Running the Race

I became interested in running a few years ago during oncology rehab when the staff encouraged me to run to increase my fitness level. I took up the challenge and was thrilled when I actually finished my first 5K. It was with a friend and on a most scenic route through the fields and along a lakeshore. 

A famous sport specialist Andrew Renfree has said that training for races yields the best results when done in a favorable environment when you enjoy the location, the people you train with, and the coach under whom you train.

This reminds me of St. Paul in the Bible decribing his life as running a race (2 Timothy 4:7) to capture the prize (Philippians 3:14). If I am to imitate St. Paul who gave his all for Jesus, I too am in a spiritual race. My favorable environment is the church, I train with my friends with whom I share faith, and my coach is the Holy Spirit who directs my ways.

Specifically, "the church" is my local parish where I hear the Word of God and receive the Sacraments. If I neglect attending, if I neglect or avoid my Christain friends, if I fail to be attentive to the Holy Spirit's inspirations, my fitness for living a Christ-centered life diminishes. I become spiritually weak.

To be faithful is not only a challenge, but also involves sacrifice. It's a sacrifice of time and other attractive distractions. To fulfill one's purpose in life, to do so in a most effective way, takes perseverance. It often means pushing oneself beyond one's comfort level, as a dedicated athlete would do to increase strength and endurance levels.

My desire and my prayer is to "press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward calling of God in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:14.

I Remember When...

On a walk today with our beagle Milo, I stopped next to a magnificant pine tree. There were pine needles under my feet and the scent of pine in the air. I looked up toward the top of the tree and at the blue sky. It brought back childhood memories of long ago, of being on my Grandfather's farm.

Photo by Mahwish Ahmar on Unsplash

Grandfather had several pine trees in the yard. Some were quite tall, having been planted many years before. I can still visualize those trees, but most of all, I recall the strong scent of pine. 

 

Pleasant memories can bring to mind joy, peace, and comfort that we've known in the past. They can remind us of strong family bonds. They can connect us with others who share similar experiences. Most of all, they give us reason to give thanks for the circumstances in which our lives are formed. Memories can still have a positive impact in the present time.

 

So today I remembered my Grandfather - his kindness, gentleness, his laughter, his strength of character, and the influence he has had in my life. For that I am grateful.

 

"Thank you, Lord, for our memories. 
Thank you for all that has happened in our past
that has brought us to the present moment.
Thank you for our families.
Thank you for life and all of creation.
And for past experiences and relationships
that have been harmful to us,
please grant us your mercy and healing. Amen." 

Stopping for the One

I've been so dismayed over the poverty in our world, the violence, the reports of inhumane and unjust treatment of migrants, and I've been feeling inadequate to personally do much about it. I mentioned this to my son-in-law who reminded me, "Think globally, act locally." Soon after that I received an invitation to become involved in the Catholic Worker movement in Chittenden county. Yes! I felt drawn to participate.

 We are currently looking for a location for a house of hospitality. I'm praying. Prayers can open doors.

 

What to do in the meantime? For me it may mean to begin very simply. I am reminded of Matthew 25: 35: I was a stranger and you welcomed me.

 

Most people I encounter, whether at the grocery store, post office, rec path, a restaurant, etc. are strangers to me. How do I welcome them? Do I purposely acknowedge their presence? Do I recognize them with the honor they deserve, created in the image of God? A smile and a brief greeting can brighten someone's day and open up the opportunity for conversation. Through conversation, we come to know and to value one another. Strangers become friends.

 

The missionary Heidi Baker often says, “Stop for the one.” This is the beginning of welcoming the stranger. This is the beginning of hospitality.

 "Lord, may we be mindful to stop for the one. 

May we welcome the stranger in our midst. 

May we welcome You."

Slowing Down

It was a Tuesday evening when I left the nursing home where I was visiting, on my way to a 7 PM Mass. I wanted to be there in good time, so I was speeding through a very quiet neighborhood. That's when I saw the blue lights flashing behind me. "Oh, no," I thought. "I don't need this."

free image from Unsplash

I pulled over. By the time the policeman came to my car, I already had my license ready to hand to him. "I might have been going too fast," I said. I told him I was on my way to church and didn't want to be late.

