Signs are helpful to maintain order, ensure safety, and to provide pertinent information. I am wondering if my calendar has the adjacent sign implanted into my schedule. There hasn’t been much down-time this week.
I spent the holiday on Monday at the Abbey of St. Walburga with the administration, faculty, and staff of St. Laurence O’Toole Catholic School for a day-long retreat. Only a couple of the people had ever been to the abbey prior to this gathering. It is an amazing opportunity to pray with the sisters.
On Tuesday I headed to Casper for the annual Clergy Institute. We had Sherry Weddell for our presenter from Tuesday through Thursday. Her insights into forming intentional disciples gave us plenty of information to digest and ponder.
Today, I am back in Cheyenne preparing for the Holy Hour this evening at the Cathedral of St. Mary plus all of the activities tomorrow. Unlike Washington D.C., it appears that our weather will be quite cooperative for the march. We don’t gather thousands of people in Cheyenne, but we attempt to make a statement with a few hundred. Wherever you are, I hope you will get involved in building a culture of life.
The snowfall last night gave me an opportunity for some exercise this morning. (See how I turned shoveling snow into a positive event.) After I finished shoveling the driveway I realized I had a fairly good size wall of snow. A couple more snowfalls and I will be tempted to turn it into a fort. Yes, I may be getting old, but there is still a little kid in me that wants to hide in my fort and surprisingly smack someone with a snowball.
As I was shoveling I was reflecting back on Friday evening in Fort Collins with the Northern Colorado Men’s Forum. That gathering was a real shot in the arm for my energy and zeal. It was the first presentation of the new year for me and it really kicks my speaking schedule into high gear for the next ten weeks. Even though I didn’t specifically reference this passage Friday night, these words from Sacred Scripture keep reverberating in my mind today. “Submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7)
What actions have I taken in my spiritual journey to submit to God and resist the devil? How do I resist temptation to sin? I can’t simply build a fort and hope to keep the devil out. It requires an abundance of God’s grace and my cooperation with that grace. Subsequently, do I immediately turn to prayer and seek God’s grace when facing temptation? If not, why not? Do I believe in the power of prayer? Do I truly believe that God has called me to sanctity?
Near Year’s Eve is a night I like to stay home. The days of going out and partying to bring in the New Year have long since passed. In recent years I have made a commitment to spend more time in prayer on this particular night. There are many things for which I can pray in addition to safety for all of the revelers. Here is a sampling of what I will be bringing before God on New Year’s Eve.
First of all, I will come before God with praise and thanksgiving. Although 2015 has certainly had its moments of struggle there have been numerous blessings as well. Thus, it is time to give thanks for family, friends, shelter, food, clothing, a job, access to healthcare when my heart stopped beating correctly, and a whole list of other material goods that we have the opportunity to enjoy. I thank God for the gift of faith and a beautiful church in which to grow in appreciation of that gift.
There are always particular celebrations that are to be remembered in gratitude when reflecting over the last year. Our daughter getting married in May is one such event. Our son celebrating his 18th birthday would be another one. Wedding anniversaries are something to be thankful for regardless of the year. Margaret and I celebrated 27 years together this year. Anniversaries of other events are also a time for praise and thanksgiving. In 2015 it was 29 years since I was diagnosed with cancer the first time and 14 years since the second time. That means next year it will be two milestones in one year—30 and 15. It has also been 12 years since my open heart surgery. Although that fix seems to be wearing off, I am grateful that my two hospitalizations this year seem to have put me back on the right track again.
There are plenty of intercessions to be offered as well. It seems like there is never a shortage of people to pray for and concerns to be brought before the foot of the cross. Here are some of my petitions for this New Year’s Eve.
I pray for all church leadership—the pope, bishops, priests, deacons, religious, and all lay leaders striving to proclaim the Good News of Salvation in their respective roles. Fill them with zeal, energy, hope, integrity, courage, perseverance, and a genuine love for God’s people.
I pray for all who bear the name of Christian—may each of us live our lives in such a way that we truly bear witness to Jesus Christ.
I pray for all who do not know Jesus Christ—may they come to encounter the living God through the faithful witness of those who believe and follow in the footsteps of Christ.
