Stumbling into Lent

I found myself slipping into an old habit this evening; getting into nasty religious debates. Whether it's with fundamentalist Christians, Dawkins-esque atheists, or SSPX Catholics, the object never changes - win, making your opponent look as hapless as possible. There's a perverse joy in that, in feeling you've bested someone, in the "I'm-right-you're-wrong" mindset.
There's nothing wrong with discussion and disagreement in the pursuit of truth. But when "winning" or embarrassing someone becomes an end in itself, there's something amiss (at least for me). Have to re-focus and screw my head back on right.

One the lighter side of these first couple of days of Lent, I've decided to give my 4-legged and feathered friens a break and give up meat for the duration. The fish are still on their own...not ready for that yet!

Jesus, help me imitate your time in the Desert well. Help me have a Holy Lent. Amen

Daily Mass Readings
Isaiah 58:1-9
Psalm 51:3-6,18-19
Matthew 9:14-15

Change in my title?

Doesn't really matter all that much, but I've recently discovered that acronym for the Secular Franciscan Order has changed. According to the International General Minister, we are now going to be using the acronym in Latin so that worldwide, Secular Franciscans will have the same "title".

THE OFFICIAL NAME OF THE ORDER
THE USE AND THE TRANSLATION OF THE NAME OF THE ORDER
1. The official name of the Order is Ordo Franciscanus Sæcularis.
2. Translations of the name of the Order
2.1. The translation of the name of the Order is already made in the four official languages, and these are the ones to be used in these languages, namely in Italian, in English, in Spanish and in French.
2.2. The name can be translated into local languages only when the literal translation from Latin is easily understandable even by the civil society and does not change its meaning or substance.
2.3. When the translation into the national language distorts the meaning of the name, or is linguistically impossible to transfer the genuine meaning, Ordo Franciscanus Sæcularis must always be used,which can be followed by expressions to clarify and make more understandable the nature of the Secular Franciscan Order to everyone in the local language.
3. The acronym
The acronym which refers to the name Ordo Franciscanus Sæcularis is OFS and is always to be used regardless of the language. For example, when Secular Franciscans use the acronym after their name, they must use “OFS”.

Encarnación del Pozo, OFS
General Minister

I've always been a bit dyslexic anyway. OFS it is!

Daily Mass Readings
Jonah 3:1-5,10
Psalm 25:4-9
1 Corinthians 7:29-31
Mark 1:14-20

Seeing Christ

We hear it all the time as Christians...we need to see Jesus in the people we meet. Sounds all nice and new-agey, and I say it all the time. So you can imagine my surprise when it actually happens; when I see the unassuming face of Love in another person, or group of people.

I won't go into details. Let's just say my faith was rejuvenated by a number of generous, selfless, other-centered people today. And I am humbled and grateful for it. May we all show that glimpse of the Face of God from time to time, if only for an instant.

Daily Mass Readings
1 Samuel 17:32-33,37,40-51
Psalm 144:1b,2,9-10
Mark 3:1-6

Ecumenism re-imagined....

Ever tried to be too many things to too many people?

Spiritually. I've been learning to attempt this is monumentally draining, I can tell you. Being in contact and discussing matters of faith with folks of all faith or none is one thing. In an attempt truly be understanding and tolerant, I've been immersing myself in other said folks' viewpoints. In other words, instead of finding the common ground between us, I'm so concerened about seeming "intolerant" that I'm downplaying my beliefs in favor of theirs. It almost feels like, in the name of tolerance, I'm diluting who I am. Like I'm losing focus.

And to label it as "ecumenical" just doesn't work for me any more.

Love all of you....but I'm going to have to start adhering to the adage of "agree to disagree".

Not in the best place right now.

