The pitfalls of being able to read.

I spent some time thinking about what I read and how it affects me.  I know that reading new information is a good thing and that it helps us to grow.  But, there are times that I read something that lights my fire and it makes me mad. It changes me. Shortly, afterward, I go looking to find more information to support whatever subject/opinion I was reading. 

Later, I realize that what made me angry is usually the writer's tone and all his biases and perceptions; it is rarely because this person has any more authority on subject matter than I do.  You see, writer's are good at this.  They can paint a pretty picture or an ugly picture around actual facts and sell it to you.

So, I have a choice, do I keep reading these things because of their unique perspective?  Maybe I should adopt their perspective as my own?  Do I avoid this writer because they add too much personal baggage to things?  Does this writer or their works increase my ability to live and love or does it do the opposite and just make me angry and hateful towards other people?  What is the purpose of the writing? Is it actual fact or fiction?

I decided on many occasions, to avoid writers that don't work to build bridges between people. I don't read those who don't spread joy. Not because I am a coward but, because there is no reason to take in more negativity than I (or by proxy, my loved ones) can handle personally.  I don't want to become someone else's ideas and beliefs.  And if there is risk of my absorbing anything, I want it to be something beautiful. 

When reading blogs (essays and articles) remember that there is often times little fact and lots more opinion.  Just like this last entry.

Peace be with you.

The Fest of St. John the Baptist

Today is the Feast of St. John the Baptist and midsummer.  There is so much information on the history of this but, I won't go to much into it because you have Google and you can look the date up for yourself, if you want. Besides, I will put links at the bottom of this short entry.


Catholics do have a tradition of burning a bonfire and eating scrumptious food.  Yes, just like many other religious groups (Pagans, Romans, Mayans, Egyptians, etc.). But, that is okay, nobody owns the day.  If it is cool, everybody wants to stake claim.  Us Catholics, we like to party, so you can party along with us too.

Typically, on June 24th, I pull out all the Christmas Tamales from last year, defrost and eat them up.  It is my own tradition. Sometimes, I light a candle and pray rosary on this day too.  I also happen to call today Half Christmas. I know that is weird but, it has always been Half Christmas in my head.

On June 25th is traditional also to cut your hair if you want to have it grow long.  This may just be a Latina thing (maybe not Catholic at all). The Farmer's Almanac says this too. Maybe just coincidence but, still neat way to keep up with time and such.
 
Here are some thorough articles on Catholic customs:

http://www.fisheaters.com/customstimeafterpentecost3.html 
https://www.stmaryscity.org/history/Time.html


And some nice poetry if you are still hungry:

http://malcolmguite.wordpress.com/2012/06/23/a-pair-of-sonnets-for-st-john-and-st-johns-eve/

Happy St. John's Eve!  Happy Midsummer!

I was falling...

And at that very moment, I realized nothing can end me.  God is with me and will be for eternity. No matter which philosophy of time, the trinity passes through all that and remains with me. I am whole.

Have some bread.

Good Morning Prayer

Morning Prayer

Gracious God,
Thank you for the gift of today.
Refresh me. Invite me to discover your presence
In each person that I meet
And every event that I encounter.
Teach me when to speak and when to listen
When to ponder and when to share.
In moments of challenge and decision
Attune my heart to the whisperings of your Wisdom.
As I undertake ordinary and unnoticed tasks,
Gift me with simple joy.
When my day goes well, may I rejoice.
When it grows difficult, surprise me with
New possibilities.
When life is overwhelming, call me to
Sabbath moments
To restore your Peace and Harmony.
May my living today reveal your Goodness.
Amen.
-Pat Bergen, C.S.J.

Solitude

"Solitude - my favorite moments,
Solitude - but, always with You, Jesus and Lord,
Close to Your Heart, time passes pleasantly for me,
And, close to Him, my soul finds repose.

When the heart is filled with You and over-flowing with love,
and the soul burns with pure fire,
then,  amidst  the utmost desolation, the soul will not experience loneliness,
because it rests on Your bosom.

O Solitude -  moments of supreme companionship,
though I be abandoned by all creatures,
I immerse myself, totally in the ocean of Your Godhead,
and You listen sweetly to my confidences."

-From St. Faustina's Diary (Entry 1699-Notebook VI)

My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going.
I do not see the road ahead of me and I cannot know for certain where it will end.
Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think I am following your will does
not mean that I am actually doing so.
But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you.
And I hope that I have that desire in all that I am doing.
I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire.
I know if I do this you will lead me by the right road
though I may know nothing about it.  Therefore, I will trust you always
though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death.
I will not fear for you are ever with me
and you will never leave me to face my perils alone.

- Thomas Merton, "Thoughts in Solitude"

I believe that if I pray for something, God will deliver.  If I pray he be with me, he is with me. If I pray for courage, he gives me armor to face my fear. If I pray for love, he gives me someone to comfort and soothe. If I pray for something I have lost, he shows me the new gift but, doesn't degrade my heart's loss.  Whatever I pray for, I get an answer. It is always a good answer.  So, when I am so lonely and yearn for a kindred heart and someone to care for me, God sits with me in solitude and comforts me.

-Me (from my heart)

Opportunities and Choices

I have much to do today.  Today seems like just any other ordinary day.  But, it isn't.  Today is a day of fasting for me.  On at least one Friday out of the month, I fast for the unborn.

I know that many people shy away from this topic because it is hot.  But, I am not afraid of this. I am not scared to say that I think babies are innocents and don't deserve to die.  They are the most vulnerable of all human beings.  And although I can not stop women from aborting their unborn children, I can spend a day with these babies in spirit.

I believe in the right to life. I don't believe in the death penalty (even for murderers). There is just something that kills me when people tell me that women have a right to choose to abort their babies. I feel that women are being sold a bill of goods.  Because see, there is another option. 

I don't see anyone chanting, "I am barren, I will love your unwanted babies."  So, we have a disconnect.  There are people who want babies -any baby- and people who don't.  Why can't we have an "Adopt Children" campaign?  Why doesn't Sarah McLachlan sing ads for adoption of children but, only for dogs and cats? Why do we make it so hard to adopt babies here?  Why are these parents going overseas to adopt babies when we are killing them here?

I don't hate women who choose abortion.  These women must carry this with them forever. No one celebrates an abortion with the mother. Women, generally, heal after abortion in solitude.  Her body and life is changed forever.  I only hold compassion in my heart for the women that make this choice. 


But enough of my personal point of view.  Here is my prayer for today:

May the grace of God be placed on the women considering abortion today.  May they chose a more tender way of reconciling their situation. Change the hearts and minds of women just for one day.  Help us heal as a people.  May all the little souls who are returning home live joyfully with you and Mary the Mother of God, the angels, and all the saints.

In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
Amen.