Pax Christi Vobiscum! Come Holy Spirit!
*Blink*
A year is now gone. Unbelievable. I do not think it was until my last exam finished that I realized what all had happened in this past year. So much happened in such a short period of time, and I grew a ton, both inwardly and outwardly (no such thing as an Atkin's diet in this country). I'm not even sure where to start.
So I think I will just leave you with some lessons I have learned or been learning throughout this year, and I hope they help you as much as they have helped me.
1) Patience is a virtue. The only thing Italian businesses do on time is close, so needless to say, I had to grow in patience just trying to run errands in the city. But on a more serious note (and please know that I love the Italians, no matter how many jabs I take at them), I have learned that life is a step-by-step process, and growth comes little by little. God directs us if we are willing, and He is always after us. Even as He helps us to grow, however, we must realize that He has His plan, and it does not always happen as fast as we may want. I have had to learn to "wait for God."
2) "Life is a limited experience." - This one came from my spiritual director. I have always wanted to do every good thing that comes my way, which is not possible if you desire either to keep your sanity or get any sleep. This year, however, I have learned that real freedom comes not from having many options but from choosing one of them and going for it, even if I make a mistake. Because I can never really live if I am always worried about having options. But learning the lesson and living the lesson are two different things. The latter may take a bit longer...see #1.
3) "Ordinary but good." - This year has been a year of both highs and lows, but all of them blessings, I would say. When the excitement calmed down at times though, I would think that something was wrong, that I somehow wasn't living the faith if there wasn't something big constantly happening in my life. This bit of advice helped me to relax and trust that even in the ordinary moments of the day God is at work. Because we can't always do something big...see #2.
4) "Get some sleep." This one also comes from my spiritual director. Rest is very important. Because if I am not rested I cannot pray, and if I cannot pray, I cannot really love those around me or accomplish the work before me. Ironic that I'm writing this at 1:30 in the morning....
5) "You're doing what most virtuous people think they have to do: be something they are not." This one came to me from a priest in Lourdes. He was trying to teach me that to be virtuous, to follow God, does not mean we have to become a different person, even if that person we desire to be like is Mother Teresa or Pope John Paul II. He said that it is who I am that God wants to use--and that I need to offer myself to God, not anyone else. This has helped me to just be at peace in myself, trusting that God will draw out of me the good He desires.
6) Get some sleep.
7) "Wherever you are, be all there." This one comes from back at Texas A&M. Remember how I always wanted to do everything? Well, that left me not only tired and worn thin, but I never enjoyed the present moment--I was always looking to the next thing or worrying about something long gone. I couldn't just be in the present, where God is at work. I mean, if I can't enjoy the present moment, what do I have?
8) Nap.
9) "Attitude of Gratitude." Cheesy-sounding but true. When I am thankful it is difficult to be upset about anything. It may take a conscious and active choice on my part, but even attempting to be thankful for everything I have been given helps me to lift my eyes from the mess below to the Majesty above.
10) "Love Alone is Credible" - This one is the title of a work by Hans Urs von Balthasar (doesn't the name just make you want to read it?), a theologian of this past century. I think the idea is perfect, though: everyone knows what love is when they experience it, and it is love (or should I say Love?) that brings people to believe in the Faith. I hope to witness to that Love.
Well, I think that covers it.
I leave you with those reflections as I now prepare to head to Calcutta, India. Mike, Chris, Chris, and myself will leave on Tuesday to serve the poorest of the poor with the Missionaries of Charity, the order founded by Mother Teresa. Please pray for us, both that we get there safely and return safely. Please pray also for those many souls who suffer much there in India.
Thank you all for reading and for your constant, prayerful support of all of us seminarians. God bless! Now it's time for me to practice lessons 4, 6, and 8...in that order. Ciao for niao!
Monday, June 30, 2008
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Hope in the Young
Pax Christi vobiscum! Come Holy Spirit!
I just wanted to drop a note of encouragement to all the youth that may read this, whether of their own free will or at their parents' behest.
I just wanted to say that you (the bold italic lets you know I mean it) can make a huge difference in this world. You are capable of bringing the love of Christ to a hurting world. You can listen and respond to God's call to draw this world back to Him.
You all have so much energy for a reason. Let me put it this way: Jesus, at age 12, was already stirring things up: He did not go with His parents in the caravan but remained in the Temple in Jerusalem "listening [to the teachers] and asking them questions" (Luke 2:41-52).
I love this story, because it captures the whole dynamic perfectly. The young are always ready to get going, ready to get out and accomplish something, to learn, to love, to change the world. The parents, however, get all anxious when something happens that they were not expecting. Indeed, in this passage, Mary says to Jesus, "Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety." Sound familiar, parents?
