Mary and New Year's Resolutions

The Octave Day of Christmas
Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God
New Year's Day 2016



Gospel of Luke 2:16-21


The shepherds went in haste to Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known the message  that had been told them about this child. All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds. And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart.

 I can't remember the last time I went to  New Year's Eve party or even stayed up past midnight.  Usually I spend the night alone curled up in front of the television set or in my nice cozy bed.  I rather be safe inside the house than around drunk drivers.

At 3 am this morning, my neighbor's yappy dog howled up a storm.  It kept me up, so I loaded up laundry in the washing machine and turned on the dishwasher.  Might as well make use of the early hours of the New Year instead of beating my head against my pillow wishing the dog would shut up!  Obviously the dog was in distress. Maybe the neighbor passed out drunk and the dog needed to go outside...Who knows. Sadly, my neighbor isn't a very friendly person.  I feel sorry for the dog because I think he is starving for attention, something the owner rarely gives him.  Of course, I couldn't help but think of my own dog who always slept in the bed next to me.  She rarely barked at night.  If she did, she obeyed her mommy when I'd gently tell her, "Shh! No barking, sweet precious!"

This time of the year the word "resolution" becomes a focus. Lose weight.  Quit smoking or drinking.  Spend more time with the kids.  Go to church every Sunday....The litany of resolutions can be pages long.  But, do we actually make an attempt to fulfill them?  Or do we just say we are going to do XYZ because everybody else talks about it?  I know every time I try to make a resolution I give up within the first three months of the year.  I think most people give up by the end of January!

We read in scripture how Our Blessed Mother ponder things, reflecting on them in her heart.  Do we spend fruitful time in prayer?  Do we seek out "hints" of how we should act as better Christians? Circumstances were definitely not easy for Mary.  She was a very young mother with the awesome responsibility of raising the Son of God!  I am sure she had support from relatives and neighbors, but she was still confused about how everything would work out.

Despite the attention, confusion and uneasiness of first time motherhood, Our Blessed Mother remained humble and obedient.  She prayed for guidance and used resources handed to her.  One thing so beautiful about Mary is how she didn't complain.  She didn't rage at Joseph when Jesus wailed all night with a tummy ache.  She didn't curse the Lord when the family had to suddenly travel to Egypt in order to escape death.  She did whatever it took to please God.

What would Mary's resolutions be at the start of a New Year?  Maybe pray more, take better care of herself, spend more time with friends, or be a better wife.  Whatever her "resolutions" may have been, I am sure she stuck to them however challenging.

Today on this first day of the year, let us pray for peace in a world that is undergoing so much suffering.  Let us pray for the sanctity of all human life.  Let us pray for cures to so many diseases that plague people throughout the world.

 Let us resolve to live lives that our holy with Mary, the Mother of God, as our shining example of faith, hope and love.

Happy New Year!!!

-J.

2015 Rewind

Seventh Day of the Octave of Christmas
New Year's Eve

1 John 2:18-21

Children, it is the last hour; and just as you heard that the antichrist was coming, so now many antichrists have appeared. Thus we know this is the last hour. They went out from us, but they were not really of our number; if they had been, they would have remained with us. Their desertion shows that none of them was of our number. But you have the anointing that comes from the Holy One, and you all have knowledge.

On this New Year's Eve morning, as I  meditate on the scripture readings, I rewind my mind back through 2015.  Overall, it has been a good year with many challenges and achievements. I would not be where I am at today without a steadfast and solid Catholic faith. 

This year has been one of momentous growth and maturity.  I managed to successfully prepare and sell my home.  I bought a brand new car.  Both transactions happened on my own initiative.  I am very proud of getting the job done (as a single female) without relying on my family or friends to do it for me.  Yes, it was difficult and stressful.  I didn't think I'd pull through, but in the end I triumphed.  Once again, Jesus and his Blessed Mother guided me along the way.  They knew I could take a hold of the reigns and change my life's direction with courage and strength.

