The Cathedral of St. Mary hosted its parish picnic in the beautiful setting of Lions Park last Friday in Cheyenne. It was a gorgeous evening and many people took advantage of this opportunity to enjoy some food, fellowship, and fun. As I looked out over the lake I did my best to soak in every ounce of the remaining days of summer.
My schedule has moved into high gear as it always does at this time of year. I spent time with the faculty and staff of St. Mary’s School yesterday. On Saturday I will be with the catechists in Worland for a workshop. Next week I will lead a retreat for the faculty and staff of Holy Spirit Catholic School in Rock Springs. These days are truly filled with immense blessings.
As a new academic year begins and many of our church programs gear up as well, I simply pose this question for your reflection:
In what ways have you experienced God searching for you?
The story of the Church in America is an interesting one. We have been blessed by the sacrifices of many who have walked the journey of faith before us.
What will be pass on to those who are following behind us?
Keep the flame of faith burning brightly in your life!
How is it possible that we are entering into another school year already? It seems like the last one just ended. As a child I can remember our school year always began on the day after Labor Day, but now some schools are already back in session in the second week of August. Other schools have gone to a year-round system. One thing is clear. I need to grasp a few more days of summer fun before entering fully into the new academic year.
God has blessed us abundantly with the gift of nature. Have you been refreshed and renewed this summer by absorbing some of God’s beautiful gifts? Take some time. Smell the roses or the scent of the pine trees. Listen to the water in the stream. Let God speak to you in the quiet of the great outdoors.
I spent some time over the weekend watching the Olympics. The discipline and perseverance of the athletes is truly noteworthy. The personal stories of each individual on the road to the Olympics can be quite inspiring. There is a level of tenacity demonstrated by the athletes that may sting the conscience of those of us sitting comfortably on our couches watching the games on our television sets.
Although I enjoyed watching the Olympics as I was growing up I never had a desire to be an Olympic athlete. I enjoyed sports as a hobby. Getting up in the early hours of the morning to work out and practice never appealed to me. That sounded like a job, not sports. If I had known in my childhood that I was going to grow up to be 6’8″ tall maybe I would have looked at things differently. I had no control over my growth spurt of three inches per year in high school. That was not a skill; it was God’s gift to me.
It wasn’t until my senior year in high school that the thought of playing sports beyond high school became a viable option. I didn’t always enjoy practice, but it wasn’t completely over the top in regard to expectations. Training for sports looked significantly different forty years ago compared to today. I was able to play two sports at the collegiate level and had my education paid for because of those skills. There are no gold medals in my closet, but I do have some good memories.
As I watched the gymnasts and swimmers on Sunday I could only imagine the hours of training and practice each athlete had invested to reach this brief moment in time. Would the hard work pay off or would one flaw squelch the dreams? Watching the parents of some of the athletes sitting in the stands showed the level of pressure being felt by more than just the individual athlete. “The thrill of victory and the agony of defeat” was staring each individual right in the eye.
The Olympics mean a little bit more to me this time because I actually know a member of Team USA. DeAnna Price will be in the hammer throw competition. I have known DeAnna’s mom my whole life, and I actually played baseball with DeAnna’s grandpa. My wife was DeAnna’s seventh grade teacher. Thus, we are hoping she has an awesome experience and brings home a gold medal.
All of this started me thinking about my own discipline, or lack thereof, in the responsibilities of my daily life. Am I putting forth the effort to be successful in my endeavors? Am I satisfied with the status quo? I then took it out of the realm of work and just put into the perspective of my spiritual journey. Do I have the discipline necessary to become a saint?
We recognize that the gift of redemption is just that. It is a gift. It is God’s grace welcoming us into the fold. However, that gift of grace requires a response from each of us. Are we determined to be saints? Do we have the tenacity to get up early and spend time in prayer? Are we willing to go above and beyond the call of duty in regard to loving our neighbor? Sanctity is not for the faint of heart.
There are times when we can become apathetic and think that saints only lived in the distant past. We may incorrectly believe that sanctity is just for a few select individuals. On the contrary, all who have been baptized into the death of Christ have been baptized into His resurrection. We are all called to be saints. Are we living like we believe that?
