I found some notes I had jotted down in my planner - they're not fully developed, but I'd thought I'd post them up and see what happens! :-)
We were created in imperfection so that we could realize that we must make the journey home (to wholeness, to heaven) together - if we were perfect we wouldn't need other people, and Christianity is (or should be) a communal faith.
Also, if God had created us "perfect" then we would be gods as well, not humans - God alone is perfect . . . that means that necessarily - ontologically - we must not be perfect . . . it distinguishes us from God.
Maybe "imperfection" is not the right word . . . maybe that word is more indicative of a longing, a yearning for something beyond us, something that completes us . . . we are not created complete (perfect) because we will be complete at our re-birth in heaven.
Blessings & Peace,
Hugo
9.21.2005
9.18.2005
A Child Died . . .
We had a memorial Mass and rosary for a 3rd grade child that died this morning (he was a student at my school and in the same grade as my son). He had been struggling with cancer for several years now. When my dad died several years ago I found a book with quotes about death and dying. I collected my favorites and now share them with people when they experience a loss. Here they are:
It’s OK to scream at God. He can take it.
-Earl Grollman
Cancer is not God’s will.
The death of a child is not God’s will.
Deaths from automobile accidents are not God’s will.
The only God worth believing in does not cause tragedies
but lovingly comes into the anguish with us.
-Madeline L’Engle
For I know the plans I have for you;
plans to comfort you and not to harm you,
plans to give you hope and a future.
-God (Jeremiah 29:11)
The conventional explanation,
that God sends us the burden
because he knows that we are strong enough to handle it,
has it all wrong.
Fate, not God, sends us the anguish.
When we try to deal with it, we find out that we are not strong.
We are weak; we get tired, we get angry, we get overwhelmed.
We begin to wonder how we will ever make it through all the years.
But when we reach the limits of our own strength and courage,
something unexpected happens.
We find reinforcement coming from a source outside of ourselves.
And in the knowledge that we are not alone,
that God is on our side, we manage to go on.
- Harold S. Kushner, When Bad Things Happen to Good People
Then what has been the reason for all of this?” Freddie continued to question. “Why were we here at all if we only have to fall and die?”
Daniel answered in his matter-of-fact way, “It’s been about the sun and the moon. It’s been about happy times together. It’s been about the shade and the old people and the children. It’s been about colors in Fall. It’s been about seasons. Isn’t that enough?”
That afternoon, in the golden sunlight of dusk, Daniel let go. He fell effortlessly. He seemed to smile peacefully as he fell. “Good-bye for now Freddie,” he said.
-Leo Buscaglia, The Fall of Freddie the Leaf
I have seen death too often to believe in death.
It is not an ending—but a withdrawal,
as one who finishes a long journey,
stills the motor, turns off the lights, steps from his car
and walks up the path to the home that awaits him.
-Don Blanding
Death is nothing at all—
I have only slipped away into the next room.
I am I, and you are you.
Whatever we were to each other, that we still are.
Call me by my old familiar name,
Speak to me in the easy way you always used.
Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow.
Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together.
Play, smile, think of me, pray for me.
Let my name be ever the household word that it always was.
Life means all that it ever meant.
There is absolutely unbroken continuity . . .
Why should I be out mind because I am out of sight?
I am waiting for you—for an interval—somewhere near,
Just around the corner. All is well.
-Henry Scott Holland
But when God sent you to me
He never said that you were mine,
That I could keep you always—
Only borrowed for a time.
Now he’s called you home,
I’m sad and I shed tears.
Yet I’m glad he loaned you to me
And we had these many years.
-Edna T. Burch, Missing You
God is closest to those with broken hearts.
-Jewish saying
“You will not always hurt like this.”
These words are true.
If they do not reach your heart today,
Do not reject them:
Keep them in your mind.
One morning, not tomorrow perhaps,
But the day after tomorrow,
Or the month after next month . . .
