February, 2024 - My Catholic Roots are showing

We Are One Body

February 26, 2024 2 Comments

God gave me a special gift of praying for others.

On Saturday I texted my friend Maria to solicit some aid for another friend, Gina, who is going to Arizona to do ministry work. Maria quickly responded with a positive reply, but ended the text by informing me that a mutual friend of ours needed prayer. I will call him John. John has cancer, an aggressive type of this dreaded disease.

John

In my heart, John is a member of my family; hearing this news brought me to tears. I met John when I started attending daily Mass. He was the sacristan for the 6:30 a.m. service. I knew that he also had the gift of interceding for others. A few years ago, my heart was aching for a family member and I needed prayer to keep from succumbing to defeat in order to focus on the miracles of God.

Spiritual Brother

When I approached John I was in tears, pleading my petition for his care. In that instance, he became my spiritual brother. He would pray for me and I would pray for his wife who was at that time going through cancer treatment. I prayed for her on a daily basis. John would update me on her condition and if the report was negative, I’d go deeper into prayer. Then COVID hit.

COVID

COVID did us all a great disservice. When our church closed its doors we were left without the Eucharist. This unhealthy mandate from our governor caused me great grief. I not only lost the freedom to attend daily Mass, I lost contact with all the early 6:30 a.m. Mass attendees, which included John. As I mentioned, John’s wife was going through cancer treatments; when COVID came because of her compromised health condition they stayed home.

The Word of God states that we are one body; therefore when someone is hurting, we feel their pain. A perfect example is if I wake up with a sore back, the rest of my body will be affected. My mind, my mood, my thinking will all join in this pain. But if I concentrate on prayer, it will definitely change the circumstances. The pain may still be there, but my mind is redirected. We cannot allow self-pity to take over because this will cause you to become self-absorbed. I know my friend John is trusting God through this horrific trial.

My Health Trials

In no way could I ever compare my small trial to what my friend John is going through. What I will convey is that all of our body parts are like the Church of Christ. If John reads this I want to bring humor to his weary heart.

I love to walk, but I don’t particularly like walking alone. I need a partner when I hit the pavement, so sometimes my husband Mike joins me on a walk. It is inevitable that as we age our bodies will change. The first indication of my deteriorating body started with the toe on my right foot.

This health issue reared its ugly head several years ago. So when I finally made an appointment with a podiatrist I was diagnosed with hammer toe. Hammer toe is a sneaky disorder, manifesting itself with unusual symptoms; but when it takes hold, it controls how you walk. As the worn-out toe compensates for dexterity, it curls up and causes imbalance. Many times I’d trip and sometimes I’d fall. I knew I had to correct this health issue, but I waited until I returned from a pilgrimage.

Pilgrimage

In 2015 our missionary group planned a trip. This was a special trip, and I was committed because I had already paid for it. I did not have time to plan a surgery and allow for six weeks of recovery. We were on a pilgrimage to visit holy sites where our Blessed Mother had appeared. First we went to France and then on to Spain. You can read about this journey in the Blog titled: The Marian Journey. I never mentioned my toe because so many more important things were taking place, like my wallet being stolen on the second day of the 14- day pilgrimage.

As much as I enjoyed the trip, my toe reminded me daily of how vulnerable I was. Every night I prayed, anointed my foot with holy oil, and doused it with holy water from Lourdes, but nothing was helping. To make matters worse, instead of going to a shoe store that specializes in comfortable footwear, I did the unthinkable. I purchased the most beautiful, fashionable, blue suede loafers. Those stupid shoes started to hurt me from the moment I put them on.

The French Pharmacist

With the little time in between our visits, I ran into a pharmacy. Using my hands and pointing to my feet I desperately attempted to explain my toe dilemma. “Ahh, yes, I show you,” said the petite pharmacist. The quick cure was a corn cover and the relief lasted maybe five minutes. So the moral of this story is that my entire body was overwhelmed by this pain.

We truly are one body. We need each other when we are going through trials because sometimes we are too weak, too tired or have simply given up because of our situation. This is when the rest of the body of Christ comes to petition and to intercede which allows us to rest. Those who you trust will carry the prayer to the throne of God. I will be doing that for John.

My Heart of the Matter

A Lesson On Lent

February 19, 2024 No Comments

After serving communion, I wanted to secure a good spot for confession.

