St. John Neumann

 ...And he fell on his face at Jesus' feet, giving him thanks.    [Luke 17:16 RSV]

Today I learned some things about St. John Neumann, pronounced "Noy-man."  He came to the United States from the country of Bohemia in 1836 and became a bishop in Philadelphia, establishing many parishes and schools.    

Read here two of Bishop St. John Neumann's prayers:

1. Deprive me of everything, my God, but not of the desire to unite my will to your will in perfect resignation!
2. How much I love You, O my Jesus! I wish to love You with my whole heart; yet I do not love You enough. My lack of devotion and my negligence still haunt me. I have one desire, that of being near You in the Blessed Sacrament. You are the sweet bridegroom of my soul. My Jesus, my love, my all, gladly would I endure hunger, thirst, heat and cold to remain always with You in the Blessed Sacrament

Amen. Come Lord Jesus.

The True Spirit of Christmas

 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. [John 14:26 RSV]

I sent a Christmas card today.  The inscription read, "May the True Spirit of Christmas Bless You and Keep You."  What is the True Spirit of Christmas?  Or perhaps the better question: Who is the True Spirit of Christmas?

It is the Spirit whom Jesus promised would be with His disciples once He was gone.  Our Emmanuel, which mean "God with us."

Advocate, Helper, Comforter, Counselor, Paraclete.  These are the words used to describe the Holy Spirit by various translations of scripture.  My experience proves all five words to be accurate.

Which word best encompasses the Holy Spirit to you today?  May Emmanuel, who is with you this very moment, meet you at your point of need.

Dear Lord, Thank you for giving me Emmanuel, Your Spirit who is the True Spirit of Christmas to cloak my heart with Your care each day.  Amen. 

Candle of Hope

 I believe that I shall see the bounty of the Lord in the land of the living.  [Psalm 27:13]

Did you know that each of the four Advent candles has a meaning?  The first purple candle, lit during this first week of Advent, stands for hope.  The promise is that we are not disappointed when we hope in the Lord.

God is never late, rarely early, and usually last minute.  This characteristic of God requires us to wait, hoping that He will answer.   

Some years ago, my husband David was laid off from his job quite unexpectedly.  The layoff came in January just weeks after the company holiday party, where he had received big kudos for ten years of service.  His boss told the crowd that he looked forward to another ten years working with David.  What a shock to be laid off after that!

Thankfully, there were eleven weeks of severance pay.  When the new job came along, guess when the start day was:  The first Monday of the twelfth week!  God was neither early, nor late, but most definitely last-minute.  His new job met our financial needs, yet was less demanding.  Today, we thank God for that unexpected change.  

Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; yea, wait for the Lord! [Psalm 27:14]

Lord, please help me to be to be stalwart in prayer and hope while I await your answer.  Amen.

Talking to the Kids

I will tell of Your name to my kin.  [Psalm 22:22]

The above was taken from the Entrance Antiphon in today's reading.  Most Bible versions use the word "bretheren" rather than "kin."  I like the word "kin."  It broadens the audience.  My youngest son affectionately teases me about my zest for spiritual things.  Sometimes it brings forth songs from my youth group days.  Here is one of them:  

I've got a river of life flowin' out of me

Makes the lame to walk and the blind to see

Opens prison doors, sets the captives free

I've got a river of life flowin' out of me.

Spring up O well, with my soul

Spring up O well, and make me whole...

Want to hear it and see the motions?  

Christmas Anticipation Prayer

For decades, I felt frustrated in the weeks prior to Christmas.  The seasonal demands, especially with a big family, made it hard to focus upon Christ's birth.  

In recent years, I have discovered meditative, quiet traditions that allow one to center upon Christ while awaiting His birth.  One of those is the Christmas Anticipation Prayer.    

After the phrase "hear my prayers and grant my desires,"  name your request.  Let the One who came down to earth as a baby daily lift and encourage you, His child.

Water Off a Duck's Back

 For there is not a just man on earth who does good and does not sin.  Also do not take to heart everything people say, lest you hear your servant cursing you.  For many times, also, your own heart has known that even you have cursed others.  [Ecclesiastes 7:20-22]

This simplifies one's inner response to the day-to-day petty hurts of others.  

In essence it says, "Keep in mind that you're not so perfect yourself.  And, blow off the negative things people say about you, or even things you think people may be saying.  Be realistic and forgiving.  You too have criticized others, even your own friends and family."  

Lord, help me to have a humble attitude towards myself and may the hurtful words of others be like water off a duck's back.  Amen.

                                                                Image from bighugelabs.com

Appointment in Samarra

 For man does not know his time. [Ecclesiastes 9:12]

The following tale has come to mind recently, and seems apropos for our time. It is an ancient Mesopotamian fable which was retold by English author W. Somerset Maugham in 1933.

A merchant in Baghdad sends his servant to the marketplace for provisions. Soon afterwards, the servant comes home white and trembling and tells him that in the marketplace, he was jostled by a woman, whom he recognized as Death, who made a threatening gesture. Borrowing the merchant’s horse, he flees at great speed to Samarra, a distance of about 75 miles, where he believes Death will not find him. 

The merchant then goes to the marketplace and finds Death, and asks why she made the threatening gesture to his servant. She replies, “That was not a threatening gesture, it was only a start of surprise. I was astonished to see him in Baghdad, for I have an appointment with him tonight in Samarra.”

Lord, help me not to be afraid of death.  May Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.