Jan. 31, 2010
Who ARE You?
The word of the LORD came to me, saying:Before I formed you in the womb I knew you…
Jer 1:4–5
How many times have you asked yourself, or God, “Who am I? Why am I here?” Today’s first reading from Jeremiah tells us that God knows exactly who we are even if we don’t! These questions have come to me often of late as I discern what path to take in my life. I often ponder where God is leading me and as I pray on it He often gives me little glimpses of my role in life. He does not disclose all, and I am often impatient, but wouldn’t life be boring if we really did have all the answers?
Discovering who we are and why we are here is a lifelong pursuit. We need to trust that the Lord knows what is best for us, we need to be patient. In a later chapter in Jeremiah, the Lord states: For I know well the plans I have in mind for you, plans for your welfare, not for woe! Plans to give you a future full of hope. (Jer 29:11)
I was recently at a meeting where we opened in prayerful song. The tune was “Who I Was Born To Be” as sung by Susan Boyle. My heart caught these words:
I am who I was born to be
And so here am I, Open arms and ready to stand
I've got the world in my hands, And it feels like my turn to fly
As God slowly lets me in His plans for me I do feel as if I am discovering who I was born to be… and I am ready to fly! This week let us truly be attentive to God’s whisperings… If we listen closely we will discover who we are meant to be and we will all be ready to fly… and when that happens, just think of how joyous our Lord will be!
. -God Bless, Holly Clark
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Dust Off Your Hopes
Jan. 24, 2010
Dust Off Your Hopes… Now is the Time!
This is the time of fulfillment. The Kingdom of God is at hand.
Mark 1:15
“Dust off your hopes… Now is the time!” These words are from a homily Fr. Michael Medas (St. John’s Seminary) gave at a Mass I attended recently in Brighton. The homily was so inspiring I wanted to take notes so I could share with you all, but, alas, I had no pen, my memory will have to do!
After reading from Mark’s Gospel, Fr. Medas stepped away from the ambo shouting “Repent, and believe in the Gospel.” With Gospel in hand, he exclaimed “Just how amazing is this? The Word of God in my hands! All we need to know about God, Jesus and Salvation is right here in my hands! Believe in the Gospel! It’s all right here!” Fr. Medas remarked that now is the time… the time for us to live the hopes of Jesus and our Father. Now is the time to believe in a better life. Now is the time to make a better world because the Kingdom of God is at hand. God so loved us He gave us the written Word that is the Bible and the Living Word, Christ.
I have been reading the Bible daily for about two years now and I agree with Fr. Medas. It is amazing what you will find in the Bible. The hopes and dreams of those living 2000-3000 years ago are not all that different from those of today. Fr. Medas says it is time to fulfill these hopes and dreams of our ancestors. Let us, this week, think of ways to make this a better world. Let us pray for the strength and courage to face the opposition and evil that blocks our path to God. Let us honor our Biblical ancestors by reading their stories and learning from their collective wisdom. Let us be truly open and attentive to God’s Word. . -God Bless, Holly Clark
Dust Off Your Hopes… Now is the Time!
This is the time of fulfillment. The Kingdom of God is at hand.
Mark 1:15
“Dust off your hopes… Now is the time!” These words are from a homily Fr. Michael Medas (St. John’s Seminary) gave at a Mass I attended recently in Brighton. The homily was so inspiring I wanted to take notes so I could share with you all, but, alas, I had no pen, my memory will have to do!
After reading from Mark’s Gospel, Fr. Medas stepped away from the ambo shouting “Repent, and believe in the Gospel.” With Gospel in hand, he exclaimed “Just how amazing is this? The Word of God in my hands! All we need to know about God, Jesus and Salvation is right here in my hands! Believe in the Gospel! It’s all right here!” Fr. Medas remarked that now is the time… the time for us to live the hopes of Jesus and our Father. Now is the time to believe in a better life. Now is the time to make a better world because the Kingdom of God is at hand. God so loved us He gave us the written Word that is the Bible and the Living Word, Christ.
