Gather Around the Table

Saturday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time

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Rather, when you are invited, go and take the lowest place so that when the host comes to you he may say, ‘My friend, move up to a higher position.’ Then you will enjoy the esteem of your companions at the table. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”


Halloween 1994 - Fall semester of my junior year at Texas A&M University.  My sorority sponsored a Trick or Treat for Canned Foods to benefit a local food pantry.   We were encouraged to dress up in costumes and knock door-to-door in neighborhoods around College Station. 

I remember wearing a bumble bee costume with a black leotard and coordinating yellow/black striped wings.   I was still trying to lose my "Freshman 15" weight, so I felt conscientious about my figure.   Fortunately, my sorority sisters said I looked absolutely adorable:  Cute as a Honey Bee!

At first, I thought the mission of "harvesting" canned food from the neighborhood was a silly idea.  I quickly changed my mind when one home after the next donated boxes full of pantry food!  In fact, we received so many "Thank-yous" for our volunteer efforts.  Home owners looked surprised to see college students more interested in feeding the hungry than flirting with fraternity brothers at a Halloween party.  Some people even handed us Smarties, Twizzlers, Snickers, and M&Ms as we continued our route through the Halloween drizzle and chill.

I felt like a humble honey bee after collecting so many cans of vegetables, soups, and SpaghettiOs.  I totally underestimated the generosity of people. Even though we were no longer little girls dressed up like Cinderella or Tinker Bell,  holding our mommy or daddy's hand, we demonstrated to strangers our commitment to those in need.  We could have decided to get drunk at The Chicken (a local country bar), shack up with a stranger at a frat party, or get involved in some kind of "criminal" mischief. Yet, we all had a common goal in mind as sorority sisters:  helping the greater community.  Nothing more rewarding than setting aside our own personal comforts and serving others!

Halloween 2015  I sit at my laptop thinking about the Halloween nights of the past. Countless hours spent watching horror movies.  Pounds of candies consumed.  Dozens of costumes worn by yours truly! Parties, dances, religious observances, and cemetery visits.  Halloween is one of those times of the year when I think about family and friends who have died.  Are their souls in heaven?  Are they at rest?  I miss them terribly and pray for them.

What if I hosted a Halloween party for some famous biblical figures?  Who would I invite?  Let's see:  Of course, Jesus, Our Blessed Mother and Joseph.  Mary Magdalene, Martha and Lazareth.  Peter, Paul and the Disciples.  Mark, Matthew, Luke, and John.  Gosh, in my small apartment I could set up a card table next to my regular dining room table. Prepare carafes of wine, fish fillets, loafs of bread, and ripe olives. Who would dare sit himself (or herself) at the head of the table?  Would it be one of the disciples quarreling about who is the greatest?  Would it be Peter as our first Pope?  Maybe the head of the table would remain empty as guests decided to turn a seated dinner into a standing room only buffet!  Share the food and fellowship with camaraderie and respect.  Lay to rest any ideas that one person is better than another because of wealth, power, or clout.  Cast aside Mrs. Pride and Mr. Ego in exchange for Mrs. Humble and Mr. Compassion!  Who knows, we may open up my private Halloween party to the entire neighborhood! Let the trick or treating begin....

Happy Halloween!

"It's said that All Hallows' Eve is one of the nights when the veil between the worlds is thin - and whether you believe in such things or not, those roaming spirits probably believe in you, or at least acknowledge your existence, considering that it used to be their own. Even the air feels different on Halloween, autumn-crisp and bright." - Erin Morgenstern

-J.

Pay It Forward

Saturday of the Twenty-Ninth Week in Ordinary Time

(Click Here for Readings)

For those who live according to the flesh are concerned with the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the spirit with the things of the spirit. The concern of the flesh is death, but the concern of the spirit is life and peace.

