tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89285945500453890932024-03-13T10:04:19.202-07:00Edith, Faustina, and MeA reflective look at growing deeper in faith as we find and proclaim Christ alive in the world.Judith A. Matenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00346455511845994463noreply@blogger.comBlogger69125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8928594550045389093.post-39604282862089427362020-09-12T13:38:00.000-07:002020-09-12T13:38:19.750-07:00A Matter of Focus<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9g9uxq2b-Uk/X10xj_cGwyI/AAAAAAAAAdk/a-V4jr838Mw9FRu-CTsUnJQc4E-9BUKEACLcBGAsYHQ/s779/Two%2Byear%2Bold.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="779" data-original-width="600" height="256" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9g9uxq2b-Uk/X10xj_cGwyI/AAAAAAAAAdk/a-V4jr838Mw9FRu-CTsUnJQc4E-9BUKEACLcBGAsYHQ/w197-h256/Two%2Byear%2Bold.jpg" width="197" /></a></div><br />My husband and I went out to breakfast this morning. At the restaurant,
there was a couple there with their young son. No more than two, this little
one was obviously the apple of his parents’ eyes. He was intrigued by the
waiter’s bejeweled face mask. He was curious as to the hustle and bustle at the
drink station located by his highchair. His exuberance was a joy to behold. The
older gentleman sitting near him happily told the young couple about his own
newly born grandchild. The wait staff became more animated every time they
passed the table. This little one lifted everyone’s spirits.<o:p></o:p><p></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">When we left the restaurant, there was joy in my heart, and
it got me thinking.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Without saying a word—that little one captivated everyone he
encountered. His awe and curiosity were enlivening. The love his parents showed
for him (and each other) was uplifting. There was a palpable joy in everyone
who was there. The world was ordered to happiness, in that moment of time and
space, in that restaurant today.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It made me realize that what we focus on directly impacts
our attitudes, thoughts, and interactions with each other. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We live in a world that is fixated on chaos, negatives, and
hopelessness. Turn on the news, run through social media or pick up a newspaper
and you will get hit with this reality. From the Pandemic to racial tensions,
from politics to natural disasters, we are fed a continuous line of tragedy,
upheaval, violence, and turmoil. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As human beings, however, God has wired us to seek beauty,
joy, truth, and happiness. When our environment is in direct conflict with how
we are wired, we will experience an inner-disconnect that wreaks havoc, both
interiorly and exteriorly.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The little boy in the restaurant made me realize that what
we focus on is truly what we see. In his world—everything was new and fresh.
There was a bounce in his step and a curiosity that was enlivening. He was
filled with joy and the world was his.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">You may say—but he’s only two. He doesn’t have bills to pay.
He isn’t confronted with the realities and hardships of life. And yes, that is
true.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">But there is another truth at work here. And it has to do
with our choices to notice what we notice.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">If I choose to focus on the negative, that is exactly what I
will find. I will gravitate toward the chaos. I will seek the imperfections—in others
and myself. And when I do, I will be swallowed up by the hopelessness that is
consuming us individually and as a nation.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">If, however, I choose to focus on the good and the beautiful,
I will be drawn to it. I will see the little child. I will be lifted in spirit—just
as I was by everyone in that restaurant. When I change my focus, I will see the
world differently. That focus has the ability to unite—just as it did the
people of all ages and races, in that moment in time, in that restaurant. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">What we focus on in life is our choice. This does not mean
we sweep problems under the rug or ignore issues that need to be addressed. But,
if we seek the good in each other, if we seek what is beautiful and true, we
will have peace in our hearts. We will be motivated by hope. Love and joy are
the fruits of such focus, which builds unity—and isn’t that just what this
world needs now?<o:p></o:p></p>Judith A. Matenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00346455511845994463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8928594550045389093.post-6782137526260680922020-04-09T08:03:00.001-07:002020-09-14T08:04:54.818-07:00A Time for Contemplation and Mercy<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--lHpmOr3hiU/Xo82OmBCTgI/AAAAAAAAAbo/IhsQGk8y6_A16dbNmiMZC29b1QYQ9GaJgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Carl%2BBloch%2BChrist%2Bwith%2Bmocking%2Bsoldier.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="410" data-original-width="329" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--lHpmOr3hiU/Xo82OmBCTgI/AAAAAAAAAbo/IhsQGk8y6_A16dbNmiMZC29b1QYQ9GaJgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Carl%2BBloch%2BChrist%2Bwith%2Bmocking%2Bsoldier.jpg" width="256" /></a>In these days of quarantine, we watch the television for the daily updates on the spread of the Corona virus. As we watch the death tolls rise and pray that the curve flattens, fear and anxiety take over. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We miss seeing our families, the hugs and kisses of grandchildren. We mourn for the anticipated loss of family gathered around the Easter dinner table. We grieve that we will not gather for the grand liturgical celebrations. Relegated to a screen to watch and pray, the trappings of worship may seem
flat. We long for the time when we can join together again. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It seems to be all
the more difficult as we enter into Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday
and Easter.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But there is another thought that has been emerging in the
silence of my prayer as I take notice of my longing for the crowds, the sights and smells of Liturgy, to receive the Eucharist, and the joys of family. It is a small
voice, but I do admit it is getting louder, especially as we enter into the
Upper Room, the Garden of Gethsemane, the prison, the Praetorium, Calvary Hill
and ultimately, the Tomb.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What has come to me in this time of quarantine is this: Do I love all the trappings more or is
my desire truly centered and focused on the love of my Savior?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jesus walked alone. While His Disciples were gathered around
the table and He prayed that they all may be one, their hearts were not
unified. One betrayed Him. One denied Him. Most ran away and hid. Only the
Beloved Disciple, Mary, His Mother, Mary Magdalene and a few other women stood in
consolation and unity with Him in His suffering.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But what if this time of quarantine, rather than a time of
mourning the loss of what was, was a time to listen to that small voice and ask
ourselves, "Who or what is truly the focus of our life and love?"<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Do we love the Lord of Life or are we caught up with the
feelings and emotions of the crowds? Are we swept away with the liturgical music,
decorations and robes, or are we consumed with the love of the One who walked
the solitary path of His Passion, Death and Resurrection? Are we swept up in
the busyness of life or are we content to sit solely in His Divine Presence?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What if this time of quarantine is a time of God’s Mercy? What
if it is an opportunity to sit in the stillness and solitude of Jesus and
reflect on what truly moves our hearts and actions? What if it is a chance to consider
what we think is critically important in our lives and ask, “Does this lead me
ever closer to Jesus or is it an obstacle to that relationship?” What if this
is a time for us to take account of who or what we are truly in love with? What if it is a time to let go and be
swept ever more deeply by the Holy Spirit into the love that flows between
Father and Son?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Let us give thanks for this time of quarantine as a time of
quiet reflection, stripped of the distractions that often cause us to lose
focus. Jesus walked the path to Calvary alone, confident in the love of His
Father. Let us walk with Him. Let us give Him our anxieties and fears, knowing
that despite what looks like a hopeless end—the Cross and tomb and yes, even this
time of quarantine—are doorways to New Life.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Let us look at this time of isolation as an opportunity to
create a new normal, rich in mercy and love, forgiveness and peace as we grow
ever closer to Jesus.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Judith A. Matenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00346455511845994463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8928594550045389093.post-70439474300798011782019-10-19T16:02:00.000-07:002019-10-19T16:02:19.475-07:00What’s in a Name?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GVNN1o-xZfA/XauV0ez96qI/AAAAAAAAAaw/ut5etzrZEXkDJP2Lv4UbkkUSNulQ95PfACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Frank%2BMcCullers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GVNN1o-xZfA/XauV0ez96qI/AAAAAAAAAaw/ut5etzrZEXkDJP2Lv4UbkkUSNulQ95PfACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Frank%2BMcCullers.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
My husband and I have season tickets to the Detroit Symphony
Orchestra. Every time we attend a concert, a man is standing out near the
parking deck playing his trumpet. Far from a professional, he plays a couple
lines from a variety of songs as people pass on the way to Orchestra Hall. Rain
or shine. Snow or sweltering heat. He is there. Every concert.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Except the last one.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As we walked past “his spot” I noticed his silent absence.
Throughout the concert I couldn’t help but wonder what happened to him. Was he
ill? What if he died? What if…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was amid the questions that I realized I didn’t even know
his name.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sure, we had dropped money in his tattered trumpet case and
smiled as we walked past, but I knew nothing about him. I never told him his
presence brought a bit of joy to every concert. It made me sad to think that
after all these years, I had never taken the time to know his name or thank
him.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The concert ended and as we walked outside, I could hear the
broken notes of his trumpet. I felt a sense gratitude for this second chance. I
went up to him and asked his name.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Frank” he replied. I told him how much I had appreciated
seeing him. A smile spread across his face and he said, “Well thank you and may
God bless you.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It got me thinking. How many others in my day do I just pass
by? How many go unnoticed? How often do I let people know how much I appreciate
them?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Scriptures assure us that God knows us intimately. Even the
hairs on our heads are numbered (Luke 12:7; Matthew 10:30). He calls us each by
name (Isaiah 43:1). God assures us we are precious in His eyes and honored, and
He loves us (Isaiah 43:4). Our God is a God of relationships. Created in the
image and likeness of God, we are called to be in relationship not only with
God—but with each other. To call each other by name.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What would happen if we kept our eyes open to those around
us? To the mother struggling to push her shopping cart while holding a sleeping
infant? To the elderly man trying to open a door while hanging on to his
walker? To the homeless person we would rather avoid? To the tattooed young
adult asking for directions at the gas station? To our spouse? To our parents?
To our children?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was met by a man outside the St. Therese Chapel who was
asking for money to pay his phone bill. I was on my way to a meeting and really
wanted to keep walking, but I thought of Frank. I turned. Facing him, he
repeated his plea. I asked him his name. “David” he replied. “Not the king,
just David.” He laughed. I joked that we are all sons and daughters of the
king. We both laughed. I gave him a couple of dollars but also asked if he
wanted prayers. He eagerly accepted. We both promised to pray for each other.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jesus calls us His friend. David and Frank are the most
recent reminders to me that we are called to take notice. To be aware of the
people around us and to reach out as Jesus did in friendship. The beauty of all
of this is that when we do, we will be blessed by the encounter in ways far greater
than we can ever anticipate.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Judith A. Matenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00346455511845994463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8928594550045389093.post-76318339982448334572019-01-23T17:34:00.001-08:002019-01-23T17:34:10.941-08:00Evangelizing Jesus<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a3ACc1TZGLc/XEkVmaG5_XI/AAAAAAAAAXU/QTprU1H8KNUtUITsdwi9ATCKRX_fVIl-QCLcBGAs/s1600/Sacred%2BHeart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="1600" height="265" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a3ACc1TZGLc/XEkVmaG5_XI/AAAAAAAAAXU/QTprU1H8KNUtUITsdwi9ATCKRX_fVIl-QCLcBGAs/s320/Sacred%2BHeart.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Cambria",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Today was my first day taking part in a popular
evangelization series being run in churches all over the world.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria",serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Cambria",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">As I walked into the room, I was greeted
with enthusiasm by at least three people of whom I see regularly at Mass. The
lady at the check-in table was extremely happy to see me, marking off my name
and joyfully telling me my table assignment.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria",serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Cambria",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">I recognized many of the people in the
room. Most I have worshipped with for decades. There were a few new faces.
