Jim Mahoney's Blog - Sacred to Etc.

Lenten Posts - #22 of 47 - March 22, 2017 - Admitting Temporary Defeat

You may notice that the dates on the last few blogs do not correspond with reality or the actual date. My Lenten resolution was to write a daily blog between Ash Wednesday and Easter, 47 in all. I am behind. I am embarrassed. I am overwhelmed in various ways. Now I could simply mask this and carry on by getting less sleep, but is that helpful to me? (nah) And is it helpful to anyone who reads this blog. (I don't think so.)

One thing that keeps me going are the growing numbers of people who find things of value in the blog. Frankly, that baffles me - but who am I to question it?

So, I will try to regroup. My goal is to have the 47th post clearly written by Easter. If I cannot do it, then (full transparency) - I must be only human. I am overwhelmed right now. Sometimes, appearing joyful is not an easy thing.

I do have an ability to go on auto-pilot no matter how I am feeling inside. Sometimes this ability serves me well. But it is exhausting since I am in "public" view most of the time.

Pray for me as I do for you.

Today's Gratitude: Really nice people who mention that they found some things of value in these posts.

 

Lenten Posts - #21 of 47 - March 21, 2017 - Stress - Good and Bad

 

Everyone talks about stress. I have gone to doctors with various maladies, both real and imagined, I'm sure - and I just get so tired of hearing the doctor say that this is caused by stress. Way back when I was in college, I remember learning about the research of a doctor named Hans Selye who wrote about the impact of stress on everyone's lives. Now I find that his essential findings are still being used today. I just don't like it. 

What is my problem with stress being used as a cause of so many things in my life? Just possibly, it may means that many things in my life are out of control and certainly out of my control. As I read these words right now, it seems like I'm suggesting that I'm a control freak. How could that possibly be true? Sigh. 

There are two types of stress - regular stress which we call stress - and positive stress (eustress) which means that certain things which might not be perceived as negatives and instead as positives are both received by the body of stress. Hans Selye would be happy.

The spiritual issue is that I am not practicing decent self-care by not minimizing stress. (excuse the double negative in the last sentence)  I know that not all stress is bad. Nonetheless, it is so easy to slip into behaviors which cause stress. Not terribly successful here. Sigh. Must work more on this.

TODAY'S GRATITUDE: Right now, simply grateful that I am keeping my head above water.

Lenten Posts - #20 of 47 - March 20, 2017 - Patience (sigh)

I'm getting caught up with my posts due to the technical problems. By the end of today (3-20), all my technical stuff is finally working properly. It would be so great if I could say that everything else in my life that is a problem could be resolved so quickly. So this leads me to my topic for today - Patience.

True Confession - I tend to be highly impatient with technology. I tend to be highly patient with people who ask for help. But I confess that I am less than patient with people with whom I disagree if I feel that they are not being fair to others. I recognize that the times in my life when I am not being patient correspond almostly exactly with the times when I just do not focus on the person in front of me. I want them to get to the point. I want them to get on with things. I do find that, generally, the more that I listen to the other person, the easier it is to be patient.  But impatience comes when I am rushed, which sadly is a lot of times.

This leads me to the question about always being rushed. Why do I rush? I have been blessed with certain gifts. I am verbally facile. As part of my "self-improvement" strategies, I have taken a few speed reading courses. When I in school, I finished a number of the requirements at a breakneck pace. (In hindsight, why did I push myself?) I really did not know at the time, but my hunch is that if there was a requirement, I wanted to get on with it, complete it and go to the next level. This may sound like just arrogance. But that may suggest that I made conscious choices to keep moving and producing. In truth, I was doing it simply  because that was the only speed I had - rapid, get it done, move on to the next thing. Looking back, can I say that my life was better because I kept going things at such a pace. Nah. I wonder why I was so stupid in doing things that way.

Those who know me best are aware that one thing I see as a high compliment to make about  some people - when I am with them, I am peaceful. I just appreciate so much the times when I am not stressed, especially people who do not stress me out. This is also one reason why I love the Jersey shore. I do not like the sun, the water, the heat, and the sand. What I do love is the sense of peace. Sometimes, it takes us a long time to get wise about things that should be simple. This why we need to set time aside to pray to God. That is our center - and we each need it.

Today's Gratitude - For the times when I have actually been patient - ain't good to have so few times - need to work big time on this.

 

 

Lenten Posts - #19 of 47 - Stops and Starts and Stops - March 19, 2017

This one will be brief because my life has been saddled with a series of battles between me and various pieces of technology - and it was not really a contest - the technology won. The final insult was starting this past Friday night, the blog site that I use for this blog stopped allowing me to access the site - and therefore, I could not write or save anything or post anything. I would go back to the site almost hourly and it just sat there smirking at me. This would have been ok (although readers of the blog would have either wondered or smirked at my inability to keep to the deadlines) but my iPad also began major malfunctioning. So, I am just going to identify one spiritual thought - - life is a series of stops and starts and stops- - the danger is when we get overwhelmed by the stops and just lose heart at starting. I come back to the reminder of Jesus - do not be afraid. That is not a bad thing.

Here is the point - we stop and start and stop - and then do we just get tired, overwhelmed, fed up, and give up. The ability to regroup can be a wonderful thing - but it does not happen automatically. My suggestion is just keep repeating what Jesus says to each of us - do not be afraid. This is not complicated. But we can all slide and just get used to sliding and stopping and not changing this into starting.

Today's Gratitude - I am grateful for the times when I've been unafraid to start again (and I do admit, there are lots of times when I did not!)

