All is quiet in front of the capitol building today, but the parade days will create a completely different scenario tomorrow, Tuesday, Thursday, and next Saturday. Cheyenne Frontier Days bring a festive atmosphere to the city with parades, free pancake breakfasts, big star musical entertainment, shopping, games, rides, and of course, “the daddy of em all” rodeo.
Ten days of fun–HERE WE GO!
The Missouri River in St. Charles, Missouri has long been a point of interest for me. I have enjoyed walking in Frontier Park soaking up the solitude along the river, and I have also participated in some of the festivities in which thousands of people have gathered in that same location. The power of the river can be fierce when flooding, and it can seem quite tranquil at other times. Regardless of the circumstances, the river demands respect. This weekend I experienced only the heat, the humidity, and the bugs. Other than a few other tourists and a couple of joggers all was quiet on the riverfront. I appreciated the opportunity for a little reflection time without a lot of distractions.
I have written about my personal journey before, but being back in St. Charles this week brought back the memories a bit more vividly. It was on July 17, 1986 when I was diagnosed with cancer the first time. I spent 52 days in the hospital over the course of a four month period. St. Joseph Health Center looks out over the Missouri River, and many times I stood in one of the lounge areas of the hospital and watched the river flow. I was angry at even the river. It seemed like a replica of my life because it was flowing right on by and there was nothing I could do about it. The frustration of such a predicament was beyond my understanding and the bitterness within me continued to grow. It got to the point where I watched people walking on the sidewalks below and resented them for being healthy. I could not believe this was happening to me.
Thankfully, God is patient. I spent a lot of time in the simple chapel at the hospital. Slowly, God touched my pain and brought the healing that can only be found in Him. I was broken in so many ways, but nothing is beyond the scope of the Divine Healer. It is difficult to imagine that I eventually would come to the point where I would help start a support group for patients and their families coping with a life-threatening illness. Our group met successfully once a month for more than ten years. I even became part of the hospital staff as a chaplain for a short time as well. God certainly moved me from a place of despair to a place of hope, and then threw me into an arena completely out of my comfort zone. The end result was a tremendous learning experience and a powerful blessing to my eventual ministry as a deacon many years later.
I had no idea back then where the road would lead. I wasn’t even sure I would survive the cancer–or the harsh chemotherapy treatments. It was a lesson in perseverance, but more importantly, it was a lesson in trust. The setbacks, the infections, the loss of a paycheck, the loss of independence, the loss of dignity, and so much more bombarded my mind. I probably wouldn’t have been ready to hear the question at that time, but 17 years later when the question came, I needed it then too. “Are you still praising God?” Life is not always easy, but it is blessed.
Today, I celebrate 28 years of survival since the first diagnosis of cancer. It was an expedition I didn’t choose, but it resulted in quite an adventure. This week when I looked at the statue of Lewis and Clark in Frontier Park, I had a deeper appreciation of their courage. How do you stand at the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers and embark on an unknown journey? Sometimes, we step out in faith. Let the glory of God shine forth!
Living most of the first 40 years of my life in Missouri I guess it will always be considered home regardless of where I hang my hat. It is 850 miles from my current home to my old stomping grounds, and this weekend I made that trek once again.
As I get older the trip gets a little harder, but if I can get other states to follow Wyoming’s lead it could be quicker. On some of the rural areas of Wyoming the interstate speed limit was raised to 80 MPH on July 1, 2014. I got to enjoy a little less than 30 miles of that in Wyoming before hitting the Nebraska border. Nebraska officials–I enjoy your state. However, I could still enjoy it at 80 MPH rather than the current 75 MPH. It’s just a suggestion.
I made the 14 hour drive on Friday and then the whirlwind of activities began the following day. I presided at the graveside service on Saturday morning where we buried the cremains of my brother-in-law Jerry at a small rural cemetery in Millwood, Missouri.
Then it was on to my mom’s house. I picked her up so we could go to the 5:00 P.M. Eucharistic Liturgy in which good friends were celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary. Congratulations JOANNE and ROSCO! It was a marvelous celebration and your family is simply a delight to be around. It was enjoyable to catch up with so many people I had not seen in years. The picture below is out of focus. That is due to the guy working the camera–not due to the subjects in the picture. (I should have taken more than one picture.)
It was an honor and a privilege for me to offer the invocation and prayer of blessing before dinner. Thank you Boone for the invitation to do so. Eventually, the festivities closed on Saturday and I took my weary mother back home so she could get some rest for the next day.On Sunday morning I picked my mom up and we headed to O’Fallon for my cousin’s 60th anniversary as a Precious Blood sister. Sr. Rose Marie Dobelmann is my first cousin, but she has also been a mentor to me. After I was ordained a deacon in 1999, I went to school for an additional year receiving specialized training in the administration of religious education programs. In 2000 I landed my first job as a Director of Religious Education. Although I had completed the schooling, I was scared as I entered into my first role. Sr. Rose Marie provided me with the guidance and support I needed to eventually become competent (I hope). Her years of experience and wisdom were a tremendous blessing to me as I began this new ministry.
