The second reading this week is rather short, but extremely profound. Something I have noticed going through the different stages in my life is that prayer changes with you as you mature. Prayer is not something that is done “right” or “wrong” per se. In fact, there are many different forms of prayer that fit a range of lifestyles. As a young adult in your 20s or 30s, you are probably busy. As a young adult we have a lot going on: weddings, careers, schooling, children, volunteering, etc. The best thing about our Lord is that he is available 24-7.
Prayer is a relationship. It isn’t simply stating our needs before God like a shopping list. In any relationship, communication is one of the most important factors. For example, if I am with a friend and all I am doing is talking about my wants and needs, I do not give my friend any time to respond or tell me about his wants or needs. I am being pretty selfish in the conversation and even worse, I am being a bad friend. Obviously it feels a lot different when we sit down to pray because we can’t always hear God or we feel like He isn’t listening. Nevertheless, God is always available and always willing to sit and listen to us.
Prayer can be compared to a cell phone service. The major difference is that we have the best network you could possibly imagine. We have the ultimate 3G (3 persons, 1 God) – the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. There are no limits on messaging, minutes, or long distance. God is always available. He has us penciled in; it is up to us to keep the appointments.
You may be thinking that there is way too much going on for me to sit down and pray. Well not everyone needs to take hours out of their day to pray in solitude. However, you and I can pray throughout the day. We can say a rosary on the way to or from work. We can do daily readings of Scripture when we wake up and think about them throughout our work day. We can offer hours of work or school up for someone who needs it. Before we go to bed, we can recount our actions during the day—recognizing the times we failed and ask for the grace and strength we need to get through tomorrow. There are multiple forms of prayer that we can do at different times in the day.
So as the 2nd reading states, “The Spirit comes to the aid of our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes with inexpressible groanings.” Let the Spirit help you pray. Allow Him to guide you into making your day prayerful. Let Him guide your conversations, your thoughts and your actions.
Saints for Young Adults
Pier Giorgio Frassati (1901-1925) was dedicated to works of social action, charity, prayer and community. He enjoyed the outdoors and constantly would climb mountains with friends. He was involved with Catholic youth and student groups, the Apostleship of Prayer, Catholic Action, and was a third order Dominican. He would often say, "Charity is not enough; we need social reform." He helped establish a newspaper entitled Momento, whose principles were based on Pope Leo XIII's encyclical: Rerum Novarum. (source: Catholic Online) Blessed Pier Giorgio Frasatti was a young “normal” guy who dedicated his life in service of others. He loved to care for the poor and those less fortunate.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Evangelization
A bulletin article written by Angela Amore, FOCUS Team Director, Ramapo College
For more information about FOCUS (the Fellowship of Catholic University Students)
click here.
It’s a scary word to Catholics, but Pope Paul VI tells us that the Church’s very identity is mission. So, what is our Identity, our mission as Catholics? We only need to turn to the last words Christ gave us on this earth, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always to the close of the age.” (Mt 28:19-20) The last command that Jesus gave us before ascending into Heaven, clearly tells us that we need to bring others to know, “the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom [He has] sent.” (Jn 17:3). The apostles took this seriously, hit the ground running, brought people the Gospel, and died for this believe.
Not too many of us our going to preach to the multitudes, but we are still called to fulfill this mission. It can seem like a daunting task with 7.6 billion people on this Earth. As in all things, we need only to look to the example of Christ. Jesus took 12 guys camping for 3 years. Jesus invested His very self into three of these men specifically; Peter, James and John. They were with Him at the Transfiguration and in the Garden before His death. He entrusted
everything He knew to these faithful men who would be able to teach others also. (cf 2 Tim 2:2) And that is all we need to do. Think about 3 people. Just three people in whom you can invest yourself and be ready to give witness for the reason of your hope. (cf 1 Pt 3:15) If these three people meet the person of Jesus Christ and then each find three people to invest in and bring to the Lord, who then find three more, and so on, we can reach the entirety of the 7.6 billion people on this planet for Christ in 33 years (same number Jesus was on this Earth, FYI)
It is as simple as grabbing coffee and over time start bringing up questions of the faith. Or playing basketball and talking after the game. It is not being afraid to ask the person at the desk next to you to come back to Mass. For me, it was seeing the constant joy of my lacrosse teammates day in and day out for three years to question where that kind of peace could come from. Start on the most natural of levels and do not be afraid to go deeper with people. It takes time. It takes patience. It takes trust in the Lord to go outside of our comfort zone and bring Him up to those around us. The battle has already been won and failure is not an option, so we have no reason to fear evangelization. Remember and trust in Christ’s promise as He gave us this mission; “lo, I am with you always until the close of the age.”
