Monday February 3, 2025 - “My Name Is I Am”
I grew up with this poem called “My name Is I Am” by Helen Mallicoat. It talks about how God is present in today and not of yesterday as in “I was” the future “I will be”. Lately I have been struggling with seeing God in the present. I find myself reflecting back to when the kids were little with rose colored glasses of how easy life seemed to be. I long to hold them in my arms just one more time. When I am not daydreaming of those yester years, I think of what the future will look like with all of them grown up with their respective lives. In the messiness of today, I can forget to look for God being here in the present. Maybe I can find it in a quick text exchange with my college sons’ living on their own, or in the endless taxing to/fro to extracurricular events. A friend reminded me that in parenthood the hard is the hard no matter what age or stage your children are in. It was an important reminder to me to look for the moments of grace in my daily living of parenthood that soon will be gone and that I will once again be in a different stage.
Lord help me to see you in my daily life even when it can be hard; help me to feel your presence in each of my family members knowing you are with us even in the messiness of our daily lives.
Bianca Hennager
Tuesday February 4, 2025 - The One Who Has Gratitude Has Enough
Author Ann Voskamp wrote “One Thousand Gifts” where she describe the transformation of gratitude over the course of the year by writing 3 things she was grateful for each day. She challenged herself to think of different things of gratitude to enhance her perspective of all that surrounded her. Having read that book, I took her advice and began writing down 3 gifts of gratitude. I didn’t keep it up for the full year but found that by the 4th month my perspective had changed. I found myself more at peace with my present reality despite the challenges in front of me. It helped me focus on seeing where God was present in my midst and helped me see Christ in those around me. Throughout the book, Ann shares her challenges yet still finds a way to be thankful. She discusses the importance of finding joy in small things and cultivating a heart of gratitude. I find that when I am struggling with “the daily grind of life” I could use a little more gratitude in my life. When I spend a few days refocusing and spending time on what I can be grateful for around me I find life isn’t as much as a grind and I am able to get back to a more peaceful attitude.
Lord thank you for being with me along this journey of life. Thank you for all of your blessings. Thank you for the desert experiences which draws me closer to you.
Bianca Hennager
Wednesday February 5, 2025 - Just a Carpenter
Today’s Gospel reminds me of how difficult it can be to see Christ in others especially those closest to us. When Jesus returned to Nazareth, where he was from, the people couldn’t fathom that he was the Son of God; after all he was “just a carpenter”. Due to their lack of faith, Jesus “was not able to perform any mighty deed there” and was amazed at “their lack of faith” (Mk 6:5-6). I imagine Jesus felt rejected by his community and their inability to see that he was the Son of God. How many times have I discounted those around me and thought their contribution(s) were less important?
I pray that I may be reminded of this Gospel passage before I think the person is “just a….” and that I remember with God all things are possible; that I may see God’s presence in people where I may least expect it; and to never lose sight of God’s glory no matter where he may present himself to me.
Bianca Hennager
Thursday February 6, 2025 - You Are Worthy of It All
When I first heard “Worthy of it All” by CeCe Winans, it resonated with me as if the song were speaking to me; I took the song to be “me focused”. As I meditated on the song and listened to the lyrics it became glaringly obvious that the lyrics were about honoring God and praising him. It was a reminder that my focus was not on the right things when I kept thinking to myself, yes I am worthy. It’s funny how when I made the mental shift to focus on God as I listened to the song, I realized how He is worthy of it all. He is worthy that my focus be on him; worthy of my prayers and honor and that then things start to fall into place. When I turn my focus on God and give him praise for all he has done, continues to do, and trust in what he will do, the worries of “what about me” fade away.
Lord I pray that my actions in my daily life reflect my fiat to you; may my sacrifices, joys, and daily grinding give glory and honor to you.
Bianca Hennager
Friday February 7, 2025 - Beheading John the Baptist
In today’s Gospel we hear the retelling of the Beheading of John the Baptist. It is not lost on me that John was different from his peers. Not only in what he preached but how he dressed and what he ate. He spoke out against Herod and was not popular. Due to speaking out against evil he was murdered in a deceptive ploy. Re-reading this passage left me with an icky feeling; it was not a warm retelling of a birth story or a miracle. Rather, it portrays people at their worst and debased. It reminded me that even in the Gospels we can read stories of flawed people committing heinous acts. However, there is redemption that can be found in the beheading of John the Baptist. John called to action many followers and led them to know that Christ was the Son of God. Without John how would Jesus’ ministry have begun? Often it is those in our midst who are different, who speak out against the norm, can draw us closer to Christ and help us to see things not of this world.
