When I Was Seventeen

This infinitesimal corner of the universe celebrates only two events directly related to it host. The first is, naturally, the host's natal day. The other is the birth of this collection of pixels created by the host.

Yes, this my 'blogiversary.

Has 'blogging gone out of fashion? I would say, given the development of other social media, that answer leans toward the affirmative. Yet there are still very predominate and influential people who include this as part of their virtual footprint. I still think it has a purpose.

Perhaps that is why this is still around. I have never claimed to be proficient or that profound, despite a promising beginning. I always work toward being thoughtful and relevant, although being part of the news cycle has never been a fabric in this outfit. (And there have been plenty of things upon which to comment.) I don't mind being a "small, quiet voice". It is my hope that my words give you a point of departure for contemplation.

So once again, I renew my commitment to keep this going. It has never been on life support; rather, I would think it is more in hibernation. Yes, there will be the usual re-posts and monthly reminders. I just need to move the spirit and post on what interests me and upon which I can expound from my limited background, knowledge, and experience. For now, that it how I am defining how successful this is.

Do continue to come and visit; I enjoy your company.

The welcome mat is still out.

"Remember, Remember..."

 

 "...the eleventh of September."

Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it. 

George Santayana (1862-1952)

And those who will not remember the past are condemned to make a worse mistake.

The Augustinian privilege is invoked again today. For on this day 21 years ago, the worst terrorist act in the history of the United States was perpetrated. Two passenger planes were deliberately flown into the "Twin Towers" in New York, NY. A third found its way to the Pentagon in Washington, DC. A fourth, seemingly headed for the Capitol building, was forced to crash land in a field near Shanksville, PA due to the heroic efforts of the passengers.

2,996 lives were lost. It was a brilliant act of evil. Satan had to be more proud of himself than ever.

And so we made vows. One was to "Never Forget". There will be tributes and memorials all over the country and the interwebs today. As always, I encourage you to go to one in person and find more eloquent and elegant words than what are here.

The other was to take the fight to the enemy. In this "War on Terrorism" the battles have seemingly been few and far between. While we have somewhat succeeded in eliminating some cells and some major leaders, one has to wonder if this task is not a version of Hydra.

I am still tinged with sadness recollecting the events of that day. It still makes no sense. But spiritual battles never will, given our limited reasoning abilities. We are fighting powers we will never comprehend. But, as God has assured us the victory over evil by the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, we still must combat it.

And so we pause to recall and reflect.

And so we will carry on.

Never Forget.

September 2022 Morning Offering Prayer Intention

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

For the abolition of the death penalty. We pray that the death penalty, which attacks the dignity of the human person, may be legally abolished in every country.

A reflection for this intention is found here.

The Very Stones Crying Out

I received this e-mail yesterday. (They have my e-mail address due to a job application I sent them.) While I won't be able to attend, if anyone in the Twin Cities area is reading this, they are certainly most welcome. (The original message has been slightly edited.)

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The Father William Baer Memorial Lecture Series features speakers who proclaim the Gospel with clarity, force, and joy. Fr. Baer died unexpectedly on January 14, 2018, as pastor of Transfiguration Catholic Church in Oakdale, Minnesota. Fr. Baer touched the lives of many through his strong devotion to the Sacraments, incredible homilies, and brilliant sense of humor.

The fourth annual series in Fr. Baer’s honor will take place at Transfiguration on Friday, August 26th at 7:00 PM and Saturday, August 27th at 9:00 AM. Dr. Denis McNamara will speak about biblical insights into true beauty and the influence these have on sacred art and church architecture. Dr. McNamara will visit from Benedictine College in Kansas where he is the Director of the Center for Beauty and Culture. Dr. McNamara holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in the History of Art from Yale University and a Doctorate Degree in Architectural History from the University of Virginia. Please plan to attend this significant and fitting event in honor of Fr. Baer, who earned a degree in architecture from Georgia Tech and worked briefly as an architect before entering seminary.

Transfiguration Catholic Church

6133 15th. Street North

Oakdale, Minnesota

August 2022 Morning Offering Prayer Intention

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

For small businesses. We pray for small and medium sized businesses; in the midst of economic and social crisis, may they find ways to continue operating, and serving their communities.

A reflection for this intention is found here.

Scored 3X

My chronological odometer rolls over today.

There is now a zero at the end of my age.

Which means the first number has changed as well.

(And, yes, I have no problem saying it.)

I am always grateful to see my natal anniversary. It means I still "live and move and have my being" on earth. Deo gratias.

I also take it as a sign God is not done with me, yet. And while I do not know the time or place when I will see Him face to face, it means I must continue to seek and find Him. Being sanctified, becoming holy, remaining redeemed is not a "one and done" proposition.

Believe me, there is much work to be done. I am nowhere near being the rich young man (cf. Matthew 19:16-30 and Luke 18:18-30). You want identity politics? The tax collector (cf. Luke 18:9-14) and the Centurion (cf. Matthew 8:5-13 and Luke 7:1-10) are the people with whom I relate. And they have a step on me because of their humility.

I do believe, Lord; help my unbelief.

Then there are some lines to the horizontal beam of my "cross" which are asking for my attention:

1. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

2. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

3. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

4. And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul.

There may be a bit of "rage, rage against the dying of the light." But that is only because I still want to proceed in this journey called living. I'm nowhere near ready to throw in the towel.

Let's see where the next 365 days lead.

Hopefully, with another post like this.

And, therefore, another change in the chronological odometer.

July 2022 Morning Offering Prayer Intention

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

For the elderly. We pray for the elderly, who represent the roots and memory of a people; may their experience and wisdom help young people to look towards the future with hope and responsibility.

A reflection for this intention is found here. 

June 2022 Morning Offering Prayer Intention

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

For families. We pray for Christian families around the world; may they embody and experience unconditional love and advance in holiness in their daily lives.

A reflection for this intention is found here.

May 2022 Morning Offering Prayer Intention

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

For faith-filled young people. We pray for all young people, called to live life to the fullest; may they see in Mary’s life the way to listen, the depth of discernment, the courage that faith generates, and the dedication to service.

A reflection for this intention is found here.

2022 Easter Card

May our risen Lord and Savior Jesus Christ bring you joy and peace. May His Resurrection bestow upon you blessing upon blessing. May the Lamb of God, slain for our salvation, abide with you forever.

Happy Easter, Everybody!

He is risen! He is risen, indeed!