Wednesday morning I craved a Chick-Fil-A spicy biscuit sandwich, so I decided to go through the drive thru on my way to work.  I sat waiting for the Mini Cooper in front of me to place her order.  Several minutes passed by when impatience set in. "Come on, Lady! Why aren't you moving forward? Make up your mind!  Is it a biscuit, fruit, or an OJ???  I needed to get to work like five minutes ago! " Finally, the car moved forward as I inhaled exhaust fumes. (Oh, the stench. Cough, cough..)  I rolled up my window mumbling to myself  "Uh!  Why did I bother coming here today?  Is this sandwich really worth the wait ?"

Feeling super hungry, cranky and not at all in the mood to go to work, I finally reached the pick-up window.  I handed the attendant my debit card.  She smiled and said, "Oh, ma'am, the lady in front of you just paid for your breakfast!"

What?  Free breakfast?  Wow!  Okay, now I felt like a jerk for being so impatient and crabby. (Lord, please pardon me!)  My foul mood instantly vanished!  I couldn't believe I was a beneficiary of the "pay it forward" phenomenon I've heard so much about.  I drove to work with a grin on my face.  The first thing I did before even turning my computer on was tell my coworkers about my experience.  

No question.  I will "pay it forward" the next time I'm at a drive thru window no matter how many passengers occupy the vehicle behind mine. Good deeds do wonders for the psyche.

Sadly, in our narcissistic culture, it's common to see people go through their every day lives without a care in the world.  They are "in-love" with themselves:  obsessed with the flesh.  These people live and breathe selfishness.  They believe life is all about accumulating wealth, power, and material possessions.  If they happen to do anything, it's to benefit their own desires.  Pride is at the focal point....

Contrast this by the faithful who are more concerned with the Spirit than the flesh.  They are observant of people and situations, finding ways to be kind and help others.  They are fine Christian witnesses who despite the negativity that is so prevalent in our society turn situations positive.  Kindness, love and goodness preferred over pride, vanity, and hatefulness. 

I think we should all "pay it forward" sometime in the next week with one act of kindness.  Offer a friend a ride, leave a nice tip at a restaurant, or compliment a co-worker for a job well done!  I think Our Lord smiles every time he sees one of his flock do something special for someone else.  We are all here on this earth to help one another and love one another.  

Throw away the selfishness and replace it with selflessness.  Do a good deed today and everyday!

St. Anthony Mary Claret, Pray for Us!

"I will be kind to everybody, particularly to those I find troublesome." - St. Anthony Mary Claret

"A life lived for others, is the only life worth living." - Albert Einstein

-J.

Hoarder or Martyr

Memorial of Saints John de Brébeuf and Isaac Jogues, Priests, and Companions, Martyrs

Gospel of Luke 12:13-21

“There was a rich man whose land produced a bountiful harvest. He asked himself, ‘What shall I do, for I do not have space to store my harvest?’ And he said, ‘This is what I shall do: I shall tear down my barns and build larger ones.There I shall store all my grain and other goods and I shall say to myself, “Now as for you,  you have so many good things stored up for many years, rest, eat, drink, be merry!”’

When I read the parable of the rich man storing up grain in a barn, I think of the television show "Hoarders."  The reality series is hard for me to watch.  I cannot understand why anyone thinks piles of junk and filth are priceless treasures.  Obviously suffering from mental illness, the "hoarders" think their lives are normal.  Yet, they spend years alone with their possessions, and even animals, unable to survive in the outside world.

As I prepared for the home sale, I didn't want to hoard my stuff!  I donated at least two car loads full of unwanted items to the Saint Vincent de Paul Society Thrift Store.  In my mind, I wished to share my treasures.  Why keep my bed linens, clothing, and household goods stuck in a closet or in the back of a kitchen cabinet when someone else can use them?

For me, de-cluttering is cathartic; getting rid of the old is cleansing.  No way my apartment would be as comfortable and inviting if I kept every single piece of furniture or household item.  I'd feel cramped and trapped.  Not my style at all!  I like organization and purpose.

