Oh... It has been so long sine I have posted! I continue to write but have not updated here for a while... Is there anyone out there?
Thursday, July 27, 2023
Tuesday, July 29, 2014
Shifting Sands
A couple of weeks
ago I took a trip to the National Seashore on the outer Cape. One of my
favorite places is the Marconi Wireless Station on Marconi Beach. The winter of
2013 pretty much erased the seascape and reshaped it anew. At first I was very
disappointed that the area had changed so much but I spent some time praying
and reflecting and some time writing: How much like life are the shifting
sands…
As I
walk the path I sense the change...
An
emptiness looms on the horizon...I walk and the sand shifts with each footstep.
Why, I ask, must things change?
The wind and tide have reshaped the sands...
and the landscape I fell in love with is no more.
I am mourning the loss but I ponder the parallel in life...
The person I was a few years ago no longer exists
And I have changed for the better.
Then Why, O' Why do we mourn for what once was?
I see a
family of 4 walking along and taking in the sights.
The 2 kids
skip in the sand, mom and dad taking their pictures...All oohing and ahhing over such stunning beauty.
They ask me if I have ever seen such beauty!
In their eyes I see anew... And ask myself what do they see?
They know not of the past beauty but yet they appreciate the beauty of today!
They see the presence of God in the dunes, forever re sculpting his works.
They
hand me a camera, I take a picture...
The dunes and the sea in the
back.A memory is made for them, and for me.
I take out my camera and snap a few pics...
The beauty of today, I capture...
I see not the past but the present, in a way not known before.
There is a softness and gentleness that radiates outward...
The ocean is soft, her waves gentle...
The sand is fine and the dunes pillow like...
The grass dots the dunes and softly sways with the breeze.
There is a different beauty here to go with the reshaped landscape.
I have changed and Marconi has changed... And all for the better. Thanking God, always.
God
Bless, Holly Clark
Companions on the Journey
This is a reflection I wrote several years ago about another trip I took to the National Seashore:
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
Monday, July 14, 2014
The Rock on the Beach
When I arrived, the tide was going out and as the hours ticked by I could see a large rock emerging on the beach, coming out from under the water as the tide ebbed away. I watched as the waves splashed repeatedly into the rock and thought of myself as that rock. I asked myself am I like the rock that stands stubbornly in the face of trials and tribulations, resisting and fighting life? Or am I like the rock that allows and welcomes the waves to gently flow over me, slowly reshaping me into something anew?
The Holy Spirit is very much like the waves of the ocean. Sometimes coming crashing into you and at other times gently washing over you, and through you, bringing you to new life. Water has the awesome power to transform us through Baptism. The next time you encounter water, in the shower, doing dishes, or at the beach pause and take a moment and reflect upon its life-giving qualities both in the physical and spiritual sense.
As the tide returned and re-covered my rock, the refrain from the song “Sacred Silence” kept running through my head as a prayer… It is a good prayer to remember as we go about our summer activities:
Sacred silence, holy ocean,
gentle water, washing over me.
Help me listen, Holy Spirit,
come and speak to me.
“Sacred Silence” - Tom Booth
God bless, Holly Clark!
What Image of Jesus Would You Use?
June 29, 2014
What Image of Jesus Would You Use?
This question was asked of me last summer when I was being interviewed as a part of the process to becoming a certified Pastoral Associate. The scenario they had asked me to reflect upon was: “It is now June 2014 and you are celebrating the one year anniversary of the Cranberry Catholic Collaborative what image of Jesus would you use? What image of Jesus would you want your parishioners to see as coming from the Collaborative?’ My answer was that I would like to see a “Come as You Are Jesus” and a “Happy, Joyous, Welcoming Jesus”. My thought was that, in our Collaborative we want to welcome everyone right where they are in faith, right where they live in whatever state of life they may be in—Just as Jesus did throughout His ministry. I also was thinking that we want our image of Jesus to be one of joy and happiness. I was imagining that at our one year celebration Jesus would be happy and joyous at what we had accomplished in one year and what we will accomplish in the future- together.
As we
celebrated together the Cardinal’s visit to bless the St. Joseph House and then
again at the St. Rose BBQ—I felt as if we were truly celebrating the one year
anniversary of our Collaborative. I was brought back to the question of “What
image of Jesus…”. As I celebrated with you at these events I found Jesus there
with us… I saw on Jesus’ face a joyous, happy face and His arms wide open as He
greeted each of us at the door. I felt truly the hypothetical question asked of
me last August had become a reality! Many people came to the celebrations with
joy, welcoming one another in peace and fellowship. As I greeted you and as I
hobnobbed with you, I could see my image of welcoming, warm, joyous,
come-as-you are Jesus reflected in each of your faces. I feel very blessed to
be working in our Collaborative. All together we have made Jesus weep with Joy
in our love for one another and willingness to continue His Mission on earth.
My God bless all of you, and our Collaborative for years to come…
What Image of Jesus Would You Use?
