Dear Reader,
I feel like I'm not too far behind in my blogging but the busy summer of 2012 deserves its own entry. My son Bert is working on his Eagle project and I'm praying that he will be done by his 18th birthday in January 2013.
Oldest son Tom is off from his school job and has acquired a regular 2-day internship with one of our New York Assemblyman from Long Island. He's hoping one day that this internship will translate into a political support job.
Please pray for my husband Frank as he is being very much overworked and underpaid in a unjust manner. He's faithful in every sense of the word and he's relying on the Lord to get him into a better position.
Me?? Well, I continue to be amazed how much I don't know about the faith and in particular Franciscan spirituality. Since my last blog, I have gone to serve in a local soup kitchen, help the Boy Scouts, read lots of Franciscan material, asked for a relic of Father Solanus Casey, observed the many feast days on the Franciscan calendar, and I can really go on.
Formator Mark (of much renown) has taught so much. I learned that the human natural tendency of fight or flight can be changed to the more perfect attitude of the Cross. I won't fight, not really in my nature. In fact, I get very nervous when I need to be combative. However, I am much more open to running away, which is not a good choice either. Evil wins in both cases but especially when good people run away just to try to be peaceful. However, the Cross makes perfect sense here. I won't fight off my attackers but did not run away from doing what is right. It truly strikes a perfect balance.
Another lesson was about the Liturgy of the Hours. I started reading this blog: Canticles & Coffee by Daria Sockey and she opened my mind further to the beauty of the Divine Office. Based on her recommendation, I ordered the Officesof Franciscan Saints and Blesseds for use with the Christian Prayer Book.
Finally, one of the last lessons I had with Mark was about the structure of the Franciscan Orders. I don't think I have to go to crazy about the difference between Capuchins and Conventuals but some of my favorite saints are Capuchins. I am starting to put prayer cards near my night stand and so I have Holy Father Francis (aka Grandfather), Saint Padre Pio (feels like my father) and Venerable Solanus Casey (definitely like a uncle.) I am sorry if I seems like I'm being disrespectful but I truly see them in such a loving way.
Anyway, way too much written but I really didn't know I had that much to share. So until next time, Pax et Bonum!
Sylvia, ofs (sometime soon I hope)
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Corpus Christi - A Gift & An Obligation
Hi there,
It's been a week since Corpus Christi and I need to blog. I am going through some stuff with family and a little bit of parish but my soul is at rest because I love the Body of Christ. I love Jesus' Bride the Church, I love receiving Eucharist at my parish and I love praying the Liturgy of the Hours because I am united to the Church and to Jesus as we pray to the Father.
Besides the Eucharist being a Gift, why would I state in the title that the Eucharist is also an obligation? We are so fortunate to live in the United States. The founding fathers weren't exactly thinking of Roman Catholics when they founded the United States but the way they wrote the Constitution, they made it very easy to practice our faith without hinderance from the state.
However, here is my beloved Church in 2012. I haven't told you dear reader how I feel politically about President Obama because I want to worship in peace. But the Obama administration has made my desire to worship in peace impossible!! I have to admit that the USCCB has radically changed for the better. No more wishy-washy feelings that all is well. Because all is NOT well.
I don't want to start standing on my soapbox. That I will leave to my poor children as they endure my preaching! But I don't want to pay for abortions in practice or through my insurance premiums. If a woman doesn't want the gift of her pregnancy, give it up for adoption. They feel that abortion is the only way, that person needs to find the money for it without going into my slim pocket.
Well...I digress. I would like to acknowledge the USCCB's campaign Fortnight for Freedom.
As a community of faith, we must commit ourselves to prayer and fasting that wisdom and justice may prevail and religious liberty may be restored.” - Bishop William Murphy, Diocese of Rockville Centre, Long Island, NY
This campaign starts on the vigil of the memorial of Sts. Thomas More & John Fisher (June 21) and ends on Independence Day (July 4.) Somethings we each can do: Fast, pray and meditate, express our feelings, take a Stand! Say this prayer every day:
O God our Creator,
Through the power and working of your Holy Spirit, you call us to live out our faith in the midst of the world, bringing the light and the saving truth of the Gospel to every corner of society.
We ask you to bless us in our vigilance for the gift of religious liberty. Give us the strength of mind and heart to readily defend our freedoms when they are threatened; give us courage in making our voices heard on behalf of the rights of your Church and the freedom of conscience of all people of faith.
Grant, we pray, O heavenly Father, a clear and united voice to all your sons and daughters gathered in your Church in this decisive hour in the history of our nation, so that, with every trial withstood and every danger overcome—for the sake of our children, our grandchildren, and all who come after us—this great land will always be "one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
It's been a week since Corpus Christi and I need to blog. I am going through some stuff with family and a little bit of parish but my soul is at rest because I love the Body of Christ. I love Jesus' Bride the Church, I love receiving Eucharist at my parish and I love praying the Liturgy of the Hours because I am united to the Church and to Jesus as we pray to the Father.
