Last Time As A Teen

It all began nineteen years ago.

228 months later, it continues.

No, there hasn't been at least one post a day for the past 6,940 days. (You forgot about Leap Days, didn't you?) That has never been a goal. Prolific posting has never been a hallmark of this infinitesimal corner of the universe, considering there have only been 1,300+ original posts during this time (remember, I am the king of re-posting).

What has been the goal of this 'blog as it has evolved are thoughtful, quality posts. Your mileage may vary as to how that standard has been met. It also has found a bit of focus with matters musical, liturgical, spiritual, and personal. It has and will be a work in progress, much like the 'blogmaster.

I still have a "still, small voice". I have noticed a very slight uptick in views of new material. It does give me hope the continued maturing will regain me a cornerstone audience and the continued building of a following. While I wonder if the halcyon days of 'blogging are over, as other types of social media has seeming left this format in the dust, I still believe in both the medium and the message it can deliver. A more concerted effort is necessary. (Yes, I know I have said that in various ways over the years. I am such a tease that way. I hope the wait for my musings will be worth it.)

So, the 'blogosphere will still have me around.

It's still worth it to hit the "publish" button on Blogger.

I still welcome your presence as I reestablish mine.

Besides, I want to see the chronological odometer change.

 

A Tragedy Remembered Again

 

Twenty-three years. In relation to the age of our country, it is only 9.27 % our its existence. Our history has had many milestone moments, events which have shape us into the nation we are now, dotted on our timeline:  the dramas of war, the expansion and conquering of territory, the metamorphosis from agrarian to industrial to technological ages. These are duly noted in ways catalogued large and writ small.

But it was on this date two score and three years ago that perhaps has given us our greatest existential challenge, in a way Satan could only execute. Brilliantly diabolical and completely unexpected, the result was even better than anticipated. Four jet airliners became weapons of mass destruction. Two were flown into the original Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York, NY, completely destroying them. One went nose first into the Pentagon in Washington, DC, doing significant damage. The last was destined for the White House had not a passenger said, "Let's roll," diverting it to a farm field near Shanksville, PA.

The damage to the national psyche is still evident. The cost of 2,996 lives. A change in how we are combating the threats that terrorism presents. And, perhaps (and I would venture to say there may be someone who has or can draw the conclusion) this was the start of the rupturing of our country to the point where we are today.

This is not the time to debate that point. This unofficial national holiday, much like June 6 and December 7, is a time of remembrance and healing. It is a time of firming our resolve that "We the People of the United States" will recover and continue the work of forming "a more perfect Union". It is a time to resume the task of this tragedy shaping us, not deforming us.

Many communities held a "day of service" this past Saturday. There will be the now usual memorial services and tributes today. As always, if your schedule allows, be a part of whatever is done to commemorate this tragic dot on the timeline.

"Never Forget."

September 2024 Morning Offering Prayer Intention

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

For The Cry Of The Earth. We pray that each one of us will hear and take to heart the cry of the Earth and of victims of natural disasters and climactic change, and that all will undertake to personally care for the world in which we live. 

"Where She Has Gone..."

The Assumption of the Virgin

Lodovico Caracci

Ora pro nobis, Salve Regina.

**********

Originally posted 8/15/2008.

August 2024 Morning Offering Prayer Intentions

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

For Political Leaders. We pray that political leaders be at the service of their own people, working for integral human development and for the common good, especially caring for the poor and those who have lost their jobs.

A reflection for this intention can be found here.

July 2024 Morning Offering Prayer Intention

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

For the Pastoral Care of the Sick. We pray that the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is conferred to those who receive it and their loved ones the power of the Lord and become ever more a visible sign of compassion and hope for all.

A reflection for this intention can be found here. 

(Talk about getting lost in the shuffle of life. No excuse for it. I'm sorry.)

Beddian Platinum Nativity

A person celebrates their "Golden Birthday" when their age matches their day of birth. They celebrate their "Platinum Birthday" when their age matches the last two digits of their birth year. There is also something known as a "Beddian Birthday" Similar to a "Platinum Birthday", it also is when your age corresponds to your birth year, a phenomena noticed by a New York City firefighter named Bobby Beddia on his 53rd. birthday.

I had my "Golden Birthday" a long time ago. I get to celebrate the other two today. And after what happened to me last year, I really do have a reason to celebrate.

I have become more grateful with each passing natal day; especially this one. I thank God once again for granting me the gift of life:  to live, move, and have being. With stable housing and employment, I am in a far better place than I was. There is still much more damage to my psyche to repair; to that end, I have been seeing a mental health professional about once a month since March. In those few sessions an excellent foundation is being prepared to address a lot of personal issues.

I have also seemed to have grown just a bit more spiritually over the past twelve months. A return to the Sacrament of the Eucharist has been the cornerstone of that improvement. My prayer life has a little more routine, focus, and commitment. The work now is to notice the graces I am being given and use them.

