“Whatever projects we have and however well we plan them, many times situations that are beyond our control and involve a whole host of events contrary to our expectations, hopes, and desires occur, and we must accept it.” (From Jacques Philippe from his book Interior Freedom, p. 44.)

This can be something small, like yesterday when I arrived at the office door of my heart specialist and was greeted with a sign that said, “We moved.” The problem was I was right on time for my appointment. I would not be able to get an appointment for another month. Instead of allowing the wave of stress that was rising to suck me under, I breathed a bit deeper, as I dialed the number for the main office to see if the address on the door was correct and if they could call ahead for me to say I was on the way.

I followed through on what was within my control, took a few slow breaths, resisted any mental noise, and prayed someone would pick up on the other end of the line. All of which happened. I made my appointment and prayed for the staff at the office who would be receiving many patients like myself, who were not going to be as accepting of the inconvenience…

It would have been very easy to give into the temptation to yell at the locked door, but that would not have helped any. There are times when our plans and efforts regarding a particular outcome or just everyday life are changed. We have a choice to make in those situations. We really do. The key is to remember that little truth and resist the knee-jerk reaction.

Breathing, turning to, and trusting in Jesus is a good first step. When we don’t see the change we seek, we still have the same choice, to fight against or accept the reality of the situation. Much more of our lives than we would like to admit is beyond our control. There are some things in which we can bring about change, some experiences take longer than we would like, and some things we cannot change.

Silence from God does not mean he has not heard our requests. It may be there is need for some adjustments, that more time is needed, or there is something for us to learn. We learn patience by being in a situation in which we don’t want to wait and make the choice to be patient.

The best place to be when we find ourselves at a stand-still, where we would rather be moving forward, is to trust in Jesus and accept the situation. This has worked very well for me in traffic, which also happened yesterday morning on the way to my appointment. From acceptance can come a peace to see better our way through that we might have missed by overreacting.

We can learn or find healing in areas of our lives that we may not even have been aware we there. Above all, we grow in our trust in Jesus and our relationship with him. If at the minimum, we learned to be a little more flexible and patient, that is a good thing. We will experience more peace in our lives. As our flexibility and patience grows, as we trust Jesus more, and accept the interruptions, inconveniences, and hiccups that occur, we may actually receive a better outcome than we imagined or planned in the first place!

Photo: We can learn from he adaptability and flexibility of palm trees. St. Vincent De Paul Regional Seminary, Boynton Beach, FL.

When you enter a Catholic church or chapel and look around you will find a sanctuary lamp. This is usually red glass with a candle lit. This can be an oil, wax, or electric candle. The sanctuary lamp is a sign that the Body and Blood of Christ is present in the consecrated hosts reserved in the tabernacle.

The Sign of the Cross, as I discussed yesterday, prayers like the Our Father and Hail Mary, all help to bring us into the presence of God as the sanctuary lamp directs our eyes to the tabernacle and the real presence of Jesus. They are ways of answering the call within coming from our loving God and Father inviting us to spend intimate time with him.

The word of God can be similar if we have ears to hear. The words of the Bible can be a dead letter if they just sit on the page, with the binder closed. But when we read or listen to them proclaimed at Mass, God speaks to us personally.

When we open our minds and hearts to hear those words, sometimes a spark of flame can fly off the page and ignite in our soul. As we ponder them, the flame grows. The word of God is alive and transformative just like fire. This happened to me about three or four weeks ago when I read:

“Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom” (2 Corinthians 3:17).

That spark ignited and as I continued to repeat these words to myself a flame of joy rose and expanded in my heart. I carried those words and returned to them throughout the day, and as I was falling asleep. I continued to do this all week and each time felt Jesus close. I felt his peace, consolation, and joy.

Like a sanctuary lamp, these words were reminding me that I was a living tabernacle or monstrance, reminding me that I was carrying Jesus as did Mary, the Christ bearer, who we are all called to be.

I pass these words onto you today, that you may also pray and meditate with them. May a spark touch the kindling in your soul and catch flame that you too may radiate the love of Christ and experience his joy.

Anchor yourself in these words of God and know that Jesus is present and you are free to experience the love of the Holy Spirit that can bring you healing, courage, clarity, strength, peace, and/or whatever you are in need of to be free. For where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.

Photo: Sanctuary lamp in the chapel of St. Mary’s Chapel, St. Vincent De Paul Regional Seminary, Boynton Beach, FL.

