This is not an ordinary Lent. As the season began, the reality of our connectedness with the entire world became more acute, and while the reason for this is not good, this new sense of global community is not necessarily a bad thing. We are all in this together: this is a time for us to think more about our neighbor, even if that neighbor lives in another country, in another continent. And of course, it is a time to reflect upon our local communities, too. This year it is more intense, but Lent is always about the gospel message of mindfulness toward what we do or fail to do for the least of our brothers and sisters. (Matthew 25:31-46) And to be able to do for our brothers and sisters, we must include self-care. This means exercising both caution and common sense (all the time, not just this year.) Lent also challenges us to look within; we are reminded to “return to God with all our heart,” committing to more prayer, sacrifice, and almsgiving. At the moment we may be struggling with how to do that, but we can be creative in our approach, a creativity that includes reflection in discerning our call to deeper reliance, trust, and faith in God. But with the present challenge a bit more ‘in our face,’ we know this Lent is indeed far from ordinary.

Something intrinsically Lenten is that we give things up, we make sacrifices. What makes this Lent different for most of us is that this year we are not the ones doing the choosing, but rather circumstances around us are compelling us to make them. For example, we have lost access to some entertainment venues, we are being inconvenienced by the inability to find certain items for purchase, and we cannot travel to places we had planned to go. We have to stay confined to our homes when we would rather be out, and some might be sick when they would (of course) rather be well. Many have livelihoods and sources of income jeopardized. We even have to let go of some of the familiar rituals at our houses of worship, compelled to avoid those places altogether for reasons of health and safety. Indeed, we are sacrificing in ways that were never expected, and which we certainly did not choose. 

​Therefore, rather than panic or get angry over that which we cannot control, (which is just about everything), we can instead learn to accept that our reliance on God must be total. This is not at all a new thing, nor is it something that is only relevant in times of trouble. In fact, this is what our spiritual life has always been about, and it is how we grow in holiness! We must remember that God has always been with His people and that He is always in control. When we say this we emphatically do not mean that He is behind whatever catastrophe befalls His people. Rather, He is with us through everything to guide, teach, and comfort, offering His mercy and healing. It means that in the end, we will be with Him in Heaven never suffering or shedding another tear (Revelation 21:4), a reality which is not promised here on earth. To grasp this in some way, we must look to the culmination of Lent, the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus, the very cornerstone of our faith. 

In that regard, it may help to include in our prayer the Stations of the Cross or the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary. We can ‘apply’ our suffering from the unbidden restrictions now placed upon us to Jesus carrying all that angst and pain with Him in the garden: He did not choose the cup without a lot of anguish, but He realized He had to trust the Father to accomplish salvation. Meditating on the scourging at the pillar and crowning with thorns can aid in our reflection upon the ways we are called to beg God’s mercy for anything we have done to hurt another, helping us prepare for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. As we consider Jesus carrying the Cross (and falling) we can reflect upon our own crosses, asking for assistance and then moving outward to help others carry theirs, enhancing our works of mercy. And as we meditate upon the crucifixion of Jesus, we can stand at the foot of the cross with Mary asking help with pain and loss, and assistance with putting our present reality in perspective with the great gift Jesus gave us by dying so that we might have life.

Indeed this Lent is not ordinary. However with all the restrictions and cautions surrounding us, instead of focusing on what we cannot do, let us look to the unexpected opportunity being offered: we have a unique opportunity to delve into Lent in a deeper way than perhaps ever before. We have before us the invitation to more quiet reflection and prayer, to new ways to reach out to those who may be alone or worse off than we are, to be more selfless by not over-buying, leaving food and supplies for the next person; we have an invitation to penance and sacrifice, to fasting in unexpected ways, and to learn reliance upon God with completely new depth. It is an opportunity to grow in holiness. Indeed this is not an ordinary Lent. But then, no Lent ever is.

May we put our trust in the Lord, relying on Him to put our minds and hearts at peace! May we call upon the Holy Spirit for discernment so that we proceed according to the gospel in all we do! May we join in the unity of prayer, asking for protection and healing for all people around the world! And may we enter into the Passion of Jesus anew, so that we accept the invitation to holiness! Let us continue to meet in the Heart of Jesus! Peace!
                                                                     ©Michele L. Catanese
Images:
1. The Earth, part of the Viriditas Triptych, an inset of the icon called Viriditas - Finding God in All Things, by Fr. William Hart McNichols. You can find both at https://fineartamerica.com/featured/viriditas-finding-god-in-all-things-william-hart-mcnichols.html
2. My photo, the story of Abraham, a mosaic in San Vitale Basilica, Ravenna, Italy. On the left you can see Sarah laughing when overhearing the angels (center) foretell  her pregnancy and Abraham giving a lamb sacrificed  from his flock to feed them; they appear as angels, but are the Holy Trinity. (Note the bread on the table, a Eucharistic reference!) To the right is Abraham after God told him not to sacrifice his son, Isaac, something he almost did out of obedience to God, who was teaching Isaac about the depths of faith. (Note the lamb, another Eucharistic reference.)
3. Icon, Blessed Julian of Norwich who famously said, "All shall be well."  (That is what is written on the scroll she is holding.)
4. Painting, The Agony in the Garden, by Paul Gaugan. The agony of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane is the first Sorrowful Mystery of the Rosary.
5. Icon, St. Catherine of Siena - Guardian of the Papacy, by Fr. William Hart McNichols. St. Catherine was born during the Black Plague and spent much of her ministry taking care of the ill from that disease as well as those with leprosy. May she intercede for us! You can find this icon at https://fineartamerica.com/featured/st-catherine-of-siena-guardian-of-the-papacy-288-william-hart-mcnichols.html

NOTE: In compliance with GDPR rules, I wish to make it clear that I do not gather any information on any of my readers at any time. 

Lent, of course, begins with ashes. Having received them yearly and also having had the privilege of distributing them at Mass many times, I can say that ashes are truly a messy affair. When the minister of the ashes, whether clergy or lay, attempts to place them on a forehead, it is quite tricky to use the ‘right’ amount and to keep the ashes from flaking all over the face, or worse, the clothes, of the recipient. Then there is the challenge throughout the day to avoid brushing against the ashes on one's own forehead accidentally, making more of a mess. Thus, ashes are a messy business indeed. But that is what makes it so appropriate, and thus, such a powerful reminder to ourselves throughout Ash Wednesday; we receive ashes upon our foreheads as a sign of our penitence. They are not there as a sign to others that we are already holy, but are a sign to keep us focused on our desire to grow personally, as a community of loved sinners in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in the Body of Christ, and of course, with Jesus. It is to remind us that the season of Lent is different than what came before, and – if I may suggest – it can be a time to remember that life is messy. Being a Christian is messy insofar as we are called to roll up our sleeves and act as a response to Jesus: living the gospel is messy. Also true is that God loves us as we are, in all our messiness. Trying to grow in faith, wanting to love God better, that is, to grow in holiness, is messy because it involves the work of trying and failing, reconciling, and trying again. However, because this is true, we must remember that the season of Lent is actually a joyful occasion.

