I am an avid bicyclist and today I found out my sport has a patroness -- Madonna del Ghisallo. How exciting!
I found a brief description of the ride to the shrine here. I think I am putting this trip on my list of things to do before I die. Don't know if I have the ability to cycle it, but at least I would like to visit the shrine in person.
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Our First Martyr
Tuesday's readings contained the passage from the Acts of the Apostles regarding how Stephen became the first Christian martyr. It just so happened that I was lector on Tuesday due to the usual lector's having to go to jury duty.
I have heard this story a number of times since joining my parish, which happens to be St. Stephen Protomartyr parish. Even before I decided to become Catholic, I had often thought to myself how vivid is this recollection of Stephen's martyrdom! Finally, I had an opportunity to read this passage aloud to the congregation -- what an honor!
St. Stephen was a man who was passionate about his faith in Jesus Christ and deeply troubled by the obstinance of his peers -- and was bold enough to voice his opinions and feelings about both. How can we find a way to incorporate some of that boldness into our lives today?
Of course, Stephen paid for his boldness with his life. Today, in this country, though not entirely unheard of, it is rare that a person will pay for unwelcome outspokenness with physical death. Rather, people -- especially those in the public arena -- often pay for their unpopular comments with a metaphoric execution in the media.
A case in point that is popular at this moment is Archbishop Burke's decision to resign from the Cardinal Glennon Children's Medical Center foundation's board of directors. The reason for his resignation is that an upcoming fundraiser includes a performance by Sheryl Crow, who is a firm believer in embryonic stem cell research. The Archbishop's position is that Crow "promotes moral evils" and he could not in good conscience support her inclusion in a fundraiser for a Catholic hospital.
My point in bringing this up is not to argue whether Archbishop Burke was right or wrong in his decision to resign, but to point out that his moral stance, and his stringent defense of it, is being publicly trashed by the media. Already an unpopular Archbishop, he has found himself in a very unpopular position and is yet again suffering a public "execution".
What is it about us today that we are so quick to pass judgment? Can no one see the point behind Archbishop Burke's position? Of course, another excellent position I heard on the story was (paraphrasing) "are we [at Cardinal Glennon] going to ask every nurse, doctor, employee, or volunteer whether their stances on moral issues align to Catholic teachings?"
What I would really like to see us, as a society, do more of is spend some time pondering and analyzing a situation from its different perspectives, rather than jump feet first into passing judgment on it and the parties involved. Of course, I am aware I am being an idealist and am also mindful that careful pondering does not make good television (radio, blogs, etc.). However, can we at least remember the example of Stephen's life and learn from his executioners -- so quick to judge, but yet how wrong they were!
I have heard this story a number of times since joining my parish, which happens to be St. Stephen Protomartyr parish. Even before I decided to become Catholic, I had often thought to myself how vivid is this recollection of Stephen's martyrdom! Finally, I had an opportunity to read this passage aloud to the congregation -- what an honor!
St. Stephen was a man who was passionate about his faith in Jesus Christ and deeply troubled by the obstinance of his peers -- and was bold enough to voice his opinions and feelings about both. How can we find a way to incorporate some of that boldness into our lives today?
Of course, Stephen paid for his boldness with his life. Today, in this country, though not entirely unheard of, it is rare that a person will pay for unwelcome outspokenness with physical death. Rather, people -- especially those in the public arena -- often pay for their unpopular comments with a metaphoric execution in the media.
A case in point that is popular at this moment is Archbishop Burke's decision to resign from the Cardinal Glennon Children's Medical Center foundation's board of directors. The reason for his resignation is that an upcoming fundraiser includes a performance by Sheryl Crow, who is a firm believer in embryonic stem cell research. The Archbishop's position is that Crow "promotes moral evils" and he could not in good conscience support her inclusion in a fundraiser for a Catholic hospital.
My point in bringing this up is not to argue whether Archbishop Burke was right or wrong in his decision to resign, but to point out that his moral stance, and his stringent defense of it, is being publicly trashed by the media. Already an unpopular Archbishop, he has found himself in a very unpopular position and is yet again suffering a public "execution".
What is it about us today that we are so quick to pass judgment? Can no one see the point behind Archbishop Burke's position? Of course, another excellent position I heard on the story was (paraphrasing) "are we [at Cardinal Glennon] going to ask every nurse, doctor, employee, or volunteer whether their stances on moral issues align to Catholic teachings?"
