We Grow By Falling Apart

The signs of the time seem to be panic and fear. Sadly, in the workplace, friends, family and co-workers after many loyal years of service are being ushered out the doors by their employers. As a survivor, you might be thinking: “when will it be my turn.”

Ancient myths teach that we grow by falling apart. They suggest a person needs to “descend into the underworld”, to live in darkness for a while, to sit in ashes so as to move to a deeper place inside of life; the mystics talk about “dark nights of the soul” as being necessary to bring about maturity.

All of these images point to the same deep truth, sometimes in order to grow we must first fall apart, go into the dark, lose our grip on what’s normal, enter into a frightening chaos, lose our everyday securities, and be carried in pain to a place where, for all kinds of reasons, we weren’t ready to go to on our own.

Why? Isn’t there a more pleasant route to maturity?

Let me share this image: The best wines have to be aged in cracked, old barrels. And so too the human soul, it mellows, takes on character, and comes to compassion only when there are real cracks, painful ones, in the body and life of the one who carries it. Our successes, bring us glory, while our pain brings us character and compassion. Pain, and sometimes only pain, serves to mellow the soul. Jesus was brought to compassion through “sweating blood in Gethsemane” and then dying a humiliating death on the cross.

But almost every instinct inside of us resists this wisdom. We don’t like living in tension, try at all costs to avoid pain, fear chaos, are ashamed of our humiliations, and panic when our old securities fall away and we are left in the dark, unsure of things. So our natural instinct is to get out of the darkness and tension as quickly as possible, before the pain has had its chance to mellow our souls, purify our hearts, bring us to a deeper level of maturity and compassion, and do its full purifying work within us.

The wisdom of the mystics tell us: When you lose your securities, when you find yourself in an emotional and a spiritual free-fall, when you are in the belly of the whale, let go, detach yourself, let the pain carry you to where it needs to take you, don’t resist, rather weep, wail, cry, and wait. Just wait. You are like a baby being weaned from its mother’s breast and forced to learn a new way of nourishing yourself. Anything you do to stop what’s happening will only delay the inevitable, the pain that must be gone through in order come to a new maturity.

Advice to anyone undergoing this kind of crisis of soul: Care rather than cure. Organize your life to support the process. You are incubating your soul, not living a heroic adventure. Arrange your life accordingly. Tone it down. Get what comforts you can, but don’t move against the process. Concentrate, reflect, pray, think, and talk about your situation seriously with trusted friends.

God prays for us as we reflect: “My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life.” (Psalm 119:50).

Lord, I pray for all my Sonshine Friends who are suffering from the lost of their jobs, their homes, their health. May they experience the comfort and compassion that comes from trusted friends who help us walk through our tears. Don’t be afraid to suffer, give the heaviness back to the weight of the earth; mountains are heavy, seas are heavy. Know that the Lord hears your cry for help and promises to bring you strength and wisdom.

Perhaps There Remains A Spark

In London, there is a house for, as they say, "fallen people". It is like a half-way house here in the states. Nevertheless, near the front door of this house is a figure of a child blowing on a dying ember. This motto appears: "Perhaps there remains a spark."

Yesterday, it was a day for hope for a nation that is struggling in many ways. At the inauguration ceremony, our new president gave a message that profoundly represents this idea of hope. Hope does not soon abandon that which does not promise well; it makes the most of "littles" and the efforts of whom I like to refer to as the “little ones,” those folks who surprise us with their creativity and generosity like the students at Newman. Hope fans the spark into flame; it reflects a rainbow against the darkest cloud; it pictures tomorrow brighter than today.

By its magic word fountains spring up in the parched desert, honey comes out of the barren rock... and the streams of difficulties parts at the feet of the advancing pilgrim.

Hope has something to offset every discouragement. It gathers the sunbeams from near and far and causes them to shine upon the pathway. It rings a bell of gladness in the dull ears of those who are struggling in the valley, weighed down by their crosses.

In going through a difficult time, one thing that will get us through is "hope"......and to believe that at "any time" things can change. This morning our president and his staff started their day with prayer at the national cathedral to ask God to bless them in their work. I would ask that you pray for wisdom for our leaders as they begin a new day. "…if any of you needs wisdom, you should ask God for it. He is generous and enjoys giving to all people, so he will give you wisdom" (James 1:5).

God prays for us as we reflect: "It is good that one should have hope and wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord...there may yet be hope." (Lamentations 3:26,29).

Lord, I pray for all my Sonshine friends that the level of hope rise like a buoy in your heart. May there be a spark in you this day and may the Holy Spirit be the fan. Give wisdom and hope to our president and his staff.