​That God would call us deeper by giving us the opportunity to repent, to become more generous with our time, talent, and treasure, and to grow in holiness, is a cause for rejoicing. In the words of Psalm 136, “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his mercy endures forever.” The Psalmist makes a unique declaration of praise, joyfully extolling the boundless mercy of God. The realization that we are loved sinners should move us to desire wholeheartedly to make a deeper response of love to God. This response includes growing closer to God with greater intimacy through our prayer, asking forgiveness for our sinfulness through fasting, prayer and the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and movement outward in action to help our neighbors through works of mercy and almsgiving. But even in trying to fulfill these and our chosen Lenten offerings, we should do it all with a joyful heart. In the gospel reading of the Ash Wednesday liturgy Jesus said: “When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites. They neglect their appearance, so that they may appear to others to be fasting…. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face so that you may not appear to be fasting….” (Matthew 6: 16-18) While Jesus was telling His followers not to be hypocrites so as to impress people by our ‘holiness,’ it also seems to be a reminder to keep a balance between the sorrow we have over our sin and the sin of the world, and our gratitude and joy for the greatness of God’s mercy.

It would be good to pray with the gospel of Ash Wednesday (Matthew 6:1-8,16-18) reflecting on the purpose of the ashes we received even though they are no longer on our foreheads, but rather are now worn in our hearts. The Son of God, Jesus, entered into the messiness of the world when He became one of us, but He was not gloomy or depressive. Rather, His message had great energy: the joy of healing, wholeness, and mercy were the gifts He offered. It is for this broken world with its complicated and messy people that He suffered and died, acts unfathomable in their merciful, loving depth. We can also pray with Psalm 136, adding our own verses, always ending with the phrase, “…for His mercy endures forever.” This Psalm puts our response to God in perspective: we rejoice in the knowledge that His love and mercy are creative, without limit, eternal. Finally, we can join with St. Francis of Assisi in his Praises of God as a reminder that God is with us in this messy world, a cause for joy and a response of gratitude and praise: 

​You are holy, Lord, the only God, and your deeds are wonderful.
You are strong. You are great.
You are the Most High, You are almighty.
You, holy Father, are King of heaven and earth. You are Three and One,
Lord God, all good. You are Good, all Good, supreme Good,
Lord God, living and true.
You are love, You are wisdom.
You are humility, You are endurance.
You are rest, You are peace.
You are joy and gladness, You are justice and moderation.
You are all our riches, and you suffice for us.
You are beauty, You are gentleness.
You are the protector, You are the guardian and defender.
You are courage, You are our haven and our hope.
You are our faith, our great consolation.
You are our eternal life, great and wonderful Lord, God almighty,
Merciful Savior.

May we have the courage to stay faithful to our Lenten commitments to increased prayer, abstinence, fasting, works of mercy, and almsgiving! May we call upon the intercession of Mary our Mother, St. Joseph, and St. Francis to guide us as we seek to joyfully live and share the gospel message of Jesus! May we have no fear of entering into the lives of those in need with works of mercy, justice and peace! And may we journey through Lent with joyful, grateful hearts! Let us continue to meet in the heart of Jesus! Peace!
                                                             
​                                                                     ©Michele L. Catanese
Images:
1. Charcoal: Ashes.
2. Painting: Celia Thaxter’s Garden, Isles of Shoals, Maine (1890) by Childe Hassam. The vibrancy of the flowers and the beauty of the scene gives joyful praise to God. You can find more on this painting at  https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/14930
​3. My photo: glacial lake in the Alps, Switzerland. "Mountains and hills praise the Lord!" (Daniel 3:75) This is another great prayer of praise to use in the same way I suggested with Psalm 136. You can add your own invocations and end with "praise and exalt Him above all forever" as the Canticle does.
4. Painting, St. Francis of Assisi, by  Jusepe de Ribera, 1591-1652. Museum of Fine Arts, Budapest Hungary. 
5. Painted image, The Galilean Jesus by Fr. William Hart McNichols. You can find this image at ​https://fineartamerica.com/featured/the-galilean-jesus-266-william-hart-mcnichols.html

Note: In compliance with GDPR rules, I wish to make it clear that I do not gather any information on any of my readers at any time. 

When I was quite young the instructor in my CCD class (religious education for public school children) told a story which made a huge impression on me. Unfortunately, it was not a good one. The story concerned a little girl who dutifully prayed the Rosary, but because she was often distracted, she did not say it well; that is, the prayers were not ‘perfect.’ Thus, when she died, she was barred from Heaven! I was so horrified at this that I feared praying the Rosary, deciding it was better to avoid it altogether than to risk messing it up. Being so young, what I failed to realize was that the teacher falsely implied that God is rather petty, to say the least. Thankfully, as I grew in maturity, and therefore realized the ridiculousness of that story, I learned not only to pray the Rosary, but to love it. I realized that the teacher was trying to impress upon us that we should be attentive rather than rattling off a multiplication of words, but she truly had missed the mark. The truth is that the sincerity of our intention and the love with which we approach God matters more than whether or not we forgot or added one Hail Mary in the decade, or whether a prayer was said ‘properly.’ No human is perfect so we need to let go of the false idea that our prayer is not good enough in some way. The One who receives our prayer is perfect and His love for us is also perfect. Thus, contrary to the message I received as a child, every intention and every prayer we offer is received perfectly because it is received with the unfathomable love and mercy of God. 

Being nervous about the quality or quantity of our prayer renders the entire point to be lost. For one thing, prayer is not about rattling off words. Saying rote prayers does have great value, but we also need to pray in our own words as well as to prayerfully meditate, (to reflect or ponder). To distrust our prayer is actually to be distrustful of God because prayer is about a relationship, not about a ‘secret formula’ of words. Judging our own prayer as somehow deficient projects our lack of self-acceptance and self-love onto God and therefore limits our experience of His actual love and mercy. Prayer is time spent with God which means that we bring ourselves as we are, not as we think He wants us to be. In short, God does not judge the quality of our prayer and neither should we. Doing so is deadly to our desire to pray since our worries about quality will probably lead to giving up altogether. And best of all, when we sin we will be apt to feel comfortable approaching God for forgiveness and reconciliation knowing He rejoices when He can remove all that comes between us. He never runs out of mercy!

​Lent is a season when we concentrate on growing in prayer, almsgiving, penance, and abstinence; therefore it is a good idea to ask the Holy Spirit for whatever graces are needed for this process. Remember, it is not about ‘doing Lent’ perfectly, but rather it is about offering our love to God and the world in a more intentional way. It is also good to ponder the value of fasting and abstinence. Fasting allows for purification of our intentions and behaviors which can include more than simply eliminating food. In fact, it seems God has a preference: “This is the fasting that I wish: releasing those bound unjustly, untying the thongs of the yoke; setting free the oppressed, breaking every yoke; sharing your bread with the hungry, sheltering the oppressed and the homeless; clothing the naked when you see them, and not turning your back on your own.” (Isaiah 58:6-7) And throughout His teaching Jesus spoke similarly, best summed up in what we call the Corporal Works of Mercy. (Matthew 25:31-46) In other words, abstaining from food is important, but it should be part of an interior change that leads to living justly with mercy, kindness, and love. Therefore, we might consider ‘fasting’ from one of the following: fear, worry, selfishness, unkindness, lack of faith or hope, greed, gossip, sloth, impatience, anger, neglecting friends and/or family, or unforgiveness. We will need to rely on grace to do this, but by ‘giving up’ one of these things, we become stronger in our love and in our witness to others about the Christian life. 

