Thursday, December 21, 2006

Christmas Angel

I just completed teaching 3 seminars yesterday on various topics such as Drug and Alcohol, Sleep Disorder and Holiday Blues. One young employee came up after class to share that the last six months of her life have been the most difficult since she was diagnosed with Lupus. However, her attitude was stunning.

She shared with the class that before she worked at her new employer she was a special education teacher. She taught a class of six students. It was a separate class of behavioral disorders, bright children but troubled. That year after struggling to get through the first half of the year she came close to leaving. She felt that she was not getting through to the children and the parents showed her no support. Now Johnny was a very smart boy but he never listened and he was spending his second year in her K-2 classroom. She suspected that he was being abused but the evidence was circumstantial. After 3 months of constant struggles with him she was ready to send him away for vacation and enjoy her time off. Before he left he gave her a used coffee mug as a gift with an angel on the front. She asked him why he choose an angel. He put his hand on her shoulder and simply said, "Miss Smith, you are my angel and I love you." All this time she thought that she was not getting through to him, but deep down she learned that she was his only stability. This one statement made the struggles worth all the hassle of the year.

Now she has a new struggle with Lupus. But she has chosen to fill her "angel cup" not with fear or complaints about her physical condition. Instead, she fills the cup with kind words and encouragement to help others like her cell phone customers solve their problems with their baffling phones.

Lord, I pray for all my Sonshine Friends that you bring them an angel with a message of "good news’ that offers courage to their baffling struggles and profound peace to their hearts. A Blessed Christmas to all my Sonshine Friends.

Sunday, December 10, 2006

A Season of Hope

“We are never as tall as when we are on our knees.” My friend had just reached a milestone in his life. He had sixty days of sobriety. He shared this remark about feeling tall when he realized that after a lifetime of drinking his sobriety was the result of letting go. There are times he goes off into the “wilderness” meaning he reverts back to the cranky, negative patterns that make his loved ones want to hide. But he catches himself by calling his sponsor or better yet he has a good person he met in group who has been sober for twenty-three years and they talk about how he is feeling and redirect his thoughts in a more hopeful manner.

Remember Ebenezer on his knees, shivering with fright on Christmas morning after his visits from the three spirits. Ebenezer on his knees woke up from his nightmare, threw open the windows and shouted out into the street: “What day is this? Is it Christmas Day? Have I missed it? O, Thank God, it is Christmas Day, and there is time for me to visit the Crotchet’s and bring them the biggest turkey in town and hold Tiny Tim.”

I want you to realize that there was no Christmas morning ..... without the night before Christmas ..... without the ghosts of Christmas that confront us and cleanse us from our sin which is deep within. It is only as we are freed from that sin which is deep within that we experience the joy of Christmas morning.

For Catholics, Vatican II has restored the meaning of Advent from a season of penance and conversion into its original purpose: a time of hope. This is a time we can invite Jesus into our inner pain and pray that he dispose us to make the conversion into a person of peace and responsibility. However, like my sober friend realized, we all need conversion, of course, but we need especially hope. To deepen that hope, we have to learn to see the signs that this hope is already present among us. Let our Lord open our eyes to these signs.

I emailed a holiday message to all my patients this morning that included 12 Free Holiday Gifts. One suggestion was the “Gift of Gratitude.” It is our opportunity to thank the people who helped us throughout the year. In the past weeks my computer was “corrupted” or as a Sonshine Friend shouted: “You have what we call ‘the blue screen from hell.’” It took over 30 hours and four learned technicians to get Sonshine back online. But I am very grateful to Stan and Louis and Dave and Georgia for all their help. When you are “corrupted,” who comes to your rescue to get you back online. That’s the person you might want to thank.

Pray and reflect: “The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy. Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing. (Psalm 126:1-6).

Lord, I pray for all my Sonshine Friends that you give them the courage to go off into the wilderness and look deep within. We are grateful for Your mercy that breathes new life into our souls which have been “corrupted” by injustice, impatience, or anger. May Advent be our season of Hope as we prepare to meet You on Christmas morning.

Tuesday, November 28, 2006

Learn to Forgive

Becky gives birth to twins three months premature. Her little boy, she names Ryan is only 1.1 pound. Her daughter she will call Natalie is 2.7 pounds. Natalie is holding her own, but the doctors are very concerned about Ryan’s survival. His lungs are not developed and he has a poor prognosis. This mother is bitter and resentment at God for letting this happen to her. She can never forgive God.

Why should I forgive when someone else is in the wrong and this includes God? I recently saw a quote from Pema Chodron that said: “holding a grudge is like eating rat poison and expecting the rat to die.” This message unveils a myth when we get angry about things we have no control. The truth is, there is no personal advantage to holding a grudge–anytime, or for any reason. Why? Because we are the ones who suffer, not the people we’re mad at.

Betsie Ten Boom, who died in a concentration camp, refused to hate the guards who beat her and eventually beat her to death. Her dying words are both simple and profound: "We must tell others what we have learned here. We must tell them that there is no pit so deep that God is not deeper still." That is incredible. The forgiveness of Calvary in the twentieth first century!

Such courage in the face of overt hatred makes our petty differences just that - petty! If people who suffered such atrocies had the "heart" to forgive, then why can't we? I'm sure that I can safely say that there is no one who has not been hurt by others at some point in their lives. A spouse has walked out of our lives. Children have disappointed us. Parents have abused us. Friends have betrayed us. The company to which we gave so much devotion has downsized us without notice, leaving us unemployed and bitter. We have been refused promotion. We have been treated unfairly. There's a host of deep and abiding hurts in the personal histories of most of us. Pain and hurt is part of the human condition. Others hurt us even when they don't realize it, let alone when they intend to do so.

But forgiveness is hard, isn't it? To consciously break the vicious cycle of “revenge and a grudge” is not easy. Some people will say that “they have the right to be angry.” And of course, they would be right, but by forgiving we free up our energy to remain compassionate toward others and at peace within ourselves.

Anybody would find it difficult to put up with the “unfairness” of life. But the point is that we are not just anybody. We are called to be a reconciling community, a community that was born out of Calvary's forgiveness. And why should we forgive? Well, it turns out that forgiveness of others is a condition for our own forgiveness. We must remember that we were commanded to pray to the Father with the words: "Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us." As Christians, we have to forgive one another. In order to do that, we have to look at the cross and repeat the words that Jesus used to forgive us: "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."

Lord, I pray for all my Sonshine Friends whose memories of past hurts and pain bind them to anger and revenge. May Your desire to forgive our trespasses inspire our efforts to be like leaves that fall along the river that carry away our hatred and refresh our spirit with Your divine compassion and inner peace.

Monday, November 27, 2006

Black Friday Bazaar

It’s 5am and the exit ramp at Hylan Drive is backed-up a mile. Turning into the parking lot, the cars are already parked out to the street. Just inside the front doors of Best Buy one can see the mob cradling boxes of LCD’s, DVD recorders and the newest I-Pod. Once again on Black Friday 2006, the day after Thanksgiving, this store has customer service staff dressed in blue shirts like a battalion of “blue angels” helping the “mob” of desperate shoppers to find a bargain. These angels are slick. With attached earphones, they are busy finding your treasure or directing traffic to check-out. The check-out line resembles a Disney ride at Epcot, One has to follow a series of roped lanes that weave you between rows of vacuum cleaners, washers and dryers and finally up against refrigerator row. Waiting in line, I can’t help to marvel at all the “loot” people are pushing along the floor like their 40 inch LCD TV or crates of CD’s and DVD’s or a shopping cart loaded with a flat panel monitor. While waiting, there is music not Georgian chant but classical rock. Our “blue angels” are busy handing out I-Pods screaming: “Get the newest I-Pod of the season for only 49.95!” In which I overhear a disgruntled buyer tell her friend: “Sucked you in-- did they.” I’m a tad embarrassed since I don’t know anything about I-Pods. Do they do laundry?

It’s interesting to observe the people walking along the crowded aisles with cell phone in one hand and merchandise in the other. At 5:15 in the morning, are they calling their dispatchers at home or an anonymous bidder from Antique Roadshow?

Screaming was heard from the electronics counters, I think its has something to do with limited quantities and everyone at the desk wants “to deal” or get a raincheck or voucher. Getting people to buy more than what’s on their list or the illusion that sale prices only occur once a year on Black Friday at 5am is a myth.

At the check-out, there was a ”blue angel” standing on a platform like air traffic control directing traffic to the next open register. By this time, people were impatient telling clerks that their electronic item was on sale, only to be told by the computer: “not this brand or model or without a voucher.” A frenzy would develop and the “security blue angels” were despatched to break up a riot. Imagine, all this rutting for a Kodak Easy Share or LCD?

It suddenly dawned on me that the real sale folks had missed was not the newest I-Pod you plug in your ear. Rather, this kingdom was filled with empty promises. I saw no ads for any new cures, no lasting happiness, no peace of mind. I wondered after browsing the sales in aisle one, if there were really any bargains. Though as I stood in line with “Home Alone” under my arm, I wondered if I should have bought that DVD video recorder for $89.95.

