The lost is found

"Pray to St. Anthony," I assert.  "He knows where it is."

I regularly call on St. Anthony for help.  You might say I have him on speed prayer :-)  I used to think that it was rude to 'bother' St. Anthony for inconsequential things.  Just because I can't find my 3-hole punch, doesn't mean I need to inconvenience anyone, especially not a saint! 

Now, I view my frequent requests as part of my relationship to the saints.  The more I converse with them (please note, this is not to be confused with talking to myself!), the more I am in tune with them.  Just like a close friend, the more we talk, the stronger our relationship becomes.  We begin to emulate each other (which is why you need to pick good friends!).  Who would be a better friend and model than a saint?! 

I admit that in the beginning, my requests really felt superstitious.  Like knocking on wood to prevent something from happening (I mean, really?!).  But the more I converse with St. Anthony and the saints, the more I am open to grace, such as patience.  It's frustrating when you can't find something you need, but I trust in God's timing.  And just like talking to a friend about a complicated situation, you feel better for sharing the burden, even if nothing has changed.  Now, when I pray to St. Anthony, I trust that he knows what I need, even if it's not what I ask and especially when it's not in the time frame I want.

Try it sometime, and then try it again.  And again.  And again.  Do you see a pattern here? :-)  With time, it will feel less 'fake' and more peaceful.  There is such a freedom in knowing that St. Anthony knows where the item is.  I don't get all worked up (most of the time) because the item is known to St. Anthony, and just like I trust my friends to help me out when they can, I trust him.

A New Normal - A New Year

2017 began like any other year.  I expected good things.  Dad would turn 90 in January, Mom would turn 85 in June, and they would celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary in October.  A year to remember!

There was no herald, announcing that this year would be difficult and painful. 

There was no fanfare, suggesting there would be a final family gathering.

In reality, it was just another year.  In reality, it was . . .  life.

January 8, 2017, we celebrated Dad's 90th birthday.  Friends and family gathered together.  It was the party he requested, with plenty of food and lots of smiles and laughter.  We did group pictures, sibling pictures and more.  

There was love and laughter.

There was happiness and smiles.

I'm happy to say that had we known then, what was coming, I don't think much would have changed. 

Becoming a Saint

Happy Feast of All Saints!  There are so many wonderful men and women who have gone before us, giving us examples of how to live, or sometimes, what NOT to do!  I think there is a saint for almost any situation/career/grace that you could think of.  What inspires me the most is that many of the saints are ordinary people who loved God completely.  As we heard at Mass today, we don't have to be a St. Thomas Aquinas (very scholarly) or St. Theresa of Kolkata (working with the poorest of the poor).  Yet we are not excused from being saint just because we don't think we can measure up.  Sainthood is not only defined by great acts, although there are many saints who were heroic in their actions.  To me, being a saint is as basic as Matthew Kelly's famous catchphrase - "Becoming the best version of ourselves."  I love that expression, because it highlights two things:  1) That we don't have to become anyone other than ourselves.  We are quality material!  2) We were designed to be saints from the beginning of our very existence.  It is in our spiritual DNA!  In our homily today, we heard that doing small things with great love is a saintly act.  Many saints espouse that motto, but one of the best is St. Therese.

"Little things done out of love are those that charm the Heart of Christ… On the contrary, the most brilliant deeds, when done without love, are but nothingness."

 ~St. Therese of Lisieux "The Little Flower" (taken from  http://www.pathsoflove.com/love-therese.html)

November 22 - Feast of St. Cecilia

Happy Feast Day to me!  Today is the feast of St. Cecilia, patron saint of musicians.  For obvious reasons, I also chose Cecilia as my confirmation name, so I have even more to celebrate.  I love that we have patron saints.  Why?  Well, just like I rely on experts in various areas (spiritual direction, health, learning, etc.), the saints fulfill the same role, with a spiritual focus.  Just the other day, I had an opportunity to invoke St. Anthony for help in finding something that was lost.  We had searched everywhere, and it was imperative that we find it back.  What was lost has since been found - thank you St. Anthony!  Again, similar to my health coach or tax consultant, I can petition the saints for direction, help, and clarity.  And, as I've discovered, I am much more likely to stay on track with guidance from the experts!

Memorial of St. Augustine

August 28 - Memorial of St. Augustine

St. Augustine, Bishop and Doctor of the Church has many incredible writings and commentaries. I am only just beginning to delve into a small piece of his work; I know I have much to learn. What I do know is something that came up in a recent study of the document "Sing to the Lord:  Music in Divine Worship."

'As St. Augustine says, "Singing is for the one who loves."

Memorial of Saint Monica

August 27 - Memorial of Saint Monica

Saint Monica is the example of persistence in prayer.  Her pleading to God for the conversion of her son, Augustine, was heard.  What faith, to continue to pray, even when things seem impossible.  She did not give up.

Are there prayers that you gave up because the progress was not immediately evident?  Never doubt that your prayers are heard.  Follow the example of Saint Monica - when in doubt, pray, pray, pray.

"Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God."  ~Philippians 4:6

Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

http://usccb.org/bible/readings/081514-day-mass.cfm

I've been mulling over my reflection from the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.  I was struck by the homily I heard and I would like to share it here.  Before I can do that, I feel the need to share a little detour first.

My plans were to go to the vigil Mass at my parish on Thursday night.  That changed when a brother came through town after a conference and we all went out to eat.  I knew I had several options on Friday, but the most logical (not the easiest) would be the 7AM Mass which is close to my home.  I turned on my alarm and went to sleep.  Silly me, I didn't double-check the time on my alarm (like I normally do), and it was set for 15 minutes later than I expected.  I almost didn't make that Mass, but thankfully Fr. was apparently waiting for me as he didn't being the procession until I showed up :-)

St. Maximilian Kolbe

"No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends."  ~John 15:13

Growing up, the stories of the saints fascinated me.  They seemed like a fable, imparting wisdom, but distant from my reality.  Today we celebrate the feast of a great saint who lived in the recent past and demonstrated the greatest gift - love of another.  I encourage you to read and learn more about this saint.

Could we do what he did?  His love of the Blessed Mother was his strength, and it showed in every aspect of his life.  He truly understood what it meant to love one another.  Love does not see skin color, creed, or religious affiliation.

Prayer - Lord, help me to be love in this world, especially when it is hard.  I am called to love every person, not just those I already love.  May I follow in the footsteps of your servant, Maximilian Kolbe.  

Divine Mercy Sunday

Today is such a great day, one post couldn't contain it all.  On this Sunday of Divine Mercy, we are reminded of the goodness of our God.  We, the church, have been gifted with 2 new saints this day:  Saint John XXIII and Saint John Paul II.  What a beautiful opportunity to celebrate God's love, mercy, and Easter joy!

St. Nicholas

December 6 was the Feast of St. Nicholas.  Happy Feast Day!

Prayer - Lord, thank you for the examples of the saints.  May we be unfailing generous, like St. Nicholas, to all of those in need.  Our generosity is one way to give thanks to You..

St. Cecilia

Happy Feast Day to all musicians!  I am doubly blessed because Cecilia is my confirmation name as well.  So extra celebrations here :-)