I received a text message this morning from an unfamiliar telephone number. It included a photo of my mom sitting among the Halloween decorations at the nursing home. Shortly after I received the text message my mom called from her phone to tell me to expect a picture. I told her that I already had it. One of the staff members kindly shared the festive surroundings with my mom in the midst.
Since my mom broke her hip earlier this year it has been a long journey of recuperation. Sometimes it has been a step forward and five steps backward in the healing process. There are times when the difficult days outnumber the good days in regard to how she feels. This can be quite frustrating for an individual who just last year was living on her own and independent. The dramatic changes in life that come along can certainly be daunting.
Since I am 850 miles away I don’t get to see my mom frequently. Although I talk to her each day on the phone it is good to see a picture so I can visually see how she is doing. The staff member was very gracious to take the time to snap the picture and send it to me (and give permission to use it on my blog). Acts of kindness like that do not go unnoticed.
It is too bad that our news cycles generally tend to focus on the negative aspects of life. Who messed up? Let’s highlight that for all to see. I have heard the horror stories of elder abuse in some of our nursing homes. It is awful. However, it would be nice to celebrate all the many nursing home workers who go above and beyond the call of duty in caring for the residents with gentleness, compassion, and love.
Last month my brother-in-law died. After a series of strokes he spent his final days being cared for in a nursing home. I was there the day before he died and was amazed at the number of hugs his wife received while she sat by his bedside. The staff cared for her as much as they cared for her husband. The best of humanity was shown during those difficult days.
It has been the same in my mom’s nursing home. During those times I get to visit I see staff members just poking their head in to say hello to my mom. There is genuine care and concern expressed by many. That helps put my mind at ease when I return home 850 miles away.
Today, I simply want to say THANK YOU to all those who work in nursing homes. Regardless of the position or job you hold, thank you for your love, concern, and commitment to making life as pleasant as possible for those entrusted to your care. There are days when I know your job is demanding and difficult. I also know you aren’t getting rich in the process. However, I want you to know that you are making a positive difference in this world one person at a time. May God bless each of you abundantly for your ministry of healing!
I stepped out my office at 4:30 P.M. to grab this photo of the capitol as the clouds rolled in to take over the sunlight. The colors of the trees and the glistening sunlight off the dome of the capitol made for a spectacular setting. A few minutes later and the sun was not to be seen. Change is in the air.
The three parishes in Cheyenne are celebrating the Sacrament of Confirmation this week. Last night it was at St. Joseph’s, tonight at Holy Trinity, and tomorrow evening is at the Cathedral of St. Mary. Many of our young people are being sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit. Change is in the air for each of them.
The power of the Holy Spirit in our lives is not something to be taken lightly. If we are walking in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father, and the power, communion, and fellowship of the Holy Spirit we should be witnessing definitive changes in our lives. If the gifts of the Holy Spirit are at work in us, the fruits of the Spirit should be readily visible to all. Are we growing in patience and kindness? Are we maturing as Christians? Is change happening in our lives?
A mere 20 minutes later and the clouds are in control.
The serenity of this small lake in one of our city parks is appealing. Enjoying temperatures in the upper 60’s today was a rare treat for this late in October. People took advantage of the opportunity to grasp these last few days of warmth before change begins to set in later in the week. Sometimes we want to hold onto something for as long as we can.
I want to hold on to the way I felt at 22 years of age. My senior year of college was probably the best shape physically I was ever in during my entire life. I could put my elbow on the rim in basketball. I could throw a baseball up to 85 MPH. I could run several miles without feeling like I was going to collapse. Where have those days gone? They are simply a fading memory.
I was grateful to have no commitments this past weekend. I spent much of the time resting and tried to help my body recuperate from these last couple of weeks. The hospital is definitely not a place to get rest. Besides all of the needle sticks, a Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE), and a cardioversion, vital signs must be taken at any point the patient appears to be falling asleep. Yes, two days in the hospital took a toll. Okay, my heart not beating properly may have contributed to the fatigue as well. Bottom line–I am far from being 22 years of age any longer.
It is time to kick things into gear again. It is my hope and prayer that my body cooperates in the process. Several evening commitments will lead to the weekend. On Saturday I will make the five hour drive to Gillette to begin the parish mission. I will preach the weekend Masses at St. Matthew’s Parish and then give presentations on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday evenings. We will also have lunchtime panel discussions on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday afternoons. On Monday morning I will have the opportunity to be on one of the local radio stations in Gillette to discuss the parish mission. On Tuesday morning I will preach at Mass in which the students from St. John Paul II School will be in attendance. These will be some full days while there. My “Get Up And Go” must be back into full swing by then.
The gift of good health is a tremendous blessing. The gift of suffering reminds us of the value of the gift of good health. Don’t take a single day for granted. Let each day be filled with grace and blessing regardless of the difficulties you may be facing. I may not be 22 any more, but I am still a child of God. It doesn’t get any better than that!
