Vacationing with God #2; Orvieto, Italy

Orvieto

  The town of Orvieto sits high upon a mountain and it's charm increases with the upward slope of the streets.  We walked the steep street which led to a large fourteenth century cathedral with an amazing facade of statues, carvings and sculptures that you could spend hours marveling.  Even though this was breathtaking, we were eager to enter the cathedral for what was actually miraculous.  The cathedral houses one of the "miracles of the Eucharist".

 For those of you unfamiliar with this miracle, let me share a brief description.  In the mid 1200's, a priest, Peter of Prague, stopped by a nearby town of Orvieto on his way to Rome to celebrate mass.  He unfortunately was having personal doubts about the true presence of Christ in the Eucharist.  When he lifted the host and spoke the words of consecration, he saw drops of blood coming from the host and dripping onto the alter table and even onto the floor.  At once he wrapped the host with the corporal ( a linen alter cloth).   It is said that Father Peter did not even finish mass and rushed to Orvieto because he knew Pope Urban V was staying there.  He showed Pope Urban V the host and corporal and told him what had occurred.

  Large frescoes adorn the walls of the cathedral to retell the miraculous event.  As we gazed at the blood stained cloth which wrapped the bleeding host,  I felt blessed to be so near to the relics.  As I stood there I wondered if Father Peter had echoed the apostle Thomas' words, "My Lord and My God!"

 Even though this was an amazing event in history, our Lord is so loving and generous that He offers each of us this miracle at each and every mass.  In our own churches the miracle of the Eucharist occurs daily transforming our own heart and those of our neighbors.  We may not see the drops of blood with our eyes, but certainly we are witnesses of His Presence when we reach out to help one another and when we ourselves receive help at difficult times.  Yes, I truly believe in the miracle of the Eucharist, not because I have gazed upon relics, but because I have witnessed faith-filled people in action.  As the song written by Ann Wilson goes, "How beautiful is the Body of Christ..."

-Susan

September 8th- Mary's Birthday

-Susan

New Game Plan

  It was one of those hot, end of the summer days.  The new football season was fast approaching.  Coach Graham was feeling very confident again this year.  Sure, he had lost some of his key players from last year, but the returning players were demonstrating some remarkable skill.  Coach Graham wiped the sweat off his forehead as he called everyone in for the last huddle.  Even in this heat, the team demonstrated hustle and enthusiasm.  Coach Graham thought to himself, “Yes, this is going to be a good year.”

  “Excellent job today everyone!  We’re going to end a little early today, on account of this heat,” exclaimed Coach Graham.  Everyone grabbed their water bottles as Coach Graham headed towards the bench.  This heat was really affecting him today and he needed to sit down for a minute.

  “Coach Graham I couldn’t help but notice how good the team looks this year,” said a tall, slender middle-aged man.  “I just moved into town and I have a son that would love to join the team.”

  “Is he any good?”  asked Coach Graham.

  “He averaged almost 100 yards rushing most games last season.”

  “Is that right?  Well tell the boy to come on out.  We practice again tomorrow morning 9 am sharp.”

  “Tomorrow’s Sunday.  Are Sunday practices required?”

  “Sir, I understand your new to the area but around here football is huge.  I’ve lead this team to state finals 3 out of the past 5 years.  You don’t get that good without a lot of practice.”

  “Well I believe in discipline as much as the next person, but I feel it’s very important for my family to attend mass on Sundays.”

  “I’m not much of a church going man myself.  I gave that up years ago.  Sunday practices are mandatory if you want to be on my team.”

  “Well that certainly is something I need to think about.  Coach can I ask you something?  How many of these boys play football in college?”

  “I’m proud to say that each year I have a couple.”

  “Anyone ever make it really big?” inquired the man.

  “Not yet, I’m still waiting,”  Coach Graham said with a smile.

  “What do most of the boys do after high school?”

  “I have no idea.  I can’t possibly keep track of all of them.  I’m their coach not their parent.”

  “I hear you.  So you have no idea what effect missing mass for so many years has on them later on then, do you?”

  “What?  Are you serious right now?”  the coach said shaking his head.

  “Yes, I am.  I happen to know that some of these boy’s spiritual lives are really starting to suffer.  And that star quarterback you have is about to enter some challenging years.  He’s going to need his faith to get through it.”

  Coach Graham had difficulty finishing this conversation.  The last thing he remembered that man saying was, “…do you really want to be held responsible for that many people missing out with their time with God?”

  For the next few minutes Coach Graham couldn’t make sense of anything.  There were voices all around him now, but he couldn’t seem to focus on any one voice.  A few more minutes passed before he felt a hand on his shoulder.  He tried hard to focus on the man’s face. “What’s going on?” he thought.

  “He’s coming around boys.  Coach Graham I’m with the fire department.  We believe you had a heart attack.  We’re going to take you to the hospital now.  Just relax, everything is going to be fine.  Your assistant coach, Eddy is going to ride in the ambulance with you.”