One morning the dawn will wake you
With the inconceivable surprise:
Your grief will have lost one small moment of its force.
Be ready for the time when you can feel for yourself
That these words are true:
“You will not always hurt like this.”
-Sascha, “True Words”
If you can’t pray as you want to, Pray as you can.
God knows what you mean.
-Vance Havner
Lean on Me, child, and cry—I know your heart is broken. I called your loved one home today, he is with Me. Look to Me, child, and trust. I am acquainted with grief. Hold on to Me, child. I know the searing of your soul, and I will ease your pain. Keep your eyes on Me, child. I will not abandon you. Be comforted, My child. Your loved one is rejoicing in My presence. Someday, My child, you will be with Me, and see your loved one again, where you will know no tears, death or loneliness. I love you, dear child, and know your hurt . . . So lean on me and cry.
-Donna Leonard, “Compassionate Christ”
I am the Resurrection and the life. If anyone believes in me, even though he dies, he will live, and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.
-Jesus (John 11:26)
I pray for the child who died, and for is family - please remember them in your prayers.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord.
And let perpetual light shine upon him.
May he rest in peace.
Amen.
May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed,
through the mercy of God,
rest in peace.
Amen.
Blessings & Peace,
Hugo
It’s OK to scream at God. He can take it.
-Earl Grollman
Cancer is not God’s will.
The death of a child is not God’s will.
Deaths from automobile accidents are not God’s will.
The only God worth believing in does not cause tragedies
but lovingly comes into the anguish with us.
-Madeline L’Engle
For I know the plans I have for you;
plans to comfort you and not to harm you,
plans to give you hope and a future.
-God (Jeremiah 29:11)
The conventional explanation,
that God sends us the burden
because he knows that we are strong enough to handle it,
has it all wrong.
Fate, not God, sends us the anguish.
When we try to deal with it, we find out that we are not strong.
We are weak; we get tired, we get angry, we get overwhelmed.
We begin to wonder how we will ever make it through all the years.
But when we reach the limits of our own strength and courage,
something unexpected happens.
We find reinforcement coming from a source outside of ourselves.
And in the knowledge that we are not alone,
that God is on our side, we manage to go on.
- Harold S. Kushner, When Bad Things Happen to Good People
Then what has been the reason for all of this?” Freddie continued to question. “Why were we here at all if we only have to fall and die?”
Daniel answered in his matter-of-fact way, “It’s been about the sun and the moon. It’s been about happy times together. It’s been about the shade and the old people and the children. It’s been about colors in Fall. It’s been about seasons. Isn’t that enough?”
That afternoon, in the golden sunlight of dusk, Daniel let go. He fell effortlessly. He seemed to smile peacefully as he fell. “Good-bye for now Freddie,” he said.
-Leo Buscaglia, The Fall of Freddie the Leaf
I have seen death too often to believe in death.
It is not an ending—but a withdrawal,
as one who finishes a long journey,
stills the motor, turns off the lights, steps from his car
and walks up the path to the home that awaits him.
-Don Blanding
Death is nothing at all—
I have only slipped away into the next room.
I am I, and you are you.
Whatever we were to each other, that we still are.
Call me by my old familiar name,
Speak to me in the easy way you always used.
Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow.
Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together.
Play, smile, think of me, pray for me.
Let my name be ever the household word that it always was.
Life means all that it ever meant.
There is absolutely unbroken continuity . . .
Why should I be out mind because I am out of sight?
I am waiting for you—for an interval—somewhere near,
Just around the corner. All is well.
-Henry Scott Holland
But when God sent you to me
He never said that you were mine,
That I could keep you always—
Only borrowed for a time.
Now he’s called you home,
I’m sad and I shed tears.
Yet I’m glad he loaned you to me
And we had these many years.
-Edna T. Burch, Missing You
God is closest to those with broken hearts.
-Jewish saying
“You will not always hurt like this.”
These words are true.
If they do not reach your heart today,
Do not reject them:
Keep them in your mind.