Daily Mass Readings
1 Samuel 3:1-10,19-20
Psalm 40:2,5,7-10
Mark 1:29-39

Engaged Encounter - 1995

We're doing a little purging of our paperwork this weekend. To my delight, I came across the notebook I used during our marriage prep weekend, Engaged Encounter. Looking back on my pre-marriage musings about where our shared life was going to go, with the hindsight of almost 16 years of marriage, was fascinating. All the things I didn't know about being a husband and a father, a provider and a partner; it just blows my mind.

L and I have been through so much together. Reading my notebook, remembering the different man I was then, the different WORLD we were living in, and contemplating the enormity of everything that's happened since then...and we're still standing. Different people, a different couple, with a relationship we couldn't have dreamt up in a million years. But we're still here.

Thank God she stayed.

The Epiphany of the Lord
Daily Mass Readings
Isaiah 60:1-6
Psalms 72: 1-2,7-8,10-13
Ephesians 3:2-3a,5-6
Matthew 2:1-12

Another list from Deacon Joe

A very dear friend and I were musing over how much we both love writing lists; the books we want to read, the things we want to accomplish, the things we have accomplished, etc. Then in my email this morning, I received a list from my Franciscan Brother Deacon Joe. Too lovely not to share (and I sure could do with following a good number of these!)

This one is for you, S!

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short – enjoy it.

4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and
family will.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument. Stay true to yourself.

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.

9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. Everything can change in the blink of an eye But don't worry; God never blinks.

15. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

16. Get rid of anything that isn't useful. Clutter weighs you down in many ways.

17. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

18. It's never too late to be happy. But it’s all up to you and no one else.

19. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

20. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't
save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

21. Over prepare, then go with the flow.

22. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

23. The most important sex organ is the brain.

24. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

25. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will
this matter?'

26. Always choose life.

27. Forgive but don’t forget.

28. What other people think of you is none of your business.

29. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

30. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

31. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

32. Believe in miracles.

33. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.

34. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

35. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.

36. Your children get only one childhood.

37. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

38. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

39. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd
grab ours back.

40. Envy is a waste of time. Accept what you already have not what you need.

41. The best is yet to come...

42. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

43. Yield.

44. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

Memorial of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
Daily Mass Readings
1 John 5:5-13
Psalm 147:12-15,19-20
Mark 1:7-11

A few New Year's Resolutions

A wonderful Advent and Christmas! Which means it is time to consider what kind of 2012 I want for me. So here goes, in no particualr order:

- Lose weight around my middle and care for myself more diligently. Yeah, everyone has this one and I'm no different. I'm not setting specific weight loss goals. But my stamina for doing anything physical these days is negligent. The unexpected heart attack of a healthy YOUNGER friend a couple of days ago frightened me. I have far too much to lose. So my dormant gym membership finally will be put into use!
- Publish something...outside of this blog. I love to write. I love to tell stories. That's not enough however. I've never really made a concentrated effort to "put myself out there" as far as writing goes. Self-publishing is easy; no one can tell you 'no'. It's time I started to frame the stories I have within me and really try and do something with them.
- Continue my sobriety. It's not a given; I'm as close to the next drink as any alcoholic, regardless of the time I've put in. As with my health, I've far too much to lose now. Remain vigilant!
- Read at least 25 books. I've always prided myself on being a reader, but I've done precious little of it the past year; MAYBE 10 books? Now that I have a Nook, there are no exuses. Hit the books!
- Go vegetarian for Lent. After years of planning to do so and falling off the wagon before the First Friday, I think I'm ready to try this again. Not only is it a sacrifice for me...but as a Franciscan, giving my Brothers and Sisters of the Animal Kingdom a break for a couple of months is the least I can do.
- Study and become familiar with at least one other religion/spiritual path to better understand how others recognize the face of God.
- Find a workable program to read through the Bible in one year.
- Pray the Liturgy of the Hours daily (at least Morning and Evening prayer)

That ought to keep me busy!

Blessed New Year to all!

The Octave Day of the Nativity of the Lord Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God
Daily Mass Readings
Numbers 6:22-27
Psalm 67:2-3,5,6,8
Galations 4:4-7
Luke 2:16-21