I pray for all government leaders worldwide—may they govern with wisdom, prudence, and integrity as guided by the Holy Spirit. Specifically, I pray for own president, the vice president, the U.S. Supreme Court Justices, the U.S. Senators and Representatives, Cabinet Officials, ambassadors, and all appointees who wield power and influence.
I pray for all local government officials as well—the governors, lieutenant governors, secretaries of state, treasurers, auditors, senators, representatives, judges, mayors, city administrators, council men and women, sheriffs, and all appointees who wield power and influence. May each of them carry out their duties with diligence, prudence, wisdom, and integrity.
I pray for who are struggling in any way. I pray for those whose hearts are broken due to relationships falling apart. May the shattered hopes and dreams eventually be pieced back together in renewed spirit and vigor.
I pray for the incarcerated and all of their families–may they find strength, hope, healing, and conversion.
I pray for the homeless—may they find shelter in the immediate circumstances and eventually obtain a safe haven that is more permanent.
I pray for the unemployed and the underemployed—may all who seek gainful employment be successful in their endeavors.
I pray for all those suffering from physical illness—may they experience healing, comfort, and peace through the mercy of the Divine Physician.
I pray for all those suffering from mental illness and emotional issues—may they find solace and healing from the support and encouragement of loved ones as well as beneficial help from the medical community and the healing touch of our Lord.
I pray for all who are depressed, especially those contemplating suicide—may they reach out and get the help they need to cope with the current circumstances and be led to healing and wholeness in the love of Jesus Christ.
I pray for all those who are home-bound, in hospitals, nursing homes, and under the care of hospice—may they experience genuine love from those who care for their needs.
I pray for the terminally ill—may they find comfort in the love of family and friends and eternal hope in the embrace of Jesus Christ who is Lord forever and ever.
I pray for all those suffering from addictions. Through God’s grace, the help of others, and a definitive purpose to be set free, may each of you truly experience the freedom you desire.
I pray for all those family members who care for loved ones who are suffering—may God fill you with patience, fortitude, and strength.
I pray for all who are grieving the death of a loved one—may you find comfort and peace in the warm embrace of God’s love and the care and concern of other family and friends.
I pray for the safety of all travelers.
I pray for our law enforcement personnel and other first responders—may they be protected at all times, but especially on this particular night which generally adds to the stress level of their positions. Give each of them keen insight and awareness, quick reflexes and solid judgments, and bring them safely back to their families at the end of their shift.
I pray for all who are coping with natural disasters. This year I pray especially for my relatives and friends in Missouri coping with the flooding. May each of you be kept safe from harm.
I pray for our culture—may we turn back to God with our whole heart, mind, soul, and strength.
I pray that we may be aware of the sacred dignity and value of each human life from conception through natural death. May we build a true culture of life in our society.
I pray for all couples preparing for marriage and those who are newly married—may their future children draw them closer to Christ and to each other.
I pray for all children who will be born today—may they may come to know a world which chooses life over death and light over darkness.
I pray for all little children who await the birth of a new sister or brother—may the joyful expectation that shows in their eyes inspire their parents to hope and conviction.
I pray for obstetrical doctors and nurses and all who nurture the life of children in the womb–may God bless them for their faith, compassion, and love.
I pray for all who have been scarred by the tragedy of abortion—may they experience repentance, healing, and peace.
I pray for all people who work in the media—may God move them to a conversion of heart which reverences human life and upholds the dignity of human sexuality.
I pray for those who march for life in Washington, D.C. and all across the nation each january—may their voices be heard and the lives of children saved.
I pray for all those trapped in human trafficking—may they be set free from the bondage they are in and society effectively address the needs of the vulnerable among us.
I pray for the refugees and all persecuted Christians—may they find safety and security from those who want to do them harm.
I pray for all who have died this past year. May they rest in God’s eternal dwelling.
I pray for peace throughout the world.
Finally, I pray for myself. Lord, please help me to grow in wisdom and in favor with You in 2016. Give me Your grace and Your blessing that I may root out sin from my life and join my will more completely to Your Divine Will. Dear Lord, make me holy as you are holy! +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Dear Readers,
If you have specific prayer requests that you would like included in my list of intentions, please mention them in the comment section and I will certainly add your petitions to my list. If it is a private request that you don’t want everyone to see, feel free to e-mail it to me at: deaconvernon@gmail.com
I have posted this blog entry on the 30th to allow time for feedback so I can have the petitions all gathered by the evening of the 31st.