I have been reading the Bible daily for about two years now and I agree with Fr. Medas. It is amazing what you will find in the Bible. The hopes and dreams of those living 2000-3000 years ago are not all that different from those of today. Fr. Medas says it is time to fulfill these hopes and dreams of our ancestors. Let us, this week, think of ways to make this a better world. Let us pray for the strength and courage to face the opposition and evil that blocks our path to God. Let us honor our Biblical ancestors by reading their stories and learning from their collective wisdom. Let us be truly open and attentive to God’s Word. . -God Bless, Holly Clark
Gifts of Hope and Prayer
Jan. 17, 2010
The Gifts of Hope and Prayer
Last Wednesday morning I awoke to hear about the devastating earthquake in Haiti. My thoughts immediately went to three Haitian friends of mine who have close family members in Haiti. One of these friends I had just seen the night before. As I think of it, we were conversing and laughing at about the same time as the earthquake. Life is so very fragile and we never know what may come.
Today I count my blessings and as I read today’s passage from Corinthians I ask myself: “What gifts do I have to share with the people of Haiti? How can I help alleviate the suffering and pain of those mourning loved ones? How can we help rebuild?” How will you help? What will you do?
Through our Baptism, God gave us the gift of Christ and, in turn, Christ gave us the gift of hope. God never promised us happiness but he did give us Christ so that we all may be saved. Christ taught us how to live in hope, help those in need and how to pray. Today I would ask you to examine your gifts, talents, worldly goods and consider how to give of yourself to the Haitian people. You may sit back and think that you have nothing special to offer… but you do… your hope and your prayers. Sending contributions is great but also consider saying a prayer for Haiti for each penny or dollar you may send. Imagine how many prayers that would add up to all together! Let us join together this week to pray for my three friends’ families and all those living in Haiti. Let us freely share our gifts of hope and prayer. Let us use our gifts and go forward in hope and love to build a better world. God Bless- Holly Clark
The Gifts of Hope and Prayer
Last Wednesday morning I awoke to hear about the devastating earthquake in Haiti. My thoughts immediately went to three Haitian friends of mine who have close family members in Haiti. One of these friends I had just seen the night before. As I think of it, we were conversing and laughing at about the same time as the earthquake. Life is so very fragile and we never know what may come.
Today I count my blessings and as I read today’s passage from Corinthians I ask myself: “What gifts do I have to share with the people of Haiti? How can I help alleviate the suffering and pain of those mourning loved ones? How can we help rebuild?” How will you help? What will you do?
Through our Baptism, God gave us the gift of Christ and, in turn, Christ gave us the gift of hope. God never promised us happiness but he did give us Christ so that we all may be saved. Christ taught us how to live in hope, help those in need and how to pray. Today I would ask you to examine your gifts, talents, worldly goods and consider how to give of yourself to the Haitian people. You may sit back and think that you have nothing special to offer… but you do… your hope and your prayers. Sending contributions is great but also consider saying a prayer for Haiti for each penny or dollar you may send. Imagine how many prayers that would add up to all together! Let us join together this week to pray for my three friends’ families and all those living in Haiti. Let us freely share our gifts of hope and prayer. Let us use our gifts and go forward in hope and love to build a better world. God Bless- Holly Clark
Which Road Will You Take?
Jan. 10, 2010
Which Road Will You Take?
TWO roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood…*
The poet Robert Frost wrote these lines in the early 1900s. I was reminded of this poem not long ago, during this past Advent, when I felt at a crossroads in my life. I could not help but think that Jesus definitely chose the road less traveled. Whenever two paths diverged, Jesus always chose the more difficult route. This leads me to muse that perhaps it is the journey that is important and not the destination.