~Angela Amore, FOCUS Team Director
For more information about FOCUS (the Fellowship of Catholic University Students)
click here.
It’s a scary word to Catholics, but Pope Paul VI tells us that the Church’s very identity is mission. So, what is our Identity, our mission as Catholics? We only need to turn to the last words Christ gave us on this earth, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always to the close of the age.” (Mt 28:19-20) The last command that Jesus gave us before ascending into Heaven, clearly tells us that we need to bring others to know, “the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom [He has] sent.” (Jn 17:3). The apostles took this seriously, hit the ground running, brought people the Gospel, and died for this believe.
Not too many of us our going to preach to the multitudes, but we are still called to fulfill this mission. It can seem like a daunting task with 7.6 billion people on this Earth. As in all things, we need only to look to the example of Christ. Jesus took 12 guys camping for 3 years. Jesus invested His very self into three of these men specifically; Peter, James and John. They were with Him at the Transfiguration and in the Garden before His death. He entrusted
everything He knew to these faithful men who would be able to teach others also. (cf 2 Tim 2:2) And that is all we need to do. Think about 3 people. Just three people in whom you can invest yourself and be ready to give witness for the reason of your hope. (cf 1 Pt 3:15) If these three people meet the person of Jesus Christ and then each find three people to invest in and bring to the Lord, who then find three more, and so on, we can reach the entirety of the 7.6 billion people on this planet for Christ in 33 years (same number Jesus was on this Earth, FYI)
It is as simple as grabbing coffee and over time start bringing up questions of the faith. Or playing basketball and talking after the game. It is not being afraid to ask the person at the desk next to you to come back to Mass. For me, it was seeing the constant joy of my lacrosse teammates day in and day out for three years to question where that kind of peace could come from. Start on the most natural of levels and do not be afraid to go deeper with people. It takes time. It takes patience. It takes trust in the Lord to go outside of our comfort zone and bring Him up to those around us. The battle has already been won and failure is not an option, so we have no reason to fear evangelization. Remember and trust in Christ’s promise as He gave us this mission; “lo, I am with you always until the close of the age.”
~Angela Amore, FOCUS Team Director
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Saying "I Do" to God
Getting married as a young adult is changing very much these days. I said to my fiancé the other day, “I am getting married at 24. It’s crazy how that is considered YOUNG.” My reasoning behind this was preempted by my parents who were married at 22 and 20. When my grandparents got married it was not uncommon to be married at 17 or 18, yet nowadays 24 is considered young for marriage. What has changed? What is the “right time” to get married?
In recent years, most people have been focusing on solidifying a career before settling down to get married. Who can blame them? With unemployment still at a very uncomfortable rate and what seems like no job security, coupled with an unprecedented high cost of living, I believe that most people struggle to get by and therefore do not want to subject their spouse and children to that. There is something missing in that equation—trust in God.
I know of a few couples who are called to marry one another, they know it, but they do not take the next step because of financial uncertainty. To clarify, none of these couples are by any means near the poverty line. Yet, for some reason in this country the American Dream is pushing us to strive for ideals, forgo sacrifice, and place control into our own hands rather than relying on God’s mercy. So the thought process becomes: I need to have ‘x’ amount of money in the bank before I get engaged and plan my wedding; I need to have worked my way to middle management before I have a child; I need, I need, I need. Since when do we really know what we need and when we need it? The right time to get married is in God’s time. Instead of thinking about what we want when we want it, let’s try thinking about what God wants when God wants it.
When I decided to get engaged last June, I was making next to nothing. I was a Graduate Assistant at Seton Hall, which paid a monthly stipend that barely paid my expenses. I had no clue what I would do in terms of a career. I had a little bit of money in the bank saved from when I was young (I had jobs since I was 13 years old), but I knew that God was calling me to do this. I knew he wanted me to trust in Him because I knew He would provide me with what I needed. I didn’t need a six-figure salary and a house. What I needed to do was trust in God’s plan for my life—I trusted in HIS DREAM for me, not the American Dream.