Follow Your Bliss

Author Joseph Campbell often talked about "following your bliss." I heard of a bus driver in Chicago who does just that.

He sings while he drives. That’s right... sings! And I don’t mean he sings softly to himself, either. He sings so that the whole bus can hear! All day long he drives and sings.

He was once interviewed on Chicago television. He said that he is not actually a bus driver. "I’m a professional singer," he asserted. "I only drive the bus to get a captive audience every single day."

His "bliss" is not driving a bus, though that may be a source of enjoyment for some people. His bliss is singing. And the supervisors at the Chicago Transit Authority are perfectly happy about the whole arrangement. You see, people line up to ride his bus. They even let other busses pass by so they can ride with the "singing bus driver." They love it!

Here is a man who believes he knows why he was put here on earth. For him, it is to make people happy. And the more he sings, the more people he makes happy! He has found a way to align his purpose in living with his occupation. By following his bliss, he is actually living the kind of life he believes he was meant to live.

Not everybody can identify a purpose in life. But when you do, and when you pursue it, you will be living the kind of life you feel you were meant to live. And what’s more, you will be happy.

When are you happy these days? Knee deep in a snow bank, peering through the lens to capture the light and shadow makes me happy. Capturing a poinsettia bloom nestled among hundreds of other plants or witnessing the pre-dawn sun as its subtle light falls on snow covered evergreens. Then it might be arranging a Spring bouquet of flowers, or brushing Rhythm, a blind horse in one eye who helps me get my balance after another busy week.

God prays for us as we reflect: “You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy…” (Psalm 30:11).

Lord, I pray for all my Sonshine Friends that they may be filled with many moments of joy hugging grandkids, enjoying the beauty of a winter snowfall, or sharing a table with family and friends. May our souls leap for joy as we discover your presence in all things great and small.

Wisdom Flows Like a River

It is always sad to see my neighbors put out their Christmas trees by the curb the day after Christmas. Christians realize that the season needs to dwell in our hearts all year long. So, before I put away my Christmas decorations, I thought I take a second look at some of those Christmas cards received from family and friends. Note, that a few arrive via the internet with music and dancing reindeer. Tradition has it that we simply write our names, but I will take the liberty of adding a reflection on what I know is going on with these wonderful folks.

Dear Father Matt, this is your deacon Stan and his beloved Marlene. We have continued to struggle together this past year with her miserable cancer. Stan’s writes that his beloved is a star of courage and strength through all the tests and treatments. Now the disease is in remission and this has been a year of rebuilding her strength. The gift this couple brings to the manger is gratitude and their prayer to the Christ Child is for more healing and perseverance.

Dear Father Matt, Phil tells me that his beloved Kathryn only 38 years-old died a month ago. In his darkness and grief, he shared stories of his angel who served as a nurse and worked many long hours to take care of her patients. He worried about the long hours she put in and felt so guilty that he wasn’t able to save her when she died in her sleep. This sorrowful man comes to the manger with his despair, guilt and anger and asks the Christ Child for forgiveness and assurance that his beloved is in heavenly peace.

Dear Father Matt, Mario and Santo have been waiting patiently over a year to have a baby. Tests revealed infertility and treatment began in the hope that they would have a child. Many prayers and lots of money and the news arrived that Maria is now expecting. Despite the worry and debt, this couple comes before the manager and prays to the Christ Child in thanksgiving and asks for a healthy baby.

Dear Father Matt, Joe and Pam are exhausted taking care of their darling daughters who continue to struggle with their epilepsy. Bella troubles grow more complicated with a recent MRI that suspects some serious brain abnormalities. More tests will be required and Joe is concerned since he has plans to teach overseas later this month on his Fulbright Scholarship. Pam and the kids are to join him in Prague, but this couple worries about their kids. They come anxious to the crib of the Christ Child and ask for wisdom on what best to do and God know that these two little ones have the best parents in the universe.

As I kneel before the manger, the gift that I ask for each of my friends is wisdom. Wisdom helps you to learn to decipher the unknown, and the unknown is our closet companion. So wisdom is the art of being courageous and generous with the unknown, of being able to decipher and recognize its treasures.

The Christ Child prays for us as we reflect: “Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12).

Lord, I pray for all my Sonshine Friends in this New Year that they will find treasure in their pilgrimage to the manager. May their gift of faith be rewarded with the Christ’s Child’s desire to bring our hearts compassion, mercy and healing. Stay close to God and lets keep in touch.

Breath of Spring

What a day, this mom thought to myself. With two of her young children in the hospital, she was spread thin. She had passed the infant CPR exam required before she could take her eight-week-old Joel home from the hospital. Would she remember how to perform CPR in a moment of crisis?