This question was asked of me last summer when I was being interviewed as a part of the process to becoming a certified Pastoral Associate. The scenario they had asked me to reflect upon was: “It is now June 2014 and you are celebrating the one year anniversary of the Cranberry Catholic Collaborative what image of Jesus would you use? What image of Jesus would you want your parishioners to see as coming from the Collaborative?’ My answer was that I would like to see a “Come as You Are Jesus” and a “Happy, Joyous, Welcoming Jesus”. My thought was that, in our Collaborative we want to welcome everyone right where they are in faith, right where they live in whatever state of life they may be in—Just as Jesus did throughout His ministry. I also was thinking that we want our image of Jesus to be one of joy and happiness. I was imagining that at our one year celebration Jesus would be happy and joyous at what we had accomplished in one year and what we will accomplish in the future- together.
Peace to you, Holly Clark!
The Labyrinth - Part Two
June 21, 2014
The
Labyrinth – Part Two
Into the Labyrinth I go…
This
morning I went down to walk the labyrinth... not expecting anything... just
stilling my mind awaiting God to initiate the conversation. As I walked I kept
noticing the stones that line my path. I found myself staring at the guide
stones...noticing their uniqueness, color, striations, size, speckling,
texture, sparklings, and position. As I walked I reflected on my past musings,
knowing what kind of rock am I... This time I looked at the same stones and
mused about each of the rocks representing people I have guided and in an
intermingling of thoughts I was thinking that they were also the people who
have guided me, helping me along my path. I found myself grateful to both the
people who have guided me and the people I serve.Into the Labyrinth I go…
When I
got to the center I became very emotional looking at the stack of rocks. I knew
each was placed there by a person... Each stone represented a prayer or
thought, or person... And I laid my stone down too... And then God said to
me... All the persons in our collaborative! All the rocks piled one, by one,
coming together to form a pattern, a structure! Our collaborative! I began to
well up with emotion! I thought of each stone as a member of our collaborative
all coming together, joining together in the single purpose of building the
collaborative and seeing it work! God continues to surprise me with his
thoughts and ideas. Or maybe he brings to the surface what I already have deep
in my soul...
Perhaps
this is the mystery I see... I see rocks as special, each with a history and function,
each unique as are people. I see the stone, I hear the stone, I pray with the
stone. I see stones as worthy as is each individual I meet... And when we all
come together we can build bridges, buildings, seating places, labyrinths,
walls... And so it is with our collaborative. We are each a living stone and
together we can build a new house to God… a home, made of living stone. God bless, Holly Clark!
The Labyrith- Part 1
June 15, 2014
Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while." Mark 6:31
This is my favorite piece of scripture to pray with at the beginning of summer! Jesus tells us to take ourselves out of our everyday busyness, find a quiet place and to simply rest because it is in the quiet of our surroundings and the stillness of our minds that we can truly hear God’s gentle whisperings to us.
A couple of weeks ago I went to a retreat house in Cohasset, on the edge of the ocean. When I am by the ocean I am closest to God and this is my favorite “deserted” place. On the shore of the retreat grounds, a prayer labyrinth is set up. When praying with a labyrinth one stands at the entrance, stills the mind and readies oneself to enter a conversation with God. As one walks to the center of the labyrinth and back, through many curves and twists one becomes aware of God’s presence.
I stood at the entrance of the labyrinth, listening to the gentle lapping of the waves upon the shore and stilled my mind. I asked God guide me. As I walked I found myself focusing on the round stones that lined my path. God was talking to me through the stones. As I walked I thought how each of those stones represents someone who guided me on my faith journey and brought me to where I am today. Each of the stones was different in appearance, coloring, texture and size… just like all of us. I also got to thinking of the times when I have been a guide stone to others- helping and guiding someone else on their faith journey. God reminds me that we do not journey alone. We all take turns being the seeker in a labyrinth and being the labyrinth’s guide. Let us take time today to reflect upon those persons who have been our guides and pray for those whom we have guided… We never journey alone… God bless, Holly Clark!
PS- My journey into the Labyrinth will continue in next week’s blog. The Center of the Labyrinth holds revelations for those who journey with the Lord!
Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while." Mark 6:31
This is my favorite piece of scripture to pray with at the beginning of summer! Jesus tells us to take ourselves out of our everyday busyness, find a quiet place and to simply rest because it is in the quiet of our surroundings and the stillness of our minds that we can truly hear God’s gentle whisperings to us.
A couple of weeks ago I went to a retreat house in Cohasset, on the edge of the ocean. When I am by the ocean I am closest to God and this is my favorite “deserted” place. On the shore of the retreat grounds, a prayer labyrinth is set up. When praying with a labyrinth one stands at the entrance, stills the mind and readies oneself to enter a conversation with God. As one walks to the center of the labyrinth and back, through many curves and twists one becomes aware of God’s presence.
I stood at the entrance of the labyrinth, listening to the gentle lapping of the waves upon the shore and stilled my mind. I asked God guide me. As I walked I found myself focusing on the round stones that lined my path. God was talking to me through the stones. As I walked I thought how each of those stones represents someone who guided me on my faith journey and brought me to where I am today. Each of the stones was different in appearance, coloring, texture and size… just like all of us. I also got to thinking of the times when I have been a guide stone to others- helping and guiding someone else on their faith journey. God reminds me that we do not journey alone. We all take turns being the seeker in a labyrinth and being the labyrinth’s guide. Let us take time today to reflect upon those persons who have been our guides and pray for those whom we have guided… We never journey alone… God bless, Holly Clark!
PS- My journey into the Labyrinth will continue in next week’s blog. The Center of the Labyrinth holds revelations for those who journey with the Lord!