Bianca Hennager
Saturday February 8, 2025 = The Lord Is My Shepherd
“Shepherd me O God beyond my wants, beyond my fears, from death into life”. A shepherd herds his sheep closer to where he needs them to be and not necessarily where they may want to go. How have my fears kept me away from where God wants me to be? Can I turn my fear(s) into my fiat? If I truly mean “Jesus I trust in you” I need to submit to the Lord’s will in all that I do and not let fear dictate my actions. I find myself wanting to control so much of my surroundings, always having a plan and a back-up plan in case the first plan falls through. It can be exhausting going through life with that mindset. There is something freeing in being able to trust God in all things and submitting to his will. I struggle to know his Will and where I fit into that equation as it pertains to being my best self. For me , I find it to be a constant struggle with submitting while also trying to do my best for the love of God.
Shepherd me Lord from my fears and help me to know your will.
Bianca Hennager
Sunday February 9, 2025 - Fishers of Men
This is one of my favorite Gospel stories because it is so relatable. After a long day of trying to catch fish, Simon Peter was cleaning up when Jesus asks him to go back out and into the deep water and let down your nets. Simon Peter grumbles a bit but obeys Jesus. After putting down his nets he caught so many fish his boat almost sank. How wonderful if all of my obedient moments were to end like Simon Peters! Simon Peter’s obedience and faith played a crucial part in this Gospel story. Because of Simon Peter’s faith and obedience, he was transformed and became a “fisher of men”.
Lord may I be obedient to your will and have faith in you. Help me to be a light of Christ to others so we may spread your Good News to others in how we speak, live, and act. May I be a good witness to those near and far and respond in loving kindness to your commands.
Bianca Hennager
January 20th - The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
One of my favorite books to read during the holiday season is “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” by Barbara Robinson, which was recently adapted into a movie. The story follows the Herdmans, a family of rowdy kids taking part in a church Christmas pageant. Having never heard the Christmas story before, they bring up some valid questions. How could the innkeeper make a pregnant woman stay in a barn? Kings couldn’t bring better gifts for a baby than fancy oil? At one point, one of the Herdmans even acts like they are burping the baby Jesus, to the horror of one of the more pious children in the pageant. But the humorous novel brings up a very good point. The Christmas story, as with most Bible stories, isn’t as pristine and picturesque as we’d all like to think. For me this is a great reminder that the people in the Bible were people and that to error - and to burp - is human.
Sarah Pipitone
January 21st - God Sightings
Every day during Vacation Bible School, the participants are encouraged to share “God Sightings,” or places, people, and things in which they saw God. Common sightings include church, the sky, the lunch crew, and occasionally their friends. The first couple of days the kids are usually too shy or too confused on the concept to share, but by the end of the week we are flooded with God Sightings. There is no limit to what a God sighting could be. I’ve heard anything as simple as green grass to “the happy feeling I get when I come to VBS” and everything in between. With just a little searching we can find God everywhere and in everything. What are your God Sightings today?
Sarah Pipitone
January 22nd - Loaves and Fishes
Picture yourself as one of the twelve Apostles trying to figure out how to feed five thousand people, when a kid comes up to you offering a few loaves of bread and a couple of fish. Then imagine your shock when Jesus tells you to start distributing the food amongst the crowd. Then when that bread and those fish don’t feed just five people but all five thousand plus leftovers - you’d be flabbergasted. This story is one of the only ones recorded in all four gospels, and it is a personal favorite of mine. It, along with the story of the woman giving two pennies though it was all she had, are reminders to give what we have, though it may not feel like enough. God can do his work through our faith and whatever we are willing to give.