What I would really like to see us, as a society, do more of is spend some time pondering and analyzing a situation from its different perspectives, rather than jump feet first into passing judgment on it and the parties involved. Of course, I am aware I am being an idealist and am also mindful that careful pondering does not make good television (radio, blogs, etc.). However, can we at least remember the example of Stephen's life and learn from his executioners -- so quick to judge, but yet how wrong they were!
Saturday, April 7, 2007
Remembering, renewing
The most moving celebration I have encountered within the Catholic faith is the Easter Triduum. The three days -- Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Vigil/Easter Sunday -- are a single, solemn, powerful, and ultimately, triumphant rememberance of Jesus' last supper, death, and resurrection.
Having converted to Catholicism Easter, 2006, this year was the first time I could participate as a Catholic in all the aspects of the Easter Triduum. For me, it is an intense and intimate time of prayer, remembrance, and in-depth introspection.
One of the most personal and humbling aspects of a Catholic celebration of Holy Thursday is foot-washing, which commemorates the foot-washing story from John's gospel. Experiencing this ritual firsthand was, in large part, responsible for my decision to become Catholic.
Remembering our Lord's passion, death, and resurrection these three holy days culminates in a renewal through the restatement and affirmation of our baptismal promises. I am so grateful to be able to remember my own baptism since I made my initial baptismal promises as an adult. So many memories from last year returned to me this Lent and these past few days, especially this evening, at the Easter Vigil celebration. I remember standing before the baptismal font as the water was poured into it and blessed by my pastor. I recalled bending at the waist over the font and my spiritual advisor pouring holy water over my head, reciting the words "I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit" in a silent church full of people -- purely one of the most energizing and electric moments of my entire life!
There are so many more memories that came to me this evening and these past days, but for me, what it all adds up to is I have found a deep and everlasting love in Jesus Christ, I remember that love he expressed for me on the Cross, and seek to ever-renew myself in that love.
Having converted to Catholicism Easter, 2006, this year was the first time I could participate as a Catholic in all the aspects of the Easter Triduum. For me, it is an intense and intimate time of prayer, remembrance, and in-depth introspection.
One of the most personal and humbling aspects of a Catholic celebration of Holy Thursday is foot-washing, which commemorates the foot-washing story from John's gospel. Experiencing this ritual firsthand was, in large part, responsible for my decision to become Catholic.
Remembering our Lord's passion, death, and resurrection these three holy days culminates in a renewal through the restatement and affirmation of our baptismal promises. I am so grateful to be able to remember my own baptism since I made my initial baptismal promises as an adult. So many memories from last year returned to me this Lent and these past few days, especially this evening, at the Easter Vigil celebration. I remember standing before the baptismal font as the water was poured into it and blessed by my pastor. I recalled bending at the waist over the font and my spiritual advisor pouring holy water over my head, reciting the words "I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit" in a silent church full of people -- purely one of the most energizing and electric moments of my entire life!
There are so many more memories that came to me this evening and these past days, but for me, what it all adds up to is I have found a deep and everlasting love in Jesus Christ, I remember that love he expressed for me on the Cross, and seek to ever-renew myself in that love.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel (Mk 1:15)
I love Ash Wednesday.
This is the first Ash Wednesday I am a Catholic. It is the second Ash Wednesday when I have received the dark ashen sign of the cross on my forehead.
The thing I love most about Ash Wednesday is that Catholics all over the world who attend Mass on Ash Wednesday are visibly marked with the sign of their faith, which they then carry with them throughout the day. Behind each of those sooty smudges is a Catholic, unified with the Church community through the symbol of the cross.
The humility with which people acquiesce to be marked in this way is striking. This mark is a sign of one's repentance -- an external admission of sorrow for one's mistakes and failings. What a profound way to submit to God and express your service to God to those around you.
This is the first Ash Wednesday I am a Catholic. It is the second Ash Wednesday when I have received the dark ashen sign of the cross on my forehead.
The thing I love most about Ash Wednesday is that Catholics all over the world who attend Mass on Ash Wednesday are visibly marked with the sign of their faith, which they then carry with them throughout the day. Behind each of those sooty smudges is a Catholic, unified with the Church community through the symbol of the cross.
The humility with which people acquiesce to be marked in this way is striking. This mark is a sign of one's repentance -- an external admission of sorrow for one's mistakes and failings. What a profound way to submit to God and express your service to God to those around you.
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Shrine of St. Joseph
From time to time, I go on what I term as "field trips" with the lady who was my RCIA sponsor. We pick a Catholic place I haven't been to and go there with each other. It is a great way for me to spend time with my friend, who's a great lady (and former School Sister of Notre Dame), and the field trips help me get a greater understanding and context for the universal Church.