Spirit of Wind and Fire
June 8, 2014
Spirit of Wind and Fire
When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled, they were all in one place together. And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit…
Acts 2:1-10
Spirit of Wind and Fire
When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled, they were all in one place together. And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit…
Acts 2:1-10
Have you ever been touched by the Holy Spirit? Have
you ever invited the Holy Spirit into your heart? Have you seen the Spirit come
to you in fire and wind? Of the three members of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit
always seemed to be the most mysterious to me. I can easily picture in my mind
the Father and Son but when I get to the Holy Spirit I have many images that
come to mind: dove, wind, fire, water, etc. These would seem to be very
differing images but all are of the Sprit and we can experience the Holy Spirit
in many ways!
When I was undergoing radiation treatment for cancer
a few years ago, I knew it was too much for me to handle by myself so I asked
the Trinity to help! I asked our Father to be my strength and His Son to be my
Healing and since the Holy Spirit can be and do many things I asked him to be
and to do everything that the other two didn’t do! With their help I made it
through but during this time I found myself face-to-face with the Holy Spirit.
It was as if the Holy Spirit took up residence in my body. I felt the fire and
warmth, I felt the wild wind and I received the peace of the dove. The Holy
Spirit and I were no longer strangers.
As I go through life I am reminded of those months
in treatment and how the Holy Spirit kept me going. Today the Spirit speaks to
me in the wind, in the fire of a sunset and the gentle (sometimes stormy) ocean
waves. The Holy Spirit may be mysterious but once you invite him into your
heart, he will always be there… all you need to do is to call out to him… Come
Holy Spirit… and he will be there.
God bless, Holly Clark!
Hope...
Hope...
Always
be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your
hope. 1Peter 3:15
Hope can mean so many things to different people.
Hope can be as simple as hoping for a new job, hoping for good grades, hoping
to find Mister Right (or Miss Right), or hoping for a sunny day for a barbecue.
Hope can also be complex, such as hoping for a cure for cancer or an end to
war… and then… there is Hope in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It is through
our Triune God that our hopes and dreams may be realized and fulfilled.
Today’s second reading challenges us to be ready to
give an explanation for our Hope when asked. Our ultimate Hope lies in life
everlasting with our Father, and His Son, Jesus—Death is no more! A simple
explanation for Hope could be that Jesus died for us, thus our Hope resides in
the Cross. But we may know this in our minds but what do our hearts say when we
are asked the question: “What gives you hope?” It is up to each of us to spend
time in prayer to answer the question. For me I find hope in two ways one is
through nature and the other is through each of you! In nature I see the face
of God in every leaf, flower, bird, babbling brook; and I think what an awesome
God to create all this beauty. Nature gives me hope of a loving God!
In each of you, I see the face of Christ. When I
take your hand at the sign of peace or extend a comforting hug, I feel your
spirit interminlged with the spirit of Christ; and in your stories I hear the
voice of Christ uplifting me in hope.
I
challenge you this week! Take some time to pray and reflect on what gives you
hope… and share that hope with a friend and with your family. Our world and our
lives are so much the better when there is hope. – God Bless, Holly Clark!
Awesome God
May 18, 2014
Awesome
God...
Moses
said to the people: "Ask now of the days of old, before your time, ever
since God created man upon the earth; ask from one end of the sky to the other:
Did anything so great ever happen before? Dt 4:32
A couple of years ago I went on a retreat at the
Campion Center in Weston. The drive to the center was long but gorgeous. The
trees were in full bloom, flowers decorated lawns, and the sun was brightly
shining. As I drove I was thinking of the above quote from Deuteronomy. I believe
nature is God’s greatest creation, totally awesome! We don’t always appreciate
what God has given us in nature’s beauty.
During the retreat we had the windows open and we
were in a silent mode, but this one bird outside didn’t get the message! I
tried to concentrate on the guided meditation but found myself distracted by
the bird… the bird just kept chirping and chirping… then the thought occurred
to me that maybe God was drawing my attention to the bird. The bird constantly
chirped its song and other birds answered in reply. I wondered what they were
saying to each other and to me. I wondered if God was speaking to me through
the bird. God often speaks to me through nature… The gentle breeze whispers…
the ocean waves softly wash over my feet as they sink into the sand… the ever
changing colors of New England seasons… what an awesome God we have to have
given us all of this!
This summer as you travel about on vacation, or
maybe just looking out your kitchen window, take a moment and thank God for His
creations. Thank God for the blossoming roses, the chirping birds, the beauty
of the oceans, mountains and sky at night… the list is as endless as the grains
of sand on the beach! Think of how blah life would be without nature’s beauty.
Let us not take it for granted…
–
God Bless, Holly Clark!
Beattitudes of Acceptance
May 11, 2014
BEATITUDES
OF ACCEPTANCE
Not too long ago I
attended a workshop at Boston College entitled “Families With Disabilities”
which explored our evangelization efforts toward persons with disabilities and
their families. Nowadays our worship spaces are pretty much accessible but is
it enough? Is it enough to just get into the door of the church? I came across
these beatitudes not too long after the BC lecture and thought they were
perfect! Building ramps and elevators are only part of the equation. Barriers
of the mind and heart are more difficult to overcome. I invite you this week to
pray with me these beatitudes and to pray for those persons and families who
are separated from us due to impairment or illness…
·
Blessed are
you who take time to listen to difficult speech, for you help me to know that
if I persevere, I can be understood.
