God's Measurement

Zec 2:5-9, 14-15A  

Saturday of the Twenty-Fifth Week in Ordinary Time

I, Zechariah, raised my eyes and looked: there was a man with a measuring line in his hand. I asked, “Where are you going?” He answered, “To measure Jerusalem, to see how great is its width and how great its length.” Then the angel who spoke with me advanced, and another angel came out to meet him and said to him, “Run, tell this to that young man: People will live in Jerusalem as though in open country, because of the multitude of men and beasts in her midst. But I will be for her an encircling wall of fire, says the LORD, and I will be the glory in her midst.”

It's officially moving weekend.  Everything I own is carefully boxed up ready to truck over to the other side of town.  I will miss my cute little house located in such a quiet and nice neighborhood.  However, I realize good things come to an end. I feel such huge relief knowing I will no longer have to worry about home repairs and increased property taxes.  When I close on the home sale this coming Tuesday, I will have a fully stocked emergency fund.

I cannot take the credit for everything good happening in my life.  God blesses me beyond measure!  His holy will  allows me to experience  another life transition.  With every change comes along growth.  This growth can measure a few milimeters, several inches, a few yards, or miles and miles long.  Sometimes the growth measures height wise.  The more we grow in our faith and devotion to God the closer we reach heaven!

God is good.  God is great!  I should never worry that he will not help me in times of crisis, support me in everyday life, and bless me with his love and grace.  

(Dear Readers, I hope to get back on my regular blogging schedule very soon.  The moving and closing has my time strapped until the end of this coming week.  Stay tuned!)

-J.

Rock, Paper, Scissors

Saturday of the Twenty Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

(Click Here for Readings)

“This is the meaning of the parable. The seed is the word of God. Those on the path are the ones who have heard, but the Devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts that they may not believe and be saved. Those on rocky ground are the ones who, when they hear, receive the word with joy, but they have no root; they believe only for a time and fall away in time of temptation…..But as for the seed that fell on rich soil, they are the ones who, when they have heard the word, embrace it with a generous and good heart, and bear fruit through perseverance.”

As I prayed my Monday evening rosary, I contemplated today's gospel reading.  The parable of the seed sower is so familiar to us.  We read the story repeatedly throughout the liturgical year and teach it in faith formation classes. How can I approach it differently? 

Suddenly, an image came to mind:  Rock-paper-scissors!  Often I played this game as a kid.  The rock beats out scissors; paper beats out the rock; and the scissors beat out the paper.  Sometimes the rules didn't apply depending on who I exchanged hand signs with.  The "rock" tore apart the "paper" into shreds, or the "scissors" jabbed at the "rock" who had a "softer" composition.

I remember my 8th grade earth science teacher telling us that "Rocks are our friends!"  This always sounded so strange and funny.  I will never forget good old "Mr. J" because of those words.  I often wonder what ever happened to him.  

How could I be a friend with an ugly rock?  I mean, the "rock" in a game of RPS bullied over all of the other hand symbols. Furthermore, most rocks just sit there in the dirt taking up space.  They become deadly objects when they are tossed and thrown around.  Nobody likes driving on the road behind a gravel truck.  The wind blows out pebbles cracking windshields.  Plus, anyone planting  a garden understands the perils of digging up huge rocks in order to prepare the soil.  Rocks are more like inanimate enemies than hang-around pals.

From the perspective of the parable, sowing a seed in "rocky" soil doesn't bear good fruit.  The Word of God is heard and received in a phony-baloney joy.  Just pretend to believe in the Word, plant a seed in a soil full of rocks, and watch it do nothing:  No crescono!   No grow!  The rocky soil is  too malnourished and ill-cared for to produce anything of sustenance.

As we walk along the path of life, we may create our own version of Rock-paper-scissors. We clinch fists in the rock pose, turning toward anger, aggression, and violence to get what we want.  On the other hand, we grab a pair of scissors cutting away religion, integrity, honesty, and humility. We shoo away family members and friends who love us so much.  They see how we fail to live up to our full potential as we allow the addictions and immoral behaviors to leave us in perpetual misery.  Finally, we pull out  paper as we write suicidal notes addressed to God himself.  We are tired of living.  We are tired of the pain, poverty, guilty, and wretchedness of life.  We blame God for everything wrong with us!

