I had a phone interview on Friday, July 1st for a Youth Minister position in the Archdiocese of St. Louis at Sacred Heart Parish in Troy, Missouri. I was nervous and excited (mostly nervous) about it, as the interview was over the phone. Different styles of interviews have their own pros and cons, which everybody knows. A few days before the interview, I had this brilliant idea to ask many of my friends to pray for me, that God's will be done and I accept it.
Well, there was something I had not thought about, the particular day, this year, was the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. For those who don't know, Jesus appeared to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque and asked her to request this Feast be celebrated on the Friday after the octave of Corpus Christi, to atone for the ingratitude of humankind towards the sacrifice that Christ made for us. More information on the Sacred Heart here.
So, I had asked for hundreds of prayers for me and the interview, on the Feast of the Sacred Heart (at Sacred Heart parish), and to accept God's will. I should have really thought about what I was asking for. The following Tuesday (the 5th), I was driving back to Terre Haute, Indiana (from my mini-vacation in Perryville, Missouri), when everything just clicked. I realized that God had put it on the back of my mind and on my heart to re-enter the seminary for a reason. I had been dealing with this for the last year and a half, so I finally said, "Yes, Lord." I still have no idea what God has in store for me, but He wants me to do this for a reason. The strange, but good, part is that I'm really glad that I capitulated.
Lesson #1: Prayer works
Lesson #2: When praying, and asking for prayers, it wouldn't necessarily hurt to specify exactly what you want, just to clear it up. Asking for generalities and God's will to be done can open up a whole can of worms that aren't expected. It can definitely take a person by surprise.
Lesson #3: Don't take people for granted. Let them know you appreciate their prayers, and keep them updated. They said they'd pray for you for a reason.
Good times.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Friday, July 8, 2011
Anger, Moving, and Peace
Okay, so it's been a while since I've blogged, it doesn't feel like I've had the time. Well, I just decided to make the time. In my absence, there's a few things that have happened. 1.) Casey Anthony was acquitted of murder, but indicted on four misdemeanor charges of lying to investigators. 2.) I'm moving back to Quincy tonight after my niece's birthday party. 3.) I'm re-entering the Seminary for the Diocese of Springfield-in-Illinois.
Concerning the first event: There has been widespread outrage that the jury did not convict Ms. Anthony on the murder charge. I have seen many Facebook posts about how she never would have been acquitted if that particular person was on the jury, but now people will despise her forever. I've also seen people say that they hope she rots in hell. Friends, as much as some people think there was a miscarriage of Justice, the exact opposite has happened. 12 jurors were not convinced beyond reasonable doubt by the prosecution that Ms. Anthony committed murder. They may have, and probably did have their own strong feelings, about the verdict, perhaps wishing they could have been convinced. They were not seeking vengeance, but justice. I am sorry for the loss of Caylee's life but, looking at the evidence presented by the prosecution, I probably would have voted to acquit Ms. Anthony as well. Yes, our justice system is imperfect, but I am glad that it operates out of reason instead of the public hotbed of emotion. Were Ms. Anthony's actions following the death of Caylee improper and wrong? Yes, they were. But judgment of a person is not ours to make, it is God's. And if Ms. Anthony did kill her child, whether it be negligible or intentional, she will answer to God. I do hope and pray the truth is discovered and, when it is, the person or persons are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. However, let us be mindful of what the LORD says in Matthew 7:4, "Or how can you say to your brother 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when there is the log in your own eye?" Let us be mindful of and rectify our own faults and failings before confronting others.
So, the second and third event are connected, I am moving back to Quincy so I can streamline the process of re-entering the Seminary. In my opinion, it is easier to work out of the diocese that I will be studying for, leading up to my re-entry. It's an exciting and somewhat nervous experience, but God put it in the back of my mind and on my heart for a reason, so I need to discern why. This time around I think I'm better grounded because I don't know what God has in store for me and I am accepting of that. My experiences have shaped me, mostly for the better; the pain that I have experienced has made me stronger. I'll still be writing my blog and still be muddling through my faith and life, it's just going to be from a different perspective. Any prayers that you could send my way would be wonderful as well, that God's will for me may be done and I accept it. Many thanks.