As you are reading this article this Sunday, July 10, I am saying my vows at Sacred Heart R.C. Church in Clifton. I will be marrying my high school sweetheart of over eight years. Olivia and I wish for our marriage to become a witness to others that worldly prosperity is not a necessary component to following God’s will. In fact, this week’s gospel speaks of having the word of God literally in your face, yet you cannot see nor hear it. Take these words to heart as you discern God’s calling in your own life. Perhaps God is calling you to take the next step in your relationship. Maybe He is calling you to serve Him as a priest, deacon, or in the religious life. He may want you to live a single life. Regardless of your calling, do not turn a blind eye or a deaf ear to it. Answer it. When? Now. Take the step, and watch what beauty God will unfold in your life. Allow His words fall on the rich soil of your hearts so that it can “produce fruit, a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold.”
In recent years, most people have been focusing on solidifying a career before settling down to get married. Who can blame them? With unemployment still at a very uncomfortable rate and what seems like no job security, coupled with an unprecedented high cost of living, I believe that most people struggle to get by and therefore do not want to subject their spouse and children to that. There is something missing in that equation—trust in God.
I know of a few couples who are called to marry one another, they know it, but they do not take the next step because of financial uncertainty. To clarify, none of these couples are by any means near the poverty line. Yet, for some reason in this country the American Dream is pushing us to strive for ideals, forgo sacrifice, and place control into our own hands rather than relying on God’s mercy. So the thought process becomes: I need to have ‘x’ amount of money in the bank before I get engaged and plan my wedding; I need to have worked my way to middle management before I have a child; I need, I need, I need. Since when do we really know what we need and when we need it? The right time to get married is in God’s time. Instead of thinking about what we want when we want it, let’s try thinking about what God wants when God wants it.
When I decided to get engaged last June, I was making next to nothing. I was a Graduate Assistant at Seton Hall, which paid a monthly stipend that barely paid my expenses. I had no clue what I would do in terms of a career. I had a little bit of money in the bank saved from when I was young (I had jobs since I was 13 years old), but I knew that God was calling me to do this. I knew he wanted me to trust in Him because I knew He would provide me with what I needed. I didn’t need a six-figure salary and a house. What I needed to do was trust in God’s plan for my life—I trusted in HIS DREAM for me, not the American Dream.
As you are reading this article this Sunday, July 10, I am saying my vows at Sacred Heart R.C. Church in Clifton. I will be marrying my high school sweetheart of over eight years. Olivia and I wish for our marriage to become a witness to others that worldly prosperity is not a necessary component to following God’s will. In fact, this week’s gospel speaks of having the word of God literally in your face, yet you cannot see nor hear it. Take these words to heart as you discern God’s calling in your own life. Perhaps God is calling you to take the next step in your relationship. Maybe He is calling you to serve Him as a priest, deacon, or in the religious life. He may want you to live a single life. Regardless of your calling, do not turn a blind eye or a deaf ear to it. Answer it. When? Now. Take the step, and watch what beauty God will unfold in your life. Allow His words fall on the rich soil of your hearts so that it can “produce fruit, a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold.”
Sunday, September 18, 2011
No Fair!
Bulletin Article 9/18
“God isn’t fair!” a student called out in class one day. I looked at the 11 year old with a smile and said, “What do you mean?” The student replied innocently, “Everything I want, God says I can’t have.” “EVERYTHING? So you don’t want happiness, love, and eternal life?” I said jokingly. I continued by saying, “Suppose I came into class the first day and gave you all of the money I have in my bank account, all of the clothes that I own, all of the food I have, and all of my other possessions. Would you like that?” “OH YEAH!” the student replied. “And then let’s say I told you that in order to pass the class you needed to come just one hour a week, would that sound like a good idea? Is that fair?” His hesitated for a moment and then said, “No..yes..no? Well it seems unfair to you. You gave me all you had and I just have to show up. I don’t need to do any work or read or participate!” I simply said, “Exactly.”
This week’s Gospel can seem unfair. If you are a senior in college, think of it this way. You spend four years studying for exams, writing papers, working (unpaid) internships, and reading countless articles for that one day where you get to walk through the Ramapo Arch, pass your tassel from the right to the left, and get your degree. You turn to the person to your left and notice that they just began last year—they studied for one year and earned the same degree as you! NOT FAIR! What’s amazing about this passage is that God continues to challenge those of us who think that we are owed something. It challenges us to realize that our lives are about what we owe HIM.
