Happy William Patrick Day!

This is my youngest son, William Patrick. I thought it would be fitting to talk about him on the feast day of one of his namesakes. I got to pick his middle name (my husband picked his first), so I chose one that had been a favorite of mine throughout my life. I didn't pick it because of St. Patrick, but now that I'm Catholic, I'm very glad for the meaning behind the name.

He doesn't look like this anymore (now he's a teen with wild curly hair), but I love this picture of him. Its goofiness displays Billy's sense of humor. The grass in his helmet is from taking a spill on his bike and he decided to keep it that way for comic effect (a very Billy thing to do).

He is a young philosopher with true intellectual curiosity, and we have wonderful discussions. His still waters run deep, and he likes to ponder and reflect (kind of like his mom :). He's also a surprisingly adept writer and a budding cartoonist. I believe someday he will give Gary Larson a run for his money.

From his childhood interest in all things bug and lizard to his current interest in history and politics, he's keen to learn all about the world.

Here's to Billy on today, your day.

Love, Mom

PS Below is a link to St. Patrick's beautiful "Breastplate Prayer." Enjoy!

Prayer of St. Patrick

His Passion: Then and Now

Today is Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion, which marks the beginning of the most powerful week in all of salvation history.

Mass began with the blessing of the palms. Later we heard the account of Christ's passion according to St. Matthew, meaning our parish community went from joy to sobriety in under ten minutes.

Listening to the reading in and of itself was deeply touching, but I was moved even more when we in the pews recited the part of the crowd: "Let Him be crucified!" What tragic, difficult words to say (I could barely get them out), but how true they are. My sins nailed Him to the cross; mine and all the rest of humanity's. I am no less guilty for His death than anyone else in all of history.

Today of all days, I was one of three Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist. Even as my head was reeling from the beauty and reality of our Lord's Passion (and my part in it all), I ascended the steps to the sanctuary to receive His Body and Blood... and then to distribute Him to others.

This is the personification of God's mercy and grace: we who crucified Him witness the recreation of His sacrifice at each and every Mass; we receive Him bodily into ourselves (what a miracle!); and beyond this, sometimes we are allowed the privilege of giving His Body and Blood to others.

Oh, what a God we serve!

On Being Veronica

Last night at Stations of the Cross, the story of Veronica caught my heart. I began to think about how much I would like to be Veronica to Christ. She plays a very small role in the events surrounding Christ's passion, yet her actions tell a big story of love.

How can I wipe the Lord's face, I wonder? How can I bring Him comfort?

He tells us when we care for those He loves (which is all of humanity), we are caring for Him. He desires our fellowship, our love and our time. When my face is turned toward Him, I imagine He is pleased and satisfied.

I pray that through God's grace, every action will be done with love for Christ as its beginning and end. May the comfort of my Lord always be my goal.

Declaring the Glory of God

I was searching through photos of the universe and found an interesting thing: the stars and galaxies look alive, as though they're living creatures, with blood coursing through veins and hearts beating. Some of the intricacies of shape and color looked almost womb-like.

I have a friend who had a "near death" experience, the kind you read about or hear on TV, and since then she sees things in a much different way. She says we have no idea how much God is vibrating within living things on earth. She can't look at a tree without seeing vibrant, supernatural life running through it.

We live in an amazing place, this universe. It is completely incomprehensible to me in my current state. I am a dimensionally challenged creature, and what is around me and above me contains far more dimensions than I can imagine. (And I have a pretty good imagination! :)

I am convinced, absolutely convinced, that when we get beyond this earthbound life and are able to see the whole of creation, we'll understand how absolutely connected everything is. And we'll see our Creator's thumbprint on every piece of work.

Reconciliation

Tomorrow my friend, Michael, is going to take me to the Carmelite Monastery for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. (See the photo below.) That means when I leave the monastery grounds I will be a different person than when I arrived. I will be spiritually renewed, something I need, as it's been several months since I've made a confession. Like ashes in a fireplace, my inner spirit needs to be cleaned out.

God tells Isaiah: "...though your sins be as scarlet, they will be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool." (Isaiah 1:18)

What a gracious God we have who allows fresh starts! It's a bit like flipping the sign on my dishwasher from "dirty" to "clean" after I've run the cycle. We are washed in His grace.

His mercies are new every morning and I thank Him for that.

This is the Carmelite Monastery

Rocket-Powered Friend

Like a friend of mine, this fellow's in a wheelchair, but that doesn't stop him from powering onward! And neither does it stop Cathy.

Cathy may as well be in a rocket-powered wheelchair. I hate to use a cliche, but she is a bit like the "Energizer Bunny" in that she keeps giving and giving and giving! She is determined to serve Christ to the fullest NOW, because she knows a time is coming when she'll have the will, but not the way. She has MS, but she rarely says the word "can't." When she uses her walker, she walks slowly, every step excruciatingly made, but her spunk-o-meter never settles down.

To say she is a beautiful example of facing a challenge head-on is far too tame a statement for her. Her weakened body is not her only cross. She has others. But she walks her path with dignity.

I have had the wonderful privilege of getting to know her better lately. Spending time with her always equals encouragement. Just thinking of her smile makes me feel warm. I am grateful for this woman, and for all who, like her, accessorize their crosses with grace!