Sarah Pipitone
Thursday, January 23rd – Saints
“What is the deal with the saints?” I have gotten this question from my non-Catholic friends a couple of times. It is very confusing to them that we’re all about Jesus and God but then also worship the saints on the side. As a cradle Catholic the saints confused me for a really long time too. Over time, I learned we don’t actually worship the saints; that would go against the whole “no false idols” rule. Instead we ask the saints to intercede on our behalf, usually about whatever that saint is the patron of. With the frequency with which I lose things, I have St. Anthony on spiritual speed dial. When I had to pick a saint for my confirmation, I got to learn a lot more about their stories and purpose. Their faith is incredibly inspirational and their presence in the church is a lot more meaningful to me now. Rather than the saints being mysterious names in the church, I now know their stories and their missions and how I can strive for their qualities in my own life.
Sarah Pipitone
January 24th – Trailblazers
On the first day of my AP US History class my teacher told us that we would be learning the truth. That meant we would get the good, the bad, and the ugly. Many of the topics we discussed totally changed my perspective on American History. One thing I was surprised to learn was that the majority of the people in the thirteen colonies didn’t actually want to be an independent nation for a really long time. The revolutionary enthusiasts were actually a minority whose sentiments weren’t reciprocated by their fellow colonists until Great Britain's control became unbearable. I feel as though the early followers of Jesus were very similar - a small group making waves that, for a while, no one really understood. And they faced the good, the bad, and the ugly, but they and their ideas succeeded, just like those of the early patriots. I am glad for this, as without these trail blazers, no one would have been bold enough to say they believed.
Sarah Pipitone
Saturday, January 25th - A+
I have worked hard throughout my schooling to put in my best effort and achieve the highest grades I can. It takes a lot of work, and, so far, it has been worth it. But this is not the case for all of my classmates. The same A’s that I worked so hard for seem to be easily achieved by others. The same C’s that I would be loath to see on my report card don’t seem to bother others. But either way we’ll all be walking across the football field in May and receiving our diplomas. I feel as though this metaphor of arriving in the same place has certainly been done before, but it also applies to faith. One person may be struggling to make it to mass every Sunday while another prays the rosary every day. But in the end, we are all loved by God just the same.
Sarah Pipitone
January 26th - Give It a Try
“How do you know you won’t like it unless you try it?” A phrase often used by parents attempting to convince their children to eat their food. I’d like to offer an adjustment and apply this phrase to daily life. “How do you know you can’t do it if you haven’t tried?” I’ve seen so many posts on the internet bragging about some fabulous thing someone did in the name of self-improvement or philanthropy. Oftentimes when I see these posts I think “wow, I wish I could do something like that,” feel bad that I can’t, and eventually move on without even trying. But not every commitment has to be super dramatic. Maybe I can’t read a hundred books before the year is over, but I can stop by the library today. Maybe I can’t devote my life to solving world hunger, but I can spend an afternoon in a soup kitchen. Maybe praying the rosary every day isn’t realistic for me, but if I am still finding time to do Wordle,I can certainly find the time to pray. I’m amazed at what I find I’m capable of by just getting started and giving things a try.
Sarah PipitoneJanuary 13, 2025 - We’ve Only Just Begun
While many people have put away their Christmas decorations, and some have yet to recover from the holiday rush, I’m still in the Christmas spirit, wishing it could last the whole year through.
The Feast of Christmas ended with The Epiphany (last week), but the Season of Christmas, on the liturgical calendar, continued until yesterday with The Baptism of the Lord. Despite its “official” ending, the wonderful feelings of hope, peace, joy, and love continue on in my heart.
In yesterday’s gospel account of Jesus’ baptism, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove descended upon Him. God said, “Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.” This marked the start of Jesus’ public ministry. It is a beginning for us as well.
Like the wise men who followed the star to find baby Jesus, may we continually search for Christ’s presence in our lives. He reveals himself in many ways and to ALL people. May his light guide us in the new year, so our path has purpose and our radiance can serve as a beacon for others.
The traditional sights and sounds of Christmas may be gone for now. However, there remains within us a spark - in our eyes a twinkle, in our smile a glow, in our heart a loving warmth, and in our soul a never-ending glimmer of hope.