Everyone was very eager for the session to begin.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria",serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Cambria",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The smiling hostess told a joke and made
us feel welcome. The lunch was delicious.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria",serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Cambria",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">We watched a short video that began with
the question, "Who is Jesus?" The rest of the video, slickly done
with beautiful videography and stunning scenes from the Holy Land, went on to
"prove" that Jesus existed. The video’s presenter was a former
lawyer-turned minister. He smiled broadly as he finished the clip, assured that
he had given us what we needed to know that Jesus was "real."</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria",serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Cambria",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">In the time that has passed since I left
the class, I have been thinking a lot about the experience. I realized a few
things about myself and the assumption that we all come to know Jesus through
the same process.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria",serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Cambria",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">I was a young child, about five, when I
had a profound experience of Jesus. There is no doubt in my mind that I had a
very personal and life-changing encounter with Divine Love. I can honestly say
that from that moment on, I knew Jesus was real and loved me very much.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria",serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Cambria",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">My path to Jesus did not begin with an
intellectual study of books and Scripture. That all came after that first, very
personal encounter with radiating, unconditional love that I somehow, at that
young age, knew was Jesus. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria",serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Cambria",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">I wonder in these days of trying to
figure out how to bring people into a conversion experience if we aren't going
about it the wrong way. It’s as if we are assaulting them with Jesus. Proofs
and facts, arguments and debates. We are intellectualizing what should be
intimately personal.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria",serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Cambria",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Jesus is a human being with whom we are invited
to be in relationship. He is God, fully Divine, with whom we are to enter into
the mystery. Jesus envelopes us and fills us. He transforms our very
being. Jesus wells up from within us, overtakes us and fills us.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria",serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Cambria",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> I think coming to know Jesus is so
much more than a lawyer laying down the facts or a scientist proving hypotheses.
</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria",serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Cambria",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">I have concluded there is no one-size-fits-all
path to Jesus. As unique as each of us is, our path to Jesus is equally
distinctive. I am convinced the key to evangelization is building relationships
with those around us. Seeing each other as people to be loved. Desiring to
share what we have with others and longing for their happiness. Being with them
in their woundedness so that through prayer they are consoled and made whole
through the healing power of God. Loving ourselves and each other as the
vulnerable people we are and allowing Jesus to transform our every cell and
fiber with His Love.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Cambria",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">When we do, we will know Jesus in profound ways. Our thirst
for Him will compel us forward, to learn about Him, be with Him, and joyfully
share Him with others.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />Judith A. Matenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00346455511845994463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8928594550045389093.post-46686738813237326082018-11-20T14:43:00.002-08:002018-11-20T14:43:31.450-08:00My Parents' Greatest Gift<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: .3in; margin-right: .3in; margin-top: 0in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">"Like Jesus, we too
are meant to give our lives away in generosity and selflessness, but we are
also meant to give our deaths away, not just at the moment of our deaths, but
in a whole process of leaving this planet in such a way that our diminishment
and death is our final, and perhaps greatest, gift to the world. Needless to
say, this is not easy. Walking in discipleship behind the master will require
that we too sweat blood and feel 'a stone's throw' from everybody. This
struggle, to give our deaths away, constitutes Radical Discipleship."<br />
</span></i><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">— Ronald Rolheiser, </span><em><span style="color: #af2292; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="https://www.spiritualityandpractice.com/books/reviews/view/26158"><span style="color: #af2292; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Sacred Fire: A
Vision for A Deeper Human and Christian Maturity</span></a></span></em><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I came across this quote by Ronald Rolheiser as I was doing
research for a retreat. I was struck by his words and began reflecting on my
own experience of being with another in their final hours of life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">My Mother died twenty years ago. It is difficult to
image that much time has passed, but I remember my last conversation with her
as if it was yesterday.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qmJ1KhCyL0I/W_SM_XFXupI/AAAAAAAAAW8/IeDSpQqD9JsDSkWd5L-N-Cyg5jDaKqo0ACLcBGAs/s1600/Mom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="724" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qmJ1KhCyL0I/W_SM_XFXupI/AAAAAAAAAW8/IeDSpQqD9JsDSkWd5L-N-Cyg5jDaKqo0ACLcBGAs/s200/Mom.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Mom</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Suffering from cancer and weakened by her struggle,
she could barely hold a conversation in her final days. Late one night after I
had left the hospital, the phone rang. I was afraid to answer, fearing it would
be my Dad, telling me that Mom had died. Instead it was her faint voice I
heard. She was so weak I have no clue how she dialed the phone, let alone held
it to her head to speak, yet she called.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Judith” she said, “I just want to tell you, I love
you. I have always loved you and I always will.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Tears rolled down my cheeks as I told her I loved her
too. Those last words are so dear to me, because they speak of eternal love—and
the hope of being reunited.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">My Father died just this past year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rVsRIdfiS0E/W_SM6hBSVgI/AAAAAAAAAW4/SFpZwCzlGws0NWeqHxCw2ZDZHe-yT5TFQCLcBGAs/s1600/Dad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rVsRIdfiS0E/W_SM6hBSVgI/AAAAAAAAAW4/SFpZwCzlGws0NWeqHxCw2ZDZHe-yT5TFQCLcBGAs/s200/Dad.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My last photo with Dad</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Sitting next to his bed after having been put on a
ventilator to give his heart and lungs a rest, the medical staff called the
family together to tell us there was nothing more they could do for him. My
Dad, who I had always looked to as my source of strength would not pull through
this last battle. I would never hear his voice again and I said a silent prayer
to God that I might, just one more time, get to see his dancing blue eyes that
were always full of life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Before they pulled the ventilator, the family said
their final good-byes, not knowing how long he may survive without medical
assistance. I was one of the last to leave the room before the medical team entered the room. Laying my head down on his
pillow next to his head, I whispered into his ear how much I loved him. I looked at my sweet Father and thought of my prayer. With
that his eyes opened, and he looked at me with a gaze filled with incredible
love. A tear rolled down his cheek and we were held, suspended, in a sacred
moment between father and daughter that was graced with eternal love.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">My Mother and Father’s parting gave me incredible
gifts: a depth of love that goes beyond the grave and the hope of reunion with
God for all eternity. They were people of faith who through their dying moments
shared the opening of new life, not lost life; eternal love, love that is not
confined to this world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Every time I receive the Eucharist at Mass, I am
united in that love. I am surrounded by all those Radical Disciples who through
their death gave me a glimpse of eternity. We are gathered together in the
Celebration of Unity and Love. Christ has claimed the victory; death cannot
destroy love.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">This was my parents’ greatest gift and I thank Fr.
Rolheiser for reminding me of this.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />Judith A. Matenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00346455511845994463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8928594550045389093.post-74605613257124458972018-04-18T09:14:00.001-07:002018-10-29T12:05:26.909-07:00Reflecting on History and Invitation<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gWO3EAPlWgo/WtduoLwbOSI/AAAAAAAAAVc/0MKJ4iq4VKwcDaMiWrVhWkWiJb3YhmXzACLcBGAs/s1600/Auschwitz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gWO3EAPlWgo/WtduoLwbOSI/AAAAAAAAAVc/0MKJ4iq4VKwcDaMiWrVhWkWiJb3YhmXzACLcBGAs/s320/Auschwitz.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">I love history and am
especially intrigued by the people and events of the Second World War. The era showcased
man and society at its very worst and yet, there was always a ray of hope.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">A few years ago I had
the opportunity to visit Auschwitz in Poland. The horrors of the concentration
camp were magnified by the realization that engineers, businessmen, bankers,
and many others actually made money off the slave labor of the camps. Hair from
shaved heads was sold as upholstery stuffing. Shoes, clothes, and personal
belongings were sold to finance war efforts. Genetic testing on innocent
children was done to determine best ways to control population. Chemists and
engineers worked on the most efficient ways to exterminate people who were
deemed “unnecessary”. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">How could this happen? Why
didn’t people stand up against it? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Later in the day as we
walked through the streets of Kraków, I realized God in His infinite Mercy had
never abandoned His people. Prior to the ramping up of World War II a young nun
by the name of Sr. Faustina Kowalska began receiving messages from Jesus. The
encounters not only taught her of His mercy, but encouraged her to tell the
world. With little formal education this simple nun proclaimed the message of
Jesus' Divine Mercy through her diary. The message reminded us of God’s
incredible love for each of us, despite our sinfulness. His merciful arms are
open and waiting and for us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">At the same time in
history, another young woman answered God's call. Born into a Jewish family,
Edith Stein spent her life in search of Truth, which took her on a journey
through atheism to Catholicism. As a young college student and nurse she witnessed
firsthand the horrors of World War I. As Nazism escalated Edith witnessed the
systematic destruction of the Jewish culture and people. She spoke out, proclaiming,
"The nation...doesn't simply need what we have, it needs what we are."
Edith’s convictions led her to the Carmelite order, where she took the name Sr.
Teresa Benedicta of the Cross. Because of her Jewish heritage, Sr. Teresa was taken
from her cloister in Holland and martyred in the gas chambers of Auschwitz. To
one who lived mercy, none was given. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">At our visit to the
Divine Mercy Sanctuary just outside of Krakow, the incredible witness of God
presence and mercy hit home. Below the main Sanctuary were several chapels
connected by a glass wall to a main chapel dedicated to Sr. Faustina Kowalska.
Following her death her diary been published, giving the message of Divine
Mercy to the world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">One of the chapels was donated
by Germany. The sacred space was unlike the others in its starkness. Walls
painted white, a barbed wire stencil ran at chair height around the room. The
altar was a stone block. Sitting on it was a small black iron crucifix made of
nails. Hanging on the glass wall behind the altar, which looked out into the
St. Faustina chapel, was a huge cross encircled by a crown of thorns. Made of steel
and barbed wire, the harshness echoed the evil of the crucifixion of not only
Jesus, but all the innocents who suffer at the hands of evil. Across from the chapel’s
entrance was a life-sized sculpture of Sr. Teresa Benedicta (Edith Stein), whose
arms held the crucified body of Christ as it she had lifted Him from the Cross..<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">I froze as I entered
into the chapel. Looking at the statue, it was as if Edith Stein was now offering
Jesus’ broken Body to me. Stunned, I turned my head and through the cross and
crown of thorns, could see the image of St. Faustina looking back at me. "Take
Him," they seemed to be saying. "Take those who are suffering under
the weight of sin, and be mercy." <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Auschwitz is a reminder
of the horrors of man's sinfulness. Despite of such incredible darkness, God was
and is present. His Holy Spirit gives voice to those who, like Faustina, Edith
Stein, and so many others who bravely stood against the face of evil, to speak
out. Their courage reminds us to not succumb to hatred, sin, and evil, but to stand
up and be a voice for love, mercy, compassion, and forgiveness in the world. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">The Church canonized St.
