DIVINE TEARS

There are not many places in scripture that speak of Jesus weeping, so in the few places it does you tend to take notice and there’s usually a deeper meaning behind it. For example in John 11:32-36 it says, When Mary came where Jesus was and saw him, she knelt at his feet and said to him, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her also weeping, he was greatly disturbed in spirit and deeply moved. He said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to him, “Lord, come and see”. Jesus began to weep. So the Jews said, “See how much he loved him!”

In Joanna Weaver’s book “Having a Mary heart in a Martha World” she points out that the word for wept denotes a deep sorrow with great emotion. Because Jesus loved this family from Bethany, he wept, and he weeps with us as well. Though Jesus knows our triumphant outcomes, though he sees the joyful ending just around the bend, he still gets down in the middle of our sorrow and holds us close, mingling his tears with our own. And that, I believe is the essence of the story that God writes throughout our lives.

I point this out, because when I became a safe haven for my adoptive son, he was coming to me broken, battered and abused. He was searching for understanding to the sorrows in his life. At night, I would sit on the edge of his bed to say prayers with him and he would share with me some of his horrid past. My heart would break, as he wept, I too would weep. Then one day a woman new to my Franciscan Fraternity, came to me after mass and said she had something she wanted to give me for my new son. It was this picture

When my eyes first gazed on this beautiful picture I knew it was special and came to me by divine providence. That night after I hung it in his room and sat on his bed he asked me, “Why did God let all of those terrible things happen to me? Why didn’t God protect me? And why did my life have to be this way?” I looked at that picture of Jesus with his hands gently caressing that little boy’s face as they both wept and their tears joined together on Jesus hand just above his wound and said, “We don’t understand why God allows such terrible things to happen to little children, but one thing is for sure, as it happened to you, it happened to him too, for he was with you through it all. As you cried, he cried, as you felt pain, he felt pain, and his love is protecting you right now, because it brought you here and those terrible things will never happen to you again.” I assured him this was true as I pointed to his new picture to give him a visual to confirm what I was saying. This picture brought him much comfort and healing. I can’t tell you how many times I have caught him staring at it in silence.

It doesn’t matter what you have done in your life, how you have failed, how others may have failed you, how unworthy you feel from your past, God loves you exactly where you are! With all of your faults and sins! God says in Isaiah 43:4 because you are precious in my eyes and honored and I love you.

Joanna Weaver continues, Today we suffer, today we don’t understand, but someday in that eternal tomorrow, that same Savior who weeps with us will wipe every tear from our eyes. He’ll unbind our grave clothes of earthly flesh, and we’ll be set free. Someday all the scattered, broken pieces will fall into place, and we will suddenly understand the hand of God has been upon us all the time. All the tragedy-all the darkness- will instantly be swallowed up by triumphs. What a perfect ending to our imperfect stories! That’s the love of our Master Storyteller God.     

THE STRESS FACTOR

 

One thing I’ve learned over the years is how damaging stress can be in your life. I’ve watched people get so weighted down by stress that it made them physically ill, turn to addictions, and/or steal all joy from their lives just to name a few. I am no exception when it comes to the negative effects of stress. Mastering the art of a stress free life is not an easy task. Sometimes understanding how stress works helps us learn to deal with it better, perhaps this short explanation can offer some insights.

     A psychologist walked around a room while teaching stress management to an audience. As she raised a glass of water, everyone expected they’d be asked the “half empty or half full” question. Instead, with a smile on her face, she inquired: “How heavy is this glass of water?” 

Answers called out ranged from 8 oz. to 20 oz.
She replied, “The absolute weight doesn’t matter. It depends on how long I hold it. If I hold it for a minute, it’s not a problem. If I hold it for an hour, I’ll have an ache in my arm. If I hold it for a day, my arm will feel numb and paralyzed. In each case, the weight of the glass doesn’t change, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes.” She continued, “The stresses and worries in life are like that glass of water. Think about them for a while and nothing happens. Think about them a bit longer and they begin to hurt. And if you think about them all day long, you will feel paralyzed – incapable of doing anything.”
It’s important to remember to let go of your stresses. As early in the evening as you can, put all your burdens down. Don’t carry them through the evening and into the night. Remember to put the glass down! -author unknown

It makes a lot of sense doesn’t it? It also makes you begin to think about how you can change the way you deal with stress. When I’m feeling overwhelmed I find comfort in these scriptures. Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 6: 25, 26 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothes?  Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life^? Matthew 10:30  Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.

Meditating on scripture helps as does sitting in silence, focusing on your breathing and listening to God whisper to your heart. Everyone’s comfort level and stress factor is different and what works for one may not work for another. Please share what works for you as it may help someone else find a new way of managing their stress. It may be just what they need to put their glass down.