Today, we visited the Shrine of St. Joseph, which is in downtown St. Louis. After Mass at 11 AM, we went on a tour that was given by Les, a volunteer at the shrine. His tour was extremely informative and lasted far longer than I thought it might; the whole thing was well over an hour. Not only did we tour the church itself, but we were also invited to tour the rectory.
The most unique thing to know about the shrine is it is the site of the only miracle in the midwestern U.S. to have been authenticated by the Vatican.
The shrine itself is beautiful and has a lot of statuary. A major restoration of the shrine began in the early 80's. I don't think the restoration is officially "over", but many people have certainly have done some amazing things with this previously dilapidated site in the last quarter century.
Today, we visited the Shrine of St. Joseph, which is in downtown St. Louis. After Mass at 11 AM, we went on a tour that was given by Les, a volunteer at the shrine. His tour was extremely informative and lasted far longer than I thought it might; the whole thing was well over an hour. Not only did we tour the church itself, but we were also invited to tour the rectory.
The most unique thing to know about the shrine is it is the site of the only miracle in the midwestern U.S. to have been authenticated by the Vatican.
The shrine itself is beautiful and has a lot of statuary. A major restoration of the shrine began in the early 80's. I don't think the restoration is officially "over", but many people have certainly have done some amazing things with this previously dilapidated site in the last quarter century.
Tuesday, February 6, 2007
St. Malo - peak to peak highway
OK this is totally sweet -- it's a place I can go to do a spiritual retreat that also happens to be located near one of the most spectacular destinations and bicycling locations in this country:
www.saintmalo.org
It's good to be Catholic. God bless Rev. Msgr. Joseph J. Bosetti for discovering this location.
www.saintmalo.org
It's good to be Catholic. God bless Rev. Msgr. Joseph J. Bosetti for discovering this location.
Notes from the pain cave
You may know that in bicycling (and probably other sports), there is a concept known as the "pain cave", which is the place you go when you are really pushing yourself to, or even beyond, your previously achieved or known limits. The object of going through your pain cave is to see how far you can push yourself to the limits, but still manage to come out of the pain cave alive.
I am training myself for the cycling season, getting motivated to enter the pain cave, which will culminate in an attempt at my first ever 100-mile bike ride, which I hope to do in May of this year. I think I can do it, but won't know until I have done a few training rides on my new road bike, which I hope to buy some time next month.
In 2005, riding even 10 miles on a bike, let alone 100, would have seemed utterly insurmountable, physically and mentally. In 2006, I began cycling again, but the 100-mile ride was not something that entered my head until the last ride of the season, when I strongly finished 40 miles on my mountain bike. When talking to people at bike shops and at the gym about this accomplishment, they usually express surprise that I rode so far on a mountain bike, then tell me that if I am able to do 40 miles on a mt. bike, I should be able to do 60 miles on a road bike with no problems. Cool!
Life itself has many pain caves that we go through. We experience physical pain, searing heartbreak at the hands of loved ones, disappointments, sadness, and mourning. Sometimes several of these things happen all at once, which can really test your perseverance. I have had many of these experiences in the past few months -- the death of a very dear family friend in November, the death of a too-young (35 years old) co-worker due to cancer in January, personal issues, and the most recent trip to the pain cave was courtesy of the two guys who mugged me. The trick is to bear down and work through the pain cave, trusting in God to get you through it.
You will find me in the gym several times a week during these cold winter months, hammering away on the arc trainer machine, or sometimes the elliptical or maybe even jogging the treadmill (another goal this year to is complete my first-ever 5-K run). I'm usually staring straight ahead, into a wall or looking at a window. I'm envisioning myself pushing through the pain cave at mile 75, working my way through the darkness and pain, and into the light, with God's help.
I am training myself for the cycling season, getting motivated to enter the pain cave, which will culminate in an attempt at my first ever 100-mile bike ride, which I hope to do in May of this year. I think I can do it, but won't know until I have done a few training rides on my new road bike, which I hope to buy some time next month.
In 2005, riding even 10 miles on a bike, let alone 100, would have seemed utterly insurmountable, physically and mentally. In 2006, I began cycling again, but the 100-mile ride was not something that entered my head until the last ride of the season, when I strongly finished 40 miles on my mountain bike. When talking to people at bike shops and at the gym about this accomplishment, they usually express surprise that I rode so far on a mountain bike, then tell me that if I am able to do 40 miles on a mt. bike, I should be able to do 60 miles on a road bike with no problems. Cool!