Faustina and St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross/Edith Stein (and many others from the WWII era). We must
remember God has empowered us through the Holy Spirit to be His instruments of
His Love, Compassion, Forgiveness, and Mercy, and today. When we do, we incarnate
Jesus in a world so desperately in need of His Love.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Judith A. Matenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00346455511845994463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8928594550045389093.post-19363071468232496872017-05-22T11:00:00.002-07:002017-05-22T11:45:10.715-07:00“Why are you standing there looking at the sky?”<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TdCnkYwsfxA/WSMnP5FT3UI/AAAAAAAAATQ/pUw69G3lgUUFJdX4dcdgk1_cRSXzPCnoQCLcB/s1600/Ascension.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TdCnkYwsfxA/WSMnP5FT3UI/AAAAAAAAATQ/pUw69G3lgUUFJdX4dcdgk1_cRSXzPCnoQCLcB/s320/Ascension.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Taken from the Acts of the Apostles 1:11, this line uttered
by the angels following the Ascension of Our Lord is one of my favorite. It
shows our humanity in oh so many ways.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It also makes clear the invitation to stop gazing up and “get going.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The walk of a disciple is the constant invitation to live
boldly our love for Christ. There is also a bit of trepidation as we strive to
discover just how God invites us to share the Gospel with others. Mathew’s
Gospel even notes this as those assembled “worshipped Him but doubted” (Mt
28:16-18).</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I once read that fear and doubt are the exact opposite of
faith—they cannot co-exist. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While those gathered saw the resurrected Jesus in their
midst, they still doubted. What was the source of their questioning and anxiety?
The reality of the resurrection? The promise of Jesus’ words? Their ability to
carry out the great commission? The fear of where the invitation might lead?
What will others think? All are reasonable thoughts and at their very core,
very human.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I think of those gathered with Jesus that day, I think
there is a little bit of them in us today.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How often have we struggled to figure out how to find Jesus
in the midst of daily living? How often have we wondered just what it is that
God is inviting us to “do”? How often have we wondered how to live our faith in
the midst of turmoil? How often have we questioned whether Jesus is truly with
us—that He hasn’t abandoned us? How often have we been afraid to admit we need
God?</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">St. Paul’s words to the Ephesians (Eph 1:17-23) reassure us
that we have been given the Spirit of wisdom and knowledge. We also have
planted within us the seeds of great hope. The challenge is to discover and
unleash the Spirit within.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We receive the Holy Spirit in baptism. We consume the Divine
Presence in the Eucharist. Through reception of the Sacraments we are constantly
filled with the One who will never abandon us and the hope that one day we will
be united forever with the One who loves us. This is Good News!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">St. Paul reminds us that “We can do all things through
Christ who strengthens us” (Phil 4:13).</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Ascension is a time of letting go of our old ways,
doubts, and fears and celebrating the new life we received at Easter. As we let
go of the practices, habits, and sins that are obstacles in our relationship
with God as we embrace new life in Christ. We reflect with gratitude on the
experiences of life that led us to this point and gratefully break the chains
of what impedes our path. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let us reflect on how much God truly loves us as we enter
into the silence of our own “Upper Room” to pray and discern where the Holy
Spirit is inviting us as part of the invitation to go forth to make disciples
of all nations.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<br /></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Judith A. Matenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00346455511845994463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8928594550045389093.post-1014635779601156072017-01-21T14:39:00.001-08:002017-01-22T16:28:37.344-08:00Reflections on the March for Women<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JWooBKCY9iI/WIPiuPihZGI/AAAAAAAAASo/0NaIuwysMzortUvq-X1tiSj9MPIopmzzACLcB/s1600/WomensMarch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JWooBKCY9iI/WIPiuPihZGI/AAAAAAAAASo/0NaIuwysMzortUvq-X1tiSj9MPIopmzzACLcB/s320/WomensMarch.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Watching
the news last night, they interviewed a woman who was marching today in
Washington. She held a bright pink shirt and shouted that women needed to “get
the dignity we deserve.” She was adamant—each time she repeated the statement
she became louder and more agitated.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">This
morning as women (and a smattering of men) gathered to march for the “rights”
of women, I wonder if they truly knew for what they were marching. The right to
abortion? The right to birth control? The right to marry whoever they want?
Would that “get” them dignity?</span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">As
one who was a chemical engineer working in a field with very few women over 35
years ago, I shared in the dream to break the glass ceiling. I wanted to be
recognized for my brain and talents, not objectified for my body. I wanted
equal pay for equal work. I wanted to be valued and cherished for the person I
was—not for someone else’s idea of what I should be.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">What
I realized then as I realize at an ever-deeper level now is that respect and
love and feelings of being cherished come from a place deep inside of me. It is
from a source who has called me by name, created me in His image and likeness, as
His beloved for all time. I have an inherent dignity due to this identity—one that
no man or woman can take away.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">This
core belief comes from being a beloved daughter of God.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">If
I continue to look to others for love and acceptance to complete me I will be
forever chasing after something I will never obtain. God is the only One who
can fill that space residing in me—that exists in each one of us. No human being can fill that void completely.</span></div>
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OTiRBRZCVwc/WIPgjyNiHNI/AAAAAAAAASU/NSLCMCsn1wgaS0M2zPYG4Sfd5rqFdmPHQCLcB/s1600/Ruth%2B%2526%2BNaomi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OTiRBRZCVwc/WIPgjyNiHNI/AAAAAAAAASU/NSLCMCsn1wgaS0M2zPYG4Sfd5rqFdmPHQCLcB/s1600/Ruth%2B%2526%2BNaomi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Women
have an inherent dignity and worth in the eyes of God, equal in dignity to man.
Not better, not less. Equal.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">We
contaminate that belief when we attach a “value” to our worth. Rather than
seeing each as gift, we distort the image and likeness of God by saying it is
not enough and then chasing after ideals, images, and actions that cheapen, not enrich,
who we are.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Rather
than marching and protesting, rather than ranting expletives about our
President, why don’t we practice what many signs read in the sea of women gathered?
Love trumps hate.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Our
bodies are given to bear forth life. Celebrate that—don’t kill it.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Our
hearts beat with compassion for the most vulnerable—the children we carry and
those we nurture and care for. We are wired to be mothers—whether biological or
spiritual. Celebrate that—don’t bury it.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Our
minds are quick and imaginative. We can calculate figures, create works of art,
run a household or a major corporation. Celebrate the gifts and stand shoulder
to shoulder with the men that do the same, respecting all.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Woman
was made to compliment man and together and in unity and love we are the
creative force that bears for life, sustains the earth, and hands on the hope
of a future that through the grace of God continues generation after
generation. Women alone cannot do that and neither can men.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Today
rather than protest what we are not, let us celebrate our inherent dignity
giving thanks and praise to the One who created us. Let us live as gifts to one
another, recognizing the inherent dignity in all.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px;">
<br /></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Judith A. Matenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00346455511845994463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8928594550045389093.post-56168410553229646382016-05-16T08:27:00.000-07:002016-05-16T08:27:43.787-07:00The Power of Pentecost<div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ym4i3b1ZMy8/Vznl4-_WwgI/AAAAAAAAARs/wrByiP4We1c_mN6-LuWsL5a0WXrHUVj8ACKgB/s1600/StLouis%2BCathedral%2Bdome%2BPentecost%2B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="311" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ym4i3b1ZMy8/Vznl4-_WwgI/AAAAAAAAARs/wrByiP4We1c_mN6-LuWsL5a0WXrHUVj8ACKgB/s320/StLouis%2BCathedral%2Bdome%2BPentecost%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I sat in the pew just prior to Mass, I could feel the
energy. Was it my imagination or was the Holy Spirit present in a heightened
way on this Feast of Pentecost?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Red abounded in the Church—from the decorative banners,
vestments, and flowers to the people—many of whom also dressed in red. There
was an excitement and anticipation that was palpable.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I thought about the readings and the awe those gathered in
the Upper Room must have felt as the strong wind moved about the room and tongues
of fire rested above their heads. Hearts transformed, charisms unleashed,
movement to the streets and the Gospel proclaimed in the languages of the
people that had been unknown to the disciples prior to the gifting. What an
experience of the Reality and Power of God!</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I smiled. Unless a miraculous healing occurred at Mass I
would not be speaking today—I had laryngitis. I thought of how Zechariah had
been silenced until the naming of his son, John the Baptist and how silence is
a gift too.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Being able to listen is integral to evangelization. If we
don’t listen to others, we become the resounding gong and clashing cymbal of
which St. Paul writes (1Cor 13.1). Listening allows us to hear the other’s
story and meet them where they are. If we don’t, evangelization would be as
fruitful as putting a kindergartener in a college level calculus class and
wondering why they didn’t grasp the material.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Listening is an art and I almost wonder if not also a
charism. We all have ears to hear, but often wonder where the listening goes—in
one ear and out the other? Perhaps to the head or the heart but not to both?</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If I am honest, I have to admit that many times I listen but
have caught myself forming opinions and responses before the other is even
finished with what it is they have to say. That is judgment—intellectual
listening without compassion in order to respond with an answer to fix or solve
a problem.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I listen with my heart first, I am compelled to hear
another’s story with openness. Empathy and compassion are present and I am
moved to respond in kind. The heart then engages the head and I can discern how
best to console or connect with the other.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As the Holy Spirit lavishes charisms upon us all, we are
invited to be open channels for these sacred gifts. Charisms are always
received to be given away for the building up of another. Charisms are gifts
given to us by the Holy Spirit to bring others into relationship with God
through Jesus Christ. Just as Mary gave her “yes” to the invitation of the Holy
Spirit allowing Jesus to come into the world, we too are given the opportunity
to give our “yes” and incarnate Jesus through our lives—so that others may come
to know Him too.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Following the Feast of Pentecost let us continue to reflect
on how that same Holy Spirit who once empowered those gathered in the Upper
Room empowers us today. May our ears be opened. Whose voice is crying out?
Where is the hand of God leading us to bring His Word? How can you be a vessel
to incarnate the unconditional love, mercy, forgiveness and compassion of Jesus
in our family, community, and world? </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How is God inviting you to listen with a compassionate heart
and respond to the needs of His People?</span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></div>
Judith A. Matenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00346455511845994463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8928594550045389093.post-78050518210260456302016-03-06T13:27:00.003-08:002016-03-06T13:28:10.911-08:00<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Focusing
on the Year of Mercy:</span></i></b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The Phrase that Makes God Weep</span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-epZkYgY8LXs/VtygAYNlIMI/AAAAAAAAARY/PrM2YCRC2zo/s1600/IMG_6474.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-epZkYgY8LXs/VtygAYNlIMI/AAAAAAAAARY/PrM2YCRC2zo/s320/IMG_6474.JPG" width="240" /></span></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-epZkYgY8LXs/VtygAYNlIMI/AAAAAAAAARY/PrM2YCRC2zo/s1600/IMG_6474.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I have
arthritis and need to wear braces on my hands to calm down flair ups. The
supports limit my range of motion and make any task having to do with grip or
dexterity all the more challenging. On a recent trip to the grocery store, I
found myself in the produce section struggling to get a plastic bag opened for
my celery. Trying to rub the top of the plastic to separate the thin sheets, I
was becoming more and more frustrated. Out of the corner of my eye I noticed a
woman approaching me.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Oh, I know
how hard those bags are to get open,” she cheerfully said. I admit her chipper attitude
just added to my aggravation. “I can help you with that” she offered kindly. “I
got this” I said, focusing all the more intently on the task. She came closer.