Exhausted, she reached for her grocery list that resembled more of a scientific equation than the food for the week. For the past several days, she had been learning the facts about juvenile diabetes and trying to accept Jenna, her six-year-old daughter's, diagnosis. In addition to the CPR exam she spent the day reviewing how to test Jenna's blood and give her insulin shots. Now she was buying the needed food to balance the insulin that would sustain Jenna's life.

This mom’s panic turned into a prayer. “God, I am so scared! What if I make a mistake and give Jenna too much insulin, or what if I measure her food wrong, or what if she does the unmentionable--and sneaks a treat? What if Joel's monitor goes off? What if he turns blue and I panic? What if?”

With a shiver, she tried to redirect her mind away from the what ifs. She gave myself an emergency pep talk and recited what she knew to be true, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I can do all things...."

She held a can of apple juice and began to read the label. Jenna will need fifteen carbohydrates of juice when her sugar drops. But this can has thirty-two. Immediately, she felt tears leave her eyes and make their way down the sides of her face. Not knowing what to do, she grabbed a couple six-packs of apple juice and placed them in her cart. Frustrated by feelings of total inadequacy, she crumpled up her grocery list, covered her face in her hands and cried.

"Honey, are you all right?" She heard a gentle voice ask. She had been so engrossed in her own thoughts that she hadn't noticed the woman who was shopping along side of her. Suddenly she felt her hand as she reached toward her and rested it upon her shoulder. "Are you all right? Honey, are you a little short of cash? Why don't you just let me…?"

She slowly dropped her hands from her face and looked into the eyes of the silvery haired woman who waited for her answer. "Oh, no, thank you ma'am." She said while wiping her tears, trying to gather my composure. "I have enough money." "It's just that I'm kind of overwhelmed. I'm here shopping for groceries so that I can bring my children home from the hospital tomorrow."

"Home from the hospital! What a celebration that shall be. Why, you should have a party!"

Within minutes this stranger had befriended her. She took her crumpled up grocery list, smoothed it out, and became her personal shopper. She stayed by her side until each item on her list was checked off. She even walked her to her car helping her as she placed the groceries in her trunk. Then with a hug and a smile, she sent this mom on her way.

It was shortly after midnight, while lugging the groceries into her house, that this mom realized the lesson this woman had taught me. "My kids are coming home from the hospital! Joel is off life support and functioning on a monitor. Jenna and I can learn how to manage her diabetes and give her shots properly. And just as God met my needs in a grocery store, He will meet each and every need we have. "I have a reason to celebrate!" She shouted for joy in her empty house. "Why you should have a party," the woman had exclaimed. And a party there would be!

God prays for us as we reflect: “I love you, O Lord, my strength.” (Psalm 18:1).

Lord. I pray for all my Sonshine Friends who are feeling exhausted after the holidays. Let the true celebration begin when we realize that we are NEVER alone but the presence of God watches over our concerns and gives us reason to celebrate.

Mystery of Crumbfest

This is the story of a very great mystery; a mystery which all the mice talked about, but which was never solved until the day Eckhart set off on his great adventure. It was the day he discovered the true meaning of Crumbfest.

For Eckhart and the other mice, every year was divided into two parts: the Outside part, and the Inside part. During the long warm days they lived in a snug burrow beneath a spruce tree in the corner of a field, next to the woods. But when the days became shorter, and the great snows came, they left Outside and moved Inside, between the walls of the big white farmhouse where the people lived. The mice, of course, didn't refer to them as people. They called them "the straight ones" because of the way they walked.

Eckhart didn't like going Inside. None of the mice did. The narrow space between the walls, where they spent the winter, was a cold, dismal place. There was no grass there, or trees, or flowers; and no sunshine.

The Inside was also a hungry place. There was plenty of food in the house, but it was always shut up in the little pantry off the kitchen - in jars, or in tins with tight covers. The only spot the mice could find food was on the kitchen floor, underneath the big wooden table where the people ate. There would usually be a few crumbs there, tiny bits of bread that had tumbled down from above.

But there was one time of the year when all that changed.

Every year, in late December, just a few weeks after the mice had moved Inside, a most astonishing thing happened. Suddenly, there were crumbs everywhere. For several days the mice feasted, not just on bread but also on cake, and cookies, and piecrust.

The mice had a name for this time of abundance. They called it Crumbfest, and over the years it had became the most important celebration in mouse society. "Merry Crumbfest", they would call out to one another as they scurried in and out of their hole in the wall, bringing back load after load of tasty morsels.

The truth is, Eckhart had some doubts about Crumbfest. He started thinking about the reason for this most mysterious event. He decided that he must solve the riddle and go exploring.