I am amazed as I encounter new people from different areas and age groups. I find an overwhelming sense of entitlement among most people these days. Whether it is someone who has been working for 40 years or someone right out of college, we as a society seem to think that because we have done a certain act or duty or achieved a certain status that we are owed something. I fall into this thought process as well. After receiving my Master’s degree, I thought that I deserved a premier spot within the Church. I applied to numerous PhD programs both in the United States and Rome with hopes that I would earn my doctorate and become a young, vibrant Theology professor that would ignite a fire in the hearts of the youth of our Church. God had other plans. His plan was to have me coordinate a Junior High Faith Formation program and teach middle school students and then come here to ICC and Ramapo to serve the Young Adults in our Parish Community. I could simply say, “God that isn’t fair; it’s not what I want.” (Which I did for a little while) but I don’t want to be the complaining vineyard worker. I want to give everything I have while I am working in that field so that I may truly earn that wage. I find myself coming to the same conclusion my student came to-I owe something to God, since He gave everything for me.
Fortunately, I have heard God’s call at a young age and I have, God willing, roughly 60 years of working in his vineyard before I receive my “wages.” But knowing that these wages equal eternal life is what keeps me working as hard as I can. I am not looking to earn over time or time and a half, because my wages equal everything I could possibly ever need or want-eternally being united to the God who created me. I know there will be people who start working in the vineyard long after me. I know there will be those who come in at the last minute and get paid just the same. That’s ok because Jesus gave everything he had for me. I owe him more than an hour-more than a day. I owe Him all that I have. I owe Him my life. Which worker are you? Are you satisfied with your wages?
“God isn’t fair!” a student called out in class one day. I looked at the 11 year old with a smile and said, “What do you mean?” The student replied innocently, “Everything I want, God says I can’t have.” “EVERYTHING? So you don’t want happiness, love, and eternal life?” I said jokingly. I continued by saying, “Suppose I came into class the first day and gave you all of the money I have in my bank account, all of the clothes that I own, all of the food I have, and all of my other possessions. Would you like that?” “OH YEAH!” the student replied. “And then let’s say I told you that in order to pass the class you needed to come just one hour a week, would that sound like a good idea? Is that fair?” His hesitated for a moment and then said, “No..yes..no? Well it seems unfair to you. You gave me all you had and I just have to show up. I don’t need to do any work or read or participate!” I simply said, “Exactly.”
This week’s Gospel can seem unfair. If you are a senior in college, think of it this way. You spend four years studying for exams, writing papers, working (unpaid) internships, and reading countless articles for that one day where you get to walk through the Ramapo Arch, pass your tassel from the right to the left, and get your degree. You turn to the person to your left and notice that they just began last year—they studied for one year and earned the same degree as you! NOT FAIR! What’s amazing about this passage is that God continues to challenge those of us who think that we are owed something. It challenges us to realize that our lives are about what we owe HIM.
I am amazed as I encounter new people from different areas and age groups. I find an overwhelming sense of entitlement among most people these days. Whether it is someone who has been working for 40 years or someone right out of college, we as a society seem to think that because we have done a certain act or duty or achieved a certain status that we are owed something. I fall into this thought process as well. After receiving my Master’s degree, I thought that I deserved a premier spot within the Church. I applied to numerous PhD programs both in the United States and Rome with hopes that I would earn my doctorate and become a young, vibrant Theology professor that would ignite a fire in the hearts of the youth of our Church. God had other plans. His plan was to have me coordinate a Junior High Faith Formation program and teach middle school students and then come here to ICC and Ramapo to serve the Young Adults in our Parish Community. I could simply say, “God that isn’t fair; it’s not what I want.” (Which I did for a little while) but I don’t want to be the complaining vineyard worker. I want to give everything I have while I am working in that field so that I may truly earn that wage. I find myself coming to the same conclusion my student came to-I owe something to God, since He gave everything for me.
Fortunately, I have heard God’s call at a young age and I have, God willing, roughly 60 years of working in his vineyard before I receive my “wages.” But knowing that these wages equal eternal life is what keeps me working as hard as I can. I am not looking to earn over time or time and a half, because my wages equal everything I could possibly ever need or want-eternally being united to the God who created me. I know there will be people who start working in the vineyard long after me. I know there will be those who come in at the last minute and get paid just the same. That’s ok because Jesus gave everything he had for me. I owe him more than an hour-more than a day. I owe Him all that I have. I owe Him my life. Which worker are you? Are you satisfied with your wages?
