Author: Vernon Dobelmann

It is late morning on Black Friday as I write this entry.  The reports of lunacy are already starting to roll in through social media.  Getting into a brawl to save a few dollars on an item is not my idea of fun, but apparently it is all worth it for some folks.

I understand that the nation’s economy, especially for retailers, depends upon the Christmas shopping extravaganza which has officially kicked off into full swing now for 2015.  Many retailers operate all year in the red until this treasured time of year enters into the picture.  Spending habits during the next 30 days will give a significant snapshot of how healthy (or unhealthy) our economy actually is.  These days are important for the financial well-being of our nation’s economy.

Shopping is part of the tradition of preparing for Christmas.  However, I hope we don’t miss the bigger picture of preparing the way of the Lord during the upcoming Advent season.  As world events continue to play out in dramatic fashion, it would behoove all of us to prepare for those aspects of life which have eternal significance.

Chicago, Baltimore, and Ferguson demonstrate the racial unrest in our own country.  The presidential campaign has highlighted just how divided our country is on many different political and cultural issues.  Political correctness has ruined the lives and livelihoods of more than just a few.  Dialogue and compromise are no longer part of the equation.  Serving the common good can hardly be seen by our elected officials.  There is a thirst for power, money, and perks that can only be achieved if one stays in office.  Thus, it is all about getting re-elected no matter the cost to the constituency.

If elected officials are more interested in doing well for themselves rather than doing good for the people they serve, we are destined for some difficult days.  Personal agendas become the driving force behind decision-making when integrity is compromised for any reason.  Frequently, we can simply follow the money.  Who is financially backing a candidate?  Is that why they “evolved” on a particular issue?  (They no longer flip-flop on a position.  They evolve to a greater understanding.) 

If Pope Francis is correct and World War III has begun in piece-meal fashion, our way of life could be impacted immensely here in the United States.  There have always been “hot-spots” of violence and chaos throughout the world, but it is different now.  Technology and advanced weaponry will obviously shift the methodology of war in the modern era.  Countries who didn’t get involved in the past have the capability of engaging in the conflict now, and some of these entities do not have our best interest in mind.

The detrimental aspect for the United States that is different now than in the past is our divided country.  In times past we came together during a time of crisis.  Those days are over.  Every crisis now is immediately turned into an opportunity to pursue a particular item on one’s political agenda.  Leaders and statesmen are difficult to find.  If we are unable to correct this flaw among the Washington elites, we can kiss our freedom and way of life good-bye.  Black Friday shopping will simply be a distant memory.   

Where is the hope in all of this?  God continues to call us into relationship.  As you listen to the Scripture readings–especially on the first two Sundays of Advent–keep in mind that we are pilgrims on a journey.  Make a commitment to be a person of deep and fervent prayer.  Respond to God’s grace and love. Be a saint!  Pray for good and holy leaders to step forward in all walks of life.

A basket of flowers can brighten a hospital room, but the reality of suffering still casts a significant darkness in the air.  On Tuesday I spent quite a few hours sitting in the surgical waiting room at the local hospital as a family member was having surgery.  The word “waiting” takes on a on a whole new meaning in the hospital.  The tension in the room was palpable.

One guy in surgery had a whole cheering section in the waiting room.  They were there when I came in and they were still there four and a half hours later when I left.  As I was walking out the door the doctor finally came and spoke to them.  The surgery had gone well and after spending an hour or so in recovery he would be moved to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).  A tumor on the brain had the family and friends rightfully concerned.  There was a sigh of relief for them after the doctor’s visit.

A woman sitting in the corner all alone periodically had tears running down her face.  Apparently, a cardiac catheter procedure led to some findings which resulted in an immediate trip to the operating room for her husband.  Her anxiety was quite evident.  

Others sitting in the room were not as easy to read.  However, if you are sitting a surgical waiting room it is obviously not the best place to be hanging out for a good time.

