Many times in the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus notes that the Kingdom of Heaven is near. No longer is God some far off authority, but God is near. God is here, present to be with us. In this season of advent in which we wait for the celebration of Jesus' birth, I encourage you to rejoice in the presence of Christ. He came to be with us, and even after his departure from earth, he is present in our suffering, rejoicing, learning, and growing. It is a blessing to have a god who loves us enough to bring His kingdom to us. Our beautiful and loving God fearfully and wonderfully made a bunch of sinful, depressing creatures, and then cared enough to send his son to become a flesh-bound man that put up with us for a while before he willfully gave his life to save us. Praise the Lord! We are loved beyond compare. And with that love, the reflections in "Advent and Christmas" remind us on this day that everything in Christ is magnified. Sure, we can find happiness without God, but with God we can have complete joy. Without God, we may have comfort, but with God, peace. Without God, achievements, but with God, satisfaction. Everything is greater in the presence of our Savior. Today, as you pray on your own, think of the ways that your relationship with Christ has magnified your life. When I think of these things, it challenges me to be a more faithful, loving, and devoted follower of Jesus because I know that He satisfies my deepest desires more than anything on the earth ever will.
Peace,
Katie
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Baby, it is COLD outside in Texas!
So I was making a gift for my best friend last night and I was excited when I came up with the idea. It is a simple idea but I still thought it was a cool gift. As I am making it, these self-doubt thoughts came into my head : "This is is so silly. What if she gets you something better and your gift looks stupid next to hers?" And I was on the verge of just buying her a starbucks giftcard, but it was as if the Holy Spirit came to me at that moment. It told me, "the time and effort you are putting into this gift shows how much you love your friend. It may not be worth as much in monetary value but if she is a true friend she will appreciate the time you put into this gift." Then today I thought about how this ties into ministry. I get frustrated sometimes when my patients only speak espanol and I am trying so hard to speak to them and I wonder if they think I am some pathetic white girl trying to attempt to speak Spanish. But I see how appreciative they are of my actions and my broken Spanish is enough for them and they so appreciate it. We may not be perfect in our ministries, but that is perfectly fine. It is the little acts of kindness that matter, not the big ones! Have a blessed day! Becca
All I Want for Christmas is...
To keep the Christmas season forever! I must admit I really love the season of Christmas (aka ADVENT) but the day of is a little depressing to know it's all over. I hope all of you cherish this Advent season and I am and will be thinking of your throughout.
I'll leave you with this little photo of Charlie Brown to remind you that simple living Christmas is one of the most special :-) Rachel-do you still have a lot of those simple gifts ideas? I'd love to hear them!
Now I must away to work with the Advent spirit alive in my heart!
Blessings to you all!
-Sarah-
Monday, November 30, 2009
Waiting with Joyful Hope
“…As we wait in joyful hope for the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ...” These words are spoken at every Mass, but how often do we really think about them? The season of Advent calls us to slow down and become more aware of waiting: waiting for the Feast of the Incarnation, waiting for Christ to come again, waiting with ‘joyful hope.’ As Christians, we are called to be a people of joyful waiting. In spite of the great haste around us, we can wait because we have hope in God and in God’s promise. We have a taste of what is to come, and we await the chance to experience the fullness of God’s mystery. We await union with God, and our lives should reflect that longing.
Today, we ask God, “Direct this earthen vessel of your making toward only that which fulfills your purpose in, through, and with me.” We are on a journey, moving along some trajectory that we have already begun and have not yet completed. We cannot see where our travels end, but we know that God directs the whole of our lives. When we know this with our whole being, we humble ourselves before God with unconditional trust, unwavering hope. When we acknowledge with our lives that God is in control, the hope that helps unite us to God shines out, and we become a beacon of hope for others.
Many blessing in this season of Advent,
Kristen
Today, we ask God, “Direct this earthen vessel of your making toward only that which fulfills your purpose in, through, and with me.” We are on a journey, moving along some trajectory that we have already begun and have not yet completed. We cannot see where our travels end, but we know that God directs the whole of our lives. When we know this with our whole being, we humble ourselves before God with unconditional trust, unwavering hope. When we acknowledge with our lives that God is in control, the hope that helps unite us to God shines out, and we become a beacon of hope for others.
Many blessing in this season of Advent,
Kristen
Saturday, November 28, 2009
On the First Sunday of Advent, the DV's gave to me...