Toss out the Rock-paper-scissors as a way of making decisions. Don't give in to the Devil playing tricks with the mind and heart. Turn toward Christ for divine advice. When we think of Jesus as our solid "rock" we suddenly understand how a rock can be our friend!   He loves us so very, very much.  He gives each one of us the precious seed of faith.  It's up to us to either plant the seed in rocky soil or rich soil.  Which one will you choose?

"What we plant in the soil of contemplation, we should reap in the harvest of action."  -Meister Eckhart

-J.

Out With The Old, In With The New

I'm here at the car dealership getting an overdue oil change.  With an hour and a half wait, I have some time to catch up on blog posts.  One thing great about my new cell phone is I can blog from anywhere.  Type while I listen to songs through my ear phones.

Recently, I watched old reruns of the short lived tv show "Square Pegs" from 1982.  At the time I really loved the show, but watching it 30 years later I see just how out of date it is with the hair styles, clothing, and canned jokes.  Some of the stars like Sarah Jessica Parker are now mega celebrities whereas others didn't act much after the series ended.  The sad part is finding out old Johnny Slash died of complications to AIDS at the age of 29. 

Trends and fads gain in popularity and then fade into oblivion. Sometimes they even return for a brief revival so a new generation can appreciate them. Cabbage Patch Kids and Smurfs.  Vinyl records and glass soda bottles.  Some of my old 80s and 90s bands are still together cranking out even better songs.  They've manage to ride the trendy waves without total wipe outs.

These past few weeks I've uncovered so many memories of years past, carefully wrapped up in boxes stored away in closets at the house.  I found my old Cabbage Patch doll named Cleveland and a miniature Pac Man arcade game.  I have every single award and certificate I ever won in school.  I even came across my old violin which I have not played since 1994.  The idea of thowing away my memories doesn' even register with me.  They are here to stay.  I will keep them with me the rest of my life, however short or long it may be.

Out with the old, in with the new.   This familiar saying is both true and false.  True in a sense that we are called by God to examine our conscience and make an effort to seek out ways to better ourselves.  We should throw out our old sinful ways and adopt new healthy ones.

The "out with the old, in with the new" is a false statement when we think about tossing away religion and morals in exchange for secular relativism, individualism, and selfishness.

Sometimes the old is tried and tested.  It works better than the new.  Christianity has been here for 2000 years and is still growing in many parts of the world.  It will not go away anytime soon despite so much anti-religious sentiment spreading around the world.

I sit here outside in the nice morning sun thinking about all that I have that is old but also look forward to everything new I will experience soon. My new apartment a short distance from work.  More time to spend with my mom because I will live closer to her.  New people to meet.  My trip to Italy coming up next February.

Life is good! The changes I'm experiencing are meant to be.  Our "old" and wise Lord knows what he's doing.  He's guiding me along on his chosen path, and I look forward to the ride!

-J.

Paper Gods

Memorial of Saint Peter Claver, Priest

Colossians 3:1-11

Think of what is above, not of what is on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ your life appears,  then you too will appear with him in glory. Put to death, then, the parts of you that are earthly: immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and the greed that is idolatry.

With the home closing date fast approaching, I've entered packing mode.  As I box up personal items I'm getting rid of bulky furniture including my old computer desk, coffee table, and a heavy as heck couch with uncomfortable cushions.  I've learned a good lesson: Never buy "El Cheapo Crapola" furniture off the Internet that you have to put together.  It's a pain to assemble and later disassemble!

Packing is a huge bore of chore.  My living space is filled with cardboard boxes, bubble wrap, and tape; an endless sea of paper products. Hey, at least I can listen to some cool tunes while I work, including Duran Duran's newest album "Paper Gods." My favorite rock band of my youth, I am never disappointed by their songs. I own every recording and have seen them live in concert about 4 times.  Just love the band!