God is with us and we’ve only just begun…
Maria Montalvo
January 14, 2025 - The Circle of Life
Experiencing the death of a loved one and the birth of new life into our family recently, has brought a whole spectrum of emotions and a visceral meaning to “the circle of life.” From despair to anticipation, and grief to joy, I have felt it all and everything in between. I know life and death are a continuous cycle. When I think of that cycle as a never-ending circle, I am reminded that life is eternal. I believe God is central in the circle of life. We are all spiritually connected, in a state of harmony with Him. I view the circle as a symbol of our enduring bond with Him and each other. It is perpetual in nature, with no beginning and no end. It is fortified by love that originates from God, is truly infinite, and never dies. This realization fills me with peace, comfort, strength, and immense gratitude. Knowing change is inevitable and believing each season of life happens according to God’s plan, I am better able accept the circle of life, to actually embrace it. As the souls of our beloved live on, we are blessed to continually welcome new life into the fold.
“To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to uproot… a time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance.” Ecclesiastes 3:1-2, 4
Maria Montalvo
January 15, 2025 - Our Guiding Light
My daughter’s eyes caught my attention one day as the sunlight shone through the window blinds casting horizontal streaks of light and shadows across her face. Her eyes were illuminated, allowing me to see the fine details and beautiful mixture of colors within them. She walked closer to the window and opened the blinds all the way, since they were blocking her full view of the setting sun. Bright and colorful light filled the room with a surprising intensity. I joined her at the window and together we watched the most gorgeous sunset. Both of us stood in complete awe.
This led me to reflect on God’s presence in our lives. Sometimes, our guiding light appears filtered, as obstacles obscure our vision and test our strength. In times of darkness, if we look beyond the obstacles, towards the future with hope and a faithful heart, God will open our eyes and show us a world beaming with possibilities. He will help us see that brighter days are before us. And we’ll realize that the light of his love has been with us all along.
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” James 1:17
Maria Montalvo
January 16, 2025 - A Deeply Rooted Faith
After some wild and destructive storms during a harsh winter a couple of years ago, I was surprised to find roses blooming in our front yard. We had this particular rose bush for many years, but it never before grew flowers in the winter. It usually didn’t produce flowers until the spring and summer, so seeing bright red roses really caught my attention. Somehow, this plant not only survived unusually harsh conditions, but was awakened from dormancy early, and was thriving! It was producing lovely flowers in January, despite the bitter cold, severe wind, and excessive rain. Knowing all it had endured, I appreciated its beauty even more.
Like hardy winter roses, we too can grow from our struggles and flourish following difficult times. With sincere faith, inner strength, and resiliency, we can blossom in the most beautiful ways.
When life’s struggles feel like piercing thorns, let’s maintain a deeply rooted faith, and look for the roses…
Maria Montalvo
January 17, 2025 - In God’s Time
On this day, four years ago, my youngest sister entered the gates of heaven, far too young. Since then, the reality of time has become an enigma that defies explanation. It’s difficult to understand. I wonder if others can relate. It seems the faces of time are many. While its pace remains constant, my perception of it varies undeniably. Its influence is powerful as it plays games with my mind and heart. Time feels like both a poison and an elixir. It tastes bitter sweet, as I swallow its pain and long for its healing properties. When I am at peace, I wish that time could stand still. But when my heart aches, the minutes cannot pass fast enough.
Time echos eternity as I miss my sister’s voice, her smile, her embrace. Yet, as the years pass, her memory is still so fresh, that my senses are convinced it was just yesterday that she was here. It's hard to comprehend. Asleep, visions of her take me back in time and seem incredibly real. Awake, I realize it was all in my mind, but thankful to God for giving me moments with her in my dreams.
As time marches on, I will continue to forge ahead, holding hands with hope and faith, looking forward to that long-awaited day when we’ll reunite in heaven. There, time is an endless gift. We’ll have all the time we want and need. We'll be with Our Lord, together again forever... in God’s time.
Maria Montalvo
January 18, 2025 - Kaleidoscope Eyes
When I was young, I remember being fascinated by what I saw looking into a kaleidoscope. The loose colored pieces of glass and reflective mirrors produced brilliant complex symmetrical designs that I could easily change by turning my wrist. The word kaleidoscope, of Greek origin, means "observation of beautiful forms." This beauty, however, cannot be seen if we live in darkness.