  Coach Graham felt his whole world turn upside down.  A heart attack?  Me?  I’m only 55 years old.  He tried hard to remember how this could have happened.  Let’s see the last thing I remember….that man….yes, I remember talking about….practices…yes, Sunday practices…and then he got all churchy on me.  As the ambulance raced towards the hospital Coach Graham began to vividly remember the whole conversation.  “Hey, Eddie”

  “Yes coach?”

  “Who was that tall man I was talking to on the field just before I collapsed?”

  Eddy looked confused.  “Coach there was no man on the field.  Just you, me, and the players.  You collapsed right after the huddle.”

  “Are you sure?”  the coach asked quietly.

  “Yes sir, you gave us all quite a scare.  None of us will be forgetting that anytime soon.”

  “Hmmm…”  Coach Graham thought about the conversation for the rest of the ride.  As the ambulance came to a stop and the back doors opened, Coach Graham reached for Eddie’s arm.  “Eddie do me a favor.  Can you cancel practice tomorrow?  I don’t think I will be having any more Sunday practices.”

  “If you say so Coach.”

  “And Eddy, one more thing.  Can you tell the boys that I think going to church on Sunday is a much better game plan?”

  “You got it coach!” said Eddie.

  

-Susan

Rosary Meditation; Mysteries of Light

I.  Jesus Baptism in the River Jordan

Jesus comes to the River Jordan to be Baptized by John the Baptist.  I thought today we could look at this mystery from John's perspective.  John  has devoted his life to prayer and to God.  The crowds are drawn to John and to his message of repentance.   Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.  And then one day Jesus wades into the water to be baptized.  John recognizes Jesus and he is confused as to why Jesus would need to be baptized.  John feels that it is Jesus that should be baptizing him.  And what is Jesus' response?  Jesus tells John to go ahead and allow it to fulfill all righteousness.  To be righteous is to act in accordance with Divine law.  In other words, Jesus tells John this is God's Will, do it.  John listens to Jesus and the world is forever changed.  The Spirit of God descends from heaven and God reveals Jesus' glory.  Now we are not baptized with just water, but we are baptized or immersed with the Holy Spirit.  We do not walk this world alone.  We live as children of God with His Holy  Spirit living inside of us.  And we, like John, are called to be righteous--to turn away from sin and listen to Jesus' words so that we too, can do God's Will.  John did not understand God's Will at that moment, but he was faithful, trusting, and obedient.  Let us ask Mary to help us to recognize God's Will in our lives and then be faithful, trusting, and obedient so that God may use us to change the world.

II.  Wedding of Cana

Mary notices that they had run out of wine at the wedding and  she asks Jesus for His help.   Looking around Mary recognizes the  servants present and calls them over.  Mary instructs them to do whatever Jesus tells them.  The servants did as Jesus directed and the water they filled into the large jars turns into wine.  Jesus' glory was revealed and His disciples began to believe in Him.   The servants at the wedding listened to Jesus and witnessed His first public miracle.  We don't always  know how or when God will use us, His servants, to reveal His glory.  But God does have a plan for each of us--whether it may be to baptize others with water,  gather water into a jar, or lead others to living water.     We must take the time to listen to the words of Jesus or we may not ever encounter His glory.

III. The Proclamation of the Kingdom of God

Jesus begins His mission proclaiming the Kingdom of God.  What did He say?  Did He give directions to a place?  Where is the kingdom of God?  I would like to suggest that  the kingdom of God is not a geographical place to visit but rather it is present where ever God dwells.  Jesus describes the kingdom  as treasure hidden in a field, a wedding feast,  a mustard seed, a mam who sowed good seed,  yeast, or a pearl.   What do all these parables have in common?  Jesus demonstrates the  importance of being faithful and righteous.  Perhaps the kingdom of God is so foreign to us because we are so busy acquiring the  desires of the world that we have not taken the time to discover what God desires.  How much time have you spent searching for where God dwells?  Have you found Him dwelling inside you?  We can live in the kingdom whenever we choose.  God has already chosen us, how long must He wait before you choose Him?  The kingdom of God is at-hand the only person standing in your path is you.

IV.  The Transfiguration

Jesus asks Peter, James, and John to climb Mt. Tabor with Him in order to draw closer to God.  How many of you have ever climbed a mountain?  Our family climbed in the Smokey Mountains last year.  I believe it was about  a 5 mile hike.  This is how are conversations went.  In the beginning we were excited and energetic, however after the first mile was done we started asking questions. " How much longer?  Is there a short cut?  I'm tired, can't we stop?"  And when we passed people coming down the mountain path we would ask , "was it worth it?".   The  fact is climbing a mountain is challenging.  And sometimes in order to grow closer to God we have to conquer some challenges.  Prayer may not always be convenient, it might not always be uplifting, it may require us to sometimes leave the comforts of our everyday life and spend time just with God away from all of life's distractions.  It may not come easy to you and there are no short cuts.  But I'm sure you if you asked people who have an active prayer life if it was worth it, they would certainly say yes.  And it is possible that if we put the effort into our prayer life, we too may catch a glimpse of Jesus' divinity  just like Peter, James, and John .