Lord, I pray for all my Sonshine Friends who brave the endless shopping rituals of the season. Let them realize the real “bargains” are found in the boxes that hold memories we spend with family and friends. Give us the grace to let go of the cravings for more and portions that add on pounds and clutter. Let us nibble more on “good sweets” when we pet our “best friend” or relax with our friends.

Wednesday, November 22, 2006

Jesus is So Good!

Thanksgiving Mass tends to draw together a core group of the most committed parishioners. If they do not have out of town commitments, they will be at this Mass. However, one person is conspicuously absent this year. Last week she went into the hospital for a knee operation and is at the beginning of a lengthy recuperation process. She is one of the “cleaning ladies’ who helps dust and mop the church during the week.

Karen is a beautiful example of simple gratitude. When I talked to her after the operation, she was in a fair amount of discomfort and pain, but her remark was, "Jesus is so good." It wasn't an offhand comment, but from the depths of her being. In saying, "Jesus is so good," Karen summed up the spirit of Gospel:

"I give you thanks, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for you have hidden these things from the learned and clever and revealed them to the merest children." (Matt 11:25)

What is the difference between the clever--the worldly wise--and children? Clever people are always looking for some novelty whereas little children are delighted by repetition. Once a dad shared this simple experience with his child. He had brought a few toys, but what his little girl liked best was when he took a crumbled piece of paper, placed it on his head, counted to three and let it fall. She would laugh in delight each time it fell. When dad got tired and wanted to do something else, she would pick up the paper and hand it to him to “play it again.”

Children do not get bored by repetition. Nor would we if we re-learned the secret Jesus is talking about. That secret is what enables a child to say, "Do it again."

Our celebration of Thanksgiving Day can help us understand that delight. We look forward to Thanksgiving because certain things are the same--the turkey, the cranberry sauce and so on. But in the context of that sameness we are able to welcome new people or discover something about someone we already know.

The key to all this is that simplicity of heart which Jesus extols. It's that kind of simplicity that enables someone like Karen to say, "Jesus is so good." I don't think we realize what a radical virtue heartfelt thanksgiving really is. The grateful person is thankful for everything one has received - and therefore can open their heart to others.

What we need is a Copernican Revolution in our way of thinking. Copernicus was the Polish astronomer who posited that the sun does not make a circle around the earth, but that the earth revolves around the sun. Our lack of gratitude comes when we think that things revolve around us; we can even view God as one more object out there orbiting us. We need to recognize the truth--that God is the center and everything we have comes from him. When we do that, our stance is simple gratitude. Jesus is so good.

Lord, I promise to pray for all my Sonshine Friends on Thanksgiving Day for their kindness and love. I wish you all a beautiful Thanksgiving day.

Sunday, November 19, 2006

Where is God in All this Evil?

I asked my college students: "What is evil?" After the obvious answers like drugs and cancer, a young lady shouted: "papers!" I imagine her professors would respond back: " correcting your papers!" Evil is as devastating as a layoff during the holidays or as hurtful as a seperation, or as senseless as a hit and run on St. Paul Street or another murder in the city.

It seems almost everywhere we are faced with its terrible reality. From where we stand it seems to be the end of the world. We feel scared, unsafe, on edge in an unpredictable world. We no longer feel secure from terrorists, family betrayals, or sudden, unexpected violence as we keep looking over our shoulders. We silently ask the question: “Where is God in all this evil?” We come to church or worse stopped coming to church because we had hoped to catch an answer and if there isn’t, we want to know “Where do we go from here?”

There is no simple answer to questions of God’s presence where evil so brazenly stalks us. However, I believe God unleashes a power to redeem what evil has spoiled. But here’s the catch, God has chosen to exercise this power through the most unlikely of creatures, that is, flawed human beings. Because of this tactic, it may sometimes appear as if God is losing the battle.

Everyday there are people who show us the way God is present in an evil world. It has always been this way but “rarely reported by the media.” The truth is that in this world of spectacular evil, God’s presence is silently here, only it’s unspectacular.

God’s daily presence are the volunteers who serve a Thanksgiving meal to the homeless, or a nurse at your bedside, or a family caregiver taking care of their parent with Alzheimer’s or a hug to our step-child. I told our college students that during their Thanksgiving break the "good" they can perform might be an offer to help with the dishes or play with their brothers and sisters or tell their parents that they missed them and thank them for all the care packages.

When you get a sense of being overwhelmed by so much evil, remember that like so many hobbits, there are countless, nameless people tunneling under the landside of evil. One day, they will break through. For in times of evil, the answer to the question “Where is God?” Softly, quietly, faithfully, your life, your deeds give the answer: “Here I am.”

Pray and reflect: ” My plans for you are peace and not disaster. When you call to me, I will listen to you and I will bring you home.”

Lord, I pray for all my Sonshine Friends who have suffered evil in its many forms. Stay with us with your love and kindness. Stay with us when comes the night of affliction and fear, the night of doubt and temptation, the night of painful death. Stay with us and all who are yours in time and in eternity.

Sunday, November 12, 2006

Reflections of Love

Earlier this autumn, Maria and Sandro asked me if I would preside at their wedding, I wondered what could a celibate priest possibly say to them or their many friends who struggle with making a life long promise. Sadly, the most difficult part of my counseling day is listening to a litany of hurt and pain caused by broken promises. 40% of marriages result in separation and divorce only create a emptiness that takes years to heal. So let me adjust your focus on this sacrament and get down to eye level and share what married folk probably already know whether you been married one or fifty years.

I have an idea what a good marriage means and it has nothing to do with the number of cars in your driveway, the neighborhood you live in and the length and breath of your plasma TV. Let’s get real, your expectations of marriage were false to start out with. You only thought you knew everything about the person you married. Just like my camera, I’m still learning what all the bells and whistles are all about and when I switch to digital the learning will continue.

In thirty years of counseling couples, they have taught me a most profound truth about family and failure and promises. When a promise is broken, the promise still remains. In one way or another, we are all unfaithful to each other. We do break our most solemn promises, and sometimes we break them when we don't even realize it. I believe that a spouse can look at the long years of their marriage with gratitude, and hope for many more, only when one accepts their failures.

There have been times when a partner gets so angry or so hurt that we think our love will never recover. And then, in the midst of near despair, something happens beneath the surface. A bright little flash of hope and the water is bright and suddenly we are returned to a state of love again--till next time.

When I get angry with a shot that was blurred, it most likely means I should have used a tripod to hold the camera steady. In marriage, one learns that there will be a next time if we remember that in times of darkness we won't stay submerged. And each time something has been learned under the waters; when we acted foolish something has been gained; and a new kind of love has grown. The best we can ask for is that this love, which has been built on countless failures will continue to grow. We can say no more than that this is mystery, and gift, and that somehow or other, through grace, our failures can be redeemed and blessed.

Lord, I pray for all my Sonshine Friends that they remember their vows and know their broken promises can lead them to a deeper blessing. May we reflect a faith that rejoices in the healing we find in our frailties and failures.

Sunday, October 29, 2006

Softly and Tenderly

There is an old hymn that has these lyrics: “Softly and Tenderly Jesus is calling me home.” Recently , a faithful Sonshine friend retired and as a gift I bought her a CD with this hymn. Little did I realize that the song brought back memories of her mother who used to sing this hymn in her home. My Sonshine friend remembered something that has stuck in her memory after many years. Her mom said: If you keep in touch with me, I’ll let you know that I’m OK.” How her mom would keep her promise she has no idea. Yet, throughout the years when she had suffered some deep, spiritual darkness, her mother indeed came back in a way that reminded her that she would be fine. Whether it came when she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis or when she could no longer perform her job or when her legs failed to carry her, or strength left her–such losses would have put anyone of us into a severe depression. Instead, she would pray for a sign to her dear mom for strength and protection.

On this particular morning, she played the CD with Andy Griffith singing that old gospel hymn “Softly and Tenderly.” She received a call informing her that she qualified for a low income grant that would pay for a new furnace and hot water tank. Doesn’t seem like much, but just prior to that phone call she was ready to sign a contract with a heating company to install a new heating system. The words of her mom came back at that exact moment: “You’ll be fine.”

This Sunday, we prayed for over 600 family and friends that you submitted online. Let me ask you this morning to look at what you have left in your life; never look at what you have lost. At a time of sorrow you feel overwhelmed and swamped by the pain and grief that you are not even conscious of the joys that still are alive deep under that blanket of grief. Determine to uncover your smothered joys and let them breathe and flourish again! There are many things that you are still thankful for, even though you do not feel your gratitude. Begin by reminiscing. Relive your happy memories. Treat yourself to replays of that great collection of joyful experiences that have occurred in your past. There are many wonderful things that have happened to you in life.

When sorrow drowns you, pray softly: “The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures. Near restful waters he leads me, to revive my drooping spirit.” Psalm 23.