​Finally, we should consider adding gratitude to whatever we choose to do. Part of what Lent provides is the opportunity for growth in appreciation of the depth of Jesus’ love for His people. In this light, we offer our sacrifices to God while asking His mercy and compassion for us and for the world. Thus, an excellent gift we can offer Him is our gratitude for all that He has done. A grateful heart is an unselfish heart. It is a heart which learns to trust, recognizing that what God desires most is that we bring ourselves to Him as we are. Therefore, let us not fall into the temptation to rate our prayer or our efforts at having a ‘good Lent,’ instead embracing this season as an opportunity for growth in inner peace and outer joy. 

May we enter into Lent asking the Holy Spirit for the graces we need so that it is meaningful to us and to the Body of Christ! May we have the grace to grow strong against fear, self-doubt, and anything which keeps us from the Lord! May we be beacons of love and mercy so that our actions draw others to Jesus! And may we grow in awareness of the depth of love that Jesus offered through His suffering and death that we may be inspired to deeper gratitude for such an unfathomable gift! Let us meet in the Heart of Jesus! Happy Lent! Peace!

                ©Michele L. Catanese



Images:
1. My photo of a stained glass window, Our Lady of Lourdes, taken in Nevers, France. Notice the Rosary she had hanging from her belt. The first time St. Bernadette saw Our Lady, they prayed a Rosary together.

2. Painting, Old Woman Praying, by Paul Cezanne: Notice that the woman is praying the Rosary, the beads in her hands.

3. Painting of broken bread: To me it symbolizes sharing our bread with others.

4. My photo, taken near Noto, Sicily, Italy. As they day ends, our hearts turn to God in gratitude.

5. Icon, The Holy Spirit The Lord The Giver of Life The Paraclete Sender of Peace, by Fr. William Hart McNichols. The Holy Spirit showers graces upon us in the Sacraments and when we ask. This can be found at https://fineartamerica.com/featured/the-holy-spirit-the-lord-the-giver-of-life-the-paraclete-sender-of-peace-093-william-hart-mcnichols.html

​NOTE: In compliance with GDPR rules, I wish to make it clear that I do not gather any information on any of my readers at any time. 

On vacation years ago I had an opportunity to spend a day in the remote Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve in north central Alaska. Part of the visit included a stunning guided journey through the tundra, surrounded by the majestic Brooks Range Mountains. The vastness of the place contributed to a profound sense of my own littleness and insignificance in the grand scheme. But the reality is that it was only a feeling, and not one reserved just for being in the wilderness: all of us have an experience of feeling insignificant from time to time no matter where we are or who we are with. It is normal to feel overwhelmed by that which is larger than we are, but the truth is that none of us are insignificant in the eyes of God. Everyone, including the most forgotten or overlooked person among us, is important and precious in His eyes. Therefore, as members of the Body of Christ we are called to reflect that same attitude toward one another; by treating everyone with reverence and dignity, no matter how insignificant we think our actions may be, we are actually effecting changes in the world. It is easy to be deceived into believing we can do nothing because we are the least likely person God would ever choose to make a difference, but if we look to the people God has chosen throughout salvation history, it seems that He prefers not the seemingly obvious people, but the least likely, most flawed individuals to help Him accomplish His work. 

​The series of unlikely heroes consistently chosen by God shows that His judgment is completely different than ours. For example, in the Old Testament we can see that He chose an exile with a stutter to lead His people out of bondage (Moses), a woman military leader during an era in which only men led armies (Deborah), an unambitious, but conniving man from the smallest clan in the least significant tribe to liberate his people (Gideon), a king so arrogant that he went ‘off the rails’ (Saul), a young shepherd, the last choice of a renowned prophet, to be anointed as the replacement for King Saul (David), prophets from humble backgrounds or with ‘issues’ (Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Amos) and so on. Later we see that Jesus chose His followers similarly: some lowly fishermen, (Andrew and Peter, James and John), one who was prejudiced against Galileans like Jesus (Nathaniel), a Zealot (Simon), and a probable thief who swayed with the wind, ending up as a betrayer (Judas). Then there was the crooked tax collector (Matthew), the hot tempered Pharisee (Paul), and so many more. 

Of the many Saints who followed, one who might be considered a ‘least likely choice’ is Bernadette Soubirous (1844-1879). When the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to her at Lourdes, the 14 year old Bernadette was illiterate, sickly, and from a family so poor they lived in a jail that wasn’t even suitable for criminals. Yet it was her courage and determination, her deeply ingrained faith and love for God, which propelled her into becoming a great saint. She was the last person anyone would ever have chosen for so great a mission, and yet she obeyed, growing in holiness and humility as she accepted what was placed before her. Many of the Saints were aware of their unlikelihood as choices for service. It was St. Thèrése of Lisieux who wrote (in reference to herself): "He does not call those who are worthy, but those whom He pleases." All of this bears witness to the reality that God can and will choose anyone of faith to be a witness to His love and mercy. Therefore we must never count ourselves out. 

A suggestion to become more aware of God’s call is to spend time praying and reflecting upon our lives as they are now to see what opportunities are already at hand in our homes, workplaces, and communities. A concrete way we can serve God is to be more intentional about practicing the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy, small actions which make a huge difference in the lives of others. Finally, we need to reflect upon our role as ‘activists.’ To be Christian means to love actively: we cannot sit idly by and wait for someone else to do what we can do ourselves. Imagine if Moses decided to ‘sit this one out,’ or if Peter decided his sins were too great to ever serve Jesus! Imagine if Bernadette had decided not to go back to the grotto and missed the messages Mary wanted her to convey! We do not have to wait for a sign or revelation before we can offer our love and mercy to the world. All we need to do is realize that every act and every word can be healing and life-giving if we live the gospel as taught by Jesus, seeing ourselves and all our sisters and brothers as important and precious to God.

Let us reflect upon the words of Gerard Manley Hopkins, SJ, who during his life was of ‘the least likely,’ his poetry acclaimed only after his death:
​
I say more: the just man justices;
Keeps grace: that keeps all his goings graces;
Acts in God's eye what in God's eye he is --
Christ — for Christ plays in ten thousand places,
Lovely in limbs, and lovely in eyes not his
To the Father through the features of men's faces. *

May we believe in our hearts that we are precious and beautiful to behold in the eyes of God! May we also see others as children of God, precious and beautiful to behold! May we spend time in prayer, discerning how we are called to do small things with great love! And may our hearts be filled with courage, faith, hope, mercy, and love that we may offer these in turn to everyone we encounter! Let us meet in the Heart of Jesus! Peace!

                ©Michele L. Catanese


* As Kingfishers Catch Fire, by Gerard Manley Hopkins, SJ (1844-1889). The entire poem is found at https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/44389/as-kingfishers-catch-fire

Images:
​1. My photo taken in Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve, just north of the Arctic Circle, Bettles, Alaska. This photo was taken out on the tundra near Anaktuvuk Pass; the mountain is part of the Brooks Range.