When we view life through kaleidoscope eyes, we choose to let light in — to illuminate the blessings in our world, ourselves, and each other. When guided by the light of Christ, we can see all of His splendor. What may have seemed ordinary, suddenly becomes spectacular! Daily life is full of meaningful experiences, which represent our own unique colored glass and mirrors. Those experiences provide unlimited images, ideas, and content for us to view and process. They influence our perception of the world and how we see ourselves in it.
I have the ability and choice to see things in a positive light, even during the darkest of times. Just as we can twist a kaleidoscope to create a new image, I too can change my actions to reflect God’s love to others. With open eyes and an open heart, our spectrum of possibilities is endless!
Let’s allow ourselves to experience the awe and wonder of God, with a childlike faith, by seeing things through kaleidoscope eyes… as if it’s for the very first time.
Maria Montalvo
January 19, 2024 - The Miracle
In today’s gospel, from the book of John, we read about Jesus’ very first miracle at the wedding at Cana, where he turned water into wine. There were many people in attendance for that wedding celebration, but only a chosen few were actually aware of what took place regarding the wine. Like any big event today which typically has at least one “behind the scenes” issue that guests are unaware of, running out of wine at the wedding was something that had to be dealt with discreetly. Witnessed only by Mary his mother, the servants at the banquet, and his disciples, it was somewhat of a quiet miracle. But it had a resounding effect on the course of history.
Reflecting on this gospel, I wonder how many times God has fulfilled my needs without me even realizing it? How often have I failed to recognize all the little miracles that get me through each day? I often worry needlessly when things don’t go according to plan. Why do I put such stress on myself, when I should put my trust in God? Just as Christ produced an overabundance of wine at Cana, I must remember that God’s mercy is more than enough to carry me through anything I might face.
Jesus’ miraculous transformation of water into wine was the start of His mission to transform humanity, and it began with those closest to Him. Over 2 billion faithful and 2000 years later, it is still happening every single day. What a miracle indeed!
Maria Montalvo
January 6, 2025- Admission to Heaven
Bishop Daniel E. Flores, has served as Bishop of Brownsville, Texas, a border city, since 2010. Originally from Palacios, TX, he was an Auxiliary Bishop in Detroit prior to this assignment. He reflected on what he imagines the experience of arriving at the gates of heaven will be like: “The gates will open with Peter standing there, surrounded by the least of our brothers and sisters. Peter will turn to them and ask, “Can any of you speak on this person’s behalf?”
This imagery brings questions. Is there someone among these least of my brothers and sisters who will speak for me? Among those faces will I see someone I recognize, or someone familiar but nameless, or will I be greeted with a sea of faces with blank stares? Have I lived the two great commandments sufficiently to warrant their assurances that I am worthy of eternal life? Have I given them enough grace and love of Christ, guided them by example, that they may have preceded me to heaven to speak for me? I have sometimes accepted the admonition, that what I’ve done is good enough. I don’t think ‘good enough’ is sufficient in being Christ-like in my life. Jesus tells me that what he calls me to do will not always be easy. It will always be rewarding mostly in small important ways. He will always be with me and, at the end, waiting with those I have served.
Ray Frink
January 7, 2025 - Always Faithful I do not know what service in the military is truly like. I am familiar with the expression, Semper Fidelis, the motto of the Marine Corp, which translates from the Latin as: Always Faithful. In an article on OO-RAH.com former marine Cam Beck explains the origin and significance of Semper Fidelis. He writes, “It simply symbolizes the ability of common people to become part of a brotherhood (and sisterhood, my addition) that demands more of its members than any other comparable group in the world.” I was immediately struck that this is, or should be, a definition of the Body of Christ, my Catholic faith. Common people, you and I and everyone, become part of something created by God. You and I joined together in a group that demands a great deal of its members. That demand is greater than the demands of any other comparable group in the world. This is the Church that Christ graced me to carry forward. I believe that the risen Christ lives in me. I believe that ritual and tradition are a call to unity and to be very much in the world and yet not part of it. I do not believe that worldly prosperity is a reward for faithfulness. I am called to sacrifice and service. I am called to recognize and lift up the least of us, asking each morning: “Lord what are we going to do today?”