Please know of my gratitude for each of you who hold me up in prayer. Your kindness is truly appreciated.
I went for a walk but got a little concerned when I heard something running up behind me. I had not heard any of the dogs barking as I walked; they were all smart enough to stay indoors. Their “FitBit” wasn’t telling them to get some exercise. I turned around fearing the worst when I saw the neighbor’s two little goats following me. What a pleasant surprise!
The goats visited our house for a little while and then I walked them back to their own house. I felt like a little kid again bringing home a stray dog and asking if I could keep him. As my wife snapped the pictures of the goats I think she would have said yes if I would have asked to keep them. The neighbors who own them may not agree, but that is another issue.
Take some time to enjoy the simple pleasures of life that come your way.
My destination was one hour away. I allowed an hour and ten minutes for my travel time. It was a Sunday morning and traffic should be light. Road conditions should be good. A ten minute cushion should be just right. My destination is in sight just one block in front of me and that is when the red lights start to flash at the railroad crossing. My cushion is quickly eroding. I am so close, yet so far away.
I still arrived on time but not without my anxiety going up just a little. If I had made it 15 seconds sooner I would have been ahead of the train. Instead, here I sit. What shall I do? Well, snap a picture of course. If the time is not a total waste I will feel better about the delay.
Unexpected obstacles can happen in many areas of our day-to-day lives. In much of Missouri and other places in the Midwest it is navigating around flooded streets after the torrential rains. How do we cope? How do we adjust? I have prayed for patience for years and God allows these types of opportunities to arise that I may more fully learn the virtue. I guess I better keep praying and learning, because that train still ticked me off.
As the reports continue to roll in about streets being closed throughout St. Louis County and surrounding areas, and even Interstate 70 being shut down in places in St. Charles County, please know of my prayers for all those impacted. Apparently the middle part of the state has been hit hard as well. Watching the video with all 12 floodgates of Bagnell Dam open lets me know that many in that area will also be affected.
My kids gave me a “FitBit” for Christmas. Developing a sedentary lifestyle as I age, along with some health issues, makes it extremely important that I develop the self-discipline to get some exercise. Apparently, my kids recognized that my self-discipline in regard to getting physical activity isn’t what it used to be. Thus, they made the determination that I need a machine to tell me throughout the day that I am lazy. Merry Christmas to me.
Actually, it is a great gift and I am excited to start working toward a more active lifestyle. Walking 10,000 steps a day when you have a “desk job” is going to require some adjustments to the daily routine. As I looked out the window this morning I realized that I am going to need another Christmas present. I need a treadmill. The picture above doesn’t do justice to the current weather conditions, but there is no way I am going out for a walk in that kind of weather. It’s back to sedentary for me.
How frequently in life do we miss the opportunities to do what is right because the conditions aren’t ideal? Even if there are no obstacles to our goal, but there is a clear path to a lesser goal, do we tend to cave and go the easier route? For instance, I get the urge and desire to take time to pray and then I walk past the couch and the TV remote control. It is not an obstacle to my prayer, but it is a clear path to a less worthy endeavor. Do I have the inner strength to continue on toward my life of prayer?
I will get my 10,000 steps in today even if I have to go to the mall and walk indoors. However, I am going to attempt to do it outside when it warms up a little and the winds die down to a mere 50 MPH. The other obstacle is in knowing when it warms up. I guess I’ll know it is warmer when the ice melts off of the thermometer enough that I can actually see the temperature. I don’t think Wyoming ever got the memo about global warming.
Midnight Mass is one of my favorite liturgical celebrations. Please enjoy the photos (courtesy of Matthew Potter) from Midnight Mass at the Cathedral of St. Mary in Cheyenne, Wyoming with Bishop Paul Etienne as the main celebrant. (December 25, 2015)
Our house is quiet tonight. The celebration of Christmas has changed through the years as the children have grown. There is a whole different tone and tenor to Christmas when the children are young. Christmas Eve was always a big deal at my mom’s house. Those things changed in recent years as mom’s age and physical condition declined. Her death less than two months ago is a solemn reminder of the ebbs and flows of life. Now I am patiently waiting for Midnight Mass. (Okay, I am trying to figure out whether to take a nap or not.)