Concerning the first event: There has been widespread outrage that the jury did not convict Ms. Anthony on the murder charge. I have seen many Facebook posts about how she never would have been acquitted if that particular person was on the jury, but now people will despise her forever. I've also seen people say that they hope she rots in hell. Friends, as much as some people think there was a miscarriage of Justice, the exact opposite has happened. 12 jurors were not convinced beyond reasonable doubt by the prosecution that Ms. Anthony committed murder. They may have, and probably did have their own strong feelings, about the verdict, perhaps wishing they could have been convinced. They were not seeking vengeance, but justice. I am sorry for the loss of Caylee's life but, looking at the evidence presented by the prosecution, I probably would have voted to acquit Ms. Anthony as well. Yes, our justice system is imperfect, but I am glad that it operates out of reason instead of the public hotbed of emotion. Were Ms. Anthony's actions following the death of Caylee improper and wrong? Yes, they were. But judgment of a person is not ours to make, it is God's. And if Ms. Anthony did kill her child, whether it be negligible or intentional, she will answer to God. I do hope and pray the truth is discovered and, when it is, the person or persons are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. However, let us be mindful of what the LORD says in Matthew 7:4, "Or how can you say to your brother 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when there is the log in your own eye?" Let us be mindful of and rectify our own faults and failings before confronting others.
So, the second and third event are connected, I am moving back to Quincy so I can streamline the process of re-entering the Seminary. In my opinion, it is easier to work out of the diocese that I will be studying for, leading up to my re-entry. It's an exciting and somewhat nervous experience, but God put it in the back of my mind and on my heart for a reason, so I need to discern why. This time around I think I'm better grounded because I don't know what God has in store for me and I am accepting of that. My experiences have shaped me, mostly for the better; the pain that I have experienced has made me stronger. I'll still be writing my blog and still be muddling through my faith and life, it's just going to be from a different perspective. Any prayers that you could send my way would be wonderful as well, that God's will for me may be done and I accept it. Many thanks.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
How much does a Pente cost?
Okay, so lame joke, if it can even be called a joke, but it amused me. Of course, some would say I am amused easily; to that, I say, "And it took you how long to figure that out?" However, let's get on with getting on. First I'd like to update my last post: Either I'm a bit over-dramatic or consequences just develop very slowly for me. I don't think I opened the equivalent of Pandora's Box for me, along with, I don't think I have made the equivalent discovery of fire for myself. Of course, it's easy to feel like I have when emotions are involved and stick my foot in my mouth down to my trachea. There's also the possibility that absolutely nothing will come of the particular discussions of last week. I know I'm bad at predicting the future. For example, it could be 12:30 am and I've just gotten off work; I say to myself, I'm going to bed at 1 am to give me a little time to get home and unwind. So, I get home and I see this really fascinating show on tv and it keeps me up until 2:30 am. Just from something normal, my prediction is broken and it is proven that I can't foretell the future with any credible degree of accuracy. However, the possibility that absolutely nothing will come of it? I doubt that's true at all; for every action and interaction (at least in my life, so far), there are consequences, some good and some bad. Most of the time those consequences are some that I had no idea they would occur. Now, I am not saying we should act whichever way the wind blows, as we know what actions are right and wrong, along with having the ability to weigh some of the possible consequences that we have witnessed before. We just have to ask ourselves, (hopefully before we take the action, something that I definitely need to work on) "Am I doing/Have I done the right thing? What will be/What are the consequences of my actions (short term and effect on my soul term)?"
That was a longer update/spiel than I was anticipating, that's cool. Let's get on with the next topic: secret clubs. I know, you're thinking, "Adam, what are you talking about? Secret clubs and Pentecost? Those two don't even connect." That, my friend, is where you're wrong.
So, in Sunday's Gospel, the disciples were in a locked upper room and they didn't want anybody else coming in. Right there, secret club. With that first description, you could think that they were like the "He-Man Woman Haters Club" from the Little Rascals tv show or movie. Obviously, there are dissimilarities but both groups didn't want to have uninvited guests and they wanted to lock everyone else out. The disciples were afraid of the Jews and the little boys were scared of girls. That bonded them together more than if they were just Christians and the boys were just random boys. How often do we start secret clubs, even if we don't think of them like that, because we're afraid of something or someone, or just because we don't like something or someone? I can also refer to "secret club" as a clique. In a way, we seek protection and refuge from someone or something because we don't like what affect the person/people or thing will have on us. Maybe it's negative points on our reputation or maybe the outcome, in some circumstances, is as drastic as death.
In the Gospel, Jesus comes before them and says to them, "Peace be with you." Jn 20:19. I think I would have fallen straight out of my chair, twisting and hitting my face on the floor. Even if I had seen some of His other appearances, I think it would have shocked me that much. Then, He shows them His hands and side and they were glad when they saw Him. Jn 20:20. I would not be surprised if "glad" is understating things by alot. I'm glad when I have a good day at work, I would be completely ecstatic and awe-struck by my LORD and Savior appearing before me. I just don't see how that is something a person can get used to, even if you spent 3 years with Him and was witness to multiple appearances after He was crucified and resurrected. I hope I would be ecstatic at least, I don't want to get used to something like that.