So the dynamic seems to be that the youth are ready to get out while the parents know that their kids still have something to learn, that they have some growing to do. How do we resolve this tension? First, we have to recognize this is a healthy tension. There is something to be learned on both sides.
Adults and parents can and should recognize that God calls us often from a very young age. Jesus' reply to Mary in this passage is indicative: "Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?" (Luke 2:49) Don't you bet Mary just wanted to slap Him? Kidding of course. But it does seem that Jesus is being a little insolent here, but of course He is not. He is God. He is perfect, and He would not do that to His mother. Though He did make them look for Him, and the next verse is great: "But they did not understand what he said to them." How many teenagers can relate to that feeling? Heh. It can often be hard for the parents to understand just what is going on in their teenager or adolescent child, even if this be for good.
The other side, however, is that Jesus, though fully God, responds as any 12 year old should respond to His mother: with obedience (insert collective groan from all youth). Yes, in Luke 2:51 we read, "He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them." We young-ins must learn that following God requires that we obey those set over us, for this is the surest path to God's will. In fact, in John's Gospel, it is Mary who brings about Jesus' first miracle at the wedding at Cana (John 2). So she tells him at 12 years-old that it is not yet time, only to usher in His time when He is older and ready. Obedience, therefore, brought about the right timing in Jesus' life.
Youth: "Ha, but I've got you now, Paul. My mom is not Mary, who was conceived without sin, who was therefore a perfect mother. So clearly I shouldn't have to obey her."
Me: "You're right, she's not Mary. But then, last I checked, you aren't exactly Jesus either."
Youth: "I have been schooled."
Okay, but seriously. My whole point is that there is a healthy tension. Parents need to realize that God calls early, and this is good. The Youth need to realize that this does not mean they are free to disobey and make trouble for their parents.
You youth, however, by living your faith within obedience can profoundly change your parents' mindset of your call. I mean, what parent can object to you living your Faith more fully if it makes you more obedient to them, as well as more loving and patient...? And by your faith, they too will be more fully converted, and all of you will move ever closer to the path God has planned for you, a path that can change the lives of so many for the better. And let me tell you, it's an amazing path!
Lest the parents think they got off too easy (obedience sounds great!), I simply wish to remind you of the following: that in the very same verse that Jesus was obedient to His parents, we find that "his mother kept all these things in her heart" (Luke 2:51). So I charge you parents, like Mary, to seek within your heart and pray, asking God to guide you to make the right decisions for your children. If your child is expressing a desire to seek the Lord, to follow His call, please encourage your child, talk with your priest, and pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit so that God's will may be done. Parents, do not be afraid to let your children follow God's call. If Mrs. Wojtyla (Woh-tee-wuh) had been afraid to let her child follow God, Karol Wojtyla might not have become Pope John Paul II, one of, if not the Greatest Pope ever. Trust in God. His plan is always amazing!
And just for a little inspirational music dealing with this topic, check out the song titled, "Hope in the Young" (where I got the title for this post) by Jenny Klement at her website (I also have a link in my "Check These Out" section of the blog). It's a short clip, but it's very good, and I love this song.
God bless, and keep seeking the Truth!
I just wanted to drop a note of encouragement to all the youth that may read this, whether of their own free will or at their parents' behest.
I just wanted to say that you (the bold italic lets you know I mean it) can make a huge difference in this world. You are capable of bringing the love of Christ to a hurting world. You can listen and respond to God's call to draw this world back to Him.
You all have so much energy for a reason. Let me put it this way: Jesus, at age 12, was already stirring things up: He did not go with His parents in the caravan but remained in the Temple in Jerusalem "listening [to the teachers] and asking them questions" (Luke 2:41-52).
I love this story, because it captures the whole dynamic perfectly. The young are always ready to get going, ready to get out and accomplish something, to learn, to love, to change the world. The parents, however, get all anxious when something happens that they were not expecting. Indeed, in this passage, Mary says to Jesus, "Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety." Sound familiar, parents?
So the dynamic seems to be that the youth are ready to get out while the parents know that their kids still have something to learn, that they have some growing to do. How do we resolve this tension? First, we have to recognize this is a healthy tension. There is something to be learned on both sides.
Adults and parents can and should recognize that God calls us often from a very young age. Jesus' reply to Mary in this passage is indicative: "Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?" (Luke 2:49) Don't you bet Mary just wanted to slap Him? Kidding of course. But it does seem that Jesus is being a little insolent here, but of course He is not. He is God. He is perfect, and He would not do that to His mother. Though He did make them look for Him, and the next verse is great: "But they did not understand what he said to them." How many teenagers can relate to that feeling? Heh. It can often be hard for the parents to understand just what is going on in their teenager or adolescent child, even if this be for good.