The bright moonlight gently glistening through the window gives a hint as to the glory of that night so long ago. Glory to God in the highest! I can almost sense the wonder of the shepherds. The gentle flicker of a candle in our home calls me to prayer and reflection. When my parents and godparents received the candle at my baptism we were instructed to keep the flame of faith burning brightly. When I think at how many times I have failed to do that I am especially grateful for the celebration of Christmas. I know that Jesus came to redeem me. What a blessing we celebrate on this holy night!
I checked out some books from the Laramie County Library this week to have some reading material on hand for the Christmas holidays. Getting a few days off will allow a little free time to delve into some topics that I enjoy. I never want to stop learning and growing.
The first book that I am reading is from the Leader to Leader Institute. It is entitled, The Five Most Important Questions You Will Ever Ask About Your Organization. I believe it is important for the Church to ask pertinent questions of itself just as businesses do. I am not saying that we are to completely run a Church as a business, but there are certain business practices that can enhance the pastoral ministry component without a doubt. Asking relevant questions can help determine the direction to go. The five questions outlined by the authors of this book are straightforward and simple. The answers may be a little more complex and difficult to ascertain.
1. What is our mission? 2.Who is our customer? 3. What does the customer want? 4. What are our results? 5. What is our plan?
As the authors break down the questions in detail it is easy to see why so many businesses, nonprofits, churches, and other organizations struggle with being successful or effective. It takes intentional effort and planning to explicitly fulfill the mission of the organization. Proclaiming the Gospel message is the mission of the Church. The methods in which we do that are many and varied. We have the sacramental life of the Church. We have the preaching, teaching, and healing ministry of the Church. We have charitable works to give direct assistance to those who are hurting. We have advocacy endeavors in which we strive to change the systemic structures of injustice. When we start delineating each of these endeavors more fully the questions are numerous.
Think about the liturgical experience of parishioners and consider all of the factors that play into that experience. Was the environment welcoming? This includes, but is not limited, the decorations, the temperature in the building, handicap accessible or not, good signage pointing to restrooms, classrooms, or other important venues, and well-groomed and pleasant greeters at the door.
Once the liturgy begins another set of questions come into play. Are the ministers prepared? Is the music relevant, uplifting, and done well so as to engage the people in the pews to join in the singing? Are the readers clear as they proclaim the Word of God? Is the sound system working properly? Is the preaching effective and “cutting to the heart?”
After the liturgy ends are the bulletins handed out with a smile? Is there any type of organized hospitality after the service? Is the parking lot cleared of snow, ice, and well-lit? These are just a few of the questions pertaining to the “how” of fulfilling the mission in just one small area.
After I nearly finished that book this evening I began a second one. It is by Bruce Loeffler and Brian T. Church. The title is, THE EXPERIENCE (The 5 Principles of Disney Service and Relationship Excellence).I have never been to a Disney Theme Park but I know that Disney has long been setting a standard for customer service. I am hoping to garner a few helpful hints in the book as to how I can function more effectively as a minister in the Church. Once again, I believe there are practices in the secular world from which we in the Church can learn. I am only 40 pages into it at this point, but it is looking like it will be well worth my time.
This reading has taken me away from reading as much political news this evening. That serves as a good distraction because the political news just generally makes me angry or depressed. One of the last videos I watched today was from NEWSBUSTED. Jodi Miller said that “Michelle Obama didn’t know what to get the president for Christmas. After all, Paul Ryan had just given him everything he wanted.” That summed it up for me and I could move onto other things.
As we inch closer to Christmas Day I want to focus on the blessings of life. Today I am giving thanks for the ability to read and comprehend. Also, I am giving thanks that I have been blessed with the opportunity to get a good education. Furthermore, I continue to be blessed with opportunities to learn and grow. This is no small matter. I can take classes; I can check out books from the local library; I can enhance my opportunities in life because I have access to these things. Not everyone in our world is as fortunate.
Our world has its problems. Indeed, our own country has its problems. There are times when it feels like we should just throw up our hands and give up. I know that we cannot in good conscience do that. We must be a beacon of light in a world enveloped in darkness. We don’t do this on our own. Jesus Christ, the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords has come to earth. He is the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE. When we were baptized we received the Light of Christ. We are to always walk as children of the Light. Let your Light shine!