2. My photo of a mosaic of Moses and the Burning Bush: Basilica of San Vitale, Ravenna, Italy.

3. My photo of a stained glass window in the convent of St. Gildard at Nevers, France, depicting St. Bernadette praying before Our Lady of Lourdes. Bernadette entered the Sisters of Charity in Nevers, remaining until her death at the age of 35.

4. My photo of the original painting, The Good Samaritan by Vincent van Gogh. I took this in the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, TX at an exhibition which included this work.

5. Icon, Fr. Gerard Manley Hopkins the Poet's Poet, by Fr. William Hart McNichols. Note the inset of the Kingfisher in the upper left corner. You can find this at https://fineartamerica.com/featured/fr-gerard-manley-hopkins-the-poets-poet-144-william-hart-mcnichols.html

NOTE: In compliance with GDPR rules, I wish to make it clear that I do not gather any information on any of my readers at any time. 

My father used to say that there are three ways of doing something, “your way, my way, and the right way.” I may not have appreciated this when I was young, but in adulthood I have come to see the wisdom in his words. However, now I would clarify “the right way” as that which is rooted in the Way taught by Jesus. The gospel implies that this right way involves compromise, a middle way, a way of peaceful resolution. But it also suggests that this path is more difficult to choose because it means we have to let go of what we cling to; that is, we have to choose to surrender to something beyond ourselves and our way of thinking. Jesus provided an unambiguous distinction between the path we could choose and the one we should choose: “… for the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and those who enter through it are many. How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life. And those who find it are few.”(Matthew 7:13-14) Jesus was clearly saying that the way of the Gospel is not easy and that we have to really work at living it. He wanted us to realize that there are many dangers and pitfalls which will arise and that we will be tempted away from this path many times. But He also provided hope that if we are grounded in the gospel message and in a life of prayer, we will indeed be prepared to find the narrow road, to choose it, and to stick to it. And when we stray - (and we will) - the grace of God will aid us in finding our way back. 

​We should not be dismayed when Jesus says that few find the narrow road. If we put the world into perspective and view it through the lens of salvation history, we will see that fully committed believers, the faithful remnant of the Old Testament and the saints of the New Testament and beyond, have always been in the minority. The world, in spiritual terms, has always been a corruptible (and therefore corrupt) place, wanting to tempt us into everything from hedonism to relativism, from spiritual malaise to atheism, and from insensitivity toward the lives of others to complete self-centeredness. This is not to say there is no good in the world; indeed beauty and goodness are at the core of everything God has made, including every human person. But the kingdom of God is pure and indestructible, based on truth, mercy, love, and the selfless action of bringing these to others.

• St. Paul elaborated on the distinction between the two ways throughout his letters. He argued that we need to be prepared for spiritual warfare to prevent being tempted to enter the wider road. He wrote that we need to “… stand firm against the tactics of the devil. For our struggle is not with flesh and blood but with the principalities, with the powers, with the world rulers of this present darkness, with the evil spirits in the heavens. Therefore, put on the armor of God that you may be able to resist....” (Ephesians 6:11-17) These words were a beacon of hope because when he lived, to remain a Christian, and thus to live the way of goodness, justice, mercy, and love, was to risk one’s life. Not to, was (and is) to risk one’s soul. 

​The biggest threat today is that of riding the wave of popular culture, buying into the values of society rather than those which are rooted in the gospel of Jesus. When we embrace materialism, the culture of self, hedonism, neglect of the poor and marginalized, lack of civility, and moral relativism, we are treading the wider road and we are in danger. When we turn a blind eye to something which we know to be wrong or unjust, we are treading the wider road. And even more insidious, and which can incapacitate us, are the temptations of worry, fear, discouragement, spiritual laziness (neglecting our relationship with God), and falling prey to deceit. 

To put on the armor of God, we need to continually grow in our life of prayer no matter how good we think we are in this area. (Remember, prayer is about relationship: falling more deeply in love with God.) A suggestion is to commit to reading the Scriptures and to praying with them, particularly the Gospels.* Perhaps while doing so we can focus on growing in one virtue or one work of mercy at a time. We should also pray for discernment, that is, the guidance of the Holy Spirit to assist with every decision we make. These are perilous times. But let’s be clear: it has always been so. Nevertheless, we can hold on to hope while arming ourselves with spiritual help; although the kingdom of this world is powerfully alluring and the enemy desperately wants to weaken our resolve to grow in holiness, we can choose the way of Jesus, trusting in His goodness, His power, His justice, His mercy, and His love. Remember, Jesus told us to go out and make disciples of nations. He would not have commanded this if it was not possible. Let us put on the armor of God, with mercy and love as our guide, bringing the Good News to all those with whom we interact. This is the right way, the gospel way, the Way of Jesus.

May we never lose hope in choosing the narrow road, the way taught by Jesus! May we bravely take up the ‘right way’ of the Gospel which is expressed in justice, mercy, love, and peace! May we always ask the Holy Spirit to guide and empower us on the journey! And may we continue to grow in our relationship with the Lord, accepting His love and offering a response of love in return! Let us continue to meet in the Heart of Jesus! Peace!

                   ©Michele L. Catanese

* Pope Francis issued a papal decree that the third Sunday in Ordinary Time, this year on January 26, is to be the day of celebration, study and dissemination of the Word of God. Therefore reading, praying with, and sharing the Word of God in all we say and do should be our priority. For more, go to https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2020-01/sunday-word-of-god-fisichella-press-conference.html

Images: All of the photos are my own.

1. Photo: Walking path to the glacial lake near Mt. Cook, Mt. Cook National Park, New Zealand.

​2. Photo: Sign on the trail in park near Lake George, NY.

3.Icon: St. Paul the Apostle by Fr. William Hart McNichols. If you are interested in a copy it can be found at https://fineartamerica.com/featured/st-paul-the-apostle-196-william-hart-mcnichols.html

​4. Photo: This was painted on a wall in one of the squares in Munich, Germany. It is presumably St. George slaying the dragon, a representation of God prevailing over evil.

5. Photo: Walking path near Tomintoul, in the Highlands of Scotland.

NOTE: In compliance with GDPR rules, I wish to make it clear that I do not gather any information on any of my readers at any time. 

The “greatest story ever told” is at its core about love and friendship. It is about the friendship God offers to us, and it is about our response. During His ministry, Jesus, who called His followers “friends,” was quite clear that central to our faith is love of God which He connected intimately and inseparably with love of neighbor. He even characterized such love as the greatest commandment, not because we are forced to love, (which is impossible by definition), but because He wants us to enjoy the love with which He loves. The love of neighbor, friendship, is something that can even be extended to strangers, albeit differently than that which we develop with a companion over time, requiring intimacy and shared experience. True friendship is about the willingness to lay down our lives for one another not because it is required, but because we love, which is what Jesus did. All loves, whether romantic and leading to marriage, that which is shared with family, or that which is shared with acquaintances, must include friendship. Agapè love, (which includes loving those who are hardest to love without limitation), is the perfection of friendship. Even though we can only receive such a love from God – because He alone is perfect – friendship is something which we enjoy throughout our lives since we are relational beings, just as God is. Our earthly friends are indeed a blessing; but these relationships, beautiful as they are, pale in comparison to what we share with our One True Friend who never fails us: Jesus Christ the Lord.  