“No, let me help” she smiled. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Upset at the
fact I was struggling and too proud to accept her assistance, I assured her I
was capable of doing it myself. Nodding, she smiled and walked away. After a
few more tries I finally got the bag open, put the celery in and continued my
shopping. As I did began to think about the kindness offered and my refusal. I searched
for the woman to apologize for my rudeness. I never <span style="font-size: large;"></span>did find her.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">On the way
home I replayed the scene over and over. I felt awful. I did need help in the
store and someone, seeing my struggle, responded out of mercy. My pride stood in
the way of accepting her offer of kindness. Upon further reflection, I began to
think about all the times I have refused God’s mercy because I was too stubborn
to admit I needed Him. I thought how sad God must be every time He watches me
struggle, whether it be in small tasks or large life issues and as He sends
angels or graces to help, my response is to say, “I can do this myself” and with
hardened heart attempt, time after time, to do it my way.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">While we may
think the Year of Mercy is about us being merciful to others (and it is), we
are also invited to reflect on how we receive mercy. We live in a culture that
thrives on individualism and independence, but truth be told, we are the
strongest when we learn to rely on God and each other. God knows our needs and sends
others to us in times of weakness and trial. The virtue of humility is integral to
our being able to accept another’s merciful assistance. It also allows them to live
out their God-given mission as well.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">As we
continue to grow and understand the great gift of God’s Mercy, let us pray for
the virtue of humility so that we may humbly accept God’s help when we need it!</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span>Judith A. Matenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00346455511845994463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8928594550045389093.post-61424222741220631452015-10-31T14:42:00.000-07:002015-10-31T14:42:41.522-07:00Celebrating Mom and all the Saints in our LivesMy Mother's birthday is on All Saints Day. She used to tell us when we were little that she loved having her birthday on a Feast Day because she always had it off school (I guess in those days Catholic Schools were not in session for Holy Days). I loved listening to her stories about growing up, her siblings, and what it was like living through the Depression and World War II.<br />
<br />
My Mother passed away several years ago after a very difficult battle with cancer. As I sat by her bedside, I could see how the pain was wracking her body. We would talk about her life but mostly about God and what Heaven was going to be like. I cherish the memories of those conversations. As I approach the age my Mother was when she passed away, I realize how short a time she was with us and how sacred the time we have with each other is. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about her. <br />
<br />
Even though Mom isn't physically here, I know she is with me every day. When our daughter got married, I knew Mom's spirit was with us. She was there for every graduation. She was at our grandchildren's births and baptisms. She is also with me in the times of struggle; times when my heart was breaking and all I wanted was a hug. In all these times, knew she was there.<br />
<br />
Our relationship wasn't without it's challenges. I was far from a perfect child and was the typical know-it-all young adult who didn't need any help from anyone. After all, I went to college. I knew everything I needed to know. I had a great job. I got married to the man of my dreams. My husband and I were living the American Dream--a house, two cars, a cat and a dog. <br />
<br />
It wasn't until I had my own children that I realized how little I actually knew about life. I could "do" just fine. What I realized is that life is more than "doing", it is "being." It was in the struggles of being a mother that I learned to truly appreciate my own Mother.<br />
<br />
Regardless of the relationship, Moms hold a very special place in the hearts of their children--I wish I could physically tell my Mom how special she was to me. She encouraged me and taught me how to stand on my own two feet. She volunteered for countless school and scouting activities. When I look back over my childhood, I know it wasn't perfect. I was a sassy kid that caused my Mom to lose her patience on more than one occasion (like the time I mixed all the chemicals together from my chemistry set and threw a match in to see what would happen). We tested each other to the max, I am sure, but I always knew deep down I was loved. My Mom never gave up on me. She continually gave of herself. Her life wasn't about "doing", it was about "being." <br />
<br />
Her last words to me the night before she died summed up the entirety of what it means to be a Mom, a parent, a saint. Mustering up what little strength she had left, she told me "I love you. I have always loved you and always will love you." Eternal and unconditional love. I can still hear her say those dear words to me. It isn't about the "doing" but the "being"--being love.<br />
<br />
We will gather on November 1 to celebrate my Mom and all the other saints (both canonized and not). Not a single one of us will live forever, however, we do live on in those whose lives we have touched. Though my Mom won't be sitting around the table for dinner as we celebrate, she holds a special place the hearts of each of us who knew her. <br />
<br />
Happy birthday Mom!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Judith A. Matenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00346455511845994463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8928594550045389093.post-70481055215798005012014-02-04T07:35:00.001-08:002014-02-06T06:18:53.765-08:00Going In to Go Out<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B-ARX8qvU2c/UvEGEKhvUrI/AAAAAAAAAPY/hzp0nJIY4Zc/s1600/StLouis+Cathedral+dome+Pentecost+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B-ARX8qvU2c/UvEGEKhvUrI/AAAAAAAAAPY/hzp0nJIY4Zc/s1600/StLouis+Cathedral+dome+Pentecost+(2).jpg" height="194" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Blessed Mother, Central to Pentecost</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Evangelization is the buzz word in the Catholic Church these days. It seems everybody is talking about it. Parishes are putting evangelization committees in place. Programs are being planned. People are eager to jump in and get going. Before we get too caught up, however, I would like to ponder a bit on just what we truly need to do to prepare to carry out the mission of evangelization.<br />
<br />
Evangelization is not a new concept. In fact, the Holy Spirit's descent upon those gathered in the Upper Room in Acts 1 and 2 give an account of the first evangelization effort of the new church. Filled with the Holy Spirit, the joy and zeal of those who received cannot be contained. The disciples burst out of the Room and go into the streets, proclaiming the Good News in the languages of the people--speaking in tongues not known to the disciples prior to their encounter with the Spirit. One could say it was the first manifestation of charisms--speaking in tongues.<br />
<br />
When we contemplate the accounts of this first evangelization effort, I would like to reflect on a point. This being that you have to go in before you go out. What do I mean by that? <br />
<br />
Those gathered in the Upper Room were gathered around Our Blessed Mother, who had already encountered the Holy Spirit. In fact, she was overshadowed by and filled with the Spirit at the Annunciation. The result of this encounter was the Word became Flesh--the birth of Jesus. Mary was literally the anchor of the first evangelization effort of the new church.<br />
<br />
I can only imaging the prayers being offered by those gathered in that room as they awaited the Advocate promised by Jesus, surrounded the one who was already Full of Grace and the Spirit. They were going in; deep within themselves in prayer. They were coming to know who they were in this great mission that was to be theirs', handed down from Christ.<br />
<br />
We, too, must go inward before we can go out.<br />
<br />
Prayer must be the cornerstone for evangelization. Deep prayer. Contemplative prayer. Prayer that places us in the presence of the Jesus Himself. We need to quiet ourselves before the Almighty and listen to what it is that He needs to tell us. We must open ourselves to His Will and ask Him to clearly show us what He wants of us. We must ask that the Holy Spirit enkindle in our hearts a flame of love for the Lord. We must discern our charisms, gifts given to us by the Spirit for the great mission for which God has created us. We also must discern the mission. We cannot go off on our own--all must be for God's glory and purpose.<br />
<br />
This type of prayer takes time. It takes discernment. It takes knowing ourselves and knowing, in a deep way, our Savior. Of falling madly in love with the One who created and loves us.<br />
<br />
Only then will we be able to go out. When our interior life is centered on Jesus, only then will we be able to go out and proclaim the Good News of the Gospel.<br />
<br />
It is only when we have felt the embrace of Jesus; the deep peace of unconditional love, mercy, and forgiveness, that we can go out. It is only then that we will see with the eyes of Jesus. It is only then that we will understand the powerful love we are to bring to the world through our words and most importantly, our actions.<br />
<br />
It is then we become the image of Jesus incarnate in the world today. When we do this, we will be able to evangelize with a boldness and zeal that will not be contained. We will live lives filled with joy. Then we will be the light that draws people to Jesus!<br />
<br />
Remember, before we go out, we must go deep within ourselves to know the movement of the Holy Spirit and meet Jesus, who lives deep within our heart.<br />
<br />
Before we can go out, we must go in!Judith A. Matenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00346455511845994463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8928594550045389093.post-54471860418763555762013-06-19T07:32:00.001-07:002013-06-19T07:32:17.321-07:00Let us not forget! Last year many took part in prayer rallies focusing on Religious Freedom. I stood in the midst of thousands gathered in front of the Federal Building in Detroit to make a stand for the right to worship the God I love and live the tenants of my faith openly as a citizen of the United States.<br />
<br />
This year, while the hype may not be as loud, the Fortnight for Freedom, which begins on June 21 and runs through the Fourth of July, is just as important. Our rights as guaranteed in our country's founding documents, should be read by every adult and youth in this land. Men and women have laid down their lives for these rights--both here and abroad. Blood has been shed for these ideals. They are sacred.<br />
<br />
Let us not forget our responsibility as citizens of this United States to defend these rights, to protect those who cannot speak or defend themselves, and to ensure that all who call this land "home" enjoy the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, as guaranteed in our Bill of Rights.<br />
<br />
I invite you to click on the video link to prayerfully reflect on the call to live our faith boldly, not only in the pews on Sunday, but more importantly, in every aspect of our life--from the workplace, to the street, to our families, and into every corner of society.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/4RNxpLSYiuI?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Judith A. Matenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00346455511845994463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8928594550045389093.post-27923282783381733312013-06-12T16:28:00.000-07:002013-06-12T16:28:05.560-07:00The Walking Dead<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O8ivrLUfB4o/UbkD2MERQRI/AAAAAAAAAN4/XGS0UylOtsE/s1600/tissot-resurrection-nain777x561.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O8ivrLUfB4o/UbkD2MERQRI/AAAAAAAAAN4/XGS0UylOtsE/s320/tissot-resurrection-nain777x561.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
It seems our culture has a preoccupation with zombies. I don't understand the trend, but there are zombie movies, TV series, video games, and a plethora of books and Websites on the topic. We are intrigued by the plight of the walking dead.<br />
<br />
This past Sunday's readings from 1Kings 17:17-24 and Luke 7:11-17 give witness to the prophet Elijah and Jesus raising widows' sons from the dead. So what do these two miracles have in common with our fascination with zombies, you might ask?<br />
<br />
It was later on Sunday the words of Scripture came to light in a new way for me.<br />
<br />
Our families and friends had gathered at a local establishment for my daughter's 30th birthday. The party was a surprise, held at one of her favorite family fun centers, which included the all-too-popular zombie shoot-em-up video games.<br />
<br />
As we were leaving, I noticed a little boy of about 10-years old standing outside of the main entrance. His little brother, who was all of about 8, was standing just inside the lobby. Both were staring out into the parking lot. The look on their faces contained more fear and hurt than any child should ever have to experience.<br />
<br />
