taking the virtual on-line tour, to learn even more about this holiest of places, click here.
Love and prayers,
Simple Soul
A woman prays at the stone of unction (where Our Lord's body was prepared for burial)
© Luca Vergano
Stairway to Calvary, located on the right just inside the entrance to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. © HolyLandPhotos
Considered the holiest site in Christianity: the tomb of Christ inside the edicule of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. © HolyLandPhotos
After taking the virtual on-line tour, to learn even more about this holiest of places, click here.
Love and prayers,
Simple Soul
Monday, March 9, 2015
Give her something to eat
Did you ever notice in the Gospel how Our Lord pays attention to even the smallest of details?
One of my favorite parts showing the beautiful humanity of God (keeping in mind that Our Lord has two natures, both human and divine) was in Luke 8:54-56: “He, however, took her by the hand and called, saying, "Child, arise!" And her spirit returned, and she got up immediately; and He gave orders for something to be given her to eat. Her parents were amazed; but He instructed them to tell no one what had happened.”
Here’s a little girl whom Jesus healed. But, even AFTER the miracle, He concerns Himself with her personal well-being. She must be hungry. Give her something to eat.
When we welcome someone into our homes, we offer them “…something to eat.” We ask, "Are you hungry? What can I get you?"
There’s a beautiful story about our own Holy Father and a Swiss Guard who was on duty through the night outside Francis’ room. He was on his feet for hours, and when the Holy Father found out about it, he made the guard sit down and enjoy some bread and jam—which he himself, the Vicar of Christ, had prepared for him.
Perhaps one attribute of a holy life is to remember the details when serving others: "Give her something to eat." After meditating on the Gospel passage, it dawned on me that every time I offer someone something to eat, I am also sharing in the divine nature of God as well.
Love and Prayers,
Simple Soul
Hidden Saints in Our Midst
For the last 3 years, I worked supporting cancer patients. It was both an honor and a privilege to be in their presence.
I witnessed a great deal of sanctity in this particular group of people--many of you who work with those sick and suffering can testify to this. They are truly the wounded Christ on earth.
This experience also forced me to face and reflect on my own prejudices. It struck me one day as I observed a woman whom I'll call "Joan" come to our center for treatment.
First impression: Joan was not a conventional looking older lady. Like many who received chemo, she had lost her hair, but as it grew back, instead of a feminine pixie hair style, she intentionally grew a spikey crew cut. And then dyed it canary yellow.
She had tattoos all over her--arms, shoulders, and I think in other places. She wore leather and chains, and walked with a strut.
Joan was one tough looking customer!
One day, I happened to be near the front desk as I saw her walk in through the doors. And as she did, she made the Sign of the Cross.
I was both surprised and moved by this gesture. I asked my staff if they had seen her do that, and they told me she blessed herself like that every day as she walked in for her treatment. As if she was walking into a church. As if she was preparing for the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.
I wanted to know even more about this enigma Joan. As with most cancer patients, conversations may begin on lighter subjects, but often grow into more profound, intimate topics as they continue with their treatment. They become reflective and open, and their guards are down. They often reach their truest, most authentic selves--no pretense, no facade.
Thomas Merton said, "For me to be a saint means to be myself. Therefore the problem of sanctity and salvation is in fact the problem of finding out who I am and of discovering my true self.”
Thomas Merton said, "For me to be a saint means to be myself. Therefore the problem of sanctity and salvation is in fact the problem of finding out who I am and of discovering my true self.”
And so, I learned that Joan, this tough looking, leather-clad person, had a vast interior life. She spoke to me so beautifully about the Blessed Mother, how Mary was accompanying her through this cancer journey, how the Rosary was her daily consolation and how she was growing each day in her Catholic faith. She told me she experienced the heart of "divine mercy" every day. Some of her expressions on faith were like poetry.
Did I learn much from Joan! And a little about myself in the process. We so often fall back on our old prejudices, and judge others by their outward appearances. And yet, we have these walking treasures, these hidden saintsin our midst.
Our Holy Father consistently speaks of creating a Church of mercy and of inclusion.
Let us begin.
Here are 2 people from recent times who, if we base our judgment on their pasts, would at first not seem to be likely candidates for sainthood. They are the perfect examples of the phrase, "Every saint has a past, and every sinner has a future."
Despite all our imperfections, flaws, sinfulness and ability to royally goof up on a regular basis, it's a beautiful thought that we can STILL determine what our future will be, how we may serve Our Lord.
Who are the hidden saints in your life?