“In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”

When we speak these words, not only are we opening or focusing our time of prayer, but these words are a prayer in and of themselves. We are acknowledging and accepting the invitation of the three Persons of the Holy Trinity to dwell with and accompany us. God is always present and inviting us to be in relationship, just as, if not more present, than the air we breathe. This prayer helps us to be more aware of that truth!

This past week I have been more aware of the gift of this simple yet powerful prayer as I slowed down with the practice. As I said “in the name of the Father,” I would pause and take a slow, deep breath, or two or three before continuing, “and of the Son.” Breathing slow, and then finishing, “and of the Holy Spirit.” and added more breathing.

What I noticed is that as I did so, my mind quieted and I became less distracted. I also began to focus on each person of the Trinity and have a short conversation with each one of them instead of going through the motions. I carried this practice through the day, and in the midst of activities, just slowed down and called the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit to mind. This made for some peaceful moments of prayer and peaceful and joyful days as well.

Passing on to you this Sunday as you begin your week! Know that you are not alone.

Photo: My view each morning, St. Vincent De Paul Chapel, St. Vincent De Paul Regional Seminary, Boynton Beach, FL.

While Jesus was speaking, a woman from the crowd called out and said to him, “Blessed is the womb that carried you and the breasts at which you nursed.” He replied, “Rather, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.” (Luke 11:27-28).

Jesus is not discounting his mother nor putting her down in any way by his response. Especially because Mary is the exemplar of not just someone who, but one who other than he, consistently heard the word of God and observed it. Probably even before but the earliest record of this we have is Mary saying, “I am the handmaid of the Lord, may it be done to me according to your will” (cf. Luke 1:38). She was instrumental in collaborating with God’s will to bring about the salvation of the world in her willingness to bear his only Son.

The wonderful gift of what Jesus said is also an invitation to all of us. If we ever felt at some point that we never fit in somewhere, if we did not quite belong, or we didn’t measure up to someone’s or our own expectations, we need no longer feel that way. Jesus is inviting us to have a seat at the table. And the good news is that there is unlimited seating!

All we have to do is hear the word of God and observe it. Simple as that. And the other good news is that God has made us just for that purpose; to be like Mary and participate with him in bringing about the salvation of the world. The challenge is to be willing to identify what we are allowing to get in the way of first of hearing his word, renounce or let it go, and secondly once we can then hear his word, to be willing to act upon it.

I have been praying more often lately the prayer of St. Mother Teresa who asked that she could be a pencil in God’s hand. A beautiful image of fully surrendering to God’s will such that we can hear his word and act upon it as he moves us without hesitation. Just like Mary and Jesus do.

I will be participating in desert day, day of silent reflection Saturday so I will not have access to computer or phone until the evening, so I am sending this for Saturday ahead of time. Be assured of my daily prayers for you all as I take my evening Rosary walk!

Photo:  I begin and end each night’s evening Rosary walk with Mary. St. Vincent De Paul Regional Seminary, Boynton Beach, FL.

Link for the readings for Saturday, October 14, 2023

In today’s gospel account, Jesus is accused of collaborating with Satan because he has cast out a demon. Jesus quickly counters the absurdity of the claim by stating that, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste and house will fall against house” (Luke 11:17).

If there is one thing that Satan, the one who accuses, the father of lies, and his demons are unified on, it is to promote disunity, isolation, and chaos. They will seek any way to break through our defenses, our weaknesses, tempt, and mislead, to get us to even doubt the truth. They also seek to isolate us from one another. Here Jesus is healing a person from being possessed and it is made to look like he is in league with the devil.

Jesus reveals the error and builds on it with the truth, “But if it is by the finger of God that I drive out demons, then the Kingdom of God has come upon you” (Luke 11:20). The kingdom of God reveals and casts out demons, uncovers lies, and reconciles division. Jesus in his perfection comes to purify, cleanse, and to restore the true Father’s original purpose of harmony, oneness, and unity.

Jesus offers those in his midst a choice through his words. They can choose to recognize him as the Son of God who acts in the name of the Father and join him, or they can reject him and side with the enemy. They are free to choose and receive the consequences of their choice.

We are given the same choice today and with each choice we make. Do we take a moment before deciding to ask is this the will of God? Are our thoughts, words, and actions, divisive, hurtful, unkind, or are they unifying, empowering, and loving? For any in the first category, great! When we can admit that, then we can repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. It is important to recognize our need for healing, which helps us to be more prudent, and ask Jesus for help to begin again.