·
Blessed are
you who walk with me in public places and ignore the stares of strangers, for
in your friendship I feel good to be myself.
·
Blessed are
you who never bid me to "hurry up" and, more blessed, you who do not
snatch a task from my hands to do it for me, for often I need time rather than
help.
·
Blessed are
you who stand beside me as I enter new and untried ventures, for my uncertainty
will be outweighed by the times I surprise you and me.
·
Blessed are
you who ask for my help and realize my giftedness, for my greatest need is to
be needed.
·
Blessed are
you who help me with the graciousness of Christ, because I sometimes need the
help for which I cannot ask.
·
Blessed are
you who, in all ways, assure me that what makes me an individual is not my
particular disability, but my beautiful God-filled personhood which no
disabling condition can confine or define.
·
Rejoice and
be glad, for you have helped me believe in myself as valued and gifted person
and your understanding and love have opened doors for me to enjoy life to the
fullest. (author unknown)
God Bless… Holly
Clark
PS… May God Bless all mothers and a special thanks to my Mom who
embraced all of the above beatitudes. I am who I am because of the partnership
of my Mom, Dad and Jesus working in harmony to make me the best “me” I can be!
My Heart is Burning!
May 4, 2014
“Were not our hearts burning within us while he spoke to us on the way and opened the Scriptures to us?” Luke 24: 32
Today, as I read today’s Gospel, I picture myself on the road to Emmaus… won’t you join me? Close your eyes for a few moments and picture the scene in your mind… Jesus has just been crucified, buried in a tomb, but is no longer in the tomb. Where could He be you ask? This is the topic of our conversation on the road to Emmaus. Rumors are abounding… Roman conspiracy, angels, grave-robbing? We search our hearts and minds for answers and find none. But lo… a fellow traveler comes along and joins our conversation… The stranger seems out of touch. Can you imagine? Someone who has not heard the news of Jesus’ death and disappearance? As we fill in the stranger on the goings on in Jerusalem we feel warmth in our hearts. We do not know why but this stranger seems to know us. The stranger explains to us what was written in scripture has just been fulfilled. We are astonished… How could this stranger know?
As evening comes we invite the stranger to dine with us. He breaks the bread, gives it to us and provides us the blessing. It is now our eyes are opened! Jesus is with us! We also realize He was with us all along! It was He who caused our hearts to burn as He quoted scripture to us on our journey to Emmaus! As I lay myself to sleep I can’t help but think how often Jesus walks with us, talks with us, and carries us and we do not recognize Him… He comes to us in many forms… in scripture, in our family, in our friends and neighbors and in our hearts. We need only open our eyes, our minds and our hearts. The next time you feel your heart burning you will know Jesus is with you. Alelieuia! A Blessed Easter Season to you all… Holly Clark
“Were not our hearts burning within us while he spoke to us on the way and opened the Scriptures to us?” Luke 24: 32
Today, as I read today’s Gospel, I picture myself on the road to Emmaus… won’t you join me? Close your eyes for a few moments and picture the scene in your mind… Jesus has just been crucified, buried in a tomb, but is no longer in the tomb. Where could He be you ask? This is the topic of our conversation on the road to Emmaus. Rumors are abounding… Roman conspiracy, angels, grave-robbing? We search our hearts and minds for answers and find none. But lo… a fellow traveler comes along and joins our conversation… The stranger seems out of touch. Can you imagine? Someone who has not heard the news of Jesus’ death and disappearance? As we fill in the stranger on the goings on in Jerusalem we feel warmth in our hearts. We do not know why but this stranger seems to know us. The stranger explains to us what was written in scripture has just been fulfilled. We are astonished… How could this stranger know?
As evening comes we invite the stranger to dine with us. He breaks the bread, gives it to us and provides us the blessing. It is now our eyes are opened! Jesus is with us! We also realize He was with us all along! It was He who caused our hearts to burn as He quoted scripture to us on our journey to Emmaus! As I lay myself to sleep I can’t help but think how often Jesus walks with us, talks with us, and carries us and we do not recognize Him… He comes to us in many forms… in scripture, in our family, in our friends and neighbors and in our hearts. We need only open our eyes, our minds and our hearts. The next time you feel your heart burning you will know Jesus is with you. Alelieuia! A Blessed Easter Season to you all… Holly Clark
The Eucharist
April 27, 2014
Next month we begin welcoming our young folk to the Table of the Lord for the first time. The Cranberry Collaborative will have 6 celebrations of First Eucharist (3 at Sacred Heart, 2 at Sts. Martha and Mary and 1 at St. Rose of Lima). These are among my favorite celebrations in the Church! To see the children light up when they receive the Eucharist for the first time fills me with joy. I am also remembering Fr. Daniel Moran who would make every child feel special to Jesus and to him. He put a hand on each child’s face and tell him/her “Jesus loves you, and so do I!” Then I would see the face of Jesus in their’s! What joy!