Throughout Scripture there are many examples of the beauty of friendship. The purest of these friendships finds the wellspring for their love and loyalty in God. One of the most beautiful examples of this in all of Scripture is that of David and Jonathan. They loved each other “as if their lives depended on it,” and of Jonathan it is said, “he loved him [David] as he loved himself.” (1 Samuel 18 -20) Another example, consisting of a family relationship rooted in friendship, was the one between Mary and Elizabeth. They were a generation apart in age, but the greeting between them and the obvious joy they expressed at their meeting (Luke 1:39-56) is a sign of the deep love which finds it source in their relationship with God. Their shared prayer expressed in Mary’s Magnificat could only come from hearts attuned to and centered upon God. And certainly as Elizabeth and her unborn son greeted Mary, they were welcoming the Son of God who Mary bore “in her womb with love beyond all telling:”* their joy at being visited by the Son of God and His mother was so great that Elizabeth sang and John leapt! 

Of course, most often those who we consider to be our friends are people to whom we are not related by blood, but who we have grown to love and, in gratitude, we value as precious gifts. No matter whom it is or how we have become friends, in all relationships we must choose to give ourselves to one another in love and service if we are to share the love of truest friendship such as the love God has for us. True friends are honest and transparent with one another, challenging the other when need be, standing by the other in time of trouble, and generally sharing in the love described so eloquently by St. Paul in 1 Corinthians 13. In our own era we have the example of Fred Rogers, lovingly known as Mr. Rogers. He taught young and old through the lessons he imparted on his show, as well as through his personal example, that to be a neighbor, a true friend, is not always easy, but it is the way of Christ. The friendship taught by Fred Rogers, informed and fueled by his Christian faith, was that friendship breaks down barriers, builds up the Kingdom, and brings great healing and joy among God’s people. And, when we live this friendship, we grow in our knowledge, love, and relationship with the truest friend we will ever have: Jesus the Lord. Jesus will never betray or abandon us no matter what we do or fail to do. He will always extend His mercy, forgiving us when we ask it of Him.

We can learn from the great friendships found throughout Scripture. A suggestion is to spend some time in prayer and reflection over friendships such as that of Abraham and Lot, Moses and Aaron, Naomi and Ruth, David and Jonathan, Elijah and Elisha, Jesus and John, and the relationships of Paul with Barnabas, Priscilla, Luke, Timothy, Philemon and Onesimus.** Reading the Gospels is also important since Jesus defined friendship in word and deed throughout the course of His life and ministry, demonstrating that all neighbors are friend in some way. Jesus is the greatest friend we can ever have, sent into the world as more than just a sign of God’s friendship, but as Love Himself living in our midst. Jesus offered eternal friendship and love to us by giving everything He had so that it would become everything we have. A more valuable friendship and a more precious gift is nowhere else to be found. As it says in the Book of Sirach, “A faithful friend is beyond price.” (Sirach 67:14-17) This is especially true of our relationship with Jesus: it is indeed more precious than gold.

​May we continue to grow in true friendship with the Lord by accepting His love and then extending our friendship to His other friends, that is, all of our neighbors! May we turn to the holy ones both in the Scriptures and the saints who followed, learning how to be a true friend in love, trust, loyalty, transparency, and mercy! May we learn to love our neighbors as ourselves! And may we grow in friendship with our Friend of Friends, Jesus the Lord! Let us meet in the Heart of Jesus! Peace!

                                             ©Michele L. Catanese

* This line is from the Preface prayer (at Mass) used for late Advent. However, this is the old translation and it is worded slightly differently in the most recent translation.

** Scripture references in the order of my examples: Abraham and Lot, uncle and nephew: Genesis 13-14; 19. (I must add that the incredible discussion between Abraham and God in Genesis 18:16-33 is one of the best examples of friendship with God.) Moses and Aaron, brothers: begins in Exodus 4 and goes throughout the rest of the Exodus and parts of Deuteronomy. Naomi and Ruth, mother-in-law and daughter-in-law: the entire Book of Ruth. David and Jonathan, friends like brothers:1 Samuel 18-20. Elijah and Elisha, friends and ‘co-workers’: 1 Kings 19: 15-2 Kings 2:15. Jesus and John, friends: examples throughout the Gospel of John. The best examples are the Last Supper and when Jesus was dying on the cross. (In his gospel John is referred to as the 'one whom Jesus loved.' This designation was given by a later writer who edited this gospel. Jesus certainly loved all the apostles, but there was a special friendship here.) Paul, with friends and co-workers: with Barnabas, Acts 9:27 and following; with Priscilla, Acts 18, and some references in Paul’s letters; with Timothy, Acts 16 and the two letters Paul wrote to him; with Philemon and Onesimus, the Letter to Philemon.

1. Image, The Galilean Jesus, by Fr. William Hart McNichols: It can be found for purchase in many different mediums at https://fineartamerica.com/featured/the-galilean-jesus-266-william-hart-mcnichols.html

2. Inset of 14th century icon, The Visitation; the Baby Leaps: If you look closely at Elizabeth you can see the baby, John, leaping in her womb.

3. My photo, tourists in San Marco Square, Venice: I was fortunate to be in Venice before the terrible flooding.

4. My photo, mosaic in Baptistry at San Vitale, Ravenna, Italy: the ceiling in the Baptistry. 

5. My photo, Portree, Isle of Skye, Scotland: Father and son are certainly friends as well as relatives. In a city where houses are connected, so too are the people truly connected as neighbor.

NOTE: In compliance with GDPR rules, I wish to make it clear that I do not gather any information on any of my readers at any time. 

I believe it was St. Teresa of Avila who coined the phrase, “God writes straight with crooked lines.” This refers to the experience of a strange series of events for which we have no explanation, but with faith and trust in God we can see that although something unexpected took place, God was with us the entire time, even in tragedy. The Christmas season presents us with this sort of scenario. First we celebrated the birth of Jesus, a feast replete with joyful angels and awe-struck shepherds with whom we shared the wonder of it all. Then we celebrated the Feast of the Holy Family, which, in a surprising twist, involved danger; next weekend we will celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany featuring adoring Magi who also end up in danger. Even the Gospels are surprising, chronologically ‘reversed,’ with the reading for the Holy Family from Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23 and that of the Epiphany from Matthew 2:1-12. However, what is really happening in the Church’s choice of the timing of these passages is in the message which reveals that God was already doing a saving work, shedding light, like that of the Star, on the true identity of this Child: Jesus is the Savior, and while strange and even tragic things may happen, all is in the control of our God, the One who writes straight with crooked lines.