Ray Frink
January 8, 2025 - Gift Multiplier
Writing this on Christmas morning, I see how some gifts have a lasting effect. It was about a year ago that NFL player Damar Hamlin collapsed in cardiac arrest after a blow to the chest. The gift of immediate action by medical staff brought full recovery and return to active play for Mr. Hamlin. The wide spread news of this event motivated leaders to make defibrillators and CPR training more available. Many more lives will be saved because this equipment and training is more widely used. The gift of the incarnation that we celebrate on Christmas is such a gift for all. By the actions of a loving God and the faith of Mary and Joseph a child was born. Though impoverished at birth, Jesus transformed the world. Jesus’ life demonstrated how I can live a life exemplified by love and service. This gift was carried by his disciples to all who listened. There may be times when my actions seem inconsequential, when gifting time, talent, and treasure seems to have little effect, when my giving seems to only benefit the well-being of a single child of God. I cannot know God’s plan or how my single act might affect many I will never know. Just as the actions of NFL personnel saved a single life that night and the effect will be wide ranging, my actions may bring unexpected results. I will try to never miss an opportunity to serve. Who knows what might happen?
Ray Frink
January, 9, 2025 - Count Your Blessings (Instead of Sheep)
I took many night calls as an Ob/Gyn. Late one night I was called to a patient’s room a few hours after delivery of her second child. She was having a problem that needed immediate attention. She related that this also happened after her first child was born. The solution required an examination, which can be very uncomfortable for the patient under the circumstances. She declined pain medication. After receiving her consent, she said: “I know you have to do the exam. It’s going to hurt, can you distract me, can you sing to me?”
The first thing that came to mind was a lullaby I know. It has a soothing tone and message, so I started to sing in my baritone voice and before I was done singing, I was finished with the exam and the problem was resolved. Relating this piece of history probably makes you laugh, coming from the warm but reserved lector/usher you know. I recognize that the action of singing a lullaby to a post-partum patient in a dimly lit hospital room in Sacramento would seem so unlikely as to be impossible. God gave me a passable voice. Then he showed me a movie, made when I was 2 years old, that included a lullaby that I remembered and sang to my children. Then he asked me to sing it in public to a stranger to deflect her pain. What an amazing and loving God we have.
Ray Frink
January 10, 2025. - The Four D’s.
Father Louis J Cameli was one of Cardinal Blasé Cupich’s delegates to the synod. Fr Cameli writes, “There are four principal works of evil: deception, division, diversion, and discouragement”. I thought about what would be the opposite of these four and thus good works of service to my God. The opposite of deception is truthfulness. “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” John 14:6. When I am truthful, when I keep an open mind for the facts and seek the truth, even if that truth makes me uncomfortable, I oppose evil. The opposite of division is unity. Unity in our Church, our community, or even my marriage requires listening and the possibility that the opinions I hold may not be correct. Disagreements in my home always start with the assumption the other may be right. Seeking unity requires me to listen much more than talk. The opposite of diversion is focus. I am surrounded by diversions and distractions. Evil lies in the distractions that prevent me from truly seeing what is actually happening. These diversions may seem enjoyable, but not refreshing. Diversions may be upsetting speech or even lies. I can be diverted from actively seeking the truth. The opposite of discouragement is hope. Discouragement saps my strength. Discouragement steals my faith. It’s lethal to love. Knowledge that we are all the Beloved, that we are all equal children of God, shields me from these trickeries of evil.
Ray Frink
January 11, 2025 - Patented
The year I was born was the worst single year for polio in America. This potentially paralyzing infection haunted households from the 1890s. Children were most affected, though Franklin Roosevelt developed the infection as an adult. This ended after a 7-year effort by Jonas Salk and his team who developed the first polio vaccine. His work was funded by charitable donations and he never sought a patent. When asked who owned the patent, he said, “The people, I would say. Could you patent the sun?”
I am Catholic and believe in one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church. I also believe that Jesus’ teaching of the love of the Father for all his creatures and Jesus’ call to service to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, shelter the homeless, and welcome the stranger can be done by many Children of God of different beliefs, Mark 9: 38. Jesus lives in their hearts, though they do not know it. There are many Christians who do not accept this. For them, only belief in our Lord in exactly the same way they do is acceptable and deserving of eternal life. They want to patent the Son of God so only they and the like-minded benefit. Why is this so? Is it fear? Do they see limits to God’s love and call to serve? I ask them to look into their hearts and know that there is no scarcity of God’s love or limits on who lives his message.