Life itself has many pain caves that we go through. We experience physical pain, searing heartbreak at the hands of loved ones, disappointments, sadness, and mourning. Sometimes several of these things happen all at once, which can really test your perseverance. I have had many of these experiences in the past few months -- the death of a very dear family friend in November, the death of a too-young (35 years old) co-worker due to cancer in January, personal issues, and the most recent trip to the pain cave was courtesy of the two guys who mugged me. The trick is to bear down and work through the pain cave, trusting in God to get you through it.
You will find me in the gym several times a week during these cold winter months, hammering away on the arc trainer machine, or sometimes the elliptical or maybe even jogging the treadmill (another goal this year to is complete my first-ever 5-K run). I'm usually staring straight ahead, into a wall or looking at a window. I'm envisioning myself pushing through the pain cave at mile 75, working my way through the darkness and pain, and into the light, with God's help.
Monday, February 5, 2007
Trust in God; love people
Next Sunday's first reading is from Jeremiah, and I am really looking forward to hearing what our homilist has to say about it (excerpt below):
Thus says the LORD:
Cursed is the one who trusts in human beings,
who seeks his strength in flesh,
whose heart turns away from the LORD.
This reading really caught my attention, especially in light of what my co-worker's girlfriend had advised him, which was "trust in God; love people" and because this reading just happens to come a few days after having been mugged at knifepoint.
I think God must be trying to tell me something. . .
Thus says the LORD:
Cursed is the one who trusts in human beings,
who seeks his strength in flesh,
whose heart turns away from the LORD.
This reading really caught my attention, especially in light of what my co-worker's girlfriend had advised him, which was "trust in God; love people" and because this reading just happens to come a few days after having been mugged at knifepoint.
I think God must be trying to tell me something. . .
Friday, February 2, 2007
Mugged!
Yesterday morning, I was mugged at 6:30 by two young men, one of whom was wielding a knife. I was on the street in front of my house where I park my van, preparing to get inside the van to leave; they cornered me by my van, one of them displayed a knife, and they stole my tote bag (thinking it was my purse), then realizing they hadn't gotten my purse, one of them pushed me out of the way to get to my purse, which was in the passenger's front seat, and took off running. I screamed "NO" and "HELP" as loud as I could, but no one heard me, or if they could, they weren't able to get out of their house fast enough to help me. It was over in about 2 seconds, if that.
I was really grateful I wasn't physically harmed. Also, the van was running, with both the driver's and driver's side doors open, so they could easily have pushed me out of the way, hopped in, and drove off with everything, so I was really grateful that didn't happen, either! I think they were too young to drive, so I think they didn't try to steal it for that reason. The police recovered my tote bag, which the robbers ditched less than a block away when they realized all it contained was papers and books. I haven't heard from the police about them recovering my purse, but I don't expect to get that back. Believe me, after calling the police, then calming down, my next response was to get service turned off to my mobile phone and, when they opened, I called all my debit/credit card companies and cancelled everything in my wallet. Of course, I have lost my mobile phone, iPod, and two 1 GB jump drives, so that's a hassle/expense to contend with.
So, what's a Christian person to do with this kind of situation?
Well I definitely said more than a couple of prayers of thanksgiving for my being physically unharmed and for that my van was not stolen, also. After those two major things, I am trying to figure out a way to forgive these people. For one thing, they are young, and young people do some really dumb things. I just hope they realize the error of their ways before they do something idiotic and permanent, like hurting someone. I think I will ultimately be able to forgive them, but that's not to say I am taking lightly what has happened, and have already begun taking precautions to avoid this situation again. Of course, my forgiving them does not mean I condone what they have done; they are absolutely in the wrong for what they have done.
The day before this happened to me, a friend of mine at work told me something his girlfriend said to him that he found to be very profound. He said she had told him "love people, but put your trust in God" and that if you trust people, they will always fail you, and you will forever be disappointed in them. I suppose, based upon this incident and some other things that have happened to me in my life, this is true. I wish it weren't.
I have never been one to let people into my inner sanctum. There are very few who I can say I trust with my innermost thoughts and feelings . . . . maybe only one or two people in my life right now.
God, however, can be trusted with all of my self, and He is always constant and true.