The Gospel for the Feast of the Holy Family involved the Family’s need to flee from the wicked King Herod whose intention was to kill the newborn Babe. We were immediately jarred out of our reverie and the silence of adoration into a sense of urgency and danger. And with the unfathomable tragedy which occurred for those little ones in Bethlehem, we see that belief in Jesus as the Son of God means that there will be danger, and that we will need to trust in God and in the message this little Child will bear. His birth brought hope into the world, and we must not lose sight of it: Jesus does bring “healing in His wings.”* The successful flight of the Holy Family, along with the tragedy which occurred, is a precursor to the victory Jesus would have over death, a victory wrapped in great mystery. Finally, it is important that we realize we are part of His holy family. During His ministry Jesus said: “Whoever does the will of my heavenly Father is my brother, and sister, and mother.” (Mt 12:46-50) Therefore we are to take from this that we, His family, are never without His healing, power, and ultimate victory.

The Gospel for the Epiphany is similar in its message. The Magi came from afar to adore the newborn King. Herod became aware of their objective and tried to deceive them into revealing the Baby’s location; however the angel interceded and warned them not to return to Herod, but rather to depart to their country by a different route. Thus, the adoration of the Magi was overshadowed by the evil intent of Herod. And as before, God guided them to safety. While this is not what the Magi must have expected in finally arriving at the manger, it would seem that after following the star to get there, trusting the hand of God who they had now met face to face was not difficult for them. 

A lesson from these two related passages is that being a follower of Jesus means accepting mystery, not just the kind which induces awe, but also that which can be confusing or does not seem to have a visible meaning. It teaches that we are to embrace faith and hope in a much deeper way than ever before, especially as life becomes increasingly complex. Further, it means that we must let go of everything that is pre-conceived within our minds and hearts; we need to allow a stripping away of all that comes between us and God. All attachments must be loosed in order to rise up and leave what is comfortable if need be. To do so is to allow ourselves to die to that which keeps us from God and to rise up again with Him on the last day. Ultimately, it leads to freedom and joy. We are to become as the Holy Family and as the Magi: willing to leave the safety of our comfort zone and go where we are unfamiliar. It means letting God write straight with crooked lines: that we truly trust the Word of God, Jesus, to lead us to healing, wholeness, and deeper love than we can ever imagine.

Perhaps this Christmas season we can ask for the grace to let go of that which keeps us from adoring, listening, trusting, acting, and being a person of peace, mercy, and love. It means we have to trust that God will lead, becoming like the Magi, following whatever ‘star’ or angel He sends, discerning the message through our prayer and through the voices of others. It means being like the Holy Family, trusting that when we go to a ‘foreign place’ we might have to ‘return’ to a different place, but that He will lead us home to Him. It would be good to spend time during this Christmas season in reflection upon these mysteries, asking for the grace to let go, accepting that sometimes God writes straight with crooked lines. And perhaps praying with the 2nd chapter of Matthew will assist us in embracing mystery so that we can find peace in the unknown and comfort in resting in God alone.

May we continue our celebration, adoration, reflection, and prayer during this Christmas season! May we learn how to let go of all which keeps us from growing in closeness to God! May we find inspiration in the Holy Family and the Magi who discerned the message of God! And may we find healing and peace in the newborn Jesus! Let us continue to meet in the heart of Jesus! Peace!

                                                © Michele L. Catanese

* “With healing in His wings” is a line from the third verse of the Christmas carol, Hark the Herald Angels Sing. It is actually a paraphrase of Malachi 3:20. You can find the lyrics to this carol at https://www.google.com/search?q=hymn+hark+the+herald+angels+sing+lyrics&oq=Hymn%2C+Hark+the&aqs=chrome.4.69i57j0l7.6806j0j8&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

​Blessings to all in 2020!

Images:
​1. Icon, The Holy Family for the Holy Family Hospital of Bethlehem, by Fr. William Hart McNichols. You can find this at https://fineartamerica.com/featured/the-holy-family-for-the-holy-family-hospital-of-bethlehem-william-hart-mcnichols.html

2. My photo of the fresco, The Flight into Egypt, by Giotto. This was taken in the Scrovegni Chapel in Padua.

3. Mosaic of the Adoration of the Magi. San Vitale, Ravenna, Italy.

4. My photo of a sunset in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. There is mystery in this photo, as symbolized by the unknown objects on the beach.

5. Painting, The Nativity and the Annunciation to the Shepherds, by Bernardino Luini, (1480/1490-1532)

NOTE: In compliance with GDPR rules, I wish to make it clear that I do not gather any information on any of my readers at any time. 

I do not play many games on my electronic devices, but when I do, it will be one of two favorites. Among these is a word game involving a series of jumbled letters which the player uses to form words from 3 to 7 letters in length. In a recent play session two 6- letter words were needed; the first one that emerged was “listen.” Interestingly, the second word formed from the same letters was “silent.” The irony presented here inspired some Advent reflection since this season is filled with mysteries that encourage listening. And in truth, there is no way to truly listen without silence. I once read that “silence is the indispensable climate for all revelation; noise renders it absolutely impossible.” Thus, silence is essential to growth in the spiritual life, to good discernment, to deepening our relationship with God, and to truly hearing what is going on within one’s own self. Silence allows us to listen deeply to what God is revealing. We are subjected to so much noise in our everyday lives that we must be totally intentional about building in the time for silence. Silence is crucial to our well-being as it creates a space for us to calm down, to find peace, healing, and love in the open and active disposition of waiting. In silence God is found. 

Advent is a time to slow down and listen, to imitate Mary who became the Mother of God. By entering into the silence she created an empty, fertile place for God to enter, and thus she was able to be filled with His Holy Spirit. Mary was in quiet awe and reverent reflection when the angel Gabriel arrived. His presence startled her, though interiorly she was more prepared than perhaps she was aware; in her immense humility and purity of heart, it probably never occurred to her that she would merit any sort of visitation from a messenger of God, especially not one with the message he bore. As part of our Advent meditation we can apply a similar practice by prayerfully opening our heart to allow God to fill it, something which means letting go of our own agendas and desires so that God can reveal His plan of peace and healing. For the space in our hearts to be fertile, we must first trust that He desires to make His home within us, and then we must invite him to do so.

While it is unlikely that an angel will appear during our prayer, listening does open us to the awareness of the hidden angels in our daily lives. Every encounter is pregnant with the possibility that an announcement of love, peace, and blessing is being made. But unless we cultivate the ears to hear, the eyes to see, and the heart to love, we will miss countless angels bearing messages from God. These angels come in various forms such as in children, the elderly, the poor, strangers, the folks in the pews around us during worship, those with us in the checkout line, and yes, even other drivers on the freeway! They will speak through words, deeds, and sometimes in the silence of simply being present. The more we participate in silent prayer, listening to what emerges from our openness to God in reflection and ‘active waiting,’ the more we will hear and see both within and outside of the time of prayer. What listening does is transform our way of being and of perceiving; it brings us to new birth. In short, it expands our hearts so that we find Jesus anew. 