For those in the second category, let us thank Jesus for working through us. In both ways, we recognize the truth, and we continue to build on the love Jesus gives us, we trust him even more, we grow in relationship with him, and can better share the love he offers with others.

Let us choose Jesus today. Let us choose to be loved and to love in return.

Photo: The light of Jesus reveals the truth and the way and the life. Rosary walk, St. Vincent De Paul Regional Seminary, Boynton Beach, FL.

Link for the Mass readings for Friday, October, 13, 2023

Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.
He is like a tree
planted near running water,
That yields its fruit in due season,
and whose leaves never fade.
Whatever he does, prospers.

 – From Psalm 1

Placing our hope in the Lord is no mere positive outlook on life. When we place our trust and hope in Jesus this is an organic reality as much in line with a tree that is planted by running water where its roots can drink of its steady supply. Connected to Jesus we are nourished and transformed.

No matter how small or big a challenge or issue we may be facing, each time we turn to Jesus and seek his help our faith grows. When life is going well and we turn to him in thanksgiving, our faith grows. Our relationship with him who is alive and well in our lives expands. Jesus is an infinite source, an eternal running stream of love for us that never runs out!

We can face any situation because we have an open hand always extended to lead and guide us. Let us take the hand of Jesus this morning and allow him to lead us into all the events and experiences of our day and continue to draw deep breaths from his love and living water.

Photo: Where I find my source each evening. Rosary walk, St. Vincent De Paul Regional Seminary, Boynton Beach, FL.

Link for the Mass readings for Thursday, October 12, 2023

“I knew that you are a gracious and merciful God, slow to anger, rich in clemency, loath to punish.” Jonah said these words not in an exclamation of joy but of exasperation. Although Jonah preached that the people of Nineveh would be destroyed because of their wicked ways, when they all repented, God did not destroy the city but forgave them all.

Jonah wanted God to enact his vengeance on them and to destroy the city. I am glad that we will not be judged by Jonah or any man at the last day but instead by God, who as Jonah and the Psalmist say is a merciful and gracious God (cf. Psalm 86). God shows Jonah the same mercy that he showed Job in his willingness to come close to dialogue with him.

God brought up how upset Jonah got with the death of the plant that only provided him shade for a day was gone. God then masterfully shifted to how much more he should care for the many citizens of Nineveh, not to mention all the animals. Perspective is important.

Just a few weeks ago we heard about how James and John wanted to call down fire on the Samaritans who refused Jesus’ hospitality and Jesus rebuked them.

In today’s gospel, one of his disciples asks Jesus to teach them how to pray, and Jesus offers a continuation of the lesson God was teaching Jonah: “forgive us our sins for we ourselves forgive everyone in debt to us” (Luke 11:4).

Luke’s translation is a bit different than Matthew’s version that we are used to reciting. God is a merciful and gracious God. He loves us more than we can ever mess up nor does not define us by our sins. God loves us as we are right now at this moment. Was Jonah willing to be to be loved by God and change his heart toward the Ninevites? We do know that John was willing to do so for the Samaritans.

For the one who wanted to call down fire on a Samaritan town would later write in his letter, “We have come to know and to believe in the love God has for us. God is love, and whoever remains in love remains in God and God in him” (I John 16).

The best way to remain in God’s love is to forgive.

Are we willing to ask our gracious, merciful, and loving God for forgiveness and be transformed by his love? Are we willing to forgive as he forgives us?

Photo: The light, love, and forgiveness of Jesus keeps us on the path to holiness. St. Vincent De Paul Regional Seminary, Boynton Beach, FL.

Link for the Mass readings for Wednesday, October 11, 2023

Hospitality was of paramount importance for the people of ancient Israel, then and for many cultures still today. Many of us can instantly relate to Martha. She is doing what she is supposed to do to honor her guests by taking care to serve her them. Yet, when she calls on Jesus to tell Mary to join Martha in the serving, she has overstepped an accepted social norm. In this setting, the guest is not one to be brought in to settle a family issue.

There are shades of the parable of the prodigal son here also. Mary is inside while Martha is outside dutifully attending to the cooking and serving and not too happy about it like the elder son who is seething that the younger son has returned and is receiving a party. Jesus does not admonish her serving and hospitality, nor that she broke social etiquette, but says, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things.”