Besides the Eucharist being a Gift, why would I state in the title that the Eucharist is also an obligation? We are so fortunate to live in the United States. The founding fathers weren't exactly thinking of Roman Catholics when they founded the United States but the way they wrote the Constitution, they made it very easy to practice our faith without hinderance from the state.
However, here is my beloved Church in 2012. I haven't told you dear reader how I feel politically about President Obama because I want to worship in peace. But the Obama administration has made my desire to worship in peace impossible!! I have to admit that the USCCB has radically changed for the better. No more wishy-washy feelings that all is well. Because all is NOT well.
I don't want to start standing on my soapbox. That I will leave to my poor children as they endure my preaching! But I don't want to pay for abortions in practice or through my insurance premiums. If a woman doesn't want the gift of her pregnancy, give it up for adoption. They feel that abortion is the only way, that person needs to find the money for it without going into my slim pocket.
Well...I digress. I would like to acknowledge the USCCB's campaign Fortnight for Freedom.
As a community of faith, we must commit ourselves to prayer and fasting that wisdom and justice may prevail and religious liberty may be restored.” - Bishop William Murphy, Diocese of Rockville Centre, Long Island, NY
This campaign starts on the vigil of the memorial of Sts. Thomas More & John Fisher (June 21) and ends on Independence Day (July 4.) Somethings we each can do: Fast, pray and meditate, express our feelings, take a Stand! Say this prayer every day:
Prayer for the Protection of Religious Liberty
O God our Creator,Through the power and working of your Holy Spirit, you call us to live out our faith in the midst of the world, bringing the light and the saving truth of the Gospel to every corner of society.
We ask you to bless us in our vigilance for the gift of religious liberty. Give us the strength of mind and heart to readily defend our freedoms when they are threatened; give us courage in making our voices heard on behalf of the rights of your Church and the freedom of conscience of all people of faith.
Grant, we pray, O heavenly Father, a clear and united voice to all your sons and daughters gathered in your Church in this decisive hour in the history of our nation, so that, with every trial withstood and every danger overcome—for the sake of our children, our grandchildren, and all who come after us—this great land will always be "one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Taken from The US Conference of Catholic Bishops
As Disciples of the Lord who are fed at His table, don't we have the obligation to defend the very rights we have enjoyed for over 200 years?
Yours in Christ,
Sylvia
Yours in Christ,
Sylvia
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Easter to Pentecost...2012
Happy Easter Season! Come Holy Spirit, Come!
We are on another cusp between Liturgical Seasons. I see Resurrection hope because of the 50 days of this Easter season. Very different than the 40 sombre days of Penitentiary Lent. Also the glad Alleluias make me very happy.
But before Pentecost comes with the joy of the Holy Spirit falling on Jesus' Church, I am in the mood to tell you that my formation towards profession as a Secular Franciscan is edging closer. I find that I am steady and focused. I am excited and patient, feeling like there is so much to learn.
I have been praying the Liturgy of the Hours. Although just praying the Office for the past two years, I had the Christian Prayer Book for 10+ years since I purchased for the start of the new Millenium. I didn't understand it really, I did ask my pastor at my parish who didn't answer me to my recollection. So it sat. And sat. I thought one day, I'm going to sell it or give it away...
Then Francis came my way! I learned about the three psalms in the front, saying the "Glory to the Father" after each psalm. This is followed by a reading, response, canticle and intercessory prayer. Wow! This last formation really challenged me about the way I pray. My formator Mark explained that the Divine Office is Liturgy that is always happening because Jesus and His Bride the Church (that would be us) is praying. So I envision standing with Jesus and His Bride as part of the union to give Glory & Praise to God the Father within the Holy Spirit. Wow!
I think I'm going to mention this point to Mark and just confirm because it's mind blowing. It's like when I read that the Love between Father & Son became the Holy Spirit. Speaking of the Holy Spirit...
We are on another cusp between Liturgical Seasons. I see Resurrection hope because of the 50 days of this Easter season. Very different than the 40 sombre days of Penitentiary Lent. Also the glad Alleluias make me very happy.
But before Pentecost comes with the joy of the Holy Spirit falling on Jesus' Church, I am in the mood to tell you that my formation towards profession as a Secular Franciscan is edging closer. I find that I am steady and focused. I am excited and patient, feeling like there is so much to learn.
I have been praying the Liturgy of the Hours. Although just praying the Office for the past two years, I had the Christian Prayer Book for 10+ years since I purchased for the start of the new Millenium. I didn't understand it really, I did ask my pastor at my parish who didn't answer me to my recollection. So it sat. And sat. I thought one day, I'm going to sell it or give it away...