We are over half-way through the current 40 Days for Life Prayer Vigil. Have you been involved yet? Our government and Planned Parenthood may call it healthcare, but abortion terminates a life plain and simple. These children will never get the opportunity to go down a slide, enjoy the wind blowing through their hair as they swing back and forth, or teeter-totter? As I looked at the empty playground I could not help but feel heartbroken over what might have been. Nearly 60 million have been denied the pleasures of a playground. Countless mothers, fathers, and grandparents grieve their loss.
Prayer warriors–keep up the good work. I give a special “shout-out” to the 40 Days for Life Team in Fort Collins, Colorado for the great work you do. It has been a privilege to stand side-by-side with you. Also, I give a “shout-out” to the 40 Days for Life prayer warriors in Louisville, Kentucky! Not only are they faithful witnesses for life in Louisville, they have a great presence on social media. (They have good taste too. They follow me on Twitter.) Keep up the good work one and all. You are making a positive difference in our culture.
The United States Bishops decided in 1972 to set aside the month of October as Respect Life Month. The first Sunday of October is Respect Life Sunday. As you are probably aware, it was in January of 1973 that the U.S. Supreme Court decision of Roe versus Wade legalized abortion in our country. Since then, nearly 60 million lives have been taken through a procedure referred to as healthcare. It was almost as if the bishops could read the writing on the wall in 1972 as to what would follow the next year. We are a nation that should weep.
The impact of abortion has been immense. In addition to all of the children who won’t see the light of day, think about how many moms, dads, and grandparents have suffered from these decisions for many years after the fact. I have met with some of them. Their pain is real and deep. Thankfully, healing and forgiveness can be found in Christ Jesus. The mercy and love of our Savior knows no bounds. If you have been touched by abortion in any way, please know of God’s healing touch. Seek help if you are struggling to overcome the pain and grief.
The fall campaign of 40 Days for Life is going on right now. Life Chain also takes place this Sunday. These are ways we raise awareness and also pray that all may recognize the sanctity of each human life. I hope you will consider getting involved.
The “Respect Life” umbrella is a huge one. Obviously, 60 million deaths since 1973 through abortion puts that issue in the forefront. It will be difficult to get the other issues right until we protect the most helpless and vulnerable among us. Let’s take a look at some of the other issues.
The sale of fetal body parts has been in the news since the release of the undercover videos from the Center for Medical Progress. Embryonic stem cell research, reproductive technologies, and surrogate pregnancies also add some moral dilemmas to the mix.
Child abuse and child neglect are huge areas of concern in the United States. Some statistics show that a report of child abuse comes through about every 10 seconds. Over three million reports per year in the United States involving over six million children demonstrate a real problem in our country.
Education and formation may not seem like a life issue at first glance, but it is. Indoctrination can be very much a part of the educational system. What is being presented to our children, adolescents, and young adults in regard to the formation of their value system? As a parent, do you approve? Did you pay thousands of dollars for a college education for your child only to see him/her completely abandon the value system you had tried to instill as a parent? How was that for a return on your investment of tuition dollars?
Poverty, shelter, food, healthcare, and the other basic necessities of life are not as accessible to all as we would like. How do we as Christians respond to these needs? What role does the Church have in meeting these needs? Is this only a problem for the government?
Environmental stewardship has been thrust in the limelight with Pope Francis’ On Care For Our Common Home. Are we being good stewards of what God has entrusted to our care?
Labor rights have been in the spotlight recently as well. Just wages and safe working conditions are essential. Does this mean that a $15.00 per hour minimum wage is the answer? What is the role of the Church in this issue? What is the role of the government?
Immigration issues are in the news daily. At first it centered on our southern border. Now, the Syrian and Middle East refugee crisis will impact our nation. How do we as Church respond?
Human trafficking continues to be a major issue although it doesn’t get as much media coverage as other issues. How can we as Church better protect the vulnerable among us to keep them from being enslaved?
Violent crime and juvenile delinquency are social problems that never go away. The frightening component is the decreasing age of the perpetrators committing heinous crimes. How can young children commit such horrendous acts of violence as has been depicted on the news?
Imprisonment issues and the death penalty have been discussed for years. Since 1976, there have been 1,415 executions in the United States.
Mental health issues and the rights of persons with disabilities needs to be kept in mind as well. Mental health issues impact many people in a way that leads to homelessness, addictions, and other difficulties. How can we as Church better serve those in need of our loving attention?
End of life issues are growing more prevalent with each passing year. The killing of nonfunctional individuals is a growing concern. They may call it “mercy” killing, but euthanasia does not serve society well. Likewise, physician-assisted suicide may have been made popular by Brittany Maynard, but it is a slippery slope that will also not serve society well.