Lord, I pray for all my Sonshine Friends who find it hard to hear the voices of their loved one. Help us to count our gardens by the flowers, never by the leaves that fall. Help us to count our life with smiles, not tears. Help us to count our age by friends, not by years. Help us to listen softly and tenderly to Your voice that brings us home to a place where our sorrows and pain dissolve and our hope and courage is reborn with healing waters and Your promise of eternal life.

Sunday, October 22, 2006

Shut My Mouth

Letty felt awful because her dentures were not fitting right. After three visits to her oral surgeon, he said he refund half her money or make a new plate. In a playful tone of voice, she told me: “Maybe, I should just shut my mouth.” Counseling seniors is a joy because their multiple sufferings of lost or pain or disease has taught them to become resilient.

My friend shared a story about her next door neighbor Mrs Bloomfield whose washer had broke down. The neighbor told the repairman that the house key would be under the front door mat and when done to put the key and bill back in the same place. One warning about her home. Mrs. Bloomfield loved animals like Letty and she had a rottweiler in her home. The dog was not mean and not to worry, but in the case of her parrot one was warned “never” to speak a word.

The repairman found the key to let himself in and spotted what looked like the meanest dog he ever saw. However, the dog just looked up at the stranger and put his head back on his paws and went to sleep. He started to repair the washer and he heard this noisy parrot in the kitchen. The bird had this awful screaching voice and would not let up jabbing like a leaky faucet. The parrot was really getting on his nerves when our repairman finally reached his boiling point and shouted: ”Shut up you stupid bird!” Immediately, the parrot squaked back: “Get him Brutus.”

There are many Letty’s who worry daily about what will break down next. If your gums and teeth don’t work right, then you are in alot of pain. Worse who really cares for these “poor souls?” I am grateful for their “angels.” This could a neighbor like Stan, or a parishioner like Kathy, or a relative like Marion who phones or visits every week or daily. Sometimes relatives or neighbors take turns in checking to make sure our seniors are safe, fed and teeth are working OK.

We are busy people, but if we take a moment to think, we might know someone who would enjoy a ride to see the Fall colors, or take a “Ghost walk” at the local church or see a play or hear a concert or maybe needs their washer repaired. Sadly, many seniors feel just like Letty that they should keep their mouth shut because family and friends are just too busy.

Pray and reflect: “Anyone among you who aspires to greatness must serve the rest...” Mark 10:44

Lord, I pray for all my Sonshine Friends who have been told to keep their mouths shut. Help us to not get annoyed with the parrots in our lives, but to give generosity of our time and talent to help all our senior neighbors or relatives experience the spirit of God’s love for them. Like my good Sonshine friend Stan, may we treat each neighbor with dignity and compassion.

Wednesday, October 11, 2006

Not Too Many Of Us Around

After driving over 1200 miles in two days to Nashville, Tennessee my 10 year old Civic began to rattle. Panic set in for a moment since I was in a strange city. However, as guest of the Dominican Nuns while attending a world conference in Nashville, I asked the nuns where do they go to have their cars repaired. In one voice, they instructed me to take it to George. Getting directions from a cloistered order to the garage was a challenge, but I soon found my way into a Phillips service station and introduced myself as the “ Yankee chaplain from Rochester” referred by the Dominicans to check on a rattle.

In two shakes, the Civic was up on a lift and grimy, old George with his knee brace was checking the exhaust pipes. All of sudden, he yanked a piece of metal from under the pipes and threw it on the ground. With a clang, he proclaimed surgery was a success. It was only a rusted heat shield that after 10 years had done its job. “That’s your rattle and you don’t need the darn’ thing anyway.” What a relief! I asked George to change the oil and filter while it was up on the lift. It was over 3,000 miles since the last change and he agreed it was a good idea. Chris took over and completed the job while George walked outside the garage to pump gas for a senior.

I was surprised to see George, take an air hose and check all her tires. Next, he opened the hook of her car to check the oil levels and got a quart of oil and poured it in. He did this for each customer who came to his station. When I was getting my bill, I told George I haven’t seen this kind of service since the 1950's. I remember my dad taking the Chevy Impala to the Citgo station and the guys giving this kind of service. George simply said “there’s not too many of us around anymore.”

When I looked at the mechanics who worked for George, they had grimy pants, dirty hands and scruffy beards. Yet, each one would take a turn to go outside and wait on everyone with great dignity and care. We all come with a personal history when we encounter others. Sometimes, prejudice can narrow our view and we fail to accept the good works of others despite their gender, culture or race. Jesus was no stranger to this kind of narrow-minded perspective. Might be a good time to dumped the old biases and get a mental “ oil and filter change” if too much crud is clogging your vision. If you tend to drive too long without checking your oil, you can bet that your prejudices are clogging your spirit.

Pray and reflect: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Gal 3:28.

Lord, I pray for all my Sonshine Friends who suffer the pain and rejection of prejudice. Help us to look beyond the externals that tend to clog our vision. May our thoughts and actions reflect your dignity for all your children. Like George, may we treat each customer and one another with dignity and compassion.

Sunday, October 01, 2006

Oceans of Fire

Its Friday afternoon and instead of picking a new movie to attend, I had been delegated to bring home a video. Not my favorite task, but I think this was a mission no one else had the patience nor the energy to tackle. So I launched for the ultimate challenge, the Wal-Mart video bins. I am staring at hundreds of dated titles “loosely” thrown together into a pile to test a saint’s patience. Now I wonder if God gave you only one video to bring into your heavenly entertainment center, what would you choose? “The Ten Commandments” or “The Robe” or maybe something funny or profound. In my search, I found a video rated “A 10" by the American Movie awards. It was a romantic flick and I figured the judges must know their stuff. I’m looking for my favorite actors like Jimmy Stewart and found an old war movie. Then anything by Steve Spielberg with aliens has to be good. Now I’m juggling four titles in my hand with themes about love, war, humor and another world. However, I took one final walk around the video bins and spotted a title in which I put all four videos back in their bin.

It was the movie “Hidalgo” a story about a mixed breed, mustang horse that won a 3,000 mile survival race called the “Ocean of Fire” across the Arabian desert. It was a challenge restricted to the finest Arabian horses ever bred, the purest and noblest lines, owned by the greatest royal families.

However, my video choice was both mystery and sublime. In 1890, a wealthy sheik invited an American, Frank T. Hopkins, and his horse to enter the race for the first time. During the course of his career, Frank witnessed the slaughter of his Native Americans which sent him into a depression and alcoholism. Now his horse was invited to race against the world's greatest Arabian horses and Bedouin riders--some of whom are determined to prevent a foreigner from finishing the race. During one scene he is ready to quit the race, however the spirit of his ancestors calls him to greater courage and strength. Despite Hollywood’s love for winners, the real Hidalgo did not win this bedouin race. But just to finish a 3,000 mile trek across a desert would have made any horse and rider a champion.

Now don’t kid yourself, this flick is exactly about your life’s journey. How many times are we given a mission that requires a faith into the unknown and we are afraid to face the task. It might be a vocation to ministry or married life or the single lifestyle. Others might mock our feeble efforts and tell us to quit the race and take the easy road. However, a prayer from within might call upon the Spirit to help us walk these long-distances when we are broken and feel afraid. Remember when the race of life becomes too exhausting the Lord made this promise: ”Lie down and sleep; I wake again, for the Lord sustains me. I am not afraid of ten thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around.” Psalm 3:5,6.

Lord, I pray for all my Sonshine Friends that when they choose a video it reflects all the gifts that You want us to possess for our journey. Let us see You in all our decisions. When we feel different or unsure of our path, help us to reach for your grace to guide our thoughts and actions through our “oceans of fire” until we cross the line into your eternal glory.

Monday, September 25, 2006

Are Your Springs Stuck?

The old furnace was making a ticking sound but failing to ignite. This wasn’t the first time that old stove had lost power. There was that awful sub-zero night in December when the boiler refused to lite and faithful Dave came out in the middle of the night to put her back online. Dave had this advice which sounded a tad risky: “Take a hammer and where the gas line comes into a box, just give it a few whacks with a hammer.” After a few weeks in the summer when the old burner is not being turned on, the springs inside get stuck. “Don’t worry...I know what I’m talking about...it happens all the time with these old stoves.”

Sometimes, I think our lives get stuck and our springs get a little rusty or worn out. We walk with a limp, forget to pay a fuel bill (God forgive us and the RGE), or worse we get too busy to connect with old friends. Perhaps, God needs to give you a whack with a hammer to loosen up your springs and reset your priorities. You spend too much time on the computer and not in the garden, or take pills to reduce your stress instead of walking the dog or going for a hike in the autumn woods. You spend lots of time watching football on the tube instead of more time playing with your kids or your grandkids. Maybe God needs to whack you over the head several times to get back online in His grace and doing the right things that make you healthier and happier.

Pray and reflect: “Lord, send out your Spirit and renew the springs that have sprung.” (Psalm 104:1)

Lord, I pray for all my Sonshine Friends who are feeling agitated and stuck in their daily routines. Help them to see Your loving presence in the sunrise that blazes with Your glory. Turn on you your divine heat that helps us to calm our fears of violence and soothe our anxious spirits.