The title song "Paper Gods" got me thinking about all of the stuff we consume.  We buy, use and abuse thinking such items will bring us everlasting joy and happiness.  But, when the newness wears off  we find ourselves bored with our purchases.  Like those old timey paper dolls our grandparents used to play with as kids, we cut them out and dress them up later to crumple them up and throw them in the trash.  Out with the old and in with the new.  Hopefully the next luxury car, the tummy tuck, and the expensive European vacation will makes us feel good.....

We want to always look our best in front of others; however, are we using objects to hide our feelings of hollowness, depression, insecurity, or misery? Something to ponder....

What are your paper gods? Are you bleeding from paper cuts because of poor decisions?  Do you find your life over-consumed by useless objects?

Throw out the paper gods and buy into Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Savior.  He never gets old. His teachings withstand anything society "thinks" we need for joy and eternal happiness.

I will close with a few lyrics from the title song Paper Gods   

Listen here:  https://youtu.be/gG3k7YJhf98

Oh, the paper Gods in the sky of gray
All the fools in town are ruling today, today

Bow to the paper Gods in a world that is paper thin,
Fools in town are ruling now
Bleeding from paper cuts, money for head shots
Fools leading (today)
Who needs them?!

Hey, you're gonna want it all the talking men declares
Go running to be first in line for what? Nobody cares!

Then next thing you must have find piece with matching bag
It's nothing to be glad about all sad when you forget about it
I'd rather racing or go run around the streets
The slaver in a sweatshop,
Putting trainers on your feet
I'm walking through the rain, oblivious to pain
To shelter from the blame without a reason to complain about it
Oh oh oh, don't complain about it
Oh oh oh, don't complain about it
Oh oh oh, forget about it

-J.

Hello, My Name is Mary

Saturday of the Twenty-Third Week in Ordinary Time


(Click Here for Readings)

“Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ but not do what I command? I will show you what someone is like who comes to me, listens to my words, and acts on them. That one is like a man building a house, who dug deeply and laid the foundation on rock; when the flood came, the river burst against that house but could not shake it because it had been well built. But the one who listens and does not act is like a person who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the river burst against it, it collapsed at once and was completely destroyed.”

Today is the Feast day devoted to The Most Holy Name of Mary.  With the pending sale of my home and so much to do before I move into my new apartment, I pause and reflect on Our Blessed Mother.  How has she assisted me on my faith journey?  How has her name influenced my life decisions, both good and bad?  Do I recognize Mary as a mediator and intercessor?  Do I keep her close to my heart like I do her Son?

I remember several years ago visiting a nearby parish on a chilly, rainy Sunday. I  was upset after an Internet troll posted a negative comment on Fr. Alfonse's blog directed towards me.  With so many nasty people stalking the web, I normally shake off such comments and move on.  But, this particular troll really struck a nerve.  I attended Mass that Sunday in hopes of clearing my mind, asking Our Lord and his Mother to help me get past the hurt and anger.

I remember walking out of the church straight into the rain without an umbrella.  My mind was more focused on my online presence than physical one .  Should I stop posting comments?  Should I stop blogging once and for all? I don't know if I'm strong enough to withstand anonymous criticisms.  I don't want people to think I'm stupid, boring, or annoying. Uh!

As I headed toward my car, a woman walked up to me and offered part of her umbrella.  I remember the warm smile and pleasant voice.  She asked my name and why I looked so sad.  I told her my name is Jennifer and that I'd just experienced hurtful criticism on a blog.  She stopped walking and looked straight at me with a look of recognition in her eyes: "Are you Jennifer who regularly posts on Fr. Alfonse's blog?"  When I answered "Yes" my face turned bright red in embarrassment.  She must have seen my profile pic. I was absolutely shocked somebody recognized me outside of my own home parish!