Bending down to the older child, I could see his eyes were welling with tears. "What's the matter, sweetie?" I asked. He looked up at me and began to cry. "Oh honey, are you lost?" I asked. "Do you need help?" With that, he began to choke out his story, between sobs.<br />
<br />
"My mom and dad are fighting out in the parking lot, " he sobbed. "I don't think they are going to be together much longer and I am scared." My heart went out to him and his brother, whose look of concern for his brother was evident as he peered through the lobby window.<br />
<br />
Scanning the parking lot, I couldn't see anyone but he let me know his mom and dad were in their car.<br />
<br />
"Let's go inside with your brother," I said, walking with him back into the lobby where staff members were on guard. Bending down to both of them, I tried to calm and comfort them, all the while waiting for mom or dad to enter the building.<br />
<br />
Finally after a bit, the couple came into the building, walking right past their broken children, who were left to follow along. It was then the words of the Sunday readings came back to me.<br />
<br />
The images of those two young boys haunted me for the rest of the day. Reflecting on the experience, I realized how many "walking dead" we have among us. Those who may be upright, but whose souls are dead. Hate, fear, and confusion--all the fruits of sin, have numbed so many to the ability to love and be loved, that we are literally, walking zombies--the living dead.<br />
<br />
Like Elijah and as disciples of Jesus, we are called to bring the Good News of New Life through Christ to all--especially those caught in lives of sin who cannot seem to find their way out. We live in a society built on immediate gratification and "if it feels good, do it." While this lifestyle may lead to short-term highs and "happiness", all too often it is the top of the slippery slope of sin whose true fruits are destruction--the demolishing of relationships and families. These two young boys were evidence of that.<br />
<br />
God is love and it is up to us to give witness to His unconditional love.<br />
<br />
There is much talk in today's communities of faith about evangelization. Debates over programs and strategies abound. The answer is simple, however. The best way to evangelize, to bring Jesus to others, is to be love. Whether by sharing words of compassion and care or even, when necessary, words of fraternal correction given in love, we are called to be and share Jesus' love, mercy, forgiveness, and compassion with others.<br />
<br />
When we do, we share the invitation to new life in Christ--to a life of joy, peace, true happiness, and contentment. What a remedy for a society fixated on zombies and the walking dead!Judith A. Matenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00346455511845994463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8928594550045389093.post-80709258675151824662013-05-28T08:00:00.001-07:002013-05-31T16:55:12.958-07:00Relationships and the Holy Trinity<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z3yYUzyq8ZQ/UaTFm3vZtyI/AAAAAAAAANk/trTWPe1DRVg/s1600/HolyTrinity.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z3yYUzyq8ZQ/UaTFm3vZtyI/AAAAAAAAANk/trTWPe1DRVg/s320/HolyTrinity.jpg" width="289" /></a>This past Sunday the Church celebrated the Feast of the Most Holy Trinity. The Feast preceded Memorial Day, which gave me pause for reflection on how our human relationships are called to mirror the loving relationship of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.<br />
<br />
My Father and father-in-law were both Marines. I have children in the military and many family members and friends who are in active service to our country. When I think of the sacrifice our soldiers have made over the years, both in their service and many with their lives, I am humbled.<br />
<br />
When I think of the duty of a soldier, I stand in admiration. Soldiers have a Creed and values by which they are called to live. These values push them beyond human limits in times of adversity, calling them to a higher level of loyalty and commitment than we might think is impossible in today's world. The Soldier's Creed talks of never accepting defeat, never quitting, never leaving a fallen comrade. The Creed also speaks of the care a soldier takes in regards to their own body, arms, and equipment. Soldiers are called to lay their life down for another so that our American freedoms and way of life may be maintained. In short, a soldier is called to think, act, and care for others ahead of themselves. A soldier knows what it is to make a commitment and live by it--even if it means laying their life down for it.<br />
<br />
How does this relate to the Holy Trinity, you might ask?<br />
<br />
The loving relationship flowing between God the Father and God the Son is the Holy Spirit, the same Spirit that flows from the heart of Jesus Christ to us, drawing us into this holy relationship. The love that flows is a love that knows no cost. It is unconditional. This love is the passionate love of creation (God the Father) as well as the sacrificial love of one who is willing to lay down their life so that others might live (God the Son).<br />
<br />
We are called to live this love in every relationship that we have--whether as husband and wife, parent and child, neighbors, co-workers, citizens, and we see this lived out every day in our soldiers.<br />
<br />
As disciples, we know personally the Savior who loved us enough to die for our sins, opening the door to eternal life. We are also called to live deeply this love and be this love for others. This means a love that is forgiving, merciful, unconditional, eternal, self-sacrificing, loyal, trustworthy, truthful, and all of the other attributes of Divine Love.<br />
<br />
We will always do this perfectly? No--we are a sinful people. Our sin ruptures the loving relationships that we have. Sin causes great pain and hurt--but we cannot and should not despair. It is the Holy Trinity that gives us hope that in and through God, our loving relationships can be healed and glorified--just as Christ's Passion, death, and resurrection did.<br />
<br />
Blessed Teresa of Calcutta discovered the relationship between love and hurt. "I have found the paradox, that if you love until it hurts, there can be no more hurt, only love."<br />
<br />
When our relationships challenge us, we must love more deeply. When we feel lost, we must love those around us and God more deeply. We must pray for strength through the Holy Spirit, that the Spirit may draw us ever closer to the heart of Jesus. Let us be comforted by Him and thus, bring that comfort to those in our lives whom we have hurt or are hurting.<br />
<br />
In the end, love is the answer--to love as we see exemplified in the Love of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit--three in One. May God give us the strength to love and when we fail to do so, have mercy on us and fill us with all the greater capacity to love.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />Judith A. Matenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00346455511845994463noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8928594550045389093.post-12099616643865028902012-10-17T15:12:00.003-07:002012-10-18T05:02:43.912-07:00Preparing for Evangelization<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A5I4B0MVkEA/UH8slnsyPTI/AAAAAAAAAMY/l9NOydhrVik/s1600/DSC00095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A5I4B0MVkEA/UH8slnsyPTI/AAAAAAAAAMY/l9NOydhrVik/s320/DSC00095.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In this Year of Faith it seems that we, as Catholics, will
be put to the test. Whether it is in the formation of our conscience as we
select our next President or as we work to transform the culture of death to
one of life, we will face challenges. In addition to growing inwardly, however,
the Year of Faith also challenges us to share the faith with others.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As we look to how to evangelize, I think first we have to
reflect on a few questions ourselves. We cannot give what we do not have.
Therefore, we must truly know the depth of our own conviction and what it will
take, both personally and communally, to be witnesses of Christ in a hostile
world. Here are a few questions to reflect upon:<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Who is Jesus to me?</li>
<li>What does it mean to have faith in Jesus Christ?</li>
<li>How has God gifted me to live that faith boldly, sharing Christ with others?</li>
<li>What does it mean to live as Catholics in a culture that challenges our
faith?</li>
<li>Am I willing to suffer the slings and arrows of others (including those
I love and those inside the Church that I love) to stand for Christ and His Church?</li>
<li>How do I work to unite my will and intellect, the heart and the head,
when deepening my relationship with Christ and others?</li>
<li>How am I called to lead others into a deeper faith?</li>
<li>How can I work to bring about unity within my Church and world?</li>
<li>How can I lead people into a deeper understanding of Truth, when our
society is one of relativism?</li>
</ul>
</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
These are reasonable questions we have to ponder as we, individually
and as a Church, discern how to go about bringing the Good News of the Gospel
to a world living in darkness, violence, chaos, and confusion.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Recent surveys noting people are more spiritual than
religious are indicators there is a great desire for people to know God—even if
they cannot name Him as of yet in their search. This longing comes deep from
within—not a surface desire or even, I daresay, one that begins as an idea. It
is a pining for love and acceptance rooted deep within our soul. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Helping people identify that desire to love and be loved as
the voice of God is the first step in moving toward a deep and meaningful relationship
with Jesus Christ. In turn, it is Jesus who will ultimately lead us to the
relationship of unconditional love, mercy, and forgiveness with God and those
around us, through the working of the Holy Spirit.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Love is a universal language. It does not rely on academic
degrees, finances, outward physical beauty, or success to make an impact. Sometimes
we try to over think things. This makes efforts to evangelize all the more
difficult. Jesus Christ did not come to proclaim a program, but a path to
salvation through a way of life. This is strengthened within the life of the
community of faith, through relationships with God and each other.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We cannot strike out on our own. If we do we are no better
than the people of Babel. We cannot decide individually what ‘Jesus’ we are
going to follow. Scripture tells us, “If a house is divided against itself, it
cannot stand” (Mark 3:25).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Anyone who has felt the compassionate touch of Christ in
their life knows what I am talking about. When you have been held in the bosom
of His embrace, felt His warm breath flow over you, and have gazed into the
eyes of His Compassion and Truth, there is no other person for which you would
lay down your life. It is that force which drives you onward to share His Good
News, to take on the criticisms of those you love and those you do not know, to
leave the comfort of home to enter into the hostile mission fields.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Evangelization is sharing the deep love of Christ—but before
we can do that, we ourselves must have experienced Him in the most intimate
way. How can we do this? We do it through prayer—deep prayer—of adoration, a
begging of the Holy Spirit to set our hearts aflame. We also do this as part of a larger community of faith fed on the Sacraments and sent forth. When we know Jesus most
intimately and are filled with His Passion, then and only then we will be able
to do great things for the Lord. Anything else is in life, in comparison, is “just
straw”, to quote St. Thomas Aquinas!<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<!--EndFragment-->Judith A. Matenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00346455511845994463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8928594550045389093.post-76805515951808942352012-10-11T20:16:00.001-07:002012-10-11T20:16:09.557-07:00Pew Studies, the Rich Young Man, and the Year of Faith<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9UX0ebKsxm4/UHeLWeLUx_I/AAAAAAAAAME/TEwR3DxTnoQ/s1600/RichYoungMan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9UX0ebKsxm4/UHeLWeLUx_I/AAAAAAAAAME/TEwR3DxTnoQ/s320/RichYoungMan.jpg" width="320" /></a>October 11 begins the Year of Faith, declared by Pope
Benedict XVI as a way to call all to a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ.
It is a call to discover the joys of a life in Jesus Christ and to discern how
God is calling each of us to share that witness of faith with others, drawing
all to the Lord.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On one hand, it is a reminder to all of us that we must be
intentional about our faith—both in growing more deeply in our understanding of
the Truths Christ handed on to us and in how to live the Love that He taught us
by word and action. On the other hand, it is sad that the Pope has to declare
such a reminder—a sad indicator that we, as disciples, have not been doing a
great job walking in the footsteps of Jesus. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Why do I say this? A recently released Pew Study: indicated that a full
32% percent of young adults and upwards of 20% of the overall population are
not affiliated with a religious community, but rather, say they are spiritual but
not religious, not needing to participate in a community of faith to believe.