"Let me see your insurance and registration," he said.

I fumbled through the glove compartment that's become something of a waste basket. Lots of coupons in there, a few masks, car repair receipts, and a pile of insurance renewal papers. Without my reading glasses, and in the dark, I hardly knew what I was looking at. My registration must be in there somewhere!

I'm panicking and fumbling through the papers when the policeman, still holding my license, said, "You find what you are looking for and I'll be back."

I may have found the current registration, I'm not sure. I started to hand him a pile of papers and said, "Maybe you can find what you need to see."

He asked, "Did you ever get caught for speeding before?"

"No..., but there was that one time I was stopped for turning right, but that was years ago..." I am clearly flustered.

"Listen," he said. "It's easy to get zoned out on this street. I'm going to give you a warning. I'll give you a verbal warning." 

I thanked him and promised to clean out the glove compartment.

Ever since then, I've been driving at or under the limit. In fact, I realize I may have been speeding a lot. Now I find I kind of like the slower pace. (I can even get in an extra decade of the Rosary on some of my trips.)

So today I am driving on a local road near home. It's dark and it's clear sailing. I would usually step on it, but I kept my speed at the limit. THEN, a truck from a side road pulls out in front of me! I slam on the brakes and we avoided one another. Whew! I immediately thought, what if I were going even a little faster - there could've been a collision! I am grateful for Divine Providence.

Thank you, Jesus, for always being with us, for going before us and preparing the way. Thank you for your protection. Thank you for your goodness. Thank you, Father for the Guardian Angels you send us.
And thank you that I didn't get a ticket.

Keep on Keeping On

He was nervous. He was scared. Our nine-year-old grandson's ice hockey team was chosen to play during the intermission of a professional hockey team game! He's the goalie.

The day finally arrived. He left school early. His classmates were at the window, waving and cheering him on. He and his parents then took the train to get to the arena.

There were thousands of people there. From the bleachers, he watched his first professional game. Then it was time. He left his parents for the locker room to put on his gear. 

When he skated onto the ice, his name flashed on the screen for everyone to see. The crowd cheered.

And he played.

When it was over, he went back to the locker room to remove his gear, then ran to the stands into the arms of his mother. He did it! And he was so very proud. He stayed in her lap and hugged and hugged and kept hugging her. He was so relieved, so happy, so excited.

"Remember when you were learning to skate?" she said. "And you kept falling, and how discouraged you felt? You kept going. Look how far you've come! You are skating in the arena of a multi-million dollar franchise!"

I keep thinking about our young grandson in his mother's lap. It leads me to reflect on my life, and how my times I've fallen and become discouraged, sometimes thinking, "How can I do this? How can I keep going on?" And somehow the grace is there for me to continue and experience little successes along the way.

Like our grandson watching the professionals, I witness the example of so many others whose lives demonstrate commitment and perseverance. They inspire me.

At the end of my life in this world, I hope the saints will be cheering me on, and that I can run into the arms of Our Father with relief, excitement, and everlasting joy - secure in His arms. And I long to hear him say, after all the times I've fallen short:
 

"Well done, good and faithful servant,... Enter into the joy of your Lord." (Matthew 25:23)

Slow Fasting

I lost the charger to my Versa 3 fitbit. I've looked everywhere I think it could be. I use my fitbit often to check the time, to record my fitness activities, to track my sleep. I even have an app on it to find my phone. Now I'm unable to use my fitbit because I am without the charger. I really miss it. I have come to depend on it as part of my daily routine.

This brought to mind what I recently heard in a teaching about fasting. When we fast, we abstain or deny ourselves, for example from food or some comfort. It's a penance because it is hard to do and it is a discipline because we use will power. But more than penance or discipline, fasting is about relationship. For the Christian, it is about a relationship with Jesus.

Our ultimate fulfillment is in and with Jesus. 1 Corinthians 1:9 states that we are called to be in fellowship with him, a personal relationship. Fasting can help us grow in this relationship.