 

 

Lenten Posts - #18 of 47 - March 18, 2017 - The 27th Anniversary of our Church

On March 18, 1990, Corpus Christi Church was dedicated. Our parish center was built in 1968. For many years, we worshipped in our gymnasium where metal folding chairs with kneeler behind them served us for pews. The basketball backboards were elevated for Mass. The altar was on a rotating pedestal on the stage. The area on the stage had pews and kneeler. This area, when the partitions were closed, was used for daily Mass, smaller weddings and funerals, and a place for confession.  

The Church was the response of the parish to the need for "sacred space." It was clear that a room where we played basketball and had parish events just did not give us a sense of the sacred. So our church and atrium were built extending from the front part of the parish center.

We all know what our church looks like - so no need to remind you of the beauty of our church. It is clearly sacred space. Our church is where we have the most intense presence of God in the Eucharist. This is why we come here for all the important events of our lives - the good times and the bad times.

Despite the bricks and mortar and wood and glass, the foundation of our church is truly the faith of our parishioners. Through your prayers and goodness, you help to build up our church constantly. On days like anniversaries, it is a time to look back and remember all those who came before us.

I have served here for decades. I remember towering figures of faith and goodness. I remember all those who were helped in our parish reaching out to those in need. I remember each generation coming here and praying and bringing its own gifts to improve our parish and help us to be better.

I pray for all of you. Please pray for our parish, our parishioners and staff, those who went before us, and those who will come after us.

The greatest gift in my life was the chance to serve you. Happy anniversary, Corpus Christi - and thank you.

 

 

 

 

Lenten Posts - #17 of 47 - March 17, 2017 - Being Irish - and Why Not!!!

March 17 is the feast of Saint Patrick, a time when all God-fearing Irish say a prayer of thanks for being Irish, pray to St. Patrick, march in parades, tell tales of their ancestors and ways in which they have been blessed by the fact of being Irish, and, ways too numerous to count, revel in the uniqueness of the Irish people.

Irish are stubborn, loyal, forgiving, infuriating, spiritual, did I mention loyal?, and so many other things. When I was in grade school and high school, we were told that the United States was a melting pot of different nationalities. What a ridiculous idea. We were never a melting pot. In fact, we are far more like a mosaic where each piece of the mosaic represents nationalities, cultures, places of origin - and if you dishonor or do not respect one piece of the mosaic, you hurt the entire mosaic. Without getting into the political skirmishes of our present day, imagine what a country we would be if we honored this idea of the mosaic. I am particularly saddened when some of Irish background do not welcome and honor every piece of the mosaic. They have clearly forgotten the times in our  country when signs were posted - "Irish need not apply."

For reasons that were not clear to me, I did not focus on being 100% Irish as I was growing up. It was only later in life that I started reading research on ethnicity and came to an explanation of why i am the way I am - and a lot of it centered on being Irish.

My point on Saint Patrick's Day - if you're Irish, be glad. If you are part of another piece of the mosaic, revel in that piece. If you find Irish people are a bit over the top on Saint Patrick's Day, forgive them. If you are part of another group who is over the top on your special days, then we must forgive you as well.

There are precious few reasons at times to celebrate in this troubled world. So, at least, let us celebrate our roots, our hopes, and our connections with all those who came before us and made us who we are today.

Erin go Bragh.

Today's Gratitude: I really think you can guess this one for me today.

 

 

Lenten Posts - #16 of 47 - March 16, 2017 - I used to like snow!

Does this photo of the Jersey shore seem like just a distant memory?

I used to like snow. I loved snow. I grew up in the Chicago area. When it would snow, often the wind would cause the drifts to come up to the top of our roof. I do remember the bitter cold, but did not mind it. I do not have a recollection of "snow days" where school would be canceled, although we probably had some of them. But snow was fun. Making snowmen ( probably today we would call them "snow people") was fun. We made snow forts. It was just a great time. 

I kept those feelings about snow as I got older. In my 30's, I began skiiing. I wished that I had started skiing many years earlier since  I found skiing exhilarating, often terrifying, and one of the few things I did that took my mind off everything else but the present moment. I suffered a couple of accidents, one more serious. Avoided surgery with one accident, had to have surgery with another fall, but on pavement, not on a mountain. Wearing a knee brace, I could still ski. But the question is "why would I ski when every part of me could be hurt except for the knee with the brace?" I actually do not miss it, especially the part of "terrifying" that was always part of my skiing experience.

Until a few years ago, I still liked snow - but now, I must say, even that pleasure has been transformed from something wonderful to a royal first-class pain in the neck. Is this part of maturity? I don't think so, but it is nonetheless a change, not completely welcome.

Is there a possible spiritual point to the above self-centered ramblings? Here it is:

I believe that we are each called to practice love of God, neighbor, and self. It is easy to love God and neighbor (well, most of the time!), but often I fall short on love of self. I think that many people do. Not skiing is an easy example for me of love of self. If I love myself, the person God has created, then I am being incredibly stupid at not respecting and taking care of myself. That is easy to figure out.

But what about no longer liking snow at all? I am more aware today of the hazards of skiing and the hazards experienced by many who slip and fall and slide on snow. In calling for office closings or delayed openings, I want people to be safe. That is good.

The somewhat sad realization as one gets older is that we cannot do everything, we cannot have everything, we cannot enjoy everything. Choices must be made. For the decades in my life when I just loved God's gift of snow, I cherish those memories. Those times are over and time to focus on other things. The spiritual point is that there are so many things in my life to cherish that not having one of them is not a hardship at all. It is a reminder to look more intensely at all the reasons to have gratitude every day. 