It was not surprising that the line for confession was really long. I counted five people ahead me and prayed that the Lord would remove any thoughts of impatience. Then It happened, “If every person takes five minutes to confess their sins, it’s going to take 25 minutes. Surely the sweet couple with a sleeping baby in the stroller could not have that many sins. Then the most selfish idea came into my crazed thoughts: I’m only going to take a minute, could I go before you?” After that last horrible thought, I pulled out my rosary and started to pray. As I eased into the prayers, all those thoughts were subsided.

My Confession

Before confessing our sins, we Catholics say a prayer which starts like this: “Bless me Father for I have sinned. My last confession was…(stating how long it has been since your last confession).” But when I was in the confessional I said, “My last confession was two days ago.” The priest replied “Oh two days?” I normally can go five weeks before confessing. But it was Lent and something that I had said about another person was weighing heavily on my heart. I want to have a great Lent, so confessing this transgression freed me of guilt.

Hallow App

I also downloaded the Hallow App on my phone. I joined the challenge, and what a difference it has made in my Lenten journey! Listening to Mark Wahlberg, Jonathan Roumie and Father Mike’s teachings are so beneficial during this holy season.

Two Lent Birthdays

Our grandson Will and our daughter Sonja both have birthdays during Lent. So on Ash Wednesday we had lunch with Will. He is the sweetest 17-year-old young man and what a joy it is spending time with him.

Mary, Robert, Sonja, Russ, Lucas, Mike, Jacob, me, George, and Gina

We took a short weekend trip to the desert to celebrate Sonja’s birthday. It was so relaxing. Spending this special time with Sonja, Russ and the boys was a special treat. To add to this special weekend, we met my brother George, his wife Mary, their grown children, Gina and Robert, for Sunday brunch.

My Synopsis On Lent

The Number 40

Ash Wednesday is 40 days before the Resurrection of Christ; actually that is if you do not count Sundays in between the weeks of Lent. We are called to abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and on the Fridays during Lent. The number 40 represents trials, testing and preparing.

40 Days for Noah: Noah and his family endured 40 days of torrential rain in the ark during the flood; they survived because they put their trust in God.

40 Days for Moses: Moses fasted for 40 days twice on Mount Sinai. As Moses was getting instructions from God for the Israelites, they became impatient and had Aaron build a golden calf. Moses interceded on behalf of his people by questioning God (Ex 32:11). He knew that among his people were those with little or no faith. The great prophet Moses also knew that he had to make atonement for his people. (Ex 32:30-32).

The Lord was with Moses during this time of trial, and he found favor with God.

Why Ashes?

The ashes that are placed on our foreheads in the sign of the Cross are from the burnt branches from last year’s Palm Sunday. Ashes represent a time of mourning and repentance; this representation is found in many of the Books of the Old Testament (Esther 4:1-3; Dan 9:3; Job 42:6).

In most parishes flowers are not permitted during Lent because it is a solemn time in remembrance of the suffering, death and Resurrection of Jesus. But on Easter Sunday there will be an explosion of flowers; the beautiful scent of the flowers will reach the doors of the entrance, shouting, “Hallelujah” with the greatest fragrance! He is Risen!

No Alleluias

Alleluia comes from the Hebrew word meaning “praise Yahweh.” This is a praise song that is not used during Lent. As Catholics, we focus on the Kingdom coming, not on the Kingdom come. The readings during Lent spotlight the spiritual journey of the Old Testament Israel coming to Christ and the salvation of mankind.

40 Days of Lent

We all suffer the same sins as the Israelites; we lose faith and go our own direction. They went as far as building a false idol. We are different from them because they were in the presence of God and still did not obey. We as Christians strive to be in the presence of God by obeying His Word. The Israelites had the advantage because God was in their midst, but they lost their faith and placed their trust in man. With the God of thunder and lightning, they allowed fear to dictate their path. We must always trust God to make a way for us in every circumstance; as He was with Moses so is He with us. This Lent, make it a special one and set aside all your petty grievances and come clean before God.

My Prayer

Dear Lord, I pray for our country during this holy time of Lent. Our country is in a time of mourning with all the violence, and disrespect for life. Lord, have mercy on Your people. I, like Moses, intercede on behalf of all politicians, that they would seek and find You. Lord, remove all those in office who are against Your Kingdom. We pray for the release of all the hostages held in captivity by Hamas. Lord, take out Putin once and for all! Help the people of Ukraine and restore their faith. Dear Lord, shed your light on all who wage wars and bring peace to the nations. Amen.