After settling into my new apartment, 2015 instantly changed from one of good fortune to despair.  Like everything else in life the highs must follow by the lows.  Nothing stays smiling and happy forever.  If it did, we would not learn from our mistakes or feel a need to pray to God as a source of healing.  The tragic death of my dog which still cuts through my bones.  The sad passing of my great aunt and godmother.  The news that my contributions to a blog will no longer be needed as the author has shut it down....  All of these reversals leave me sad wondering Why?  Of course, I need to stop asking God "Why?" and graciously accept the inevitable.  Our Lord does what he does because he has better in store for us!  With death springs new life and with an ending follows a new beginning. 

One thing I love about meditating about scripture and writing reflections is how much the thought process restores a sense of hope and peace.  I realize that those who lived in bible times experienced the same circumstances we do today.  Just in a different era of time without the luxuries and sophistication we enjoy today. 

How did Mary, Joseph and Jesus celebrate a new year?  The calendar was way different back in the day.  No Chinese fireworks or loud firecrackers.  No bubbly champagne overflowing from glass flutes.  Definitely no fall of the Big Red Apple.  Perhaps New Year's Eve was spent in prayer at the temple or in festive communion with friends and relatives.  I am sure the celebration was peaceful.  The Holy Family looked forward to a new chapter in their lives - one devoted to the Lord.

During the last hour of 2015, let us acknowledge the God's blessings and thank him for giving us LIFE.  Despite the highs and lows, twists and turns, smooth and rocky roads we are still here on earth.  We have a new year awaiting us where we can choose to use our gifts and talents for the benefit of the Kingdom of God.

I look forward to 2016 as I select "stop" on my 2015 rewind.  I have learned what I needed to learn.  Now it is time to move on.  Keep the light of faith burning.

“The object of a New Year is not that we should have a new year. It is that we should have a new soul and a new nose; new feet, a new backbone, new ears, and new eyes. Unless a particular man made New Year resolutions, he would make no resolutions. Unless a man starts afresh about things, he will certainly do nothing effective.”  ― G.K. Chesterton

-J.

I Write To You, Cyber World

The Sixth Day in the Octave of Christmas

1 John 2:12-17

Do not love the world or the things of the world.  If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, sensual lust, enticement for the eyes, and a pretentious life, is not from the Father but is from the world.  Yet the world and its enticement are passing away. But whoever does the will of God remains forever.



As we approach the New Year, I think of decades past when the "cyber world" did not exist. Life appeared way less complicated.

Families congregated around the dining room table, enjoying conversation and a good meal together.  No such thing as cellular phones, video games or online streaming to distract old fashion togetherness.  People wrote each other hand-written letters; today the impersonal email and text message replace the postman.   Men still cherished the normal everyday woman; however, the ever growing  pornography addiction has robbed the true sense of beauty.  Women as they rise to the top of their career ladders, often becoming more successful than their male peers, understand loneliness.  Will they ever meet men who are just as successful and want to raise a family as a married couple?

To me, a less complicated world is perceived as a more naive world.  Complexity allows us to grow in experience, wisdom, and prudent judgement.  However, with this complexity comes along social problems.  We no longer have Jesus walking around healing the sick, the blind, the lame, and the crippled.  We now rely on high tech machines and costly pharmaceuticals to do the curing.  Furthermore, we no longer live in a country where worshiping God is encouraged; in fact, having religious faith is seen as a "naive" practice.  Why all the focus on strong moral values?  Don't we live in the 21st century where everyone is "open minded" and free to do what they want, when they want and how they want? 

We live in a cyber world full of delights and pleasures.  Yet, with all of the social "fun" surrounding the Internet and our electronic whims we lose the meaning of life.  We are meant to help one another, not use people for our own personal gains.  All of this non-stop entertainment makes me wonder what our "cyber world" will be like 20-30-40 years from now.  Will people stop going to a brick and mortar church?  Will there be mega "Internet" churches spreading all across the globe where people  just text and sing to one another through websites?  Will the Eucharist still be the center of our Catholic faith or will it be replaced by some kind of pseudo-communion only offered through the Internet?  I know:  Sounds absolutely ridiculous.  But, it something we should think about.....Most unsettling of all...Will we be able to preserve our Catholic traditions forever?