I am happy for people who enjoy snow and can still ski. But today I am even more happy to have so many things in my life that do bring me happiness. So - a message is to focus on what I have instead of bemoaning what I do not have. That's the spiritual message. Not terribly profound - but incredibly real.

Today's Gratitude: I am grateful for what I have - which really overwhelms any importance of what I do not have.

 

Lenten Posts - #15 of 47 - March 15, 2017 - Honoring Religious Freedom - George Washington's Letter to Catholics

Just a little history today about a topic that concerns me a great deal - Religious Freedom and Respect for the religious practices of others. This post is a little technical, but the principles behind it are so important. 

Today is the 225th anniversary of a letter which President George Washington wrote to Catholics in our new nation. In this letter and by his other actions, he showed his appreciation for religious freedom. His words are worth reading again on this anniversary. In many respects, they remind me of the clear and moral way in which President George W. Bush urged tolerance for Muslims after the heinous tragedy of 9/11. President Bush spoke to the best of our nation's heart. 

The perversion made by some of their religion does not then mean the rejection of all. As Americans, we are smarter than that. Religious freedom is something to be cherished in our wonderful nation. This has been a clear principle  of the Catholic Church, especially since the time of the 2nd Vatican Council in the landmark Declaration on Religious Liberty. While the Catholic Church had always taught the dignity of the human person and that we are all created by God, there was never a full connection of this teaching to religious liberty.

During the Vatican Council, Cardinal Spellman of New York brought with him an expert on Church/State relations, Father John Courtney Murray, a Jesuit. Spellman, an unabashed anti-Communist, wanted the experience in the United States to be used in considering the entire Church's understanding of religious liberty. Our experience of religious tolerance became the basis for the entire Catholic Church in respecting other religious groups. John Courtney Murray was the major drafter of the teaching on religious liberty. This has become an important Catholic principle. We have Cardinal Spellman and a Jesuit to thank for this development in our understanding.

 

 

 The insights and appreciation of President Washington can be applied to so many issues facing us today:

While I now receive with much satisfaction your congratulations on my being called, by an unanimous vote, to the first station in my country; I cannot but duly notice your politeness in offering an apology for the unavoidable delay. As that delay has given you an opportunity of realizing, instead of anticipating, the benefits of the general government, you will do me the justice to believe, that your testimony of the increase of the public prosperity, enhances the pleasure which I should otherwise have experienced from your affectionate address.
I feel that my conduct, in war and in peace, has met with more general approbation than could reasonably have been expected and I find myself disposed to consider that fortunate circumstance, in a great degree, resulting from the able support and extraordinary candour of my fellow-citizens of all denominations.

And I presume that your fellow-citizens will not forget the patriotic part which you took in the accomplishment of their Revolution, and the establishment of their government; or the important assistance which they received from a nation in which the Roman Catholic faith is professed
The prospect of national prosperity now before us is truly animating, and ought to excite the exertions of all good men to establish and secure the happiness of their country, in the permanent duration of its freedom and independence. America, under the smiles of a Divine Providence, the protection of a good government, and the cultivation of manners, morals, and piety, cannot fail of attaining an uncommon degree of eminence, in literature, commerce, agriculture, improvements at home and respectability abroad.
As mankind become more liberal they will be more apt to allow that all those who conduct themselves as worthy members of the community are equally entitled to the protection of civil government. I hope ever to see America among the foremost nations in examples of justice and liberality. And I presume that your fellow-citizens will not forget the patriotic part which you took in the accomplishment of their Revolution, and the establishment of their government; or the important assistance which they received from a nation in which the Roman Catholic faith is professed.

I thank you, gentlemen, for your kind concern for me. While my life and my health shall continue, in whatever situation I may be, it shall be my constant endeavour to justify the favourable sentiments which you are pleased to express of my conduct. And may the members of your society in America, animated alone by the pure spirit of Christianity, and still conducting themselves as the faithful subjects of our free government, enjoy every temporal and spiritual felicity.

G. Washington

Today's Gratitude: I am grateful for the gift of religious freedom in our nation. May we always cherish this - and the people who worked so hard to make this a reality.

 

Lenten Posts - #14 of 47 - March 14, 2017 - Struggling with Forgiveness

Here is a very honest assessment of my inner warts: I struggle with forgiveness. I know that Jesus mentioned forgiveness so often. He assigned it an importance far higher than many of things we call sins or failings. It is hard for me. Beneath this reasonably placid exterior, I am easily hurt. I take so many things personally. I have a memory like an elephant. I remember all slights, both real and imagined. I am phenomenally loyal - and phenomenally upset when others do not show that loyalty. I am a good friend beyond all measure. I am far more accepting of my friends than of acquaintances. I can forgive my friends lots of things, but not all things. There are some things which people have done to me which are really primal - they are the things most difficult to forgive.

I have lots of positive traits and have been blessed in so many ways, especially with incredible friends. But the point of this post is just my struggle with forgiveness.

The only way that i can forgive, let go, is to pray for the person. I cannot come up with any other alternative. If you're having trouble forgiving someone, then pray for them. It was be instant, but it will help, and in the end, it will heal. This is more spiritually important than writing thousands of words. Do it. Pray for them. AND ask God to help you. We cannot do it alone.

Today's Gratitude - I am grateful when I can finally forgive. Good grief, it takes me so long.