Thursday, September 21, 2006

Obsessions

Do you have any obsessions? Over the years, I have had this obsessive habit of trying to capture on film a honey bee gathering pollen. This can be a dangerous obsession if one annoys the bee with your camera lens and the little bugger decides to take a bite out of your hide. Throughout the years, I have indulged in my habit and today’s photo was another feeble attempt to capture this unique moment. I will confess I simply have no idea why this subject fascinates me.

Its obvious to me that Jesus also had his obsessions. His habit had very little to do with drinking or gambling. Then again, his obsession was a gamble. I believe Jesus was “obsessed” with the “little ones.” His toxic habit of hanging with the poor folks labeled as outsiders, foreigners, women, the unforgiven. Jesus was so smitten that he would go out of his way to meet these folks to the horror of the elite. Worse, his habit was called blasphemy and today most likely be perceived as heresy.

On this feastday of St. Matthew, we find another addicted disciple coping poorly with his obsession. The tax collector who exploits the poor to line the pockets of the elite. Some namesake I got stuck with.

Lucky for me Jesus had another nasty habit. The knack to take whatever is thrown his way–the addicted personality–like the greed of a disciple to carry out the law. Jesus transformed Matt’s selfish habit into an opportunity to bring new life to hopeless souls. Matthew becomes the apostle of the Gentiles. A fresh voice that gently accepts and affirms anyone who believe they are doomed, forsaken, or “not good enough.”

I like to think that my “second-chance” namesake was given a “crisis experience” better understood as an opportunity to redeem himself when the Spirit of wisdom provided the “good news” is that all are equal in the mind and heart of God. Yes, we still struggle with this truth, but we need to believe like the bee who perseveres that there’s sweetness inside that flower.

Pray and reflect: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male or female; for you are all one in Christ, Jesus.” Galatians 3:28.

Lord, I pray for all my Sonshine Friends that we put away all our toxic obsessions like prejudice, discrimination, intolerance and bullying. May the Spirit of wisdom and understanding give us tolerance, openness and a genuine desire to accept all God’s children at his table into our faith communities. For all “second chance” disciples, may our greed for special favors be transfigured into a humility that believes that God truly loves the ordinary people which is why he made so many of us.

Monday, September 11, 2006

God of Grace

A college professor reported that whenever she asks her undergraduate students what they believe to be the most important part of the Christian message, they unfailingly respond by speaking of forgiveness. Jesus came to bring a message of forgiveness, they say. Some of the more thoughtful students remember to add that he came to teach us how to forgive one another.

It appears to be a lesson in tough love. Yet, Jesus wants his students to wake up to the basic reality that divine mercy and human mercy are profoundly interrelated. We acknowledge this every time we pray the Lord’s Prayer: "Forgive us our trespasses even as we forgive those who trespass against us."

We who follow Christ are always being commanded to do things we cannot do. We are commanded to love those who are not loveable. We are called to serve without counting the cost. But the hardest commandment is the commandment to forgive. We are invited to do this, not because it is humanly possible, but because as we try to do what God commands us to do, the ability to do it is given to us by the God of Grace.

A student shared her experience about a dad who abandoned her family: "Even as the vengeful thoughts boiled through me, I saw the sin of them, and yet I could do nothing about it. I could not feel even the slightest spark of love or charity. And so I breathed this silent prayer. ‘Jesus, I cannot forgive him, please give me your forgiveness.’" And with that prayer she was able to lift her hand from her side and touch the hand of the man who had abandoned her. "From my shoulder," she writes, "along my arm and through my hand passed a current from me to him, and in that moment I discovered that it is not on our forgiveness any more than on our goodness that the world’s healing depends, the world’s healing depends upon God. When our Lord tells us to love our enemies, he gives us, along with the command to do it, the love itself"

Lord, I prayer for all my Sonshine Friends that you help them realize that forgiveness is not an act of will; it is a function of Your divine grace. And if this morning you are at a point at which you simply cannot forgive, I do know one thing you can do. You can pray that the time will come when you can forgive Even if you cannot pray that prayer, you can be honest before God in confessing that you cannot. May God grant to each of us the grace to allow at least the seed of forgiveness to take root in our hearts. All this comes from God.

Monday, July 17, 2006

Make A Difference

Something caught my eye as I walking along the Cornhill Arts Festival, our annual summer outdoor vendor frenzy in Rochester. The usual hundreds of unique arts and crafts sparkling in the sun like the “shiny water wheel shaped into a twiggy nymph splashing water in the air.” Little kids would love running through the water splashing in their faces on a hot summer day.

I was pushing a wheelchair from one booth to another with my Sonshine Friend who had not attended a summer festival in ten years. She was thrilled just to get out of her house and see all the sights. Then it grabbed me. You know that feeling when your brain is swimming from hundreds of different choices and one trinket just pops out and says “Take ME home cutie!” There were these shelves of poplar wood birdhouses. Each house was simply designed and shaped to look like county churches or lighthouses. A woodcutter had crafted garden trellis and even a bike made from poplar wood with boxes to hang your plants.

This wood carver came from Mountain City, Tennessee and he looked like a mountain man. We complemented his work and shared that his prices were “down to earth.” He said that when he goes to bed at night he likes to sleep with a good conscience which is why his birdie homes were so reasonable. Then he simply took one of the birdhouses off its shelf and handed it to my homebound friend and whispered “it’s on the house!” Her eyes light up and her face had an expression of shock and delight. Thank you, she replied, overwhelmed by his gentle and kind generosity.

The disciples were given the power of Christ to go and make a difference in the lives of others. However, many prophets and apostles often felt intimidated by the invitation to serve. We see ourselves only in the light of our job or career. Our birdhouse wood carver gave more than a mere piece of wood to my friend. At his moment of generosity he cast out the devil of despair and hopelessness.

In the same way, we are called to help cast out the devils which may be possessing the lives of those around us, devils like ignorance, poverty, abuse or grief. In our various roles as teachers, farmers, parents and mentors, we are called to make a difference in the lives of others and reflect the love of God for them through our acts of charity. The question is: are you willing to use that power that Christ has given you to make a difference in the lives of others?

Pray and reflect: “Here I am Lord, send me.”

Lord I pray for all my Sonshine Friends who need a surprise gift today from our heavenly vendor. We travel different roads and come upon many harsh times. When something catches our eye, may we see your goodness and desire to always be close to us. Enjoy the free gift of God’s love and pass it on freely to all you meet.

Sunday, June 11, 2006

Someday

Once there was an elderly professor and one evening he was taking his usual walk. He was enjoying the crisp night air and the wind blowing gently. But suddenly he heard a voice crying out, "Help me! Help me!" The man looked around and saw no one and so he continued his walk. Again he heard a tiny voice, "Help me, help me!" This time he looked down and he saw a small frog. He gently lifted up the frog and looked at it intently. The frog spoke, "I am really a very beautiful princess. If you will kiss me, I will turn back into a princess and I will hug you and kiss you and love you forever." The man thought for a moment, placed the frog in his top pocket, and continued walking. The little frog looked up out of the pocket and asked, "Why don’t you kiss me?" Our wise professor responded: "Frankly, at this stage of my life, I’d rather have a talking frog."

To transform ourselves from what we are to what we choose takes more than kissing a frog. In my ministry of healing and teaching, my main goal is to help people transform their lives. From fractured memories to peace filled souls is a tall order. However, I don’t believe it is a fantasy to be able to transform our lives and our world into a peaceful, joyful spaces. Any change on a personal level is challenging because so much energy is spent on things that don’t really matter very much. We make a big deal out of what cell phone or cable provider to buy than we do addressing what it is about ourselves that matters most.

Some things people desire to change include weight, work, relationships and financial situations. But how much time do we spend each week with our creative spirit giving energy to these important aspects of our lives? I believe we sabotage transformations that would create more joy and peace in our lives. We scan the net, spend money on QBC, watch mindless reality shows, drink, talk on the cell while driving, text message to strangers or simply stay extremely busy doing everything that has nothing to do with our dreams. What’s sad is that if we stay busy long enough we don’t have time to dream anymore. The only place our dreams linger is deep down inside us. When they peek out we just set them aside for "someday."

If you want to be healthier it is important to be aware of what would make us so. Our nutrition habits, our lack of spiritual exercise, our work and relationships are indicators of how healthy we are. When any of these areas is not contributing to our well being, I suggest a "Sabbatical " to reflect and choose differently. We might call this our "mental health break."

No one but the individual can change their own life. We think others control our destiny because of the choices we have made in the past. Every day we have the opportunity to choose differently, Trust in God means to surrender your busyness and live your dream so that your "someday" becomes now.

Lord, I pray for all my Sonshine Friends that the miracle of Your love for each of us will not go unnoticed. Let us stop worrying about what we don’t have and focus on being grateful for all the wonderful people You have brought into our life. May your mental health plans be filled with "someday" dreams that bring your heart and soul God’s rest and peace.

