Tied Together

Friends of Faith:

“In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” The simplest of prayers. They are said at each Christian baptism (which is why all Christian baptism is recognized by the Church), but yet associated with Catholics when we make the Sign of the Cross.

I often wonder if we realize just how powerful these words are when we use them to bless ourselves; when we invoke the Trinity into our lives; when we tie together our baptism and Christ’s death on the cross: our birth into the Christian life and our redemption into everlasting life. A sign and a signing that we are given life thru Him.

“As followers of Jesus Christ, we are united to his passion death and resurrection. We take the sign of his cross on to our own bodies. This central symbol of our faith becomes the beginning point of our prayer, and its conclusion. It’s how we place boundaries in time and space that say, “Now I’m praying; this time belongs to God.” Our actual words, “In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” reflect this delineation of sacred time and space, and recognize that all we are and all we do is connected to the mystery of the Trinity.

“In addition to beginning and ending prayer, the Sign of the Cross is used at other times as well, for example, when receiving a formal blessing, receiving absolution, and entering a church and blessing oneself with holy water. Generally speaking, it’s appropriate to make the Sign of the Cross any time you hear the words, “In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” (from USCCB, For Your Marriage.org)

This is the one who came through water and blood, Jesus Christ, not by water alone, but by water and blood. The Spirit is the one who testifies, and the Spirit is truth. So there are three that testify, the Spirit, the water, and the blood, and the three are of one accord. If we accept human testimony, the testimony of God is surely greater. Now the testimony of God is this, that he has testified on behalf of his Son. 1 Jn 5: 1-19

Each time I hear this reading I am reminded of a decorative wedding plaque which says: “May our lives be bound together, made stronger when bound together by God, while two can be undone, three cords cannot be easily untangled.”

Three of one accord – Father, Son and Holy Spirit; Husband, Wife and God—our unity made stronger, made lasting, and bound together as one in prayer, thought and deed.

May we prayerfully and thoughtfully make our lives stronger, bound together with Christ in all we do,

Blessings,

Charlotte

www.morningreflection.blogspot.com

Spirit Alive

Friends of Faith:

It seems appropriate that we gained an hour yesterday – an extra hour as nature changes seasons to allow ourselves time to adjust to a new temperature and climate—to remain naturally alive.

I often wonder what would happen if we truly allowed ourselves to live and change in our daily lives as nature does: if we more closely followed God’s design for life – coming to life, living fully, winding down and sleeping—morning, noon, evening and night—spring, summer, fall and winter— birth, childhood, adulthood and death.

It is human to want to take control of nature, to try to form it into some fashion that better suits my own purpose. Instead I should daily pray that God will be and remain my controlling force so that I will do his will rather than my own.

The recent Synod on the Family allowed us to see the Church alive—as it educated itself and sought wisdom and understanding within God’s nature. ‘The work of the synod focused on “the desire to strengthen and reinvigorate the pastoral practice of the church.”’ Its purpose is not and was not to change Church teaching, but to brainstorm Christ’s message in today’s current culture and to find ways to better evangelize Christ’s message to all.

The Synod showed that the Church does not sleep but remains vigilant and alive to protect us within a world of individualism, materialism and relativism, while understanding Christ’s message of healing and mercy for each of us in our human sin and weakness. synodonfamily.wordpress.com

“Concerning times and seasons, brothers, you have no need for anything to be written to you. For you yourselves know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief at night….For all of you are children of the light and children of the day. We are not of the night or of darkness. Therefore, let us not sleep as the rest do, but let us stay alert and sober. Those who sleep go to sleep at night, and those who are drunk get drunk at night. But since we are of the day, let us be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love and the helmet that is hope for salvation. For God did not destine us for wrath, but to gain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep we may live together with him. Therefore, encourage one another and build one another up, as indeed you do.” 1 Thes 5: 1-11

I have heard lately the terms “pagans in the pews” and“spirits outside the doors of the Church.” This is what each of us could become if we do not stay “fully alive” by seeking education and constant conversion from Scripture and His Church, from never going into or beyond the church door. It is not enough to just say we are Christian, it is not enough to go to church only when we can or only when we “have to,” and it is not enough to just soak it in without any intention to live it and share it, because Christ calls us to be more – to be Spirit Alive!

As Paul taught the early Christians we are to remain vigilant and ready. While nature may seem to want to let us go to sleep, even in rest there is a restoration and growth. Faith, conversion and evangelization should never fall completely asleep and just like the Synod of Bishops we too should instead seek continuous education for a deeper understanding of Christ’s message through His Church’s teaching of that message.

