August 22
The Dark Night of the Soul
St. John of the Cross wrote a beautiful poem called the Dark Night of the Soul in the 1500s and in the verses he tells of a soul’s journey towards God. The main idea of the poem can be seen as the painful experience that people endure as they seek to grow in spiritual maturity and union with God. These painful experiences can include the death of a loved one, being diagnosed with a terminal or long term illness, or perhaps a painful divorce or other type of personal loss. A person experiencing the dark night of the soul feels that God has abandoned them. They may question their faith: “Why did God take my child?” or “Why did God allow me to be diagnosed with cancer?” They seek God out in the night but cannot find Him. He is, of course, there, but hidden from our sight.
Life is full of losses and it’s perfectly normal to ask God “Where are you?" Mother Teresa is a perfect example of this. Mother Teresa, daily, faced death, disease, poverty in India while working with the poor and destitute. She, at times felt that God abandoned her and left her to languish in the darkness of her soul. But she carried on her work, crying out to Jesus in the night. She felt that the experience of the dark night united her with the poorest of the poor who were abandoned by society. Mother Teresa did find some light in the dark. She is quoted as saying: “Let him do with me whatever He wants… If my darkness is light to some soul… I am perfectly happy.”
This week let us examine the times we have felt darkness in our lives and how our faith saw us through. Extend a warm smile or hug to someone who is experiencing the dark night. If you are in a dark night now… remember God is there with you and the light of dawn will come in time.
. . –God Bless, Holly Clark
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
What has the Almighty Done for You?
Assumption
What has the Almighty Done for You?
“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my Savior … the Almighty has done great things for me and holy is his Name.”
Mary said yes to the Lord! For saying yes, she could have been stoned to death for being a pregnant, unmarried woman. If not executed, she certainly faced ridicule, and possible excommunication from her community. Joseph also faced excommunication as well if he stayed by Mary’s side. BUT… MARY SAID YES! Mary heard her Father’s voice and trusted in His great plans for her and her unborn Son.
Has the Lord called on you lately? Perhaps He wants you to take on an incredible burden, or unpleasant task, or perhaps a joyful one. Did you say yes? How often have you called on the Lord and He said yes? We need to be open to God’s voice. I saw a video clip the other day about William Wilberforce, the man who led the fight in Britain against slavery. Wilberforce had a personal encounter with God who asked him to work towards ending slavery in Britain… Wilberforce says to a friend, “I’ve just been talking with God and He has charged me with an impossible task. How inconvenient!” However inconvenient it was, and detrimental to his career, Wilberforce said YES to God’s plan for him, even if it meant death threats to him and his family.
This week take some time out to thank God for the great things He has done for you and take some quiet time to hear God’s voice. We are His hands and feet. He’s calling you to say YES. Say “Yes” to God and your life will be forever changed as will the people you love.
. . –God Bless, Holly Clark
What has the Almighty Done for You?
“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my Savior … the Almighty has done great things for me and holy is his Name.”
Mary said yes to the Lord! For saying yes, she could have been stoned to death for being a pregnant, unmarried woman. If not executed, she certainly faced ridicule, and possible excommunication from her community. Joseph also faced excommunication as well if he stayed by Mary’s side. BUT… MARY SAID YES! Mary heard her Father’s voice and trusted in His great plans for her and her unborn Son.
Has the Lord called on you lately? Perhaps He wants you to take on an incredible burden, or unpleasant task, or perhaps a joyful one. Did you say yes? How often have you called on the Lord and He said yes? We need to be open to God’s voice. I saw a video clip the other day about William Wilberforce, the man who led the fight in Britain against slavery. Wilberforce had a personal encounter with God who asked him to work towards ending slavery in Britain… Wilberforce says to a friend, “I’ve just been talking with God and He has charged me with an impossible task. How inconvenient!” However inconvenient it was, and detrimental to his career, Wilberforce said YES to God’s plan for him, even if it meant death threats to him and his family.