From Boomers on down, the mantra that “I am spiritual but not religious” seems
to be catching on (to review the study, go to: </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
(<a href="http://www.pewforum.org/uploadedFiles/Topics/Religious_Affiliation/Unaffiliated/NonesOnTheRise-full.pdf">http://www.pewforum.org/uploadedFiles/Topics/Religious_Affiliation/Unaffiliated/NonesOnTheRise-full.pdf</a>)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This brings me to this Sunday’s Gospel of the rich young man
(Mark 10:17-30). In it, the young man asks Jesus what he must do to obtain
eternal life. Jesus answers by reviewing the 10 Commandments. Pleased with His
answer, the young man assures Jesus he is on top of that!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Not missing a beat, Jesus adds a caveat. Not settling for
what the young man is willing to do, the Lord calls him to a higher task of
selling everything he has and following Him. Crestfallen, the young man walks
away.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I cannot help but think all those in the Pew Study who are
like the rich young man. You see, when we lay out the parameters of our
“spirituality” we in essence are saying, “I will determine what it is I believe
in and how I am going about it.” Jesus asks more of us. He does not settle for
what we are willing to do for Him, but rather, what He has prepared us to do
for Him. He calls us into community and builds His Church on that community.
Being a Christian or believer isn’t a solo act!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I love Jesus’s response to the rich young man. Despite his
sadness, Jesus lets him walk. How unlike our society today! Jesus wasn’t
concerned about being politically correct, sensitive to the young man’s
feelings, or quite frankly, in making him feel good about himself. What Jesus
WAS concerned about was the young man’s salvation.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jesus is clear. There are consequences for setting the
limits on what we are willing to do for Him. Unlike what many believe today, not
everyone goes to Heaven. Jesus is clear—we are called to follow Him , not Jesus
following us. We are called to give everything we have, including our life, so
that others may live. Pretty extreme, isn’t it?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In this Year of Faith, we must ask ourselves, “How far am I
willing to go for Jesus?” Am I truly willing to leave everything I have and
follow Him? Am I willing to accept that Jesus represents Truth and Divine Love
and that His Truth is not relative or only viable if I agree with it?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
True love for Christ takes you on a journey that leads to
the community of faith where we worship our God, are held accountable, called
to holiness, and sent forth to serve others. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we
took the role of disciple seriously? Can you even begin to imagine what society
and our world would be like? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As we begin this Year of Faith, let us make a resolution to
follow Jesus, giving all we have to Him so that we may openly and fully accept
all that He has to give—eternal life and happiness—with great enthusiasm and
zeal, so that we may lead all we encounter into the loving arms of the Body of
Christ!<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Judith A. Matenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00346455511845994463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8928594550045389093.post-3673912233316457882012-10-04T18:47:00.001-07:002012-10-04T18:47:14.953-07:00Walking in the Footsteps of Saints<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8tCA1EzOhq4/UG47CLUeUCI/AAAAAAAAALo/vCQFpSlqSxY/s1600/St_Therese_of_Lisieux.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8tCA1EzOhq4/UG47CLUeUCI/AAAAAAAAALo/vCQFpSlqSxY/s200/St_Therese_of_Lisieux.jpg" width="165" /></a>As we approach the beginning of the Year of Faith declared by Pope Benedict XVI, and having just celebrated the Feasts of two great saints, Therese of Lisieux on October 1 and Francis of Assisi on October 4, I could not help but smile. Why? Because despite all of the naysayers of today regarding the loss of faith and lack of religious practice, these great saints give us hope.<br />
<br />
In a time when we may think that people have grown beyond their need for religion; in a society where morals have gone awry, the saints remind us there is hope. You see, they lived in times very much like our own--yet--they were the Light of Christ in a time of darkness.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--jxF8axyl2A/UG47FHLvP8I/AAAAAAAAALw/bz6QzDmjGV4/s1600/st-francis-of-assisi-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="166" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--jxF8axyl2A/UG47FHLvP8I/AAAAAAAAALw/bz6QzDmjGV4/s200/st-francis-of-assisi-1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
When you study the lives of Francis and Therese, they struggled in their faith. Neither walked the path to holiness perfectly. Both had to overcome great internal struggles, opening themselves up fully to the movement of the Holy Spirit and love of Christ. Both were chastised by those around them. Both were thought to be odd ducks. Both were bold and outspoken--each in their own ways. Both were profoundly moved by Christ's Love and Mercy. Both focused on the Cross as their salvation.<br />
<br />
The 'recipe' to sainthood is oh so easy, but oh so difficult. Love Christ and be willing to lay your life down for Him. Love others just as you love Jesus. That's it in a nutshell. Having said that, we know only too well how hard it is to set aside our personal pride and desires to love unconditionally and without cost. That again is where the saints some in. Despite their struggles, they always chose Christ. Despite their doubts and fear, they always chose Christ. Despite their suffering, they always chose Christ.<br />
<br />
Seems like it's pretty simple when you look at it that way. When faced with any decision, chose the path that Christ would take.<br />
<br />
<br />
Pope Benedict XVI is declaring the Year of Faith to meditate--to contemplate what it truly means to live as a disciple of Jesus Christ. During that time, the Synod for the New Evangelization will also meet. Once we have come to the realization of what true love is, how Christ has laid down His life for us so that we may know eternal salvation, once we have taken this to heart and profoundly wrapped our mind and heart around the magnitude of this reality, we will not be able to sit still. We will not be able to contain ourselves. We will be propelled forth to not only proclaim, but to love, just as Jesus did.Judith A. Matenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00346455511845994463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8928594550045389093.post-9292295126817915912012-09-17T17:25:00.001-07:002012-09-17T17:25:08.329-07:00Who do you say that I am?<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xksk-NWa8Nc/UFe-zRx1GvI/AAAAAAAAALM/RVkE_D3zgbM/s1600/DSC00303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xksk-NWa8Nc/UFe-zRx1GvI/AAAAAAAAALM/RVkE_D3zgbM/s320/DSC00303.JPG" width="192" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>From the Hagia Sophia, Istanbul, Turkey</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Who do people say I
am?”</i> Jesus asked His disciples. Interesting question we could ask today. As
we move toward the opening of the Year of Faith, declared by Pope Benedict XVI
to begin on October 13, we can reflect on how we would answer that question.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In Mark’s Gospel (8:27-35), Jesus poses the question and
Peter answers, “You are the Christ.” Peter knows, but turns around and tries to
dissuade Jesus from His mission after Jesus begins to tell them how the Son of
Man must be rejected by the leaders, suffer, and die—but He will be raised up
in three days. Hardly a path that those gathered wanted to hear, I am sure.
Rejection, pain, hardship, all for naught? Who would buy into that invitation?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Peter, unable to contain himself, speaks out, much to Jesus’
dismay. “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Get behind Me, Satan</i>,” Jesus
tells Peter, in front of all those gathered. What must Peter have felt? Did he
react out of love for Jesus or out of fear for his own future? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
Jesus is clear: <span style="color: #262626; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">"<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Whoever wishes to
come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever
wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake
and that of the gospel will save it</i>” (Mk 8:35).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #262626; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">This
reading always reminds me of a passage in Thomas </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Lucida Grande";">à</span></b><span style="color: #262626; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;"> Kempis’ Imitation of
Christ. I am reminded of this passage at every Mass, as I stand as an
Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, offering the Cup. I am in awe of the
reverence many have, taking the chalice lovingly and bringing it to their lips,
delicately taking in Our Lord and Savior. Others however, pass by, nary a nod
in recognition of the Lord who’s Body and Blood was offered for them. Kempis’
passage reflects:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 21.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">The Imitation of Christ, Book II, Ch. 11: FEW
LOVE THE CROSS OF JESUS<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 16.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">JESUS has always many who love His heavenly
kingdom, but few who bear His cross. He has many who desire consolation, but
few who care for trial. He finds many to share His table, but few to take part
in His fasting. All desire to be happy with Him; few wish to suffer anything
for Him. Many follow Him to the breaking of bread, but few to the drinking of
the chalice of His passion. Many revere His miracles; few approach the shame of
the Cross. Many love Him as long as they encounter no hardship; many praise and
bless Him as long as they receive some comfort from Him. But if Jesus hides
Himself and leaves them for a while, they fall either into complaints or into
deep dejection. Those, on the contrary, who love Him for His own sake and not
for any comfort of their own, bless Him in all trial and anguish of heart as
well as in the bliss of consolation. Even if He should never give them
consolation, yet they would continue to praise Him and wish always to give Him
thanks. What power there is in pure love for Jesus -- love that is flee from
all self-interest and self-love!<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 16.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">Do not those who always seek consolation
deserve to be called mercenaries? Do not those who always think of their own
profit and gain prove that they love themselves rather than Christ? Where can a
man be found who desires to serve God for nothing? Rarely indeed is a man so
spiritual as to strip himself of all things. And who shall find a man so truly
poor in spirit as to be free from every creature? His value is like that of
things brought from the most distant lands. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #262626; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">Let
us contemplate how we react when we have the opportunity to meet Jesus in our
daily encounters, through prayer, works, others, the Word, and the Eucharist.
Will we recognize Him and rejoice or will we pass by, afraid that the cup He
offers is too hard from which to drink? Will we joyfully embrace the full
meaning of discipleship or will we decide the path is too hard and settle for
less than the gift of eternal life offered to those who believe, pick up their
cross, and follow Him? In short, are we willing to lay down our life for the
One who laid His down for us?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 16.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #262626; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">Author’s
note: To read the complete text of Thomas </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Lucida Grande";">à</span></b><span style="color: #262626; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;"> Kempis’ Imitation of
Christ, go to: </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><a href="http://www.leaderu.com/cyber/books/imitation/imb2.html%23RTFToC89">http://www.leaderu.com/cyber/books/imitation/imb2.html#RTFToC89</a><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 16.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Judith A. Matenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00346455511845994463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8928594550045389093.post-29032678085483278622012-08-30T19:23:00.002-07:002012-08-30T19:24:54.562-07:00Be Doers of the Word<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y3I4il-u9_o/UEAgKBgIgYI/AAAAAAAAAKw/bM8er9AjL00/s1600/hand_hunter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y3I4il-u9_o/UEAgKBgIgYI/AAAAAAAAAKw/bM8er9AjL00/s320/hand_hunter.jpg" width="233" /></a></div>
<b>22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time</b><br />
<em><b>Dt 4:1-2, 6-8/Jas 1:17-18, 21b-22, 27/Mk 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23</b></em><br />
<strong><em></em></strong><o:p></o:p><br />
My Father almost lost his life to pneumonia last April. Through grit,
determination, and a lot of prayer, he pulled through. The illness has not left
its scars, however. Still healing, his memory isn't what it used to be and his
gait isn't as quick, but his resolve is pulling him through each day. If you
ask him how he is, he will tell you, "Well, I got up today...so it's
good."<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
My sister and I have walked with him through this whole experience. We are
grateful for the care received, but I cannot help but notice something very
disturbing as time has passed. His recovery is typical for someone his
age--which is the problem. Medical personnel, after seeing the diagnosis of
memory loss, treat him as if he isn't in the room. They talk to my sister and
I, but do not look at or address him. It is as if we have a child in the room that
has little to no ability to comprehend. Nothing could be further from the
truth. In exasperation he finally asked the nurse during a recent visit, "<em>Why
is everyone treating me as if I am not here?"</em><o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
My heart breaks to see my Dad, who was the strength and foundation of my
childhood, weakened. It hurts even more to see him being treated as if he has
been discarded by society--unworthy of even the dignity of recognition. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
In a way, though, isn't that what we do to Jesus, too? <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Moses speaks in the first reading of the great nation of Israel, whose
foundation is the laws and decrees of their Creator, and whose greatness is due
to Him alone. James reminds us that we must "<em>Humbly welcome the word
that has been planted in you and is able to save your souls. Be doers of the
word and not hearers only, deluding yourselves</em>." We can claim nothing
of our power, success, or esteem--it is all due to God and the graces He has
showered down upon us. We are not here to lord over, but rather, to humbly
serve in love and charity, just as Jesus showed us.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
We so often complain about society, the media, and all the other ills of our
times that seem to be dragging our society down. Problem is, it isn't what's
out in the culture that is destroying us, but rather, the lack of virtues
flowing from within that allows us to live lives of sin that destroy the very
fiber of our humanity.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
I shudder to think of what is to come if our worth is calculated by what we
can do and not who we are--children of God. If we cannot see each other with
the beauty the God created us in; if we cannot show compassion to those who are
struggling; if we cannot acknowledge a sorrowful soul, then we have become
hardened hypocrites. We complain and point fingers without taking
responsibility; we judge and toss aside without considering the gift of
another.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
We have a responsibility to all of humanity--not solely those who are
productive and capable, but the poor, the weak, and the vulnerable. Jesus is in
our midst--but do we recognize Him? Jesus is also in our hearts--do we take
time to search Him out? Or do we treat him, like so many professionals seem to
be treating my Dad, like an insignificant being who has outlived his
usefulness?<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
St. James' words are clear--what is at stake is the salvation of our souls.