I was really grateful I wasn't physically harmed. Also, the van was running, with both the driver's and driver's side doors open, so they could easily have pushed me out of the way, hopped in, and drove off with everything, so I was really grateful that didn't happen, either! I think they were too young to drive, so I think they didn't try to steal it for that reason. The police recovered my tote bag, which the robbers ditched less than a block away when they realized all it contained was papers and books. I haven't heard from the police about them recovering my purse, but I don't expect to get that back. Believe me, after calling the police, then calming down, my next response was to get service turned off to my mobile phone and, when they opened, I called all my debit/credit card companies and cancelled everything in my wallet. Of course, I have lost my mobile phone, iPod, and two 1 GB jump drives, so that's a hassle/expense to contend with.
So, what's a Christian person to do with this kind of situation?
Well I definitely said more than a couple of prayers of thanksgiving for my being physically unharmed and for that my van was not stolen, also. After those two major things, I am trying to figure out a way to forgive these people. For one thing, they are young, and young people do some really dumb things. I just hope they realize the error of their ways before they do something idiotic and permanent, like hurting someone. I think I will ultimately be able to forgive them, but that's not to say I am taking lightly what has happened, and have already begun taking precautions to avoid this situation again. Of course, my forgiving them does not mean I condone what they have done; they are absolutely in the wrong for what they have done.
The day before this happened to me, a friend of mine at work told me something his girlfriend said to him that he found to be very profound. He said she had told him "love people, but put your trust in God" and that if you trust people, they will always fail you, and you will forever be disappointed in them. I suppose, based upon this incident and some other things that have happened to me in my life, this is true. I wish it weren't.
I have never been one to let people into my inner sanctum. There are very few who I can say I trust with my innermost thoughts and feelings . . . . maybe only one or two people in my life right now.
God, however, can be trusted with all of my self, and He is always constant and true.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Minister claims to be Jesus
Was reading MSNBC and came across this gem: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16840066/site/newsweek/
This person sounds like he has multiple personality disorder to me.
Let's just say it was time for the second coming. Knowing what I know about Jesus' style from the Gospels, while certainly I think Jesus' second coming would be sensational in many senses of the word, I can't imagine he would choose to present himself to the world as this man has. This man is shameless and his followers are being taken.
I hate to even write about him, because it gives him more publicity. On the other hand, I hope it provokes people to consider how Jesus would present himself to the world upon his second coming. Use your noodles, people!
This person sounds like he has multiple personality disorder to me.
Let's just say it was time for the second coming. Knowing what I know about Jesus' style from the Gospels, while certainly I think Jesus' second coming would be sensational in many senses of the word, I can't imagine he would choose to present himself to the world as this man has. This man is shameless and his followers are being taken.
I hate to even write about him, because it gives him more publicity. On the other hand, I hope it provokes people to consider how Jesus would present himself to the world upon his second coming. Use your noodles, people!
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Yep, I'm a Mackerel Snapper
Yes, it's a derogatory term for a Catholic, but like many other groups who have reclaimed derogatory terms for their own use, what the hell, I'm gonna' use it for me.
I'm new to this Catholic thing. Compared to my cradle Catholic compatriots, I am a spiritual babe in the woods. My pastor calls me newbie.
For that matter, I'm new to the Christian thing, too. I spent the majority of my life as an agnostic, unwilling to commit to a specific religion. I researched a lot of 'em -- Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism, Islam, Wicca, Christianity. Once I decided Christianity was the right place for me, then I had to determine which denomination to go with. I went to a number of different churches and read about all the major Christian denominations. Somehow, though, I just kept returning to Catholicism.
So, I took the plunge (nearly literally) and decided to convert to Catholicism. In a meaningful, joyful Easter Vigil Mass on April 15, 2006, I was baptized, confirmed, and received my first communion.
So, yep, I'm a Mackerel Snapper and proud of it.
I'm new to this Catholic thing. Compared to my cradle Catholic compatriots, I am a spiritual babe in the woods. My pastor calls me newbie.
For that matter, I'm new to the Christian thing, too. I spent the majority of my life as an agnostic, unwilling to commit to a specific religion. I researched a lot of 'em -- Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism, Islam, Wicca, Christianity. Once I decided Christianity was the right place for me, then I had to determine which denomination to go with. I went to a number of different churches and read about all the major Christian denominations. Somehow, though, I just kept returning to Catholicism.
So, I took the plunge (nearly literally) and decided to convert to Catholicism. In a meaningful, joyful Easter Vigil Mass on April 15, 2006, I was baptized, confirmed, and received my first communion.
So, yep, I'm a Mackerel Snapper and proud of it.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