Sunday, June 04, 2006

You Are Living Water

Today I would like you to develop a mental picture of water gushing from a rock. Last summer, I hiked the Green Mountains in Vermont and searched to find Warren waterfall. I followed the stream through the woods and then climbed some cliffs and climbed farther, until I came to a rock, and there it was. A waterfall gushing full forced out of the rock. Do you have the image? Can you see it, water gushing out of a rock? The water flowed out of the rock, silently, peacefully, flowing from beneath the moss and it was simply stunning.

Once Moses was out in the wilderness and struck a rock and water came gushing out of it. The Feast of the Tabernacles remembered that event. One day, Jesus was watching the priest bend down and dip the water that was bubbling out of the rock, that living, cold, fresh water. Jesus said: "When the Holy Spirit comes and lives in you, out of your heart shall flow rivers of living water."

And immediately, my mind flashes. I see the water coming out of the rock at Warren waterfall. I can still feel the icy water on my barefoot as I climbed from one riverbank to the other to get a better shot of the waterfall. Again I hear Jesus’ words and understand: "Out of the mountain shall flow rivers of living water."

What is this living water? The living water is the Spirit of God, the love of God, God’s compassion and tenderness and mercy and kindness and gentleness for all people. It is the love of God that is flowing out of you. Out of your mouth. Out of your lips. Out of your hands. Out of your eyes. The living, love of God, flowing out from you.

Lord, I pray for all my Sonshine Friends who are like little rivulets running through their family and community. They are the cooks who bring meals to students and shut-ins, They are the hands who change the bed of the sick. They are the chauffeur who lifts the wheelchair into the trunk and brings a neighbor to church. They are the volunteer at the hospital, nursing home and hospice care. The spouse who cares for their beloved fallen by a stroke or Alzheimer’s. All these people riverbanks are green, plush green, verdant green, living green, loving green. When the Holy Spirit lives in you, out of your heart shall flow rivers of living water.

Thursday, May 25, 2006

Let Them Speak To You

As a young seminarian, Memorial Day memories turn to my dad, a veteran of WW II and commander of his American Legion Post. At the local cemetery, we would honor our war heros by offering prayers, laying the wreath, sounding taps and a twenty-one gun salute. The words of John said it best: "No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends." I have heard this verse so many times that the ultimate sacrifice is to give one’s life for friend or country. But I wonder if that was the message Jesus was talking about. He wasn’t talking about war, was he?

My dad was invited to speak on this day and he would always turn to me and say "Can you write me a few words." So my Sonshines, my stories began long before I took my first homiletic course in seminary. While we came to remember the sacrifice of so many young people, when and how you die isn’t as important as how you live. Surely Jesus didn’t want us to die in wars. When he called his disciples to lay down their lives, maybe he meant something more like to put aside our own goals, our own desires, our own ambitions and to live for others -- to dedicate our lives to our brothers and sisters, our friends, our church, to dedicate our lives to God -- to lay down our own will and to seek God’s will, and then do it.

After the ceremony, dad and I stayed after everyone else left. We moved from stone to stone, looking at each name, each date. As we walked, we came upon a platform carved out of stone. In the center was a sort of a pulpit also carved from stone. I stood behind the pulpit and looked out over hundreds of graves. It was like a congregation of the dead. It was the quietest, most attentive congregation I had ever seen before. For a minute, I imagine myself like Ezekiel preaching to the dry bones. I opened my mouth, but nothing came out. I shook my head. What’s the matter, dad said. I realized I didn't have anything to say to them. As I thought about their sacrifices, and the sorrow of their families and friends, I didn’t have a word to say. Just then, an older legionnaire friend of my dad had come up beside us. This old WW I veteran looked at us and said, It’s alright that you have nothing to say to them, he said, gesturing to the silent gravestones stretching as far as the eye can see. The question is, were you quiet enough to let them speak to you?

Lord, I pray for all my Sonshine Friends who cry over the stones of their war heros. In our souls, let us hear:" I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name. I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another." On Memorial Day, I remember writing my dad’s speech calling those in their graves real heros. I’m sure they never saw themselves that way. There are many kinds of heroes-- a soldier who holds fast under fire because one believes their country needs them; a mother who day after day cooks and cleans and puts her children to bed with a prayer; a farmer who year after year fights to keep his head above water and yet never fails to help a migrant in need. I believe our soldiers did leave us something that will last...let them speak to you. May we honor them, and all those who have served others, by serving the one who chose us and doing His will each day.

Sunday, May 21, 2006

Medicine of the Person

Two hikers were walking along the trail, when a Bear suddenly met them on their path. One of them climbed up quickly into a tree and concealed himself in the branches. The other, seeing that he would be attacked, fell flat on the ground, and when the Bear came up and felt him with his snout, and smelt him all over, he held his breath, and feigned the appearance of death as much as he could. The bear soon left him, for it is said a bear will not touch a dead body. When the bear left, the other hiker descended from the tree, and jocularly inquired of his friend what it was the bear had whispered in his ear. His friend replied: "You need to pick better friends."

In my counseling practice, referrals are categorized according to illnesses: workplace stress, depression, alcohol abuse. The insurance companies want a diagnostic code 300.01 or 305.0 and know little of the person. However, when I ask someone: "What’s it like?" They share their innermost longings, their deepest pain and joy. Patients often comment about the green ferns and plants and enjoy a wall of floral photos. I find it’s easier to help a person like a good friend then a number. It’s extremely important to get to know the whole person if you are intending to treat them emotionally. I call this the Medicine of the Person.

Like a good soup, there are several ingredients about a friend which makes them special to us. Let’s begin with a bunch of trust. We share our innermost feelings, thoughts, ambitions, doubts and disappointments with them, things about ourselves which we would not share with just anyone. We trust that special someone before we "let it all hang out". Next comes a dash of faithfulness. Friends are there for us through thick and thin, in good times and the bad, when everyone else has deserted us. Then, comes a pinch of integrity. A friend is someone who will give us a sounding board, who will challenge our ideas and make them more real. With abandoned we add a heaping dose of forgiveness. A friend is someone who will forgive us if we hurt them with an unkind word or deed. They will not bear a grudge. Don’t forget to sprinkle with lots of joy. Our best times are spent with friends who accept us for who we are, and not someone we have to pretend to be. We can "let our hair down" with them, and drop our usual self-defenses, because we know that they will not hurt us. Did you ever have the experience that even after long separations, friends can meet again and it's as if they'd never been apart? That’s the best feeling. Sometimes, we have to take sometime out. We have to be willing to make sacrifices for one another. We give them our time in listening to their problems. And sometimes we even give up our lives for them. How true this is especially on this Memorial Day weekend when we honor those who laid down their lives for their country. Friendship means not counting the cost.

Lord, I pray for all my Sonshine Friends that they may know that in spite of all our business and turmoil, You love us always and forever. You trust us, forgive us, made us equal, been faithful to us, sacrificed Your life for us and given us joy. But most of all, You loves us unconditionally. May the love of God reign in your hearts always.

Sunday, April 30, 2006

Lord, Let Your Face Shine On Us

Yesterday, baby Seth lungs were at full capacity as he was being baptized. During the readings, the homily, the pouring of water, Seth let everyone in church know that he was the center of attention. During the blessing prayers for parents, Seth started once again into a long wail. It was my turn to offer a blessing to the community so I decided to take a different tact. Instead of hollering over his protests, I took the microphone and softly whispered the blessing to the community. Seth stopped to listen and wondered what happened to all the loud noises.

The stories of Easter are about a God who is active in the "everyday-ness of our lives. As mom holds her newborn, as a dad gently cuddles his baby boy. You see, I believe Jesus still walks with us, not as a figure from the past but in the present. Jesus is with us, at our side.

Let me tell you about Justin who has trouble falling asleep at night. Its was not about final exams or a chronic disease, but a genuine concern about what happens to a person when we die. He suffers panic attacks in the middle of the night worrying about what comes next. I told him the story about Thomas who had his share of panic and doubts after the death of Jesus. Thomas did not take his faith for granted nor did he want to appear stupid. He grieved the death of his best friend, and to imagine that Jesus appeared when he just happened to be out shopping was nonsense or a cruel joke. However, you know the rest of the story.

Now imagine Jesus like the Good Shepard, who is restless and disheartened when even one of His lambs are missing or in doubt. I told Justin to imagine himself as a lamb that had wandered far away from this Shepherd for many years. Now close your eyes gently and see Jesus coaxing you to His side. "Come over here...come over here Justin." Imagine yourself nestled against Jesus as He carries you back to a safe enclosure.

Jesus is with us, at our side when we’re sad and troubled, for the Stranger is there. When we’re in an arid place, the Gardner is there. When we’re hungry for love and trust, the Cook is there. When we’re fearful and doubtful, hiding behind closed doors or wide awake late at night, the Surprise Guest is there. When we’ve strayed and sinned, the Shepherd is there. When we feel locked out of life and love, the Gatekeeper is there to let us in to both. When we feel betrayed, rejected and hurt, the Healer is at our side. Like sheep in a flock, we gravitate to the One whose voice we recognize because we know that everyday he comes to us for one reason only: to open the gate so that we might have life and have it more abundantly.