Jesus then says, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you." And when that's done, He breathes on them and says, "Receive the Holy Spirit" Jn 20:21-22. Obviously, I paraphrased some of it, but not what's in quotes. What do they have to be afraid of, especially now? Jesus is sending them out and while they may die (most of them die via martyrdom), He's like don't worry, I've got your back. If you do My will and spread the Good News, what really matters, your soul, will be great.
Yes, I've read ahead. So why are some Catholics and other Christians not living that way? I'll admit, I've been a part of a group out of fear for my reputation, even during the times I've wanted to be a good person. But thinking about it, my reputation vs. my soul, what's more important? Obviously, my soul. I think we get sidetracked though, reputation is short-term and soul is long-term; sometimes I'd rather think about now instead of later. But we should not do that. Speaking as a Catholic and believing in what the Church teaches, the Church is not trying to be exclusive, She has the concern for all souls in her heart. As good Catholics, we should want everybody to believe and go to Heaven. The Church is not a secret club for anybody, it is a community of believers, the Mystical Body of Christ.
So, I've got a challenge, if you read my blog, Catholic, any other denomination of Christian, or really anybody: At least once this week, hopefully more, and for longer than this week: open your heart to somebody, somebody you wouldn't normally do much for. Be a good example of a person: give them the ear they need to listen, if they need 5 cents and you have it, give it to them. It's a small way, but if there aren't any available "great ways" right there, the small ways are better than keeping yourself closed off. I realize this was a longer post and I appreciate your reading.
That was a longer update/spiel than I was anticipating, that's cool. Let's get on with the next topic: secret clubs. I know, you're thinking, "Adam, what are you talking about? Secret clubs and Pentecost? Those two don't even connect." That, my friend, is where you're wrong.
So, in Sunday's Gospel, the disciples were in a locked upper room and they didn't want anybody else coming in. Right there, secret club. With that first description, you could think that they were like the "He-Man Woman Haters Club" from the Little Rascals tv show or movie. Obviously, there are dissimilarities but both groups didn't want to have uninvited guests and they wanted to lock everyone else out. The disciples were afraid of the Jews and the little boys were scared of girls. That bonded them together more than if they were just Christians and the boys were just random boys. How often do we start secret clubs, even if we don't think of them like that, because we're afraid of something or someone, or just because we don't like something or someone? I can also refer to "secret club" as a clique. In a way, we seek protection and refuge from someone or something because we don't like what affect the person/people or thing will have on us. Maybe it's negative points on our reputation or maybe the outcome, in some circumstances, is as drastic as death.
In the Gospel, Jesus comes before them and says to them, "Peace be with you." Jn 20:19. I think I would have fallen straight out of my chair, twisting and hitting my face on the floor. Even if I had seen some of His other appearances, I think it would have shocked me that much. Then, He shows them His hands and side and they were glad when they saw Him. Jn 20:20. I would not be surprised if "glad" is understating things by alot. I'm glad when I have a good day at work, I would be completely ecstatic and awe-struck by my LORD and Savior appearing before me. I just don't see how that is something a person can get used to, even if you spent 3 years with Him and was witness to multiple appearances after He was crucified and resurrected. I hope I would be ecstatic at least, I don't want to get used to something like that.
Jesus then says, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you." And when that's done, He breathes on them and says, "Receive the Holy Spirit" Jn 20:21-22. Obviously, I paraphrased some of it, but not what's in quotes. What do they have to be afraid of, especially now? Jesus is sending them out and while they may die (most of them die via martyrdom), He's like don't worry, I've got your back. If you do My will and spread the Good News, what really matters, your soul, will be great.
Yes, I've read ahead. So why are some Catholics and other Christians not living that way? I'll admit, I've been a part of a group out of fear for my reputation, even during the times I've wanted to be a good person. But thinking about it, my reputation vs. my soul, what's more important? Obviously, my soul. I think we get sidetracked though, reputation is short-term and soul is long-term; sometimes I'd rather think about now instead of later. But we should not do that. Speaking as a Catholic and believing in what the Church teaches, the Church is not trying to be exclusive, She has the concern for all souls in her heart. As good Catholics, we should want everybody to believe and go to Heaven. The Church is not a secret club for anybody, it is a community of believers, the Mystical Body of Christ.