As the time passed my I had concerns of my own.  What does it mean when the surgery was an anticipated 90 minutes and it has now reached beyond two hours?  Were there complications?  Eventually, the doctor came out to see me and assured me that the surgery went fine.  Now I simply had to wait another hour for the time in recovery. What was I to make of that when the time went to almost two hours and still I had heard nothing.  Oh.  They just didn’t notify me when she had been moved to a room.  Thank you very much.

We are sitting at home this Thanksgiving Day with no fanfare at all.  We are quietly resting and recuperating.  The snow and cold temperatures make staying at home look pretty appealing.  It was about 14 years ago when we were caught in a snowstorm in New Mexico on Thanksgiving Day and Interstate 25 was closed.  We had a hot dog for Thanksgiving dinner that year as we were stranded for hours in between Raton and Las Vegas, New Mexico. Sitting comfortably at home with no commotion is just fine in my book.

The holidays can be stressful for many different reasons.  Those who have lost loved ones during the past year may find it especially difficult to get through these days.  How do you celebrate when your spouse of more than fifty years just recently died?  How do you celebrate when you recently had to say good-bye to mom or dad?  How do you celebrate when someone you love is battling a life-threatening disease?  How do you celebrate when finances are so tight that you can’t figure out how to pay the electric bill much less buy Christmas presents or put on a Thanksgiving feast?  How do you celebrate if a loved one just recently walked out on you and abandoned you?  How do you celebrate if relationships are so strained within your family that you feel like it could snap at any time?  These are all legitimate concerns.

If you are struggling these days, please know of my prayers for you.  As we enter into the Advent season on Sunday, allow the grace of God to permeate every aspect of your life.  Jesus came as a helpless infant.  He knows and understands our sufferings, our cares, and our concerns.  Let us turn to Him and we will find rest for our souls.  Yes, His yoke is easy and His burden light.

The calendar for 2016 continues to fill with a variety of events.  I am looking forward to joining the parishioners of Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Casper, Wyoming for a parish mission in Lent.  This will be a powerful way to enhance the Season of Lent and focus our attention on the Year of Mercy as well.  If you live in the Casper area I hope you will mark these dates on your calendar and plan to participate. 

This will be my first official visit to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Fort Collins, Colorado.  I am looking forward to gathering with men in the community who are seeking to grow in their faith.  The NO CO Men’s Forum mission statement says that this is a “Christian ministry providing FELLOWSHIP, ENCOURAGEMENT, and SPIRITUAL NOURISHMENT through dynamic and inspiring Catholic talks for men of the community.”  

Once I read the mission statement I felt a little bit of pressure as to whether or not I can measure up to the expectations.  Am I able to bring a healthy dose of encouragement and spiritual nourishment?  More importantly, am I able to do it with a style that is dynamic and inspiring?  With the grace of God and the power of the Holy Spirit I will be up to the task.  I will do my best to continue the dynamic and inspiring tradition that has been established.

Temperatures dipped quite low this morning and wind chill factors went below zero. I bundled up and headed out for a brief walk despite the cold air. As I prepared to step out the door I noticed a couple of rabbits huddled up close to the house seeking a little shelter from the brisk wind.  They were reluctant to give up their warm spot and run away due to my presence, but it was evident they were also a bit concerned as to whether or not I was a friend or foe.

A few days ago I witnessed a jackrabbit running at full steam out of the prairie grass onto the driveway, down to the road, and eventually disappeared from view.  A few moments later the unsuccessful coyote in pursuit of the jackrabbit was standing in the driveway and looking for the next opportunity to grab lunch.  The coyote was obviously a foe to the jackrabbit.  The cycle of life (and death) is ever present for these critters.

On a human level, the recent terror attacks have heightened our fears, if not our awareness. Who is a friend and who is a foe?  Does our country (and other countries) accept refugees as they seek shelter from the violence in their homeland?  How do we know who is friend and who is foe?  There is a legitimate concern for safety.  Are we risking attacks in our own homeland by accepting people without a thorough vetting process?  The political rhetoric is often detrimental to good decision-making in these difficult times.  It seems that there is more interest in scoring political points than there is in solving problems in many instances. 