He passed beneath the great wooden table. He looked across the room and saw a door leading into a hallway. Beyond that was the unknown, and, perhaps, the secret of Crumbfest. He knew that was where he must go. And that's when he saw it!

Eckhart could scarcely believe his eyes. He looked again, it was a tree. A fir tree. A beautiful tree from the Outside was right there in front of him - on the Inside.

Eckhart ran over quickly and looked up into the branches. There, on the tree, were other things from the Outside. There was a long string of red berries - the kind that grow on the rose bushes along the fence - and some birds. They didn't look exactly like the birds he had seen Outside, but they were definitely birds, sitting very still in the branches.

There was a small table beside the tree and Eckhart ran quickly up one of the legs to get a better view. When he came up over the top there was another great surprise waiting for him. There, gathered together in a circle, were tiny animals from the Outside.

There were two cows, a horse with long ears and several sheep. There were also some tiny people there, and right in the middle a little box, with a baby sleeping in some straw. Eckhart walked over slowly and stood beside one of the sheep, which was exactly the same size as he was. He remained there quietly for a few moments, standing just as still as the other animals.

And that's when it happened!

Eckhart felt something he had never felt before. It started somewhere inside of him, and spread right out to the very tips of all his whiskers, and to the end of his extra-long tail. It wasn’t exactly astonishment, and it wasn't exactly joy. It was wonder - that's what it was. Eckhart felt wonder-full.

It only lasted a short time, but Eckhart knew that in that moment he had discovered the meaning of Crumbfest. It came to him in a flash, and he knew his journey was over.

When he arrived back between the walls, Eckhart told them the story of his journey. He told them about the big room, the tree, the berries and the birds. And when he got to the part about the animals he lowered his head, straightened his tail, and said softly, "The mystery of Crumbfest is the mystery of the Outside and the Inside. When the Outside comes Inside it is a special time, for when the Outside and the Inside are together, Crumbfest happens."

For a moment no one spoke. Most of the mice looked puzzled. But there were a few whose eyes opened very wide, as through they had just heard a secret, which they already knew.

God prays for us as we reflect: “Consider the mice: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than all creatures great and small.” Luke 12:24.

Lord, I pray for all my Sonshine Friends that like Eckhart they experience for themselves the mystery of Crumbfest and the wonder of a place where the Inside and the Outside are together. A Blessed Christmas Season to all my wonder-full Sonshine Friends, Fr. Matt

Cutting Down the Christmas Tree

My best holiday stress tip includes this motto targeted for Sonshine moms. The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in service to others. But that doesn’t mean holding a soup ladle. Although, my sincere congratulations to the woman and men cooks who served over 300 Brockport students during exam week. As one student wrote on their comment card: “MMM…MMM…GOOD.”

For the rest of the holidays, I like to take your name and the word “kitchen” and file a restraining order; since I believe there are a variety of other ways you can serve others. Let me complete the list of commandments for forgiveness.

The Eight Commandment: Forgiveness recognizes the humanness of the person who has wronged us and also recognizes our contributions to what went wrong. Simply put, it takes two and a little humility to fest up that sometimes we have a whiny attitude that needs an adjustment.

The Ninth Commandment: Forgiveness surrenders the right to get even. It’s not “I’m going to get you back…Payback time! Revenge!” It means letting go of that and embracing the spirit of wisdom that forgiveness surrenders the right to get even.

And finally, the Tenth Commandment: Forgiveness means we wish the person who hurt us, or the group (like our family and the in-laws), we wish them well. In fact, we wish them the best. That’s tough, but we let God be the final judge. We wish them to God’s mercy.

So here are the Ten Commandments of Forgiveness.
1. Forgiveness is not easy.
2. Forgiveness is not forgetting.
3. Forgiveness does not overlook evil.
4. Forgiveness is not indifference.
5. Forgiveness is not the same thing as approval.
6. Forgiveness recognizes that people are bigger than their faults.
7. Forgiveness allows a person to start all over again.
8. Forgiveness recognizes the humanness of the wrongdoer.
9. Forgiveness surrenders the right to get even.
10. Forgiveness wishes the offender well.

Taking our spouse to her favorite Christmas tree farm to cut down the family tree and dragging the ten-foot sucker over half a mile is one kind of service. For me, helping my buddy unload their Douglas fir and putting it up in a tiny living room, or saying a rosary at 7:30 in my office for my patients and friends, or visiting a priest-friend who needs encouragement and support, or helping a talented actress get the part in a play, or taking pictures of awesome landscapes to inspire your day. I'd like to think this is service, too, because if those people are empowered by my actions, then I've contributed to a better world just as much as if I had dished out mashed potatoes to a homeless person at a shelter. In other words, start with the things you like to do.