Now, in the same style as author of the 1st Letter of John.....

I write to you, Cyber World,
because of your enticing thrills.
I write to you, Cyber World,
because your entertainment cannot compromise the Truth.
I write to you, Cyber World,
because I believe in Christ Jesus.
I write you you, Cyber World,
because Faith, Hope, and Love will never go away.

-J.

The Presentation in the Temple

The Fifth Day in the Octave of Christmas

Gospel of Luke 2:22-35

The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted (and you yourself a sword will pierce) so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”

Mary walks up the temple steps holding the Christ child in her arms.  Alongside his wife, Joseph carries the pair of pigeons, a gift of homage for the ceremonial blessing that will soon take place.

Simeon and Anna, through the Holy Spirit, discover this tiny little infant is the chosen one from God.  Decades spent blessing young children according to Jewish custom; years spent watching, waiting for the Holy Child of God.  Here he finally appears in front of them!  Simeon holds the Christ child,  so innocent and pure. How glorious!  How wonderful!   A child destined for the rise and fall of many in Israel found his way into the world. How will such a precious child hold so much hope for the people?  What will he do for the salvation of others?  Will Mary later understand Simeon's prophesy - "you yourself a sword will pierce?"

This famous scripture passage that we pray during the recitation of the Joyous Mysterious of the Holy Rosary shows the importance of obedience and tradition.  Mary and Joseph could have declined the blessing in the temple.  Jesus is the Son of God.  Why would he need a blessing from an old priest?  The blessing is for the entire family, surrounded by ancient tradition.  Such tradition guaranteed that the Lord would look after, watch and protect the family.

In modern day, we ask a priest to bless our homes or a prized piece of jewelry.  Our entire Christian faith involves the blessings God bestows on us every day.  What if we ignored those blessings?

I am sure Mary and Joseph felt a little uneasy about their son being a sign of contradiction.  Nobody wants to hear their child will cause trouble.  Yet, through obedience the Holy Family accepted God's Will.  Whatever happens will happen; whatever is meant to be will be accepted with faith and humility.

-J..  

Life Taken By Surprise (An Original Poem)

Life taken by surprise

The night howl, the sun rise.

Don't know what to expect,

Peaceful tide or rough ride.

Things go smoothly for a while

A silk road, 

A glass surface,

Translucent and safe,

Clear of purpose.

Life's road no longer safe

Pitted and rugged, somehow misplaced.

What happened here? Why the madness?

So much thrill, now utter sadness.

Foggy glass, sandpaper road

Cannot see, blurred and alone.

Why this darkness? Why me?

What did I do to deserve Thee?

Grim Reaper's visit way too soon,

So much more to say and do,

Please not now, some other day,

Leave my loved one here to stay.

Cannot control life's destiny,

God's path is not foreseen,

Keep faith alive, 

Mourn the loss,

Love forever,

Never forget the Cross.

-J.

Mourning Holy Innocence

Feast of the Holy Innocents, Martyrs

Gospel of Matthew 2:13-18

When the magi had departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you.

Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him.” Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed for Egypt.

He stayed there until the death of Herod,

that what the Lord had said through the prophet might be fulfilled, Out of Egypt I called my son.

My blog readers probably wonder, "Where did Jennifer go?"  I'm still around... just hiding myself in the reality of life.  A rough last few weeks is not for a weakling like myself who handles bad news as if a knife piercing flesh.  My heart feels like it's been shattered into thousands of little pieces.  Through Our Lord's mercy, those pieces will be sown back together as the mourning subsides....

My goal to write a meditation each day of Advent failed to materialize. I found words harder to put together as work woes hit me hard. Rumors about the company not doing well, people leaving, and a mysterious "Severance plan" legal notice sent to salaried employees worried me.  Moreover, the sudden loss of my pet didn't help lighten up the mood.  Things got even worse after I found out my Godmother passed away only a day after my sweet dog.  Good grief.....When it rains sadness it pours! I never expected two deaths the week of Christmas.  Needless to say, it has been a surreal Holiday season, but I know my faith will help me overcome grief.

