On April 22, 1994, the largest lollipop was created in Denmark weighing 3,011 pounds. I guess a lollipop that large would discourage an individual from biting into it rather than just sucking on it. I can still remember the commercials from many years ago asking the question about how many licks does it take to get to the inside of the lollipop. We couldn’t seem to get the answer for a regular sized lollipop so I guess there won’t be an answer for one weighing over 3,000 pounds.
Who conceived the idea to create a 3,011 pound lollipop? Next question, why? What is the point? Is this just an example of some of the bizarre things people do to try to get “into the record books.” Was the previous record just a pound less or why did such an odd number get chosen? Was it supposed to be an even 3,000 pounds and something got messed up? These are some of the questions bouncing around in my head, but I digress.
I don’t necessarily have a desire to do something outlandish to attract attention, but on the other hand, I am not opposed to utilizing creative measures in my teaching and preaching responsibilities. On occasion, I have made use of props in my homilies. Some people appreciate the visual accessories while others have politely (and not so politely) told me what to do with my props. I guess there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to the techniques of preaching.
I simply raise the issue today to stir your creative network. In a world that seeks to get information in 30 second sound bites, how do we convey the message of the Gospel so that it gets heard? I don’t want to print a 3,011 pound Bible, but how can we generate interest in our parishioners to read, study, pray, and meditate upon the sacred Scriptures? How do we awaken the flock to hasten them to the Lord. Building up the Kingdom of God is no small task. We each have a responsibility to do our part. I think it is time for us to “GO BIG or GO HOME!”
Have you ever noticed how “clean” our crosses and even our crucifixes are? We have frequently turned them into pieces of art rather than depict them as the instruments of death for which they were actually used. Is that because we are unable to cope with the gruesome reality of a brutal execution? Mel Gibson’s movie years ago The Passion of Christ certainly provided a vivid depiction of the horrendous sufferings Jesus endured at the time of His death. Today, “YOUTUBE” videos provide the gruesome images. Torture and death are certainly not clean.
Watching the evening news just makes my stomach churn. I want to be an informed individual, and yet, each time I learn of more awful events happening around the world, I want to throw up my hands in despair. It can seem like there is no hope. Life in our world today is not clean. Actually, has it ever been? I guess we can go all the way back to Adam and Eve to watch the trend begin. Cain and Abel certainly gave us a taste of brutality in action.
As more and more Christians are taken hostage in the Middle East, my heart breaks for them and their families. Is there not something we can do to stop these atrocities? Is it my imagination, or is the whole world just sitting by watching these things happen with more and more frequency? There are many Christians carrying some heavy crosses.
Frequently, we don’t have to look across the globe to see people carrying their crosses. There is a lot of pain and suffering close to home as well. It may not be the cross of martyrdom that Middle East Christians are facing, but it can be painful nonetheless. How do we find the strength to carry the crosses in our lives? I don’t simply want to throw out a casual response, but I think we essentially pray and seek God’s grace, strength, and perseverance. That can be easier said than done at times. I am good at the first part of Jesus’ prayer, “Father, let this cup pass from me.” It’s the second part of the prayer that I have difficulty offering. What was it again?
Today, I offer a prayer for all who are carrying the cross of aging and/or failing health. I clearly remember my own struggles through multiple surgeries, chemotherapy, and a plethora of tests throughout the last three decades in my two battles with cancer and open heart surgery. That is not to mention the WAITING FOR RESULTS from those tests and the anguish that accompanies that process. It is not easy to cope with the reality of suffering and the loss of one’s independence. I see that clearly in my mom’s own recent experience. Today marks three weeks since her surgery to repair her broken hip. Life has changed immensely for her in literally the blink of an eye.
Yes, my mom still rode with my brother on his motorcycle just a few years ago. (At least I think that is her underneath that helmet.)
In March of 2014 my mom wanted to visit the Holy Spirit Adoration Sisters in St. Louis. They are known as the “Pink Sisters.” Years ago when my mom and dad were first married they made novenas at the chapel with the sisters praying for a variety of intentions. Our visit less than a year ago was very nice.