 

Happy Mother’s Day

Wishing you all the most beautiful Mother’s Day. May you sparkle from loving attention and appreciation from your children. May your bonds grow stronger and your love burn brighter. 

 

http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=0FMMJCNU

 

LIVING FOR TODAY

 

A few years ago, I had a speaking engagement in Stowe, Vermont, sharing my adoptive son’s miraculous story. Waiting to go to the stage I met another speaker waiting too. She was 9 years old and dying of bone cancer. I remember her never taking her eyes off of her 2 year old rambunctious brother and looking after him as though he were the most important thing to her in the world. She had my full attention as I was completely captivated by her.

Her frail body wobbled to the microphone due to her prosthesis from an amputation caused by her disease. Her shiny bald head from chemotherapy glimmered from the spot light. She shared her story and her story was compelling. Knowing her life was on a timer I expected her to be sorrowful and instead she exuded joy. Joy for the gift of this moment, joy for  her little brother, joy to be in a loving family, joy of the people in pastoral care that helped her day to day, and joy for the time she had left and to share her story with all of us. Her young mother and father also impressed me with their strength and courage I asked them how they do it ? They replied, “God and our daughter” they gives us the strength we need to face the horror. Her faith, trust and peace of knowing what is waiting for her in heaven keeps us going and increases our own faith. They thank God for every given moment they have together as a family.

Well ….. needless to say this was a tough act to follow. I was so mesmerized by this family that I had trouble focusing on the questions people were asking me after my talk. I couldn’t take my eyes off of that little girl and her family. I couldn’t wait to be finished so that I could go to her and talk with her again. My heart broke for them especially her mother. As a mother of three children I couldn’t help, but feel her pain in spite of her courageous words. Behind her eyes I could see a mother’s anguish and pain.  Writing this I still feel it and it makes me tear up.

I recently learned that she had passed away and the news made me sad, because I had hoped and prayed she would survive. However, through that sadness I felt joy. For I know that she left her mark in this world. She came and conquered what God had planned for her short life. I know that everyone who came into contact with her had their lives changed for the better. She was remarkable and brave. I have no doubt she is still looking after her brother from a place that she no longer has pain, where she has all of her limbs, her hair, and she is happy. I share this story with you to remind you how precious your life is. How important it is to love and to have joy, for it is through these, that we have the courage to face our challenges in life. Dakota, that was her name, and she knew that the present moment is alive and a gift filled with blessings. May we like her, recognize that and enjoy our lives in each precious moment as a gift given only by God and to treasure it.

FROM THE MOUTH OF BABES

There is a serious issue facing our society today. The problem is, not many people are aware of it. Some that do, do something about it. Others feel overwhelmed and slip into denial rather than protect themselves.

This problem effects each of us today and we need to face it and adjust our routines. There is so much sickness and disease facing not only ourselves, but the children. This boy makes it very easy to understand and he also gives practical suggestions. Please take the time to listen to him. This is a very short clip and well worth your time. Changing the way we think and shop will benefit you and your family.

 

 

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VISIONARY FROM MEDJUGORJE

Last night Ivan Dragicevic from Medjugorje was speaking at St. Mary Mother of God parish in Middletown, NJ. We began with mass and an inspiring homily by Fr. Jeff Kegley, who was surrounded by area priests, and deacons, who have come to be a part of this special evening. The Church was so full it looked as though it were a Christmas mass. For those of you who do not know about Medjugorje, Ivan or the other visionaries can learn more at the links below.

This was a special treat for some of the people from our bible study that went with me. I have been fortunate over the years to be invited to a number of Ivan’s apparitions, here in the U.S., and in Medjugorje, and each time is special and memorable. Last night was no exception.

During the apparition you cannot see Mary, you cannot hear Ivan speaking to her, even though, you see his facial expressions and mouth move. I close my eyes and I can feel her presence. My heart flutters then beats rapidly as she enters. This period of time during the apparition is special for each person present. There are Graces and blessings beyond measure, I am grateful and overjoyed to be invited again. 

After the apparition Ivan spoke about many things, and I will share some. He told us that Mary often talks about the collapse of family, the collapse of morality, and the importance of peace. That we should all be praying for peace and that peace is the starting point. Peace and prayer are the foundation and without prayer we have no peace, forgiveness, love or hope. Prayer feeds and cleanses our souls. Our families should be family chapels that pray together. Vocations come from family prayer and without it, we lose our priestly vocations. She says, we are in a crisis of faith and it is a real danger. The world today, wishes to go into the future alone without God.

