Showing posts with label Sunday sermon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sunday sermon. Show all posts
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Advent and the little ones
Getting ready for Advent. I've been searching around for some good ideas for Advent crafts for our little ones. I came across CatholicMom.com . Lots of neat ideas under "Faith". I really like the brief child friendly explanations that coincide with Holy days and Sundays liturgy. They provide coloring pages, and word puzzles that reinforce the message of that weeks gospel. I printed a few off, and hope to give them a try starting next Sunday. November 21st we celebrate the last Sunday in Ordinary time. The priest will wear either gold or white vestments. This Sunday we will focus on the triumph of our Savior Jesus Christ. The following Sunday, November 28th will be the start of Advent, and a new calender year in the Catholic faith. I am so excited that I can share this with my children.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
sunday fidgets
Sunday Oct 31
Luke 19 1-10
The lesson was not about Zacchaeus seeing Jesus. It is about Jesus seeing Zacchaeus.
Put yourself in a place for Jesus to see you.
We are all connected. What you do affects me, what I do affects you. A reminder to make good choices. We do not have to climb a sycamore tree for God to see our deeds, or the intentions of our hearts. Put yourself out there, take chances, be generous with the gifts God has given you.
Luke 19 1-10
The lesson was not about Zacchaeus seeing Jesus. It is about Jesus seeing Zacchaeus.
Put yourself in a place for Jesus to see you.
We are all connected. What you do affects me, what I do affects you. A reminder to make good choices. We do not have to climb a sycamore tree for God to see our deeds, or the intentions of our hearts. Put yourself out there, take chances, be generous with the gifts God has given you.
Monday, August 23, 2010
sunday fidgets
Fathers message:
Don't try... STRIVE to fit through the narrow gate.
The following was not part of the sermon, but my thoughts as they ramble sometimes. As I sat and listened to the sermon, my mind started to wonder. Earlier that day I had stopped into church to pick up something a friend had left in the vestibule. I had Nicholas with me. We paused to watch father pour two buckets of water into the baptismal fountain. This was a behind the scenes sneak peek for Nicholas (7yrs). As father finished and greeted us, Nicholas had questions. "What were you doing?" Father explained that the water was low in the fount, and he was adding holy water to it. Father gave a brief explanation of evaporation, and the need to replenish the water. Nicholas followed him around the corner to see where the buckets belonged, and asked "Is this where you get the water?" No, father explained, this is where the buckets go.
As I sat in the bench on Saturday, I replayed this little exchange. I thought about the holy spirit in the form of water, transformed (or evaporating) into the air we breath. The mystery of it all. My son, "So that's where the buckets go." The real question on his mind, the same question many of us have from time to time was, where the holy spirit might be found. Can I see it, touch it, take a little bit home? Like the air we breath, the holy spirit is always ready to touch us, fill us, and take us home.
Don't try... STRIVE to fit through the narrow gate.
The following was not part of the sermon, but my thoughts as they ramble sometimes. As I sat and listened to the sermon, my mind started to wonder. Earlier that day I had stopped into church to pick up something a friend had left in the vestibule. I had Nicholas with me. We paused to watch father pour two buckets of water into the baptismal fountain. This was a behind the scenes sneak peek for Nicholas (7yrs). As father finished and greeted us, Nicholas had questions. "What were you doing?" Father explained that the water was low in the fount, and he was adding holy water to it. Father gave a brief explanation of evaporation, and the need to replenish the water. Nicholas followed him around the corner to see where the buckets belonged, and asked "Is this where you get the water?" No, father explained, this is where the buckets go.
As I sat in the bench on Saturday, I replayed this little exchange. I thought about the holy spirit in the form of water, transformed (or evaporating) into the air we breath. The mystery of it all. My son, "So that's where the buckets go." The real question on his mind, the same question many of us have from time to time was, where the holy spirit might be found. Can I see it, touch it, take a little bit home? Like the air we breath, the holy spirit is always ready to touch us, fill us, and take us home.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Friday, April 16, 2010
Sunday Fidgets
Sunday Fidgets on Friday?
John 6:1-15
I slipped into daily mass today. What a treat! I wish I could get there more often. Today Fr. John spoke to the 8 grade class which will be confirmed this Sunday. He spoke about the gifts of the Holy Spirit. How God gives each of us gifts to use. We should never question whether those gifts are good enough to share with others. God does not make mistakes, if he gave you a gift it was with the intention that you would use it. Don't be afraid you are not good enough, you are always good enough. Keep your intentions pure, and your faith in God. Like the little boy who offered up his fish, we should be willing to speak up, and share our gifts with others.