In October of 2014, just four months ago, mom and I made a trip to EWTN in Irondale, Alabama. On the way we stopped at a few other places such as the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville.
Stopping at Steak-N-Shake is necessary too. Recovering from a broken hip is no small task for an elderly individual. However, I am going to hold out hope that we will eventually be sitting at Steak-N-Shake where mom can enjoy her strawberry shake while I enjoy my chocolate one.
As we approach the Second Sunday of Lent, my prayer is that we will each experience the love of God as we hear the Gospel account of the Transfiguration of Jesus. May each of us experience grace as we carry our individual crosses and be able to echo the words of Peter, “Master, it is good that we are here.”
In the course of my years of ministry as a deacon I have had many people ask me to pray for them, especially when they were in a time of crisis. Frequently, this has included prayers for physical healing when someone has been diagnosed with a serious illness. To be open and honest, I have sought this type pf healing in my own life when I have been facing serious illness. As I look back now and reflect through my spiritual journey which has included cancer twice and open heart surgery as well, I have come to distinguish the difference between a desire for a physical cure and a desire for true healing.
Jesus cured people of physical illness during his ministry on earth; the accounts of these episodes are laid out for us in the Sacred Scriptures. As I have studied the Scriptures lately I seem to be more drawn to the healing component of a variety of these encounters depicted for us. The healing touch of Jesus goes much deeper than the physical cure of a particular malady. God wants to bring us the fullness of healing; we are blessed indeed.
As we prepare for the season of Lent, let us reflect upon our baptismal call to holiness. Are we responding to God’s call with zeal and enthusiasm? Do we seriously yearn for the light of Christ to shine in our lives? My concern is that we can easily grow complacent if we are not diligent in making our relationship with Christ a priority in our lives. There are plenty of other things that scream for our attention. If we are not watchful, the devil will not only prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls, he will pounce upon the opportunity when we are not alert. Turning away from sin and remaining faithful to the Gospel requires diligence on part so that we walk in God’s grace.
The picture above was taken on Valentine’s Day in front of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Fort Collins, Colorado. It almost appears that the clouds opened up at the right time for the picture to be taken. In reality, the love of God dispels the darkness each and every day of our lives. We are children of light. Let us live faithfully in that light!
It was the second time in three months that our local community experienced the tragic deaths of more than one individual from a family. Last fall a car accident claimed the lives of three individuals in one car. This time it was a father and son killed in a snowmobiling accident. That funeral took place this morning.
As I stood and looked at the two caskets, I couldn’t even imagine the level of grief being experienced by the family. Mom and dad lost their young son as well as their 8 year old grandson. In an instant their lives were forever changed.
The precious gift of life is not something to take for granted. Pause for a moment to pray for your loved ones. Then, be sure to tell them how much they mean to you. Don’t assume that those close to you know that you love them. Take the time to tell them and to show them just how much you care.
Is being a man of faith exciting? Does being a man of God get your blood pumping like a Pony Express rider of old? Apparently, a lot of men aren’t too excited about the religious practice component of life. According to Luis Logoand The Pew Forum on Religious and Public Life about 11 million adult men in the U.S. were raised Catholic but left the faith. A Gallup survey reveals that 48% of men agree that “Mass is boring.” Gallup further reveals that only 33% of Catholic men pray on a daily basis.
Those statistics are sobering to say the least. The ripple effect is huge. How does a husband and father lead his family into the ways of righteousness and holiness if he is not a man of prayer himself? What is the foundation upon which a man builds his life if it is not built upon a relationship with God? How do we reverse the current trend we are witnessing?
I drove by this church last week in Clarksville, Missouri and was saddened by the deteriorating condition of the structure. I can only imagine the number of lives that were touched through the years inside this building, but it would appear that the days of vibrancy for this congregation have passed. I don’t know the history of the church since its founding in 1886, but I was simply struck by image it placed in my mind in regard to my personal faith journey. Am I living my faith with joy, or am I tired, worn out, and broken down in need of significant repair and healing?
