Your Pastoral Coach

The Joy of The Simple Life

This weekend we traveled to a tiny town in the mountains of Kentucky to visit my wife's grandfather to celebrate his 87th birthday. He lives by himself since his wife died two years ago. He still works the land as a farmer. We had a wonderful time visiting with many relatives and enjoying the natural beauty of the beautiful mountains of Kentucky (and excellent food!).

One thing that struck me was how different it felt like to be sitting in the porch with the men all afternoon and evening. The setting was very traditional, with the men in the porch and the women in the kitchen. There is something very different from these men, ages 42 through 87, compared to the city people I hang out with. These men grew up in very poor settings, always working with their hands, either farming, cutting timber, or working as carpenters. We spent hours together telling stories. The stories were about squirrels, deer, turkey, hickory trees, this year's crops, whether green roofs fade faster than red roofs, birds like whippoorwill, and about friends and families. The Bible and Church were mentioned often. It was about observing life, and it was about telling a good story about any topic.

Everyone always politely listened to the story teller, and sincerely enjoyed the story. It felt peaceful and happy. There were times with long periods of silence, other than the sound of someone sharpening a knife. There was no TV. There was no alcohol. There was no snack food until dinner. The point was simply being with one another, and listening to stories. It is so different when I get together with men from the city. Everyone gathers by the TV, they make fun of each other, conversations are about TV advertisements or sports teams, or golf, and there is a constant sense of competition. I definitely don't feel the deep sincere joy I experienced this weekend, the joy found in the simple life.

Technorati Tags: Happiness

Gospel Reflection for Sunday, June 18, 2006

Scriptural reflection for the readings of Sunday, June 18, 2006, The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. This will be a short reflection as I'm in the airport ready to catch a flight back home. I found it very meaningful that today in the US we celebrate Father's Day and in the Church we celebrate the feast of Corpus Christi. During the Last Supper Jesus said, ""Take it; this is my body." Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, and they all drank from it. He said to them, "This is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed for many. Amen, I say to you, I shall not drink again the fruit of the vine until the day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God." Thus instituting the Eucharist. What a wonderful Father we have that through Jesus gave us the means to always remain nourished in His life and nourished in His Spirit.

For days after receiving the Holy Eucharist I can still feel the presence of my Father in my heart and I feel strong. There are weeks that I'm able to receive communion daily and then I feel His presence even stronger and more constant. What a beautiful gift. It has been 24 years since I lived in the same state as my Earth father. Thus, we see each other once or twice a year. We talk on the phone weekly. I always feel him close to my heart. I always feel his strength strengthening me and his love loving me from within. After I talk with him I feel his presence stronger. After i spend a week with him, I feel him close to my heart for weeks to come. Two fathers, one love, both sharing of themselves with me so that I may do the same to others.

God bless and happy father's day!

Technorati Tags: Gospel Reflection, Scripture Reflection

Gospel Reflection for Sunday June 11, 2006

A scriptural reflection on the readings for Sunday, June 11, 2006, Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity. The command Jesus gave his disciples could be intimidating, "Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you." Make disciples of all nations. Evangelize. What do you mean? To walk around with my Bible reading passages to others? That may be part of it. To teach and share to groups what Jesus has commanded of us? That may be part of it. To go to foreign nations? That may be part of it, but at least to evangelize to people not in your circle of comfort. Perhaps people different racially, ethnically, or socio-economically. This is an intimidating command, but it is given to us by someone with authority. "Then Jesus approached and said to them,
"All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me." There's nothing that is impossible to accomplish when we work for and with someone of this power. He has given us his spirit, as he said in this passage, he will be with us always. As long as we stay connected to Jesus through prayer, as long as we are doing our Father's will, we will succeed in this challenging request.

Yesterday I had the blessed opportunity to volunteer at the St. Vincent de Paul Society. We worked in a warehouse were poor people come to get help with clothes, household items, and even big things like sofas, stoves, and refrigerators. We all, volunteers and clients, began the day holding hands and praying the Our Father, praying to our common Father. I observed the patience, love, and attentiveness with whom the volunteers interacted with those in need. They may not have mentioned God other than "God bless you" at the end, but they were filled of the Holy Spirit and they definitely shared the good news by the actions and their presence. Glory be to the Father, to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

Technorati Tags: Gospel Reflection, Scripture Reflection

Attending a Christian College

This past weekend my wife and I went to Notre Dame for my 20th year reunion. We had such a wonderful time enjoying the gorgeous campus, visiting with old friends, and attending many though-provoking seminars. Soon after we arrived on Friday we attended a seminar on leadership, the 8 habits of highly effective people, and the Beatitudes. As I sat in that classroom, listening to a passionate and well prepared professor speak, I couldn't help but notice the crucifix that hung on the wall, and my eyes watered. I am so grateful for having had the opportunity to attend this wonderful university and for having been able to attend a Catholic institution. How beautiful to sit in a normal looking classroom, while weaving the messages of the beatitudes with principles of leadership.

The weekend began with mass at each dorm since each class had their own dorm. Mass was celebrated just with my class and the priest was also a former classmate. We prayed for those who had passed (which we honored by name), expressed gratitude for years past, and hope for the future. There was also an all-classes mass at the Basilica on Saturday presided by Father Jenkins, President of the University. Every official banquet or dinner began with prayer. Was there partying, drinking, and dancing? Of course! Was there lots of conversations that had nothing to do with church, religion, or God? Most definitely! But how wonderful to have a reunion that included such presence of Christ. I think it makes a big difference to be able to attend a Christian university. I'm so glad I was blessed with this gift.

Technorati Tags: Catholic, Gratitude, Notre Dame