Protect us, Lord, as we stay awake; watch over us as we sleep, that awake, we may keep watch with Christ, and asleep, rest in his peace. Amen

And I offer an additional prayer for each of us as we participate by voting tomorrow:

Heavenly Father, May we abide by your control, forming our conscience not for our own benefits but for yours, and for the greatest good of all those around us—protecting every life and seeking liberty, not necessarily equality, but dignity for all. May those we elect strive to do your will not theirs, to strive for truth and peace so that justice may be given freely to all. Amen.

May I not be complacent in my faith, but rather seek further learning and understanding in His name,

Blessings,

Charlotte

Blessed Are You

Friends of Faith:

Life as we know it here on earth is a constant battle between good and evil: of being challenged to use our gifts so that we can be made aware of the many blessings God gives us or to be tempted by societies promised pleasures which cause us to hide, miss or outright turn away from the peace and joy He promises.

That is why it is so appropriate to follow yesterday’s feast of Pentecost, the sending of the Holy Spirit and the beginning of the Church here on earth with today’s famous blessings of the challenges of the Sermon on the Mount passage.

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him.  He began to teach them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven. Thus they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Mt 5: 1-12

The fire used to symbolize the coming and the presence of the Spirit leads us by it’s light, moves us by it’s energy, melds and molds us into whatever shape we allow.

God wants us to accept the gifts of the Spirit:  wisdom, understanding, counsel, knowledge, fortitude, piety and fear of the Lord (wonder and awe) so that we can receive the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

In turn both the gifts and the fruits become our blessings when they are used to answer the call of His famous Sermon, the blessings of giving back the gifts and spreading the fruits to others through His Christian Church.

So blessed and loved are we all to be a part of His Church and a child of His through our Baptism.

Come Holy Spirit, Come. May we accept the gifts you present us and use them wisely for the benefit of others. Help us to allow others to see Christ through the fire you light in our hearts by the sending of Your Spirit. Thank you for the gift of your Church which becomes our family and community of support for our faith journey. Amen.

Blessed are you who believe. May your faith burn brightly for all to see,
Charlotte

Spirit Led

Friends of Faith:

“My heart is restless until it rests in Thee.”St. Agustin

 

This may sound abstract, or like something that only happens when we die, but it came to make more sense for me this weekend when a deacon said: “The devil can imitate many of the things that God can do but the devil can’t give us peace.”

I thought of the inner conflict reflected in Lk 4: 1-13 when Jesus was tempted by the devil with his own words from Scripture. And how we often don't recognize Jesus just as the disciples didn't on the road to Emmaus Lk 24: 13-25. And I was comforted by the following Psalm.
 

My soul rests in God alone, from whom comes my salvation. God alone is my rock and salvation, my secure height; I shall never fall…Even from my place on high they plot to dislodge me. They delight in lies; they bless with their mouths, but inwardly they curse. My soul, be at rest in God alone, from whom comes my hope….Mortals are a mere breath, the powerful but an illusion…Do not trust in extortion; in plunder put no empty hope. Though wealth increase, do not set your heart upon it. …Power belongs to God…so too, Lord, does kindness, And you render to each of us according to our deeds Ps 62: 1-13

 

It made me think about many of the decisions I make each day, from the little ones, like what food I want to eat; to the big ones, like which thing on the list should be my priority; to the monetary ones like how to charge a client for the work I have done; and to the more moral ones, like how to react to someone who is angry with me.

 

In each case when my choice was healthy food; giving time to Stan or a family member or a friend in need; based on value not greed; or was a choice of patience and kindness instead of from a competitive—win it all for me nature, I realized that with each decision I had found a sense of peace instead of indecision or struggle. It made me realize why both St. Agustin’s famous quote and the deacon’s advice made my Godly decisions help me find peace, hope and ultimately joy—because I was resting in and choosing God’s will.

 

Lord Jesus, send us your Spirit so that we may be helped to make our decisions based on Your truth rather than the seeming power and the lies of the devil. Come Holy Spirit, Create in us a stillness so we can hear Your voice in creation and in Scripture, in events and in people, especially in the poor and suffering. May Your word guide us so that we too, like the two disciples on the road to Emmaus, may know the power of your resurrection and witness to others that you live now among us, the true source of fraternity, justice and peace. Even when the decision is difficult help us to find rest in You. This we ask you, Jesus, Son of Mary, you who revealed the Father to us and sent us your Spirit. Amen.

 

May you find peace and joy this week, by choosing God in every decision, big and small,

Blessings,

Charlotte

Definition

Friends of Faith:

I like “definition,” to know right from wrong. I like black and white—not grey, to know that 2 plus 2 always equals 4.

And the laws of the Church have definition: good and evil, or sin and death, or discipline and life.

But faith in Christ is both, and, – it is both head and heart; both law and compassion; both the grace of faith and works because of the grace of faith. It is both Word and Tradition.