The other side, however, is that Jesus, though fully God, responds as any 12 year old should respond to His mother: with obedience (insert collective groan from all youth). Yes, in Luke 2:51 we read, "He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them." We young-ins must learn that following God requires that we obey those set over us, for this is the surest path to God's will. In fact, in John's Gospel, it is Mary who brings about Jesus' first miracle at the wedding at Cana (John 2). So she tells him at 12 years-old that it is not yet time, only to usher in His time when He is older and ready. Obedience, therefore, brought about the right timing in Jesus' life.
Youth: "Ha, but I've got you now, Paul. My mom is not Mary, who was conceived without sin, who was therefore a perfect mother. So clearly I shouldn't have to obey her."
Me: "You're right, she's not Mary. But then, last I checked, you aren't exactly Jesus either."
Youth: "I have been schooled."
Okay, but seriously. My whole point is that there is a healthy tension. Parents need to realize that God calls early, and this is good. The Youth need to realize that this does not mean they are free to disobey and make trouble for their parents.
You youth, however, by living your faith within obedience can profoundly change your parents' mindset of your call. I mean, what parent can object to you living your Faith more fully if it makes you more obedient to them, as well as more loving and patient...? And by your faith, they too will be more fully converted, and all of you will move ever closer to the path God has planned for you, a path that can change the lives of so many for the better. And let me tell you, it's an amazing path!
Lest the parents think they got off too easy (obedience sounds great!), I simply wish to remind you of the following: that in the very same verse that Jesus was obedient to His parents, we find that "his mother kept all these things in her heart" (Luke 2:51). So I charge you parents, like Mary, to seek within your heart and pray, asking God to guide you to make the right decisions for your children. If your child is expressing a desire to seek the Lord, to follow His call, please encourage your child, talk with your priest, and pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit so that God's will may be done. Parents, do not be afraid to let your children follow God's call. If Mrs. Wojtyla (Woh-tee-wuh) had been afraid to let her child follow God, Karol Wojtyla might not have become Pope John Paul II, one of, if not the Greatest Pope ever. Trust in God. His plan is always amazing!
And just for a little inspirational music dealing with this topic, check out the song titled, "Hope in the Young" (where I got the title for this post) by Jenny Klement at her website (I also have a link in my "Check These Out" section of the blog). It's a short clip, but it's very good, and I love this song.
God bless, and keep seeking the Truth!
Monday, June 16, 2008
Rocky Mountain High
Come Holy Spirit! Pax Christi vobiscum!
Monks are awesome! (Bet you didn't see that line coming. Got to keep you guessing somehow.)
Friday afternoon, after having completed quasi (Italian for "almost," used by Italians quasi all the time) all my exams, I decided that it would be best to get out of town for a bit, to get refreshed, relaxed, and reloaded for my last exam and for a month of service in India this coming summer. Pray for the four of us going out there by the way. We'll need it.
So to get recharged, I decided to head to Norcia in Umbria, quasi near Assisi. Basically, think beautiful, and you've got the right picture. The town of Norcia (also known by its Latin name Nursia) is a small, medieval, walled town, in a valley completely surrounded by mountains, complete with Basilica, clock tower, and, yep, you guessed it, it's very own set of Benedictine monks.
Therefore, when I say that I went to see some Benedictine Monks in Norcia, I'm telling you I saw it at its heart. These guys are all on fire for Christ, and guess what? They're all American. You can check it out for yourself. One of them, Br. Peter, is actually a good friend of mine from St. Ann. Pretty awesome, huh?
Then today, Br. Peter and I hiked up one of them there mountains. Well, actually, we drove up most of it...and then hiked. But we hiked enough so that I am not lying by saying "we hiked up it." It was an amazing view all the way up. To give you an idea of the landscapes, I'll just say that a good portion of our conversation was on Lord of the Rings. Capisce?
The best part of the trip had to be the top. The peak had a huge metal cross standing on top of it, overlooking the valleys on either side. A truly powerful image. Then there's the deep symbolism: the cross, much like the mountain, is the place where heaven meets earth.
After our "hike" down the mountain. I loaded up and headed back to Rome. I was blessed to have a wonderful conversation with this older woman from Rome. As the conversation progressed, she ended up telling me what she thought Priests needed to do. She said, "I sacerdoti hanno bisogno di inspirare i giovani." OH, sorry, I need to translate. (Heh.) Translation: "The priests need to inspire the youth." I couldn't have agreed more, and I asked her to pray for me, that I might do just that, God willing I become a priest.