One morning, not tomorrow perhaps,
But the day after tomorrow,
Or the month after next month . . .
One morning the dawn will wake you
With the inconceivable surprise:
Your grief will have lost one small moment of its force.
Be ready for the time when you can feel for yourself
That these words are true:
“You will not always hurt like this.”
-Sascha, “True Words”
If you can’t pray as you want to, Pray as you can.
God knows what you mean.
-Vance Havner
Lean on Me, child, and cry—I know your heart is broken. I called your loved one home today, he is with Me. Look to Me, child, and trust. I am acquainted with grief. Hold on to Me, child. I know the searing of your soul, and I will ease your pain. Keep your eyes on Me, child. I will not abandon you. Be comforted, My child. Your loved one is rejoicing in My presence. Someday, My child, you will be with Me, and see your loved one again, where you will know no tears, death or loneliness. I love you, dear child, and know your hurt . . . So lean on me and cry.
-Donna Leonard, “Compassionate Christ”
I am the Resurrection and the life. If anyone believes in me, even though he dies, he will live, and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.
-Jesus (John 11:26)
I pray for the child who died, and for is family - please remember them in your prayers.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord.
And let perpetual light shine upon him.
May he rest in peace.
Amen.
May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed,
through the mercy of God,
rest in peace.
Amen.
Blessings & Peace,
Hugo
9.14.2005
One Spirit
So I've become an affiliate for One Spirit, a book club that I belong to. If you'd like (no pressure here!), check it out - I've been with 'em for several years and have bought many a book from them. If you like - join! I guarantee you'll find some interesting books with 'em. :-)
Blessings & Peace,
Hugo
9.11.2005
And My Primary Vocation Is . . .
I’m reading a book called Sacrament of Sexuality: The Spirituality and Psychology of Sex by Morton and Barbara Kelsey. I found the following quote in a chapter discussing Sexuality, Love & Celibacy – I thought it a particularly insightful quote, so I thought I’d pass it on to all – enjoy! :-)
We believe that once two people are in committed relationship and have children that their Christian priorities need to shift. If children are sacrificed for outsiders, something is wrong with one’s Christian priorities. We have tried to listen to God in the depth of our prayer and quiet, and we have come to the conclusion that we genuinely lose certain freedoms when we are married and have children. We become part of an integral unit and community when we are married and if we fail in obligations to this unity, we can damage ourselves, our children and the community.
I remember once, when working for the diocese, being in a particularly long staff meeting. We were, as a diocesan pastoral staff, being brought to task for taking time off from our work during the week. We brought up the point that, for many of us, our work involved evenings and weekends in addition to our normal 8-5, Monday to Friday work days. The comment a vowed religious made was that it was part and parcel of our particular work/ministry and that we should learn to live with it. I disagreed. :-)
I believed then, and I believe now, that my primary ministry is to my family, then to my job. If I fail as a husband and a father, then it does not matter how good a job I am doing, how many classes I teach, how many deep theological discussions I have, how many conferences I coordinate, etc. I have failed in my primary vocation as a married man with a wife and a child if I put my job, even my religious job, before them.
I’m not always great at this – I can be a workaholic, and I know this about myself. But I pray daily for the grace to be able to distinguish when I must take off my “campus minister” hat and put on the more important “dad” and “hubby” hat.
Please pray for me as I struggle daily with this discernment of my primary vocation.
Blessings & Peace,
Hugo
We believe that once two people are in committed relationship and have children that their Christian priorities need to shift. If children are sacrificed for outsiders, something is wrong with one’s Christian priorities. We have tried to listen to God in the depth of our prayer and quiet, and we have come to the conclusion that we genuinely lose certain freedoms when we are married and have children. We become part of an integral unit and community when we are married and if we fail in obligations to this unity, we can damage ourselves, our children and the community.