This week take some time out to thank God for the great things He has done for you and take some quiet time to hear God’s voice. We are His hands and feet. He’s calling you to say YES. Say “Yes” to God and your life will be forever changed as will the people you love.
. . –God Bless, Holly Clark
Having Faith & Patience
August 8
Having Faith & Patience
Faith is the realization of what is hoped forand evidence of things not seen. Heb 11:1
This passage from today’s reading from Hebrews is one of my favorite Bible verses. Our society seems to want everything all at once: instant messaging, instant gratification, instant knowledge and wisdom and we get frustrated when we cannot have it. Having faith requires patience. So often we pray and hope for things not seen… God will always answer, sometimes not in the way we expect but He will answer.
So often we are in the dark, and ask where God is in the midst of so much turmoil in our lives. We walk by faith and trust that Jesus will light our path. Faith is not blind. Faith is unwavering trust that all will be as the Father has planned for us. We need to be patient, open our eyes and ears and listen for the voice of God calling to us.
This week I ask you to open up your Bible and read the entire scripture contained in Hebrews 11. Our ancient fore-fathers faced impossible odds in defense of their faith and sometimes certain death… but their faith never waivered: they were a part of God’s saving plan.
When life seems impossible and hope seems far off Have Faith! Our Father has great plans for us all!
. . –God Bless, Holly Clark
Having Faith & Patience
Faith is the realization of what is hoped forand evidence of things not seen. Heb 11:1
This passage from today’s reading from Hebrews is one of my favorite Bible verses. Our society seems to want everything all at once: instant messaging, instant gratification, instant knowledge and wisdom and we get frustrated when we cannot have it. Having faith requires patience. So often we pray and hope for things not seen… God will always answer, sometimes not in the way we expect but He will answer.
So often we are in the dark, and ask where God is in the midst of so much turmoil in our lives. We walk by faith and trust that Jesus will light our path. Faith is not blind. Faith is unwavering trust that all will be as the Father has planned for us. We need to be patient, open our eyes and ears and listen for the voice of God calling to us.
This week I ask you to open up your Bible and read the entire scripture contained in Hebrews 11. Our ancient fore-fathers faced impossible odds in defense of their faith and sometimes certain death… but their faith never waivered: they were a part of God’s saving plan.
When life seems impossible and hope seems far off Have Faith! Our Father has great plans for us all!
. . –God Bless, Holly Clark
Simple Pleasures
August 1
Simple Pleasures
Today, as I took a walk about the church grounds on my lunch break, I stopped to look at some flowers. I sat down on a bench and started thinking of all the simple things in life we take for granted and do not notice until they are gone: a pretty flower, a beautiful sunset, a baby’s smile, sharing an ice cream cone with your child, a father’s love… How often do we get caught up in saying, “Tomorrow I will go for a walk, tomorrow I’ll visit my grandmother, tomorrow, I will take time to help a friend in need.” And then tomorrow never seems to appear and we are left with regrets.
A flower appears but briefly in our lives. First it is sown, then it is fed by the fertile soil until it blossoms with divine effervescence, and then it fades away into nothingness. Today I ask you to pick up a flower, a leaf, or a blade of grass and gaze into its essence. Ask yourselves, “By what miracle did this plant come to be?” Recall doing the same, when as a child everything seemed new and fresh and a flower was a simple pleasure to bring home to Mom.
I challenge you to take time this week in simple pleasures… pick up a flower and give it to a loved one, tell a friend or relative what they mean to you. Each person we meet is a flower that we must embrace and cherish before he/she fades away into the sunset and into our Lord’s arms in Heaven. Do not toil for fame, fortune and possessions like the rich man in today’s parable but rather do what Paul asks us to do today in Corinthians 3 and “put on a new self.” And let this new self be mindful of all the simple gifts God has given us.