Lord, I pray for all my Sonshine Friends who are worried and afraid. Now imagine yourself resting under the tree nestled next to the daffodils and praying Psalm 2:9: "As soon as I lie down, I fall peacefully asleep, for you alone O Lord, bring security to my dwelling."

Sunday, April 23, 2006

I Think It Is Time For Me To Take A Break

In one of my favorite movies, "Return To Me" there is a scene when the waiter comes to serve a young female artist. It is evening and she has not painted a stroke on her canvas. The waiter notes her distress, pulls up a chair and says to her "I think it is time for me to take my break." Our young artist finds it difficult to paint because she has a scar on her breast. Her scar is from a heart transplant surgery that saved her life. Ironically, the man she now loves still mourns the death of his wife who died in a tragic auto accident. The donated heart saved our young lady, but she feels overwhelmed by the fact that she carries this man’s wife’s heart. "Life is complicated" says our waiter, and "it takes time to heal the scars of life."

We are all scarred by life in one way or another, whether it be physically or perhaps emotionally. No one goes through life unscathed. Others can hurt us even inadvertently, like our young artist who carries the scar that saved her life. Sometimes the scars may be intentional. But with the scars comes understanding. When something has wounded us, only then can we understand how others who are so wounded can also feel. We can also understand the power of sacrifice, the love which it takes to save the life of another.

In the movie, grandpa reminds his grand-daughter that God gives us the strength to bear the scars of life. It is said that "that which does not kill us makes us our character stronger." It is never easy to suffer, but if we persevere through our suffering, then we will be all the stronger for it. We will also be able to empathize with those who suffer similar ailments. Whether it be the loss of a child from war, or the loss of a limb from diabetes or the loss of hair from radiation treatments, only someone who has endured it can fully understand it. Only those who have been victims of prejudice can understand it no matter how much others may try to "feel their pain". And with that sympathy comes a love which no one can take away.

Jesus "feels our pain" in a way that only another human being could. He became one like us and he suffered for us more than we will ever know. And through this suffering, he became our wounded healer. Just as we would with anyone else, all we have to do is to take our suffering, our grief, our pain and give them to Him. God will not take away our scars, but it will help us to know that He understands.

Lord, I pray for all my Sonshine Friends who continue to suffer from the scars of a broken heart, a broken relationship, a broken promise, a broken life from prejudice, disease or addiction. I like that waiter in the movie who stopped what he was doing, pulled up a chair and told the broken heart: "I think it is time for me to take a break." At this moment, simply pull up an empty chair and let the scars of your life pour out so that the Lord may wait on your soul and heal your wounds.

Sunday, April 16, 2006

You Are My Sunshine

The NICU pediatric specialist tells the parents. There is very little hope. Be prepared for the worst. The mother and her husband contact a funeral director about a burial plot. They had fixed up a special room in their home for the new baby; now they plan a funeral. Their three year Michael keeps begging his parents to let him see his sister. Before the delivery, this little one would sing to his sister in Mommy’s tummy. He would sing the only song he knew. "You are my sunshine." He sing it day after day, night after night. Now he pleads to sing it to her again.

Week two in intensive care: it looks as if a funeral will come before the week is over. Michael keeps nagging his parents about singing to his sister, but children are not allowed in the NICU. Finally, this mother makes up her mind. She will take Michael to the hospital whether they like it or not, figuring that if he doesn’t see his sister now, he may never see her alive. So she dresses Michael in an oversized scrub suit and marches him over to the NICU. He look like E.T. but the unit secretary spots him as a child and scolds the mother: "Get your kid out of here." The mother instinct rises to the surface and even tempered mom glares steely into that secretary’s face, her lips are firm. He is NOT leaving until he sings to his sister! Mom tows Michael to his sister’s unit. An understanding nurse assigned to his little sister finds a stool and helps Michael gaze into the incubator and he begins to sing. In the purhearted voice of a three-year-old, Michael sings: "You are my sunshine, my only sunshine, you make me happy when skies are gray..."

Instantly, the baby girl responds. Her pulse rate on the monitor becomes calm and steady. Keep on singing, Michael! "You never know dear, how much I love you. Please don’t take my sunshine away." The baby’s ragged, strained breathing becomes smooth as a kitten’s purr. Keep on singing, Michael. "The other night dear, as I lay sleeping, I dreamt I held you in my arms..." Michael’s little sister relaxes as rest–healing rest–seems to sweep over her. Keep on singing Michael, tears comes streaming down the nurse. Mother glows. "You are my sunshine, my only sunshine... Please don’t take my sunshine away."

Funeral plans were scrapped. The next day –the very next day–the little girl is well enough to go home!

Lord, I pray for all my Sonshine Friends who struggle with the trust it takes to believe You can take these fragile bodies and make them well again. Restore our memories, and as we gaze upon the "strips of linen" and "burial cloth" help us remember Your words: "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me." I will not leave you orphans, I will come to you." Believe that Love is stronger than death. If a little boy can sing "You are my sunshine," why can’t God say: Take away the stone? See how He loves you.

Monday, April 10, 2006

Save Us Lord


It was on a Palm Sunday, when a young college student heard the homily and the the hymns which seemed for him to miss the point. After the service, he told the pastor that his homily and the hymn, sound as if you think that 'Hosanna' means 'Hallelujah'. It doesn't. Hallelujah means 'Praise the Lord.' Hosanna means 'Save us'. With this new focus, you might better ask yourself this question: What do you want Jesus to save you from?

Seriously think about this question for a moment. It might depend on what stage in life you find yourself. For some might answer, save me from a nursing home, or chronic pain or worse dementia in which I will not be able to recognize my kids. If you are just starting out with a family, you might scream out to Jesus to save me from another downsizing, or exhaustion, or fear of losing my health insurance or worse losing my child to an accident or some miserable disease. As a young college student, you might pray to Jesus to save you from your next exam or project, or save you from youy family that has so much pain in its history or save you from your addiction to alcohol and prescription drugs that keeps you up all night. From patients, I will hear their emotional pain will cry out to be saved from their overwhelming caseloads, depression, separation, discrimination, alcoholism and gambling.
Imagine Jesus walking into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday and the people are desperately crying out to be saved from their fears of terrorism from the Roman guard, discrimination against women and children and disease which has no cure.

Pray and reflect on Psalm 27: "The Lord is my light and salvation whom should I fear? The Lord is my life’s refuge; of whom should I be afraid?"

Lord, I pray for all my Sonshine Friends who walk with you this Holy Week to learn that You are the ONE with the Words of everlasting life. It is a life that knew loneliness and suffering. It is a life that comes to bring us the strength and courage to carry on in this life for we are NEVER alone. Wait for Lord with courage, be stouthearted and wait for the Lord.

Monday, April 03, 2006

God's Smile

Imagine this morning, you walk out your back porch with your coffee and you sit to watch the birds. This is "sacred time" before you run into the office. As one Sonshine Friend wrote: "It is an opportunity to get in closer touch with God and his creatures in the beauty of the universe He created." Now in the paradise in your head, imagine a soft light, "alpine glow" that sweetly greets you with" God’s Smile." Let me remind you what’s behind that smile, a God who is very kind, a forgiving God who wants only the best from all of us. A God who asks us to love Him with our whole heart and soul and put our complete trust in Him. A God who never wants us to doubt that He lives within each breath we take, with each heartbeat. Simply, place your hand over your heart and feel this tenderness. He has forgiven us so many times for so many things. Sometimes we think our prayers go unanswered, but God has placed a seed of hope and not despair in our hearts so that the alternative usually turns out to help us nurture and grow even stronger in His grace. When we recognize "God’s Smile" we might humbly ask ourselves what have we done to have such a loving God look after us.

I am glad that God does not answer all my prayers the way we pray. Some where and many years ago, a young college student prayed to God that he would make the cut as he auditioned to sing with the Harvard Glee Club. Unfortunately, he was not accepted to their choir. Later after he graduated, Professor Randall Thomson was accepted to serve on the faculty at Harvard University and composed the hymn "Alleluia" that most likely has been sung by every church choir throughout the United States. Believe it or not God smiles when He sometimes says no and Randall was most grateful that God had not answered his prayer that he prayed as a young student. You see it was not his voice but his heart and eyes as he composed his Alleluia hymn that God wanted to give to the world.

Paul put it this way: (Romans 8:26) "We do not know what we ought to pray for..." It is so important to always add, "Not my will, but yours be done, Lord" to our prayers. So, the bottom line is to pray, yes pray without ceasing, and to know that God will answer your prayer. It will be either with a "yes", a "no" or a "wait".

Lord, I pray for all my Sonshine Friends that with all the difficulties and disappointments and the prayers that are seemingly not answered, You may encouraged each one of them that You are there with them.

