Mar 29, About Today for Sunday of Holy Week

 This morning before doing my morning prayers, I'm reading this reflection from the Divine office. Please click on the following link. May it inspire your hearts today as move slowly through this very Holy Week.



Mar 29, About Today for Sunday of Holy Week



Peace,



Deacon Mitch 

Palm Sunday

As we approach Palm Sunday and Holy Week I want to invite you all to view this video http://youtu.be/Y3Vor55BoE0. Click on the link provided. 

Peace

Deacon Mitch

Hues of faith

This morning I stumbled upon this quote, and felt compellled to share. It touched me on many levels.

"With Christians, a poetical view of things is a duty. We are bid to color all things with hues of faith, to see a divine meaning in every event."

- Cardinal John Henry Newman

Peace

Deacon Mitch

From Fr Isaac

My buddy father Isaac has this as a heading on his blog. Knowing what I know of him now, this is who he is. Father Isaac is such a gentle soul, a man of laughter, definitely a man who sketches on everyone he comes in contact with. He has moved from place to place, and yet, he has time to be with people and that is the vocation for us all.

Peace

Deacon Mitch

Letting go, Letting the Spirit take over

It has been a very busy week. Mike and I traveled on Wednesday to Woodsville for the installation of the dean Fr. Al. We both received the opportunity to serve at altar with the Bishop. The journey felt like old times together. We both agreed we missed the journey, but not the classes.That evening before Mass I told Fr. Andrew I would be assisting him on Friday morning Mass. He immediately asked..."do you want to preach?" There was a moment of hesitation and then I said yes. Wow, not much time to prepare, and then I looked at the reading and then anxiety took over. I relaxed, prayed, and starting putting it together keeping in mind what Fr. Andrew said, short and one maybe two points. I was determined with some doubt about finally preaching without notes. Fr. Kyle in his last critique shared that I needed to preach without notes in order to be better. I would have to let go of the crutches that I have been using. I feel safe with notes, yet, probably not trusting in the Holy Spirit as I should. Before Mass Fr. Andrew said..." are you still okay?" Yes! He then asked what are your points and beginning with the first, and then the second, he immediately said got with that one. Again, the anxiety took over as I reviewed my notes,and then said...."I need to trust in the Spirit!" I closed my notebook and we proceeded with the Mass. The time came and then there was a calm, a clarity, a joy, in preaching. My point was that we are called to produce fruit in our lives, and I shared about a moment in High School that I was put on notice like the Priests and Elders that I was not producing fruit, that even though I thought I was making the grade, my teacher who was fair, tough, and truthful, reminded me in front of class that I wasn't. She found my hot button, like Christ knows ours and is pushing it to produce what he knows we are capable of. We are halfway through lent and we all need to do a gut and reality check. We need to look deep inside of us as we face Christ the Teacher in the eyes, and be honest about where we are so far and what grade, effort, or fruit are we producing. 

Peace,

Deacon Mitch

The epiphanies continue

Gospel Lk 6:36-38

Jesus said to his disciples:
“Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

“Stop judging and you will not be judged.
Stop condemning and you will not be condemned.
Forgive and you will be forgiven.
Give and gifts will be given to you;
a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing,
will be poured into your lap.
For the measure with which you measure
will in return be measured out to you.”

A thought on our journey together

Forgive us for failing to see Christ in the poor, the distressed and the troublesome,
– and for our failure to reverence your Son in their persons.
Instruct us, Lord, in the ways of your kingdom. From morning prayer!

Peace

Deacon Mitch