I am instructed to pray for my enemies, and to serve the person I love. I am justified in the good works I do BECAUSE I have faith (there is sacrifice in doing for others AHEAD of my own needs). And I am instructed to embrace BOTH the written Word AND the Tradition (example) that Christ intended for me to witness. Sometimes the rules are both black and white—AND the rules always make sense in the light of Christ’s ministry and life.

“And he was transfigured before them; his face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, conversing with him. Then Peter said to Jesus in reply, “Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” Mt 17: 2-4

I am transformed by staying connected to the obedience of BOTH the Law of Moses AND having the Spirit of Elijah. My connection to prayer AND fasting; listening AND witnessing; believing AND acting on my belief is what transforms me.

To have one without the other will give us the grace of faith, but no one to share it with, no one to be connected with. There is no such thing as a community of one—only if I live to give others life can there BE life. I can be the example of Christ without being Christ, but I cannot be like Christ without doing something for Christ.

“What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister has nothing to wear and has no food for the day, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, keep warm, and eat well,” but you do not give them the necessities of the body, what good is it? So also faith of itself, if it does not have works, is dead. Indeed someone might say, “You have faith and I have works.” Demonstrate your faith to me without works, and I will demonstrate my faith to you from my works. You believe that God is one. You do well. Even the demons believe that and tremble. Do you want proof, you ignoramus, that faith without works is useless? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered his son Isaac upon the altar? You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by the works. Thus the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called “the friend of God.” See how a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. And in the same way, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she welcomed the messengers and sent them out by a different route? For just as a body without a spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.” Js 2: 14-26

I won’t truly be able to abide by the law, without being led by the Spirit. I am asked to be connected by grace AND justified by the thoughts, words and actions which reflect that grace.

It is the reason we have priests and the single life—so that they will reflect  for us the visible sign of Christ AND marriages—so that thru a marriage which is open to new life we will have a visible sign of a Christian community (the domestic church), a family. Both vocations serve the other AND both vocations give love to the other.

It is the reason we are connected and transfigured by BOTH His death AND His Resurrection.

“May the road rise up to meet you, May the wind be always at your back, May the sun shine warm upon your face, And the rain fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of his hand” ― Irish Blessing

Faith is connected—to BOTH AND: To Christ, to the path of His road, to the words in the silence of the winds, to the warmth of the “son” and to the healing in the tears of the rain.
Blessings,
Charlotte

Baptized

Women of Faith:

I have this picture of a small child in a high chair, confined yet happy, with their little mouth open like a birds waiting for their parent to put in the next spoonful of oatmeal—faces covered by the excess and still smiling as they await the next bite.

I think it is very significant that we baptize infants—because they are our example of total need, total desire and total trust—they are the way God intended us to be for Him. In a babies innocence they trust blindly enough to wait, want and to fully reach their outstretched hand for someone to quench their thirst and their hunger.

Thus says the LORD: Here is my servant whom I uphold, my chosen one with whom I am pleased, upon whom I have put my spirit; he shall bring forth justice to the nations, not crying out, not shouting, not making his voice heard in the street. A bruised reed he shall not break, and a smoldering wick he shall not quench, until he establishes justice on the earth; the coastlands will wait for his teaching. “I, the LORD, have called you for the victory of justice, I have grasped you by the hand; I formed you, and set you as a covenant of the people, a light for the nations, to open the eyes of the blind, to bring out prisoners from confinement, and from the dungeon, those who live in darkness. Is 42: 1-4, 6-7

The Lord puts his Spirit upon us, he lights our way, but he does not shout, he whispers. He often leaves us at least somewhat hungry and often wanting until we fully answer his call, until we trust enough to blindly reach for his outstretched hand.

Jesus answered and said to him, “Amen, amen, I say to you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above.” … Jesus answered, “Amen, amen, I say to you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. What is born of flesh is flesh and what is born of spirit is spirit. Jn 3: 3, 5-6

God made us in his own image. And Christ tells Nicodemus that we must be born of water and the Spirit so that we can enter His kingdom. Being baptized as infants claims us for Christ and says that our parents accept that we are made in Christ’s image and that they will raise us as Christians. And then later when we reach an age of reason where we can make our own decision for God, we confirm that we accept what our parents decided for us at our baptism—that we will live according to God’s plan and by Christ’s example.

When was the last time you thought about what your baptism and subsequent confirmation meant?

Heavenly Father, you are the victor waiting for justice. You have formed us and given us the choice to answer your call, to do your will. Help me to see your light, to reach for your outstretched hand. Thank you for waiting patiently for my answer. Amen.

We are baptized by water and the Spirit. God has claimed us as His own. He is waiting patiently for us to make Him our own to use our gifts to claim those who have not yet had their eyes opened.