God Bless, Holly Clark
Simple Pleasures
Today, as I took a walk about the church grounds on my lunch break, I stopped to look at some flowers. I sat down on a bench and started thinking of all the simple things in life we take for granted and do not notice until they are gone: a pretty flower, a beautiful sunset, a baby’s smile, sharing an ice cream cone with your child, a father’s love… How often do we get caught up in saying, “Tomorrow I will go for a walk, tomorrow I’ll visit my grandmother, tomorrow, I will take time to help a friend in need.” And then tomorrow never seems to appear and we are left with regrets.
A flower appears but briefly in our lives. First it is sown, then it is fed by the fertile soil until it blossoms with divine effervescence, and then it fades away into nothingness. Today I ask you to pick up a flower, a leaf, or a blade of grass and gaze into its essence. Ask yourselves, “By what miracle did this plant come to be?” Recall doing the same, when as a child everything seemed new and fresh and a flower was a simple pleasure to bring home to Mom.
I challenge you to take time this week in simple pleasures… pick up a flower and give it to a loved one, tell a friend or relative what they mean to you. Each person we meet is a flower that we must embrace and cherish before he/she fades away into the sunset and into our Lord’s arms in Heaven. Do not toil for fame, fortune and possessions like the rich man in today’s parable but rather do what Paul asks us to do today in Corinthians 3 and “put on a new self.” And let this new self be mindful of all the simple gifts God has given us.
God Bless, Holly Clark
What Do You Seek?
July 25
What Do You Seek?
A couple of weekends ago, I was vacationing on Cape Cod and while I did not plan much to do ahead of time I did a bit of research as to where I wanted to attend Mass on the weekend. I selected St. Peter the Apostle Church in Provincetown.
I arrived early to acquaint myself with the church and admire the stained glassed windows, which were all images of Jesus and the sea, calming the storms and winds and saving fishermen from certain doom. As I meditated, I quietly observed the parishioners walking in, mostly older and elderly… I wondered where all the young tourists were… the streets of P-town are usually packed with young people and families! Where were they?
I found myself praying for one elderly, frail woman in particular. She arrived, with a walker, at the Church with family (also elderly) and traversed the stone aisle with some difficulty, teetering with every step. I kept thinking she was going to fall with each footfall, thus killing herself on the stone floor. She went past my pew and took a seat halfway up the church nearly falling into the pew. I found myself inspired by her dedication. She was so longing to hear God’s Word and to take part in the Eucharist that she took her life into her hands by walking the stone aisle.
Fr. Richard Crowley, in his “From the Pastor’s Desk” column in today’s bulletin, states that when we miss Mass, especially for long periods of time, we “lose the visual and social impact of worshipping with fellow believers and being inspired by the example of one another.” I was truly inspired by the example of this woman, her love of Jesus and her desire to be with her fellow worshippers.
Today’s Gospel states “seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” (Luke 11:9) So I ask you, what do you seek? And I challenge you when traveling to “knock” on the local church door and be prepared to be inspired! –God Bless, Holly Clark
What Do You Seek?
A couple of weekends ago, I was vacationing on Cape Cod and while I did not plan much to do ahead of time I did a bit of research as to where I wanted to attend Mass on the weekend. I selected St. Peter the Apostle Church in Provincetown.
I arrived early to acquaint myself with the church and admire the stained glassed windows, which were all images of Jesus and the sea, calming the storms and winds and saving fishermen from certain doom. As I meditated, I quietly observed the parishioners walking in, mostly older and elderly… I wondered where all the young tourists were… the streets of P-town are usually packed with young people and families! Where were they?
I found myself praying for one elderly, frail woman in particular. She arrived, with a walker, at the Church with family (also elderly) and traversed the stone aisle with some difficulty, teetering with every step. I kept thinking she was going to fall with each footfall, thus killing herself on the stone floor. She went past my pew and took a seat halfway up the church nearly falling into the pew. I found myself inspired by her dedication. She was so longing to hear God’s Word and to take part in the Eucharist that she took her life into her hands by walking the stone aisle.