Silence awakens reverence, wonder and awe. In the days of late Advent, the days we are now entering which span from December 17 to 24, there are a series of antiphons, or verses, that are used in our liturgies of both evening prayer and daily Mass that provide an excellent source for reflection and can move us to deeper reverence, wonder and awe. These are commonly referred to as the O Antiphons because each one begins with a phrase from Old Testament prophecies which reverently describe the Messiah, invoking Him to come quickly. An example is from December 17th: “O Wisdom of Our God most High…come to teach us the path of knowledge!” These antiphons can assist in our silent listening as we ponder what they reveal about Jesus. Perhaps for the duration of Advent it would be beneficial to spend time reflecting upon these antiphons found in the Gospel verse of each day’s Mass.* And if you really want to engage in the silent prayer of listening, and are so moved, write your own 'O Antiphon' and then pray with it; let your heart reveal the way you wish to glorify the Lord Jesus who is to coming to birth anew in your life.

​These days offer a unique gift wrapped in the mysteries of Advent. We have an infant Lord coming soon, God arriving in an unexpected way on a dark, silent night which will be illuminated by Love. This Child for whom we wait is Emmanuel, God-with-us, Prince of Peace, Father Forever, Wonder-Counselor, Lord of Lords. (Isaiah 9:5) He is God come down from Heaven to live and to die so that we might be healed. Let us seek Him, waiting in hope-filled expectation with Mary and Joseph, remembering that it is in the silence that we shall indeed find Him. 

May we enter into the silence, listening for the Lord to enter! May our time of silent prayer awaken reverence, wonder and awe within our hearts! May we seek the intercession of Mary and Joseph to assist us in our silent listening! And may we open our hearts wider so that we may make room for Jesus who comes in the form of the lonely, marginalized, and the materially and spiritually poor! Let us meet at the stable where we wait for the joy which is to come! Maranatha! Come O Lord! Peace!

                      ©Michele L. Catanese

*Here is an excellent short explanation as well as a list of all of the O Antiphons: http://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/prayers-and-devotions/prayers/the-o-antiphons-of-advent.cfm

​Images:
​1. Image, Study for Winter Trees of Life, by Fr. William Hart McNichols. This seemed like an excellent way to depict silence in winter. It can be found for purchase at https://fineartamerica.com/featured/study-for-winter-trees-of-life-299-william-hart-mcnichols.html

2. Icon, Mother of God Waiting in Adoration, by Fr. William Hart McNichols: It can be found at https://fineartamerica.com/featured/mother-of-god-waiting-in-adoration-248-william-hart-mcnichols.html

3. My photo taken in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico: Depicts people going about their daily lives, here seen in front of a church.

4. Print of O Antiphon graphic.

5. My photo, giant snail taken at Gozalandia Falls and Hiking Trails, Puerto Rico. It does not get more silent or 'slowed down' than in the observation of a snail. 

6. Graphic, candles for third week in Advent.

NOTE: In compliance with GDPR rules, I wish to make it clear that I do not gather any information on any of my readers at any time. 

The calendar has rendered the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas to be a bit shorter this year, and accordingly the liturgical season of Advent is also shorter, about three and a half weeks. But no matter its length, it is always a time which bears the challenge of learning how to wait reverently and expectantly. Advent offers a unique opportunity for us to learn anew how to wait patiently, to open our eyes, ears, and hearts more deeply, and to ponder the mysteries of this beautiful season. This year my focus is on hospitality. That is, my reflection is on the call to adopt an Advent disposition to be open, receptive, and inviting to the angels who come into our lives bearing messages of love; to strangers lowly and highborn who, even if briefly, come into our lives bearing gifts for our hearts; and to build up a welcoming abode for the Holy Family to be present as the mysteries of the season unfold. It all sounds good, but it is indeed a challenge when the secular world has been literally screaming for our attention and shows no sign of letting up as we enter this holy season intended for quiet, listening, pondering, and reflection. However, with all of this in mind, let us seek a different inclination of heart as we immerse ourselves in this beautiful, though somewhat challenging, season. Waiting can be difficult, but it does bring peace.

In Advent we prepare actively and passively. We need both, so it would be unfair to present Advent waiting as a time in which we should feel guilty if we are not gazing with rapt attention at our crèches and doing nothing more. Despite busyness, our active preparation can be prayerful, or at the very least it can be intentional. This means that as we go to the supermarket to choose the ingredients for foods which we will prepare for guests throughout Advent, and the time we spend trying to decide which gifts we will give our friends and family, can all be done while reflecting upon how these are meant to be acts of love. We can transform the more harried preparation into something reflective if we think of the recipients of our attention as the Holy Family, the angels bearing messages, or as the Magi and shepherds. If we think of those who enter our homes as guests coming from God, if we see the people as gifts in and of themselves, and if we enter into our charitable giving as an outreach to God’s poor ones, then we can transform our active preparations into peaceful, spiritual moments.

​In preparing passively, Advent waiting can be peaceful if we view it as the time to step away from the hurry-hurry, shop-till-you-drop message from the secular world. And God knows we all need the time to stop the noise and simply enjoy the quiet. In our time of reflection upon the Scripture readings of Advent, or upon the narratives in the beginning of the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, we should realize that in sitting with these passages nothing is expected of us at all! Rather, we can drink it all in, perhaps identifying with Mary or Joseph after each was visited by an angel, pondering whatever message comes personally. Sitting quietly and focusing on the Advent scenes will still our minds and heal our souls; it is as restful as lying on a beach watching the sea, listening to the waves gently flowing in and out. Reflecting in this way takes us out of ourselves and into another setting, something which is peaceful and healing. It assists us in dropping our tendency to obsess over what needs to be done or the challenges that we have to face, even if we are reflecting on the more difficult parts of the Advent narratives in which the holy ones faced adversity or hardship. We long for the coming of the Prince of Peace. And we need peace desperately in our world of chaos and sin: but it is always accessible as we enter into prayer.

If we spend time with the Scripture readings of each day during Advent, we will note that of the many passages from the prophet Isaiah, all suggest a future that is brighter than the one in which we now live, emphasizing hope. Several begin with phrases such as, “On that day,” “a shoot shall sprout,” “On this mountain, He will,” and “In the days to come.” And many of the Gospel readings urge readiness with words such as “Repent, prepare…” (paraphrase), “At an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come,” and so forth. The emphasis is on hopeful preparation, something we can only do if we are alert, listening, reflective, open, and hospitable.

The stance of Advent waiting, both actively and passively, is one which can produce peace because we are offering hospitality to the Holy Spirit whose grace can render our hearts pregnant with God, prepared for the Prince of Peace to enter. At the  Annunciation, the Virgin Mary teaches that watchful waiting opens the door to encounter. And like her we wait in joyful expectation for Peace to make His arrival and to be at home within us. This is the gift of Advent waiting, the gift of the peace which overcomes the tendencies of a world so contrary to it.

May we be open to the Holy Spirit that His grace might enable our hearts to welcome Peace within! May we give ourselves the gift of time for reflection upon the Scriptures, enhancing our sense of joyful expectation! May we become more hospitable to Jesus as we encounter Him in others, great and lowly, friend and stranger! And may we find the peace we seek as we await the coming of Jesus, accepting the gifts He sends in this time of waiting! Let us meet in prayer during our  Advent waiting! Maranatha! Come, O Lord! Peace!

                  ©Michele L. Catanese

Images:
1. Icon, Mother of God After Fra Angelico by Fr. William Hart McNichols: You can find this for purchase in one of many mediums, at https://fineartamerica.com/featured/mother-of-god-after-fra-angelico-168-william-hart-mcnichols.html

​2. My photo, cropped, of the fresco, Mary greets Elizabeth at the Visitation by Giotto: This fresco is part of the body of works of Giotto which adorn the Scrovegni Chapel, Padua, Italy.