I remember once, when working for the diocese, being in a particularly long staff meeting. We were, as a diocesan pastoral staff, being brought to task for taking time off from our work during the week. We brought up the point that, for many of us, our work involved evenings and weekends in addition to our normal 8-5, Monday to Friday work days. The comment a vowed religious made was that it was part and parcel of our particular work/ministry and that we should learn to live with it. I disagreed. :-)
I believed then, and I believe now, that my primary ministry is to my family, then to my job. If I fail as a husband and a father, then it does not matter how good a job I am doing, how many classes I teach, how many deep theological discussions I have, how many conferences I coordinate, etc. I have failed in my primary vocation as a married man with a wife and a child if I put my job, even my religious job, before them.
I’m not always great at this – I can be a workaholic, and I know this about myself. But I pray daily for the grace to be able to distinguish when I must take off my “campus minister” hat and put on the more important “dad” and “hubby” hat.
Please pray for me as I struggle daily with this discernment of my primary vocation.
Blessings & Peace,
Hugo
The Price of Gas
I lieu of regular posting (still way too busy!), I found this article on the price of gas that I thought was interesting - enjoy! :-)
Blessings & Peace,
Hugo
Blessings & Peace,
Hugo
9.08.2005
September - The Seven Sorrows of Mary
And now for something completely devotional :-) (Another post adapted from our school newsletter)
On September 15th we will celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows (she is the patroness of the school where I work). Devotion to her sorrows has traditionally been promoted during this month.
The practice of meditating on the Seven Sorrows of Mary began in the 13th century. It was started by a group of men who came to be known as the Order of the Friar Servants of Mary (Servites), an officially recognized religious Order in the Catholic Church. There are almost 5,000 members in the order today, and they still promote devotion to the Seven Sorrows.
In this devotion, reflection is given on seven moments in the life of Mary. There is a chaplet (like a mini-rosary) that is prayed in conjunction with the meditations on the seven sorrows.
This month, spend some time remembering how much Mary gave of herself. In doing so, we will take up the Servite mandate of prayer, unity, service and devotion to Our Lady. The Chaplet below will give you a path of meditation that will draw us closer to Jesus by being drawn closer to Mary.
Chaplet of the Seven Sorrows of Mary
1. Begin the Chaplet with the Sign of the Cross.
2. State your intentions for the chaplet.
3. Since the chaplet is penitential in character, an Act of Contrition is prayed.
4. Announce the First Sorrow (see list below).
5. Pray one Our Father.
6. Pray seven Hail Mary’s while meditating on the Sorrow.
7. Repeat steps 4 - 6 until all seven Sorrows have been reflected upon.
8. Three Hail Mary’s are prayed in honor of the tears Mary shed.
9. One Our Father is prayed.
10. The closing prayer is recited (see below).
First Sorrow: The Presentation/The Prophecy of Simeon (Luke 2:22-35)
Second Sorrow: The Flight into Egypt (Matthew 2:13-21)
Third Sorrow: The Child Jesus Lost in the Temple (Luke 2:41-50)
Fourth Sorrow: Mary Meets Jesus Carrying His Cross (Luke 23:26-32)
Fifth Sorrow: The Crucifixion/Mary at the Foot of the Cross (John 19:18, 25-30)
Sixth Sorrow: Mary Receives the Body of Jesus Taken Down from the Cross (Psalm 130; John 19:31-34, 38)
Seventh Sorrow: Jesus is Laid in the Tomb (Luke 23:50-56, John 19:38-42)
Closing Prayer
Leader: Pray for us, most sorrowful Virgin
Response: That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let Us Pray:
Lord Jesus, we now implore, both for the present and for the hour of our death, the intercession of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary, Your Mother, whose Holy Soul was pierced during Your Passion by a sword of grief. Grant us this favor, O Savior of the world, Who lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen.
Blessings & Peace,
Hugo
On September 15th we will celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows (she is the patroness of the school where I work). Devotion to her sorrows has traditionally been promoted during this month.