Be a beacon of light to the world,

Blessings,

Charlotte

Courage

Friends of Faith:

"My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they never perish." (John 10:27-28)

What does it take to hear the voice of God? Courage!

Am I afraid to seek God’s truth? Am I afraid to listen to God’s truth, or am I afraid to act on God’s truth when I find it? Or do I have the courage to respond to this gift of the Spirit?

I need courage to stand up and be a faithful Christian: to know him, to love him and to serve him. It takes courage to hear his voice, to follow his voice and to serve Him, by putting Him ahead of me.

And it takes even greater courage to lead others back into the fold of the sanctuary of God’s flock, to lead by example and speak up for His righteousness.

“Strength and beauty are in His sanctuary.” Psalm 96:6

Nothing in this world is easy. Individually, there are always challenges and conflicts to do what is right (to follow the commandments).

But what is not from God is from the devil, so until we have the courage to turn to God, to resist what is easy (or looks easy, or a way to “happy”) we will remain an easy target for evil.

And as a society it takes each of us as individuals to change and to have courage:  to choose to forgive instead of becoming angry; to choose to seek God in church on Sunday morning instead of sleeping in or attending a ball game; and to speak the truth instead of being politically correct.

Courage means making a choice FOR God—listening for, hearing and answering His voice.

Heavenly Father, Your flock is blessed with the beauty of Your sanctuary. Help me to have the strength to bear the sufferings of difficult choices. Help me to listen to Your voice. Give me the courage to seek Your truth. Give me the courage to share Your truth. Allow me to find the strength and beauty of Your sanctuary. Amen.

We are all his sheep. He knows us and we know His voice, but we must courageously listen. Will we have the courage to choose Him? Or will we choose the easy way out?

He is waiting for us to follow Him.

Blessings, 
Charlotte

My Part

Friends in Faith:

Those of you who know me know that I am somewhat of a perfectionist. I tend to get stressed and frustrated when something isn’t done right, when someone else doesn’t see the work that needs to be done, or when someone doesn’t complete their part.

My instinct then is to become very independent and just do it all: the supermom, the super organizer, the super doer :)

I constantly need reminded that God doesn’t want me to do it all; that I am only a tiny part in this great big world; that we are each put here to be a part of each other; and that we are each given different gifts, different strengths, so that we can serve and be served.

“There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; there are different forms of service but the same Lord; there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone. To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit.

As a body is one though it has many parts, and all the parts of the body, though many, are one body,so also Christ.” 1 Cor 12:3b-7

God deliberately gave men- women, husbands- wives, children- mothers and fathers. He very deliberately gave us bible role models, Mary, Martha, Ruth and Sarah; Abraham, Moses, Noah, and Peter.

What if Noah had said “no?” No time, no money, someone else can do it. (Lack of resources—but God says he will always provide). What if Noah had tried to do it alone or allowed only one of each species on the ark? Are we working two by two?

What if Mary had said “no?” Too much work, I’m not the person for the job, not listening to the calling of God. What if she had not allowed Joseph to take her to Bethlehem? (Fear of the unknown, but God said He is the Way, the Truth). Are we seeking the role models of other Christian parents and marriages?

What if Peter had said “no?” Too big of a job, someone else should do it, I’m not strong enough. (Fear of doing it alone, but God gave him the Spirit for wisdom, fortitude, and understanding.) Are we being a leader, using our talents to serve others, and allowing the Spirit to be our guide? Are we asking God for help?

Do we lovingly accept the resources, the help, provided to us by our spouse, or do we have to “earn” our own incomes? Do we try to do it all on our own, never seeking their help, so that they are left to feel as if we don’t need them EVERY day? Are we being a supermom and leaving dad feeling alone and left out?

Do we accept the advice and the truth of our friends who may see us following the wrong path?

Are we trying to be everything to our children, not allowing them to work, not allowing them to learn basic household jobs and forgetting to teach them to pray, to ask God for their needs? Are we setting them up for failure because they don’t know how to work, how to take the initiative and how to help others? Are we a frustrated “superdoer?”

Are we doing our “part” and allowing others to complete us with their “part?”
We are each a part of the Body of Christ. We are each given the opportunity to be spoken to “in our own tongues.” We must not only act, but we must learn to listen.

We must not only do our part, but we must allow others to do theirs so that the Body of Christ will be complete.

Heavenly Father, Praise be the Spirit sent to give me guidance and wisdom. Thank you for speaking to me in my “own language.” Thank you for giving me the gifts of patience and understanding and for providing me the resources to do Your will. Help me to accept Your guidance, and those you send my way to help me with wide open arms. Help me not only to do my part, but to accept the help of others. Help me to give You control. Amen.

Blessings,
Charlotte