Today’s Gospel (Matthew 22: 34–40) encourages us to live out our faith journey with zeal. “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.” That was only the first half. The second part says, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Living out these two great commandments requires a fervent prayer life, diligent study, and active discipleship and service to others. Simply going to church on Sunday is not enough. A sincere faith in God compels us to live out these commandments each and every day of the week. If we think we are finished for the week after attending church on Sunday, we are sadly mistaken. That is just the beginning.
If we become complacent and content with simply going through the motions of church attendance and nothing more, we are living a falsehood. It is a window dressing so to speak. It takes more than attendance at church to be a Christian–it takes commitment. If you are feeling tired and worn out from the journey, ask God to give you strength. Our future looks bright when we walk in faith, hope, and love.
The cold, damp air seemed to set the tone for the day. I was tired and sluggish and the weather seemed to match my mood. I will also admit a certain level of anxiety because of today’s anniversary. Whether an attack is on our native soil or in a place like Benghazi, the anniversary of the 9/11 attack always spikes my apprehension about our citizens taking another hit.
Obviously, as I delineated all of the (terror) attacks on American soil in the last 20 years in my post yesterday, we are vulnerable to attacks at any time and on any day. It isn’t just on this one day. In yesterday’s posting I did not include any school shootings, the Aurora, Colorado theater shooting, and other events not labeled as terrorist attacks. The pain and loss of life in these crimes is also quite intense.
Reaching the evening hours with no reported attack has brought a sense of relief. At the time I am writing this I still have concern about the folks present for Thursday Night Football. I will be grateful when the stadium is empty and people have returned safely to their homes.
I had the privilege of being the keynote speaker this evening for the first meeting of the Bishop’s Guild in this new season. The topic that was chosen is the theme for this year’s Catechetical Sunday which will be celebrated on September 21. The theme is, Teaching About God’s Gift of Forgiveness. Hopefully, all of us are teaching about God’s forgiveness first and foremost through our own forgiving actions. I can only imagine the difficulty of some people in trying to forgive the perpetrators of the 9/11 attack. How do we find the strength to forgive when we have been hurt so tragically?
Thankfully, all things are possible with God. The love of God the Father, the grace of our Lord, Jesus Christ, and the power of the Holy Spirit is with us. That is how we manage to go on through the difficult days of life.
My evening with the ladies of the Bishop’s Guild was a splendid one. I am extremely grateful for each of you individually and as a group. You have blessed, and continue to bless, God’s people through your lives of faithful witness. Thank you for your dedication to Christ and the Church and the many ways you serve. Please know that your sacrifices are genuinely appreciated.
As we left the hotel following the banquet we were greeted with snowfall and 35 degree temperatures. It’s only September 11. I am not ready for winter. Thankfully, it is a short blast and then back into the 70’s over the weekend.
I am watching it snow, but I am still thinking “summer” as I remember how hot it was in Missouri in July.
Have you ever stood on the edge of a mountainside and simply pondered? Have you considered the ease of travel in modern times with paved roadways and engine-driven vehicles? What did the early settlers think as they traversed through the mountains on horseback, in wagons, and on foot? Did they stand at the base of a mountain and get discouraged about climbing the mountain and crossing it?
We all face obstacles in life. How do we typically respond to those obstacles?
At this stage of your life, are you where you are supposed to be?
In a few weeks another birthday will arrive for me. Some of the goals I set as young man have been reached, but others have not yet come to fruition. (One of the goals was to be financially independent by the age of 40. I missed that one by a long shot.) As I was thinking about some of those things this morning I realized that I am not yet where I want to be in many areas of my life. I started to get discouraged by that but then remembered John Maxwell’s line, “When you’re through improving, you’re through.” As long as we are blessed with the gift of life, we continue to move forward in our journey toward God.
I began revisiting my goals this morning and making some adjustments to them. I also began reviewing some material that I have accumulated through the years on leadership. I found several pages of quotes that provided plenty of food for thought. Many of these were in John Maxwell’s book, Leadership 101. A few of them really struck me as being pertinent at this stage in my life.