We are meant to be fulfilled. When I feel cold, I might grab for a blanket. When I'm hungry, I'll look for a snack. If I get a headache, I'll take an aspirin. I want to feel comfortable and satisfied. When I am totally satisfied, I have no needs. Without needs, I am not as apt to turn to Jesus (who asked us to pray for our daily bread, Matt 6:11). Our needs direct us to call upon him, to depend upon him.

Fasting, then, is a choice to feel our hunger or discomfort, then to turn to Jesus, asking him to meet us in that experience. It's about developing a deeply personal relationship with Jesus. It's creating a space in our lives to make room for him. 

It may be a favorite TV show, or phone scrolling that occupies our time. To give that up is a kind of fasting that creates a space where we can choose to be with Jesus in prayer. 

In the teaching I heard, it was recommended to go slowly - to take "baby steps" in fasting. It's about the relationship. Once we turn to Jesus in our deprivation and begin to experience the intimacy of being with him, this creates a desire for even more. Only then may we want to take on more fasting or penances, as the Holy Spirit leads.

This is the beginning of Lent, and Lent is a journey. Every journey begins with one first step. May our fasting this Lenten season bring us ever more close to Jesus our Savior. 

So when I go to check my fitbit, I realize that now it is not on my wrist. I feel the loss. May those moments become times of thanking the Lord for the gift of time, of physical fitness, of restful sleep, of growing closer to him.

When my fitbit is fully charged, I'm thinking of choosing not to wear it, perhaps one day a week, and develop the habit - not so much checking my fitbit so often, but checking in with Jesus.

Update: The charger is found. Praise God!

"To Forgive is Divine"

Mother Angelica once said, "It's hard to pray for someone when you hope they'll slip on a banana peel." I thought of this quote today in church during the homily on forgiveness.

Forgiveness is likewise a theme of Jubilee Year 2025.

"I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you." Matthew 5:44

  

And so I consider:
Who is my enemy?
Is there anyone in my life towards whom I feel resentment?
Has anyone who caused me harm for which I am still hurting?

Has anyone been hostile or angry toward me?
Has anyone cursed me?

Have I been mistreated or abused? 

 
These are questions to bring to prayer. Some people or situations may quickly come to mind. Others may be deeply hidden in memories.

Forgiveness may often be first a decision of the mind and will, and then of the heart. Perhaps begin by simply saying aloud:

"I forgive _________ for __________."
"Lord, help me to forgive _________."

And:
"Lord, I release _________ into your loving, merciful care."

"Holy Spirit, how do you want me to pray for __________?"
"Lord, is there any way You want me to extend kindness toward _________?

 

We may need to forgive over and over again. Each time, forgiveness can become a deeper and ever more freeing experience so we no longer have to carry the burdens of resentment and bitterness toward others. 

I've told my kids, "When someone is mean to you, that's an opportunity to forgive." Much easier said than done. With God's grace, however, it is possible.

  

"Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you." Ephesians 4:32

Jubilee 2025

This is the "Pilgrims of Hope" Jubilee year. This year, ending on Epiphany 2026, is a time of special grace. It is a time to be open to receive all that our merciful Lord has for us this year and to pray with the church for God's favor upon us and on the whole world.

 Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR gives an historical background.

  

  

In the Old Testament there were four central features of Jubilee: slaves were set free, debts were forgiven, people returned home, and there was time for rest and recreation. These features can be a guide on how to enter into and experience Jubilee in our own lives.

To what am I enslaved? What are those habitual sins, addictions, distractions that keep me from being truly free? What is it that keeps frustrating or annoying me? These are the encumbrances I need to bring to the Lord. Ask to walk in greater freedom. Be set free and rejoice.

Forgiveness of debt. Am I holding on to grudges and resentments toward those who have hurt me? Ask the Lord, "Whom do I still need to forgive?" Maybe a parent? A brother or sister? Or even an organization of some kind by whom I may have been unfairly treated? Ask for an extra measure of grace to forgive, to let go, to be healed. Forgive and rejoice.