 

 

Lenten Posts - #13 of 47 - March 13, 2017 - What Pope Francis Means to Me

I love Pope Francis. He is the pope that i was waiting for since I was ordained. I know that John XXIII started opening up the church and folks did their best to close it up. Paul VI did many wonderful things with the 2nd Vatican Council. His encyclical on birth control changed everything. He never wrote another encyclical after that. John Paul II was great for the world, but the inner life of the Church was in decline. Benedict XVI, a brilliant theologian, tried to make things better, but did not have the stamina to address the problems that he inherited. His greatest act was in resigning - for he finally allowed the Church to begin to develop. He did not hang on when he knew that he could not do it. He loved the Church too much.

(I'm going to make a slight editorial comment. I have found that there are certain folks who attack anyone who is not completely positive about John Paul II, yet often these same people revel in attacking Francis. Well, folks, you cannot have it both way. I hear some priests saying that they are "Pope John Paul II" priests. I am not. I am also not a Pope Francis priest. I'm a priest of Jesus Christ. I could go on and on about this point, but it is Lent!)

I find it so easy to see Jesus in Francis. He has been incredibly challenging to me as a priest and pastor. He is toughest on bishops and priests. I believe he makes us better. I know that he makes me better.

I took the above photograph at a retreat that Francis gave to priests this past June, an incredibly high point of my life. Through an important connection, I was seated in the front row.

I have had different reactions to seeing various popes - have only seen three of them in my life. John Paul had incredible charisma in the early years. Benedict was quietly spiritual and thoughtful. But seeing Francis gave me an incredible sense of peace. I'll take it.

Today's Gratitude: I am grateful for the opportunity to have been on a retreat given by Pope Francis that gave me some renewed hope in being a priest.

 

 

 

 

 

Lenten Posts - #11 of 47 - March 11, 2017 - Why Not Write about Politics?

Once in a while, I have written about politics. In truth, deep inside, I am a political animal. This does not mean that I am partisan, but rather that I thoroughly exuberantly even joyfully enjoy the game/sport/art of politics. I am from Chicago where you are born Democrat and baptized Catholic. My father was an avid Democrat, my mother an avid Republican, so their votes canceled each other's out. In high school, while living in Wheaton, a suburb of Chicago, I had a political patronage job during the summers. Wheaton was a thoroughly Republican town and I wanted a job in the county court house. I had to make an appointment and get the endorsement of the county Republican chairperson, a legendary figure by the name of Elmer Hoffman. Mr. Hoffman told me that my parents voted split tickets, one for Democrats and the other for Republicans. He said that was not helpful to Republicans. Always verbally facile, I suggested that, while their votes canceled each other out, in truth, neither political party gained or lost. He took pity on me and signed the job application.

I have always been interested in politics, watched or taped every political debate during most campaigns. I became so excited about the political contests. Realizing that I am a rabid political animal, I have also taken great pains to never be political in my public role. I would not endorse a candidate or party - and have often remarked that neither party's positions are identical with being Catholic or even Christian. One of my only heroes was a presidential candidate in the 1960's who was assassinated. I love political history, having read Evan Thomas' biography on Richard Nixon, the great biography by Jon Meacham of Richard Nixon, and a great biography on the later years of Robert Kennedy.

Why tell you this as part of my Lenten blog? It has been said that we are what eat which would mean that, for much of my life, I was a chocolate chip cookie. We need to look at what consumes us - for me politics is one such thing. I mention this fact in my blog because politics has distorted my reality over the past several years. The candidates have been disgraceful. I found the debates akin to the Roman games in the Coliseum. Many politicians were the worst possible examples of responsible citizenship and compassionate leadership that I have ever seen. And now we have one of them as our nation's leader.

Why mention this? It is one of the reasons why I pray. I wonder whether God has deserted us in our political lives. I don't think so. I hope not. But it does cross my mind. This is a time of great discouragement - coming at a time when there are so many problems which need to be addressed. I am sad for our nation. We can do better. We can be better. God help us all - and always. We must pray.

Today's Gratitude: Despite everything, I am still grateful for our freedoms.

 

 

Lenten Posts - #12 of 47 - March 12, 2017 - Tomorrow is Pope Francis' 4th Anniversary as Pope

Tomorrow we celebrate that extraordinary moment in the life of the Church when Jorge Bergoglio was elected the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church. When word spread over thge internet that a pope had been elected, I followed the progress on my computer screen. Then it suddenly flashed the bulletin that Jorge Bergoglio, S.J., had just been elected pope.i immediately said to the screen, "Oh my God, a Jesuit."  Why such a reaction - because it meant that everything was going to change - we had never had a Jesuit pope - so what could happen to the Church. Then Francis walked out from Saint Peter's in Rome, looked out at the crowd, and this humble man asked for the world's blessing. The fact that he had taken the name, Francis, was a huge hint that this pope would be different. No pope had ever taken the name of Francis - out of respect and awe for Francis of Assisi.

To be clear, not everyone likes Francis. He is probably more comfortable with that than some other popes. Yet, lots of people like Francis. For me, one of the most difficult thing is that his election and style opened up hope and openness in the life of the Church - at a pace and intensity of expectations that would have been impossible for any person to meet. Mountains of books and articles have been written about him. You will probably see lots of media attention to his 4th anniversary. Since it is sometimes helpful to use Jesuits to understand Jesuits, I liked an article in National Catholic Reporter by Thomas Reese, S.J., obviously a Jesuit, a social scientist, for a former editor of America magazine until he was removed by a predecessor of Pope Francis.