So, I've got a challenge, if you read my blog, Catholic, any other denomination of Christian, or really anybody: At least once this week, hopefully more, and for longer than this week: open your heart to somebody, somebody you wouldn't normally do much for. Be a good example of a person: give them the ear they need to listen, if they need 5 cents and you have it, give it to them. It's a small way, but if there aren't any available "great ways" right there, the small ways are better than keeping yourself closed off. I realize this was a longer post and I appreciate your reading.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Say what?
Dear God,
I had absolutely no idea I was going to say that. Please help me deal with the consequences, good or bad. Thank you.
Love,
Adam
Do you ever say that sort of prayer to yourself? Minus signing it Adam, unless your name is Adam, of course. I'm saying that right now. I just had the same question posed to me and repeated, kind of like when Jesus asks Peter, "Do you love me?" Either that, or when Peter is questioned in the courtyard about being Jesus' disciple. The question wasn't even posed that forcefully, at least I don't think it was. I should have told the full truth when I was asked the first time, but I thought I'd skirt around it. But then I was asked again, and maybe a third time, I don't really remember. But the last time I was asked, I gave the person the truth, all of it. And it took both of us by surprise, and I'm somewhat confused by the response right now. I have no idea what happened really, I feel like I either just opened Pandora's box or brought fire back to humankind. I'm sure that's hyperbole, but that's what it feels like at the moment. A momentous decision that will impact my life forever. The funny thing is, God was in that decision. It's like, to use a Carrie Underwood reference, I let Jesus take the wheel. And while I'm nervous about it, I'm less nervous and inquisitive about it than I would be were I trying to control the situation. If God is leading you towards something, it'll turn out to be good, even if it doesn't look like it at first. Trust in the Lord. Much easier said than done, especially for me, but definitely worth it in the long run. We'll see where this leads.
I had absolutely no idea I was going to say that. Please help me deal with the consequences, good or bad. Thank you.
Love,
Adam
Do you ever say that sort of prayer to yourself? Minus signing it Adam, unless your name is Adam, of course. I'm saying that right now. I just had the same question posed to me and repeated, kind of like when Jesus asks Peter, "Do you love me?" Either that, or when Peter is questioned in the courtyard about being Jesus' disciple. The question wasn't even posed that forcefully, at least I don't think it was. I should have told the full truth when I was asked the first time, but I thought I'd skirt around it. But then I was asked again, and maybe a third time, I don't really remember. But the last time I was asked, I gave the person the truth, all of it. And it took both of us by surprise, and I'm somewhat confused by the response right now. I have no idea what happened really, I feel like I either just opened Pandora's box or brought fire back to humankind. I'm sure that's hyperbole, but that's what it feels like at the moment. A momentous decision that will impact my life forever. The funny thing is, God was in that decision. It's like, to use a Carrie Underwood reference, I let Jesus take the wheel. And while I'm nervous about it, I'm less nervous and inquisitive about it than I would be were I trying to control the situation. If God is leading you towards something, it'll turn out to be good, even if it doesn't look like it at first. Trust in the Lord. Much easier said than done, especially for me, but definitely worth it in the long run. We'll see where this leads.
Monday, May 30, 2011
Concentration
Last night at Mass, there was a guest priest, a missionary with the Society of the Divine Word (SVD); He is a missionary in Montserrat, an island in the Caribbean. I knew he was going to give the homily, what I did not know, until he retrieved the book of the Gospels, was that he was going to preach the Gospel. "Oh, great, I'm going to have to concentrate really hard to understand what he's saying." That's what I was thinking, so you can imagine that I was startled when he spoke perfect English. During the homily, he explained that he was originally from Jackson, Mississippi, so that's exactly why I understood him.
After I had left, I started wondering why it would be a bad thing if I would have had to concentrate to understand him. It ties in to what I had been thinking about earlier in the day. Two of my friends asked my why I was going to church, couldn't I just skip it? I told them the truth, I want to go because it's important to me. They dropped the subject and the day went on. That got me to thinking about why I like going to Mass most of the time. I came to the realization (again) that I get something out of Mass. I get a sense of calmness and, most of the time, I get something out of the homily, as well as having the understanding that everything will be all right. Sometimes I don't put much into the Mass, and I still get all of those out of it. However, it seems the more I invest myself, the more I get out of it. While I realize that I probably shouldn't think of it like that, right now it's a decent way to keep myself on track. So, if I had to have concentrated, which I probably should have been doing more of, I probably would have gotten more out of it.
But today, I hope all of us have remembered those who have served our country, especially those who have died in the while serving. May God bless them all. Thank you for doing all you have.