Then, as I arrived in Rome, taking the Metro and walking back to the Seminary, something was weighing on my heart. It was hitting me that no one really believes in God anymore, no one really cares. There was just a sense of a void. I looked around at everyone I passed, and I could see that the eyes of many of them were filled with hurt, confusion, even hopelessness. They did not know the joy that is in our God. Then it occurred to me: if there are a billion Catholics in this world, and even more Christians in general, how can that possibly be? How can anyone possibly be without the consolation that comes only from God?
I can tell you why. I was walking proof of it. I saw all of that, and I didn't try to offer what I could. But that's just it: if we simply reach out, and even try to talk about God, about the love of Jesus Christ, a huge difference could be made in a world so desperately in need of it.
So I leave you this week with a challenge: find some way to show to someone else the love you have received from God. Offer to say a prayer for them, ask them how their faith is going, or just ask how they are doing and really listen. We've really got to start showing the love of Christ to those around us if this world is going to get any better. And if you feel like you yourself do not know this love, say this prayer:
Lord my God, I trust and know that You are there, that You love me more than I could possibly imagine. And yet I do not know You as well as I would like, and I have difficulty trusting the truth of Your great love. I also know, however, that You give to those who ask, and so I ask You in faith: please show me Your love. Grant me the peace of resting in You. I open myself to receive all that You have for me. Let Your will be done. Amen.
I ask you, please give this a shot. Our world needs it...we all need it. Count on my prayers for you, and thank you for all of yours. They are felt. God is good, no quasi about it! God bless you all!
Monks are awesome! (Bet you didn't see that line coming. Got to keep you guessing somehow.)
Friday afternoon, after having completed quasi (Italian for "almost," used by Italians quasi all the time) all my exams, I decided that it would be best to get out of town for a bit, to get refreshed, relaxed, and reloaded for my last exam and for a month of service in India this coming summer. Pray for the four of us going out there by the way. We'll need it.
So to get recharged, I decided to head to Norcia in Umbria, quasi near Assisi. Basically, think beautiful, and you've got the right picture. The town of Norcia (also known by its Latin name Nursia) is a small, medieval, walled town, in a valley completely surrounded by mountains, complete with Basilica, clock tower, and, yep, you guessed it, it's very own set of Benedictine monks.
There's a pretty good shot of the piazza right there. You can see the Basilica on the right side with the Rose Window as well as the statue of St. Benedict right there in front of it. The other building pictured is some awesome looking (government?) building, including the aforementioned clock tower. And yes, those are mountains in the background. You may now wipe the drool off your keyboard.
A bit of background: Norcia just so happens to be the birthplace of St. Benedict, the founder of the Benedictine Order of Monks. He is also known as the Father of Western Monasticism, meaning if there are Monks that are not from the East, he probably had a hand in it.Therefore, when I say that I went to see some Benedictine Monks in Norcia, I'm telling you I saw it at its heart. These guys are all on fire for Christ, and guess what? They're all American. You can check it out for yourself. One of them, Br. Peter, is actually a good friend of mine from St. Ann. Pretty awesome, huh?
Then today, Br. Peter and I hiked up one of them there mountains. Well, actually, we drove up most of it...and then hiked. But we hiked enough so that I am not lying by saying "we hiked up it." It was an amazing view all the way up. To give you an idea of the landscapes, I'll just say that a good portion of our conversation was on Lord of the Rings. Capisce?
The best part of the trip had to be the top. The peak had a huge metal cross standing on top of it, overlooking the valleys on either side. A truly powerful image. Then there's the deep symbolism: the cross, much like the mountain, is the place where heaven meets earth.
After our "hike" down the mountain. I loaded up and headed back to Rome. I was blessed to have a wonderful conversation with this older woman from Rome. As the conversation progressed, she ended up telling me what she thought Priests needed to do. She said, "I sacerdoti hanno bisogno di inspirare i giovani." OH, sorry, I need to translate. (Heh.) Translation: "The priests need to inspire the youth." I couldn't have agreed more, and I asked her to pray for me, that I might do just that, God willing I become a priest.
Then, as I arrived in Rome, taking the Metro and walking back to the Seminary, something was weighing on my heart. It was hitting me that no one really believes in God anymore, no one really cares. There was just a sense of a void. I looked around at everyone I passed, and I could see that the eyes of many of them were filled with hurt, confusion, even hopelessness. They did not know the joy that is in our God. Then it occurred to me: if there are a billion Catholics in this world, and even more Christians in general, how can that possibly be? How can anyone possibly be without the consolation that comes only from God?