"<em>Religion that is pure and undefiled before God and the Father is
this: to care for orphans and widows in their affliction and to keep oneself
unstained by the world."</em><br />
<br />
Let us contemplate how we humbly allow the Word of God to settle into our heart
and transforming us so we may be living examples of Christ in our midst,
lifting up and drawing all to the Savior who loves us so.<o:p></o:p>Judith A. Matenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00346455511845994463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8928594550045389093.post-72360541417513581032012-08-24T14:35:00.001-07:002012-08-24T19:22:42.937-07:00The Urgency of Sharing the Good News<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gLImyOQgWBc/UDgylwUEm_I/AAAAAAAAAKY/3RaN16NSvfI/s1600/011111StorySoulTherese.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gLImyOQgWBc/UDgylwUEm_I/AAAAAAAAAKY/3RaN16NSvfI/s1600/011111StorySoulTherese.gif" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>St. Therese at the Carmel in Lisieux</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As I write this I am on the plane returning from a trip with my family to Germany and France. While there we had the opportunity to visit many beautiful cathedrals, basilicas, and churches. The trip also included a visit to Lisiuex, childhood home and site of the cloister of St. Therese of Lisieux. We attended Mass with people from all over the world and observed faithful coming to walk in the footsteps of saints.<br />
<br />
I could not help, however, to notice the throngs of people who visited the grand cathedrals, walking by statues, mosaics, and murals, admiring the art and architecture of man's creative mind. It was as if they were in a museum.<br />
<br />
We attended Mass on the Feast of the Assumption in Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. As we worshipped, tourists strolled around the gathered faithful, snapping photos of the consecration and worshippers as if we were on display.<br />
<br />
The priest, in his homily, spoke of Mary as disciple and evangelist and how we are called to evangelize, yet he did not invite those passing through to join us. Tour guides in Lisiuex told visitors of the life of Therese and how she entered the convent at 15, but spoke little of her relationship with the Lord and how, through His love she was transformed.<br />
<br />
The sites were filled with beautiful art and yes, we very much enjoyed the craftsmanship of the artists, architects, and builders, but I could not help but be a bit sad as well. Not once were we invited into relationship with the same Lord who spoke to the great saints whose sites we visited. Not once was the name of Jesus proclaimed as the one who has the power to radically changes lives and worlds.<br />
<br />
If the Gospel message is to have any effect, then we must be willing to share the Good News. These cathedrals and basilicas are erected giving glory to God. In their majesty they are witnesses to the power Christ can have in the lives of human beings just like us. Saints are not perfect, but they were open to God in profound ways and are examples to us of the extraordinary life we too can experience when we open ourselves up to the grace and the transforming power of Christ.<br />
<br />
In Notre Dame a banner hung in honor of the Year of Faith. On it appeared an image of St. Therese of Lisiuex and her quote: "It is confidence, and confidence alone, that I give my Love." In many ways, the message of St. Faustina is the same, "Jesus, I trust in you." Both are modern day saints with a clear message: faith in Jesus Christ must be the cornerstone of our life. This kind of faith is deep and complete--it is unconditional. It is with full confidence that these believers gave their lives to the Lord and it was with their complete selves that they lived their lives for Him.<br />
<br />
These great saints are not just historical figures. Their writings are not just good reads. Their monuments are not just showcases of art. These saints are people to whom we are called to imitate, as they imitated Christ. They are teachers, who through their lives offer us the path that leads to Jesus. But most of all, they are our friends, who in the intimacy of relationship, love us enough to open themselves up to us, so that we may walk with them as we learn how to find Jesus alive in our own lives. They are mentors who assure us that through great suffering comes great joy and that life in Christ is always the path to true happiness, joy, and contentment, not only in this life but for all eternity.<br />
<br />
As Catholics we are blessed to have so many who have walked the path of sainthood, acting as beacons for us as we, led by the Spirit, grow in discipleship. These holy men and women plumbed the depths and found Christ, who transformed them. They invite us, too, to resist the temptation of just "skimming the surface" of our faith, calling us to discover the richness of life lived in and for Jesus. When we do, we will discover life to the full.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Judith A. Matenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00346455511845994463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8928594550045389093.post-10936375880361553042012-08-03T03:49:00.003-07:002012-08-03T20:53:27.693-07:00What Can You Do?<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hzgB7-83tJo/UBusn28utXI/AAAAAAAAAKE/Eudjpqoijd0/s1600/CroppedCrucifix.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hzgB7-83tJo/UBusn28utXI/AAAAAAAAAKE/Eudjpqoijd0/s320/CroppedCrucifix.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adoration Chapel, <br />
National Shrine of the Little Flower, <br />
Royal Oak, Michigan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<strong>18th Sunday in Ordinary Time</strong><br />
<strong><em>Ex 16:2-4, 12-15/Eph 4:17, 20-24/Jn 6:24-35</em></strong><br />
<br />
We live in a society of high-tech. There is an app for just about everything imaginable. Our cell phones, notebooks, and laptops make us available 24/7. Social networking and the Internet makes us privvy to information about other people, sometimes I think to the point of voyerism. We know more about each other than ever before. Googling is a verb and surfing nowadays has little to do with water. Think about it--for all the technology that allows us to be informed and communicate, we are little better off than in the days of smoke signals and carrier pigeons. We still have a hard time opening up and having meaninful relationships.<br />
<br />
If you don't believe me, check out the divorce rate, surveys about satisfaction in the workplace, and the multitude of reality shows. All prove we can be a pretty sorry lot. What will it take to bring us together? That is truly what God wants for us--unity with each other and with Him.<br />
<br />
Jesus offers that--not only in His life, death, and resurrection, but through the lasting gift of the Eucharist. Through His Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity offered at Mass, the Eucharist is the connection not only to God through Christ, but also unites us to all those who receive, who have received, and who will receive. The Catechism of the Catholic Church notes that the Eucharist is the "source and summit of the Christian life" (CCC, 1324). Through the Power of the Holy Spirit, the Eucharist is truly communion, drawing all as one.<br />
<br />
That's why John's Gospel is so telling. We, like those gathered around Jesus, are still asking, "What can you do (for me)? When we contemplate the magnitude of the gift Christ has given, I cannot help but think we should, rather, fall on our knees in humility and grateful praise. How many do we know who would lay down their life for us? <em>For me</em>?<br />
<br />
As we meditate on the precious gift of the Eucharist, let us, like St. Paul, put away our former self and put on the new self.. Let us allow Christ to live through us so that we may be the image of Christ--His love, mercy, and forgiveness, building relationships that draw all into one. Communion is just that--a unity of heart, mind, and soul so that we, as a people, reflect Christ and thus, through His saving Power, invite others to know Him in profound ways.Judith A. Matenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00346455511845994463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8928594550045389093.post-49139228772968888312012-07-27T14:13:00.001-07:002012-07-27T14:14:23.994-07:00God's Little Angels<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vTHRYTgYips/UBMCwkop1uI/AAAAAAAAAJw/PjjQzdLFjW4/s1600/Therese+Relic.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vTHRYTgYips/UBMCwkop1uI/AAAAAAAAAJw/PjjQzdLFjW4/s320/Therese+Relic.png" width="239" /></a></div>
<strong>17th Sunday in Ordinary Time</strong><o:p></o:p><br />
<em><b>2Kgs 4:42-44/Eph 4:1-6/Jn 6:1-15<o:p></o:p></b></em><br />
<br />
<br />
Part of the glory of God is that no matter how many times you hear Scripture
proclaimed, the message is as new as the first time you heard it. This
especially rings true with John's Gospel story of the fishes and the loaves.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<br />
As I was walking out of Mass this morning, one of our resident homeless
approached me. Diane has been on the streets for over 10 years. She is in her
50's or 60's--it's hard to tell. While some faithful get their inspiration through
visions and locutions, God has a sense of humor with me. Somehow He sends me
signs through an interesting collection of people. I believe that He has sent
Diane to me in a profound way.<br />
<br /><br /><br />
I have had a lot on my mind lately. Do you ever have times in your life when
you can't imagine one more thing being turned upside down? That's where I am
right now. I was walking into Mass running through all life's trials and tribulations, when Diane approached asking if I could spare some change
for coffee. I promised her I would stop after Mass to help her out.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /><br /><br />
After a very prayerful Liturgy, I found Diane waiting for me in the vestibule.
I apologized for not being able to give her more than the dollar I had on me.