The Eucharist is one of the three Sacraments of Initiation, the other two being Baptism and Confirmation. In the early Church, Baptism was followed by Confirmation and then First Holy Communion. The Eucharist is the source and summit of our faith and is the culmination of Christian initiation. You may be asking yourselves, if this is true, why is Confirmation after Eucharist? In the early Church, the faithful would get their children baptized and then would wait for the Bishop to come around to confirm their children. This could be months or perhaps years between visits to the parish. The end result was that fewer and fewer persons were confirmed because parents couldn’t always get their children to the bishop and thus very few Catholics were receiving the Sacrament of Holy Communion. Eventually, it was decided that to get more people to the Lord’s table that parish priests could allow the Sacrament of the Eucharist to precede Confirmation. This is where we are at today in most parishes.
At the Second Vatican Council, the bishops restored the original order of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. There is a movement in some parts of the world to restore the Sacraments into their proper order to mirror the intentions of the early Church.
This week I would like you all to reflect back to your First Communion. What did it mean to you to receive Jesus for the very first time? What was it like for you when you first experienced the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist? Today, as we receive the Eucharist let us thank Jesus for His Holy Sacrifice and to pray for all our young children as they encounter Jesus on a personal level for the first time. And, in memory of Fr. Moran, who so loved celebrating the Eucharist with children, let us welcome each child as he did: “Jesus loves you… and so do I.” God Bless… Holly Clark
He is Risen! Death is No More!
April 20, 2014
Alleliuia! He is Risen! Every Holy Week we travel with Jesus on His journey to the Cross. On Holy Thursday we dine with Him and agonize with Him in the Garden. On Good Friday we share His pain as we witness His trial and journey to His execution; we want to help carry His cross and ease His suffering; we watch in sadness as He dies on the Cross. On Holy Saturday we keep Vigil over His tomb… somewhere, in the back of our minds, we pray that He really isn’t dead. On Easter Sunday, we awake to find an empty tomb… Where can He be? He is Risen… body and soul. He has conquered sin. He has conquered death itself. He has given us new life.
Many of us know the story of Christ’s Passion, death and resurrection, but have you ever taken the time to pause and reflect upon what it all means to you personally? How it all relates to you and your life?
I recently took some time to reflect on Christ’s journey to the resurrection and what it means to me in my life. Christ has conquered death! Four years ago my father passed away after being ill for some months. As I struggled with my pain, I asked God many times, “Why? Why do we suffer so when we lose a loved one?” Especially when, by our faith, I should be celebrating Dad is with Jesus in heaven. Jesus has conquered death, after all. But those left behind still feel the pain of loss, just we feel the pain of Jesus death. As I journey with Jesus this Holy Week I am also reflecting back and journeying with my Dad. I am walking with Him on His journey, meeting Jesus, his hand in mine. The lesson of the Cross gives me hope that I will see my father again in the fullness of time. And we know Christ’s death brought us new life. My Dad is also giving me new life now in so many different ways. He is in my heart and my soul and still inspiring me to be the person I was born to be.
Today, take some time to remember lost loved ones. Their suffering is over and they are in Heaven today, helping Jesus to take care of you from above. I guarantee it!
Have a Blessed Easter, Holly Clark
Alleliuia! He is Risen! Every Holy Week we travel with Jesus on His journey to the Cross. On Holy Thursday we dine with Him and agonize with Him in the Garden. On Good Friday we share His pain as we witness His trial and journey to His execution; we want to help carry His cross and ease His suffering; we watch in sadness as He dies on the Cross. On Holy Saturday we keep Vigil over His tomb… somewhere, in the back of our minds, we pray that He really isn’t dead. On Easter Sunday, we awake to find an empty tomb… Where can He be? He is Risen… body and soul. He has conquered sin. He has conquered death itself. He has given us new life.
Many of us know the story of Christ’s Passion, death and resurrection, but have you ever taken the time to pause and reflect upon what it all means to you personally? How it all relates to you and your life?
I recently took some time to reflect on Christ’s journey to the resurrection and what it means to me in my life. Christ has conquered death! Four years ago my father passed away after being ill for some months. As I struggled with my pain, I asked God many times, “Why? Why do we suffer so when we lose a loved one?” Especially when, by our faith, I should be celebrating Dad is with Jesus in heaven. Jesus has conquered death, after all. But those left behind still feel the pain of loss, just we feel the pain of Jesus death. As I journey with Jesus this Holy Week I am also reflecting back and journeying with my Dad. I am walking with Him on His journey, meeting Jesus, his hand in mine. The lesson of the Cross gives me hope that I will see my father again in the fullness of time. And we know Christ’s death brought us new life. My Dad is also giving me new life now in so many different ways. He is in my heart and my soul and still inspiring me to be the person I was born to be.
Today, take some time to remember lost loved ones. Their suffering is over and they are in Heaven today, helping Jesus to take care of you from above. I guarantee it!
Have a Blessed Easter, Holly Clark
Beyond Lent, into Holy Week… and Beyond!
April 13, 2014
This Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week and anticipation of the Lord’s death and resurrection. Jesus triumphantly enters the city of Jerusalem and we are joyous! We have emerged from the desert of Lent! We have spent the last few weeks reflecting upon our lives and how we can better live up to the ideals that Jesus has set forth for us. Did we learn anything about ourselves these past few weeks? What could we have done better? As we prepare this week to remember Jesus’ death and resurrection let us make some “Lenten resolutions” that will last us well beyond Lent:
Give up complaining - focus on gratitude.