God prays for us as we reflect: "for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matt 6:21).

Lord, I pray for all my Sonshine Friends who bring the Christmas spirit into the homes and hearts of their friends and neighbors. Help us to be people of mercy, with gentle spirits to heal those who complain, shoulders to hold those in pain and the cup of our hands to catch the tears that bring your healing.

You Have Found Favor

Today, in our tradition, the angel Gabriel comes to Mary with an invitation. The messenger angel tells Mary what a wonderful young woman she has been in the eyes of God that He has special plans for her. However, Mary in her humanness reveals her fear, doubt, confusion and finally acceptance of this invitation to serve the blessed role as the mother of God.

You might ask yourself what is your vocation at this stage in life. To lead a spiritual life means to develop a sense of vocation. Such people tend to see their work not just as a job, but as a calling. Spiritual folks feel that they are a part of a higher purpose, that their life however unfamous, counts, that they were put here for a reason. God has created me to do him some definite service. He has committed some work to me. Which he has not committed to another? He has not created me to bring on chaos and despair, I shall do his work; I shall be an angel of peace. One way to be an angel of peace is to practice the following commandments of forgiveness.

The Fourth Commandment: Forgiveness is not indifference. What that means is where things are harmful and wrong, we don’t just go back to “business as usual,” and let the hurt and damage go on. Forgiveness is not indifference, and we should do what we can to make sure the evil won’t happen again.

The Fifth Commandment: Forgiveness is not the same thing as approval. We can be forgiving and, at the same time, express our disagreement, express our disapproval of harmful behavior. The next commandments are more positive and deeper.

The Sixth Commandment: Forgiveness is based on recognizing and admitting that people are always bigger than their faults. People are always larger than, and they are more than, their mistakes or their wrongdoings. In other words, we don’t define somebody and who they are by something they said to us or the way they hurt us. They are bigger than that. Forgiveness is based on recognizing and admitting that people are always bigger and more than their faults and their mistakes.

The Seventh Commandment: Forgiveness is willing to allow a person who has offended us to start over again. You know, the more common thing is saying, “Never again! No way! I will never let that happen again. I will never have anything to do with him again. No way!” Forgiveness means letting go of that. Forgiveness means allowing another person to start all over again.

God prays for us as we reflect: “Then the angel said, Do not fear (insert your name here), for you have found favor with God.” (Luke 1:30).

Lord, I pray for all my Sonshine friends who are suspicious and sometimes doubt God’s is calling out to them. Despite our doubts, our sins, our reluctance to believe, all are welcomed to come and adore him. In his divine eyes: “We are ALL perfect.” Children created in the image and likeness of God.

Whom Are You Kidding?

A patient struggling in his marriage and chemical disease said that he wanted to go to church. His partner did not want him to come with her because it would make her feel uncomfortable. He said that he grew up Catholic, but then he said something that shocked me. “I won’t go back to my church because they make everyone feel evil.”

Do you ever feel that your sins are too horrible or too terrible for God to forgive? That the volume of your sins is just too great to be forgiven. Do you have the feeling that there is little chance that God will ever let you into his heaven because of the very wicked life that you have led or because you have committed the same sins over and over? No offense to this beautiful bird, but the expression in his eyes reeks with an attitude that says: “Whom are you kidding?”

I believe that the God’s love doesn't care what you have done in the past, or how hideous, heinous, or horrendous your sins may have been. And he could care less about what sins you are committing right now. What he cares about is what you are going to do from now on. Let me share with you the Ten Commandments of Forgiveness. I will share the first three and follow up later in the month.

The First Commandment: Forgiveness is not easy. There is no cheap grace. There is no quick fix. A mother says to her child: “Tell him you’re sorry.” “I’m sorry.” The kid mumbles reluctantly. Doesn’t mean a thing. If it’s a quick and it’s easy it’s not real, especially for deep betrayals and hurts. So we need to ask God for help. We can’t forgive on our own. We need to ask God to start the process of forgiveness. Forgiveness is not easy and simple. It takes time.

The Second Commandment: Forgiveness is not Forgetting. We say, “Forgive and Forget.” I doubt think so. Forgiveness is about a change of heart, not a bad memory or having a senior moment. The wounds are too fresh or too deep. While forgiveness may not include harboring festering hurts, neither is it about forgetting. It may be helpful to remember the hurt from which you moved on, the occasion that began your journey to forgiveness.

The Third Commandment: Forgiveness does not overlook evil. I don't believe Catholics are responsible for all the evils in the world. We have done our share in history. It doesn’t mean that we accept injustice or naively believe that all is well when it isn’t. It doesn’t mean denial. It doesn’t mean, “Let’s pretend it never existed.” Forgiveness does not overlook evil.