What made the rich man desire to build a bigger barn for all of his good?  Greed!  He wanted to be assured a many years of comfort, storing up his "profits" so as to not have to worry about next year's harvest.  His greed blinded him to the facts:  Everything in life has an expiration date.  Food and drink spoil.  Money runs out. Storing up many possessions doesn't ensure happiness. 

Today we celebrate the memorial of Jesuit Saints John de Brebeur, Isaac Jogues, and companions.  They were captured and slain by the Iroquois Indians.  Becoming a martyr for Christ made more sense to them then hoarding the good news.  They felt the call to preach to the natives despite the dangers involved.  Sacrifice meant preparing one's heart and mind for death knowing fair well that not everyone will accept the Truth of Christ.

Do you hoard the Christian faith or share it abundantly?  Are you willing to become a martyr for Jesus Christ and his Church?  Which role will you choose?

-J.

Search and Uncertainty

Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time

This afternoon I sit on my new microfiber couch and drink a cup of sweet rose herbal tea "brewing" over an important decision.  After ten years at St. Joseph, I will leave the parish soon.  I thought I would stay until the end of the year; however, with the sudden resignation of our pastor and the apartment move I think a new parish home is for the best.   I've volunteered serving communion and lectoring for so many years that burnout has settled in.  I feel relief at the idea of just showing up to mass, no longer worrying about pronunciations or standing in the correct position to distribute communion!

I am now on the search for a new parish. With this search comes much uncertainty.  Will I find a new church I like as much as my old parish?  Will I fit in?  What kind of active ministries are available?  Do I feel the Holy Spirit alive in the sanctuary walls?  Trust me, some churches feel comforting whereas others feel cold.  I don't know why this is.  Maybe I am the only one sensitive to notice the difference!

This morning I attended mass at St. Philip's  only a 15 min drive from my apartment.  I chose this parish as my first visit specifically because they offer a 7:30am mass.  I walked in to find the sanctuary in a circular pattern.  The chairs had no kneelers.  Yikes!  Where's the tabernacle? In chapel somewhere on the property?  I liked the icons on the walls and the layout of the altar.  I'm not used to a church designed this way, but the configuration felt warm and comfortable.  As I sat in my chair looking through my "Magnificat", a woman began to lead the Holy Rosary. I pulled out the small rosary that I bought in Florence, Italy years ago and  prayed along with the leader. 

Come to find out the Holy rosary is said 20 minutes prior to every mass and not just weekdays.  I like that!

I noticed familiar looking woman in a blue dress walk through the pew in front of me.  It turned out to be my realtor!!  She greeted me with a warm hug and a smile telling me how beautiful I looked in my pink sweater and skirt.  She said she and her husband normally attend mass much later.  It was so great to see a familiar face. She assured me that kneelers will be installed in the new sanctuary scheduled for construction later this year.  Great to know the parish is outgrowing its current facilities.  That's a good sign of a vibrant parish.

I guess I will allow the Holy Spirit to guide me to the right parish.  So far this one is a contender.

-J.

Survey Says

Memorial of Saint Ignatius of Antioch, Bishop and Martyr

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“Everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but the one who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. When they take you before synagogues and before rulers and authorities, do not worry about how or what your defense will be or about what you are to say.  For the Holy Spirit will teach you at that moment what you should say.”



Survey Says Almost every time I purchase something, or interact with someone, I am asked to complete a survey.  I've lived in my new apartment less than a month and the management company has already sent out 3 surveys asking me to rate my move-in experience and maintenance requests.  The auto company called about my car buying experience and then followed up with an online survey. Even my employer asked me to complete a "quick" survey rating  my boss' job performance.  

I feel like our society is bombarded with never-ending surveys! What if I rated a person or experience poorly? Will my opinion change anything?  I understand companies want to ensure satisfied customers, but being asked to complete a survey after purchasing a bag of dog food, making a cable bill inquiry, or even signing a new lease agreement is annoying.  Most people will only take the effort  to fill out a survey if they have something negative to say.  Personally, I rather fill out a digitized comment card when I have a truly awesome experience. Otherwise, I simply "delete" the email and go on with my business hoping one of those survey reminder messages doesn't appear in my inbox the next day.... 

