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
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
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
Monday, December 21, 2009
Make Straight a Highway for God...
Make Straight a Highway for God
So often in Advent we hear the above phrase: “make straight a highway for God.” My advent challenge this year is to ponder ways to make strait a pathway for God. I was at a loss as to the best way to do this, and a bit overwhelmed, until I came across the cartoon below while looking at bulletin filler. The question is asked “It’s a big nasty world out there- what does God expect ME to do?” The reply really struck home with me: “Make a little UN-nasty part of the world wherever you are!” I thought this is how I will make God’s highway for Him! I will try to make my little piece of the world un-nasty!
I want you to take some time today and think about what makes you happy. What little things have given you joy? Was it the kind person who cleared snow off your car at the supermarket during a snowstorm? Was it the person who gave you hug when you most needed it? Was it the funny e-mail you received when you were grumpy? Or maybe someone told you that you make a difference in their life? Think about what little things give you joy and try to offer them to others, friends and strangers. Random acts of kindness and thoughtfulness are guaranteed to brighten someone’s day and make somebody else’s world a little less nasty.
Jesus made straight our pathway to salvation and in turn we should make straight the path for His return to us. Let us pray for the little things in life that bring us joy. Let us each make a difference in one another’s life.
. -God Bless, Holly Clark
So often in Advent we hear the above phrase: “make straight a highway for God.” My advent challenge this year is to ponder ways to make strait a pathway for God. I was at a loss as to the best way to do this, and a bit overwhelmed, until I came across the cartoon below while looking at bulletin filler. The question is asked “It’s a big nasty world out there- what does God expect ME to do?” The reply really struck home with me: “Make a little UN-nasty part of the world wherever you are!” I thought this is how I will make God’s highway for Him! I will try to make my little piece of the world un-nasty!
I want you to take some time today and think about what makes you happy. What little things have given you joy? Was it the kind person who cleared snow off your car at the supermarket during a snowstorm? Was it the person who gave you hug when you most needed it? Was it the funny e-mail you received when you were grumpy? Or maybe someone told you that you make a difference in their life? Think about what little things give you joy and try to offer them to others, friends and strangers. Random acts of kindness and thoughtfulness are guaranteed to brighten someone’s day and make somebody else’s world a little less nasty.
Jesus made straight our pathway to salvation and in turn we should make straight the path for His return to us. Let us pray for the little things in life that bring us joy. Let us each make a difference in one another’s life.
. -God Bless, Holly Clark
Calm Amidst the Chaos?
Calm Amidst the Chaos?
A voice of one crying out in the desert: 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.’
Luke 3:4
I am closing my eyes and imagining in my mind this scene from 2000 years ago: A desert backdrop… calm, quiet, peaceful. I am enjoying the silence of the desert. No cell phones, no noise, no violence, nothing here to remind me of the chaos of the 21st century. I have gone back in time… I am sitting on a rock taking in a beautiful desert sunset enjoying the silence. Suddenly I hear a voice… who dares disturb my karma? John the Baptist has come to see me with an important message: “Prepare ye the way of the Lord. Make straight in the wasteland a highway for our God!” John and I chat for a while about “the one who is mightier” to come. John leaves me and goes on his way. I remain in the desert a bit longer, the sun has set and I gaze up at the stars in heaven. Once again quietness comes over me and I ponder John’s message to me and the world.
As I travel back to our century I can’t help but wonder if John were to come to us today would we hear his message against the chaos of our own lives? How often do we take time out of our lives to be still and empty our minds of clutter… Think back to the last time you felt at peace, even if it was just a few minutes. This Advent, I am going to take time everyday to quiet the chaos of my mind. I am going to go back in time to my desert and ponder how I will prepare the way of our Lord. It will be difficult to do amongst the cooking, shopping, studying, demands of life… but I am going to try and I challenge each and every one of you to do the same. -God Bless, Holly Clark
A voice of one crying out in the desert: 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.’