Give up pessimism - become an optimist.
Give up harsh judgments - think kindly thoughts.
Give up worry - trust Divine Providence.
Give up discouragement - be full of hope.
Give up bitterness - turn to forgiveness.
Give up hatred - return good for evil.
Give up negativism - be positive.
Give up anger - be more patient.
Give up pettiness - become mature.
Give up gloom - enjoy the beauty all around you.
Give up jealousy - pray for trust.
Give up gossiping - control your tongue.
Give up sin - turn to virtue.
Give up giving up - hang in there!*
We are on a faith journey that does not end at Holy Week. We should always take the time to reflect upon our faith and our lives. God Bless – Holly Clark
*http://www.appleseeds.org/lent-reflect_1.htm
This Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week and anticipation of the Lord’s death and resurrection. Jesus triumphantly enters the city of Jerusalem and we are joyous! We have emerged from the desert of Lent! We have spent the last few weeks reflecting upon our lives and how we can better live up to the ideals that Jesus has set forth for us. Did we learn anything about ourselves these past few weeks? What could we have done better? As we prepare this week to remember Jesus’ death and resurrection let us make some “Lenten resolutions” that will last us well beyond Lent:
Give up complaining - focus on gratitude.
Give up pessimism - become an optimist.
Give up harsh judgments - think kindly thoughts.
Give up worry - trust Divine Providence.
Give up discouragement - be full of hope.
Give up bitterness - turn to forgiveness.
Give up hatred - return good for evil.
Give up negativism - be positive.
Give up anger - be more patient.
Give up pettiness - become mature.
Give up gloom - enjoy the beauty all around you.
Give up jealousy - pray for trust.
Give up gossiping - control your tongue.
Give up sin - turn to virtue.
Give up giving up - hang in there!*
We are on a faith journey that does not end at Holy Week. We should always take the time to reflect upon our faith and our lives. God Bless – Holly Clark
*http://www.appleseeds.org/lent-reflect_1.htm
What Challenges You?
April 5, 2014
Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert for forty days, to be tempted by the devil. Lk 4:1-2
Lent is often known as a season of “giving up.” Jesus suffered in the desert, He gave up food, water and had the devil on His shoulder promising an end to His suffering. We sympathize with Christ and we “give up” something for Lent. How often do you say to your Catholic neighbor “What are you giving up for Lent?” As I reread this Gospel verse I find myself not thinking about what to give up for Lent but rather my thoughts go to the challenge of not giving up to the devil and his temptations. Jesus challenged Himself by facing Satan one-on-one and I ask myself what challenges the devil sends me to tempt me to the road to ruin? I know he sends me brownies I shouldn’t eat, annoyances that I shouldn’t be angry at, and situations where I find myself alone and wondering what life and living is all about.
Every day we face challenges great and small. What devils do you have sitting on your shoulder? What challenges and temptations do you face? As we travel our Lenten journey we fast, pray and give alms. Let us also consider taking up a challenge. Let us face our demons. Let us this Lent resolve to take up the devil’s challenges one by one and say “no thanks”! This will not be easy and we may become discouraged…But remember, Jesus is walking with us Let us remember the words of St. Paul:
The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart. Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. Rom 10:8,13
God Bless – Holly Clark
Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert for forty days, to be tempted by the devil. Lk 4:1-2
Lent is often known as a season of “giving up.” Jesus suffered in the desert, He gave up food, water and had the devil on His shoulder promising an end to His suffering. We sympathize with Christ and we “give up” something for Lent. How often do you say to your Catholic neighbor “What are you giving up for Lent?” As I reread this Gospel verse I find myself not thinking about what to give up for Lent but rather my thoughts go to the challenge of not giving up to the devil and his temptations. Jesus challenged Himself by facing Satan one-on-one and I ask myself what challenges the devil sends me to tempt me to the road to ruin? I know he sends me brownies I shouldn’t eat, annoyances that I shouldn’t be angry at, and situations where I find myself alone and wondering what life and living is all about.
Every day we face challenges great and small. What devils do you have sitting on your shoulder? What challenges and temptations do you face? As we travel our Lenten journey we fast, pray and give alms. Let us also consider taking up a challenge. Let us face our demons. Let us this Lent resolve to take up the devil’s challenges one by one and say “no thanks”! This will not be easy and we may become discouraged…But remember, Jesus is walking with us Let us remember the words of St. Paul:
The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart. Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. Rom 10:8,13
God Bless – Holly Clark
Sharing Time, Sharing Our Stories, Sharing a Meal
March 29, 2014
Lent is a time for inner prayer and reflection but also for sharing with others. It is a time for sharing our faith with one another, a time for sharing one another’s company. When was the last time you sat down for dinner and not felt rushed to do some chores, help with homework or catch-up on office work? And if you did relax, did you feel guilty for not doing that load of laundry or not returning umpteen phone calls? Dinnertime (suppertime, for you Yankees) is a time for relaxing and sharing with one another.
Not too long ago I was present at a teaching Mass. As I sat and listened to the priest’s presentation at about the Mass I was reminded that the Mass really is like our family dinners. We gather together, share our time, our stories and a meal. At Mass we gather together to pray, share our stories through the Liturgy of the Word. We share a meal through the Liturgy of the Eucharist and then we are dismissed from the table to go about our daily lives with Jesus at our side.