My Heart of the Matter

The Corporal Acts of Mercy

February 12, 2024 No Comments

As a catechist part of my service is to volunteer with my students helping with the Christian Food Distribution. St. Norbert has a regular group of volunteers who lovingly pack the food for those in need. We have all experienced the high cost of food, and our church program does a great service by extending a helping hand. This work is orchestrated by the beautiful, petite Michelle Navarro. Her husband, Paul, two of their four children and two of Paul’s sisters were there to help as well. Twice I have had the honor in helping with this ministry. Michelle’s kind and quiet demeanor brings joy to the laborers. She is an angel sent from heaven with wings sprinkled in gold. For this reason people return to help with this outreach.

Prepping

Upon my arrival I was sent to the bean and rice station. These sage women have been doing this for years. They joyfully pack and wrap the beans and rice. For these older woman, it was a social gathering with friends with fringe benefits of helping others. It was a pleasure to work with them.

I dare not ask their ages, but it was apparent that several were in their 80’s.

92 year-0ld Zenaida Arcos, credit Carlos Aviles/Diocese of Orange

A recent article in the Orange County Catholic featured a story about our oldest volunteer, Zenailda Arcos. She is 92-years-old! This is proof that volunteering keeps us young!

Training The Youth

Part of this service is training the catechumens to serve. Isiah 58:6-7 speaks of the corporal acts of kindness. For these students to give up a Saturday morning from 9:oo to 12 noon is a clear indication that they are willing to sacrifice their time for the needs of others.

When the rest of the young volunteers arrived. Like well-trained soldiers, they knew what to do. In quick succession over 200 grocery bags were filled with food. The next station was the produce and, depending on what was donated, a family could receive a pretty sizable bag of fresh fruits and vegetables.

God Will Provide

We have all experienced the high cost of food. For instance our last visit to McDonald’s cost us over $34 for just two meals. It was as if I’d purchased the meals at the airport! Grocery shopping has become an unpleasant weekly fight for savings. I am always looking for the best deals; if my favorite brand is not on sale, I purchase the generic label. Some way, somehow, God will provide for all of our needs.

The Students

It takes a good heart to volunteer, and I was so filled with joy that most of my students were available. not one of them complained and because they were so busy their phones quietly snoozed during the labor. There were students from Villa Park, Servite, Rosary, Mater Dei, Troy, Canyon, and Santa Margarita High Schools. We also had several students from St. Norbert. Together they completed part of God’s great family of servants.

Abraham

Abraham is our youth minister and coordinator for Confirmation. He has not only a calling to serve the youth but is inspired by the Holy Spirit to bring special blessings to them. I marvel at his natural way of speaking to the students because he uses the Word of God in a practical way of reaching out. His words are seasoned with wisdom and love. I personally have seen his growth in this program. We need people like him to tug at the hearts of these beautiful souls. None of our students will leave without knowing how much God loves them and how very important they are to the future of mankind. These students will make a difference in this crazy world.

Thank you, Abraham, for planting a seed with your short teaching on the Corporal Acts of Mercy.

My Role

Above all I will pray for my students to fully understand the teachings of Christ. We have covered many lessons throughout the last two years, and I have grown fond of their unique personalities and the way they interact with one another. Moreover, the maturity they have developed in understanding deep things of God that will see them through life.

They have touched my spirit and I see a glimpse through the windows of their eyes, filled with the yearning to draw closer to God.

Sometimes it’s difficult to hear God speaking with the distractions of the world. But one day these students’ calling will remain steadfast.

Lent

What a beautiful manner to usher in Lent. Though at times I feel inadequate during this holy season, I am so overjoyed that it started with helping the Christian Food Distribution at St. Norbert. To think that our parish provides this service every weekend is amazing!

Corporal Acts Of Mercy

With Lent at our doorstep, I want to re-examine the definition of Corporal Acts of Mercy.

Matthew 25:34-37 New American Bible (Revised Edition)

34 Then the king will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.’ 37 Then the righteous will answer him and say, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink?

In lay terms:

The Corporal Works of Mercy

Feed the hungry
Give drink to the thirsty
Clothe the naked
Welcome the stranger
Heal the sick
Visit the imprisoned
Bury the dead

My Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for teaching us how to express our love to others. I pray for all those who continually volunteer by helping with the Christian Food Distribution. Lord, I pray for all the students who helped with this ministry. May they walk away with hearts filled with joy after helping those in need. Jesus, continue to guide them and use them in all of their giftings.

I lift up Michelle and Paul Navarro’s family, and all volunteers who work tirelessly to make this program a great success.

Lord, help us to serve in several of these Corporal Acts of Mercy, especially during Lent. Amen.