 If I like something, I will buy it again.  If I don't like something, I will tell my friends to stay away! 


Rating Jesus   If the Pharisees and Scribes completed a survey on how well Jesus follows the Law he would receive a 1 -"Poor" rating with comments like:  "He blasphemes!  Traitor of Moses! Friend of sinners!"  Alternatively, a follower miraculously healed by Our Lord would rate him a "5"- "Excellent" making comments such as: "He healed me!  He loves all of us regardless of our sinfulness.  He's so warm, loving and compassionate."  I bet the woman Jesus referred to as a dog or the deaf man who was spit on twice might put down a 3.5 or 4 just because....

How would you rate Jesus on a scale from 1 to 5?  Hopefully most of us reading this blog would select a 5 with no heavy thought. However, those who question their belief in God may not even know what to select.  Questions come to mind:  Isn't Jesus some guy from the past who performed miracles and got killed for it? How is he relevant in my life now?  All of this talk about loving your enemies is a crock, isn't it?

Surveys aside, we can choose to love Christ and follow his Commandments, or we can abandon him by the waste side.  Sadly so many people in our modern day culture have little time for God or religion.  We all notice it within our empty pews, social engagements, and liberal media.  How can we convince lapsed Catholics to return to the church?  How can we influence society so they will not abandon religious practice all together in exchange for an "anything goes" lifestyle?

Today is the feast day of Saint Ignatius of Antioch.  Tradition has it the child the gospel writer Mark refers to in Mark 9:37 is actually Saint Ignatius of Antioch:  Whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me.  Even in modern day times, Saint Ignatius writings still inspire the faithful.

"I am God's wheat, and I shall be ground by the teeth of beasts, that I may become the pure bread of Christ." -Saint Ignatius of Antioch

Saint Ignatius of Antioch, Pray for Us!

-J.

The Sad and the Unexpected

Sunday  Today, I'm spending the afternoon with family.  We just finished a delicious home cooked meal, telling stories and sharing laughs around the  table.  It's fun to take my new car "Silver Foxy" out on her first mini road trip about 60 miles east of Dallas.  I feel so much peace out in the good ol' country, surrounded by the beauty of the cedar trees.

As I sit on the patio listening to the wind chimes with the Autumn wind blowing through my hair, I cannot help but feel sad at unexpected news heard from the morning pulpit.  Our pastor resigned.  Allegations of "inappropriate relationships with adults" stemming from the late 1990s has come to the bishop's attention.  I do not know the exact details of the transgressions; honestly I really rather NOT know.  However, I think our Bishop made a prudent judgment to pull Father off priestly duties without a reassignment. What breaks my heart is  that our "former" pastor grew up in the parish.  He was an altar boy and his family very prominent.  So, such a scandal is even more intolerable. 

I will miss our pastor's excellent homilies and humor.  However, I will not miss the moodiness and rudeness he displayed at times.  I always thought stress caused his behavior.  However, now that I hear  the allegations I can see other reasons why he acted the way he did.  Hiding deep rooted secrets is difficult for any human being, regardless if  a  highly public figure or closed in hermit.

We all make mistakes and do things we regret.  Many times such errors in judgment come back and bite us.  I forgive our pastor for the wrong doing, and I hope those he interacted with forgive him, too.  Temptations are real as the devil likes to attack us at our weakest points.  Our clergy are some of the most vulnerable.

I will always keep our former pastor in my prayers.  I think deep down he is a good, kind man.  But, for whatever reason he chose to break his vows to God and the Church.  I hope he can get the help and support he needs for a smooth transition to laity. 

In the meantime, the Bishop is assigning a new pastor.  I'm a little nervous who it will be.  However, I am confident the Holy Spirit will bring us the right shepherd to feed the flock.