Sr. Rose Marie has touched the lives of many people in her 60 years as a sister. She continues to lead faith discussion groups with women at All Saints Parish in St. Peters, Missouri. Based upon the number of those women present at her celebration, Sr. Rose is still touching lives and sowing seeds of faith. Thank you for your faithful witness to Jesus Christ. (Thank you Fr. Pat Ryan for your generous hospitality in hosting the dinner for Sr. Rose. Thank you also for inviting me to offer the invocation and prayer of blessing prior to dinner. It was a privilege to do so, and it was also a pleasure to serve as a deacon at Mass with you.)On Monday I spent time catching up with some work and clearing up a few e-mails that needed attention. I did get a little rest before heading back to Wyoming early this morning. As you probably know, vacation is not always restful.
In closing, I simply offer my thoughts and prayers to the farmers along the Mississippi River. I saw some beautiful looking crops, but unfortunately, many of them were standing in flood waters. I know the difficulties of farm life and the costly venture of farming bottom land. Getting a flood in July is certainly devastating. Please know of my prayers for you.
Independence Day takes on more and more meaning each year as I get older. Maybe it is wisdom incrementally growing in my heart and mind, or maybe it is simply the cold, hard reality of recognizing what we seem to be losing right before our eyes. The precious gift of freedom is intimately linked to our faith—unalienable rights bestowed upon us by the Creator—and as faith declines so does our freedom.I feel a sense of relief today as the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of Hobby Lobby in regard to the HHS Mandate requiring employers to provide birth control and other abortion related services. The split decision of 5-4 clearly indicates the divide in our court system and in our country as a whole. It is sad to think that “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” can be under such attack in our time.
I don’t get heavily involved in politics on a regular basis, but I have had a few occasions to testify before various committees at the state capitol on moral issues coming before the legislature. Some of the typical comments I hear after each testimony can be expected. I will leave out the colorful words used in these attacks, but the general message is simple. “Keep your religion to yourself.” Please understand that I am not advocating for a theocracy. I am simply asking for some solid Christian moral principles to be kept in mind as legislation is drafted, discussed, and passed.
If each public official has to check his/her Christian principles at the door when he/she walks into work, is it any wonder why we have seen the moral decline demonstrated in our legislative bodies as well as in the judicial system? If agnosticism and atheism are the only two world views permitted in the decision making process of political officials, we can expect nothing less than a continued moral deficit that becomes more pronounced with each passing day. The very dangers anticipated by the Founding Fathers of our country are coming to pass in our own generation. This republic form of government will not last without the guiding principles of Christianity as the foundation of our country.
Democrat or Republican, liberal or conservative, left or right—what does it all mean in the big scheme of life? Whatever happened to the common good?There are certainly going to be differing ideologies in regard to how society will best be served. A liberal mindset will typically welcome more government influence into the mix while a conservative will look to the private sector. Thus, approaches to various matters will be quite different based upon the political leanings of the individuals involved. Years ago a statesmen would typically arise from within the ranks. This individual would successfully bring parties and individuals together to reach a consensus on a particular issue after negotiations and compromises were skillfully and respectfully navigated. The current political climate would suggest that those days are over.
There are some good people with honorable motives who run for political office. Some of these actually win their races. However, it is not long before the discouragement and disappointment can be seen in many of these newcomer’s faces. The reality of the world in which they have entered can take a devastating toll on the emotional and spiritual resilience of even the strongest person. That is truly a sad commentary about the state of politics in our world today. Some of the veteran legislators smoothly navigate the churning waters of politics to hold onto their position, power, and prestige. A former legislator spelled it out clearly to me a few years ago to help me understand. He asked, “How does a legislator know when it is time to stop running for re-election?” I responded with a simple , “I don’t know.” He said, “When a legislator starts looking at things from the viewpoint of doing well rather than doing good it is time to go.”Working for the common good is an honorable goal. However, if a person starts to look at issues and events from the perspective of personal gain the legislative system spirals downward quickly. The individual legislator does well, but the good is not necessarily pursued for the people. How many of our legislators at the state and national level are doing well?
Unfortunately, the majority of the population has bought into the myth of the separation of Church and State. A clear study and understanding of the historical context of this issue is a necessity. It is too lengthy of a topic to cover in this post, but knowing the history and the writings of the early era of our country would serve us well as we move forward. Allowing the agnostic and atheistic viewpoint to completely hijack the process has not served our country well, and the consequences will be felt in dramatic ways for decades, if not centuries, to come.