Monday, March 27, 2006

I Come To Do Your Will

Often we tend to list the life story of a loved one when singing their praises. However, Sister Jean Marie offered something most profound when she reflected on her mother's life at the Memorial Mass. Before her mom was accepted into the Independent Living Senior Home, she had lost most of her hearing. It was at that moment that her mother said: Yes! In the beginning, her mom made new friends at the home and would visit their rooms. Over time, she needed the aid of a walker and it was another moment for her mom to say: Yes! Then this mother was having difficulty with her memory, another moment for her to say: Yes! Then towards the end of her days, she could no longer speak and again she said: Yes! On the morning of her last day on earth, this mother lay silently in her bed breathing ever so softly. Jean Marie whispered "Mom" and she heard her mother respond with a sigh. Now this daughter realized it was her turn to say: Yes! She fell silent to let her mother know that it was time to let go and bathe in the light of the resurrection, In her deafness, her limited mobility, her lost memory, her failed words, her motherhood, her widowhood, her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren this mother clung to her Lord with faith and courage and found great happiness and joy.

This mother taught the importance of releasing ourselves from the many "things" that clutter our lives. Her "Yes" is an invitation to ask ourselves how much I really need. How many jackets, sport shirts, dresses, shoes? How much jewelry? How much sporting equipment? How much electronic equipment? How much of so many things we have in our lives? This is not "should I get rid of what I don't need?" This is different, more faith-filled and takes us into giving up "good" stuff. We do this because we sense that we are not free in some areas that are tremendously important for us, important for our salvation, and growing in freedom before the things of our lives can be a great grace. This freedom, too, will place us in greater solidarity with those who find such great happiness and joy in trusting in God, while having so much less than we imagine we could survive on.

Pray and reflect on the words of the Blessed Mother: " I am the maid servant of the Lord. Let it be done to me as you say." As parent or spouse, brother or sister, colleague or friend we are called upon daily to say YES when we prefer to say NO. Our YES comes in many ordinary ways: picking up a sick child from school, driving a friend to the emergency room, delivering a meal to someone with a broken wrist, helping a neighbor with a leaking faucet, writing a "letter of reference" for someone who feels neglected or cleaning out the closets and taking the extra clothes to the community clothing center.

Lord, I pray for all my Sonshine Friends who prefer not to be bothered with your messengers who ask us to stop what we are doing and say Yes to your invitation to serve. Give us the grace and spirit to live by these words: "Here I am , Lord; I come to do your will."

Monday, March 20, 2006

Singing Your Praises

Imagine your surprise getting two letters from friends, not your typical one line emails, that praised your support and encouragement when they fell upon hard times. A Sonshine Friend shared that her close friend suffered a serious car accident on New Year’s Day. A shattered hip required replacement and long-term care from all the injuries. Our Sonshine called and prayed and listened and now she got her surprise. What’s better than a flower arrangement or fruit basket, in her own words-- a "letter of reference" that lovingly remembered her time and presence that helped her friend to heal.

For a moment this morning, imagine yourself waiting before the pearly gates and God asks you the question. "Do you have any letters of reference?" We might be embarrassed or surprised by this question. It’s a simple request for proof on how well we carried out His will in this life. Perhaps, there’s a file under your name and God simply pulls out some "letters of reference" that tells the story on how well you listened to your neighbor and brought some poor soul hope and courage.

Now we spend a lot of time during Lent accounting our failures and weaknesses before the throne of God and ask for pardon which goes without saying. But I like to suggest a new Lenten practice. Why not write those people in your life who helped you in your worse moments a "letter of reference." Please no cryptic email messages but a letter from your heart. It expresses your gratitude when you felt abandoned, afraid or alone and this friend took you to a concert or drove you to an appointment. Or, you suffered an accident--fell off your horse-- and you drove your friend to the emergency room and prayed the X-ray was negative. Or, the pilot light went out in your furnace at two in the morning and your neighbor came to fix that 40 year old boiler and brought the heat back on. Or, you were out of work due to another downsizing and your neighbor brought your family food and handed out your resume to their employer to help you find work. Or, while you were providing support to your parent in hospice, your sister was watching and feeding your kids and the kitties.

Now God would carefully review each "letter of reference" to see how well you listened to the needs of the poor, those who had no voice or those who fell off their horse or those who had no job and you came to their rescue. Can you imagine Our Lord’s smile when He looks straight in your eyes and says "thanks for being there for ME."

Lord, I pray for all my Sonshine Friends that you get them cracking to write those "letters of reference" to their teachers, their neighbors, their siblings, their in-laws, their best friends who always listened and found the time to encourage and support. May your file be full to the brim!

Monday, March 13, 2006

Old Irish "Luchorpan"

Once upon a time in County Donegal, each Sunday morning, Kathryn would get ready for church. Her mom lined up all twelve of her children and then, one by one, wash each child’s face and comb each one’s hair. Each child would wait patiently in line for his or her turn and then go out and play while the mother finished the rest.

One Sunday Kathryn was second in line and anxious to get her turn over with because it would mean nearly a half hour of play time while the others were being washed and combed. Then, just before her turn, her mother noticed that the youngest sister was missing a shoelace and asked Kathryn to go to the bedroom and get one. Not wanting to miss her place in the line and given that her mother did not ask her a second time, she did not go. Her mother said nothing as she combed her hair. When she finished she went out to play.

After playing for ten minutes, however, she felt guilty and went back into the house to get the shoelace for her baby sister. When she entered the mother had just removed her own shoelace and was bent down, putting it into her baby’s sister’s shoe. Felling doubly guilty, she went into her parents’ bedroom and got a shoelace and, as her mother was combing her baby’s sister’s hair, she bent down and put the shoelace into her mother’s shoe. While she was doing this, her mother said nothing but gently stroked her hair.

When Kathryn finished telling the story, somebody asked her what it meant and, rather embarrassed, she said: I don’t know...but it has just stayed with me all these years! A day later, her friend had noticed a button missing from her coat. She realized that she had forgotten to bring any sewing material. Out of nowhere, Kathryn appeared. Are you missing anything? She asked. I forgot to bring thread and a needle. She answered. Immediately, she produced a button, thread and a needle and gave it to her, and disappeared without a word.
The next day at class, her friend confronted her with these words: The button is the shoelace, isn’t it? Yes, she answered, ever since that day her mother stroked her hair, through all those years–and long after she had died–she had this secret covenant with her mother. I go through life supplying what is missing.

Blessing begets blessing. When we are treated gently, gentleness grows in us. We all make an unconscious secret covenant with those who have blessed us, who have stroked our hair gently. To bless is to speak well, especially to those who seldom hear words of affirmation. To bless is to see well, especially those who are invisible. To bless is to pass on well, especially to those whose legacy is harsh and fractured.

Lord, I pray for all my Sonshine Friends who are blessing to this teacher. May all their acts of kindness bring hope and joy to those who are "luchorupan"an Old Irish word meaning "small body" or invisible.

Monday, March 06, 2006

Temptation to Be the Seed for Good

Once upon a time, a pilgrim set out on a long journey in search of peace, joy and love. The pilgrim walked for many weary miles, and time passed.

Gradually, the young, lively steps became slower and more labored. The pilgrim’s journey passed through landscapes that were not always happy ones. Through war, Through sickness. Through quarrels and rejections and separations. A land where, it seemed, the more people possessed, the more evil they became–the more they had to defend, the more they needed to attack each other. Longing for peace, they prepared for war. Longing for love, they surrounded themselves with walls of distrust and barriers of fear. Longing for life, they were walking deeper into death.

But one morning, the pilgrim came to a littler cottage at the wayside. Something about this little cottage attracted the pilgrim. It was as though it was lit up inside. Full of curiosity, the pilgrim went inside. And inside the cottage was a little shop, and behind the counter stood a shopkeeper. It was hard to judge the age–hard even to say for sure whether it was a man or a woman. There was an air of timelessness about the place.

What would you like? asked the shopkeeper in a kindly voice. What do you stock here? asked the pilgrim. Oh, we have all the things here that you most long for, replied the shopkeeper. Just tell me what you desire. The pilgrim hardly knew where to begin. So many desires came rushing to mind. I want peace –in my own family, in my native land and in the whole world. I want to make something good of my life. I want those who are sick to be well again and those who are lonely to have friends. I want those who are hungry to have enough to eat. I want every child born on this planet to have a chance to be educated. I want everyone on earth to live in freedom. I want this world to be a kingdom of love. There was a pause, while the pilgrim reviewed this shopping list. Gently, the shopkeeper broke in. I’m sorry, came the quiet reply. I should have explained. We don’t supply the fruits here. We only supply the seeds.

Lord, I pray for all my Sonshine Friends that in this Season of Lent you help each of us blossom with your seeds of peace, love and joy.