Fr. Richard Crowley, in his “From the Pastor’s Desk” column in today’s bulletin, states that when we miss Mass, especially for long periods of time, we “lose the visual and social impact of worshipping with fellow believers and being inspired by the example of one another.” I was truly inspired by the example of this woman, her love of Jesus and her desire to be with her fellow worshippers.
Today’s Gospel states “seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” (Luke 11:9) So I ask you, what do you seek? And I challenge you when traveling to “knock” on the local church door and be prepared to be inspired! –God Bless, Holly Clark
Companions on the Journey
July 18
Companions on the Journey
I spent a few days last week relaxing on the Cape Cod National Seashore… taking my own advice and taking time out of everyday life to just “be still” and “Be.” I unplugged myself from technology and media: no Internet, Facebook, e-mail, nor newspapers or tv. I survived, despite being tempted by a friend and the motel owner.
One day, after spending the morning meditating by the seaside, I decided to head for the Beech Forest, a wooded area in the park with walking trails and picnic area. I thought I would go a little ways into the trail and find a quiet spot to journal for a little bit and return to my motel. As I paused to grab a map, three little geese surrounded me. I tried not to disturb them as I slipped quietly into the woods. A few minutes later I turned around and noticed the three little geese had followed me into the forest. I kept walking and they kept following. I decided to do the whole walking loop just to see how long they would stay with me.
As I walked, the geese walked with me; when I’d pause to look at a flower or tree, they would pause. On two occasions, when I stopped they would tug at my pant leg to get going again. Sometimes they’d walk in front of me, sometimes, beside and sometimes behind me but always nearby. I thought of giving them names… Huey, Duey & Louey? Or Tom, Dick and Harry? None seemed right.
The three little guys stayed with me for the whole ¾ mile loop. I plopped on a picnic table to rest and they sat down beside me. As I gazed at them in amazement I wondered if God had sent them to be companions on my journey. Oh! How like the Trinity they were! The Holy Trinity walks with us, sometimes ahead leading the way, sometimes beside us and sometimes lagging behind, to guard over us when we may stumble on the path, even gently nudging us along. The Trinity will stay with us on our whole journey in life… I will always remember my walk in the wood with my three little friends and I will thank God for reminding me that the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are always with me and with you. . . –God Bless, Holly Clark
Companions on the Journey
I spent a few days last week relaxing on the Cape Cod National Seashore… taking my own advice and taking time out of everyday life to just “be still” and “Be.” I unplugged myself from technology and media: no Internet, Facebook, e-mail, nor newspapers or tv. I survived, despite being tempted by a friend and the motel owner.
One day, after spending the morning meditating by the seaside, I decided to head for the Beech Forest, a wooded area in the park with walking trails and picnic area. I thought I would go a little ways into the trail and find a quiet spot to journal for a little bit and return to my motel. As I paused to grab a map, three little geese surrounded me. I tried not to disturb them as I slipped quietly into the woods. A few minutes later I turned around and noticed the three little geese had followed me into the forest. I kept walking and they kept following. I decided to do the whole walking loop just to see how long they would stay with me.
As I walked, the geese walked with me; when I’d pause to look at a flower or tree, they would pause. On two occasions, when I stopped they would tug at my pant leg to get going again. Sometimes they’d walk in front of me, sometimes, beside and sometimes behind me but always nearby. I thought of giving them names… Huey, Duey & Louey? Or Tom, Dick and Harry? None seemed right.
The three little guys stayed with me for the whole ¾ mile loop. I plopped on a picnic table to rest and they sat down beside me. As I gazed at them in amazement I wondered if God had sent them to be companions on my journey. Oh! How like the Trinity they were! The Holy Trinity walks with us, sometimes ahead leading the way, sometimes beside us and sometimes lagging behind, to guard over us when we may stumble on the path, even gently nudging us along. The Trinity will stay with us on our whole journey in life… I will always remember my walk in the wood with my three little friends and I will thank God for reminding me that the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are always with me and with you. . . –God Bless, Holly Clark
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