The practice of meditating on the Seven Sorrows of Mary began in the 13th century. It was started by a group of men who came to be known as the Order of the Friar Servants of Mary (Servites), an officially recognized religious Order in the Catholic Church. There are almost 5,000 members in the order today, and they still promote devotion to the Seven Sorrows.
In this devotion, reflection is given on seven moments in the life of Mary. There is a chaplet (like a mini-rosary) that is prayed in conjunction with the meditations on the seven sorrows.
This month, spend some time remembering how much Mary gave of herself. In doing so, we will take up the Servite mandate of prayer, unity, service and devotion to Our Lady. The Chaplet below will give you a path of meditation that will draw us closer to Jesus by being drawn closer to Mary.
Chaplet of the Seven Sorrows of Mary
1. Begin the Chaplet with the Sign of the Cross.
2. State your intentions for the chaplet.
3. Since the chaplet is penitential in character, an Act of Contrition is prayed.
4. Announce the First Sorrow (see list below).
5. Pray one Our Father.
6. Pray seven Hail Mary’s while meditating on the Sorrow.
7. Repeat steps 4 - 6 until all seven Sorrows have been reflected upon.
8. Three Hail Mary’s are prayed in honor of the tears Mary shed.
9. One Our Father is prayed.
10. The closing prayer is recited (see below).
First Sorrow: The Presentation/The Prophecy of Simeon (Luke 2:22-35)
Second Sorrow: The Flight into Egypt (Matthew 2:13-21)
Third Sorrow: The Child Jesus Lost in the Temple (Luke 2:41-50)
Fourth Sorrow: Mary Meets Jesus Carrying His Cross (Luke 23:26-32)
Fifth Sorrow: The Crucifixion/Mary at the Foot of the Cross (John 19:18, 25-30)
Sixth Sorrow: Mary Receives the Body of Jesus Taken Down from the Cross (Psalm 130; John 19:31-34, 38)
Seventh Sorrow: Jesus is Laid in the Tomb (Luke 23:50-56, John 19:38-42)
Closing Prayer
Leader: Pray for us, most sorrowful Virgin
Response: That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let Us Pray:
Lord Jesus, we now implore, both for the present and for the hour of our death, the intercession of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary, Your Mother, whose Holy Soul was pierced during Your Passion by a sword of grief. Grant us this favor, O Savior of the world, Who lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen.
Blessings & Peace,
Hugo
9.01.2005
Silence, Serenity & Stillness
I've been busy :-) So I apologize in advance for my lack of regular posts - the beginning of the school year is usually full of way too many things to do. That thought sparked this mini-article for our school newsletter - I share it here with all of y'all as well.
The fruit of silence is prayer
the fruit of prayer is faith
the fruit of faith is love
the fruit of love is service
the fruit of service is peace.
- Blessed Mother Theresa of Calcutta
Stillness is the greatest revelation.
- Taoist Proverb
Be still and know that I am God.
- Psalm 46:10
This month we celebrate the memorial of Blessed Mother Theresa of Calcutta. One of her quotes, featured above, is a favorite of mine. I like it because it begins in silence and ends in peace, while in between we find prayer, faith, love, and service - many of the Christian virtues we are called to incarnate into our lives and into our world.
However, it reminds me that, as Christian virtues go, silence isn’t a popular one, especially here in outgoing, extroverted, energetic America. But in terms of Scripture, we’re told that Jesus sometimes preached through his silence: when approached by an angry mob demanding that an adulterous woman be stoned, be met their anger and hypocrisy with silence; when questioned by those in authority near the end of his life, he responded with dignified silence; and upon performing miracles and healings, he sometimes asked those who were healed to stay silent regarding his power.
It’s hard to be silent in our culture - TV’s inundate us with news, weather, movies, and gossip; radios flood us with music and commentary every morning, afternoon and evening; coworkers, family members, friends, and acquaintances chat with us; and sometimes our own minds won’t stop a never-ending barrage of thoughts and emotions.