Luke 3:4
I am closing my eyes and imagining in my mind this scene from 2000 years ago: A desert backdrop… calm, quiet, peaceful. I am enjoying the silence of the desert. No cell phones, no noise, no violence, nothing here to remind me of the chaos of the 21st century. I have gone back in time… I am sitting on a rock taking in a beautiful desert sunset enjoying the silence. Suddenly I hear a voice… who dares disturb my karma? John the Baptist has come to see me with an important message: “Prepare ye the way of the Lord. Make straight in the wasteland a highway for our God!” John and I chat for a while about “the one who is mightier” to come. John leaves me and goes on his way. I remain in the desert a bit longer, the sun has set and I gaze up at the stars in heaven. Once again quietness comes over me and I ponder John’s message to me and the world.
As I travel back to our century I can’t help but wonder if John were to come to us today would we hear his message against the chaos of our own lives? How often do we take time out of our lives to be still and empty our minds of clutter… Think back to the last time you felt at peace, even if it was just a few minutes. This Advent, I am going to take time everyday to quiet the chaos of my mind. I am going to go back in time to my desert and ponder how I will prepare the way of our Lord. It will be difficult to do amongst the cooking, shopping, studying, demands of life… but I am going to try and I challenge each and every one of you to do the same. -God Bless, Holly Clark
Monday, November 30, 2009
$50, Some Prayers and Some Smiles
$50, Some Prayers and Some Smiles
Last week I was touched by hearing the story of how some business proprietors touched the hearts of two of our parishioners. Two members of our Liturgical Environment team went out last week to purchase plants, flowers, gourds, etc. to decorate the church for Thanksgiving. The nursery owners gave them a $100-200 amount of stuff and only asked for fifty dollars and some prayers.
When these two ladies got back to the Church they couldn’t wait to share their story of goodness and generosity. As I was chatting with them I found myself uplifted. The Holy Spirit was at work. I got to thinking how a simple act of generosity brought two ladies some joy and happiness, uplifted my spirits and will eventually brighten up the spirits of out parishioners when they see the flowers, plants, etc. on the altar.
As we enter into the holy season of Advent let us try to perform random acts of kindness. One small act of kindness or generosity can blossom and grow to several acts and bring joy to a great many. As today’s second reading states:
May the Lord make you increase and abound in love
for one another and for all – 1 Thes 3:12
Just imagine! A world abounding in love! So let us begin Advent in love and kindness… When someone beats you out at the store for the must have toy… pray… maybe they have a sick child at home and it will be their last Christmas. When someone cuts you off in traffic… pray… maybe there is an emergency at home. When stressed out over too much to do preparing for the holidays… thank God for the love of family and friends, after all it is love that really matters. God Bless, Holly Clark
Last week I was touched by hearing the story of how some business proprietors touched the hearts of two of our parishioners. Two members of our Liturgical Environment team went out last week to purchase plants, flowers, gourds, etc. to decorate the church for Thanksgiving. The nursery owners gave them a $100-200 amount of stuff and only asked for fifty dollars and some prayers.
When these two ladies got back to the Church they couldn’t wait to share their story of goodness and generosity. As I was chatting with them I found myself uplifted. The Holy Spirit was at work. I got to thinking how a simple act of generosity brought two ladies some joy and happiness, uplifted my spirits and will eventually brighten up the spirits of out parishioners when they see the flowers, plants, etc. on the altar.
As we enter into the holy season of Advent let us try to perform random acts of kindness. One small act of kindness or generosity can blossom and grow to several acts and bring joy to a great many. As today’s second reading states:
May the Lord make you increase and abound in love
for one another and for all – 1 Thes 3:12
Just imagine! A world abounding in love! So let us begin Advent in love and kindness… When someone beats you out at the store for the must have toy… pray… maybe they have a sick child at home and it will be their last Christmas. When someone cuts you off in traffic… pray… maybe there is an emergency at home. When stressed out over too much to do preparing for the holidays… thank God for the love of family and friends, after all it is love that really matters. God Bless, Holly Clark
Thursday, November 19, 2009
What are You Thankful For?
What are You Thankful For?
Last weekend I walked into a Michael’s Craft Store and was immediately bombarded by Christmas carols, Christmas crafts, cards, decorations and there was someone painting snowmen on the outside windows. I was there to buy a birthday gift and was really not ready to begin to think about Christmas. As I wandered the store I got to wondering whatever happened to Thanksgiving?
I have always thought of Thanksgiving as a time to count and reflect upon my blessings and what I am thankful for. I always thought Thanksgiving was a god secular holiday to prepare us for moving into Advent: a time of preparing for our Savior’s arrival.