With love and prayers,
Simple Soul
Monday, March 2, 2015
Peter and Judas: Two Sinners, but only one a Saint
Two figures who have significant parts on the road to Calvary are Peter and Judas.
How exactly was Peter, the great saint, rock of our Church and first Pope, the same and different than Judas Iscariot, the man who betrayed Jesus with a kiss?
Actually, there are many similarities and one very profound difference: Both had respectable positions among the apostles. Each, on various occasions, had to be rebuked or corrected by Jesus. They weren't perfect, but no one would have expected them to fail as they did. Jesus warned both about what they would do, before they did it. They did it anyway. Each regretted his actions and was filled with sorrow.
From this point on, they responded in opposite ways: One "quit," whereas the other "turned around" and kept going. Each experienced the ultimate consequences of his actions. Judas and Peter both had sorrow over what they had done. But there was a big difference in the nature of their sorrow: Judas had a sorrow that led only to regret and eventual despair. Peter had a sorrow that went beyond regret - all the way to a changed life.
It's the difference between experiencing repentance and remorse. Remorse without repenting, not allowing oneself to accept the mercy of God and not having a renewed heart, is empty and hollow. Peter, who we know denied knowing Jesus three times, who abandoned Jesus and his friends, ultimately returned to the mission with renewed zeal and a commitment to follow Jesus, even to his own death.
Both men were not perfect, far from it! But imperfection in our lives does not indicate that we have no hope of salvation. Peter accepted this, accepted his own sinfulness and became a great saint. As the late Father Benedict Groeschel once suggested: had Judas allowed himself to accept his own sinfulness and chose to change his heart, he also could have been one of the greatest saints in the life of the church. Father imagined a painting of "St Judas the Penitent", kneeling in humility at the foot of the cross. Alas, it was not so.
This Lent, may our hearts be changed. And may we each accept our imperfections as we grow in the holiness of everyday saints.
Here's a wonderful video about St Peter:
With love and prayers,
Simple Soul
How exactly was Peter, the great saint, rock of our Church and first Pope, the same and different than Judas Iscariot, the man who betrayed Jesus with a kiss?
Actually, there are many similarities and one very profound difference: Both had respectable positions among the apostles. Each, on various occasions, had to be rebuked or corrected by Jesus. They weren't perfect, but no one would have expected them to fail as they did. Jesus warned both about what they would do, before they did it. They did it anyway. Each regretted his actions and was filled with sorrow.
From this point on, they responded in opposite ways: One "quit," whereas the other "turned around" and kept going. Each experienced the ultimate consequences of his actions. Judas and Peter both had sorrow over what they had done. But there was a big difference in the nature of their sorrow: Judas had a sorrow that led only to regret and eventual despair. Peter had a sorrow that went beyond regret - all the way to a changed life.
It's the difference between experiencing repentance and remorse. Remorse without repenting, not allowing oneself to accept the mercy of God and not having a renewed heart, is empty and hollow. Peter, who we know denied knowing Jesus three times, who abandoned Jesus and his friends, ultimately returned to the mission with renewed zeal and a commitment to follow Jesus, even to his own death.
Both men were not perfect, far from it! But imperfection in our lives does not indicate that we have no hope of salvation. Peter accepted this, accepted his own sinfulness and became a great saint. As the late Father Benedict Groeschel once suggested: had Judas allowed himself to accept his own sinfulness and chose to change his heart, he also could have been one of the greatest saints in the life of the church. Father imagined a painting of "St Judas the Penitent", kneeling in humility at the foot of the cross. Alas, it was not so.
This Lent, may our hearts be changed. And may we each accept our imperfections as we grow in the holiness of everyday saints.
Here's a wonderful video about St Peter:
With love and prayers,
Simple Soul
Thursday, February 26, 2015
This is a gift for...giving
As we journey through Lent, many of us are denying ourselves--everything from chocolate to coffee to not watching TV as much, among other things we normally might enjoy.
Many also perform acts of charity: giving away clothing or food to the poor, jumping in to help those in need wherever we find them.
These interior and exterior expressions of our faith help us discover our capacity to "give of our substance, not only of our abundance," as St John Paul the Great had said.
But, how about forgiveness? How does this fit into our Lenten journey?
I admit I had been struggling to forgive someone for the last several months. Yes, months! The inability to forgive this person has been like a stone weighing on my heart.
I tried to pray for her, and wish for her a good day. I offered up my morning prayers for her, and continued to pray for myself to find this seemingly elusive forgiveness. I reminded myself that I have often been forgiven as well, and that the mercy of our God is more limitless than our human mind can ever grasp, and for this reason alone, I should forgive. I'm sure Our Lord saw into my heart, saw me struggling.