Tonight at dinnertime let us try to relax and truly enjoy one another’s company. Let’s ask the question “how was your day” and then truly listen. Let us invite Jesus into the conversation and ask Him for guidance in our lives. And… before we leave the table… let us remember to thank God for all our blessings and remember those who do not have food to eat or families to share a meal with.
God Bless – Holly Clark
Lent is a time for inner prayer and reflection but also for sharing with others. It is a time for sharing our faith with one another, a time for sharing one another’s company. When was the last time you sat down for dinner and not felt rushed to do some chores, help with homework or catch-up on office work? And if you did relax, did you feel guilty for not doing that load of laundry or not returning umpteen phone calls? Dinnertime (suppertime, for you Yankees) is a time for relaxing and sharing with one another.
Not too long ago I was present at a teaching Mass. As I sat and listened to the priest’s presentation at about the Mass I was reminded that the Mass really is like our family dinners. We gather together, share our time, our stories and a meal. At Mass we gather together to pray, share our stories through the Liturgy of the Word. We share a meal through the Liturgy of the Eucharist and then we are dismissed from the table to go about our daily lives with Jesus at our side.
Tonight at dinnertime let us try to relax and truly enjoy one another’s company. Let’s ask the question “how was your day” and then truly listen. Let us invite Jesus into the conversation and ask Him for guidance in our lives. And… before we leave the table… let us remember to thank God for all our blessings and remember those who do not have food to eat or families to share a meal with.
God Bless – Holly Clark
Power of Prayer
March 23, 2014
“The Lord tells us: 'the first task in life is this: prayer.' But not the prayer of words, like a parrot; but the prayer, the heart: gazing on the Lord, hearing the Lord, asking the Lord,”
Pope Francis (Oct. 8, 2014)
Every week in our parish bulletin we publish a list of names of people who are ill and have asked for our prayers. Do you wonder who these people are or how they are doing? Do you have faith that our prayers help the sick and dying? Have you ever experienced the Power of Prayer?
When we built our website we included a form where people could submit prayer requests and we have had several requests already. Some are requests for private prayers and others prefer that their requests be shared so that many people are praying for them. Thus far we have had requests to pray for drug-addicted relatives, ne’er-do-well adult children, for a family business to stay afloat, broken relationships, and depression. Many of these requests have come from overseas, in the United Kingdom. Can you imagine someone surfing the world-wide web in desperate need of prayer and finding us and requesting our help?
The power of prayer cannot be underestimated! Just picture in your mind all these prayers reaching the ears and heart of our Lord and our Lord responding to those prayers! Imagine our prayers, our strength, and our love reaching up to Jesus and Jesus beaming back to those in need. Our God is Awesome! This Lent we ask you to consider becoming a “prayer warrior.” Ask yourself “How can I help? For who or what can I pray for?” Prayer can be done anywhere and at any time. All you need is an open heart and Christ at your side.
God Bless, Holly Clark
“The Lord tells us: 'the first task in life is this: prayer.' But not the prayer of words, like a parrot; but the prayer, the heart: gazing on the Lord, hearing the Lord, asking the Lord,”
Pope Francis (Oct. 8, 2014)
Every week in our parish bulletin we publish a list of names of people who are ill and have asked for our prayers. Do you wonder who these people are or how they are doing? Do you have faith that our prayers help the sick and dying? Have you ever experienced the Power of Prayer?
When we built our website we included a form where people could submit prayer requests and we have had several requests already. Some are requests for private prayers and others prefer that their requests be shared so that many people are praying for them. Thus far we have had requests to pray for drug-addicted relatives, ne’er-do-well adult children, for a family business to stay afloat, broken relationships, and depression. Many of these requests have come from overseas, in the United Kingdom. Can you imagine someone surfing the world-wide web in desperate need of prayer and finding us and requesting our help?
The power of prayer cannot be underestimated! Just picture in your mind all these prayers reaching the ears and heart of our Lord and our Lord responding to those prayers! Imagine our prayers, our strength, and our love reaching up to Jesus and Jesus beaming back to those in need. Our God is Awesome! This Lent we ask you to consider becoming a “prayer warrior.” Ask yourself “How can I help? For who or what can I pray for?” Prayer can be done anywhere and at any time. All you need is an open heart and Christ at your side.
God Bless, Holly Clark
Lenten Resolutions
March 16, 2014
Lenten Resolutions
Lent is upon us… and our New Year’s resolutions are fast becoming a distant memory. Ash Wednesday which marks the beginning of the holy season of Lent. Lent is a time of reflection upon our inner souls and upon Christ’s sacrifice for us. We all know that Lent is a time for “Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving.” You might say to yourself “I’ll go to church more often during Lent.” (prayer), “I’ll give up sweets.” (fasting), and “I’ll put more in the collection basket” (almsgiving). This Lent let us try to challenge ourselves to do more than the basics. Let us be creative in our prayer, fasting and almsgiving.
Prayer
Resolve this Lent to pray more… Try to take up a form of prayer you may not have tried before, such as centering prayer or Lectio Devina or the Rosary. Also try to squeeze in an extra few minutes of your day to thank God and remember what Jesus has given up for us.