 

Come home. Jubilee is time to connect more deeply to God as our Father and to one another as sisters and brothers. How can I strengthen those bonds? In the Old Testament people returned to the temple. How can I return to the church to more actively worship, to more actively participate in fellowship and ministry? Be with the family of God and rejoice.

 

Finally, rest and recreation. In Old Testament times during Jubilee people did not travel away from home and they did not engage in work. Even the lands were not tilled to be allowed "to rest." For sure, in our busy lives we need rest. How can we enter into rest to be recharged and renewed? Maybe it means taking breaks from social media, or from TV programs, or from scrolling our phones. Maybe it means purposely planning for a Sabbath/Sunday day of rest from weekly activities. (Even God rested on the seventh day of creation. Gen 2:2.) How can I use this space in my schedule for healthy leisure time? Rest and rejoice.

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has a helpful resource for Jubilee 2025.

“Open our souls to the working of the Holy Spirit, that he may soften the hardness of our hearts, that enemies may speak to each other again, adversaries may join hands,
and peoples seek to meet together.” Pope Francis

                                 

The Name of Jesus

Today in the liturgical year of the Church we honor in a particular way the name of Jesus. 

I was driving home and heard this on the radio. What an  appropriate and encouraging song for the beginning of the new year!

Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ

 is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Philippians 2:9-11
 

January 1, 2025

It's January 1, and on this day each year I usually look forward with high anticipation for new adventures, goals to achieve, places to see, things to do and learn. This year, not so much. There are wars in Ukraine, the Middle East, and other places that go on and on and on. Our country is politically painfully divided. A family member is coping with health challenges. 2025 looks to be a very sobering year. So this may be the year it is especially important to find light in the darkness, hope in difficulties, gratitude for blessings.

On social media someone posted about a "Gratitude Jar." The idea is that at the end of each month, reflect on and write down the very best thing that happened. It may be something from one's personal life or even a world event. Write it down on a slip of paper and place it into the jar. At the end of the year read everything that was written and give thanks for the blessings of the year. I am thinking this could be not only a personal project, but one for the family - a wonderful way to celebrate the end of the year and look forward to the one about to begin.

Photo by Kier in Sight Archives on Unsplash

“For all that has been, Thanks. To all that shall be, Yes.”
Former U.N. Secretary General Dag Hammarskjöld

Advent, A Time of Beginning Anew

It's the beginning of Advent and of the new liturgical year - a time of anticipation. Advent is the time of year when Christians prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus.

Jesus was given his name before he was born. "You are to name him Jesus..." Matthew 1:21. What a beautiful and powerful name that is!

"JESUS"

Autumn Gold

A favorite place at home where I like to pray is by an upstairs window with a view of the backyard. I can see a huge willow, a few pines, and a large maple tree which my husband and I planted years ago. Each morning I enjoy sitting by this window as I observe the change of seasons.

The other day I noticed that the maple leaves had turned from green to an autumn gold. The sun was shining and the golden leaves were magnificently bright. I admired the tree in all its beauty. 

I reflected on the "golden years" of life. I hope that as I age, I can shine forth brightly in the Light of Jesus the Son.

Today I'm looking at that same tree. The leaves are now gracefully and steadily falling to the ground. I clearly see the tree's branches. It's as if the limbs and branches are reaching upwards toward the sky.

I hope that like the tree, I can gracefully let go - let go of my possessions (as I downsize), and even of my youthful abilities as I age. I pray that my arms, that my whole being, be lifted up to give glory to God.

Photo by Dylan Phair on Unsplash

Autumn is here. Winter is on its way. And then comes a new Spring!

To God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit be the glory
 and praise forever.

Extravagance

I was looking for an old photo and I came upon a post I had written on Wrapped Moments many years ago. It still resonates with me and so I am re-posting here with just a few minor changes. It's about the extravagant use of our precious time.

"Father Michael challenged us to identify with some of the characters in the Passion Scripture readings. One of those he mentioned was the woman who poured out the costly contents of the alabaster jar to anoint the feet of Jesus. She did not just take a portion of the precious contents, but she broke the jar and poured out all she had. It was an extravagant gesture. To many it seemed that the contents were wasted. She could have graciously used a portion and saved the rest.