Ray Frink
January 12, 2025 - Born Free
Almost 60 years ago a movie and song were released titled ‘Born Free’ about a female African lion. The title song spoke to me about my spiritual life. With Baptism I was reborn free of sin with a whole world of possibilities before me. As the song says, when I was born free (of sin), beauty surrounded me, the world astounded me, and I was captivated by the possibility of love and service in the world. The song speaks of staying free where no walls divide us. The walls that divide us are built of fear and indifference. When I remain free of these walls, I can be the tidal waters the song speaks of, the waters of Baptism bringing faith, hope, and love and carrying away illness, ignorance, and poverty. Staying free is my challenge.
Staying free is a call to prayer, physical and emotional discipline, and attention to the movement of the Holy Spirit. Staying free is a task I must address every day. There will be days, even weeks, when I allow the worries of the world, my perceived needs, or focus on the non-essentials, to start to build the walls of which I speak. It is at these times that I will try to remember that freedom to love and serve, freedom from sin, and the freedom to be who I was reborn at Baptism to be, will return me to a life worth living.
Ray Frink
December 30, 2024 - Celebrate!
While the mainstream culture takes down the Christmas decorations right after December 25th, Christmas is only beginning! As Christians, we celebrate the Octave of Christmas that begins with the Nativity of the Lord on the night of December 24th, and we celebrate the Solemnity of Mary on January 1st. January 5th is the Epiphany of the Lord, and January 12th is the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord which is when Christmas gives way to Ordinary Time. Christmas is a season, not a day. I started a tradition years ago… Christmas decorations stay up through the Baptism of the Lord, regardless of whether the stores start putting out bunnies and chicks…(OMG!)
I wonder if our commercialized culture is a sign of our collective consciousness…. We rush from one season to the next. We move so quickly one might wonder what we are running from. I read a book recently about the refugee experience in the US. Yes, refugees are grateful to be here and generally hold us in high esteem, but almost universally they comment on the pace of life in the United States. We are always rushing. What am I missing as I rush by? Perhaps at least in part, I miss the invitation to embody Christ for someone else by being in the present moment. Renee Regacho-Anaclerio
December 31, 2024 - Jesus Embodied
It happened on a plane after a long day… We were exhausted. Flights were full and most were delayed. We finally boarded the last leg of our trip, and in front of us we could see the beginning of an incident, an unraveling of sorts. A young woman traveling alone wanted to go back to the waiting area to get a blanket. It was clear that she was probably developmentally delayed or had some emotional challenges. She raised her voice and said she was not leaving without the blankie that her mama had made for her. The stewardess was trying to assure her someone would get it, but she was not allowed to leave the plane. Here it comes…a meltdown. The girl flopped into the middle seat behind us, waiting for her blanket and swearing she wasn’t leaving Chicago without it.
The older woman next to her tried to calm her down. I sat in front, glad to be out of sight. Throughout the flight I became mesmerized listening to the older women “mother” the younger one. I realized that the girl had sat between the older woman and her husband, and she had fallen asleep on his shoulder. No one seemed to mind. Then she started a coughing spell. I reached for my mask. The older woman comforted the girl and got her some water. After we deplaned, I saw the older woman leaving baggage. She was pushing her husband in a wheelchair and pulling their suitcase behind her. She was embodying Christmas; I was still working on.