What could Martha be worried about? Probably appropriate concerns, such as making sure the food is prepared, everybody has what they need, and when they need it. Also, she may be feeling harried and stressed thinking she has to do it all. Another point, which may be eating Martha up inside more than these other points, is that Mary is sitting at the foot of the teacher with the men, women are not supposed to do that! Maybe Martha would like to do the same but is afraid to step out of her comfort zone of what she believes is expected of her.

“Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things.” There may be many other issues beyond just these mentioned stirring up in Martha’s mental storm.

Jesus’ response to Martha’s request is not to ask Mary to get up and help Martha, but to the surprise of all sitting who may have been just as scandalized as Martha, Jesus says, “Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her.”

A thunder clap? A lightning strike to the heart of Martha? A response so in her face that Martha, and maybe for the first time in her life was anxiety free? Stunned for an instant, could she let go of her anxiety, break free of what she felt she should be doing and instead recognize that the Messiah is here in her home and join Mary and sit at his feet as well?

How many times have we found ourselves running on overdrive for unhealthy reasons because we are not dealing with our own issues and subconsciously believe, if we just work hard enough, those challenges will just go away, or at least we will be so tired we can sleep even if our rattling thoughts try to keep us awake? Doing good things but overdoing it because we receive validation and compliments instead of being satisfied with who we are as we are? We really don’t have to be on the go all the time, we can be, just be.

We too can stop and sit at the feet of Jesus. To be still and make time to follow his guidance about the best way to move forward in our sometimes harried lives can seem counterintuitive in the moment when there is another bill to pay, an unexpected illness, two or three papers are due, midterms on the horizon, the phone rings, a text dings, and an another email hums to make itself known, the tea kettle whistles, the baby cries… Time to hit silent mode, to press do not disturb, to shut the door, pick up and hold baby close, and just for five, breathe, and sit at the feet of Jesus and let him hold us close.

Over the long term, slowing down regularly is a more balanced approach. Allowing ourselves to be still, to breathe, to listen to the voice of Jesus speak in the silence of our hearts, can help us when life becomes too much. When we catch ourselves reacting or over-reacting to situations as Martha did instead of feeling at peace and acting, this is a hint that we may need to take a step back.

It is important to make time each day and at key times when an issue or issues warrant, to stop, breathe, and be still, to allow our hearts and minds to open to receive and abide in God’s love and ask for his guidance. Instead of reacting, we can instead seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit, ask for the strength to receive some more energy, and the clarity of how best to move forward. Jesus will let us know as he did with Martha what is the better part in each given moment.

If we are worried and anxious about many or even some things, are we willing to let go and choose the better part? Even for five or ten?

Photo: Anxious thoughts can gather like an evening storm but when we trust in Jesus, he will see us through to the other side!

Link for the Mass readings for Tuesday, October 10, 2023

I was walking with my parents in a toy store. I was about six or seven. Something, I no longer remember what, caught my eye. I stayed to look at it and not only lost track of time but my parents. After putting the item back, I walked around and my family was nowhere in sight. I walked out of the store and into the mall and looked left and right watching people going by and not recognizing anyone. I began to feel nervous and teared up.

My mother’s voice came to my mind which said if I was ever lost to stay where I was, and she would find me. I walked across from the entrance and sat down on a bench. After a few minutes, a woman walked by, and not only did she take the time to notice me, she was willing to make the time to come close, see that I was upset, and sat with me until my parents returned.

I wonder if she knew today’s gospel because she lived it out.

A scholar of the law challenged Jesus about what he could do to inherit eternal life. Jesus responded with his own question, “What is written in the law?”

Most likely a scribe, the man quoted Deuteronomy and Leviticus about loving God and neighbor. Jesus commended him and said, “do this and you will live.” He would have eternal life if he followed the precepts he just laid out, yet he missed it. He pushed the matter further by asking Jesus, “Who is my neighbor?”

Jesus welcomed the opportunity to answer him by following up with the parable of the Good Samaritan. The key point is that the Pharisee and the Levite both refused to come close to their fellow Jewish brother who was badly injured on the side of the road. The one who did come close, was not one of the injured man’s own, but a Samaritan. Not only was he willing to come close and see this man’s condition, he took care of him.

St. Mother Teresa shared a story of when she brought a cup of rice to a family because they had no food. The Hindu woman received the rice, immediately cut the portion in half and left. When she returned, Mother Teresa asked her, “What did you do?”

