Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Deridens alium, non inderisus abibit...

Sanctuary, St. John the Baptist Church
3/28/2010


In my reading I sometimes go to the bookshelf and pick up a book I haven't perused in some time. Today I chose to open Latin Sayings for Spiritual Growth by Archabbot Lambert Reilly, O.S. B. from St. Meinrad Archabbey. What happened when I opened it was not so much surprising but relevant to the season of Holy Week.

If you are reflecting this week on the Passion of Our Lord then you will put yourself in the crowd. You will witness in the Holy Countenance the pain. You will hear the jeering crowd with its condemnation. You will see the sneering faces and the hear the verbal abuse of the Anointed One. I found this offering timely for me while on this journey and so I offer it for your reflection.

Deridens alium, non inderisus abibit
("The mocker doesn't go away unmocked")
Traditional

We live in an age of irony. Nothing, it seems is to be taken seriously, and certainly nothing is beyond the reach of mockery.

Satire and poking fun have their place, but when the tone of the ridicule and contempt hijacks an entire age and literally nothing is sacred, something is very wrong.

When we nurture the virtue of justice, we're aware that everything that God created has a divinely ordained purpose. We human beings may, in some ways, be ridiculous and hapless creatures, but when the laughter fades, here we stand: beloved children of God.

How do we deal with the flaws and foibles of those around us? Are they reasons for judgement or fun? Do we make any attempt to understand why people are the way they are or do we take the easy way out, blithely criticizing?

The question is, do we treat others as human beings or as objects for our amusement or sense of superiority?

And what happens the, when we look in the mirror? What has treating others unjustly, as less than human, done to our own humanity? (pp 170-171)
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I have wondered about those who stood at the foot of the cross and mocked Jesus, sneering and challenging him to save himself if he is God...When the earth quaked and the Temple veil is torn in half did they then realize he was the Messiah?

And so before I can pass judgment on these I must ask myself. "Do I, too, mock others for their beliefs, ridicule them for their traditions, treat them as less than myself because they don't "speak the language?" Why is it I become in sensed when I'm placing a call and am asked to choose #1 if I speak English and #2 if I speak another language. What in heaven's name causes me to be unkind? And why do I make remarks like, "If they live here they should learn the language." How do I know that they are not learning it? Who am I to judge. Why should the same offer of support be offered to them so that they might feel justified? Their life is certainly no less valuable in the eyes of God than mine! Shame on ME!

Jesus Christ did not die for those who spoke Aramaic. He didn't die for the Jewish people. We all know why and how he died. What we need to CONTINUE to learn is how I am to live the message for which he DID die, that we might live the Greatest Commandment. "You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all our mind, and your neighbor as yourself." (Luke 10: 27) And then we must understand that when we live this law we too will find ourselves ridiculed, rebuffed, shunned, the brunt of jokes. I only pray that I will have the courage, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to deny the temptation to ridicule, humiliate, or injure others with my words. No unkind words came from the mouth of our Savior. They shouldn't come from mine either!

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Thanks be to God!

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Happy Birthday, Ron!

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Today he is 65, my "Man for All Seasons." He is a man of many talents and skills. A man who has a wonderful sense of humor. He is kind and charitable, one who will offer you his coat if you had none, his shirt if you need one and his house if you require one. God bless you this day and always, Dear Husband!

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Thanks be to God!

Sunday, March 28, 2010

Wisdom from Thomas Merton

I found myself personally touched by these words of Thomas Merton today. I was touched by the reality again of a LIVING church. A church that suffers in pain and is jubilant in celebration of our Savior. This reflection is from Lent and Easter: Wisdom from Thomas Merton.

With Christ in Our Bloodstream

The liturgical cycle renews our redemption in Christ, delivers us from the servitude of sin and from the corruption of a "fleshly" mode of being. The liturgical cycle shows us that though we are caught in a struggle between flesh and spirit, thought we are indeed the "fighting Church"--the Church militant--yet the victory is already ours. We possess the grace of Christ, who alone can deliver us from the "body of this death." He who is in us is greater than the world. He has "overcome the world," the life-giving atmosphere of the Spirit, and her blood-stream is cleansed of the elements of death. She lives in Christ, and with Him praises the Father.
Thomas Merton, Seasons of Celebration, 52-53

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Blessed Is He Who Comes In God's Name
As he rode along, people kept spreading their cloaks on the road. As he was now approaching the path down from the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the deeds of power that they had seen saying,

"Blessed is the king,
who comes in the name of the Lord!
Peace in Heaven,
and Glory in the highest Heaven?"

Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, "Teacher, order your disciples to stop." He answered, "I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would shout out."

As he came near and saw the city, he wept over it, saying, "If you, even you, had only recognized on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes."
Luke 19: 36-42
Prayer
Today I unite with every person, of every faith, who regards Jerusalem as their holy city. I consider the tears of Jesus. Wash me in your tears, Lord, as I ponder my ignorance of your peace.


Lenten Journal
Consider the rhythm of the liturgical cycle and how it can bring a life-giving cleansing to your life.
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I wonder why it is that I do not live each week as I do this coming week. As I further pondered these words, wonder how it is that as the life blood of the Church I sometimes seem to be so anemic in my practices. Why am I not more aware of my salvation to the degree I feel it in the coming days? The Monday after Easter Sunday is no different than tomorrow, yet my whole being is anticipating this week in sorrow mixed with joy! I AM saved. Yet the rest of the year I take it so much for granted that I don't even recognize who I am. I have for the last Lenten days worked very hard at being more understanding, compassionate, aware of other. In years past I have done the very same thing. Yet, I lose this willingness to to see Christ in others as also redeemed and fail to see Christ in them. I'm praying this year that this period of "life-giving cleansing" will continue onward...See Christ in all and continue to treat them as He as always treated me. I can do no less. I can only pray that I will not return with such zeal to the "servitude of sin."

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Thanks be to God!

Saturday, March 27, 2010

Picture Puzzle Day

Green and yellow, what lovely colors. They speak of hope and optimism. If there are two things this world need now are HOPE AND OPTIMISM. I think pessimism has carried us through the winter. Now we have to let it go and rise to a new day.




Daffodil yellow
Fragrances sweet and mellow
Spring rises in them.



Click to Mix and Solve
Join me please today as we share a spring day just before we begin to celebrate the beginning of the holiest weeks of the year. Let us begin with hope that comes to fruition in the Resurrection.

I would ask you to share a picture of hope, as you see it, and challenge all of us to enjoy it as we put all the pieces together. Something broken that we can make whole. Enter the world of JigZone and play along today!

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Thanks be to God!

Please share your hope by inviting us through Mr Linky.

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Tea Talk



Tea is drunk to forget the din of the world.
~T'ien Yiheng

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Yes, it's Thursday again and I find myself looking forward to it every week now. I sit with my tea and ponder nothing. It's very relaxing and relieves stress a new day can bring.

I'm having...Pomegranate Pizzazz herb tea with just a bit of sweetener.

My teacup is...my teapot/teacup set. I got it when we were in California a number of years ago when we visited David and Kelly there. It reminds me of the wonderful aroma of lemons and strawberries. It was an all around beautiful place to be.




I'm feeling... Grand! It is Thursday and there is only one day until the weekend. This week has not be very stressful at work. The doctors are in Florida on Spring bread with their children.

On my mind...getting properly prepared for Holy Week.

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Thanks be to God!

Now won't you join me and visit Ruth at Celebrate Friendship is hosting Tea Talk at her house? Share a cup of tea with us.

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Sharing~~Bottled Water



I found this to be most enlightening. And though I don't used much bottled water, we Do keep it at home in case of an emergency. How much bottled water do you drink? Thanks to Sister Mary Alice Zander, SP.

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Thanks be to God!

Monday, March 22, 2010

Words of Wisdom

"To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover the prisoner was YOU."

If you forgive others their failing, your heavenly Father will forgive yours; but if you do not forgive others, your Father will not forgive your failings either. ~Matthew 6: 14-15 (New Jerusalem Bible)

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Thanks be to God!


Quote from God's Little Instruction Book published by Honor Books, 1993
Photo
originally uploaded by gladtobegrey

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Once Upon a Recipe

I didn't know until I started working on the Stubbs Family Reunion Cookbook how many recipes I have and that I use on a regular basis. I have to start deciding on the ones I really want to enter as there are those of the rest of the family that will be shared as well. The easy Carmel Breakfast Rolls is one I think I'll add. I have played with this recipe in the last few years as a way to use canned biscuits and make them fancy. Here's the recipe for your edification. Try it and let me know what you think. If you have your own easy-does-it recipe, please help us all by sharing it.