Father Michael challenged us to be extravagant in our relationship with Jesus, to be extravagant with our time. He asked us to think about 'wasting time' with Jesus in prayer.

I thought about all the other times I waste, whether it is listening to the same news over and again, or surfing the net, or just sitting with that second or third cup of coffee. And that may not be so bad. But I never thought about wasting time with Jesus. 

 Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash

We think about 'setting apart some time' for the Lord, and that is a good thing to do. But how about lingering in prayer when we could well be doing other things? How about 'wasting time' with Jesus? I just never thought about it in quite that way before...being extravagant with my time.

No time with the Lord is wasted. So why not be more generous?"

How to Persevere

I use a motivational running calendar. Yesterday in it I read about a man competing in an ironman triathalon. Less than 100 yards into the event, he felt a cramp in his leg. It painfully worsened as he was bicycling and then running. What kept him going? It was gratitude.

He focused on the fact that he was actually physically able to compete in a sport he loved. He appreciated the gentle warmth of the September day. He really enjoyed being with athletes and he felt the support of family and friends cheering him on. As intense as the pain was, he realized that "it's never all bad."

It is never all bad. Even in the most difficult of situations, we can find something good. We can look for something for which to be grateful. This may be cliche, but it's about an attitude of gratitude. And that may be just what is needed to keep going in difficult situations. 

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, for those who have been called according

 to his purpose. Romans 8:28

Resolved: To find the good in the most difficult situations.

"Who I Am"

My friends' daughter wrote a children's book. I bought a copy soon after I saw it was available.

After reading it, I gave it to my daughter to read. I asked her what she thought the message is. She replied, "that everyone has gifts, but other people may not be ready to see or accept your gifts, but the one who always sees your gifts is God. And even though other people do not want to receive your gifts, you shouldn't give up, but keep trying..."

Well, I thought that was a good response.

This is a wonderful book for children and even for adults, for parents and grandparents to read with their children. 

(Don't tell my grandson, but this will be his birthday gift.)

Heavenly Father, thank you that each of is unique and that each of us is wonderfully made. Thank you for all the gifts you bless us with to share with others. Please grant us opportunities to share our gifts
and to gratefully receive what others share with us,
with all honor, glory, and thanksgiving to you,
the Giver of all good gifts.

"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works..." Psalm 139:14.

"You Lift Us Up"

When our daughter was in grade school, she played on a softball team. Parents, family, and friends would come to watch the games. I'll never forget the time she was hit in the head by a fly ball. I not only saw it happen, but I could hear the "thud" as it hit her. The game stopped. I ran out into the field. The coach drove us to the doctor's office for her to be checked out. Thank God, no serious harm done.

Why did that happen? Was she momentarily distracted and not see the ball coming? Did she not have her glove ready to catch the ball? 

Photo by Yaw Afari on Unsplash

I thought of that incident this morning when I read a commentary on the Biblical phrase: "He lifts up the lowly." The image of "lifting up" is that of a father scooping up his child into his arms and holding the child close and comforting the child. I thought of children playing freely, not always aware of dangers that may be around them. I thought about children who fall as they run and play, whose smiles turn into tears.

We the children of God the Father are the little ones, the lowly ones. We are sometimes hurt by circumstances in our lives, not always seeing troubles coming our way. Our Father is there to lift us up, to take us into his strong arms and hold us close. No matter what the dangers are that surround us, we can always trust him to be there. He is with us always.

Lord, That I May See

When I was in third grade, I had trouble seeing the blackboard from where I was sitting. At home I would get as up close to the TV as possible to see the programs. My Mom made an appointment for me to see the optometrist.

The optometrist put lenses in front of my eyes and asked, "Is this one better? Or the other one?" "Does this make it more clear?" - and he would continue doing this until the best possible lens would be chosen for my vision. When I put on my new glasses, I was astounded how sharp and clear everything looked!

In a way, I feel like my life has been somewhat "out of focus." With new and different responsibilities, what I see as the reality of my daily life has changed. When I try to look at life with my prior expectations and plans, I am discerning that this vision, with many of my comfortable routines, is not quite right. God's plan for me evolves as my circumstances change.