“The highest purpose for faith is not to change my circumstances but to change me.”“Be a yardstick of quality. Some people aren’t used to an environment where excellence is expected.”“People do not follow programs; rather, they follow leaders who inspire them.”“You can’t build a reputation on what you’re going to do.”“A leader takes people where they want to go. A GREAT LEADER takes people where they don’t necessarily want to go, but ought to be.”I have been blessed with some extraordinary people in my life through the years who have helped me grow in faith, in knowledge, and in understanding. They have been an asset in encouraging me to strive for that place where I ought to be. In turn, I have been striving to be that great leader who helps others get to where they ought to be. I know I still have much work to do in my earthly pilgrimage.The key to successful leadership is influence–not position or authority. The question I am asking myself I will also pose to you. Are you exhibiting a positive influence for those around you?
My family has moved quite a few times in the last 15 years. Each time we land in a new place it seems I get more and more disorganized. Boxes go unpacked and things go missing for years. Today, we tackled some of those unpacked boxes and I can’t believe the things I relocated. Some of these items I had actually searched for on numerous occasions, but today was when they were found.
One folder that I found had resources that I used for various talks in my early years as a deacon. Another one had some of my homework in it from when I was in formation and even classes I took following ordination. One class I took after ordination was entitled, “Teaching Religion To Children.” An assignment we received in that class was quite unique. Each student was given a cartoon picture and we had to compose a prayer based upon the picture. I received a picture of Winnie-the Pooh singing and dancing and enjoying the contents of his honey pot. Here is the prayer I composed 15 years ago based upon that picture.
PRAYER OF WINNIE-THE-POOH
I blow on my trumpet a melodius chord And make a joyful noise unto the Lord That is what Scripture tells me to do Hello Lord, it’s me–Winnie-the-Pooh
Oh God, it is with all my heart and soul I pray That I may never find myself going astray But sometimes, as quick as a wink Oops–I guess I didn’t think
Please guide me until the journey’s end And always be my faithful and loving friend Protect Piglet, Tigger, and Eeyore too And don’t forget me–Winnie-the-Pooh
I ask you to give me so much grace That I see heaven–not that other place And Lord, I don’t know if this is right or not But for now, I simply pray for a full honey pot
I have been to hell and back. Okay, I have been to Hell, Grand Cayman but I have not been to Hell, Michigan. I have been to Purgatory, Colorado but have not been to Purgatory, Maine. It has been more of a challenge to get to heaven. I have not been to Heaven Heights, Massachusetts nor have I been to Paradise in Newfoundland, Canada. If I want to see paradise it would probably be easier to go to Paradise, Utah or Paradise, California since they are both closer. Led Zeppelin was going to lead us on the “Stairway to Heaven,” but apparently it is a difficult road since the band “Spirit” has now sued Zeppelin for “lifting the opening notes of Stairway to Heaven.”In Wyoming we have our own piece of Hell about 45 miles from Casper. It is interestingly called “Hell’s Half Acre.” That is interesting because the area encompasses about 320 acres. (Maybe there was an attempt to minimize hell’s influence to a half acre.) According to some of the local historians the area was actually known as “The Devil’s Kitchen” back in 1833. Thus, the area has been connected to the realms of hell in one fashion or another for nearly 200 years. Interesting and odd names for towns and locations can attract attention, but do they make us stop and pause to consider the deeper realities? A parade float created to resemble a saloon with plenty of alcohol flowing creates an image in and of itself. Add a sign “Hell’s Half Acre” with a depiction of the flames of hell and the image increases in intensity. Maybe Billy Joel had a point when he sang, “I’d rather laugh with the sinners than cry with the saints because sinners are much more fun.” Then again, he may have never considered the ultimate consequences for living a lifestyle contrary to the teachings of the Gospel. Reflections on the “four last things” used to be a serious matter. We pondered death, judgment, heaven, and hell and recognized the significance of walking humbly with our God. In modern culture we seem to see a much more casual attitude regarding these eternal issues. It almost appears that we don’t even believe in the existence of hell although Sacred Scripture certainly refutes that proposition.
My closing questions for today are simply these:
Where do we draw the line in regard to our attitude toward spiritual things? Do we find ourselves too casual, too serious, or just right? Do we have an understanding of where to draw the line between the cultural idea of “fun” and outright “blasphemy?”