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Relativism
Bulletin 8/28
Growing up, my school assemblies would always talk about self-esteem. It seems that elementary schools in the late 80’s and 90’s (sorry for my older readers-I don’t mean to rub it in your face) had this one major issue on their minds. It would seem to be up to the teachers of that decade to instill within students like myself that we are “special.” We have a value and a purpose and we should see that. A common phrase used was, “Can’t we all just get along?” The push for such education can be justified—just as anti-bullying programs are justifiable today. What started as an attempt to boost self-confidence and love of oneself has, in a way, naturally transformed itself into what theologians and philosophers call relativism.
Relativism is the belief that all ideas, opinions, beliefs, etc. hold the same value. It implies that there is no universal truth. (If I’m ok, you’re ok, everything is ok) If I want to believe that 2+2=5, then who are you to tell me otherwise? Obviously that example is a bit extreme, but if we look at some of the issues we face as Catholics today, we can clearly see this philosophy at work. Issues such as the redefinition of marriage, abortion, artificial contraception, embryonic stem cell research, and other hot button topics can be linked to this idea that there is no natural or universal law or truth. The flip side of these issues places the Catholic Church in a position where it may “suffer greatly” (Matthew 16:21) when they stand up for a universal truth.
By constantly hearing “I love me for me” and “It’s ok to be me” led many of my generation to the next obvious question—Who is this “me” I am supposed to love, or more grammatically correct, “Who am I?” Finding who “me” is for many of my peers and others in my generation meant that they would or could redefine their identity. Even though I grew up in a fairly middle-class suburb in central New Jersey, many of my friends decided that they would fabricate this ideal that we lived in the ghetto. People in my middle and high school claimed to be from the School of Hard Knocks, when in reality they lived in a 5 bedroom house with a maid
and a landscaper. Other false identities quickly followed based on what we saw in movies, listened to in music, and what we saw others doing. Was this just typical adolescence? Perhaps—or perhaps because it was coupled with a “find yourself…love yourself...don’t let anyone try and change you” attitude, we are now faced with many other forms of redefinition today.
Through my school assemblies, I was taught that just because someone is different than I am does not give me the right to feel like I am more important or entitled to more than that person. It certainly doesn’t give me the right to hurt or make fun of that person either. This teaching is true and remains true to this day. In fact as Catholics, we believe in the dignity of all human beings regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, looks, wealth, or sinfulness. Yet when we stand up for what we believe in we are labeled, by some, as old fashioned, haters, bigots, and worse. So how do we as Catholics stand up for truth in a loving way?
Without putting this type of formation in the correct context, there is no wonder why we have allowed the world to form such a thought process which leads to relativism. The Church teaches the fact that we are all created by God with a dignity. We were created by God who is love (1 John 4:8). We were created out of love, for love, and we deserve nothing less than love. So yes we are supposed to respect and love all of God’s creations, including ourselves. Yet God calls us out of ourselves in this week’s Gospel saying to deny ourselves for the sake of His Kingdom. We are to deny the world and not conform to it (Romans 12:1-2). We must stand up for the universal truth, God’s truth and His law must govern our lives. We may suffer greatly for this in terms of the world. Yet if we do not, the world will suffer greatly. How do we do this? Love. Love till it hurts. Love when it feels like the Lord “duped you.” (Jeremiah 20:7) Love as God loved. Love to death.
Growing up, my school assemblies would always talk about self-esteem. It seems that elementary schools in the late 80’s and 90’s (sorry for my older readers-I don’t mean to rub it in your face) had this one major issue on their minds. It would seem to be up to the teachers of that decade to instill within students like myself that we are “special.” We have a value and a purpose and we should see that. A common phrase used was, “Can’t we all just get along?” The push for such education can be justified—just as anti-bullying programs are justifiable today. What started as an attempt to boost self-confidence and love of oneself has, in a way, naturally transformed itself into what theologians and philosophers call relativism.
Relativism is the belief that all ideas, opinions, beliefs, etc. hold the same value. It implies that there is no universal truth. (If I’m ok, you’re ok, everything is ok) If I want to believe that 2+2=5, then who are you to tell me otherwise? Obviously that example is a bit extreme, but if we look at some of the issues we face as Catholics today, we can clearly see this philosophy at work. Issues such as the redefinition of marriage, abortion, artificial contraception, embryonic stem cell research, and other hot button topics can be linked to this idea that there is no natural or universal law or truth. The flip side of these issues places the Catholic Church in a position where it may “suffer greatly” (Matthew 16:21) when they stand up for a universal truth.