As clergy members prepare to preach this Sunday on the issues of life, they also prepare for the criticisms and push-back they will receive because of it. Some people feel like the preacher enters into the realm of politics when these issues are addressed. Please recognize that these issues are first and foremost MORAL issues. They are politicized to be sure. However, regardless of what the culture and society would have us believe, they are essentially moral issues. Our politics simply reflect our culture. At this point in time we are obviously a society geared toward a culture of death.
My prayer for each of us is that we recognize our intrinsic value in the eyes of God. In Jeremiah chapter one we read, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” In 1 Corinthians 3: 16-17 we read, “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.”
My encouragement to you today is simple. Be grateful for the gift of your own life. Thank God for the many blessings you have received. Life may not have always been easy, but it has been blessed by God’s grace. Secondly, help others understand the sacred value and dignity of each human life. We are each a temple of the Holy Spirit. How differently would our world look if we each understood that a little more fully.
Finally, keep in mind the Scripture verse we see touted at the football games. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, so that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3: 16
Today the Church celebrates the Memorial of St. Jerome, Priest and Doctor of the Church. His comment about ignorance of Scripture still resonates with us almost sixteen hundred years later. Are we reading the Bible and studying what it contains? Are we praying with the Sacred Scriptures? Is our life being impacted in a positive way because we are growing in our knowledge of the Scriptures, and subsequently, our knowledge of Christ? If we need a boost in our Scripture study, today would be a good day to start.
What fills you with energy in your faith journey? What inspires you to keep going on a daily basis? Has participating in the life of the local church community become drudgery for you? If so, how do you regain your joy?
We belong to Christ. Subsequently, we are people of hope. People of hope have every reason for joy. Is that reflected in your day-to-day demeanor? If not, today is the day I invite you to experience a renewed sense of hope and joy in the Lord!
I figured enough people would get photos of the eclipse yesterday evening so I took my picture earlier in the day. I was able to capture this moment of the sunlight streaming through the clouds. The beauty of God’s creation never ceases to amaze me.
As I looked at the clouds yesterday I could not help but think about all who are carrying heavy burdens. Social media provides an avenue for sharing information–sometimes too much information. However, it is also a mechanism in which people are able to ask for prayers as they experience a difficulty or hardship in life. I try to pay attention to those requests. There are quite a number of you who are dealing with a serious illness. Some of you are recuperating from surgeries and enduring physical therapy. Others are battling depression. Some of you are seeking work after having spent many years at the same company only to get laid off. Others are relocating due to finding new work and are struggling to cope with the stress of leaving family and friends behind. Some of you are dealing with heartache because of broken promises and shattered relationships. Others are grieving the loss of a loved one after many years of marriage. The light shining through the clouds is for each of you. Although the clouds may remain for a time, the light of Christ’s love will flood through.
If you are hurting in any way today, please know of my prayers for you. I spent part of my lunch time sitting in church lifting you up to our dear Lord. I am confident that God will meet you at the point of your need. There is much more than a glimmer of hope. It is the all-out brightness of the grace of our Lord, Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father, and the communion, fellowship, and power of the Holy Spirit dwelling in you. You may want to get your sunglasses as the magnificence of God’s love completely envelops you!
St. Vincent de Paul Statue in St. Vincent de Paul Church–Cape Girardeau, MissouriSt. Vincent de Paul Statue at Assumption Parish in O’Fallon, Missouri
St. Vincent de Paul has long been one of my favorite saints. I am a little biased because his feast day falls on a very important date in my life. However, his life story and the works he accomplished are amazing. Many Vincentian priests have had a significant influence in my life as well, and I am grateful for their faithful witness. I have also learned much from a couple of Vincentian brothers and a number of sisters who are Daughters of Charity. Their service to the poor and marginalized members of society is phenomenal.
The official name of the Vincentian Order is Congregation of the Mission. Thus, you will see the letters C.M. after the name of a Vincentian priest. I encourage you to learn more about their work. You can visit their website for details.
If you ever have the opportunity to attend a parish mission offered by one of the Vincentians I would strongly encourage you to attend. I have heard several of them on multiple occasions throughout the years and they are terrific. Fr. Richard Gielow C.M. is the Director of the Mission Team and is a talented preacher. His brother, Fr. Robert Gielow C.M., is also a wonderful preacher. They have each impacted many lives with their dynamic parish missions. You can learn more about their ministry at:
I extend my gratitude to all of the Vincentians and Daughters of Charity today. I hope you have a wonderful feast day celebration. To all of the parishes and parishoners bearing the name of St. Vincent de Paul or St. Louise de Marillac, I pray you have a very blessed day.
As a side note–since I was just at St. Vincent de Paul Paish in Cape Girardeau, Missouri last weekend–I have the inside information that they are going to have turtle races as part of their celebration today. How cool is that!