Carmel Breakfast Rolls

1 can large refrigerated biscuits
1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup chopped nuts

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Spray 10 inch square baking dish with oil. In a small sauce pan melt butter. Add brown sugar and heat on high until it begins to bubble. Cook about 1 minute. Pour into the bottom of the baking dish. Sprinkle chopped nuts over this mixture. Place the biscuits on top of the nuts and bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool on rack for 5 minutes and then invert the pan onto serving dish. Serve warm.

Please try this and let me know what you think.

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Thanks be to God!!

Guide us to your recipe by using Mr. Linky and let us cook along with you!

Saturday, March 20, 2010

RotoCat


We have a cat...His name is Sam. His nickname is RotoCat. Why? He's always going out and almost immediately he's meowing to come in again. Sam is also a creature of habit!!!!

He goes out the back door and sits on the step at the front door to come in. Could not resist taking a picture this morning. He's most patient. He sat there and posed until I let him in. WHAT A CAT!!!

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Thanks be to God!

Friday, March 19, 2010

Mosiac Monday

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Glimpses of beauty to come!

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Thanks be to God
Please visit Mary and The Little Red House. Her pictures are grand and so are the pictures of others!

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Tea Talk~There's Always the Day After


May you always have walls for the wind.
a roof for the rain, tea beside the fire,
laughter to cheer you, those you love near you
and all your heart might desire.

Irish Blessing


For all those who had a most grand celebration, recuperation may not be as hard as you think. Sit down with a hot cuppa tea, put your feet up, and be profoundly grateful it's only a headache you're havin'!

I'm having...Good Earth Tea with it's warm cinnamon sweetness.

My teacup is...my plain white mug (nothing too flashy this morning).

I'm feeling... Grand! Though the foot is a wonderful shade of black-and-blue I can walk on it without any discomfort today and have been without "the boot" for two days now!

On my mind...is gratitude for a strained foot not a broken foot!
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Thanks be to God!!

Now it's time for you to visit Ruth at Celebrate Friendship is hosting Tea Talk at her house.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Happy St. Patrick's Day


The Claddagh

The Claddagh is a traditional Celtic ring design that symbolizes friendship. The hands are the clasp of friendship, the crown represents loyalty and the heart, love. Moreover, the Claddagh has yet a deeper symbolism--that of the Holy Trinity. The drown represents the Father, The left hand represents the Son and the right had the Holy spirit. The heart is the love that exists between them and the overflows to all creation.

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Wishing all the blessing of Saint Patrick
and
Thanks be to God!

Art work and explanation of Claddagh by The Printery House,Conception Abbey, Conception, Missouri 64433

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Last minute addition to today's post...A bit of a challenge and some Irish Green!! Enjoy!
Click to Mix and Solve

Blarney


BLARNEY

Blarney is the secret weapon of the Irish. They have enough stockpiled to last them until Judgment Day, at which time they will all be judged by "impartial" St. Patrick and allowed into the Kingdom of Heaven, it is said.
[from Irish Wit and Wisdom, published by Peter Pauper Press, INC]
A reminder that tomorrow, though all year long it's shared, with be the height of the "Blarney Seasons" so be prepared for more tales than you ever imagined!
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Thanks be to God!

Monday, March 15, 2010

Glimpses of Spirng~~Mosaic Monday

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It was gloomy and rainy all weekend and as the sun rises today it will still be cloudy. But in spite of it all HOPE was springing forth in creation.
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Thanks be to God!

Please visit Mary and The Little Red House. Her pictures are grand and so are the pictures of others!

Saturday, March 13, 2010

Glorious Weekend to ALL!!!

Isn't this angel just wonderful? She can be seen along with lots of other beauties at Banner Haus News! Visit and enjoy! I'm off to INDY!!! Wishing you all WELL!!!

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Thanks be to God!

Friday, March 12, 2010

Finian's Rainbow



If you've not seen this movie in its entirety I'd encourage you to see it. It stars Fred Astaire and Petula Clark among others. It's an enjoyable way to spend and evening. Sure and you'll be hummin' the tunes all the day long!

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Thanks be to God!
Will be gone the weekend to enjoy family! Wishing you a weekend of the same!

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Tea Talk


"Tea pot is on the, cups are waiting,
Favorite chairs anticipating,
No matter what I have to do,

My friend, there's always time for you."

Anonymous

Welcome to my house. Come in and linger. There is nothing like a cup of tea between friends.

I'm having...Good Earth Tea with it's warm cinnamon sweetness.