Sunday, February 26, 2006

A Time to Bloom

It’s that time of year, when we fret about what to give up for Lent. Grandma made the choice for a college lad who let out a stream of obscenities when he spilled his beer. She simply remarked: "You eat with that mouth." So first for Lent, watch what comes out of your mouth, for what comes out tells what is inside your heart. Using foul, dirty language or telling a smutty joke may make you feel important or special. But it betrays the fact that you are not one of the gang. Remember, coming to receive your ashes means you are one of Christ’s gang. You are God’s child, and God’s children simply do not talk like that.
A second lenten practice is to keep judgments from spilling out of your mouth. Maybe you can pick one day to be especially mindful to keep your judgments to yourself. Friday is a good choice in honor of Jesus’ crucifixion. This was also the day when he granted paradise to the good thief, someone we would have deemed unworthy of God’s attention. And so for each Friday of Lent, make no judgments about people, about their motives, their goodness or badness, their social standing, their defects, the way they talk, their clothing, their color, their jobs, their mistakes. Just see everyone as God’s children.
Third, try to control the verbal negatives that so readily comes from our mouths. I’m thinking about the subtle put-downs, the jabs that hurt, the insults, the criticism, the sarcasm, the harmful gossip, the rumors that smear. Again, if too much of a challenge to do every day of Lent, you may want to choose Wednesday as your no-negative-words day, as tradition holds that this was the day Judas let the words which betrayed Jesus fall from his mouth.
A fourth practice is to let the word "no" fall more often from your mouth. After all your "nos" define you every bit as your "yeses." Jesus is our guide. When he cured the man possessed of a demon and the man wanted to follow him, he said no. "Go home to your friends, and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and what mercy he has shown you." You will give glory to God if you bloom where you’re planted. When Pilate questioned Jesus, he shook his head no and refused to answer, for he knew Pilate wasn’t really after the truth. He said no to pain-dulling hyssop offered to him on the cross. Jesus said no to turning stones into bread for he did not come to serve himself. So be like Jesus for Lent. Say no to the Apprentice nonsense on your cable. No to radio talk show hosts who make fun of people. Say no to drugs to keep you up all night to complete your school projects–try peppermint tea instead! Say no to drinking till you blackout. Say no to drugs that lie telling you there’s no harm. Say no to cheating. Say no to lies. Say no to marketing which wants you to buy more than you need. But say yes to the truth. Say yes to words that encourage and heal. Say yes to grandma’s words of wisdom. Say yes to small acts of kindness, charitable deeds and sharing. Say yes to prayer time. Say yes to get your studies and projects completed. Say yes to your family’s need for your presence and time. Say yes to Jesus.

Lord, I pray for all my Sonshine Friends that this Lent nourishes our souls to grow strong in your love and wisdom. May our Lenten workout keep us fit for the mission ahead to make your Kingdom bloom here on earth as it is in heaven.

Sunday, February 19, 2006

The Designated Friend

Once upon a time, four friends brought a seriously ill buddy down from the rooftop and asked Jesus for a favor. Without hesitation, Jesus heals their friend but the editor wrote this line"..they were unable to get near Jesus because of the crowd." I often wonder about certain folks who find it difficult to get near the Lord because there’s something or someone, blocking their way. Let me share a story in the form of an allegory about people who feel guilty about their past and live in the "The City of Regret"

I had not really planned to take a trip this year, yet I found myself packing anyway. And off I went, dreaming it. I was on another guilt trip. I booked my reservations on Wish I Had airlines. I didn’t check my bags since everyone carries their bags on this airline. And I could see that people from all over the world were with like me dragging under the weight of bags they had packed themselves. I caught a cab to Last Resort Hotel, the driver taking the whole trip backwards, looking over his shoulder. And there I found the ballroom where my event would be held: The Annual Pity Party. As I checked in, I saw all my old colleagues were on the guest list: The Done Family–Woulda, Coulda, and Shoulda; both of the members of the Opportunity family were there–Missed and Lost. All the Yesterdays were there, too; there were too many to count, but all would have sad stories to share. Shattered Dreams and Broken Promises would be there, too, along with their friends Don’t Blame Me and I Couldn’t Help It. And of course, hours of entertainment would be provided by that renowned storyteller It’s Their Fault. As I prepared to settle in for a really long night, I realized that one person had the power to send all those people home and break up the party: me. All I had to do was, with some help, was to return to the present and welcome the new day with hope.

Unfortunately, many people suffer with their guilt from the past, always looking over their shoulders, always rehearsing what might have been, should have been, would have been, Always licking old wounds like a divorce, a betrayal, a disappointment, an unfairness–that’s a lot of people blocking the way. No wonder they are unable to get near Jesus. Our phobias, fears, defeats, sins and guilt get in the way. But hopefully you have friends who accept you as you are and will take you to meet their good buddy Jesus. The man from the City of Regret said that, with the help of a good friend, he could look to the future of love rather than a past of regret.

Lord, I pray for all my Sonshine Friends that they reach out to someone and help them bypass the crowd–those ghostly shades of regret, guilt and despair–and bring them to Jesus, because the fact is that they won’t get there without you. Or, to put it simple, YOU ARE THEIR DESIGNATED FRIEND.

Sunday, February 12, 2006

The Face of God

Another grey day in Rochester and storms along the Atlantic coast can make everyday seem so dull and boring. So let me invite you to pick up your lens and search for that stunning shot and discover God in the everyday-ness of life. A teacher shared that young people sometimes have a difficult time seeing how the sacred relates to their ordinary experience. Holy lies beyond the everyday. The holy, the young say, and some adults, can only be experienced inside a church building but it has little to say to the rest of the week. In my ministry with pilots during 9/11, I learned how these flyers loved their work because it helped them "touch the face of God." So I ask my Sonshine Friends to reflect on an activity that has allowed you to "touch the face of God." I remember hiking in Isle Royale which on your local weather map looks like the eye of a dog in upper Lake Michigan. On the trail, I was searching for moose in the hope of snapping a stunning photo. Instead, I walked by this log that had dandelions swaying in the breeze and got down on my belly to snap this ordinary moment. At times, I prefer to distance myself from technology to an old way of life. It was nice just to feel the morning chill, hear the birds chirp, smell the pine trees, and just look around to see the birds, hear a woodpecker or avoid "moose droppings." The image of these puffy seeds, hugging the ground makes one realize that God’s Presence can be found on many levels.

We take lots of things for granted, the song of birds, the falling snow, the meandering scuttle of ants, the chirp of crickets, everything that God created. So often we look for God in the spectacular miracles, but there’s more to life than what appears on the surface–in the midst of the ordinary, natural settings of everyday life. More often we "touch the face of God" in the routine of life, in ordinary things and people, if we but notice. For behind what we see everyday, the people and our experiences, is a Presence, a caring God, a transcendent love. Valentine’s Day is everyday when we look and "touch the face of God" in wiping a tear, sharing a snack, laughing or smiling at our friends who reveal the beauty of God in our everyday boring, dull and resurrected hearts. Roses, stars, snow, sky, clouds, flower, thunder, birds, rocks, pathways, storms, sea, thorns, tree–are all ordinary. All reveal the face of God.

Lord, I pray for all my Sonshine Friends as we go about our ordinary lives may we take notice of the glorious ways you fill our life with beauty and love. Let us pray that we may discover you in the healing, the forgiving, the kindness, the generosity, the caring that goes on in our everyday boring, dull routine. Pray deeply for those around you. For God’s strength. For God’s love. For God’s Presence. Happy Valentine!

Sunday, February 05, 2006

Hunger for Healing

Statistics report 85 % of the people who visit a doctor are ill because of stress. The stressors range from traumas caused by auto accidents, hurricanes, tsunamis, tornados, assaults, robberies, rapes, plane crashes school shootings, fires, and other catastrophic events. Then we "hit the wall" or burnout from stress about money, jobs, conflicts with family, our health and the weather.

In gospel times, everyday stress was caused by demons which today we would label as some clinical disorder. However, there was a hunger for healing when word spread that Jesus was in your village. The sick might be a mother-in-law, an unclean spirit, a leper, someone dangling from your rooftop on a cot, a withered hand on a Sabbath. Each cry was a hunger for healing, and Jesus healed them. And I would like to suggest the same is true for you and me. We too have a hunger for healing inside of us, for ourselves, our family, our friends, so many people. Jesus said: "Those who are well have no need of a physician; but those who are diseased need a physician. I, Jesus, have come to heal those who are sick." In other words, Jesus was and still is the Great Physician.

But be honest and ask yourself, what is the unhealthy stress in your life at this moment? Are you really well? What Jesus really wants and needs from you is a hunger in your heart for a healing of those relationships, those conflicts, those stressors which are causing disabilities in yourself. Jesus wants us to have a hunger for healing inside our souls.
Let me share an image to help you heal from your pain and disease. Once upon a time, a little girl with leukemia was asked to imagine in her mind how her cancer was being cured. Our little girl imagined a river of life. She believed that it was like a river of white blood cells, and those white blood cells washed around the tumor at every side of it. That river of cells was washing her tumor away.

Lord, I pray for all my Sonshine Friends that we imagine our tumors of despair and sickness being washed away by your healing power. Let us pray for our own wellness and pray deeply for the wellness of those around you. Pray deeply. Persistently. For God’s strength. For God’s healing. For God’s Presence