His plan is like the lens through which I can see the way before me. When I cling to my old way of seeing, my vision is  "blurry." The Lord wants to sharpen my vision, for me to see my situation as it really is here and now. It is when I accept his plan for my life in the present time that my thinking readjusts and my responses can once again realign according to his divine plan. And I am astounded at the magnificence and beauty all around me, even in the mundane details.

 

"Lord, that I may see." cf. Luke 18:41

"My Life is in Your Hands"

Every once in a while, life "throws us a curveball" that breaks into our daily routine and changes our circumstances. It may be an accident, an illness, an unexpected conflict, a loss...

This happened to me recently when a loved one needed to be hospitalized. Medical decisions needed to be made to provide the best care. There was uncertainty regarding response to treatment. My own daily life became centered on hospital visits and how to become supportive of someone in a strange environment and somewhat scared about the future. I am questioning how I can be most supportive of someone who is now limited in caring for self and who is feeling loss of personal independence.

In prayer I sensed the Lord saying, "Keep going one step in front of the other. Look for my Holy Spirit of Love to guide you along the way."

While driving home from another visit, I thought of this hymn:

"My life is in your hands."

Who Moved?

Back in the day most cars did not have dual seats for drivers and passengers. There was a front seat and a back seat. I recall a joke dating back to that time about a husband driving with his wife. The wife looked at her husband and said, "Remember when we were first married and how much you liked us to be sitting close to one another?" And he said, "Well, dear, I'm not the one who moved."

It's a little like that with ourselves and God our Father. When he feels distant to us, he is not the one who has moved.

I've been reading the book The Father by Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR. I'm reflecting on chapter 2 about how the Father infinitely delights in caring for us his children. I am imagining a group of children happily playing in the yard, and a father watching them having so much fun. When one of the children is hurt, however, the loving father runs to that child, takes the child into his arms, wipes away the tears, and does everything he can to take away the pain. 

The Father is drawn to us in our need, in our wounds, in our weaknesses and sin. He is drawn to us because it is his delight to care for us. It's what a loving Father does, and he is most loving.

Sometimes we may have a tendency to want to avoid God when we think we are not perfect enough or holy enough to be with him. But in a way it is just the opposite. It is our need that draws him to us. We are created to depend on him. Sometimes the only prayer we feel we can pray is "Help!" And that prayer is always answered. It is his delight to help us.

Maybe this is why in the Gospels we read that Jesus was seen to be with prostitutes and other sinners. In a way he was drawn to be with them, as the Father is drawn to be with those who are in need.

Our Father who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
Lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.

May we take delight in loving and serving others, as our Father takes delight in loving us.

Bye-bye, Tooth!

It was in church on Palm Sunday when I felt something like a little marble in my mouth. It was a crown on a tooth that had come loose.

I made an appointment with my dentist. She tried to save the tooth to replace the crown, but then said there was too much decay. "That tooth needs to be pulled out."

So I went to a dental specialist for the extraction. What an ordeal! I felt distress and pain. There was blood. Thankfully now the tooth is gone and healing is underway.

free unsplash photo by Quang Tri Nguyen

There was a spiritual lesson for me in this experience. I began to think about the little ongoing sins and bad habits that have become part of my life. If I am to become the person God calls me to be, those sins and their decaying effects and those bad habits have got to go. I cannot do it on my own. I need a "Specialist;" I need Jesus.

I admit and face the fact that I do have problems in my life. Problems I cannot fix on my own. I no longer want to try to hide them or deny them, but bring them to Jesus as openly as I am able. There can be distress and pain in doing this. And there is blood, but this time it is His blood that has been shed to take away all my sins.

Only when I do this can inner healing take place. Burdens are lifted. New peace and joy and strength flow into me. "Thank you, Jesus, for taking away our sins. Thank you, Jesus, for the healing."

As for me, I call to God,

    and the Lord saves me.

17 

Evening, morning and noon

    I cry out in distress,

    and he hears my voice...

Cast your cares on the Lord

    and he will sustain you;...

But as for me, I trust in you.

Psalm 55: 16-17; 22-23