I can tell you why. I was walking proof of it. I saw all of that, and I didn't try to offer what I could. But that's just it: if we simply reach out, and even try to talk about God, about the love of Jesus Christ, a huge difference could be made in a world so desperately in need of it.
So I leave you this week with a challenge: find some way to show to someone else the love you have received from God. Offer to say a prayer for them, ask them how their faith is going, or just ask how they are doing and really listen. We've really got to start showing the love of Christ to those around us if this world is going to get any better. And if you feel like you yourself do not know this love, say this prayer:
Lord my God, I trust and know that You are there, that You love me more than I could possibly imagine. And yet I do not know You as well as I would like, and I have difficulty trusting the truth of Your great love. I also know, however, that You give to those who ask, and so I ask You in faith: please show me Your love. Grant me the peace of resting in You. I open myself to receive all that You have for me. Let Your will be done. Amen.
I ask you, please give this a shot. Our world needs it...we all need it. Count on my prayers for you, and thank you for all of yours. They are felt. God is good, no quasi about it! God bless you all!
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Curtain Call
Pax Christi vobiscum! Come Holy Spirit!
Okay, okay, I know I promised stories, but I need to write a reflection first, because I want to get this out there and also because I have an exam tomorrow (and procrastination reigns supreme!). So pray for us with our exams. Yes, I know it's June, but again, everything is later in Italy.
As I was visiting St. Peter's one day a few weeks ago, I ventured into the Adoration Chapel off to the North side of the Basilica. I often visit there to pray a Holy Hour in front of our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. It is an absolutely beautiful chapel, constructed and painted by Bernini and company (who the heck is Bob Ross?). The best part, though, is the golden monstrance on the altar, holding the Eucharist, which if you know Catholic Teaching, holds that Jesus Christ is truly present there, though it appears to be a simple piece of bread (see all of John 6, especially verse 55).
Well, I was on my way in, collar-clad and all, but being gentlemanly (that is a word), I decided to hold the curtain open for those passing through. You see, the doorway to the Chapel is just an open door with huge drapes or curtains hanging down in the empty space. This curtain-door reduces noise in the chapel...and it's fun to watch swing back on an unsuspecting tourist...uh, which of course is why I was holding it for them....
So as I was standing there, holding the curtain, it hit me (not the curtain): this is what a Priest is meant to be. The Priest is the one who stands at the threshold between Jesus and His people, pulling back the veil so that they may discover Him in the Sacraments. That is what it is all about.
And in light of that, I wrote a little poem. It's not complete, but I figured I ought to share it with you all. Please enjoy and then pray for Priests! God bless, and know you are in my prayers!
Okay, okay, I know I promised stories, but I need to write a reflection first, because I want to get this out there and also because I have an exam tomorrow (and procrastination reigns supreme!). So pray for us with our exams. Yes, I know it's June, but again, everything is later in Italy.
As I was visiting St. Peter's one day a few weeks ago, I ventured into the Adoration Chapel off to the North side of the Basilica. I often visit there to pray a Holy Hour in front of our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. It is an absolutely beautiful chapel, constructed and painted by Bernini and company (who the heck is Bob Ross?). The best part, though, is the golden monstrance on the altar, holding the Eucharist, which if you know Catholic Teaching, holds that Jesus Christ is truly present there, though it appears to be a simple piece of bread (see all of John 6, especially verse 55).
Well, I was on my way in, collar-clad and all, but being gentlemanly (that is a word), I decided to hold the curtain open for those passing through. You see, the doorway to the Chapel is just an open door with huge drapes or curtains hanging down in the empty space. This curtain-door reduces noise in the chapel...and it's fun to watch swing back on an unsuspecting tourist...uh, which of course is why I was holding it for them....
So as I was standing there, holding the curtain, it hit me (not the curtain): this is what a Priest is meant to be. The Priest is the one who stands at the threshold between Jesus and His people, pulling back the veil so that they may discover Him in the Sacraments. That is what it is all about.
And in light of that, I wrote a little poem. It's not complete, but I figured I ought to share it with you all. Please enjoy and then pray for Priests! God bless, and know you are in my prayers!
Doorway to Adore
There is a room of purest gold
whose beauties fly aloft,
where gather those on bended knee
whose whispers echo soft.
They gather there, from whence who knows?
Intentions all the same:
To see the One who rests within,
and softly calls their name.
And I, I stand here at the door,
the curtain mine to hold.
A collared usher leading them
to One who heals their soul.
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