The dysfunctional political machinations of our country are only a symptom of deeper societal problems. Recent surveys reveal time and again the continued cultural shift as more and more behaviors once looked upon as immoral, or even deviant, are now accepted, promoted, and celebrated. The progressives have been very successful in orchestrating a concerted effort to achieve these goals through the use of media, educational institutions, and billionaires throwing a lot of money to organizations and individuals in line with their ideology. The marketing prowess and expertise has resulted in a very complex system of individuals, institutions and structures working independently and cohesively toward a common goal of undermining the moral influence of the Church upon society. If the moral authority of the Church is diminished there are less obstacles to achieving acceptance of “alternative lifestyles” in society.
What is the bottom line? There is a profound need for a renewed call to holiness. Baptism cannot simply be viewed as a ritual devoid of meaning. It has to be etched into our hearts and minds as a call to discipleship. If we have any hope of being “one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all,” Christians will have to lead the way by faithfully living out the Creed they profess.
Four out of the last five years I have had the opportunity to make a retreat at the Abbey of St. Walburga in Virginia Dale, Colorado as a participant. I am excited to now have the pleasure of leading a women’s retreat at the abbey. The date has been set for Saturday, September 20, 2014.
This will be a small gathering with a maximum of 20 retreatants. Registration details will be forthcoming in local parish bulletins, but I want to encourage women in the Cheyenne, Pine Bluffs, and Laramie areas to give some thought to joining us for this day of retreat. Cheyenne and Laramie residents can reach the abbey in approximately 60 minutes of travel. If you have never been to the abbey, I highly recommend it. Of course, the sisters will welcome you into their gift shop while you are there.
Although the picture I have used is from one of my previous retreats, I am hoping there will not be snow on the ground in September. However, you never know.
Although the camera didn’t capture the brightness of the rainbow quite as well as I had hoped, the scene was simply breath-taking yesterday evening. The weather has dealt the region a few harsh blows in recent days with hail, torrential rain, and even a tornado or two, but the beauty of God’s handiwork is also quite noteworthy.
Early this morning I opened a couple of windows in the house and the cool, crisp air quickly lowered the inside temperature to 60 degrees. It was refreshing and invigorating. I din’t get to do that very often in late June when I lived in Missouri. I generally got up and lowered the thermostat so the air-conditioner would kick on. (It’s cheaper just opening a window. I’m all for that.)
I hope you have the opportunity to enjoy some relaxation time during the weekend. It is hard to believe we will enter the month of July on Tuesday.
Next week I will share some thoughts on freedom and independence in the light of our faith. I am waiting to see what decisions are handed down by the U.S. Supreme Court on Monday in regard to the HHS Mandate. The verdict which is expected to be announced on Monday in regard to Hobby Lobby and other organizations under consideration will give a glimpse into the future of religious liberty in our country. If the decision goes against religious liberty, the ripple effect will take effect immediately on Tuesday, July 1, 2014. Other cases currently being heard in appellate courts across the country will be impacted by the Supreme Court decision. It will be interesting to see the direction our country goes.
“This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it!”
“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:29) On this Solemnity of The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus we are clearly reminded of the boundless love of God. Let us embrace that love with our whole heart, mind, soul, and strength.
We are less than two months away from the Wyoming Catholic Men’s Retreat being held in Centennial, Wyoming from August 22—24, 2014. You can visit the website to learn more details and register for the event. http://catholicmensretreat.org/
The opportunity to step away from the rigors of day-to-day life to reflect and pray is a wonderful gift indeed. This weekend retreat in the picturesque setting of Centennial, Wyoming will provide such an opportunity. I invite and encourage men all across the state to give serious consideration to attending this retreat if possible. As the retreat leader for the weekend I take my role very seriously. I will do my best with the help of God’s grace and the power of the Holy Spirit to lead us into a profound encounter with Jesus Christ during these days.
Stir Into Flame the Gift of Faith will be the theme of the weekend. We will focus our attention on the magnitude of God’s love, the gift of salvation, and our life in Christ. We will also look at ways we can more fully open ourselves to receiving the gifts of the Holy Spirit and to truly grow in holiness each and every day of our lives. There will be times for quiet meditation, prayer, discussions, and of course, the celebration of the Sacraments. It is exciting to share the journey of faith together.
In an attempt to get your mind pondering, here are a few reflection questions.