Aging is not optional; maturing, however, shouldn't be. All the quotes along the lines of "you're not getting older; your getting better" are applicable. Especially the one about being patient with me, as God is not finished with me yet. That day will come; I pray I will be truly ready for it.

In the meantime, "... I have promises to keep,/And miles to go before I sleep."

Once again, "Come, grow old with me. The best is yet to be."

God willing, I hope to tell you all about it on my next birthday.

PM: Special Edition--Solemnity Of Ss. Peter And Paul, Apostles

The two greatest Apostles. The rock upon which the Church was built and the greatest preacher of the Gospel. Pillars of the Faith; martyrs for it. Today we celebrate the two men inseparable in ecclesiastical history, yet each with their own mission.

Now I know that the Lord really has sent his Angel, and has delivered me out of the hands of Herod, and from all that the Jewish people were expecting.

O Lord, you have searched me and known me; you know when I sit down and when I rise up.

Acts 12:11; v. Ps. 138:1-2 

Once again the Introit leads us into the First Reading. But it is the verse which grabs my attention. God knew the hearts of these two men and chose them to spearhead Christianity's beginnings. The Father chose these sons who saw His Son and empowered them with the Holy Spirit in their respective charisms. 

You will make them princes over all the earth; they shall conserve the memorial of your name, O Lord.

V. In place of your fathers, sons have been born unto you; therefore, all people will give you thanks.

Ps. 44:17; V. 18 

These two original Princes of the Church (a phrase associated with a bishop, the apostolic successors of Peter and Paul) tirelessly worked to spread the word about the Word. While the King has ascended into Heaven, the Gradual verse shows the authority given to them and their successors.

You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church.

Matt. 16:18

Used for both the Alleluia and Communion, it is the reward given to the first Pope upon his confession that Jesus is Lord. What is our reward for answering the most burning question Christ posed? Hopefully, nothing less than the Heavenly Kingdom.

You will make them princes over all the earth; they shall keep the memorial of your name, in every age and generation.

Ps. 44:17-18

The Offertory is the same as the Gradual (I don't know why there is a different translation). But their place in the Roman Canon assures their leadership roles, being the first two listed after the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Joseph. Here we acknowledge one of the four marks of the Church (apostolic) and her mission in the world.

Two men of Judaism, each taking their own way to the Way. Two leading figures of Christianity showing the way to the Way. May their lives inspire us to answer the question without question:  "Who do you say that I AM?"

PM: Special Edition--Solemnity Of The Nativity Of St. John The Baptist

This is one of the three actual birthdays the Church celebrates in her liturgical calendar (the other two being the Blessed Virgin Mary's and Jesus Christ's). The bridge between the Old and New Testaments, the herald of the Messiah, the one unfit to loosen his Savior's sandals, we honor the voice of he who cried out in the wilderness.

From my mother's womb the Lord called me by my name; and he made my mouth like unto a sharp sword; he protected me in the shadow of his hand, and he made me as his chosen arrow.

V. It is good to give thanks to the Lord, and to praise your name, O Most High.

Is. 49:1, 2; V. Psalm 91:1

The Introit prepares us for the First Reading. It is such an accurate description of what his life on earth would be like. And is not the first phrase a hint of the Visitation?

Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, and before you came out of the womb, I consecrated you.

V. The Lord put forth his hand and touched my mouth, and he said unto me:  (Repeat antiphon.)

Jer. 1:5; V. 9

The Gradual also hints at the Visitation. When he leapt for joy in Elizabeth's womb when Mary came, could it be Christ ordaining him for his work? These are also the words we can recall for our vocation as the People of God.

And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; you will go before the Lord to make ready his ways.

Lk. 1:76

Used for both the Alleluia and Communion (the Latin in the Communion uses a different form of Lord), this answers the question posed in the Gospel. It is the first of the three Lukan canticles, used in Lauds/Morning Prayer. Benedictus Dominus Deus Israel--Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel.

The righteous man shall flourish like the palm tree; he shall grow up like a cedar of Lebanon.

Ps. 91:13

If the words of the Offertory seem familiar, they should be; the verse is the same for the Introit for the Solemnity of St. Joseph. Because he was firmly rooted in Christ, he could be fearless in his proclaiming the coming of the Messiah and humble when they met "again" at Jesus' baptism. This distant relative of the Lord was as close to Him as he could be.

"Amen, I say to you, among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he." (Matthew 11:11) John's martyrdom secured his place in Heaven; may our dying to Christ so as to rise with Him be made manifest. Like John, let us "prepare the way of the Lord".

June 2024 Morning Offering Prayer Intention

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

For Migrants Fleeing Their Homes. We pray that migrants fleeing from war or hunger, forced to undertake journeys full of danger and violence, find welcome and new opportunities in the countries that receive them.

(UPDATE). A reflection for this intention can be found here.