A few weeks ago, someone who also knows this same person shared with me some insight into this woman's life. And it had to do with her own suffering.
Shortly after, I had a dream. In this dream, this person whom I could not forgive looked unwell and was full of sorrow. My reaction while in the dream was sadness for her situation and much concern.
When I awoke, it was like the stone had been lifted. The dream was a real grace, a gift.
God often speaks to us in our dreams. He helps us work out some of our troubles this way. He gives us the most authentic spiritual direction!
I had also heard that when faced with a struggle to forgive someone, picture them as a little child. Picture them in a way when they are their most vulnerable, most in need of protection, mercy and care. This could lead us to remember that often those in need of forgiveness truly suffer at their own hands.
This is a gift "FOR GIVING" to ourselves. God's grace working through us so that we might have peace. The deepest hurts can come to us from within our own families, and they can inflict the most profound wounds. In some cases, it may even be that the person who wronged us never even knows we have forgiven them.
This Lent, if you've also been struggling to get over a past hurt, know you are not alone. Take your hurts, your wounds and your sorrow, and bring them with you as we follow Jesus to Calvary. Bring them with you and lay them at the foot of the cross.
Dear God, please help me to forgive this person for hurting my feelings. Help me to see the greatness in [him] and to love [him] the way that You do. Help me to relinquish the anger that I’m experiencing so that I can walk in the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Help me to heal from this incident and to release any bitterness that I may be harboring. Please give me guidance in this situation, Holy Spirit, so that I can approach it in the way that is most pleasing to You. Help me God to do Your will.
Thank You, and in Jesus’ mighty name, I pray.
Amen.
With love and prayers,
Simple Soul
Many also perform acts of charity: giving away clothing or food to the poor, jumping in to help those in need wherever we find them.
These interior and exterior expressions of our faith help us discover our capacity to "give of our substance, not only of our abundance," as St John Paul the Great had said.
But, how about forgiveness? How does this fit into our Lenten journey?
I admit I had been struggling to forgive someone for the last several months. Yes, months! The inability to forgive this person has been like a stone weighing on my heart.
I tried to pray for her, and wish for her a good day. I offered up my morning prayers for her, and continued to pray for myself to find this seemingly elusive forgiveness. I reminded myself that I have often been forgiven as well, and that the mercy of our God is more limitless than our human mind can ever grasp, and for this reason alone, I should forgive. I'm sure Our Lord saw into my heart, saw me struggling.
A few weeks ago, someone who also knows this same person shared with me some insight into this woman's life. And it had to do with her own suffering.
Shortly after, I had a dream. In this dream, this person whom I could not forgive looked unwell and was full of sorrow. My reaction while in the dream was sadness for her situation and much concern.
When I awoke, it was like the stone had been lifted. The dream was a real grace, a gift.
God often speaks to us in our dreams. He helps us work out some of our troubles this way. He gives us the most authentic spiritual direction!
I had also heard that when faced with a struggle to forgive someone, picture them as a little child. Picture them in a way when they are their most vulnerable, most in need of protection, mercy and care. This could lead us to remember that often those in need of forgiveness truly suffer at their own hands.
This is a gift "FOR GIVING" to ourselves. God's grace working through us so that we might have peace. The deepest hurts can come to us from within our own families, and they can inflict the most profound wounds. In some cases, it may even be that the person who wronged us never even knows we have forgiven them.
This Lent, if you've also been struggling to get over a past hurt, know you are not alone. Take your hurts, your wounds and your sorrow, and bring them with you as we follow Jesus to Calvary. Bring them with you and lay them at the foot of the cross.
Prayer to Forgive Someone Who Has Hurt Your Feelings
With love and prayers,
Simple Soul
Thursday, February 19, 2015
Holy Family Dinner Night
The best lessons we can teach others, especially children, are integrative---using as many hands-on tools as possible which appeal to our senses in order to create long lasting memories. Food itself can evoke the most wonderful memories in all of us. Think back to your childhood: do you recall a special dish that your mom or dad or grandparent made, and what feelings does it brings back to you today, all these years later?
On meatless Fridays during Lent, instead of the usual pizza or fish sticks, consider having your family enjoy meals which include foods that the Holy Family ate.
What did Mary prepare for Jesus and Joseph?
In doing some research, the following foods were considered staples 2000 years ago in Nazareth: Bread, olives, figs, grapes, legumes (lentils / beans), melons, pomegranate, dates, nuts, raisins, milk, cheese, eggs, cucumber, fish (and lamb and beef on occasion as well).