Father Reese suggests that Francis has changed the church in five ways. Whether you like or loath Francis, Reese's five ways make sense:

First, the pope has called for a new way of evangelizing.
Pope Francis teaches us that "the first words of evangelization must be about the compassion and mercy of God, rather than a list of dogmas and rules that must be accepted." Some prior popes used some similar concepts, but Francis has spoken in language that we can all understand. This makes a huge difference.

Second, Francis allows open discussion and debate in the Church. This has not happened in a long time. It does make things messier, but he has brought about some freedom, rather than coercion.

Third, Francis is giving a new way of thinking about moral issues. Two major points made by Reese: He sees Francis "moving the church away from an ethics based upon rules to one based on discernment. God's grace and holiness can even be seen in the lives of imperfect people.

Fourth, Environmental issues have been given more of a central place in our Catholic faith."

Fifth, Francis has begun a reform of the structures and governnance of the Church.

I think that Reese presents a rather fair summary of his efforts since his election. He has brought seismic shifts in many areas of church life. Not all of his efforts have been successful. He is certainly opposed by a number of leaders = and also enthusiastically supported by many of the people. For many, Francis has made following Jesus in the Church something that is real and important and part of our daily lives. That is not a bad track record.

Today's Gratitude: I am so grateful for having Francis as a pope while I was a priest.

 

 

 

 

Lenten Posts - #10 of 47 - March 10, 2017 - Praying for our Country

We are all used to praying for ourselves, for other people, for the sick, and for people who have died. Well before Election Day, I began praying for our country. With full transparency, I was not excited about either of the candidates. In fact, I was downright discouraged. Actually, really downright discouraged. At the same time, one of them was going to become our President. That reality did nothing to mitigate my discouragement.

I started praying for our Nation - that our leaders would be guided by God in their decisions. An innocent enough request - but for days before the Election and now for the days since the Election, I have continued to pray for our Nation. I must confess I have little patience with those who just bemoan the election over and over. When I listen to these people (and frankly, I would feel the same despondency for either Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump), I usually have just replied - - conclaves for popes and elections for presidents have consequences. It is that simple. I am a little uneasy with the observation that we get the government we deserve. That seems like such a downer statement, but it may be true.

Now that I have been over the morass of my own discouragement about our political leaders (which does no good and only makes me more morose!), I go back to the need to pray for our Nation. We need to do it. We need to pray that we can be a nation worthy of the Statue of Liberty, a nation worthy of the legacy of Washington and Lincoln and other great presidents.

We need to pray for those who need health care. We need to pray for families that they not be separated - parents from children especially. We need to pray for a recognition of caring for our environment since we all happen to live on the same planet. We need to pray for moral courage. We need to pray for leaders who, though realistic, will give us hope. We need humane policies for immigration and realize that protecting borders is a good thing for a nation to do. We need to support our troops and take care of our veterans. This is my prayer list - add yours to it.

If you have not prayed for our nation, hopefully the above words might cause you to begin. We all need to do it.

Today's Gratitude: - I am grateful for living in the most wonderful country on earth - and one that can always become better.

   

 

Lenten Posts - #9 of 47 - March 9, 2017 - Choosing Joy

This quote from Henri Nouwen is the simplest serious reminder I have seen on having joy. I'm a constant seeker of joy. I'm often sad which is maybe the reason why I want to bring joy to others. It is not only the right thing to do - but, at some level, I am hoping to convince myself of the value and wonder of joy.

I see the parish as a privileged arena for joy - the joy of God - the message of Jesus - the conviction that, in the end, things do work out for the best. If someone comes to church and we have not been able to touch them with the joy of Christ - then we have to try harder because it is really important. Life's problems can pile on - this happens to everyone. But we can help each other see those things in perspective - help each other know that sadness is not meant to be a permanent state - and that we can and should try to choose joy. I don't do this often enough - but sometimes it happens - and it is so wonderful.

If you're looking for something helpful, meaningful, joyful - just go to amazon.com or the bookstore and buy absolutely anything by Henri Nouwen. I very much doubt if you'll be disappointed. I very much believe you will feel better and more hopeful about yourself.  Try it - you deserve it.

Today's Gratitude - I am simply grateful for those times when people have given me joy - and hopefully I have returned the favor.

Lenten Posts #8 of 47 - March 8, 2017 - Self-Improvement?

We live in a time when there are so many tools available for self-improvement. I confess that I am constantly trying to improve myself - sometimes I'm not very realistic - other times, I make a littie progress - once in a while, I make a lot of progress. The thing about self-improvement is that it has a few things built-in - -- - I'm not good enough. I can be better. There is so much room for improvement. If people only know all the things that I have tried to improve myself, they might be surprised or even laugh. (that's not very nice)

In every area of my life, I always try to get better. There are some areas where I have been spectacularly unsuccessful. Right now, I am doing the following things to improve myself: I'm taking an on-line vegan cooking course; I have some new books to help my preaching and speaking; I always read a few books each month on leadership and service; I have tools to pray better; and I also do various techniques to de-stress.

There is one problem with all of these things that I do - and it is simply that, while often effective, doing it all is exhausting. I don't relax well. I probably am not always that relaxed with just myself. I'm also shy. You can make a reasonable case that, in some ways, I'm a mess. However, it seldom bothers me.

I ask God to help me relax - to help me do better and be better. It is a very difficult thing for me to accept that God loves me just the way I am - and God loves you just the way you are. I work at it every day - and some day, I will learn to be relaxed about this. In the meantime, back to self-help! Pray for me as I do for all of you.

Today's Gratitude - I'm grateful when I remember that it's ok to be me.