By constantly hearing “I love me for me” and “It’s ok to be me” led many of my generation to the next obvious question—Who is this “me” I am supposed to love, or more grammatically correct, “Who am I?” Finding who “me” is for many of my peers and others in my generation meant that they would or could redefine their identity. Even though I grew up in a fairly middle-class suburb in central New Jersey, many of my friends decided that they would fabricate this ideal that we lived in the ghetto. People in my middle and high school claimed to be from the School of Hard Knocks, when in reality they lived in a 5 bedroom house with a maid
and a landscaper. Other false identities quickly followed based on what we saw in movies, listened to in music, and what we saw others doing. Was this just typical adolescence? Perhaps—or perhaps because it was coupled with a “find yourself…love yourself...don’t let anyone try and change you” attitude, we are now faced with many other forms of redefinition today.
Through my school assemblies, I was taught that just because someone is different than I am does not give me the right to feel like I am more important or entitled to more than that person. It certainly doesn’t give me the right to hurt or make fun of that person either. This teaching is true and remains true to this day. In fact as Catholics, we believe in the dignity of all human beings regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, looks, wealth, or sinfulness. Yet when we stand up for what we believe in we are labeled, by some, as old fashioned, haters, bigots, and worse. So how do we as Catholics stand up for truth in a loving way?
Without putting this type of formation in the correct context, there is no wonder why we have allowed the world to form such a thought process which leads to relativism. The Church teaches the fact that we are all created by God with a dignity. We were created by God who is love (1 John 4:8). We were created out of love, for love, and we deserve nothing less than love. So yes we are supposed to respect and love all of God’s creations, including ourselves. Yet God calls us out of ourselves in this week’s Gospel saying to deny ourselves for the sake of His Kingdom. We are to deny the world and not conform to it (Romans 12:1-2). We must stand up for the universal truth, God’s truth and His law must govern our lives. We may suffer greatly for this in terms of the world. Yet if we do not, the world will suffer greatly. How do we do this? Love. Love till it hurts. Love when it feels like the Lord “duped you.” (Jeremiah 20:7) Love as God loved. Love to death.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
World Youth Day Reflections
Bulletin Article 8/14
About 11 years ago, when I was only 13 years old, I embarked on my first pilgrimage. I was an active member of my home parish’s youth group, which focused mostly on community service, and the opportunity came for a group of us to go to World Youth Day in Rome. It was the year 2000, a Jubilee Year for the Church, and Pope John Paul II called for all the young people in the world to come “home” to Rome to celebrate their Catholic faith. I can trace my involvement in the Church back to this experience. Although I was still a kid, the trip to the Holy City had an enormous impact on me and my life. It was during the pilgrimage that I first heard God’s calling in my life.
The way in which World Youth Day is set up allows for young people to participate in different catechetical workshops, concerts, sightseeing, and interaction with groups from all over the world. World Youth Day (which is actually a week in length) culminates with a pilgrimage or walk to a predetermined area where the pilgrims celebrate a vigil prayer service led by the Pope, then they camp outside and celebrate a final Mass in the morning. The final night is, by far, the climax of the WYD experience.
After walking for several miles in the summer heat, you finally arrive at the huge, open field—your home for the night. As a 13 year old walking for miles, sweating, and carrying my next 3 meals in a box, that rolling field was the most beautiful site I had ever seen. As the pilgrims flood in, music is playing, people are worshipping, talking, greeting you in other languages—it is truly a wonderful experience. Flags from all different nations are flying, people are trading knickknacks and prayer cards to remember each other by, all while you try and set up your small camp (no tents are allowed, just tarps and sleeping bags on the ground). Then as the sun sets the prayer vigil begins. You pull out a candle (which was given to you at the start of your journey), which you light along with the million other young people after the sun is down during prayer. I have seen some beautiful things in my life, but nothing compares to this. The combination of spiritual awareness, community, faith, and love of God along with darkness illuminated by hundreds of thousands, if not millions of candles simply takes your breath away.