3. My photo taken in the highlands of Scotland, here representing a shoot coming forth from the stump of Jesse, (Isaiah 11:1-10)

4. Painting, The Annunciation by Bl. Fra Angelico. (My all time fav!)

5. Advent candles for the first week of Advent, of course.

NOTE: In compliance with GDPR rules, I wish to make it clear that I do not gather any information on any of my readers at any time. 

While at a local business in early November, the proprietor asked me if I was ready for the holidays. He was clearly referring to Christmas and not Thanksgiving, given that he gestured toward his radio which was playing Christmas music. But upon reflection, I am grateful for his question because it brought into my consciousness, albeit a bit abruptly, a reminder that approaching the holiday season means we are coming to the end of the liturgical year. The end of the liturgical cycle carries a strong message that time is a precious gift which we are to receive and to use carefully. To use our time wisely means having a balanced approach; it is not better to work than to recreate, it is not better to read a book than it is to write one, nor is it better to spend time in prayer than it is to reach out to someone in service (or vice versa); rather all of these things are good if done in a balanced way. It can pose quite a challenge, but if we are working consciously at balancing our activities, leisure, prayer, acts of service, and responsibilities, then perhaps we are making good use of the gift of time. And especially if we offer this gift to others, such as time spent with God in which we listen more than talk, or time with an elderly or homebound friend in which we help them to feel less alone simply by being there, then we have given something quite precious indeed. It is for this reason that at the end of the liturgical year the Church gives us constant reminders that time is short and our attention should be focused not only on the return of Christ the King, but on our own desire to spend eternity with Him, a reality which is priceless beyond imagining. 

The liturgical readings and prayers in November encourage us to reflect upon the end of time, whether it is the end of our time on earth or the end of time generally, that is, the Second Coming of Christ. The month began with the Solemnity of All Saints followed by All Souls’ Day. Each of these celebrations is meant for reflection upon those who have gone before us, as well as to turn our attention toward our own spiritual progress. In addition to celebrating the saints, All Saints Day is a reminder that we are all called to holiness; while not many will be canonized, we are nonetheless called to holiness – (and a real humility-builder is to realize that not only will we probably not be canonized, but after the passage of time we may not even be remembered on earth!) Thus, becoming holy is a gift we offer to God; a holy life is a life lived for others, not self. Holiness is about kenosis, that is, a continuous pouring out of self for God through acts of sacrifice, kindness, goodness, justice, mercy, and love.  

​All Souls’ Day should remind us not only of praying for our beloved dead and of utilizing their intercessory prayers, but it is a day in which we recognize our own mortality. Therefore, these two celebrations are not simply about remembering the holy ones who have gone before us, but they also provide an opportunity to consider how we have lived our lives in the past, how we are currently living, and how we want to live in the future. These solemnities are a gift insofar as they encourage us to look into the light of eternity and consider what is important and what is not, what to build upon and what to let go of (or what needs healing through the Sacrament of Reconciliation.) These days are gifts because they remind us that while time may be short, we still have the opportunity to grow. As the saying goes, there is no time like the present.

While some of the Scriptures we hear in these last weeks can seem rather dire, others are quite hopeful and even joyful. (Again, we are reminded that there is a necessary balance needed to keep us from becoming either overwhelmed or a bit too laissez-faire.) One such uplifting Scripture is Psalm 84, which appears in the Morning Prayer cycle during this time. Its opening lines are a reminder of the home which awaits us at the end of our lives: “How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of Hosts! My soul yearns and pines for the courts of the Lord.” (Ps 84:2-3) This provides a wonderful entry point for reflection on Heaven, perhaps using the way taught by St. Ignatius of Loyola: we visualize the ‘place,’ in this case Heaven, using our imagination. We can consider the ways in which Heaven is lovely, who we might meet, how we might encounter God there, what we might look like, etc., noting how we feel during this experience. Something to note in verse 4 is the suggestion that although the dwelling place of God is glorious, it is simultaneously humble! It reads, “Even the sparrow finds a home.…” This implies that Heaven is where the humble and the smallest of creatures are welcomed. Finally, the Psalm reminds us that those who enter Heaven will be happy: “Happy are they who dwell in your house…. I had rather one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere.” (Verse 5, 11) Therefore we can reflect upon this Psalm as a way to a deeper sense of that which awaits those who persevere through even the darkest of times. 

At this time of year we hear from prophets such as Isaiah who says: “In the days to come, the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established as the highest mountain, and all nations shall stream toward it…. One nation shall not raise the sword against another, nor shall they train for war again.” (Isaiah 2:2-4) The world may not be all that peaceful at present, nor for that matter, has it ever been; but Isaiah reminds us that God’s peace will reign and the faithful will all be together as one. Therefore it is important that we receive these passages as invitations to ponder, reflect, make choices, and then to make changes in our lives if necessary. This season, then, is about preparing to prepare; that is, these words remind us that we need to do as Jesus instructed, to live the gospel, and if we need to make changes or to heighten our awareness, we need to prepare for action. Thus, we prepare for Advent which in itself is a time of preparation, with our thoughts directed toward the return of Jesus.

​The readings and prayers of the end of the year are meant to help us remain balanced in our approach to time, no matter how long or short its length might be. Sometimes we need a sense of urgency in order to ‘get the picture,’ but the Scriptures presented are not necessarily meant to scare us. Rather, they act as reminders that all is passing. Jesus taught that we are not to store up material riches (on earth) which perish, but instead we should store up spiritual riches (for heaven) which come from a life spent in generosity and love. Therefore, as we end the liturgical year, and as we prepare for the new one which follows, it would be wise to accept the message as a gift to help us place our attention upon eternity, the lovely dwelling place for which we long, and the One with whom we will spend it.

May we receive the gift contained in the message of these weeks and then make a fitting return of that gift to the Lord! May we find inspiration in the lives of the Saints and holy ones! May we find consolation and hope in remembering our beloved dead, and may we ask their intercession for ourselves and for the world! May we persevere in times of struggle, trusting with faith and hope that all is in God’s hands, and that Jesus will come again! And may we find comfort and strength, wisdom and blessing in and through our reflection upon the Scriptures! Let us continue to meet in the heart of Jesus! Peace! 

                                             ©Michele L. Catanese

Images:
1. My photo: Late Autumn foliage, taken while hiking at Lake George, N.Y.

2. Icon, The Second Coming of Christ the King by Fr. William Hart McNichols: This can be found at https://fineartamerica.com/featured/the-second-coming-of-christ-the-king-149-william-hart-mcnichols.html

​3. Painting: Old Woman with a Rosary by Paul Cézanne

4. My photo: North Sound, (near Stingray City), Grand Cayman

5. Photo: Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati climbing a mountain, one of his favorite sporting activities

6. Painting: The Sheaf-Binder, Vincent van Gogh (1889)

NOTE: In compliance with GDPR rules, I wish to make it clear that I do not gather any information on any of my readers at any time.