 

 

Lenten Posts - #10 of 47 - March 10, 2017 - Walls

Like many, I have been profoundly troubled by some of the approaches being used to address those who are in this country without permission. I read the research which indicates that the net increase of illegal immigrants is plummeting. Everything I know in our Catholic tradition reminds me that followers of Jesus try to keep families together, parents with children. I believe strongly in borders as an essential part of our nation. I also believe in the dignity of the human person. I believe in being smart. I believe we must not be stupid in our national policies. I believe in reverence for all life.

I have reprinted some excerpts from an article by Miguel Diaz in a recent issue of America Magazine. Dr. Diaz is the former ambassador of the United States to the Vatican. He joins together parts of our tradition with the political realities taking place in our country right now. It really made me tbink. Here it is:

"On his first trip outside of Rome, in 2013, Pope Francis traveled to Lampedusa, the island off the coast of southern Italy where African migrants and refugees, many of them Muslims, first enter Europe. There the pope evoked a central theme within the Judeo-Christian story, the practice of hospitality and welcoming God in the presence of strangers (Heb 13:2). Speaking as a child of Italian immigrants to Argentina, the pope named and rejected one of the salient experiences of our times: the globalization of human indifference. He called upon nations to practice hospitality toward refugees and immigrants, as he pointed to the tragedy of human bodies lost at sea “in boats which were vehicles of hope and became vehicles of death.”

In the United States, the practice of welcoming “strangers” does not simply offer Catholics a way to keep Lady Liberty’s promise to accept “your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.” Catholics also welcome these persons as a fundamental expression of Christian faith. As the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant Peoples stated in 2004 (“Erga migrantes caritas Christi”), “In migrants the Church has always contemplated the image of Christ who said, ‘I was a stranger and you made me welcome’” (Mt 25:35). In refugees and immigrants, Catholics encounter the dislocated and displaced body of Jesus Christ.

The bridge-building principle that Catholic tradition offers is not an “alternative fact” open to interpretation. But recent executive orders and policy changes at the federal level with respect to refugees and immigrants, including this week’s new ban on migrants from several predominantly Muslim nations, have torn thousands of families apart. In particular, President Donald J. Trump’s plans to increase deportations will deepen the human suffering of undocumented persons whose primary reason for coming to this country was mere human survival.

For Catholics, the issue cannot just be about resisting, repealing and replacing these unjust immigration approaches with just, humane and comprehensive immigration reform. The signs of the times also call for a shift from cultural wars to cultural encounters. Far too many Catholics have signaled approval or remained silent when they hear others undermine the dignity and rights of persons, especially with respect to refugees and immigrants. These conversations construct “walls” that keep people from encountering one another. The human cost of these ideological walls far outweighs the material cost for the concrete wall the president wants to build with our southern neighbor—and no one should be willing to pay the toll of either. Instead, we must build bridges with our neighbors. The bridge-building principle that Catholic tradition offers is not an “alternative fact” open to interpretation. Rather, it represents the cornerstone of Christian belief and practice: The body of Christ knows and has no borders.

I read this article yesterday and just said, "Wow." Some may disagree. Some may agree. Regardless, these are important things for any believers to think about - and ask ourselves that haunting question, "What would Jesus Do?" I think, deep down, each of us knows the answer.

 

Today's Gratitude - I am grateful for the gift of knowing that God is not tied in with any political party. God is tied in with every person on earth because we are all created by God.

 

 

Lenten Posts - #7 of 47 - March 7, 2017 - Some On-line tools for Lent

Right before Lent started, i sent all the parishioners a mailing with various resources for Lent. The 3 on-line resources are things that I have used over the years and think that most people might find something helpful to them.

(complete transparency - there is one of the resources written by a person who was unkind in several books to a close friend of mine who had given him tremendous public support. So this fellow has some good things to say. I concede this. But I am not using him now in my own spiritual life. However, he is recognized as being really good for many people, so I included him. If you don't know me well, please know that I am phenomenally and irrationally loyal to my friends!)

Here are the 3 suggestions:

Sacred Space – This is one of my favorites: sacredspace.ie. You can also get this as an Apple or Android app under the title, Sacred Space. It is a calming experience and a great way to orient your life, especially if it is ever so slightly hectic.

3-Minute Retreat – Get the app for Apple or Android devices: 3-Minute Retreat. You can also find similar things at loyolapress.org.

Daily Digital Lenten Reflections with Bishop Robert Barron. Sign up at this website: http://www.lentreflections.com. You can use any digital device, smartphone, iPad, or your computer. You will receive a daily e-mail during Lent.

If I come across some other great things online during Lent, I'll mention them in this blog.

Today's Gratitude: I am so grateful for loyal friends and blessed to have had so many in my life.

 

Lenten Posts - Post #6 of 47 - March 6, 2017 - Back to Basics for Lent

(This will be a "bite-size" post - it is not an apology - I tend to like succinct things)

Lent is supposed to be a time for inner peace. I like inner peace, have certainly read about it, heard about it in the lives of other people, and have not personally experienced a great deal of it. So what to do?

I realize that you cannot have inner peace and feel at one with the world and with God unless there is some quiet or, minimally, a lack of frenzy. We have to be centered to have inner peace. This does not mean a perpetual state of being centered- that sounds frightfully boring. But it does mean attention to being centered at a few times during the day.

One of the easiest best ways for me is to simply say The Jesus Prayer. There are two versions - the slacker's version is to simply say the name "Jesus." I sometimes use the slacker's version if that is all the energy that i can muster. It is not a bad prayer. Just say the name "Jesus" a few times and focus on it. PIcture Jesus as you're saying his name.

