Friday, January 11, 2013

Peace be with you

A lot has been written and shared concerning the recent apparition at Medjugorje.  For the past thirty some years Mary appeared on Christmas carrying the new born Christ child.  This year she did once again--but the Child spoke--with authority--asking all to follow His commandments and extending His peace to us.  
One need only to do a quick search on the internet and he will find the commentary world abuzz with this unprecedented event.
And in that search one may find other commentaries that do a great disservice and join the recent apparition with world events, weather patterns, climate change, the recent Vatican commission studying Medjugorje, and even asteroids.
It's apparently time to get the lamps trimmed and stocked with oil.

We have a knack for complicating the obvious.

Sometimes when we don't want to do the work necessary for spiritual renewal we just wait for something 'big' to happen that will somehow propel our will to act with more fervor.
Here's an idea--Why not just do what Jesus said?
Peace be with you.


Monday, January 7, 2013

Family Trees

Almost two months ago, my lovely wife, son, sister-in-law and her two children, along with two dogs boarded the pick-up and headed south on a road trip.  The destination was a Healing of the Family Tree Mass.  I've been on several pilgrimages and this trip, in many ways, reminded me of such an endeavor.

A few weeks went by and then it began.
This past weekend I witnessed some of that healing.

I liken a family tree to the living and the dead.
And, not to be crass but it really is like a tree---on top of the ground are the living members and under the ground--those gone before us (not that roots are dead...but you get my point)  We are all connected.

Chances are you have prayed for a family member today.  And if not--you should.
Whether they be living or dead--pray.
And throw in a fast.
And a confession.
And offer a Mass.