It was a shot in the arm for me.
John 6:1-15
I slipped into daily mass today. What a treat! I wish I could get there more often. Today Fr. John spoke to the 8 grade class which will be confirmed this Sunday. He spoke about the gifts of the Holy Spirit. How God gives each of us gifts to use. We should never question whether those gifts are good enough to share with others. God does not make mistakes, if he gave you a gift it was with the intention that you would use it. Don't be afraid you are not good enough, you are always good enough. Keep your intentions pure, and your faith in God. Like the little boy who offered up his fish, we should be willing to speak up, and share our gifts with others.
It was a shot in the arm for me.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Sunday Fidgets
The church was so full on Sunday. The only seats left were the little red stools in the back corner. The ones that are just the right size for a second grader. They are completely out of place. They don't match the decor, their size is awkward, and you can't see anything if you sit in them. There is probably a story that goes along with why they are in the corner. As I sat there I couldn't help but to think this is a taste of purgatory. Can you picture me? Sitting in "The seats of purgatory", listening to the mass. I was just happy I have a seat, in the warm church. I was happy I could listen, even if I couldn't see. However, I have to say I really wanted to be in the bench with a kneeler. I was secretly hoping the guy in the bench next to me would scoot over and make a little room.
The sermon was based on the first reading. "I am your Lord, and you are my people."
Note taken: That includes me and you no matter where we are.
The sermon was based on the first reading. "I am your Lord, and you are my people."
Note taken: That includes me and you no matter where we are.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Sunday Fidgets
Do not use being busy as an excuse not to pray.
The rewards of prayer are always worth the time and effort.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Sunday Fidgets
Today the sermon ended by father saying, "Live the life of a prophet, spread the good news of God's love. Live your faith."
I was talking with a friend this week about St. Therese and the quotes I had found on line. In particular, "Jesus does not ask for your accomplishments, He only asks for our love. He thirsts for our love." I told her that she shares her love of God with such grace, that it is inspiring. She is the mother of 4 young children, and is an active church member. She joins groups, leads groups, encourages others to share their love of God. Not all of us are inclined to lead a Church group, but there are many opportunities to be involved. From adoration chapel to St. Vincent De Paul. As Saint Therese said, "a word, a kindly smile, will often suffice to gladden a wounded and sorrowful heart." We all touch the lives of others everyday.
"No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted" -Aesop
I was talking with a friend this week about St. Therese and the quotes I had found on line. In particular, "Jesus does not ask for your accomplishments, He only asks for our love. He thirsts for our love." I told her that she shares her love of God with such grace, that it is inspiring. She is the mother of 4 young children, and is an active church member. She joins groups, leads groups, encourages others to share their love of God. Not all of us are inclined to lead a Church group, but there are many opportunities to be involved. From adoration chapel to St. Vincent De Paul. As Saint Therese said, "a word, a kindly smile, will often suffice to gladden a wounded and sorrowful heart." We all touch the lives of others everyday.
"No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted" -Aesop
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Sunday Fidgets
The 1st Reading was 1Kings 19:4-8. Elijh sits at the base of a broom tree exhausted by his journey and ready to give up. An angel gives him food and drink. The angel encourages him to eat and drink so he will have strength for his journey. We all have times we are exhausted by our journey and need encouragement. Fathers question to us was, two part "Who or what do we turn to when we are exhausted and depressed from our journey?" "How do we encourage others when they are down?"
Of course there was more, but we had a very distracting crew in my bench on Sunday. I caught so little of the sermon, yet I am thankful I heard this much.
Of course there was more, but we had a very distracting crew in my bench on Sunday. I caught so little of the sermon, yet I am thankful I heard this much.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Sunday Fidgets
I really enjoyed today's passage Mark 6:7-13.
I was struck by these instructions, "Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave." I feel like with today's distractions it is easy to be in a place with body, but not sole. Our minds wonder on to our unfinished tasks, or unfinished conversations, instead of being focused on the person in front of us. Something to think about, however, it was not in this Sunday's sermon.
The priest focused on the instructions Jesus gave his disciples. To pack only what they needed to travel with food, a walking stick, and only one tunic. Father John spoke about how easy it is to over pack when planing a trip. How those extra things hinder us during our journey. He spoke about the importance a walking stick was in the time when the disciples where traveling. How the walking stick would keep you steady on uneven ground, and could be used for protection if attacked. He suggested that our faith in God serves as our walking stick in today's times.