God prays for us as we reflect: "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." (Luke 23:34).

Lord, I pray for all my Sonshine Friends who bear the burden of an unforgiving mind that is filled with despair. Help them to let go of the hurts and pain and walk with You as they journey toward peace.

Don't Get Worked Up

It’s hard to live in the now since we constantly worry about the future. How low will the stock market go? Will I have enough money to pay my bills? What will I do if I lose my job? Will I be able to retire? What do I need to do to ensure I will have everything I need?

An expert wood carver sat on his front porch, sipping lemonade and enjoying the sunshine on a spring afternoon. Around him on the porch sat his various creations. A friend of the wood carver stopped by for a visit and he was surprised to see the artisan relaxing. “It’s only 1:30PM, isn’t it a bit early for a break?” he asked. The artisan swallowed a mouthful of lemonade and yawned. “This isn’t a break,” he said, “I’m done for the day.”

His friend, a young executive, was confused. “What do you mean it’s too early to stop working? You could produce more. You could carve more figures. You could even hire an assistant to help you with your business. You could buy new tools. You could buy a shop and you wouldn’t have to carve at your house.” “Why would I want to do all that?” the carver asked. “So you could make more money,” his friend replied. “And what would I do with all that extra money?” the wood carver asked. “Why, enjoy life, of course.” The wood carver took another sip of lemonade, leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes. He then mumbled, “What do you think I’m doing?”

Jesus made it clear that we would often find ourselves in tension over trying to serve God and trying be successful. The illusion of our culture feeds our worries and creates anxiety. In recent years we've seen just how manipulative and powerful a politics of fear can be. Our capitalist economy legitimizes greed, creates artificial wants and needs, perfects advertising techniques that shape our attitudes, and makes sure that money, no matter how much or little you have, is our number one worry. The most insidious effects of capitalism might be on those who succeed at it rather than on the poor who fail. No one is immune from these and other powerful cultural forces. I know I'm not.

“You cannot add to your life span by worrying,” Jesus said. I believe that Jesus meant that we will be less anxious and most likely live longer when we are optimistic about life and not pessimistic.

When we are optimistic we are more hopeful. That doesn’t mean we won’t experience a negative balance on our 401K. When we do, God wants us to embrace this event and realize that God is with us. Worrying gets us nowhere. The past is over and the future has not yet arrived. All we can do is live in the now. Let me suggest that you offer this paraphrased prayer of St. Francis to calm your soul whenever your (whizzy brain) chronic worry gets the best of you.

"I want to be a channel for peace. May I bring love where there is hatred and healing where there is hurt; joy where there is sadness and hope where there is fear.

I pray that I may always try to understand and comfort other people as well as seeking comfort and understanding from them.

Wherever possible, may I choose to be a light in the darkness, a help in times of need, and a caring, honest friend. And may justice, kindness and peace flow from my heart forever."

Lord, I pray for all my Sonshine friends that we experience the God we call Love in the people around us. Help us to unite ourselves to them as one, in ways that are even beyond our understanding, so that much of the anxiety, much of worry coming from the uncertainties of life are overcome.

Smile from the Heart

Where do you think God is in this picture? Does the divine dwell in the goat or in the "chubby cheeks"? I think it's in the hands that holds our heads up when we are feeling down about the "blah" weather or our life. On another cold, snowy day, take "FIVE" and meditate on this image until you allow the hand of God to melt your troubles and be at peace.

Share the Joy

Three to five inches of snow predicted in Rochester. Our friends in Buffalo had 23 inches yesterday. Take a peak at our young man with his prize winning "GOAT" not a sheep. Opps!

Caught My Eye

This young man caught my eye as he was waiting outside the judging ring. He was holding tight to his black and white face goat that he had brought to the winter fair. While all the other kids were preening their goats before walking into the ring, our young man had the greatest grin on his face showing off his favorite pet for the first time. That’s the ticket, he was oozing with enthusiasm because this was the first time he had ever been entered in a championship show ring.

One noticed that he was not nervous like his other competitors. You could see the tension on their faces, their eyes always looking at the judge to make sure that their sheep was standing in the right position looking their best. Our young lad was having a great time as he entered the ring; he was calm and beaming from chin to chin. His goat could sense that his owner was at ease so that made this fur ball calm and collected. While the other goats were bouncing around and jumping away from the other kids, our little fellow had perfect control of his friend. The two were in sync and you could feel their calm as the judge moved from one contestant to another.