The woman said, "I love your comments, Jennifer.  You're a great writer!  And I know about that nasty post from the anonymous person.  Don't let that jerk upset you.  Keep on posting! Don't give up.  Always keep Our Blessed Mother close to your heart!"    

I asked the woman her name: "Oh, my name is Mary.  It's so great to finally meet you in person, Jennifer."   My heart stop for a moment.  Did she just say the name Mary?  Wow, the irony! I felt like the Holy Spirit, through the Blessed Mother's intercession, sent me a special person to uplift my spirits and give me the encouragement to continue my writing.  

I often wonder what ever happened to the Mary I met that rainy Sunday.  I'd like to thank her for taking me under the shadow of her caring wings even for only a brief moment.

I learned that day that I will not be able to please everyone  Some people will like me whereas others will loathe me.  All I can do is be the best Christian I can be.  Try not to take things personally.  Always turn toward God and Our Blessed Mother for strength and resilience.  Don't be afraid to speak out the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary even if others may not like it. 

"Mary means Star of the sea, for as mariners are guided to port by the ocean star, so Christians attain to glory through Mary’s maternal intercession.” –St. Thomas Aquinas

-J.

When Doors Open

Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Gospel of Mark 7:31-37

And people brought to him a deaf man who had a speech impediment and begged him to lay his hand on him. He took him off by himself away from the crowd. He put his finger into the man’s ears and, spitting, touched his tongue; then he looked up to heaven and groaned, and said to him, “Ephphatha!”—that is, “Be opened!”— And immediately the man’s ears were opened, his speech impediment was removed, snd he spoke plainly.

Be opened!  I read these words in today's gospel and immediately think of doors opening.  Not just any regular door, but a door to growth and change. 

We sit in front of doors knock, knock, knocking away.  We are sick and tired of our mundane lives.  Our jobs bore us.  Our marriages depress us.  Our children demand too much of us.  Our finances are in shambles.  We look for ways out.  Yet, nothing changes.  We stand in front of a large steel metal door poking and prodding at it. We try to blow torch it apart or drill holes through the hinges.  The door  just doesn't budge.  What can we do to progress and move forward?  Will be stuck in the same old rut forever?

Consent to God's Will!  When we let go, suddenly things change course.  When we pray for God's inner guidance, he sends us people and situations as tools. We may not quite understand how a connection will benefit us in the future. But, everything he gives (and even takes away) is for a divine purpose.

For example, back in 2008 I attended the Diocese of Dallas Annual Bishop's Pro-Life Dinner.  I sat by a lovely couple who happened to be successful real estate agents in the area.  Two years later I decided it was the right time to purchase a home.  I happened to keep the couple's business card.  I sent them an email, and they remembered me from the dinner.  They have been my agents ever since helping me purchase my home five years ago....and now sell it this month!

God is good!  God works on our behalf in ways that may not be so obvious.  We just have to pay close attention and be aware of everything that happens to us.  Whenever a door closes, another will open.  However, we cannot force it.

I knew it was time to sell my home when four of my friends, including my sister, commented how much money I could save living closer to work.  I had no idea the real estate market was booming in my area until I contacted my real estate agent.  She told me my house would sell within a week with multiple offers.  I must admit at first I was sceptical.  My small little starter home selling quick?  Are you kidding me?  My front yard and fence look terrible.  Plus, my home is way too small.  No way!

As I wrote earlier, I received an offer the first day on the market even though it  fell through after one day.  A 2nd offer followed.  However, I told my real estate agent to relist the house for another week just to see if anything better presented itself.

I thought God opened the door for a brief moment but then slammed it shut!  I cursed him in my heart, asking him why he got my hopes up and then suddenly ripped away those buyers.  How could you, God?  Everybody else gets their homes sold in a flash.  Why can't I be like them?  Uh!  So tired of disappointment!