Then Francis came my way! I learned about the three psalms in the front, saying the "Glory to the Father" after each psalm. This is followed by a reading, response, canticle and intercessory prayer. Wow! This last formation really challenged me about the way I pray. My formator Mark explained that the Divine Office is Liturgy that is always happening because Jesus and His Bride the Church (that would be us) is praying. So I envision standing with Jesus and His Bride as part of the union to give Glory & Praise to God the Father within the Holy Spirit. Wow!
I think I'm going to mention this point to Mark and just confirm because it's mind blowing. It's like when I read that the Love between Father & Son became the Holy Spirit. Speaking of the Holy Spirit...
"Come, Holy Ghost, Creator blest, And in our souls take up Your rest;
Come with your grace and heavenly aid To fill the hearts which You have made, to fill the hearts which You have made."
Come with your grace and heavenly aid To fill the hearts which You have made, to fill the hearts which You have made."
Happy Pentecost!
Sylvia
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
How was your Lent??
Hello Dear Reader,
Last post to this blog was in January 2012. At least it wasn't years ago. In the meantime, Lent came and is almost gone.
Since I progress nicely towards Profession as a Secular Franciscan (thanks Mark C.), I wanted to make this Lent a very special one. I am not really the kind of Catholic that will "just" give up chocolate, I asked the Spirit to lead me towards the Father in different behaviors. Dietary I did give up quite a bit of carbs but I wanted to fast from pride and judgement. God's Grace is always enough and so I succeeded with some difficulty.
In my formation, we began to learn more about the Franciscan virtues. Not very different than the Virtues of Faith, Hope and Charity but additional ones such as wisdom and simplicity, & humility and obedience. The Litany of Humility was a real eye-opener as I can see myself doing as much as possible to be noticed and admired. But why would my Good Lord bring me to the Franciscans if I was already perfect.
This is Holy Week and so I walk with the Lord Jesus towards His cross and then His Resurrection. I strive every day to walk as closely as I can.
God bless you!
Sylvia
Last post to this blog was in January 2012. At least it wasn't years ago. In the meantime, Lent came and is almost gone.
Since I progress nicely towards Profession as a Secular Franciscan (thanks Mark C.), I wanted to make this Lent a very special one. I am not really the kind of Catholic that will "just" give up chocolate, I asked the Spirit to lead me towards the Father in different behaviors. Dietary I did give up quite a bit of carbs but I wanted to fast from pride and judgement. God's Grace is always enough and so I succeeded with some difficulty.
In my formation, we began to learn more about the Franciscan virtues. Not very different than the Virtues of Faith, Hope and Charity but additional ones such as wisdom and simplicity, & humility and obedience. The Litany of Humility was a real eye-opener as I can see myself doing as much as possible to be noticed and admired. But why would my Good Lord bring me to the Franciscans if I was already perfect.
This is Holy Week and so I walk with the Lord Jesus towards His cross and then His Resurrection. I strive every day to walk as closely as I can.
God bless you!
Sylvia
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
The Wonderful World of Technology
It's amazing what we can do. I am sitting at the kitchen of my job and "blogging" thru my new Smartphone. I am amazed at how easy I can jot down some thoughts.
I would like to strike a balance though because I don't want to lose the spiritual connection with the source of all good in my life and beyond. I have seen many forms of addiction, but they can be simply addressed. Address the many problems that arise through our lives and especially do with the LORD JESUS. He is the WAY to go, praise His Holy Name.
At any rate, I think one up-and-coming addiction is to the computer but specifically the internet. Isn't it wonderful that we can read about my journey to profession? But if I post every hour or even every day, can I then be taking my focus away from my relationship with the Lord and placing it on a tool? The Lord calls me to tranquil meditation in Him and on Him, not thru the tool of the Internet.
But I also have the Spirit to guide me. "Where sin abounds, Grace that much more!" is a consolation for me. I do feel the nudging of the Holy Spirit saying "That is enough." So in obedience to the Lord of Life, I will get off now.
Happy Ordinary Time,
Pax, et bonum, Sylvia
I would like to strike a balance though because I don't want to lose the spiritual connection with the source of all good in my life and beyond. I have seen many forms of addiction, but they can be simply addressed. Address the many problems that arise through our lives and especially do with the LORD JESUS. He is the WAY to go, praise His Holy Name.
At any rate, I think one up-and-coming addiction is to the computer but specifically the internet. Isn't it wonderful that we can read about my journey to profession? But if I post every hour or even every day, can I then be taking my focus away from my relationship with the Lord and placing it on a tool? The Lord calls me to tranquil meditation in Him and on Him, not thru the tool of the Internet.
But I also have the Spirit to guide me. "Where sin abounds, Grace that much more!" is a consolation for me. I do feel the nudging of the Holy Spirit saying "That is enough." So in obedience to the Lord of Life, I will get off now.
Happy Ordinary Time,
Pax, et bonum, Sylvia
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