Liberals wanting to throw open our borders with full amnesty and citizenship remind others constantly that they are the compassionate ones living up to Gospel values.  If people who call themselves Christian would simply get on board all would be right with the world.  They view conservatives as people who are filled with hate and scared of “widows and orphans.”

Conservatives remind liberals that we are a nation of laws.  Rewarding people who enter the country illegally is not the role of government.  The role of government is to enforce the laws.  This issue was difficult enough to address before the Syrian refugee crisis, but it has escalated to a whole new level now. One of the constitutional roles of the federal government is to protect the citizens.  Will it do that or will it put us in harm by allowing mass immigration with very little safeguards in place?

This type of back and forth posturing is what keeps the 24 hour news channels going.  I do not have access to all of the intelligence information provided to our government from a variety of sources.  Thus, I cannot make well-informed suggestions as to what we should or should not do.  There are enough political pundits already spouting off opinions; I don’t need to join that crowd.  I have more questions than answers anyway.    

1. How did we let the chaos get to this level without prior intervention?
2. How have we allowed the extermination of Christians to take place without getting involved?
3. Who is pulling the political strings in all of this?
4. What are the personal agendas of our leaders?
5. Have the lies, deception, and lust for power among our political leaders become so ingrained that we are a nation headed to self-destruction just as other magnificent empires have done in the past?
6. Are we living in the end times?

As we near the beginning of the Advent season and spend some time reflecting on the second coming of Christ, be sure to seek the Lord’s mercy and forgiveness.  None of us know the day nor the hour when we will be called from this earth.  Be prepared.  Seek shelter in the only safe place that exists–the love of Jesus Christ.  Welcome the Sacred Heart of Jesus to extend the rays of Divine Mercy into your life.  

As we celebrate the Feast of Christ the King this weekend, make a commitment to allow Christ to reign in your life. ​

If you live in the state of Wyoming or anywhere near Cheyenne, I hope you will join us for a full day of pro-life activities on Saturday, January 23, 2016. There will also be a “Holy Hour” from 7:00 to 8:00 P.M. at the Cathedral of St. Mary on Friday evening, January 22, 2016.

Right to Life Events in Cheyenne

• Friday, January 22—Holy Hour from 7:00 to 8:00 P.M. at the Cathedral of St. Mary
• Saturday, January 23—Mass at 9:00 A.M. at the Cathedral of St. Mary
• Complimentary breakfast following Mass in Hartmann Hall
• Program at the Depot begins at 11:00 A.M.
• The march to the capitol begins at 12:00 noon.
• The “Celebrate Life” Banquet will be at 5:30 P.M. at the Little America Hotel. The keynote speaker will be Claire Culwell, an abortion survivor.  Tickets for the banquet are $75.00 for one or $125.00 per couple.  A child’s ticket is $35.00.  For more information please call Dave at 307-631-6142 or visit the Laramie County Right to Life website at www.prolifecheyenne.com.  
• If you are interested in participating in the annual essay contest please see the website for details.  Click on “Essay Contest” in the left hand column to view the details including deadline for submissions. (The website still reflects the dates of the previous contest but will be updated soon to reflect the current submission deadlines.)

Mom on 10-19-14

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This was a few years ago but is still a favorite.

It is hard to believe that in October of 2014 mom was able to travel with me to Tennessee and Alabama where we visited the Grand Ole Opry, the Ave Maria Grotto, EWTN studios, and Our Lady of the Angels Monastery in Hanceville, Alabama.  A broken hip soon after the first of the year sent mom on a downward spiral.  The struggle to make it through rehab was no small feat.  Unfortunately, it seemed that one complication followed another.

      The transitions in life are not always easy, and yet, we walk by faith.

It was a blessed five days in Gillette.  I am extremely grateful for all of the work that went on behind the scenes to make this an amazing success.  The food, the fellowship, the panel discussions all served to enhance the evening presentations.  My thanks to the pastor, Fr. Cliff, and Deacon Kim for all of the guidance and support.  St. Matthew’s Parish is a faith community that is alive and well.