My teacup is...my Irish mug.

I'm feeling... a bit ambivalent. It's gloomy, gray and raining outside. And after the glorious day here yesterday, a bit of a letdown. But I am excited, too, because this weekend we'll be traveling to INDY for fun with the kids and grand kids. In other words, mixed emotions.

On my mind...at this time is getting the chicken soup done for this weekend before we leave for INDY. It will b served for lunch for the women's Christ Renews His Parish weekend here at Saint John the Baptist. It's a privilege to serve!

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Thanks be to God!!

Now it's time for you to visit Ruth at Celebrate Friendship is hosting Tea Talk at her house.

Tuesday, March 09, 2010

Introducing...

I don't know how I did it, but I certainly did. I failed to introduce my friends O'Malley, McGlone, and O'Toole. Friends of mine for years, as they share a special place in my life daily...MY Computer Desk! For years, I've forgotten how many, they have brought me a bit of the light side of life...One cannot have TOO much "light side!"

God be with you!

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Thanks be to God!

Monday, March 08, 2010

A Bit of Irish Humor!!!


Father Murphy walks into a pub in Donegal, and asks the first man he meets, 'Do you want to go to heaven?'

The man said, 'I do, Father.'

The priest said, 'Then stand over there against the wall.'

Then the priest asked the second man, 'Do you want to go to heaven?'

'Certainly, Father,' the man replied.

'Then stand over there against the wall,' said the priest.

Then Father Murphy walked up to O'Toole and asked, 'Do you want to go to heaven?'

O'Toole said, 'No, I don't Father.'

The priest said, 'I don't believe this. You mean to tell me that when you die you don't want to go to heaven?'

O'Toole said, 'Oh, when I die , yes. I thought you were getting a group together to go right now.'

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Thanks be to God!

Sunday, March 07, 2010

Saturday, March 06, 2010

Songs of the Season



I was guided to this song by Breadgirl. I am one who loves Celtic music and I thought I had heard as many as there were. Well, of course, that's not true. There are many more for me to hear and enjoy. This is one I have not heard but is nostalgic none-the-less, for it brings back memories of sitting on the floor a Sunday afternoon in front of the record player listening to Daddy's wonderful records. Please enjoy!

I would ask you to share your favorite Song of the Season by linking us to your post. I have many listed in my music on my side-bar and in the days to come I will be adding to their numbers. Please join in the fun and share one or more of your favorites!
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Thanks be to God!



Oh!! I must not forget! Please stop by Thou Art Jules and enter her contest. She has some lovely gifts to offer in celebration of her 100th post!

Friday, March 05, 2010

Introducing...


PAT and MIKE

Sure and it's going to be a glorious weekend all round! With impish little friends like Pat and Mike it's sure to be grand!

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Thanks be to God!

Thursday, March 04, 2010

Tea Talk


There is a great deal of poetry
and fine sentiment in a chest of tea.
~Ralph Waldo Emerson, Letters and Social Aims




Welcome to my house. Come in and linger. There is nothing like a cup of tea between friends.

I'm having...Constant Comment tea with a bit of Splenda

My teacup is... A Suzy Toronto mug I got a couple of years ago. The verse on the outside of the cup says, "I may do foolish thing...But at least I do them with Enthusiasm!" and along the inside rim it say, "Sometimes my inner-goofball just slips out." It makes me smile at who I can be sometimes.

I'm feeling... Perky! They say the sun will shine today and I am soooo looking forward to that! Wishing everyone a grand day!


Thought you all might like to try this recipe. These cookies melt in your mouth!

Scottish Short bread Cookies

1/4 cup EACH: confectioners sugar, granulated sugar
1-1/4 cups butter (2-1/2 sticks), refrigerated and cut into 8-10 pieces
2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Preheat oven to 275 degrees F. Place sugars in food processor and process until very fine. Ad butter; pulse until sugar disappears. Add flour; pulse until no dry flour particles remain. (Mixture will be moist and crumbly.) Place in plastic bag and press together to form dough; knead lightly until dough holds together. Remove from bag. Shape with a cookie press, fork, or the bottom of a glass lightly moistened with water. Bake 45 minutes to 1 hour or until pale golden. Remove from cookie sheets; cool completely on wire racks. Yield: about 4 dozen cookies.
Thanks be to God!!!

Now it's time for you to visit Ruth at Celebrate Friendship is hosting Tea Talk at her house.