After I had left, I started wondering why it would be a bad thing if I would have had to concentrate to understand him. It ties in to what I had been thinking about earlier in the day. Two of my friends asked my why I was going to church, couldn't I just skip it? I told them the truth, I want to go because it's important to me. They dropped the subject and the day went on. That got me to thinking about why I like going to Mass most of the time. I came to the realization (again) that I get something out of Mass. I get a sense of calmness and, most of the time, I get something out of the homily, as well as having the understanding that everything will be all right. Sometimes I don't put much into the Mass, and I still get all of those out of it. However, it seems the more I invest myself, the more I get out of it. While I realize that I probably shouldn't think of it like that, right now it's a decent way to keep myself on track. So, if I had to have concentrated, which I probably should have been doing more of, I probably would have gotten more out of it.
But today, I hope all of us have remembered those who have served our country, especially those who have died in the while serving. May God bless them all. Thank you for doing all you have.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Judas
On Sunday morning, I walked across the stage in Quincy University's 148th Commencement and it was a wonderful experience. While I had this wonderful experience, I also came to another realization and it made me think of Lady Gaga's newest single, "Judas." I don't like the entire song but, I do think that part of one of the verses can very well describe some of today's Christians, including myself. "Jesus is my Virtue and Judas is the demon I cling to." While demons are fallen angels and thus completely different from humans, and Judas was a human, I find that the sentiment is understandable.
We love Jesus and want to be holy, yet we are attached to one or more things that serve to draw us away from Him. It's as if each of us has a "favorite" sin or area of sin and we do our best to hold on to it while we try to be good Christians. There's a problem with that, though: we cannot hold on to both our sins and Jesus. This is something that I need to work on myself. We cannot hold on to both because if we want to enter Heaven, we will have to die to ourselves, which is obviously hard. However, hard is not is impossible and something that is worth the work is rarely easy.
How do we do it though? It's not like we're all saints. That excuse doesn't fly though, as we're all called to be saints. There are several parts to success, even though the majority of us may never be canonized. Prayer, Sacraments, Accountability, and Scripture. Perseverance in all of those is mandatory. While I need so much work on all of those, especially perseverance (and consistency), I know I can count on God to help me. Hopefully we will learn to let go of our Judas' and hold on to Jesus.
We love Jesus and want to be holy, yet we are attached to one or more things that serve to draw us away from Him. It's as if each of us has a "favorite" sin or area of sin and we do our best to hold on to it while we try to be good Christians. There's a problem with that, though: we cannot hold on to both our sins and Jesus. This is something that I need to work on myself. We cannot hold on to both because if we want to enter Heaven, we will have to die to ourselves, which is obviously hard. However, hard is not is impossible and something that is worth the work is rarely easy.
How do we do it though? It's not like we're all saints. That excuse doesn't fly though, as we're all called to be saints. There are several parts to success, even though the majority of us may never be canonized. Prayer, Sacraments, Accountability, and Scripture. Perseverance in all of those is mandatory. While I need so much work on all of those, especially perseverance (and consistency), I know I can count on God to help me. Hopefully we will learn to let go of our Judas' and hold on to Jesus.
Monday, May 16, 2011
I went to sing karaoke last night, along with my brother's fiancee, Morgan, and her friend, Amy. I was the one driving, so was being the DD if they decided to drink. When we were picking up Amy, before she got in the car, she picked up a book that she would have sat on if she had just got in. However, she didn't just pick up the book, she tossed it carelessly and I cringed and bit my tongue. I wanted to say, "Really? Is that the way you treat books?" However, I didn't and the night went on.
I was thinking tonight, though, and came to realize that many people treat God like that, all too often. We carelessly toss His name around, some people make jokes about Him, whether it be God the Father, Jesus Christ, or the Holy Spirit. Then, some people just talk to Him whenever they feel; it can be several years before they seriously communicate with Him. We're treating God even worse than a book, but He is much more valuable than a book. He is the most valuable thing we could ever dream of seeing and sometimes people treat him worse than trash. The next time we do something involves God and our treatment of Him, let's do it with love, not carelessness.
I was thinking tonight, though, and came to realize that many people treat God like that, all too often. We carelessly toss His name around, some people make jokes about Him, whether it be God the Father, Jesus Christ, or the Holy Spirit. Then, some people just talk to Him whenever they feel; it can be several years before they seriously communicate with Him. We're treating God even worse than a book, but He is much more valuable than a book. He is the most valuable thing we could ever dream of seeing and sometimes people treat him worse than trash. The next time we do something involves God and our treatment of Him, let's do it with love, not carelessness.
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