V.  Institution of the Eucharist 

Some of the most memorable stories about Jesus are those instances where Jesus touches and heals.  The lame walk, the blind see, the deaf hear,  the sick are healed and sinners repent.   Do you remember the story of the woman in the crowd who knew if she could only touch Jesus she would be healed?  Do you think touching Jesus would make a difference in your life?  Do you really believe that when you extend your hands at communion and say "amen" you are touching the Body of Christ?.  Every mass Jesus' merciful love is extended to us. He loves us so much and wants to touch us and be a part of us.    I would like to suggest that  when we receive Jesus in the Eucharist with our hands open and we place His Holy Body into our mouths, His loving touch really can transform us.  Our hands become holy hands eager to do God"s work and our lips and tongue become holy so that we may proclaim God's words, and His Blood mixes with our blood so that our hearts become holy and love others the way God loves.  This is what I think about while I wait in the communion line to receive My Lord and Savior.  And then  I wonder how His  loving touch me will change me, so that I may in turn touch and change others.

-Susan

The Rosary

  I’m sure it would not come as a surprise to you if I told you I love prayer.  I love lots of different prayers,  I like to try different  styles of prayer.  I like praying in different locations. I just like being with God.   My favorite prayer, though, is the Rosary.  The Rosary inspires me like no other prayer.  To me, it’s not about repeating the Hail Mary over and over.  It’s more like calling out Mary’s name and then asking her to tell me all about Her Son.  What mother doesn’t like talking about their child?  As I slide my fingers from one bead to the next, it’s almost as if I hear Mary whisper, “Come, love my Son.”

  

  There are so many good books dedicated to praying the Rosary.  I believe that’s because there is always something new to learn about Our Lord. I would definitely encourage you to read a guided meditation if you are new to praying the Rosary.

  A few years back, my parents had the amazing idea to gather everyone in the family together once a month to pray the Rosary.  Our “Rosary Parties”  usually include some good food, fun, and an opportunity to socialize.  Somewhere in the middle of each party we spend 15 minutes praying for ourselves, our friends, and our family.  It has always been my parent’s dream to spread their devotion to Mary and the Rosary to their children, their grandchildren, and now even the great-grandchildren.  I would like to share with you some of my own Rosary meditations that have been a part of these parties with the hope that you hear Mary’s loving whispers as well.

-Susan

Prayer Meditation

Today take 3 minutes. 
Go outside and find a comfortable place to sit. Now close your eyes. Feel the warmth of the sun on your face. Take slow, deep breaths. Relax your shoulders and arms. Sit very still, and clear your mind of all thoughts. You are in His presence. For 3 minutes, dwell in His presence.  Let the peace of Christ renew you.

-Susan

A Mom To Mom Exchange

  A slight breeze blew through my hair as I slowly walked toward the park.  The signs of Spring were all around me and normally this would make me smile, but not today.  Today my mind played over and over the conversation I had last night with my son.  Again, he was being bullied.  It broke my heart.  I had prayed all last night for a solution, but morning came without answers.  In my distracted state of mind I didn’t notice the uneven rise of the park’s path and soon found my knees on the ground.  Embarrassed I looked around to see if anyone had noticed.

  “Are you okay?” yelled a startled voice.

  “Oh great,” I thought to myself, someone did see me.  I brushed the dirt off my jeans and said, “Yes, I’m fine.  A bit clumsy, but I’m fine.”  When I looked up I saw the woman coming closer.  I focused on her face and quickly tried to think of her name.  I knew I knew her, but I couldn’t but the face with a name.

  “Annie, are you sure you’re okay?”

  She obviously knew who I was.  I tried to fake a smile and sound okay.  “Really I’m fine.  I was just lost in thought when I tripped.”

  “Yes, I noticed you didn’t return my wave and you were walking as if you had the weight of the world on your shoulders.  Do you feel like talking?  I’m a pretty good listener?”

  I really didn’t think I wanted to talk about this, but she was being so nice…. I shrugged my shoulders and let out a noticeable sigh…and then slowly the words began to tell my story.  I told her how my son was being made fun of at school.  “It’s been going on for years and I’m just so tired of it.  I’ve talked to the teachers and even the principal in the past.  The problem stops for awhile, but then it starts up again.  Why do people have to be so cruel?”  I tried to brush back a tear without her noticing, but my eyes betrayed me as they let tear after tear slide down my face.

  “Annie, I’m so sorry you and your son are going through this.  I had problems with people not understanding my son as well.”

 “You did?  What did you do?”

  “Well this is going to sound difficult, but hear me out.  I prayed for those who were insulting and hurting my son.”

  “Really?  How could you?  Did that even work?”

  “If they’re willing to accept them, God has the graces to change the hearts and minds of people, right?”

  “Well…I guess you’re right…but I really don’t feel like praying for people who are causing my son so much pain.”

  “I know.  I understand how difficult it will be, but I really think you should give it a try.”

  “Did it work for you and your son?”

  “My prayers did spare my son from some of the abuse.  Some of the worst offenders changed completely and even asked my son for his forgiveness.”

  As I wiped the last tear from my eye, my vision became much clearer and it suddenly dawned on me how I knew this woman.  “Mary will you teach me how to pray?”

  Mary smiled and said, “Yes, I will teach you and I will bring those prayers to my son, Jesus, myself.”

-Susan