By Tuesday evening, a 3rd offer on my home came through. It was for above asking price!  Again, the buyer wrote me a letter, but this time I could personally relate.  The buyer is a single woman who works from home half the time.  She said that she has been looking for the perfect home since March.  She walked inside my house and felt peace and harmony.  She could tell I took pride in home ownership.  She is involved in church ministry where she aids young women in crisis.  I could tell from her writing she was an articulate woman of faith.  Wow!  I do not know if this woman is a Catholic.  It really does not matter.  All I know is that I love the idea of selling my home to a good person, someone I know will take good care of it as she minsters to others.

The home inspection went well with only three minor repairs. My hard work has paid off!  I've trashed, recycled, fixed, cleaned, and staged.  Obviously, my faith and love for Christ lives through these wall.  Sooo awesome!

The doors are now wide open.  A new horizon awaits as I walk through the threshhold.  Jesus grabs me by the hands.  Mary smiles beside her son.  I look forward to a new chapter in my life.

-J.

Be Sold on Christ!

Saturday of the Twenty-Second Week in Ordinary Time


(Click Here for Readings)

You once were alienated and hostile in mind because of evil deeds; God has now reconciled you in the fleshly Body of Christ through his death, to present you holy, without blemish, and irreproachable before him, provided that you persevere in the faith, firmly grounded, stable,

and not shifting from the hope of the Gospel that you heard…

Monday evening at 5 pm.  As I type this meditation, I sit on a shady bench in a neighborhood park.  The realtor is currently showing my home to a potential buyer. This is the 24th showing in the last five days....

My dog stares at me with her big brown eyes as I continue to type on my smartphone.

"Mommy, let's go for a walk so I can bark at those ducks in the pond!"  

"Yes, we will do that in a few minutes, my precious fur baby. Give mommy a few more minutes to think." 

Selling a home is no easy endeavor.  It's physically, mentally and emotionally demanding.  Am I doing the right thing?  Is God opening a new door or am I meant to stay where I'm at?

I received a full-price offer the first day the house went the market.   Attached to the contract was a personalized letter with the couple's family photo. They fell in love with the house.  Perfect size and location. Great neighborhood.  Close to the commuter rail.  A direct blessing from God after weeks of prayer and search.

The letter pulled at my heartstrings, so I signed the contract thinking we'd start the inspection process right away with closing in late September.  I posted "House Sold!" to all of my friends on Facebook.  I placed a holding deposit on a gorgeous new apartment less than 4 miles from work.  Everything seemed to move along perfectly. I'd be part of the statistics with a home sell in less than 4 days! 

Then the call came in Monday morning.  The buyers bailed of the contract stating they found another home.  Unbelievable!  I just blabbed all over the Internet about my home selling. Talk about jumping the gun and making preparations without the sale finalized.  Thank the Lord I was able to cancel my leasing application and receive a full deposit refund. What naivety and foolishness.  I did everything wrong allowing my emotions and impatience to fog my decision making.

"Why did I decide to skip Mass on Sunday? Maybe the buyers would not terminated the contract!" Wrong thinking again, Jennifer! God is not punishing me.  Yes, he's disappointed I did not visit him at the Eucharistic table.  I could have received peace needed in times of stress.

Dear Jesus, I'm so sorry for neglecting you.  I promise to visit you in confession soon!

Despite the disappointment and anxiety, Our Lord has another plan in mind for my home. The timing just isn't right.  Yes, I hear stories of fabulous homes selling in two days at above asking price.  I hear about the "hot" housing market.  None of this matters.  If I am meant to move, the home will sell.  I just need to remain patient.  God has a unique path prepared especially for me that is like no other.

My dog and I walk around the park, under the trees and around the pond.  Nice breeze for a hot summer's day.  I think everything will work out in the end.  I just need to remain hopeful and firmly grounded in the Lord.   Be sold on Christ!  No matter what happens I'm in good hands.  

“Things are never as they seem. A person. A Mark. A statement. They are always deeper than we perceive, like walking in the ocean and suddenly dipping under the surface because the bottom has disappeared beneath your feet. The water appears shallow until you are suddenly flailing around beneath the surface, desperately searching for stable ground once again.”

- Kelseyleigh Reber, Young Adult Author

-J.