Since that experience, I have participated in two other World Youth Days, once in Toronto (2002) and once in Germany (2005). Although I was given the opportunity to attend WYD Australia in 2008 and once again this year in Spain, I declined and stayed home. However, I am finding that more and more young adults are making the pilgrimage to World Youth Day. Each time I went I was blown away by the number of young people who gathered together simply to grow in love with the Lord. These pilgrimages helped me to fall in love and stay in love with the Lord at extremely pivotal times in my life.
This week (August 15-21) young people from all over the world will gather in Madrid, Spain, along with countless priests, bishops, religious, and the Pope himself, to celebrate their Catholic faith. I have several family members and friends who will be there. My prayer is that those participating in whatever shape or form will arrive at a deeper appreciation and love for God and His Church. Our local news stations might say a few passing words about WYD, but if you want to capture the real experience, you will have to register for the next one in 2014! If you want to keep up with how it is going, simply log on to the United States Catholic Bishops website (usccb.org) and click on the links for WYD or go to the WYD website (www.madrid11.com) for videos, articles, and podcasts (who ever said the Church needs to get with the times?! – we are very well up to date)! You could even sign up for a virtual pilgrimage on Facebook—follow along! May the Lord bless the Holy Father and all of our young pilgrims.
About 11 years ago, when I was only 13 years old, I embarked on my first pilgrimage. I was an active member of my home parish’s youth group, which focused mostly on community service, and the opportunity came for a group of us to go to World Youth Day in Rome. It was the year 2000, a Jubilee Year for the Church, and Pope John Paul II called for all the young people in the world to come “home” to Rome to celebrate their Catholic faith. I can trace my involvement in the Church back to this experience. Although I was still a kid, the trip to the Holy City had an enormous impact on me and my life. It was during the pilgrimage that I first heard God’s calling in my life.
The way in which World Youth Day is set up allows for young people to participate in different catechetical workshops, concerts, sightseeing, and interaction with groups from all over the world. World Youth Day (which is actually a week in length) culminates with a pilgrimage or walk to a predetermined area where the pilgrims celebrate a vigil prayer service led by the Pope, then they camp outside and celebrate a final Mass in the morning. The final night is, by far, the climax of the WYD experience.
After walking for several miles in the summer heat, you finally arrive at the huge, open field—your home for the night. As a 13 year old walking for miles, sweating, and carrying my next 3 meals in a box, that rolling field was the most beautiful site I had ever seen. As the pilgrims flood in, music is playing, people are worshipping, talking, greeting you in other languages—it is truly a wonderful experience. Flags from all different nations are flying, people are trading knickknacks and prayer cards to remember each other by, all while you try and set up your small camp (no tents are allowed, just tarps and sleeping bags on the ground). Then as the sun sets the prayer vigil begins. You pull out a candle (which was given to you at the start of your journey), which you light along with the million other young people after the sun is down during prayer. I have seen some beautiful things in my life, but nothing compares to this. The combination of spiritual awareness, community, faith, and love of God along with darkness illuminated by hundreds of thousands, if not millions of candles simply takes your breath away.
Since that experience, I have participated in two other World Youth Days, once in Toronto (2002) and once in Germany (2005). Although I was given the opportunity to attend WYD Australia in 2008 and once again this year in Spain, I declined and stayed home. However, I am finding that more and more young adults are making the pilgrimage to World Youth Day. Each time I went I was blown away by the number of young people who gathered together simply to grow in love with the Lord. These pilgrimages helped me to fall in love and stay in love with the Lord at extremely pivotal times in my life.
This week (August 15-21) young people from all over the world will gather in Madrid, Spain, along with countless priests, bishops, religious, and the Pope himself, to celebrate their Catholic faith. I have several family members and friends who will be there. My prayer is that those participating in whatever shape or form will arrive at a deeper appreciation and love for God and His Church. Our local news stations might say a few passing words about WYD, but if you want to capture the real experience, you will have to register for the next one in 2014! If you want to keep up with how it is going, simply log on to the United States Catholic Bishops website (usccb.org) and click on the links for WYD or go to the WYD website (www.madrid11.com) for videos, articles, and podcasts (who ever said the Church needs to get with the times?! – we are very well up to date)! You could even sign up for a virtual pilgrimage on Facebook—follow along! May the Lord bless the Holy Father and all of our young pilgrims.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Trust-Take 2
Bulletin Article 8/7/11
Last week I wrote about trust. Trust can be rewarding, but it almost always comes with a challenge. The Lord constantly calls us outside of ourselves. He calls us to do more today than we did yesterday. The Lord knows what we are capable of and calls us to see it for ourselves. Peter learns this first hand in this week’s Gospel.
