Closure

 When a loved one dies, many people, not just family, grieves.  The family is in shock and really doesn't realize that many people are affected.  Even the cashier in the store, who used to joke with the deceased, will grieve.  

Funerals help.  It's a way to say, "good-bye."  It's the last thing you can do for a person who has gone forever out of your life.

Last week, the wake for Father Jack was postponed, due to fire.  There will be some sort of services, in the future.  But the people are in limbo.  I've heard, "I wish I could have seen him, one last time."  Unfortunately, he was buried.  

The Father of Mindfulness

 The Art of Living by Thich Nhat Hanh is a book about how to live in seven meditations.  Thick Nhat Hanh is a spiritual leader, winner of a Nobel Peace Prize, and numerous book awards.  The Art of Living explains his teachings on "mindfulness."  As a member of TOPS, I know that eating mindfully is recommended.  You enjoy it more, it takes longer, and you appreciate all that went into making the food.  The reader will see how this approach to life, would work similarly.  

This guide to living mindfully will give a person, peace and happiness.  In the beginning, the author suggests that the book be read with the idea that the reader is walking in the forest.  At times, you have to stop in wonder at nature.  Sometimes, you stop to breathe.  Sometimes you stop to rest.  Sometimes you stop for refreshment.  This walk is the book's approach to life.

I think everyone can benefit from living mindfully.

Like Jesus

My parish had a fire.  My pastor appeared on TV and said "We forgive whomever did this."  At first, I wondered why he said that, then I remembered that that was what Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, they know not what they do."

Why would anyone set fire to a church?  Make a statement?  Well, what could that be?  

Tragedies pull people together.  My town is having a town-wide support event in our Town Common on Sunday.  

Whomever did this, we pray for you.

https://youtu.be/rjFccWQn1_E?si=hcVyje7LRnrz_Zzg

Liberation Theology

 The priest who is known as the Father of Liberation Theology has died.  He is a hero of mine.  The Peruvian theologian Fr. Gustavo Gutiérrez OP, considered the father of Liberation Theology, died today at the age of 96 in Lima, leaving a profound legacy in the Church and in the social movements of Latin America. His most outstanding work, Liberation Theology. Perspectives (1971), transformed the way of understanding the Christian faith by linking it directly to social commitment and the struggle for the rights of the poorest and most oppressed.

Momento Mori

 Since I decorated for Halloween, I am constantly reminded of the inevitability of death. It actually is too close for comfort. In a way, I can’t wait to hug Jesus—a long hug and see my parents and relatives and friends, but  I sure will miss my children and grandchildren. Oh, I will miss you, too!

Dental Sorrowful Mysteries

 Nothing brings me quicker and deeper into prayer than a dentist appointment. Today I had over a two hour appointment and another is forthcoming in three weeks.   

Thanks to the two hours plus appointment, I managed to pray all four mysteries of the Rosary. I never noticed how apropos the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary are, to being at the dentist's.  While waiting in the waiting room, I prayed the Agony in the Garden. Add the Scourging at the Pillar. Sitting in the dental chair, I thought, how coincidental that I'm being fitted for a crown, while praying the Crowning of Thorns.  Of course, the ordeal itself, was The Way of the Cross, and the Crucifixion.

The appointment was over two hours, so I also prayed the Joyful, Glorious and Luminous Mysteries. That's 200 Hail Mary's.  It helps.  Praying always helps.

I also used my rosary ring, to pray.  It was spinning!

Help My Unbelief

 In Mark 9: 23-24, the crowd brought a boy to Jesus, who needed healing.  Jesus says that anything is possible if you have faith.  The boy's father cried out, "I do believe, help my unbelief." The father really wanted his son to be cured, and he hoped Jesus would cure him, but he could not bring himself to believe such happiness was possible.  The father feels his faith wavering and he is afraid his lack of trust will keep his son from being cured. 

Sometimes, I feel that my faith will falter, and God will find fault with me. So, I pray, Lord, help my unbelief.  Help me to believe more and more and more and more...