We had fierce tornadoes hit the Dallas area.  My new apartment was spared; however, the other side of town where I used to live got hit.  The tornadoes touched down only a few miles from my old neighborhood.  I am curious if my old fence is still up or the roof damaged.  Thank God I moved to my new home when I did.

I had my dog's body cremated and her ashes placed in a lovely wooden box.  It sits on a table right next to a memorial I made in her honor.  After my dog was hit by the car, I cried for literally three days straight!  However, the small wooded box of ashes brought a wonderful sense of comfort and peace.  Something very unexpected yet welcomed.

My Godmother's funeral is today - on a cold, rainy and snowy day.  Family members posted on Facebook needing donations to help pay for the funeral.  Evidently, my Godmother's estate didn't have enough funds to pay for some "miscellaneous" funeral expenses.  This just breaks my heart even more knowing that such a wonderful and special woman as my great aunt died penniless without even enough money to dig her grave.  The last thing a mourning family needs to worry about is who will pay for a burial.  Thanks to my grandfather my Godmother's funeral expenses are covered.

During this time of sadness, I have received many condolences from friends and family.  It's good to know I am not alone in my grief.  So many others understand what it is like to lose a loved one, a pet, or even a child during the holidays.

Today's Feast of the Holy Innocents is a sad reminder of just how precious life truly is.  I think about abused and neglected children; children killed in the womb; children used in human trafficking; children born with cancer and birth defects.  Why does God allow horrible things to happen to such beautiful young ones?  One of those questions that remains unanswered....

I know mourning will turn into acceptance; sadness into joy.  My heart will return to its whole self as my grief moves on.  I know my guardian angel continues to watch over me.  My Godmother is with my dog, smiling from the heaven, forever in peace and tranquility.

-J.

Rest in Peace

Fourth Sunday of Advent

(Click Here for Readings)

He shall stand firm and shepherd his flock by the strength of the Lord, his God; and shall remain, for his greatness shall reach to the ends of the earth; he shall be peace.

I write this meditation with a very heavy heart.  Yesterday morning, I witnessed an horrific accident that still leaves me raw and achy inside; my heart both bleeding and weeping with sadness. Why did such an awful thing have to happen during the Holiday season?  Here I should be celebrating the birth of Jesus; instead, I mourn the sudden death of my beloved pet.

Saturday morning I took my precious dachshund, Cayenne, to the vet for an exam and yearly shots.  She jumped out of the car before I had a chance to get her leash on, running to a grassy area in front of the vet clinic.  She looked at me with those big brown eyes and grey face as if to say: "Mommy! I'm free!  Let's play a game of Catch me if you Can!"  My sweet little girl loved to play chase where she'd run along the sidewalk and then roll over for a belly rub.  I'd be out of breathe by the time I caught up with her.

This fateful morning Cayenne walked a little too far out into the street. As she stood staring at me, a car hit her throwing her body under its rear wheels.  I screamed in terror as I rushed onto the street.  The accident occurred only a few feet from the vet clinic, so I quickly picked up her body and brought her inside.   I remember screaming and crying in agony.  My God! I cannot believe this is happening! Please do not allow my dog to die!  It's not her time yet...please. Nooo.....!  Yet, deep in my heart I knew her injuries were very serious.  She did not move even though her heart still beat and her eyes remained open.  No cries or whining.  Cayenne had very distinctive vocal sounds, yet I heard nothing.  

The veternarian and staff did everything they could to save Cayenne but her lungs were impacted by the blunt force causing deep internal bleeding.  She was pronounced deceased 30 minutes later.  I went back into the examination room to say my final goodbyes.  It was so hard to see my beloved dog so lifeless; her friendly, loving and curious personality gone.

Thank God the lady in the car stopped.  She came into the clinic and just hugged me tightly saying how sorry she was.  Everything will be okay. Do not worry. Your dog will pull through!  I could not blame her for the accident but blamed myself instead.  If I had only put that leash on inside the car, which I always did religiously, I would have saved my dog's life.  Hindsight is twenty-twenty...However, I cannot control what God has in motion.  He felt it was time for my sweet dog to pass over the rainbow bridge.