"Jesus summoned the twelve and began to send them out two by two." Father reminded us that you need a spiritual partner. Someone to cheer you on, and hold you accountable for your beliefs. Father said 'If you are married to your spiritual partner you are truly blessed. If you spouse is not your spiritual partner try to make that your goal. If you can't rely on them to cheer you on, and support your beliefs try to cheer them on to come closer to Jesus and the life he wants us to lead with love. Meanwhile surround yourself with people who will challenge you to live the life of Christ. Join groups and make friends with those who will support you to live as Christ invites us to live... with the love of Christ our saviour.'
This caught my attention, because I keep thinking about friends. My friends from the past, and my current friends. If you take a moment and think about your friends. How they reflect your beliefs. How you support each others goals and standards. They define your norm. If they spend thousands on their vacation, it makes it easier for you to justify doing the same. If they travel with their children to support their joy of a sport; suddenly a trip to Canada to take you son to play Ice Hockey doesn't seem extreme. Spending $200 on a high tech swimsuit you can only use three times, is not extraordinary if the rest of the parents on the swim team are doing the same thing. It is easier to go to church on Sunday, when your friends are making the same effort.
In my past, I use to choose friends who where easy. They didn't ask much of me and I didn't ask much of them. Over the past few years I found that to be empty. I have reached out in new directions. I have been lucky to find a group of friends that challenge me to live within the teachings of the Church and Christ. They are not easy friends. They expect me to live up to a higher standard. "You have to believe to receive." "If you receive, should give back, pay it forward." "You have to be a friend to have a friend." These are all statements they have said in passing about themselves. It is a standard, a goal. These are standards I am striving to meet.
Listen to your friends, what standards do they portray? Are their goals the same as yours? Recently I passed through a group where the standard was; Show over substance, Greed over charity, Pride over humility. I am glad that I am aware how empty path is. There will never enough money or power to fill the void.
It is not always easy to find friends who reflect who you are. It is hard to reach out to new people and find new friends. There is always a chance you will get burned, putting your trust in someone that is not true to the way they portray themselves. Making new friends is like winning the lottery. You have to play to win. You have to put yourself out there.
I hope you have people surrounding you who support you and encourage you to grow. In today's gospel Jesus sent his disciples two by two. All you need is one other person that believes as you do. You can support each other, and hold each other accountable. If you can find more then one, count your blessings. I leave you with father John's words "If you are married to your spiritual partner you are truly blessed."
I was struck by these instructions, "Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave." I feel like with today's distractions it is easy to be in a place with body, but not sole. Our minds wonder on to our unfinished tasks, or unfinished conversations, instead of being focused on the person in front of us. Something to think about, however, it was not in this Sunday's sermon.
The priest focused on the instructions Jesus gave his disciples. To pack only what they needed to travel with food, a walking stick, and only one tunic. Father John spoke about how easy it is to over pack when planing a trip. How those extra things hinder us during our journey. He spoke about the importance a walking stick was in the time when the disciples where traveling. How the walking stick would keep you steady on uneven ground, and could be used for protection if attacked. He suggested that our faith in God serves as our walking stick in today's times.
"Jesus summoned the twelve and began to send them out two by two." Father reminded us that you need a spiritual partner. Someone to cheer you on, and hold you accountable for your beliefs. Father said 'If you are married to your spiritual partner you are truly blessed. If you spouse is not your spiritual partner try to make that your goal. If you can't rely on them to cheer you on, and support your beliefs try to cheer them on to come closer to Jesus and the life he wants us to lead with love. Meanwhile surround yourself with people who will challenge you to live the life of Christ. Join groups and make friends with those who will support you to live as Christ invites us to live... with the love of Christ our saviour.'
This caught my attention, because I keep thinking about friends. My friends from the past, and my current friends. If you take a moment and think about your friends. How they reflect your beliefs. How you support each others goals and standards. They define your norm. If they spend thousands on their vacation, it makes it easier for you to justify doing the same. If they travel with their children to support their joy of a sport; suddenly a trip to Canada to take you son to play Ice Hockey doesn't seem extreme. Spending $200 on a high tech swimsuit you can only use three times, is not extraordinary if the rest of the parents on the swim team are doing the same thing. It is easier to go to church on Sunday, when your friends are making the same effort.
In my past, I use to choose friends who where easy. They didn't ask much of me and I didn't ask much of them. Over the past few years I found that to be empty. I have reached out in new directions. I have been lucky to find a group of friends that challenge me to live within the teachings of the Church and Christ. They are not easy friends. They expect me to live up to a higher standard. "You have to believe to receive." "If you receive, should give back, pay it forward." "You have to be a friend to have a friend." These are all statements they have said in passing about themselves. It is a standard, a goal. These are standards I am striving to meet.