Here's an idea: Surprise your family with a HOLY FAMILY DINNER night! Make sure the kids are involved during the preparation for the meal. Explain that during Lent on Fridays, not only are we abstaining from meat, but we are also going to enjoy some of the foods that Mary cooked for her family.
Here are 2 delicious recipes to start with:
Fig Crostini
Finely chop fresh figs and toss with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar and salt to taste. Let the figs sit while you cut baguette slices and toast them. Top the toasts with the fig mixture and a grind or two of freshly ground black pepper. You can spread a bit of fresh goat cheese on the toasts first, if you like.
Rosemary-scented lentil and barley stew (Serves 2-4)
4 Tbsp. olive oil
In a large heavy pot, heat the olive oil and saute the onion over medium-low heat until tender.Add the celery and cook five minutes longer.Add the rest of the ingredients except for the carrots, bring to a boil, cover and simmer for 25 minutes, or until barley and lentils are tender. Stir occasionally.Shut off the heat, add the carrots and let stand undisturbed for five minutes to steam the carrots.ENJOY!
Over dinner, maybe mom or dad can ask the family:
"Do you think the Holy Family said a prayer before eating?"
"What kind of prayers do you think they said together?"
"What do you think Jesus talked about with Mary and Joseph at dinner?"
"If the Holy Family was here for dinner, what would you ask them?"
Use meal time as one way to draw closer to the Holy Family, and to allow them into the hearts of our own family. Bon Appetit!
With love and prayers,
Simple Soul
On meatless Fridays during Lent, instead of the usual pizza or fish sticks, consider having your family enjoy meals which include foods that the Holy Family ate.
What did Mary prepare for Jesus and Joseph?
In doing some research, the following foods were considered staples 2000 years ago in Nazareth: Bread, olives, figs, grapes, legumes (lentils / beans), melons, pomegranate, dates, nuts, raisins, milk, cheese, eggs, cucumber, fish (and lamb and beef on occasion as well).
Here are 2 delicious recipes to start with:
Finely chop fresh figs and toss with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar and salt to taste. Let the figs sit while you cut baguette slices and toast them. Top the toasts with the fig mixture and a grind or two of freshly ground black pepper. You can spread a bit of fresh goat cheese on the toasts first, if you like.
4 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped (about ⅓ cup)
- ½ cup chopped celery
- 2 ½ cups peeled and chopped fresh ripe tomatoes
- 2 cups water
- ½ cup lentils, picked over and rinsed
- ⅓ cup barley
- Salt and coarsely ground black pepper to taste
- ½ sprig fresh rosemary, or a large pinch of dried rosemary to taste
- 1 small carrot, grated
In a large heavy pot, heat the olive oil and saute the onion over medium-low heat until tender.Add the celery and cook five minutes longer.Add the rest of the ingredients except for the carrots, bring to a boil, cover and simmer for 25 minutes, or until barley and lentils are tender. Stir occasionally.Shut off the heat, add the carrots and let stand undisturbed for five minutes to steam the carrots.ENJOY!
"What do you think Jesus talked about with Mary and Joseph at dinner?"
"If the Holy Family was here for dinner, what would you ask them?"
Use meal time as one way to draw closer to the Holy Family, and to allow them into the hearts of our own family. Bon Appetit!
With love and prayers,
Simple Soul
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
The visible sign of Ash Wednesday: a beautiful sacramental!
As an aside, it’s also the one day of the year when we Catholics are easily identifiable. Think about it: no one usually goes around wearing a sign on their back that says, “Hi, I’m Catholic!”
In your workplace, did you ever have the experience on Ash Wednesday when one of your co-workers walked by with ashes on his forehead, and you thought to yourself, “Hmmm….I didn’t know Jim was Catholic! Cool!” It’s like finding out who else belongs to the family.
This is a beautiful thing!
I always feel such a deep connection with others who walk by with their ashes, even if I don’t personally know them. Ashes, Holy water, palms, candles and other examples serve legitimate liturgical purposes and serve as elements which enhance individual and communal prayer. These are sacramentals. But of all of these, ashes offer a visible sign.
When I bump into anyone on Ash Wednesday who has the smudge on their forehead, I think I’ll give them a knowing smile and a wink, as if to say, “You’re my sister or my brother in faith.”
Let's remember to pray for those Christians in other countries who, by receiving this visible sign today, will put themselves in direct danger--simply by outwardly living their faith. And they do so with heroic courage and grace.
With love and prayers,
Simple Soul
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