When she approached our young man, he stood with quiet confidence that he held the prize goat. She had asked to look inside the goat’s mouth, not sure what this was all about, but our young man struggled a wee bit to get his friend to cooperate. That moment was priceless, so our image shows the precise moment when he tried to pry his friend’s mouth open for a look inside his dentures. It would appear his furry friend had better things to do.

The judge called out her best three goats and our young man placed third out of twenty-five entries. He walked out of the judging ring with the biggest smile that won my heart and expressed how thrilled he was by the whole experience.

Many things in life send us into a panic and make us numb. The current economic crisis makes our stomachs sick. I have been called over 60 times this year to staff on-site critical incidents that include fatal auto accidents, severe injuries on the job, and the sudden death of a co-worker in the office.

The God we pray to came to relieve the suffering of the world and wants us to experience joy in our lifetime. Perhaps, we need to look a little closer at the deer outside our windows, or our grandchildren crawling on the carpet or maybe it’s a wee small boy taking his goat to the fair for the first time.

We fear divine judgment, but we need to remind ourselves that Christ came to bring only mercy. So in a moment when you are feeling overwhelmed or not quite your perky self, take a glance at our young lad and allow the grace of God’s love to bathe you in His warmth and soothe your fears with a joy that can calm a nervous goat with a gentle heart.

God prays for us as we reflect: “…let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.“ (Psalm 5:11).

Lord I pray for all my Sonshine Friends who are plagued with disease and fears that they cannot control. Calm our nerves and help us embrace Your strength and courage. Bring them joy.

Two Friends

Just up the road is a field, with two horses in it. From a distance, each looks like every other horse. But if you stop your car, or are walking by, you will notice something quite amazing. Looking into the eyes of one horse will disclose that he is blind. His owner has chosen not to have him put down, but has made a good home for him. This alone is amazing.

If nearby and listening, you will hear the sound of a bell. Looking around for the source of the sound, you will see that it comes from the smaller horse in the field. Attached to her halter is a small bell. It lets her blind friend know where she is, so he can follow her.

As you stand and watch these two friends, you'll see how she is always checking on him, and that he will listen for her bell and then slowly walk to where she is, trusting that she will not lead him astray. When she returns to the shelter of the barn each evening, she stops occasionally and looks back, making sure her friend isn't too far behind to hear the bell.

Like the owner of these two horses, God does not throw us away just because we are not perfect or because we have problems or challenges. He watches over us and even brings others into our lives to help us when we are in need.

Sometimes we are the blind horse being guided by the little ringing bell of those who God places in our lives. Other times we are the guide horse, helping others see. Good friends are like this. You don't always see them, but you know they are always there. My good Sonshine friends at Heberle Farm rescue horses and give these abandoned horses another chance to rest, heal and find new homes where they will be cared for. Please listen for my bell and I'll listen for yours.

God prays for us as we reflect: “You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory." Psalm 73:24.

Lord, I pray for all my Sonshine friends that we keep in mind all our friends who guide us with their wisdom. Help us to be kinder than necessary, for everyone we meet is struggling with some kind of challenge.

A Heavenly Place

Grotto Falls on Trillium Gap Trail, Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Tennesee. This trail climbs 520 feet and is shaded by large American beeches, silverbells, and maples.

A Heavenly Place

Stream along Caves Cove Road in Great Smoky Mountain National Park

A Heavenly Place

Sunrise on Newfoundland Gap in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, North Carolina

A Heavenly Place

Sunset on Clingman's Dome in Great Smoky Mountain National Park, North Carolina

The Journey Home

I still make “house calls” and on this Sunday afternoon I had been invited to the home of Norbert who quite literally is going home to God. Greeted by his beloved spouse Mary at the door, I sat next to this gentleman who spoke in a whisper about his life. He greeted me with the words: “Blessed Be the Name of the Lord.” He shared his faith, his love for his family and talked about the many journeys he had taken in his lifetime to the Vatican, Australia, England, Scotland and Ireland.

His stories reminded me of returning down the mountain in the Smokies that faithful morning when I started up the trail in pitch darkness. The trek home proved more difficult than expected. Sliding on loose shale, I came across those roots never seen on the journey in the dark. I wondered how many dangers we have escaped known only to God who watches and protects our steps from falling down a cliff.

Hikers were now coming up the trail and it was interesting to note the differences in how prepared these folks had come for their journey. Some were seasoned hikers using their ski poles to maneuver around the rocks and steep hills. Other hikers wore mini-packs that contained their feed of trail mix, water and supplies. Then came the “tourist” ill prepared for the journey ahead. These poor folks were gazing at the trail like the top was just around the corner, when in reality it would be another three hours up the mountain. Walking in sneakers, no water, no food, no poles just pulling along their children like a visit to the mall. They had no clue what difficulties lie ahead. What a contrast to the Appalachian enthusiastists who were marching along in their high tech alpine boots, lightweight walking poles, hydrator water systems and GPS. To my shock, I witnessed a person wearing sandals and shook my head thinking that this might be a good time to call the park rangers.