Renee Regacho-Anaclerio
January 1, 2025- New Year
As I begin 2025 the sense of how quickly time passes is accentuated. Our children are grown; my parents have been gone for several years; we are both retired. I am aware of how we are aging and feeling new limitations. How do we live our brief time on earth? What is the reason I am here? What does it mean to live well? Is there something only I can do? Lately I have been drawn to understanding my own tendencies, reactions and personality better. Does my tendency to perfectionism and self-criticism come from my parents? My experiences in school? I know we are all strongly influenced by our family of origin, our culture, our time in history and where we are born. AND… while all this is true, I am learning that I, that we all, are gifted with freedom and discernment. We can learn to recognize patterns that no longer serve us. I can hear my inner critic and not let it guide my decisions. As I begin 2025, it is with the intention of being more attentive to my soul’s GPS and more aware of opportunities to live into the fullness of who God created me to be. And there is a special grace in doing this. The more authentic and genuine I can be, the more that seems to invite the same in others. Emmanuel, God with us. God within us. Renee Regacho-Anaclerio
January 2, 2024 - The Visit
It was still Advent. I was checking things off of my to do list, feeling efficient and “in control.” I have that illusion now and then. I needed to stop by a local non-profit to talk about a new change in educational policy that they were excited about. It would mean that public school curriculum would recognize their contributions and the historical experiences of Native Americans. I had read the legislation, and I was prepared with answers and suggestions. And I expected to be there for no more than an hour. I was facilitating a dream group that same evening.
But my hosts did not live based on efficiency and outcomes; they valued relationships. I was invited to hear stories, see life experiences, tragedy and resilience expressed through breathtaking art. In the end, what I contributed was my listening. My knowledge was not needed, but my ears and heart were invited to receive something precious. As can often happen during Advent, roles shifted. I received so much more than I brought. My soul leaped for joy at the life and hope in another. After two hours, I returned home just in time to eat and facilitate my group… a little lighter from the visit. Renee Regacho-Anaclerio
January 3, 2025- Emmanuel
I have two distinctly different pictures of Jesus’ birth in my mind. Well, at least two. One is the image of the historical Jesus, as best as I can imagine from what I have learned from reading and study. Jesus was born under the oppression of the Roman Empire, into a conquered people. He was born to a young, unwed mother, perhaps a refugee forced to travel to register in a census that would number her family so they could continue to be subjugated and taxed. Her child was at risk and hunted by the powers of the empire…
The second image comes from Christmas carols. Jesus is born in a manger with sweet smelling hay, gentle, lowing cows and sheep. Shepherds and wisemen come to worship him. At first this second image seems unrealistic and very Hallmark-ish. How did we come to these images? Then I see the symbols. God’s vulnerability comes to us in our darkness, in the night. Empire is not in control. We trust the signs and follow a star to a mysterious place. The animals and the poorest shepherds recognize the gift, as do those who are wise. Something as small as a baby, is our source of salvation. God is with us. Emmanuel! Renee Regacho-Anaclerio
January 4, 2025 - Come and See
Jesus turned and said to them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi, where are you staying?” He said to them, “Come, and you will see.”
I love this reading from John. I imagine that the disciples didn’t know what they were looking for; they just had a feeling... one of those tugs of the heart from some deep place within. In my best moments, I don’t know what I am looking for. I am following a sign, a star in the night, an intuition… a sense that it is time to trust and follow. Isn’t it true that we rarely know where we are going or what we are saying yes to when we follow Jesus? Clarity comes along the way, if it comes at all. What is offered is always so much more wonderful and so much more challenging than we imagined. My creature-self would weigh the risks and lean toward what appeared to be safe, towards the known. It is only an act of faith, a response to a hand extended, an act of deep love and trust that lets me respond to, “come and see.” Come and participate in the mystery, and your life will never be the same. God knows I’m not sure I know what I’m looking for. I’d like to be more certain, but a question is the best I can do. “Where are you staying?” And God says, “Come and see”. Renee Regacho-Anaclerio
January 5, 2025 - What will I “manger” this year?
The manger is a beautiful symbol of preparing space for Jesus within each of us. It reminds us that Jesus comes to us now, as well as once in Bethlehem. It is also an invitation to nurture new life within me that is authentic to the person God created me to be. Rather than a New Year’s resolution, I ask, what will I manger this year?
We celebrate Christmas during the shortest days of the year. I love the long, dark nights of the season. It is a time for going inward, to plant seeds. The short days of winter are a time to sit by the fire, drink hot tea, slow down the pace of things, and contemplate. I want to plant seeds of patience and understanding as well as courage and resolution Patience and understanding are both for those closest to me and for those most different from me. Courage and resolution are for staying the course when I lack confidence or strength to be my best self. Courage also helps me keep asking Jesus, where are you staying? And it helps me go and see. Renee Regacho-Anaclerio