Listen to your friends, what standards do they portray? Are their goals the same as yours? Recently I passed through a group where the standard was; Show over substance, Greed over charity, Pride over humility. I am glad that I am aware how empty path is. There will never enough money or power to fill the void.
It is not always easy to find friends who reflect who you are. It is hard to reach out to new people and find new friends. There is always a chance you will get burned, putting your trust in someone that is not true to the way they portray themselves. Making new friends is like winning the lottery. You have to play to win. You have to put yourself out there.
I hope you have people surrounding you who support you and encourage you to grow. In today's gospel Jesus sent his disciples two by two. All you need is one other person that believes as you do. You can support each other, and hold each other accountable. If you can find more then one, count your blessings. I leave you with father John's words "If you are married to your spiritual partner you are truly blessed."
Monday, June 29, 2009
Sunday Fidgets
I feel like I wrestled my way through mass this Sunday. My three year old was in rare form. He wiggled, and squirmed for the whole hour. He even managed to dash out of the pew a few times. I knew better then to sit in the back. I am not a front pew person, but somewhere in the middle seems to work out best for me and my kids. Close enough to see, yet not so far back they feel like no one can see them.
The reading was Mark 5: 21-43. The sermon was about finding Jesus. Not just waiting for him to find you, but looking for him. Not just asking for him to find your loved ones, but taking them to him.
So there I am in the next to the last pew, wrestling my 3 year old, taming my 5 year old, and wondering why I go through this self inflicted torcher every Sunday. There is my answer in Mark 5: 21-43. It is because I love them. It is because I am trying to lay a foundation they can rest on. I want them to know God is there for them when times are tough, but also recognize He is there when times are good. I want them to grow to be strong men, with strong morals.
So here I am struggling to hear the message. Everyday, we do what we think is best for our family, and sacrifice to make our children's lives better. For us that means my husband usually works two jobs. I help with the family business, and try to keep the house in order. We save what we can. We provide them with clothes, food, shelter, and love. I want to protect them from the world, but know I can't. I ask God to keep them safe, and give me what I need to help my children grow to become men of substance.
It is not easy for me to bring my children to church. What would happen if I didn't? If we never went, what age would they learn to behave in church? Would they know to find comfort in the Lord if I didn't take them to Him? Where would they turn when times are tough? Who would they praise when times are good? It is not easy being a parent. It is not easy, but it's not suppose to be easy.
I'll see you next Sunday! Look for me, I'm the one in the bench with all the fidgets;) Wish me luck.
The reading was Mark 5: 21-43. The sermon was about finding Jesus. Not just waiting for him to find you, but looking for him. Not just asking for him to find your loved ones, but taking them to him.
So there I am in the next to the last pew, wrestling my 3 year old, taming my 5 year old, and wondering why I go through this self inflicted torcher every Sunday. There is my answer in Mark 5: 21-43. It is because I love them. It is because I am trying to lay a foundation they can rest on. I want them to know God is there for them when times are tough, but also recognize He is there when times are good. I want them to grow to be strong men, with strong morals.
So here I am struggling to hear the message. Everyday, we do what we think is best for our family, and sacrifice to make our children's lives better. For us that means my husband usually works two jobs. I help with the family business, and try to keep the house in order. We save what we can. We provide them with clothes, food, shelter, and love. I want to protect them from the world, but know I can't. I ask God to keep them safe, and give me what I need to help my children grow to become men of substance.
It is not easy for me to bring my children to church. What would happen if I didn't? If we never went, what age would they learn to behave in church? Would they know to find comfort in the Lord if I didn't take them to Him? Where would they turn when times are tough? Who would they praise when times are good? It is not easy being a parent. It is not easy, but it's not suppose to be easy.
I'll see you next Sunday! Look for me, I'm the one in the bench with all the fidgets;) Wish me luck.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Sunday Fidgetes
Feast of the Holy Trinity.
Have you seen the movie Men in Black with Will Smith? Remember the part where he accidentally knocks the "Galactic Super Ball" out of it's holder, and creates complete chaos? With every contact the ball made, it would gain more speed and create a bigger disruption. Well, that is what it was like in our pew today. Nicholas and Donnie were bouncing off of each other, and gaining more momentum with each connection. As we left for church this morning I slipped a toy lizard in my purse. It looked like it would be innocent play. No buttons to push, no noise it could make. WRONG! Almost as soon as we sat down, Nicholas pulled a string off of his shorts. He was pretending it was food for the lizard. Donnie started chasing the string with the lizard, and there you have it, chaos in the pew.