Ivan said that he is approached often by priests and bishops who say to him, we have the church, the Sacraments, the bible, why is Mary coming for so long and not saying anything new? His response, “yes”, we have the church, the Sacraments, the bible, but… are we living it? He then reminds us of our earthly mother’s and how they are always repeating themselves to us, saying, do this, do that, to not forget this, nor forget that. They never tire of repeating themselves and leading us on the right path. This is what Mary does for her children. She never gets tired of leading us and she repeats herself until we listen. Until we live what she is asking, she will not tell us anything new.

Today we hear so much talk about recession in the world, but Mary says, today’s world is in a spiritual recession. For her to be able to work through us to fight evil and sin, we need to make Holy mass the center of our lives, with visits to adoration and monthly confession. She reminds us that Jesus gives himself each day in the Holy Mass so go to him. We are the lungs of the Church, we are the living Church.  She would like us to read scripture as a family, because by reading it Jesus will be born a new in our hearts. She also says we not only need to forgive others, we need to forgive ourselves, and to open our hearts to the Holy Spirit. Without these things we cannot be healed spiritually, emotionally, and physically. She wishes to lift us up as we fall. She is not here to criticize or punish, she is here as our mother and she brings hope.

Her words of wisdom to us, if you wish to pray better you need to pray more. There is a Grace given in prayer. The problem is not time, the problem is love. You make time for things you love, if you do not have love, you do not have time. Prayer dispels fear. When you learn to love yourself as God loves you, you will come to love others and fulfill Jesus’ commandment (John 13:34) “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.

 

http://www.medjugorje.org/

http://www.medjugorjetoday.tv/tag/risen-christ-sculpture/

http://www.medjugormag.com/

http://www.medjugorje.net/

http://www.ewtn.com/expert/answers/medjugorje.htm

 

THE WAITING

 

The other day my spiritual director, also religious sister, shared with me that there was a time in her life when she prayed really hard for something and God answered her prayer, but it took 8 years. It’s God’s timing she said, not ours. This statement jarred my memory to a time when I too, prayed really hard for something. I was submerged in a situation I had no control over, and it was detrimental to me, and my family’s well-being. I sought all the proper channels for help, and hit obstacles at every turn. It appeared that I was in a no win situation. I decided to do two things; I had my family pray with me for the situation to change every single solitary day. Secondly, I did not give up on the “proper channels”, and I began a crusade against this strong force. It was a battle that took years, but in the end, I accomplished the seemingly impossible. I changed a state law. It was such an incredible defeat that an agent from the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) contacted me to congratulate me. This was something he thought was impossible for me to achieve, especially without a lawyer and a lot of money. It turned out that God had answered our prayers in detail, but it took about eight years as well.  

Now I’m sure it’s a coincidence this eight year mark for me and sister, but the inspiration I derived from our situations is this. How often are we on the verge of getting our prayers answered, and we get tired of waiting and give up? How often do the whispers of discouragement ring in our ears making our waiting seem futile? Better yet, how often do we give up on the situation before praying for God to do something about it?

 The Israelite’s waited forty years before they entered the Promised Land. Elizabeth and Sarah waited until old age before they had a child. It’s when things seem utterly impossible that God changes the situation to possible. Writer Fr. Henri Nouwen has this to say about spiritual waiting, “Those who are waiting in the Scriptures are waiting very actively. They know that what they are waiting for is growing from the ground on which they are standing. That’s the secret. The secret of waiting is the faith that the seed has been planted, that something has begun. Active waiting means to be present fully to the moment, in the conviction that something is happening.”  This reminds me of St. Monica who prayed years for her son St. Augustine’s conversion. She didn’t just pray, she followed him around wherever he went waiting for him to change…… and he did.

Motivational speaker and pastor, Joel Osteen, in his book “I Declare” says this, “You have to have a “never say die” attitude. If you can’t get in the door try the window. If you can’t get through the window go through the roof? That is what a man in scripture did. He said to his friends, “ I’ve got an idea. Take me up on the roof, cut a hole in it and lower me down so I can be in front of Jesus.” Where there is a will there is a way. They lowered this paralyzed man down on his bed all curled up, and put him right in front of Jesus. The scripture in Mark 2:5 begins. “When Jesus saw their faith….”  Do you have faith that God can see? It’s not enough to just pray. Like this man you have to do something to demonstrate your faith. There were others in the room that needed healing too, but they weren’t  The difference is this man put action behind his faith. It’s one thing to pray it’s another to believe.”

If we want our prayers answered we have to check our faith barometer. Are we praying and preparing in expectation of our prayers being answered? Like words they mean nothing without actions behind them. Still yet, there are the unfortunate times that God’s answer is no, and it’s in the waiting that we hear his no. It’s those times we must realize that God has something better waiting for us, that is beyond our comprehension and we must trust.