Saint Jude, Pray for Us!

-J.

All Settled In

The historic "Red Moon" over my new apartment hidden through the clouds.

Week two at my new apartment.  Finally settled in and enjoying my new life, I look forward to the experiences that lie ahead.  In fact, my new sofa gets delivered today.  I can't wait for puppy and I to snuggle on top of the plush microfiber while watching tonight's episode of "Ghost Adventures."

I've traveled through murky waters these past four years.  Everything from job loss to chronic anxiety to financial strain due to endless home and car repairs.  I feel like finally the black heavy clouds of burden have been lifted!

I sit here in my apartment, relaxing with a cup of Trader Joe's French Roast coffee. Delizioso!  I have so much to be thankful for:  the sell of my home, a new apartment close to work, a new car, good health and more free time to do fun things.  No more long commute or mowing the lawn.  No more sleepless nights wondering when the next thing will break on the house or my old car.  Best of all, my precious little dachshund benefits, too, with lunches with mommy and more walks.

I am experiencing what I like to call a positive wave.  During such a wave of blessings, I still manage to run into one hiccup or two.  More annoying than serious, it directs my attention back toward God and away from my own selfishness.  He sends me a reminder to pay attention as I test my ability to remain calm and mature.

This week I have been annoyed by the barking dog across the street and my negative co-worker who tells me daily how she wishes the company would go out of business or get sold.  What?!  We have internal difficulties like any other organization.  Why not think of keeping the place in business? Having been unemployed for a brief few weeks, my current job is very important to me and it should be important to my coworker, too.

The real wammy hit Friday afternoon when I got a call from my realtor.  She received an email from the home buyer agent.  Evidently the buyer paid $285 to fix the air compressor that would not turn on after she got back from a long vacation.  Some wires were loose in the attic and she suggested it was my fault.  I told my realtor the AC functioned normal when I still lived there.  It passed a home owner inspection!  How dare this person try to fish me out, expecting me to pay for her expense!

  

Fortunately, with the positive wave of blessings in full effect, my realtor revealed the buyer originally declined the home warranty that I made available to her as a courtesy.  She did not use my AC service company who installed the system.  Plus, she turned the entire air conditioner OFF for nearly two weeks without allowing it to run on the auto efficiency setting. The compressor not working is my fault?! Sorry.  We closed on the house September 29th and now the buyer is legally bound to repairs. I am free and clear!

I pray this is the last I hear from the home buyer.  I hate to say this but she leaves a bad taste in my mouth!  I left her with a full size washer and dryer along with a refrigerator.  I think I've accomodated her enough. Sigh...Some people are just never satisfied.

Breath positive!  Think about baby Jesus and Our Blessed mother.  Think about those who are without a home.  Pray for those who really struggle with serious issues.

-J.

Wheels and Kneels

Saturday of the Twenty-Seventh Week in Ordinary Time




(Click Here for Readings)

While Jesus was speaking, a woman from the crowd called out and said to him, “Blessed is the womb that carried you and the breasts at which you nursed.” He replied, “Rather, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.”

Last weekend I bought a brand new 2016 Honda Accord Coupe EX-L.  The beautiful body style is fully-loaded with the latest tech and safety features.   My old 2003 Accord with 167 K miles needed costly repairs. Two AAA emergency roadside calls within a short time period warned: "The car is dying. Time for a new set of wheels!"

 Did I make a wise decision?  Should I have purchased something without all of the bells and whistles?  I realize some people cannot afford a vehicle, yet I paid a hefty price tag for a luxury that only depreciates in value.  I can enjoy it while it is the latest and greatest,  but the new will eventually wear off.   In another 5-10 years, I'll be in the same situation with a used and worn out car.  

One thing I know for certain is The Holy Spirit never depreciates! Jesus Christ is the greatest beyond the latest!  God is the ultimate engineer, technological expert, and safety specialist.  He rides with us along the roadways of life.  Sometimes he's in the passenger seat whereas at other times he takes a hold of the steering wheel navigating us away from danger.