Even with all the extra activity in our bench I did catch some of the sermon. Father spoke about the Feast of the Trinity. (sorry I missed most of that). Then he spoke about finding God in our everyday. Coincidence vs. Devinne Intervention. Whether you chose to see God working in your life, or do you want to call it coincidence.
In conclusion, Father spoke about examination of conscience. How at the end of the day you take time to review your day. This is a moment to reflect on the activity of the day, your actions, and reactions. (I am sure you do this already, in your own mind before bed. Time when you think through the day; what happened, what we wish would have happened, think about how we reacted, and how we wish we would have behaved, things we said, things people say to us.) Father suggested taking this one step further and ask yourself how God was there for us? What lesson did He want us to learn from the day.
I'm not always sure what God is trying to teach me. Lately the theme has revolved around rowdy boys. Tonight I am left thinking about that "Galactic Super Ball". You can duck, but it will still create havoc. You can swing at it, but then it only gains more momentum. You have to anticipate the right move to catch it in order to put it back where it belongs. In short, it's not easy to act calm and think things through in the middle of chaos. Oh sweet Grace, where are you? I need you.
I hope you had a great Sunday. I had 15 crazy minuets today. After we worked through them things were better. All in all, it was a beautiful day with some wild, and some wonderful, moments.
PS. I'll try and slip in a picture of that silly lizard tomarrow.
Have you seen the movie Men in Black with Will Smith? Remember the part where he accidentally knocks the "Galactic Super Ball" out of it's holder, and creates complete chaos? With every contact the ball made, it would gain more speed and create a bigger disruption. Well, that is what it was like in our pew today. Nicholas and Donnie were bouncing off of each other, and gaining more momentum with each connection. As we left for church this morning I slipped a toy lizard in my purse. It looked like it would be innocent play. No buttons to push, no noise it could make. WRONG! Almost as soon as we sat down, Nicholas pulled a string off of his shorts. He was pretending it was food for the lizard. Donnie started chasing the string with the lizard, and there you have it, chaos in the pew.
Even with all the extra activity in our bench I did catch some of the sermon. Father spoke about the Feast of the Trinity. (sorry I missed most of that). Then he spoke about finding God in our everyday. Coincidence vs. Devinne Intervention. Whether you chose to see God working in your life, or do you want to call it coincidence.
In conclusion, Father spoke about examination of conscience. How at the end of the day you take time to review your day. This is a moment to reflect on the activity of the day, your actions, and reactions. (I am sure you do this already, in your own mind before bed. Time when you think through the day; what happened, what we wish would have happened, think about how we reacted, and how we wish we would have behaved, things we said, things people say to us.) Father suggested taking this one step further and ask yourself how God was there for us? What lesson did He want us to learn from the day.
I'm not always sure what God is trying to teach me. Lately the theme has revolved around rowdy boys. Tonight I am left thinking about that "Galactic Super Ball". You can duck, but it will still create havoc. You can swing at it, but then it only gains more momentum. You have to anticipate the right move to catch it in order to put it back where it belongs. In short, it's not easy to act calm and think things through in the middle of chaos. Oh sweet Grace, where are you? I need you.
I hope you had a great Sunday. I had 15 crazy minuets today. After we worked through them things were better. All in all, it was a beautiful day with some wild, and some wonderful, moments.
PS. I'll try and slip in a picture of that silly lizard tomarrow.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Sunday Fidgets
Today was a tough day. I took the boys to church. I was looking forward to hearing the sermon. I was hoping that I would find some direction. This has been a busy news week for the Catholic faithful as we watch Pope Benedict visit the Holy Land, and Notre Dame prepare for President Obama. The week has carried with it a level of anticipation and contradiction.
My boys had the wiggles. So it was hard to hear, or concentrate on, the mass and the sermon. The best I can tell you, is that today's message was one of love, and respect. The gospel was John 15:9-17, "love one another as I love you". There was no direct mention of the Pope or Obama. It was a good message, a good direction. Just not was I was looking for. Yet, time and time again, we find the best in unexpected packages. I am sure it was just what I needed, especially sitting with three fidgety boys.
My boys had the wiggles. So it was hard to hear, or concentrate on, the mass and the sermon. The best I can tell you, is that today's message was one of love, and respect. The gospel was John 15:9-17, "love one another as I love you". There was no direct mention of the Pope or Obama. It was a good message, a good direction. Just not was I was looking for. Yet, time and time again, we find the best in unexpected packages. I am sure it was just what I needed, especially sitting with three fidgety boys.
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