Life's Dramatic Changes (Intro)

Hallway leading to the Sistine Chapel @ The Vatican Museum 

I have been waiting for several weeks now to return to my blog.  Ever since my beautiful trip to Rome, my life has dramatically changed!  The blessings the Lord has granted me are incredible.  As one of my old high school friends recently commented on my Facebook page, "You have the best life! You go, girl, go!"

I never imagined a year ago my life would turn in such a positive direction.  Seems like ever since I sold my house, life has gotten better.  Perhaps my mind is clearer and I am beginning to think of situations in new found light.  Let go and let God.  Hand things over to him and just go with the flow.

 

When one thing crashes, burns or goes nowhere I have learned to accept it however painful. Yes, there are tears and complaints.  Maybe I just don't understand why things could go so wrong.  I thought the death of my old dog was the worst thing to ever happen in my life.  I thought I'd be stuck in a dead end job the rest of my life.  I thought I'd be drowned in financial worry, bringing me into an early grave.  Yet, despite the hardships I did not lose complete hope.  I kept praying, meditating, and looking for subtle signs from God....

Our Lord finally answered my prayers and in ways I never thought of. 

My trip to Rome was amazing.  I did not have time to write like I originally planned.  Instead, I explored every inch of the city by foot.  Sore feet, arms, shoulders...my body felt like a train wreck.  But with so much to see in a short period of time I dealt with the aches and pains.

My favorite parts of my trip included visiting Palatine Hill, the Roman Forum, and the Colosseum.  The Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel, and Gallery Borghese were so amazing I am at a loss for words.  Photographs just do not capture the essence of being in the museum presence!

As part of the Year of Mercy, I walked through the Holy Doors of each papal basilica.  I even attended an evening Friday mass at the St. John Lateran Basilica with the Archbishop of Rome preciding the liturgy.

I will post more later.....

Rome in Lent

I am outside a cafe in Florence, Italy (Oct 2004)!

"Today is holy to the Lord your God. Do not be sad, and do not weep; for today is holy to our Lord. Do not be saddened this day, for rejoicing in the Lord must be your strength!"  Nehemiah 8:9, 10

I'm back to bloggin' away.  I've been on a short hiatus.  When work and personal life get super busy, writing suddenly takes a seat on the back shelf.  

As part of my Lenten observance I am traveling to Rome, Italy. ( In fact, I am typing this post while on the flight!) I will embark on my mini pilgrimage for 8 days, staying at a Dominican convent guest house.  I plan to visit the main tourist attractions but then also walk along the unknown paths, hopefully uncovering some hidden gems in the Eternal City.

My first stop will be the Colloseum, the Roman Forum, and the Pantheon.  Then I will explore the Roman Baths and the Protestant Cemetery where Romantic poets Shelley and Keats are buried.  I'll visit the Vatican museum, Sistine Chapel, St. Peters Basillica with surrounding burial grounds.  A short bus ride will take me to some of the early burial catacombs.  I hope to attend mass at a different church each day beginning with the Dominican mother church Santa Sabina. 

Of course, I will take time to explore some antique shops and authentic Roman cuisine.  I purchased a ticket to the opera and will see an Italian production of "The Barber of Seville."   Fantastico!

I hope to post reflections each day depending on the reliability of Internet access. Stayed tuned....

Have a Holy Lenten Season!

-J.

Baptism and New Beginnings

The Baptism of Our Lord

Gospel of Luke 3:15-16, 21-22

After all the people had been baptized and Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove.
And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son;
with you I am well pleased.”

This past week flew by so fast that I did not get a chance to write blog posts.   I still made time for daily prayer.  That resolution is still going along well....

My mind is so focused on change.  As an acquaintance texted me this week: "This new year will be one of joy."  Just what I need to hear as I have experienced so much turnover.  However, I see the light peeking through the clouds as my heart is beginning to lift from mourning and depression.  A new beginning is in progress and I am actually excited about it!

What does God have in store for me?  I feel as if a gate has been set ajar, the lock removed, so I can freely enter.  Things of my past have been taken from me, some by own hand and others through God's hand.  I cannot form words to describe this Change that has overwhelmed me since the beginning of the New Year.  My intuitive sense suggests that circumstances will finally move along in a peaceful and positive way.  I think God is pleased with my growth and maturity, and he is ready to bless me even more.  But, again that aged old question lingers:  How will all this change work out in the end?

Since I have moved to the other side of town, I have visited a few parishes trying to figure out where I feel most comfortable.  On New Year's Day I received a random email from a parish I used to attend over 10 years ago.  It invited those who have fallen away to return and "Rediscover Jesus."  In fact, the entire parish community is reading Matthew Kelly's Rediscover Jesus with videos posted by parishioners themselves telling their stories how Jesus has impacted their lives.  I was intrigued, so I attended Sunday liturgy at St. Ann Parish in Coppell, TX this morning....

I felt like I found my new parish home.  I noticed a few familiar faces in the pews even though I am sure they do not remember me, a decade later!  The bulletin is thick with various ministries and activities.  I plan to slowly enter back into volunteering because the parish is so large.  (The size is something to get used to.)  I will wait for the Lord to gently nudge me into the ministry where I am most needed..