 I believe God presents us with subtle signals about how our lives will change. We must pay very close attention because the signs are not always obvious or make sense until later on.  Last weekend when driving over to All Saints for Sunday mass, I witnessed a squirrel get hit by a car.   I remember thinking how surreal and sad. I see an unsettling connection.  Hmmmm....

My apartment is so quiet without my dog to snuggle up with me, steal my table food, or bark at the neighbors.   No more walks around the golf course or trips out to the country.  No more barking at squirrels and birds.  I will miss the joy and companionship my dog gave me for so many years.  She lived to be over 11 years old.  Her "unofficial" birthday happen to be on Friday.  I adopted her in December of 2009.

I realized this weekend just how short life is for all of us, including humans and animals.  We should cherish our friends and loved ones. Always be prepared.   We never know when the Lord may decide a special person or animal is ready for eternity.

I hope my precious dog is having fun in pet heaven running around free enjoying lots of food and treats.  Experts say that animals do not possess souls like humans do.  But, for my own personal comfort, I'd like to think everybody's pets will be reunited with their owners at the end of time.

Rest in peace, my dear Cayenne.  I miss you.  Mommy will always love you.....

-J.

Dreams & Ancestry

Thursday of the Third Week of Advent

(Click Here for Readings)

Matthew 1:1-17

 The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. Abraham became the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers.

Judah became the father of Perez and Zerah, whose mother was Tamar....

For the past three weeks, strange and vivid dreams keep disturbing my restful sleep. I am not quite sure why my subscientious is so overactive right now.....

In one dream scene, I sat in a lecture room on my old college campus.  In another I worked in an old laboratory, one of my first jobs out of college.  Then just two night ago I dreamed of walking into my grandparents' old house they lived in 35 years ago.  It still stood as I remember it with a chain linked fence, but the inside was trashed out with overflowing toilets and trash everywhere.  It looked more like a hoarder's house than a neatly maintained home.  

I will go through periods with little-to-no dream recall.  But, at other times the nocturnal images bombard me non-stop.  I often wonder if the Holy Spirit is try to send me hidden messages.  Perhaps I need to worry less, rest more, and just let things go!  Then maybe my mind will settle down.

Nobody ever "dreamed" that the Gospel writer Matthew would include the genealogy of Jesus at the beginning of his gospel.  Why such a boring litany of hard-to-pronounce names? This is not one of the easiest passages to read, that's for sure.  Yet, knowing the "blood line" to Christ helps us better understand connections between people in the Old and New Testaments.  Christ is the ending of a great beginning!

Ancestry is important to all of us.  In fact, it has become a multi-million dollar enterprise.  Companies like Ancestry.com make it easier than ever for people to chart their family tree, even taking DNA tests to determine what countries they originate from.

I have embarked on a personal ancestral journey of my own by participating in National Geographic's The Genographic Project.  By taking two cheek swabs of my DNA, and then sending off to the DNA laboratory for analysis, I will  be able to trace the areas of the world my ancestors originate from, as far back as 10,000 years.  Supposedly, the test will determine if any of my genes are of Neanderthal origin.  Yes, an alternative human species!  I kind of chuckle at the idea of being neanderthal.

Dreams and ancestry....both go hand in hand.  We dream of our ancestors as we recover our past.  What can we learn from those related to us?  How much do we share in common with those people of the past?  God is a part of the ancestral framework!

-J.

Go Tell It on the Mountain

Wednesday of the Third Week of Advent

Luke 17:18b-23

And Jesus said to them in reply,“Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the good news proclaimed to them. And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me.”

After reading today's gospel,  the familiar song "Go, Tell It on the Mountain" came to my head.  We used to sing it at the Baptist Day Care Wednesday chapel service....

(Verse 4)

When I am a seeker,

I seek both night and day;

I seek the Lord to help me,

And He shows me the way:

Go, Tell It On The Mountain,

Over the hills and everywhere;

Go, Tell It On The Mountain

That Jesus Christ is born.