 

The regular version is a little bit longer - twelve words instead of one:

Say it a few times. Pray it a few times. It will calm you, center you, and draw you into God's love.You admit your dependence on God and need for God. You join with Jesus. Not a bad thing to do.

Today's Gratitude - I'm grateful for being succinct and hopefully getting a better message across than writing something that goes on and on and on.

 

 

 

Lenten Posts - #5 of 47 - March 5, 2017 - Oops - Where Did Yesterday Go?

I have been determined to post in this blog 47 times for every day from Ash Wednesday through Easter. I schedule the posts so they appear on the blog around midnight. During Mass this morning, I realized to my chagrin that I did not write the blog yesterday so it would be posted at midnight. The day was so full with so many distractions that, somehow, it just flew right out of my mind. Then, the instant damage control got underway in my own mind.

Obviously, the first thing would be to figure out who I could blame. Clearly, I could not blame myself since I am perfect. Perhaps a series of emergencies yesterday could account for this. Not a real compelling argument since yesterday was pretty continuous work and nothing constituted an emergency. But I have announced on this blog that it would be written every day. My own commitment was to post it at midnight. Clearly I failed to do that. So, what to do now? Ah, I have an innovative, creative, and hard-hitting solution! I messed up. Honesty is seldom the worst answer in coming up with the answer to a situation. I must confess that I am never impressed by some people who never make mistakes when actually they do - and first thing that they do is to blame others. Interesting how this strategy is often used by the person who angered me so much several days ago.

So, sudden announcement. I did mess up. No excuses. (I don't like to make excuses. If I foul something up, I tend to admit it.) The post will be on the blog about 17 hours after I planned it to appear.

Is there anything I can possibly retrieve from the above two paragraphs that could qualify for a Lenten blog?

When you make a mistake, admit it. God knows we made a mistake. Other people might suspect it. It is entirely possible that the sun will still come up in the morning. Mistakes are not bad if we try to fix them. If we don't try to fix them, then shame on you, shame on me.

I do think this has turned into a decent blog. Sigh.  (Now I have to turn around and write a post for tonight which will appear for Monday, March 6.

Or I could follow Charlie Brown's suggestion:

British ticket agent:
Passport, please.

Charlie Brown:
Y-Yes, sir. We're just passing through. We're on our way to France, sir. I have nothing to declare, sir. I throw myself at the mercy of the court!

Linus:
We've only been two minutes and already he's embarrassing us.

 

Today's Gratitude - I am grateful when I can admit a mistake and not blame others. (I'm not perfect in this regard. Having people to blame is always wonderful, but actually it is wrong.)

 

 

 

 

 

Lenten Posts - #4 of 47 - March 4, 2017 - On the 4th (?) Day, He Rested

Can this only be the 4th day of Lent? Sigh. 43 postings to go in this Lenten blog.

Among my skills, it would be difficult to find skills called balance, perspective, pacing. In truth, those three things just are not on my radar screen - and I am not bragging about this, just sharing. I am not a manic-depressive with periods of being low and slow and other periods of being frenzied and high. I just tend to go along at the same pace - too fast, too intense. When I try to slow down, my system seems to react - pacing myself is almost an unnatural act.

What does this have to do with Lent? Plenty. My approach in this blog is to try to have postings that are roughly the same length. I'm writing this blog for posting tomorrow, Saturday. It is possible some common sense is trying to make a rare appearance in my mind. I'm really dragging. It has been a grueling week. I could push myself and produce an article of some length and complexity. I have always resisted the idea of "bite-size" chunks in terms of writing. As I sit here looking at the screen rather exhausted, I ask myself, "Jim, what are you trying to prove?" Sometimes, I have to practice self-care. All of us do. But many of us don't.

So, here goes. My post today comes down to this primal critically important truth: Love God. Love your neighbor as your self. Practice self-care. A Jewish psychiatrist once remarked to me that, for Catholics, loving their neighbor like they love themselves is a rotten thing to do to their neighbor. He was right.

So, love yourself - practice self-care. It is OK. God is even pleased with us when we do this. What are we trying to prove? What am I trying to prove? The only thing my reticence to practice self-care shows is that I'm really not very bright. Time to try for balance this Lent. Will you join me?

My gratitude today - God helping me come to my senses and pace myself. (not profound, but helpful) 

 

 

  

 

Lenten Posts - the 3rd of 47 - March 3, 2017 - Regrouping in Lent

Yesterday, I was in a rather bad mood - caused by this one individual. I was not happy about it. Lest you think that I just spontaneously erupt on people, this concerned one individual who has done awful things to people for many years. From the outside, this person looks pious, holy, and caring. From the inside, not so much. I am amazed at all the people that think this person is so wonderful - but go figure.

My reason for sharing it is that maybe there is something helpful to a person who reads this blog. I was not pleased with my reaction. I was also not pleased that I began the time of Lent like this and clearly was just seething - so maybe how I tried to get back to a semblance of balance could be helpful to someone else.

Here is how I approached a way of working through this situation yesterday. I knew that I had to pray for this person if I was going to keep one of my Lenten resolutions. I also knew that I was so tense and strung-out from the behind-the-scenes agina caused by this person that I had to reduce my own stress. So, since time is always at a premium, I prayerfully decided to kill two birds with one stone. I went to the Chatham Club and headed right for the treadmills - got on the treadmill and began praying the rosary for this person. I asked God to help this person. I also asked that God intervene so this person would not be so despicable to others behind the scenes. I noticed at that moment my heart rate was increasing on the treadmill. So I started to focus and pray and just calm down. By the time I finished, I was calmer - and I felt good about praying for this horrible, no-good, human being - oops - let's rephrase this - for this person who is a sinner like I am. (That's better and far more in keeping with the spirit of Lent.)