Fasting
Resolve this Lent to Fast. Fasting in the common sense means to give up food, but it can also mean a giving up of time. This Lent in addition to fasting from food try to give some of your time to a church ministry or lend a helping hand to a lonely person… Be Creative! There are so many simple ways we can help on another on our journey towards Christ.
Almsgiving
Resolve this Lent to remember the needy. Fasting can be seen as a giving up whereas almsgiving can be thought of as giving something back. Again, be creative! If you gave up that Starbuck’s coffee as a part of fasting, consider giving the money you saved to the poor and needy!
Making these sort of resolutions is never easy and there will days when our best intentions go awry but it is important that we try. With God’s help and love our Lenten resolutions could become lifelong habits. God Bless- Holly Clark
Lenten Resolutions
Lent is upon us… and our New Year’s resolutions are fast becoming a distant memory. Ash Wednesday which marks the beginning of the holy season of Lent. Lent is a time of reflection upon our inner souls and upon Christ’s sacrifice for us. We all know that Lent is a time for “Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving.” You might say to yourself “I’ll go to church more often during Lent.” (prayer), “I’ll give up sweets.” (fasting), and “I’ll put more in the collection basket” (almsgiving). This Lent let us try to challenge ourselves to do more than the basics. Let us be creative in our prayer, fasting and almsgiving.
Prayer
Resolve this Lent to pray more… Try to take up a form of prayer you may not have tried before, such as centering prayer or Lectio Devina or the Rosary. Also try to squeeze in an extra few minutes of your day to thank God and remember what Jesus has given up for us.
Fasting
Resolve this Lent to Fast. Fasting in the common sense means to give up food, but it can also mean a giving up of time. This Lent in addition to fasting from food try to give some of your time to a church ministry or lend a helping hand to a lonely person… Be Creative! There are so many simple ways we can help on another on our journey towards Christ.
Almsgiving
Resolve this Lent to remember the needy. Fasting can be seen as a giving up whereas almsgiving can be thought of as giving something back. Again, be creative! If you gave up that Starbuck’s coffee as a part of fasting, consider giving the money you saved to the poor and needy!
Making these sort of resolutions is never easy and there will days when our best intentions go awry but it is important that we try. With God’s help and love our Lenten resolutions could become lifelong habits. God Bless- Holly Clark
Sharing My Story, Sharing My Life, Sharing My Faith
March 9, 2014
Not too long ago I took a trip, by myself on a tour, to the Canadian Rockies. I was on a tour and I met some wonderful elderly ladies from New Mexico who made sure I was not alone for our meals. As we chatted I slowly discovered what fascinating lives they had led! They shared many stories with me of their life in Los Alamos during the 1940s. At some point they let it drop that they were the wives of the scientists that worked on the Manhatten Project. I thought to myself, “WOW! I am sitting next to living history!” I realized slowly that we all have stories to tell. As Christians we all have stories to tell of how we came to know God, the Father and His Son. Here I share my story!
In 2008, during our a Generations of Faith Peace festivas, I had an experience that I can only describe as a calling. I was undergoing radiation therapy for cancer at the time and was mentally and physically exhausted. I still went to the festival because I found the festivals to be very life-giving spiritually. I was helping a little boy get a drink of water when I felt the Holy Spirit’s presence in my ear. A voice came to me telling me that I was meant to be here, I was meant to be a co-worker in the Lord’s vineyard. For a time I pondered the meaning of this experience. I knew my calling was to make ministry my vocation and entered the Master of Arts of Ministry program at St. John’s Seminary. I graduated last May and as I look back I know Jesus was with me, preparing the way for me to serve you as He would.
What is your story? How did you come to know the Lord? Not everyone will have the same experience. The Lord speaks to some of us quietly and to others, thunderously. Please take this week to reflect upon your story. As we begin Lent let us all reflect on “our stories”.
God Bless, Holly Clark
Not too long ago I took a trip, by myself on a tour, to the Canadian Rockies. I was on a tour and I met some wonderful elderly ladies from New Mexico who made sure I was not alone for our meals. As we chatted I slowly discovered what fascinating lives they had led! They shared many stories with me of their life in Los Alamos during the 1940s. At some point they let it drop that they were the wives of the scientists that worked on the Manhatten Project. I thought to myself, “WOW! I am sitting next to living history!” I realized slowly that we all have stories to tell. As Christians we all have stories to tell of how we came to know God, the Father and His Son. Here I share my story!
In 2008, during our a Generations of Faith Peace festivas, I had an experience that I can only describe as a calling. I was undergoing radiation therapy for cancer at the time and was mentally and physically exhausted. I still went to the festival because I found the festivals to be very life-giving spiritually. I was helping a little boy get a drink of water when I felt the Holy Spirit’s presence in my ear. A voice came to me telling me that I was meant to be here, I was meant to be a co-worker in the Lord’s vineyard. For a time I pondered the meaning of this experience. I knew my calling was to make ministry my vocation and entered the Master of Arts of Ministry program at St. John’s Seminary. I graduated last May and as I look back I know Jesus was with me, preparing the way for me to serve you as He would.
What is your story? How did you come to know the Lord? Not everyone will have the same experience. The Lord speaks to some of us quietly and to others, thunderously. Please take this week to reflect upon your story. As we begin Lent let us all reflect on “our stories”.
God Bless, Holly Clark
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