So I ask you to try to not to be overwhelmed by materialism and focus on what you are grateful for this Thanksgiving. As we gather with family and friends let us do some holy remembering and see where God is at work in our lives.
Be thankful for loved ones… many are lonely.
Be thankful for the roof over your heads… many are homeless.
Be thankful for good health… many are suffering.
Be thankful for food on the table… many are starving.
Be thankful for God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit in your life…
Many will never know devine love…
Have a blessed Thanksgiving, Holly Cark
Last weekend I walked into a Michael’s Craft Store and was immediately bombarded by Christmas carols, Christmas crafts, cards, decorations and there was someone painting snowmen on the outside windows. I was there to buy a birthday gift and was really not ready to begin to think about Christmas. As I wandered the store I got to wondering whatever happened to Thanksgiving?
I have always thought of Thanksgiving as a time to count and reflect upon my blessings and what I am thankful for. I always thought Thanksgiving was a god secular holiday to prepare us for moving into Advent: a time of preparing for our Savior’s arrival.
So I ask you to try to not to be overwhelmed by materialism and focus on what you are grateful for this Thanksgiving. As we gather with family and friends let us do some holy remembering and see where God is at work in our lives.
Be thankful for loved ones… many are lonely.
Be thankful for the roof over your heads… many are homeless.
Be thankful for good health… many are suffering.
Be thankful for food on the table… many are starving.
Be thankful for God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit in your life…
Many will never know devine love…
Have a blessed Thanksgiving, Holly Cark
Got Talent?
November 15, 2009
Got Talent?
In our Church today, we find in our laity a huge reservoir of talent and expertise just waiting to be called on in the service of the Kingdom.
Theresa EE-Choi, Member of the Pontifical Council for the Laity (Malaysia)
Do you have talents to offer? In this new millennium we are facing a culture of pastoral planning as the number priests and religious decline drastically. We each need to do a serious inventory of our gifts and talents and discover where we can put them to the best use in service to our Lord and our parish. You may say “I have no talent. I have nothing to offer…” Nonsense! Everyone has a talent for something! Even a baby can give away a smile.
A few years ago I was unemployed and feeling a bit worthless when I was at Mass one Sunday morning and saw a Stewardship form for volunteering time and talent. I thought as I was not working that I had plenty of time to offer and did an inventory of my talents. I filled out the form offering my graphic design skills. My first project was designing a bulletin board for CCD classes. Later projects included flyers, PowerPoint presentations and building the parish website. Through this stewardship of time and talent I found myself reawakened spiritually. I fell in love with ministry! Stewardship lit the flame of my heart and I decided to dedicate my life to ministry. (You never know what God has in mind for you!)
Today as we conclude our stewardship talks I would ask each of you to reflect upon your talents. Please use today’s bulletin insert as an aid to discern your talents and gifts. Perhaps ask your friends and families where they think you are talented. I guarantee you there is spot here for you! Be brave! Walk into, or call, the church offices at Sacred Heart or St. Rose and say “YES! I am here to donate my time and talent!” If the church is to survive and thrive in the third millennium she will need ALL of us working together in communion with Christ.
Let us go forward in hope! A new millennium is opening before the Church like a vast ocean upon which we shall venture, relying on the help of Christ.
Novo Millennio Ineunte, Pope John Paul II, 2000
God Bless, Holly Clark
Got Talent?
In our Church today, we find in our laity a huge reservoir of talent and expertise just waiting to be called on in the service of the Kingdom.
Theresa EE-Choi, Member of the Pontifical Council for the Laity (Malaysia)
Do you have talents to offer? In this new millennium we are facing a culture of pastoral planning as the number priests and religious decline drastically. We each need to do a serious inventory of our gifts and talents and discover where we can put them to the best use in service to our Lord and our parish. You may say “I have no talent. I have nothing to offer…” Nonsense! Everyone has a talent for something! Even a baby can give away a smile.