If you're having trouble with some people, maybe this process can help. The solution is spiritual and physical. Sometimes they work together like me praying on the treadmill. Regardless of the particular situation, I do know that, more often then not, things do not miraculously work themselves out - we have to be active. Jesus gives us a way. Why not use it?

Today's Gratitude: I am grateful that, in the midst of situations where I see no way out - I just recover and try to practice what I preach. It is annoying when I think about the times when I do not do this.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lenten Posts - the 2nd of 47 - March 2, 2017 - Not in the best mood

Can you find yourself in this chart?

 

I suspect that this chart may be far more a reflection on the priest or minister who gave you ashes than the person receiving them. Nonetheless, it doe seem that, apart from the varieties of Rorschach inkblots, yesterday's ashes are a remarkable reminder that we are all far more equal than superior or inferior. Each of us begins the days of Lent at essentially the same starting point. The starting pistol goes off - and we have about 40 days to finish the race - and become a better person. Rich or poor, young or old, we all received ashes yesterday. I find staggering, but instructive, that 60,000 people were said to have received ashes at Saint Patrick's Cathedral.

Catholics like ashes. The more snarky Church ministers refer to those Catholics who come for ashes and then palms to be the A and P Catholics. Amusing, but insulting.

Why did we like getting ashes yesterday? Religion, our relationship with the community and with God, comes at us from every possible direction and source. We like things we can touch. We like this sense of common humanity given us yesterday on Ash Wednesday. As we now enter more into Lent, I must confess that it is hard. I'm trying to be faithful to one of my Lenten resolutions to pray for people that I don't like. The difficult thing is that I work with one of these people - and I just consider the person a travesty of the Gospel. Bishop Casey, who ordained me, told me once, "Jim, you have to watch out for the holy ones."  How true he was. In the course of my life, I have been most enraged by the externally holy, pious ones - in terms of the goodness and consistency of their heart, not so much. The people who are always so caring when they are "on stage"  but then when you see them "off stage" and behind your back, not so much.

I am trying hard to work through this and pray for this one particular person. It is really hard because I am so angry. Today I want to kick kittens down the stairs. (not really, because I really like kittens) I just don't like the hypocrites, especially the ones who pretend to be spiritual.

I have to stop this post right now. I find it annoying to know that Jesus tells me to take the plank out of my own eye before I criticize the speck in the other person's eye. Well, I have news for you - the person that has made me angry has a lot more than a speck in that person's eye. It is a profound struggle for me.

Sometimes it is so difficult to be Christian.

Today's Gratitude is difficult to express because I am so angry: I am grateful for at least remembering what Jesus wants, rather than what I want.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lenten Posts - The 1st of 47 - Ash Wednesday, March 1, 2017

 

Happy Ash Wednesday. Although there are 40 days in Lent, apparently when the 40 days were calculated, the Sundays were not included - and Lent truly ends with the Mass of the Lord's Supper on Holy Thursday.  I was thinking of making it easy on myself - and just do 40 posts for Lent. But, what the heck - why not go for 47, all the way until Easter.  In truth, this is a spiritual discipline for me - part of my Lenten penance - and a clear way for me to focus on those things that seem to be important for my life in Lent and hopefully for you as well.

This will also be a process to focus on a daily gratitude. I'm not that great at being grateful. The vagaries of my life are that everything seems to rush by, my schedule is less than human, and I often get snagged, brought down, or feel morose - and simply forget to be grateful. I have so many reasons for gratitude. This will be one of my special practices during Lent. Since I am among the most private of people on this earth, it amuses me that I can write things for this blog that I would seldom, if ever, admit out loud. I guess we all have our quirks.

As I write this, it is the day before Lent - so what to do for Lent? The daily gratitude is one thing. Writing the 47 posts to this blog is another. But I do see the time of Lent as a time to look honestly where I am now - and what I hope to become by the end of Lent. I think that is a pretty good way to approach Lent - and a way that follows the axiom of progress, not perfection.

I'm going to use the time of Lent to pray for people that I do not like. It was either Pope Francis or Jim Martin, S.J. who suggested this recently. I don't know about you - but there are lots of people that I do not like. I can quickly become a little too self-righteous - a little too quick to stand on my soapbox - a little too critical - and, sadly, I become critical of people who are doing things that sometimes I do myself. Ain't good. I try not to judge, but I do judge. I am often far harder on myself than I am on others - but this is an area that I have to look at - and it won't be easy. So, I'll try to make this a habit over 47 days from now until Easter.  Seems a little better than giving up candy. (I had thought of giving up smoking for Lent - that does sound meritorious, but I do not smoke- so it would be the thought that counts - not the reality)

Forty-seven topics seems like a lot - already I'm grimacing. But let's begin. I will flagrantly use thoughts from people I consider wise - will usually mention the person if I have borrowed from them. There may be some links on the web that I like and that you might find helpful.

I will try to be sparse, rather than verbose - lots of bite-sized posts.

Among my goals is that, together, we might each become better people during Lent, closer to God and each other - and, most importantly - become people of ever greater joy.

Today's Gratitude: I am grateful for loyal friends who do not abandon me. (Hint - I have huge issues with abandonment!)