Silence, in our age, has become a precious commodity.
Stillness, too, is hard to come by. We are constantly on the move. Students tell me that there are days when they don’t get home until 9:00 pm or later. There are places to go, people to see, things to buy, friends to visit, and lots and lots of exciting, adventurous, fun things to do. But sit still? It’s regarded as wasteful . . . lazy . . . somehow un-Christian . . .
When again, Scripture reminds us that God wants us to be still and listen for his Voice, his Presence. Jesus spent hours, days, weeks, months alone in prayer, in contemplation, in re-creation. No one can accuse him of slacking off! In our culture, though, rest and relaxation don’t “count” unless we’ve left the house, driven a considerable distance, spent a considerable amount of money, or gone through considerable training to be able to engage in our re-creation.
My challenge to everyone (including myself!) is to do the following (consider it your spiritual “to do” list):
· Do less
· Listen more
· Sit still and waste time together
· Be alone for a while
· Drink lots of water and get plenty of sleep
I think you’ll find that if you do, and if you model this behavior for your family, you’ll be less stressed, more energetic, more focused on your blessings, and more able to listen to the roaring whisper that is God’s presence in your marriage, your family, your work, and your self.
Blessings & Peace,
Hugo De La Rosa III
Campus Minister
The fruit of silence is prayer
the fruit of prayer is faith
the fruit of faith is love
the fruit of love is service
the fruit of service is peace.
- Blessed Mother Theresa of Calcutta
Stillness is the greatest revelation.
- Taoist Proverb
Be still and know that I am God.
- Psalm 46:10
This month we celebrate the memorial of Blessed Mother Theresa of Calcutta. One of her quotes, featured above, is a favorite of mine. I like it because it begins in silence and ends in peace, while in between we find prayer, faith, love, and service - many of the Christian virtues we are called to incarnate into our lives and into our world.
However, it reminds me that, as Christian virtues go, silence isn’t a popular one, especially here in outgoing, extroverted, energetic America. But in terms of Scripture, we’re told that Jesus sometimes preached through his silence: when approached by an angry mob demanding that an adulterous woman be stoned, be met their anger and hypocrisy with silence; when questioned by those in authority near the end of his life, he responded with dignified silence; and upon performing miracles and healings, he sometimes asked those who were healed to stay silent regarding his power.
It’s hard to be silent in our culture - TV’s inundate us with news, weather, movies, and gossip; radios flood us with music and commentary every morning, afternoon and evening; coworkers, family members, friends, and acquaintances chat with us; and sometimes our own minds won’t stop a never-ending barrage of thoughts and emotions.
Silence, in our age, has become a precious commodity.
Stillness, too, is hard to come by. We are constantly on the move. Students tell me that there are days when they don’t get home until 9:00 pm or later. There are places to go, people to see, things to buy, friends to visit, and lots and lots of exciting, adventurous, fun things to do. But sit still? It’s regarded as wasteful . . . lazy . . . somehow un-Christian . . .
When again, Scripture reminds us that God wants us to be still and listen for his Voice, his Presence. Jesus spent hours, days, weeks, months alone in prayer, in contemplation, in re-creation. No one can accuse him of slacking off! In our culture, though, rest and relaxation don’t “count” unless we’ve left the house, driven a considerable distance, spent a considerable amount of money, or gone through considerable training to be able to engage in our re-creation.
My challenge to everyone (including myself!) is to do the following (consider it your spiritual “to do” list):
· Do less
· Listen more
· Sit still and waste time together
· Be alone for a while
· Drink lots of water and get plenty of sleep
I think you’ll find that if you do, and if you model this behavior for your family, you’ll be less stressed, more energetic, more focused on your blessings, and more able to listen to the roaring whisper that is God’s presence in your marriage, your family, your work, and your self.
Blessings & Peace,
Hugo De La Rosa III
Campus Minister
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