Here are a few reflection questions to ponder in regard to your pursuit of sanctity:
1. Are you faithful in making time for daily personal prayer?
2. Are you participating in the Sunday Eucharist. Please notice that I used the word participating. This isn’t just about showing up to check the box “Fulfilled my Sunday obligation by attending.” Are you present with full, conscious, and active participation?
3. Do you receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation frequently? Do you recognize the need for forgiveness? Repetition of sin can lull our conscience to sleep. Are you examining your conscience thoroughly and truthfully?
4. Are you nurturing a spirit of gratitude and generosity? Do you complain about everything that is wrong with your life and the world or do you celebrate the gift of life with gratitude and generosity?
5. Do you seek opportunities for conversion? Is your faith journey receiving adequate attention or do you simply work spiritual things into your life when it is convenient?
6. Are you cultivating a love for justice and a desire for peace? What are you doing to make your little corner of the world a better place, a holier place?
7. Are you faithfully reading the Sacred Scriptures? This includes study, meditation, and prayer. Do you allow quiet time so God can speak to you through His Word?
8. Do you act on your moral values even when it is difficult?
9. Do you serve others willingly?
10. Are you intentional about growing in holiness, responding to God’s call in your life, and becoming a saint? Do you have the steadfast perseverance required to run the race to the finish?
This isn’t just about winning a gold medal. It is about our eternal salvation. Are you willing to unite yourself to God with total abandonment?
The rushing water over and around the boulders creates quite a picture. The sound is not captured in a still photo but the power of the roaring water is almost palpable. This photo from a stream in Northern Wyoming depicts how I have felt the last couple of days. August is here. Let’s pick up the pace.
Preparing for a new academic year always brings plenty to do. The demands on my time seem to increase with each passing year due to additional roles and greater responsibilities. When one works for the Church in a mission diocese there are multiple hats to be worn at the same time. Juggling is a skill that should be learned prior to entering ministry.
I enjoy the brisk pace (up to a point). There is excitement building around the upcoming events being planned for the new season. Conducting workshops for catechists, faculty workshops for our our Catholic school teachers, and presentations for a variety of church groups are all on my calendar for the very near future. Preparations for each presentation are well underway.
A new experience this fall will be attending diaconate formation weekends in my role as a member of the diaconate formation board. Although I have been ordained for over 17 years, I will be attending formation classes with the new group of aspirants beginning in September. While being of service to the men in formation I am sure I will learn a thing or two in the process. Going through formation for five years was difficult the first time. I am a bit concerned about doing it again even if I don’t have to do the homework now. It is quite a commitment of time and energy and I hope to support the men and their wives in formation as best as I am able.
World Youth day pilgrims from our diocese will be returning home this evening. I pray that their experience in Poland and Lithuania will bear abundant fruit in the years ahead. Give thanks to the Lord for He is good; His mercy endures forever.
I saw a comment this morning on social media which stated, “Last Friday in July. Slow down summer.” The days do seem to pass quickly as we get older. Psalm 90 verse 10 says that “our life span is seventy years, or eighty for those who are strong, and most of these are emptiness and pain.” That doesn’t sound very hopeful, but it states a reality that we should not ignore.
In my younger years I heard many sermons about the four last things: death, judgment, heaven and hell. While these were not delivered with the exuberance of the preacher portrayed in the movie Pollyannathey still sent an undeniable message. There will come a time when I render an account of my life before Almighty God. That is not to be taken lightly.
The political conventions are both over. Praise God for the opportunity to grow in the virtue of patience and long-suffering over these last two weeks. I realize that the nomination of a woman for president is an historical moment in our country. As I watched the camera focus in on a lady with tears running down her face, I knew this was a moment with great emotional attachments. There was a part of me that wanted to cry as well, but for a very different reason. Over the course of four days I watched repeatedly the boisterous applause and fanatical affirmation of the culture of death.