"That's okay" she replied. "I have something for you." <br />
<br />
<br />
From her pocket she pulled out a small metal relief of St. Therese of
Lisieux that included a piece of cloth which had been touched to one of the
Little Flower's relics. On the back it had St. Therese's promise to us: “I will let fall of shower of
roses. I will spend my heaven doing good on earth.” <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<br />
"Someone gave this to me but I want you to have it. I know that you
need it. I am really happy, you know. I stay here in the Church and pray and
read my Bible. I get along okay and I love you. God loves you, too." She
gave me a hug as I took the gift.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /><br /><br />
As I walked out to my car, I broke down. Diane has nothing. No job; little
education. No transportation save walking or buses when she can get the fare. No
family to care for her. She lives in a flea bag motel when she can scrape
together enough from begging for a room--other than that she lives on the
streets. Diane grocery shops at local gas stations and wears the same tattered
clothes winter, spring, summer, and fall. She has suffered abuse from being on
the streets and her health is getting fragile. She lives solely off of the kindness of others. Despite all this, she is
concerned about my welfare and always reminds me how much I am loved. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br /><br /><br />
St. Therese is a special saint to me for many reasons: her struggles of
faith, the spirituality of her Little Way, and so much more. I pray for her intercession
frequently and had been asking for her guidance and light, as recently as last night. In
a very special way, I believe Therese sent Diane to me this morning to let me
know my prayers were heard. God is good.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /><br /><br />
When we hear John’s Gospel of Jesus multiplying the loaves and fishes, we
may be drawn to all of the theological implications and understandings. It
contains the foreshadowing of the Eucharist, a foundation for His teachings on
God's generosity, and much more. Today, that reading speaks to me in a very
profound way through Diane.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /><br /><br />
Diane has very little, yet her presence has made a huge impact on me. She
has taken the five loaves and two fishes and through her presence--begging from
us to be fed, feeds us in a multitude of ways as she reminds us to love all,
embrace all, and remind all of how much God loves us. The Gospel lives in her
and is proclaimed by her in all its simplicity and awesomeness. She is God's
evangelist, for sure.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /><br /><br />
I have the small metallic relief of St. Therese in my car, tucked in my
visor. She is watching over me as I travel about, and the relic will remind me
that I have powerful intercessors both in heaven and here, on earth. As I said
earlier, God is good. He reminds us of that in the simplest and most
profound ways--through the glory of Scripture and the Liturgy, the Sacraments,
and the special angels he sends to us each and every day.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<br /></div>Judith A. Matenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00346455511845994463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8928594550045389093.post-7061175495151564982012-07-22T13:04:00.000-07:002012-07-22T13:04:10.096-07:00His Heart was Moved with Pity<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sAliGY6cNYU/UAxcm1KtvJI/AAAAAAAAAJk/Sw1zpv6eXho/s1600/Ivan_Kramskoy's_1872_-_Christ_in_the_Wilderness.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sAliGY6cNYU/UAxcm1KtvJI/AAAAAAAAAJk/Sw1zpv6eXho/s320/Ivan_Kramskoy's_1872_-_Christ_in_the_Wilderness.jpg" width="270" /></a></div>
<strong>16th Sunday in Ordinary Time</strong><strong><em>Jer 23:1-6/Eph 2:13-18/Mk 6:30</em></strong><br />
<br />
The summer movie season is filled with super-hero movies. I love superhero movies. There are good guys and bad guys. Good triumphs over evil. Whether it is Batman, Spiderman, Iron Man, the Hulk, Captain America, or any of the others, they are symbols of hope against a world full of evil and despair. I admit I anticipate each of the premiers--and have seen some twice. I think it is especially prophetic that we have had a summer filled with such movies--with Superman coming next year. Movies are indicators of our times. People are desperate for a hero--someone who will give them hope.<br />
<br />
In reading the papers over the last week, we see what living without hope does to people. There was the massacre in Aurora, Colorado--a bright young man who wreaks havoc, violence, and death. Why? In Detroit, child suicides are at an all-time high--with a 9-year-old just recently jumping to his death because he had stolen from a dollar store and was afraid of what his parents were going to do. How sad. These, too, are signs of the times. To me this speaks volumes of a society who does not have hope. We need a super-hero to come and save us!<br />
<br />
Today's Gospel has the answer. The vast crowds that follow Jesus and His disciples, hungry for the miracles they bring. As news of the wonders spread, more and more congregate--to the point that Jesus and His disciples cannot get any rest. You would think this would bring Jesus great joy--yet--Scriptures tell us, "<em>When He disembarked and saw the vast crowd, His heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and He began to teach them many things"</em> (Mk 6:34).<br />
<br />
How like we are the people of the Gospel, clamoring after Jesus? In Him they see their "superhero" but many of them are fickle. The minute Jesus does not meet their demands, they will leave--or worse yet--crucify Him. We are no better. We are constantly looking for the "rockstar" to hang on to--whether the latest Hollywood idol, presidential hopeful, fitness or weight-loss guru, or financial wizard. It seems we are always chasing after something or someone to bring us the rush of exuberance and joy--yet we are not satisfied.While our family brings us great joy--even they cannot promise eternal joy and peace. Who then, can triumph over evil? Who can free us from the chains that hold us back from true joy and happiness? Who can give us hope? <br />
<br />
Only Jesus can. He knows that--yet He watches us strive for instant gratification and the 'quick fix' kind of happiness that doesn't last. He knows what we need-- but He loves us enough to let us freely come to Him---for it must be our free-will choice to give ourselves completely over to Him. <br />
<br />
There is a painting by Russian artist Ivan Kramskoy of Jesus in the dessert during Satan's temptations. He has a look that is haunting--a look that I am reminded of when I read Mark's Gospel passage and ponder Jesus being moved with pity as He gazed upon the crowds. Any parent knows the feeling--the one when you are trying to get a point across to a stubborn adolescent or young adult child who is intent on doing things 'their way.' You know the path they are choosing is not sound--but out of love--you let them go, knowing you will be there to lift them up and bandage their wounds once they have learned the lesson the hard way. <br />
<br />
I know how exasperating that can be and can only imagine how much more it is for Jesus, who sees a much bigger picture, for I am not only a parent, but I was <em>that child</em>. Thank God for His Divine Love and Mercy--picking us up and holding us close--each and every time we stumble, fall, cry out to Him, and beg forgiveness. That is the message of hope as we struggle to find everlasting happiness, which can only be found when we are in union with God, our Creator. We are never so lost that Jesus cannot find us--but if we live by His teachings which lead to holiness and virtue, how more joyful all of life--including the struggles--will be!<br />
<br />
Pope Benedict reflects on this in his Encyclical Letter, <strong><em>Spe Salvi (Saved by Hope),</em></strong> noting: "<em>Life in its true sense is not something we have exclusively in or from
ourselves: it is a relationship. And life in its totality is a relationship with
Him who is the source of life. If we are in relation with Him who does not die,
who is Life itself and Love itself, then we are in life. Then we “live”</em>" (<strong>SS</strong>, 27). <br />
<br />
While we may not have Batman or Superman or the myriad of other superheros to rely on, we have Jesus. Not only that, we can be the image of the superhero who triumphed over sin and death--the one who gives hope and brings peace. Let us be that image of Jesus so that others may know Him too. This week, contemplate how to extend His Love and Mercy to others, thus spreading His Gospel message so future headlines and newsreports will be those of joy and not violence. <br />
<br />
Let us live as a people of hope so as to be a beacon of light, leading all to Christ!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Judith A. Matenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00346455511845994463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8928594550045389093.post-73900498691412785532012-07-14T06:39:00.001-07:002012-07-14T06:51:13.809-07:00God Gives Us What We Need<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KXT0yt6t7YI/UAFxuBMyWjI/AAAAAAAAAJU/8qqMdvgrh_U/s1600/DustyFeet-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KXT0yt6t7YI/UAFxuBMyWjI/AAAAAAAAAJU/8qqMdvgrh_U/s320/DustyFeet-01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<strong>15th Sunday in Ordinary Time</strong><strong><em>Am 7:12-15/Eph 1:3-14/Mk 6:7-12</em></strong><br />
<br />
The readings today require us to trust fully in the Divine Power of God to give us everything we need. That should be pretty easy, shouldn't it? God, in His Almighty Power, created everything. We, His creatures, cannot. God, whose Power sent His only Son out of love for us, shows us the magnitude of that love by laying His life down for ours, saving us from eternal separation from that Infinite Love. We, His creatures, cannot get through a single day without ruffling someone's feathers or getting irritated by another's foibles.<br />
<br />
We are a pretty sorry lot, when you think about it aren't we? Why then, would God, in His Infinite Wisdom, depend on us to carry on His Church? Because He trusts us! When you think about it, that is pretty amazing.<br />
<br />
In Mark's Gospel, Jesus assembles the Apostles and sends them out two by two. He tells them to take nothing with them save the clothes on their back and the sandals on their feet. That is the equivalent today of telling us we can't take anything on the road for this task. This means no cell phones, laptops, (or any other electronic devices), extra outfits (just in case the weather turns or we want to go out for a night on the town), or snacks and beverages to keep us fueled. What was Jesus thinking?<br />
Not to mention the fact that Jesus was sending them out among wolves (Mt 10:16-23), knew they would be called names (Mt 16:24-33), and that people most likely reject them and their message (Mt 10:7-15). Who, in their right mind, would sign up for this gig? The great saint Teresa of Avila noted in reference to doing the Will of God that, "If this is the way you treat your friends, it is no wonder you have so few!"<br />
<br />
The pearl of great price, however, is the Heavenly Kingdom and eternal life with God. The Apostles knew this. So did all those who were transformed by the Power of the Gospel Message. But we still have to ask ourselves, why would Jesus send these men out into a world that He knew would reject, persecute, and even kill them, all in His Name? Isn't that a bit unfair?<br />
<br />
Not really. Jesus knows us. In our human state, we want everything handed to us--but isn't it all the sweeter when we have to struggle for something? We are a stubborn lot and in order for us to change, Jesus knew things couldn't be easy. Our own will had to be broken in order for us to turn, humbly and with open hearts and hands, to Him. Only then would we listen and obey. If anyone has ever parented with a toddler through the 'terrible twos', you know what I am talking about! <br />
<br />
There are three things I think Jesus was asking of us when He sent the Twelve forth with so little. First, He wanted the Twelve to trust in Him. The fact is, we cannot do anything without God. We cannot create, we cannot save ourselves. God will take care of us. He also created us in His image and likeness. If God can trust us to carry out the task of evangelization, despite our faults and sins, then should we be able to trust in Him who is perfect? This also requires us to trust others. Those who are filled with the love of Christ will be transformed by, through, and into the Love, Mercy, Compassion, and Forgiveness of God. They will receive, welcome, support, and tend to us on the journey.<br />
<br />
Second, His desire was for all to be saved--not just a chosen few. Now, being God, He could have waved a wand at the Cross and for all time released us from sin and death--no response from us required--but He didn't. Instead, He gave us hope that through Life in Him, our faith would transform us. This would allow us to grow, leading down the path of virtue and holiness that truly saves. It is only when our eyes are opened, our hearts be softened, and our minds are willing to allow God's will to form us that we may be one with Him. Once we have "seen the light," the Spirit fills us with the words to bend the stiff necks and soften the hard hearts. We love differently and see our brothers and sisters differently. This new vision of relationship is inviting and will draw others to Him. This leads to my third point.<br />
<br />
Jesus gives us everything we need to proclaim the Gospel Message with an ardor, zeal, and conviction that will call others to conversion. How? Through the Power of the Holy Spirit--His breath and spirit of Love that flows between Father and Son and all who believe. We are animated by the very Spirit breathed out by Christ on the Cross and delivered to those gathered on Pentecost. We receive this same Spirit in baptism. When Christ lives in us, others 'see' Him, too and come to know, love, and serve Him.<br />
<br />
Is sharing the Gospel easy? No--in fact it takes great love and a thick skin to do so--but those that do experience a joy and energy that is indescribable. This powers us onward. The urgency of the message also propels us forward as we see the world suffering and know that Christ is the answer to their pain, captivity, and anguish.<br />
<br />
I want to end this reflection with one of my favorite prayers--the prayer of St. Teresa of Avila. She is an inspiration to all who evangelize for she suffered greatly in her efforts to proclaim the Gospel and reform the Carmelite Order, yet her great trust in God and sense of humor kept her always moving forward. Let us pray:<br />
<em>"Let nothing disturb thee; let nothing dismay thee; all thing pass; God never
changes. Patience attains all that it strives for. He who has God finds he lacks
nothing: God alone suffices.”</em><br />
<br />
Amen!<br />
<br />Judith A. Matenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00346455511845994463noreply@blogger.com0