In life we are faced with many diverging paths and roads. In January, we make resolutions and set goals for the year. And then, we aim straight for those goals not really paying attention to how we obtain them. So often we see a goal in front of us that we rush to reach without enjoying the scenery on the way. We look at obstacles on our path as hindrances to our goals rather than signposts pointing out new paths and new adventures. This January let us think more about the journey of life rather than the destination. Let us be more mindful of the road we travel and what there is to see and learn on the journey. Let us also put aside fear of the unknown and travel down the road less traveled… it will make all the difference in your life…
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.*
*”The Road Not Taken” – Robert Frost, 1916
. -God Bless, Holly Clark
Which Road Will You Take?
TWO roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood…*
The poet Robert Frost wrote these lines in the early 1900s. I was reminded of this poem not long ago, during this past Advent, when I felt at a crossroads in my life. I could not help but think that Jesus definitely chose the road less traveled. Whenever two paths diverged, Jesus always chose the more difficult route. This leads me to muse that perhaps it is the journey that is important and not the destination.
In life we are faced with many diverging paths and roads. In January, we make resolutions and set goals for the year. And then, we aim straight for those goals not really paying attention to how we obtain them. So often we see a goal in front of us that we rush to reach without enjoying the scenery on the way. We look at obstacles on our path as hindrances to our goals rather than signposts pointing out new paths and new adventures. This January let us think more about the journey of life rather than the destination. Let us be more mindful of the road we travel and what there is to see and learn on the journey. Let us also put aside fear of the unknown and travel down the road less traveled… it will make all the difference in your life…
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.*
*”The Road Not Taken” – Robert Frost, 1916
. -God Bless, Holly Clark
Let Your Face Shine Upon us
Jan. 3, 2010
Lord, Let Your Face Shine upon Us
Your light has come, the glory of the Lord shines upon you. You shall be radiant at what you see, your heart shall throb and overflow. Isaiah 60:1,5
The Christmas gifts have been bought, wrapped, opened and put away… The New Year has just arrived… the winter months loom ahead… Resolutions are thought about and reflected upon… This is a good time for reflection. Where did you see the light of Christ this past Christmas? Was it in the Christmas lights on people’s houses, or on your own tree? Or perhaps you saw it in the glow of a needy young child’s face opening a much desired toy. Or… were you too busy shopping, preparing, cooking, cleaning-up, to notice the light of Christ around you?
Every year we get busier and busier. We try to do more and more at holiday time. The light of Christ surrounds us in everything we do. I was asked by a parishioner a couple of weeks ago: “Where is God? Why are so many in this world so needy? Why are there so many nasty people? I don’t know where to find joy.” I had no answers for her except to say that we need to seek out Christ’s light, find the goodness in people and if we cannot find it, then we must create it within ourselves and be Christ to those who need us. We need to be open to the goodness of the world and of God. We need to slow down and appreciate the life around us. Give the Lord a chance to shine His Light upon us. Let us take that Light and share with all those who need some sunshine in their lives.
. -God Bless, Holly Clark
Lord, Let Your Face Shine upon Us
Your light has come, the glory of the Lord shines upon you. You shall be radiant at what you see, your heart shall throb and overflow. Isaiah 60:1,5
The Christmas gifts have been bought, wrapped, opened and put away… The New Year has just arrived… the winter months loom ahead… Resolutions are thought about and reflected upon… This is a good time for reflection. Where did you see the light of Christ this past Christmas? Was it in the Christmas lights on people’s houses, or on your own tree? Or perhaps you saw it in the glow of a needy young child’s face opening a much desired toy. Or… were you too busy shopping, preparing, cooking, cleaning-up, to notice the light of Christ around you?
Every year we get busier and busier. We try to do more and more at holiday time. The light of Christ surrounds us in everything we do. I was asked by a parishioner a couple of weeks ago: “Where is God? Why are so many in this world so needy? Why are there so many nasty people? I don’t know where to find joy.” I had no answers for her except to say that we need to seek out Christ’s light, find the goodness in people and if we cannot find it, then we must create it within ourselves and be Christ to those who need us. We need to be open to the goodness of the world and of God. We need to slow down and appreciate the life around us. Give the Lord a chance to shine His Light upon us. Let us take that Light and share with all those who need some sunshine in their lives.
. -God Bless, Holly Clark
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)