A few years ago I was unemployed and feeling a bit worthless when I was at Mass one Sunday morning and saw a Stewardship form for volunteering time and talent. I thought as I was not working that I had plenty of time to offer and did an inventory of my talents. I filled out the form offering my graphic design skills. My first project was designing a bulletin board for CCD classes. Later projects included flyers, PowerPoint presentations and building the parish website. Through this stewardship of time and talent I found myself reawakened spiritually. I fell in love with ministry! Stewardship lit the flame of my heart and I decided to dedicate my life to ministry. (You never know what God has in mind for you!)
Today as we conclude our stewardship talks I would ask each of you to reflect upon your talents. Please use today’s bulletin insert as an aid to discern your talents and gifts. Perhaps ask your friends and families where they think you are talented. I guarantee you there is spot here for you! Be brave! Walk into, or call, the church offices at Sacred Heart or St. Rose and say “YES! I am here to donate my time and talent!” If the church is to survive and thrive in the third millennium she will need ALL of us working together in communion with Christ.
Let us go forward in hope! A new millennium is opening before the Church like a vast ocean upon which we shall venture, relying on the help of Christ.
Novo Millennio Ineunte, Pope John Paul II, 2000
God Bless, Holly Clark
A Widow's Contribution
November 8, 2009
A Widow’s Contribution
In today’s gospel Jesus is awed by a widow’s contribution of a few coins towards helping others. In our culture today when a husband dies the wife inherits his goods. However, in old Israel, it is the children who inherit everything leaving the widow penniless and at the mercy of her children and society. Penniless widows were abundant in old Israel. In the Old Testament widows were considered the epitome of the lonely and helpless.
Widows in old Israel were readily recognizable by the wearing of special clothing called “widow’s reeds.” This made them easily recognizable and easy to victimize as their clothing signaled they had no man to protect them. In the New Testament, Paul (1 Timothy 5:3-16) and James (James 1:27) describe the special responsibility Christians have toward the caring of widows.
You can more fully understand now the context of today’s Gospel. Jesus easily recognized the woman as a widow because of her clothing and knew widows were almost always penniless. This is what made her giving so much more special. She not only was giving what few pennies she had but was also giving her heart.
Today let us reflect upon all that we have, count our blessings and remember those who have nothing. Let us not be judgmental. When a parishioner only puts in a few coins into our collection basket let us pray for that person for that may all they can give. Let us also pray for all widows and widowers who find themselves in poverty and loneliness. Let us share our earthly goods and our heart with one another.
God Bless Holly Clark
P.S. A careful reading of the above-mentioned New Testament passages will show that widows, especially older ones, wers called to a special vocation by Christianity. Christian widows came together as the first group of women to live the consecrated life, living in poverty, dedicating their lives to Jesus and service to the poor. Hence, in a way, they were our first nuns.
Source: A Guide to the Church, Lawrence B. Porter
A Widow’s Contribution
In today’s gospel Jesus is awed by a widow’s contribution of a few coins towards helping others. In our culture today when a husband dies the wife inherits his goods. However, in old Israel, it is the children who inherit everything leaving the widow penniless and at the mercy of her children and society. Penniless widows were abundant in old Israel. In the Old Testament widows were considered the epitome of the lonely and helpless.
Widows in old Israel were readily recognizable by the wearing of special clothing called “widow’s reeds.” This made them easily recognizable and easy to victimize as their clothing signaled they had no man to protect them. In the New Testament, Paul (1 Timothy 5:3-16) and James (James 1:27) describe the special responsibility Christians have toward the caring of widows.
You can more fully understand now the context of today’s Gospel. Jesus easily recognized the woman as a widow because of her clothing and knew widows were almost always penniless. This is what made her giving so much more special. She not only was giving what few pennies she had but was also giving her heart.
Today let us reflect upon all that we have, count our blessings and remember those who have nothing. Let us not be judgmental. When a parishioner only puts in a few coins into our collection basket let us pray for that person for that may all they can give. Let us also pray for all widows and widowers who find themselves in poverty and loneliness. Let us share our earthly goods and our heart with one another.
God Bless Holly Clark
P.S. A careful reading of the above-mentioned New Testament passages will show that widows, especially older ones, wers called to a special vocation by Christianity. Christian widows came together as the first group of women to live the consecrated life, living in poverty, dedicating their lives to Jesus and service to the poor. Hence, in a way, they were our first nuns.
Source: A Guide to the Church, Lawrence B. Porter
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