Immediately after the miracle of Jesus multiplying the bread and fish, He tests the Disciples’ trust. In the midst of a storm, He walks toward the boar on the water. They have seen Jesus cure the sick, cast out demons, multiply loaves, and calm a storm, yet they still are afraid and lack trust. Peter, being the leader of the 12, calls out to Jesus and tests Him. Could you imagine testing the Lord? It shouldn’t be too hard considering how often we do it on a daily basis! Just like Peter and the Disciples, we are quick to test the Lord and doubt Him even though he has already proven Himself as our Lord.
Peter steps out of the boat and walks on water. I often tell this story about Peter when I give talks or teach lessons on Christianity. Peter, our first Pope, was one of the biggest screw ups of all time. There are many times where Peter failed—just open the New Testament and you will find examples. However his failures show that he TRIED. He took leaps of faith and stepped out of the boat literally and metaphorically. Can you imagine standing at the edge of the boat? Peter was a fisherman by trade, so he grew up in boats. He was comfortable in them and knew how to deal with everything the water threw at him. Yet Jesus called Him to more. Imagine standing on the edge of the boat watching the waves crash around you. Holding on for dear life, you take one foot and put it over the edge but quickly pull it back in. You put your foot back over and then you follow with the other one. You are now sitting on the edge of the boat with your feet on the surface of the water. You stand up and let go of the side of the boat and you take your first step toward Jesus. That is trust defined.
Last week I wrote that Trust is hard to define but easy to understand. That moment where we let go of what we are comfortable and take a step into the unthinkable or the uncertain—that moment is complete and utter trust. What boats are you in in your life? Have we grown too comfortable in our jobs, our commitments, or our lives? Is Jesus calling us to step out of that which is comfortable into a world where He will make us do the unthinkable? What are you waiting for? Jesus already has proven Himself as our Lord. He conquered death and holds us in the palm of His hand. What are you doing in the boat? I think it’s time you and I walked on water. We can do it—one trusting step at a time.
Last week I wrote about trust. Trust can be rewarding, but it almost always comes with a challenge. The Lord constantly calls us outside of ourselves. He calls us to do more today than we did yesterday. The Lord knows what we are capable of and calls us to see it for ourselves. Peter learns this first hand in this week’s Gospel.
Immediately after the miracle of Jesus multiplying the bread and fish, He tests the Disciples’ trust. In the midst of a storm, He walks toward the boar on the water. They have seen Jesus cure the sick, cast out demons, multiply loaves, and calm a storm, yet they still are afraid and lack trust. Peter, being the leader of the 12, calls out to Jesus and tests Him. Could you imagine testing the Lord? It shouldn’t be too hard considering how often we do it on a daily basis! Just like Peter and the Disciples, we are quick to test the Lord and doubt Him even though he has already proven Himself as our Lord.
Peter steps out of the boat and walks on water. I often tell this story about Peter when I give talks or teach lessons on Christianity. Peter, our first Pope, was one of the biggest screw ups of all time. There are many times where Peter failed—just open the New Testament and you will find examples. However his failures show that he TRIED. He took leaps of faith and stepped out of the boat literally and metaphorically. Can you imagine standing at the edge of the boat? Peter was a fisherman by trade, so he grew up in boats. He was comfortable in them and knew how to deal with everything the water threw at him. Yet Jesus called Him to more. Imagine standing on the edge of the boat watching the waves crash around you. Holding on for dear life, you take one foot and put it over the edge but quickly pull it back in. You put your foot back over and then you follow with the other one. You are now sitting on the edge of the boat with your feet on the surface of the water. You stand up and let go of the side of the boat and you take your first step toward Jesus. That is trust defined.
Last week I wrote that Trust is hard to define but easy to understand. That moment where we let go of what we are comfortable and take a step into the unthinkable or the uncertain—that moment is complete and utter trust. What boats are you in in your life? Have we grown too comfortable in our jobs, our commitments, or our lives? Is Jesus calling us to step out of that which is comfortable into a world where He will make us do the unthinkable? What are you waiting for? Jesus already has proven Himself as our Lord. He conquered death and holds us in the palm of His hand. What are you doing in the boat? I think it’s time you and I walked on water. We can do it—one trusting step at a time.
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