I like to think of an automobile as a moving sacred space.  Most of us cannot safely kneel on the floorboard. However, we can still pray, meditate, and witness to others as we place a foot on the gas pedal and crank up the tunes! 

With my new Sirius XM radio, I can hear the word of God and observe it through Catholic radio. I can be a good Christian witness by obeying traffic laws.  Instead of becoming irritated while stuck in traffic, I can pray a rosary or say a prayer for a stranded motorist.  Best of all, as I drive on long distance road trips, I can appreciate the beauty of nature - the mountains, hills, trees, and waterways.  Nothing more relaxing than seeing America's countryside knowing God is part of the landscape!

“The prayer of the farmer kneeling in his field to weed it, the prayer of the rower kneeling with the stroke of his oar, are true prayers heard throughout nature.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

-J.

On Eagles' Wings

Saturday of the Twenty Sixth Week in Ordinary Time

(Click here for readings)

"Fear not, my children; call out to God! He who brought this upon you will remember you. As your hearts have been disposed to stray from God, turn now ten times the more to seek him; For he who has brought disaster upon you  will, in saving you, bring you back enduring joy.”

Today's first reading from the Book of Baruch reminds me of the hymn "On Eagles Wings":

And he will raise you up on eagles' wings

Bear you on the breath of dawn

Make you shine like the sun

And hold you in the palm of his hand.

What comfort to know that Our Lord is present, guiding and molding us.  He holds us in the palm in his hand as he shelters us from harm.  Do not worry about falling down; the Lord lifts up.  Do not fret about being alone; the Lord is a loyal companion.  Do not worry about death; the Lord grants eternal life to all who believe and follow His Will.

Back in junior high school,  our principal asked students to submit ideas for a new school motto.  The winner of the contest received a movie theater gift card and recognition during morning announcements....

My mom and I spent a weekend brainstorming ideas.   We wanted to use the school mascot, an eagle, in the motto. I remember we stopped by a local Shell gas station to fill up my mom's old '85 Ford Thunderbird.  Noticing the word "excellence" on the gas station sign, I turned to my mom saying: "Oh, what about using the words Eagle excellence!?"  She thought it was an "excellent" idea.  By the time we filled up the gasoline tank, the new motto was created:  Experience the Eagle Excellence.   It sounded pretty darn good.  Yet, I convinced myself another student would come up with a better motto.  No way within an eagle's eye would I win the contest!

A few weeks later, I sat in 2nd period when the school motto contest winner was announced:  "And our new school motto is Experience the Eagle Excellence by Jennifer Burgin!"  My first reaction involved the instinctive cringe after hearing my last name mispronounced! However,  I quickly recovered feeling excitement as well as surprise.  Who knew my motto was a winner? I remember how proud my mom was after I told her the news.  She bragged to all of her coworkers and friends for weeks afterwords. 

I often wonder if that school motto is still in use so many years later...

We can allow fear to take over our lives, keeping us away from the Church and the Sacraments.  The eagle is one of the largest birds in the world.  We may think we can never reach its beauty, magnificence, and stature. We may assume that our littleness is a sign of worthlessness.  However, this is so far from the truth.  Through our smallness we see a need for God.  We may even crave an intimate connection with the Lord, not fully understanding how such a bond can give us interior peace and joy!

Imagine yourself flying on an eagle's wings seeing the vastness of the earth in all of its richness and beauty.  Let go of the anxiety and worry.  Snuggle against the immense wings knowing that everything will be okay.  Nothing bad lasts forever when we have Christ and Our Blessed Mother close to the heart.

"I look upon myself as a weak little bird, with only a light down as covering.  I am not an eagle, but I have only an eagle's EYES AND HEART.  In spite of my extreme littleness I still dare to gaze upon the divine Sun, the Sun of Love, and my heart feels within it all the aspirations of an eagle."

-Saint Therese of Lisieux (Feast Day October 1st)

-J.