Abortion has touched the lives of many women (and men) over these last 43 years since Roe versus Wade legalized abortion in our country. My heart breaks for the pain and anguish that many women have experienced in their lives. Unfortunately, our culture has created a narrative around abortion that just does not expose the whole truth. The post-abortion grief and suffering is real. The pro-death politicians never seem to consider that part of the equation when promoting and celebrating the legalization of infanticide.
My dear friends, if you have been touched by the scourge of abortion in your life, please know that forgiveness and healing can be found in Jesus Christ. If you are struggling with grief or any other emotional distress following an abortion please seek help. There are people prepared to walk with you toward healing and hope.
I never imagined that I would live in a society where a whole convention center filled with people would jump up and down in glee each time the words rolled off someone;s lips regarding a “woman’s right to choose.” Think about it. People are emphatically celebrating the right to kill the most helpless among us. Let that soak in for a moment.
The various methodologies used in procuring an abortion all have serious repercussions. If the procedure is successful the baby always dies. Depending upon which procedure is used the baby is either ripped apart by suction, burned by chemicals, or worse.
Let me try to put this perspective. People in that convention center were clamoring in ecstasy about a woman’s right to kill her unborn child in the ways I just described. These same people would revolt and shout profanities to the moon and back if we considered utilizing any type of similar procedure on an animal. They would denounce the cruelty being inflicted upon the animal. It is truly a bizarre world in which we live.
The days of summer do seem to be passing quickly. With each passing day we are also a step closer to coming face to face with Almighty God. We have been blessed with the gift of time and with the gift of grace. What are we doing with these gifts? Are we using our time here on earth to be a faithful witness to Jesus Christ?
When my time on this earth is through and I stand before the King of Kings to render an account of my life, what will it look like from the perspective of God’s eyes? I sometimes imagine Jesus looking at me and asking a single question, “How did you love?” I realize that there are many times I fail to respond to God’s grace and love effectively and deeply. I miss opportunities to do good. For these moments I will need to seek God’s abundant mercy.
While I am physically and mentally able to be involved in the preaching, teaching, and healing ministry of Jesus Christ I will do my best to walk humbly with my God. I will continue to be a voice for the marginalized members of society. This begins with the unborn who have no voice of their own.
The shortness of time on this earth, when compared to the length of eternity, should prompt all of us to pause and meditate on this reality. It does not need to cripple us with immense fear when we reflect on the four last things. However, it should compel us to be more intentional about the use of our time. How frequently do we pray? How fervently do we pray? What are the priorities upon which we focus in our day-to-day lives? Are we genuinely loving the people around us?
The hope in all of this is simple. We are pilgrims on a journey. Our eternal home is with God. It doesn’t get any better than that.
It was mentioned to me today that I may need to consider changing the name of my blog because yesterday’s post was not very hopeful. I will admit that it has been difficult to see through the enveloping darkness around us both here at home and around the world. Let me assure you that I remain a person of hope because of the power of Jesus Christ.
The murder of an elderly priest while he was in the midst of the Eucharistic liturgy is quite disturbing. The desecration of St. Clement Church in Bowling Green, Missouri breaks my heart. The political rhetoric on both sides of the aisle continues to boggle my mind. The half-truths and blatant lies take a toll. Catholic politicians abandoning the faith to win votes is disheartening. Some comments are almost unfathomable. Nancy Pelosi reached a new low in her condescending remarks regarding the uneducated white male voters hurting Hillary Clinton in the polls because of gays, guns, and God. (God, meaning a woman’s right to choose.)
I remain hopeful because the turmoil that surrounds us has the potential to eventually lead us into being people of fervent prayer. I know many people are in the midst of fulfilling St. Louis de Montfort’s 33 day preparation for consecration to Jesus through Mary which culminates on August 15, the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin. This is a powerful method of growing deeper in our relationship with the Lord. I am grateful to be aware of several groups of people truly delving into these 33 days of prayer and reflection with great intensity and fervor.
