An Adolescent 'Blog

A not-so long time ago in a 'blogosphere very close to here a first post appeared.

It was a very modest beginning. The author, with all the enthusiasm of any rookie 'blogger, announced his presence with a short and sweet blast upon the internet. He knew he wanted to get involved, but was going to be thoughtful about topic and tone. He even managed to create a somewhat memorable catch phrase in his opening words.

It seems like he met with a modicum of success his first two years, then life started handing him lemons and stalled the momentum of his writing. Posting became sporadic and repetitive, with lots or rehashing of old material, with a rare occurrence of something fresh, with mostly long stretches of silence. A star that was seemingly becoming brighter started flickering like a dying nova. Now one has to peer hard to see if it still exists.

Well, a baker's dozen years later, it does. Deo gracias.

I hope that is an accurate assessment of the style and substance of this still "small, quiet voice". It has been and still is an enjoyable part of my life, one which is not ready to be retired, despite the times I have entertained that thought. If I had any place of prominence in the 'blogging world, it's long gone.

Yet my ego is the last thing that needs to be placated. While there have been times the subject has been my life, I have never wanted the 'blog to be about me. The very few times I have had something meaningful to write, when the focus has been about and on God, that is when this star has shined the brightest. And that has brought me enough satisfaction.

I will be the first to admit this infinitesimal corner of the universe does need to be refurbished, just to keep in step with the technology. But I have more immediate and pressing concerns. While not as active, I still keep on eye on events. When I comment, I want my words to have an impact, however small it is. I will continue to bide my time, as long as I still have it here on earth.

While the status quo is status quo, I still have hope for the best, both in this 'blog and in my life. As I said thirteen years ago, "I have some ideas, though." The fertile ground is there, I just need to prepare it.

May God grant me the grace to do it.

"...Going On 17"

 

Here we are again.

It is starting to become familiar to us as individuals and a country--the ceremonies, the tributes, the memorializing. In the places where it happened--New York, NY; Washington, DC; Shanksville, PA--there is more poignancy to the rituals. It is as if we are still returning to "normal" while we are still grieving.

It seems history's most memorable moments are written in blood. So it is with the terrorist attack that claimed 2,996 lives seventeen years ago this day. We have sworn as a nation to "Never Forget" what happened; to this day, we have lived up to our vow.

The images we saw that day and for the next few are still indelible in the country's psyche. Secular icons, yet with an ennobled meaning.

The attacks were a challenge to the core beliefs of the nation. The honor of being the flag bearer for freedom and liberty was insulted. Once again, in my very humble opinion, we defended that honor and those core beliefs against this act of aggression, as we have before. As it is said, "Freedom is not free." In our own way, we pay the price for it and count the cost as nothing.

So once again, as we have in our very recent past, let us remember this day. If there is a tribute in your area, think about attending. This post will be one of many on the 'blogosphere; as always, I encourage you to seek those whose eloquence will far surpass this very humble offering.

Keep in mind the prayer intentions I suggested in 2007 (and updated in 2013). Pray for--

1. The souls of all who died.
2. Those who still mourn.
3. Those who seek a just solution.  (While this may have been accomplished May 1, 2011, have we really solved the problem?)
4. Forgiveness toward our enemies.
5. Our enemies (didn't Someone command us to do this?).
6. The courage to continue the fight.
7. Peace.

It is a time to pause, to reflect, and to mourn. It is a time to come together as a nation and remember E pluribus unum. It is a time to firm our resolve to be a beacon of light for the world.

September 2018 Morning Offering Prayer Intention

Here is the intention for this month when reciting the Morning Offering:

Universal: Young People in Africa. That young people in Africa may have access to education and work in their own countries.

A reflection for this intention is found here.

August 2018 Morning Offering Prayer Intention

Here is the intention for this month when reciting the Morning Offering:

Universal:  The Treasure of Families. That any far-reaching decisions of economist and politicians may protect the family as one of the treasures of humanity.

A reflection for this intention is found here.

A Death-Defying Age

Today is a rather important day in my life.

That's right--I had to get my driver's license renewed.

Besides that task, nothing else matters. Because without this day, nothing could matter.

(Besides having a fraternal twin brother, I also share today's good wishes with another pair of twins, fraternal male cousins who are identical, and a gentleman whom I've met through our association with the Church Music Association of America.)

But this particular birthday holds a significant milestone. As you may recall, my father only lived 56 years and 256 days. The count down now truly begins to see if I "outlive" him. If my calculations are correct, that 257th. day will be March 19, 2019, the feast day of St. Joseph, the patron of a happy death. It would be five days short of what would have been his 84th. birthday. (Thank you, Emily Dickinson.)

(And, yes, I still miss him. Requiescat in pace.)

Every expereince is an opportunity to seek and find God in all things.  Every breath is a moment to be in communion with He Who Is, Who Was, and Who Is To Come. Every heart beat is a way to be in unison with the One Who created, redeemed, and sanctified me. Every day is a chance to "Go Forward". So for the next twelve months, I will continue to learn in earnest to count my blessings, especially the one of just existing.

Each day should be a gift.

After all, isn't is why it's call the present?

July 2018 Morning Offering Prayer Intention

Here is the intention for this month when reciting the Morning Offering:

Evangelization:  Priests and their Pastoral Ministry. That priests, who experience fatigue and loneliness in their pastoral work, may find help and comfort in their intimacy with the Lord and in their friendship with their brother priests.

A reflection for this intention is found here.

June 2018 Morning Offering Prayer Intention

Here is the intention for this month when reciting the Morning Offering:

Universal: Social Networks. That social networks may work towards that inclusiveness which respects others for their differences.

A reflection for this intention is found here.

May 2018 Morning Offering Prayer Intention

Here is the intention for this month when reciting the Morning Offering:

Evangelization: The Mission of the Laity. That the lay faithful may fulfill their specific mission, by responding with creativity to the challenges that face the world today.

A reflection for this intention is found here.

2018 Easter Card

May our risen Lord and Savior Jesus Christ fill you with peace, joy, and love.
May the Lamb of God Who has taken away the sins of the world bless you abundantly.
May the Light of the World and the Word made Flesh reign over you as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

He Is Risen! He Is Risen, Indeed!"

Happy Easter, Everybody!

April 2018 Morning Offering Prayer Intention

Here is the intention for this month when reciting the Morning Offering:

For those who have responsibility in Economic Matters:  That economists may have the courage to reject any economy of exclusion and know how to open new paths.

A reflection for this intention is found here.