1. What motivates you to put your faith in Jesus?
2. How has the Eucharist nourished you for mission?
3. How do you live the Beatitudes in a concrete and specific way?
4. What are the things in your life that you place before God?
5. What have been your personal struggles with prayer?
6. Whom do you need to forgive at this moment of your life?
It is going to be a fantastic retreat. I am looking forward to gathering with men from all across the diocese.
As a side note—LADIES—I was approached yesterday about leading a women’s retreat this fall. I have agreed to do this and plans are underway. It looks like it will just be a day long retreat rather than a weekend retreat because of the limited availability of dates at the Abbey of St. Walburga in Virginia Dale, Colorado which is the desired location for the retreat. As the date and times are finalized I will share the information with you.
Modern society has more than its share of social and political upheavals. Psalm 46 offers some significant reflections for leaders in the midst of these upheavals. Verse 10 (or verse 11 depending upon the translation of the Bible being used) extends a direct invitation to us. “Be still and know (confess) that I am God!” Psalm 100 verse 3 reiterates this command. “Know that the Lord is God, our maker to whom we belong, whose people we are, God’s well-tended flock.” As I ponder these verses I also recall that we have been purchased at a great price. (1 Corinthians 6:20)
Is it not wonderful to know that we belong to God? There is great comfort and solace in realizing that our names have been engraved in the palms of God’s hands. (Isaiah 49:16) Is this a gift we too easily take for granted? There are questions I need to seriously pose to myself regarding my ability, or lack thereof, to sit quietly before the Lord. Do I truly seek out solitude and quietness for meditation and prayer? Do I allow God to speak to me in the depths of my heart, or am I frantically doing all of the talking during my prayer? How disciplined am I at simply being still?
It is fascinating to review Psalm 46 in the light of the extreme actions that are detailed. I studied several different translations and the selection of words highlight the dramatic action to a lesser or greater degree depending upon the translation. One rendition says, “…he lifts his voice, the earth melts.” Another version says, “God’s voice thunders and the earth trembles.” The thundering voice of God and the earth melting are some images that can be etched into my mind. What happens when I place those images along-side the invitation, “Be still and know that I am God?” This definitely opens the door to, “Come and see the works of the Lord.” (Psalm 46: 8 or 9)
I want to encourage you to find a place to sit quietly before the Lord. This can be in your room at home, in a church, outside in the beauty of God’s creation, or another place of your choosing. Let the magnitude of God’s love permeate every fiber of your being. Let the agitation of daily cares and worries slip away. Allow the grace of God to move within you. TRUST that you have been wonderfully made and give God thanks and praise! (Psalm 139:14)
Feel free to share any of your profound prayer experiences in the comment section for others to read.
Praying the Liturgy of the Hours for the last 20 years has been an interesting experience. There are times when the psalms especially speak to me in regard to life circumstances and other times when they do not. However, there is one psalm that always makes me pause a little longer than the others, and that psalm occurred this morning. It is Psalm 90 verse 10 in particular. “Seventy is the sum of our years, or eighty, if we are strong; most of them are sorrow and toil; they pass quickly, we are all but gone.”
This passage is very sobering. The human frailty we experience in our day-to-day lives is a reality that is spelled out quite succinctly in this one verse. The following verses of the psalm add a piece of hope as the prayer continues. Verse 12 says, “Teach us to count our days aright, that we may gain wisdom of heart.” Verse 17 concludes the psalm with, “May the favor of the Lord our God be ours. Prosper the work of our hands! Prosper the work of our hands!”
How blessed we are when we gain wisdom of heart! That gift doesn’t automatically come with the passing of the years. It is a gift given to us through the love and favor of God if we are open to grace. The power of the Holy Spirit in our lives gives meaning to the toil and helps bring forth an abundant harvest of fruit. “…the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” (Galatians 5:22)
Yesterday, my mom started questioning me about a recent post on my blog concerning the aspect of feeling defeated. She asked if I was sick or if something else was wrong. I didn’t know the answer to that question exactly when she asked it because there wasn’t one specific thing wrong. It was more a compilation of a variety of issues. Today, I know the answer to her question, and it is articulated in Psalm 90 verse 10. Life is just difficult at times.
In closing, I would like to point out that my mom doesn’t have a computer and did not see any of my blog postings until a couple of weeks ago. Then, my nephew shared the post of my ordination anniversary on June 5, with her so she could see the pictures and the story. Now a friend of my mom’s has picked up the role of sharing my blog with her on a more regular basis. Since my mom will now be evaluating each word I write, I will simply give her a “shout out” this one time for surpassing the numerical expectations of Psalm 90. Mom, you not only made it past 70 and 80 years respectively, but have surpassed it by a decade. Thus, the picture above is just for you. Do you remember doing crazy things like riding a motorcycle in your 80’s? It makes me wonder. What did you do when you were younger?