The woman said, “They were hungry too.” Mother was not surprised by her generosity, but that she was aware that her neighbors, a Muslim family, were hungry too.

Are we aware? Like this Hindu woman, aware of the need of those around us even if they are not like us? Like the Good Samaritan, who risked his life for an enemy? Like the woman who was willing to set aside her schedule, sit with and comfort me, until my parents returned?

Are we willing to resist the temptation to look away and be indifferent to the needs of others, or instead are we willing to be aware, to come close enough to encounter another no matter who they are, and to be moved with compassion, to love as we have been loved by Jesus, who was willing to come close, to become human, to bandage up our wounds and comfort us at our worst?

Henri Nouwen wrote, “Real care means the willingness to help each other in making the gateway of our brokenness into our joy.”

Photo: End my days with the mother of compassion, Mary – Rosary walk St. Vincent De Paul Regional Seminary, Boynton Beach, FL.

Link for the Mass readings for Monday, October 9, 2023

A deer is drinking water in a stream. It is calm and being refreshed from the cool water. Then it hears the snap of a twig. She freezes, her entire body tenses, endorphins kick in, breathing slows, the heart begins to race, it is hyper alert and ready to run. Her nose twitches and smells another known deer and, in a few moments, sees it coming closer. Not a predator, her mind and body begin to relax and within a few minutes she has returned to her natural, calm state.

The natural ways of God’s creation can help us in our modern, fast-paced, and technological world. God created us as human beings, as Aristotle identified us, rational animals. As human beings we too have emotions, and they are good. Anxiety is healthy as an emotion, can protect and keep us out of harm’s way as it does with the deer. It can also help us to get moving, enhance our performance, and is a sign that we care about what we do and have concern for those that we hold close to our hearts.

The problem arises when we still feel a heightened sense of anxiety after the stimulus passes, and we do not, like the deer, return to our original calm state. This is what we can glean from Paul in our second reading from today.

“Brothers and sisters: Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).

To be anxiety free is not possible nor is it healthy. Having our anxiety aligned in the proper order is the key. We face many stressors in our lives. The challenge for us is to resist the temptation to get into our minds and create false scenarios based on real or perceived threats and not only keep playing them in endless thought loops but create worse case scenarios to then increase our anxiety even more.

When faced with something distressing or anxiety producing we are to turn to God in prayer, do our part, and trust that he will guide, provide, and take care of us. We may have traumas from our past that make this more of a challenge, and here it is important to talk to someone to help bring those issues out of our minds and into the light where they have less potential and power to be debilitating.

In the case of chemical imbalances or actual anxiety disorders which are inhibiting someone from functioning, falling into serious distress, or seriously hampering their relationships, medication and therapy in conjunction with prayer and spiritual direction will be helpful.

In most cases of anxiety though, we can manage our levels with a proper balance of conscious deep breaths, physical exercise, proper rest and diet, including enough water, as well as foundational spiritual practices of Mass, the sacraments, reading, praying, and meditating with the Bible and the Rosary, and making time to just be still and present with God.

Turning to God and others we trust with our anxious thoughts also will help to defuse the mental assaults of the enemy who throws darts of temptation, accusation, condemnation, shame, half-truths, and outright lies at us in the attempt to isolate us from God and one another and lead us into desolation. Spending time each day thinking about what we are grateful for is a good counter move and will help us to feel more consolation.

Breathing, receiving, resting, and abiding in God’s love as often as we can, will lead us to experience the affirmation that he loves us no matter what we have done, receive his guidance that will lead us through any trial, conflict, or trauma, and his truth that we are not defined by our emotions. It is good to experience our emotions but be sure to make the distinction that we are not defined by them.

When anxious thoughts arise while in a stressful situation and definitely after it has passed, as soon as we notice those thoughts, we need to turn to and allow ourselves to trust in Jesus. The more we do so, we will experience his love, be reminded of who and whose we truly are, and know that we are not alone in anything we are going through. With each affirming experience, we will be grounded in “the peace that surpasses all understanding which will guard our hearts and minds” from any and all mental attacks.

Photo: My evening routine to decompress: Rosary walk around the lake, breathing and taking in the wonder of God’s evening displays of wonder! St. Vincent De Paul Regional Seminary, Boynton Beach, FL.

Link for the Mass readings for Sunday, October 8, 2023