Starting on August 15, will be the annual 54 day rosary novena. This will culminate on October 7, the Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary. A novena is 9 days of prayer. This particular 54 days of prayer consists of three novenas in petition (9 days times 3 = 27) followed immediately by three novenas of thanksgiving (9 days times 3 = 27). I encourage you to mark your calendar and join in this exceptional novena. You can learn more at their website: www.novenaforournation.com/
Despite the harsh realities we face in our country and around the world we continue to pray for an increase of the theological virtues in our lives–faith, hope, and love. Our joy is rooted in the love of God, not our politicians. We have a responsibility to stay informed and a duty to serve others. We do this not simply because of humanitarian motives. We do this because we are compelled by the love of Christ to be witnesses of Eternal Truth. My dear friends, that is why we are people of hope.
I had the opportunity to visit Fort Laramie, Wyoming yesterday and tour the premises. It was 98 degrees and very little breeze (as noted by the flag hanging straight down). The extreme cold and wind during the winter would be no picnic either. I can only imagine the hardships endured by the people many years ago when they lacked the modern conveniences we now enjoy.
About ten miles away from Fort Laramie I also had the pleasure of visiting the Oregon Trail Ruts as well as Register Cliff. Reading the historical sketches describing life at Fort Laramie and along the Oregon Trail was a humbling endeavor. The United States of America has certainly had its trying times all throughout our history. Progress for one segment of the population (the army) was not viewed as progress at all by another segment (Native American). Divisions continue to exist in modern times along racial and ethnic lines, religious affiliations, liberals and conservatives, rich and poor.
As I watch the political campaigns unfold it becomes more and more evident that our divisions will continue to grow into the future. It isn’t just a matter of liberal and conservative ideologies being in opposition to one another. If an end goal was in mind that could be shared by both political parties we could hope for some unity in a path leading to that goal. Unfortunately, the only common goal that seems to be present as a political platform in either major political party is a lust for power. That leaves the rest of us with very little to build upon as a foundation for peace and prosperity.
Our leaders at the national level repeatedly reveal the cause of our country’s demise. There is a lack of integrity. I looked up the word integrity and found the following definitions from www.dictionary.com:
1. adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty. 2. the state of being whole, entire, or undiminished. 3. a sound, unimpaired, or perfect condition.
If we look at the frequent “flip-flops” of political stances by major players on both sides of the aisle we can easily see that polling data surpasses integrity time and time again.
Someone asked me recently if I was opposed to having a woman for President. Absolutely not. However, I am opposed to the one currently making history as the first woman nominee for the position. An inability to tell the truth and then callously asking, “What difference does it make?” gives me grave concerns about our future as a country.
I believe enough evidence has been garnered during Mrs. Clinton’s career to demonstrate that she is not a very truthful person. In the modern age of showing video clips from the archives directly contradicting current statements that a person has made can make it difficult to hide from the truth even when most of the major media outlets assist in covering up these scandalous contradictions. The truth makes a big difference if we ever hope to be on solid footing as crucial decisions are made.
Sadly, our lack of integrity here at home diminishes our influence throughout the world. This has resulted in added chaos and horrendous violence which we see depicted almost every evening on the nightly newscast. The perception of Mrs. Clinton selling government favors for donations to the Clinton Foundation makes it difficult to have moral authority in the fight against terrorism or any other negotiations as well.
Finally, the question of truth becomes part of the story when Catholic politicians repeatedly ignore the tenets of the faith. Who defines “a good, practicing Catholic?” If the media defines it we are in for some bad press. If the politician defines it we are in for some interesting interpretations of Sacred Scripture and the magisterial teachings of the Church as articulated in the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
My heart aches for the future of our country. We cannot continue to turn away from God and expect no consequences as a result. May each of us be molded by Eternal Truth!
Every day seems to bring news of another horrendous attack somewhere in the world. The violence is incomprehensible.
As I write this I am listening to the bands “warming up” a couple of blocks up the street preparing for the next parade to begin. The beautiful horses, well-maintained carriages, antique cars, and all the other creative floats bring an atmosphere of joy and celebration to our city. However, these festivities are unable to completely block out the realities of what is going on in our world.
Please continue to pray fervently for our world. Pray for the safety of all the World Youth Day pilgrims in Poland. I read an article this morning that said twenty-thousand police have been assigned to protect the pope while he is there. Let us hope they protect all the pilgrims as well.