Maybe a few people reading this blog attend St. Ann Coppell.  I would love to hear from you and gather suggestions where I can serve the most, of course within my God-given talents.  (See Contact Me form.)

Sitting in a sanctuary pew, admiring the beautifully painted stucco wall with my Spanish mantilla draped over my head, I imagined Jesus' baptism in the Jordan river.  John the Baptist gently leading Jesus into the warm Jordan waters.  John says a prayer before he sprinkles Jesus with baptismal water. Our Blessed Mother is at the river's edge smiling at her son as other relatives look on.  The bystanders may even clap as Jesus walks out of the water....

Jesus is the Son of God.  He doesn't need baptism!  However, his own baptism launched a new beginning in his life - one devoted to ministry and the service of others.  He will teach, preach, and heal.  He will forgive easily and mercifully.  He will invite others to a life of faith, trust and hope with the ultimate goal of inheriting the Kingdom of God.

Are you ready for a new beginning?

-J.

A Star So Bright

The Epiphany of the Lord

Isaiah 60:1-6

Rise up in splendor, Jerusalem! Your light has come, the glory of the Lord shines upon you. See, darkness covers the earth, and thick clouds cover the peoples; but upon you the LORD shines, and over you appears his glory. Nations shall walk by your light, and kings by your shining radiance.

A star twinkles in the sky, pulsating as if alive.  The star is brighter than usual with asterisks of light shooting from spasmic particles, so illusive and mysterious yet brilliant beyond comprehension.  Astrologists of centuries past, like the noble Magi, knew exactly what such a radiant star represented.  Astronomers of today study such phenomenon theorizing origin and purpose.  Do they really know the answers?  God certainly knows since he created the universe: the stars and the heavens within. Overall, stars come and go - implode and explode - leaving only traces of existence in the cosmos.  What can one spectacular star mean for the world?  Someone incredible has been born - a child of such incredible promise that an entire universe will consider him King.

When I was a child, I enjoyed peering at the moon and stars through a telescope my mom gave me.  Every now and then I'd see of a shooting star! Around Christmas time I always thought about the star the Three Wise Men followed as they traveled such a long way to visit the Christ child.  Was it really as bright and large as depicted in artwork?  What would have it been like to see Jesus as a newborn, swaddled in clothes lying in a manger?

We all experience epiphanies every so often when we think of an answer to a question or a solution to a problem.  We experience an epiphany when the "Ah ha!" strikes us when least expected.  We take our new found knowledge and make the best use of it.  The ultimate epiphany occurred when the Magi followed that bright shining star knowing the end would result in seeing the Messiah and prophet; a tiny little boy who would grow up to be the most important religious figure in Christianity.

Do we notice the Jesus star in our own lives?  Do we follow the light and away from the darkness?  How can we better follow the Lord if we  find ourselves drifting away?  The Star is too bright for us to ignore!  Let us choose to follow Christ because so many rewards await us in the glory of heaven.

-J.

Make Straight the Way

Memorial of Saints Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen, Bishops and Doctors of the Church

Gospel of John 1:19-28

Dallas Arboretum - 1/2/2016

“Are you the Prophet?” He answered, “No.”
So they said to him, “Who are you, so we can give an answer to those who sent us?  What do you have to say for yourself?” He said: “I am the voice of one crying out in the desert, Make straight the way of the Lord, as Isaiah the prophet said.”

One of my goals in 2016 is to visit some of the DFW area museums and attractions.  I want to "get out and about", see the new and interesting instead of isolating myself in my apartment stuck in front of the tv or passing boredom with endless naps.  My new mantra is this: Life is too great to waste!

This weekend's excursions included the Dallas Arboretum on Saturday and the Kimbell Art Museum on Sunday.   I have not visited the Kimbell in over 10 years.  Looking at the prized paintings of French artist Gustave Caillebotte transported me back to the late 1800's in Paris.  The long dresses, the top hats, the horse and buggies.  Wow, what if our lives never evolved?  What if we never became an industrialized, technology advanced society?  I cannot imagine still wearing petticoats or considered a man's property!

Make straight the way....Isaiah and John the Baptist knew someone incredibly special was about to arrive on earth.  They spoke out about this miracle to a people who just did not quite understand what to look out for.  Just like a painter's canvas, the medium is blank until dabs of color are applied. The work of art is not yet finished.  The shadows, transitions and details look visually hazy.  Maybe the figure is a man, a woman, or an animal.  Maybe the sky is a starry night or a sunlit day.  The artist swirls the colors in effervescent display.  It is hard to figure out the meaning.  What is in the artist's mind?  What type of story does he tell?

The prophet is just that.  A man who's voice speaks on behalf of God.  Everyone thinks John the Baptist is the One True Prophet.  Yet, he is only the Messenger.  The path to salvation is still crooked and wide.  The Jews still have a lot of work to do in order to make sure they live good, faithful lives.  Obey the Commandments and honor God.  Keep the path free of debris and open, accepting the Holy One to come.

How can we make straight the Lord in modern day? Attend mass every Sunday.  Pray and meditate.  Say the rosary.  Perform acts of charity.  Be kind and loving toward others.  Make God #1!  Suddenly, the blurry canvas becomes sharp and clear as the colors blend together.  Yes, there it is.  That's what the Lord wants from me.  This is how I should live my life:  Mindful of God, others and then myself.  

-J.

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.