John's disciples sought out the Lord to ask him if he was "The One" - The Messiah.  They witnessed the blind regaining sight, the lame walking, and the lepers cleansed by the hand of this stranger from Nazareth.  Once again our Lord does not answer the question directly but alludes around it.  He knows he's been discovered, yet his humility keeps him from directly confessing to everyone his divine nature.  Only true believers will figure out and understand.  Jesus says, "...the poor have the good news proclaimed to them.  And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me.”

How can a man who cures people offend anyone? Sadly, we know the Pharisees and scribes took offense of Jesus, mainly because he healed on the Sabbath.  Then again, jealousy and resentment most likely inflamed their hearts.

I find it interesting John sent his disciples to speak to Jesus.  Didn't John already know his cousin was the Son Of Man??  Hmmm...  If he was busy in the desert preaching, maybe he "heard" about the miracle man but didn't know who he was.  I figure news traveled slowly back in the day.  John the Baptist was a prophet of God but not a psychic who knew the exact height, weight, and built of the Messiah.

How can we offend God?  This is a weighty question.  We know from the Old Testament that God was an angry, revengeful God.  He had not problem punishing those who disobeyed his commands.  Everything from pestilence to starvation and death.  God expected obedience from his chosen people.  He appears to be a harsh strict God.  However, Jesus Christ is much different "side" of God.  He is gentle, kind and merciful.  He rarely raises his voice. He even preaches others to love their enemies.  No more "eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth!"

There is something refreshing to know that the Jesus loves the poorest of the poor and the lamest of the lame.  He doesn't run away from the sad and the afflicted; the sick and the dying; the outcasts and the sinner.   He welcomes all of these people into his healing and loving arms.

 Even in this day, the Holy Spirit continues the work of healing.  If we do "offend" God in some way, we have the option to confess our sins and receive repentance.  No more worry about an lightening bolt striking us down if we sin!

Let us all go tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is the way, truth and light!  He shows us the way to salvation with his love and mercy.

Saint John the Cross, Pray for Us!

-J.

Rejoice and Be Glad

Third Sunday of Advent

Philippians 4:47

Brothers and sisters:

Rejoice in the Lord always.

I shall say it again: rejoice!

Your kindness should be known to all.

The Lord is near.

Have no anxiety at all, but in everything,

by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,

make your requests known to God.

Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Whenever I see a picture of Pope Francis my heart smiles!  The Pontiff's words comfort. During his Gaudete Sunday mass at the Basilica of John Lateran in Rome,  Pope Francis remarked, “we cannot let ourselves be taken in by fatigue; sadness in any form is not allowed, even though we have reason to be with the many concerns and the many forms of violence which hurt humanity."

Our hearts must be filled with joy, Pope Francis announced.  The birth of the baby Jesus is not a somber event but a joyful one.

I think so many people feel stressed out, lonely and/ or depressed because Christmas has turned into such a commercialized event.  The real reason for the season is overshadowed by Black Friday sales, fulfilling Christmas "wish" lists, and attending social parties.  It's about spending $$$ and entertaining.  I figure this time of the year more people to go to the mall on Sundays than attend church services.  I think Jesus and his Mother need some holy attention!!  Leave the credit cards at home and exchange them for holy cards!

 I feel much more at peace sitting in a church sanctuary away from all of the commercial chaos.  I feel even more comfort kneeling in front of the Blessed Sacrament in prayer.  I am extremely fortunate to be only a short 10 minute drive away from a perpetual adoration chapel.  I have been visiting Jesus in the Eucharist on a weekly basis.  Just pouring out my soul to him gives me a glimmer of hope.  Life will be okay.  It is not as dire as it appears to be.  The blessings given to me outweigh the troubles.  I need to rejoice in such blessings!

For the first time, I wore a beautiful cream colored lace mantilla to Sunday mass.  I felt a little awkward at first, but then as I focused on the liturgy I felt Christ closer to me than ever before!  The reverence and respect a head covering instills is hard to describe.  I am glad this tradition is making a comeback in post Vatican II Catholic churches.  I encourage other women to veil when they can.

Rejoice and Be Glad.  Christmas is almost here!  Jesus will arrive soon!

-J.