On the way down the trail, I spotted those streams that I heard in the darkness of the still morning. I had missed their sublime beauty and only feared falling into the drink. At the end of our life’s journey, we might regret to think of the many opportunities we missed to see the beauty of God’s creation. We have our excuses like paying the bills, working overtime. However, at the end of our life when the miserable disease takes away our independence, we make an amazing discovery. The gift of God’s love comes in our faith and it is our family’s love that provides the most hope for joy and happiness. My homebound friend Norbert came to this revelation as I anointed him with Sacrament of the Sick and gave him Holy Communion.

Sometimes the unknown sends us into a panic and we fear the worse. However, our need is to witness to hope and persevere. Despite the disease that makes us sick to our stomach and helpless, there is our guide pointing out the way in which we will not stumble nor get lost. We might have suffered much violence and pain and depression, but our guide asks us to surrender these fears and hurts and take his hand for the journey ahead that leads to eternal life.

God prays for us as we reflect:” And a highway will be there; it will be called the Way of Holiness.” (Isaiah 35:8).

Lord, I pray for my Sonshine Friend, Norbert, and all the Sonshine souls we will pray for this coming Sunday. Our vocation is to be a gift of Your healing love here on earth, to walk carefully, to protect, conserve and pass on the Your compassionate love for future generations.

Into the Light

It’s 5:45 in the morning and pitch black on the trail. The Smoky Mountain National Park ranger suggested hiking the Alum Cave Bluffs Trail to catch the sunrise over the mountains. Only problem, it’s a 2.5-mile hike that takes an hour and a half. If one wants to see the morning glow, you need to begin this odyssey in the dark. The ranger made me swear to take a flashlight or better yet a headlamp. He warned about the dangers on the trail or coming across a black bear in the wilderness.

I borrowed a flashlight from the rectory that had the logo printed with the words St. Mary’s Hospital. Was this an omen? The experienced ranger knew this trail’s dangers were its infestation of nasty roots, boulders, water hazards and native furry creatures.

My trek began cautiously with flashlight in hand in pitch darkness. The light reminds me how God leads, showing us the way despite all the obstacles along the way. In the dark, I could hear a stream that paralleled the trail. Pointing the light off the path, it showed that the banks of the stream were only a few feet away. So image this scene, I am engulfed in complete darkness, walking over gnarled roots, around jagged boulders and keeping my distance from the banks of the stream, and yes, the batteries in the flashlight are glowing dim. Despite these dangers, the sound of the stream was like something “holy” calming my nerves and telling me not to be afraid.

It’s 6:05 and the pre-dawn light comes into focus. The rocks and roots are barely in focus, but I still need the light to help me safely up the mountain trail. The obstacles remind me of the fears that accumulate during our life’s journey. The suffering comes in many forms, the exhaustion of caretaking loved ones or battling some miserable disease. The fear of losing our retirement pension, our jobs or our homes. The illusion that chemicals can cure all our ills or that "stuff" brings happiness and the peace. These are the boulders that will trip and make us fall despite our best efforts to stay upright.

The flashlight keeps me on course, but the trail grows steeper and harder to hike. Sometimes "life" gives us more than we can bear. It is more than a “moderate hike” for we feel our heart pumping hard from all the strain. It is time to take a rest.

It’s 6:15 and the path grows clearer. The rocks and roots are visible without the flashlight. The climb takes me away from the stream and climbs to a tunnel in the cliff. Stone steps wind up the mountain with a steel cable that serves as a handrail. This is a much tougher climb than the ranger led me to believe. The whining points out that I’m not in shape for this kind of journey. Still, my hope is to take some pictures of the sunrise. If we are mindful of the spirit, we would know what to do when we are feeling overwhelmed by the journey. Patience, patience and more patience. The hike continues up and more up, climbing over boulder after boulder. Finally, the climb leads out of the woods and into a clearing where the morning light pours over the autumn trees. It’s a stunning shot as the morning light makes this scene “holy and majestic.”

God prays for us as we reflect: “Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble.” (Proverbs 3:23).

Lord, I pray for all my Sonshine Friends whose journeys take them to the limits of their endurance. May your light lead us on a path where we will not stumble nor fall. May the voice of the spirit like the sound of a running stream breathe new life into our weakness and give us strength for the journey ahead that leads to our home in heaven.