Be My Valentine - You Are Mine

No, I'm not talking about a valentine's phrase, exactly, although it could certainly be God's valentine to us.  I'm referring to a song we often sing at church.  It was actually my penance after celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and it was absolutely perfect.  Let me explain.

First, a note about the Sacrament of Reconciliation.  It really gets a bad rap.  If you have not had a a wonderful, positive, freeing experience with that Sacrament, you need to go again.  It is absolutely beautiful.  Let's set aside the discussion on confessing sins to a priest and focus on the deeper purpose:  reconciliation with God.

A New Year

I survived the day!  It may not sound like much, but after being home sick for so many days, I feel like I've been given a second chance at life.  Okay, yes, a bit dramatic, perhaps, but I couldn't resist.  I mean, I didn't even have to take a nap to get through the day!  Coincidentally, we just began a new year, and for so many people, this day becomes an opportunity for a second chance.  The chance to change, grow, improve or any other verb you want to use.  Some see it as a catalyst, the push needed to define a change, goal, or resolution.  I used to be big on resolutions, and they can be wonderful tools.  However, I don't want to limit my opportunities for growth to once a year, nor do I want the pressure (real or imagined) of sticking with something for the wrong reasons.  So, if you made a resolution (or 2 or 10), I applaud you for taking steps to change your life.  If you need accountability, I'm ready to help.  I've discovered that my attempts at change work better when I have a support network and like-minded people joining me on the journey.  It's part of why I blog (which seems like it should be it's own blog post . . . someday).

Thankful Thursday 11/6/14

Today I am thankful for forgiveness.  This is really a daily thanks, if I'm willing to admit I when I am wrong!  I recently took my stress and frustration out on a friend, and shortly after the moment, I realized my error.  I wanted to justify my position and words.  I was tired, I am behind on project A, I have thing B looming over me, I am allowed to be grouchy once in a while!  The reality was, no, there is never an excuse for being unkind.  So shortly after our interaction, I knew I had to apologize and seek forgiveness.

Thankfully the circle from me messing up, realizing my mistake, and seeking forgiveness is getting smaller.  So either I'm recognizing my error and resolving it more quickly, or I'm getting more practice because I do it too much.  Hmmm.

27th Sunday in Ordinary Time - reconciliation

http://usccb.org/bible/readings/100514.cfm

Quick recap:

1st Reading - More vineyard stories :)

Psalm 80 - The vineyard of the Lord is the house of Israel

Epistle - Phil 4 - motivational letter from Paul

Gospel -Matthew 21 - A landowner leased out his vineyard before leaving on a journey, and the tenants killed his servants and then his son when they came to collect the produce.

In the first reading, we hear God's frustration. His chosen people have turned away, repeatedly. In the Gospel, Jesus highlights the continued behavior of the Jews, who ultimately kill the Son of God. This sets the backdrop for the psalm. In the psalm, we hear God's response to the Old Testament, and we add our plea that God protect this vineyard - us! This is nothing new to God - how many times had Israel sinned and repented? Not to mention us and our current society. Over and over, we beg God for mercy. We must have contrite hearts before God, and belief that our prayers will be heard. 

Reconciliation

I'm working on my housecleaning list, and I realized I hadn't done any soul-cleaning recently.  I had a particularly rough day and I was recounting it to a friend.  I shared my appalling behavior and bad attitude and waited for her to chastise me.  I figured I deserved a talking to, because I knew better.  Instead, she laughed, and said, 'Oh honey, that's what confession is for.'  So, today, I got my butt in gear and went to seek reconciliation with God and those I hurt.

I am human, and I'm going to screw up over and over again.  That's a fact.  What is less unsure is how willing I am to profess my human-ness and sinfulness and ask for God's mercy over and over again.  It's there, and it's free, and it's mine for the asking.

Brokenness

Lent is a great time to slow down and consider what we truly believe.  I attended a reconciliation service, and as we entered the church, we were given a piece of a tree branch (pictured below).  We were told that the branch came from the tree branch in the sanctuary.  The piece was to remind us that in our sinfulness we are broken, and our brokenness affects those around us.  But together, all of our pieces unite as the Body of Christ.  

Father commented that he wouldn't make us find the pieces that fit on either side of our piece, but that got me thinking.