There are days in my life where I feel my personal theme song is the artistic opus “4 Minutes” by the visionary musicians Madonna, Justin Timberlake, and Timbaland. You know, the moment that you’ve been told that a letter has to get out today and it's raining sideways outside and mail collection is in 5 minutes and the mailbox is 5 blocks away and… you get the picture. “God, give my feet wings. I can see the mailman pulling up to the box and these letters need to get picked up today. Please help me cover these last two blocks quickly.” God willing, we are going to keep working in his vineyard for the rest of our natural lives, but sometimes it seems like we’ve only got four minutes left to save a particular vine or repair a particular arbor.
That’s why Advent is awesome. We get four weeks to reflect on what it means to wait. As we anticipate Christmas, we are encouraged to remember Christ will come again and that we are a people living in an imperfect world and we are to await joyfully the moment when we are to be reunited to the one who made and saved us. This isn’t a passive waiting. I mean who just sits and waits for Christmas to come? No! Reject this! Give in to the season (of Advent, not the “holiday season”)! Find gifts to give your loved ones! Decorate! Bake cookies! Send some to me! Reflect on your significant milestones in the previous year, summarize this in letter format and send it out to all your friends! You’ve only got four weeks to save the world!
Just kidding about that last part. Remember, we live in an imperfect world, and we’re still waiting for that perfection to come. So it’s ok if the Advent checklist isn’t done in time for Christmas. Something better is on the way. I mean, are we honestly going to see the Second Coming and ask for more time to complete unfinished business? “God, can you come back next week? I’m making a real breakthrough with this student, one more session and I think she’ll really get fractions.” In a perfect world, advent would be exactly four weeks long, and we’d have 28 shopping days to prepare for Christmas. In reality, Christmas will always “surprise” us somewhere in the middle of that fourth week, and all we can do is wait for it in joyful anticipation.
~ Be patient, therefore, brothers [and sisters], until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient until it receives the early and the late rains. You too must be patient. Make your hearts firm, because the coming of the Lord is at hand. ~
That’s why Advent is awesome. We get four weeks to reflect on what it means to wait. As we anticipate Christmas, we are encouraged to remember Christ will come again and that we are a people living in an imperfect world and we are to await joyfully the moment when we are to be reunited to the one who made and saved us. This isn’t a passive waiting. I mean who just sits and waits for Christmas to come? No! Reject this! Give in to the season (of Advent, not the “holiday season”)! Find gifts to give your loved ones! Decorate! Bake cookies! Send some to me! Reflect on your significant milestones in the previous year, summarize this in letter format and send it out to all your friends! You’ve only got four weeks to save the world!
Just kidding about that last part. Remember, we live in an imperfect world, and we’re still waiting for that perfection to come. So it’s ok if the Advent checklist isn’t done in time for Christmas. Something better is on the way. I mean, are we honestly going to see the Second Coming and ask for more time to complete unfinished business? “God, can you come back next week? I’m making a real breakthrough with this student, one more session and I think she’ll really get fractions.” In a perfect world, advent would be exactly four weeks long, and we’d have 28 shopping days to prepare for Christmas. In reality, Christmas will always “surprise” us somewhere in the middle of that fourth week, and all we can do is wait for it in joyful anticipation.
~ Be patient, therefore, brothers [and sisters], until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient until it receives the early and the late rains. You too must be patient. Make your hearts firm, because the coming of the Lord is at hand. ~
James 5: 7-8
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Celebration of Christ the King
In Spanish, Christ the King, translates to Cristo Rey and what better day of the Church year than today to give you an update from ICA Cristo Rey? But before I do, I want to tell you about church today
Christ the King is one of my favorite Church holidays. It is the end of ordinary time and the end of the Church year. it is the beginning of the Advent season (and the holiday season) there is incense and high celebration of our Lord and Savior as the King of Creation. He was the one who opened wide the gates for all to enter. Today at Church we sang this song and so beautiful and regal I felt like I really understood the tangible nature of our King. i found a youtube clip of this song, called Jerusalem the Holy City. I will wait while you listen to it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRil3T1Ey7A
In our Mass today at Most Holy Redeemer, this song came as the preparation of the gifts, right after the homily. Mass at Most Holy Redeemer always seems to move me, but today especially the priest emphasized that our King was not a king of a monarchy, that it was not a governmental leadership.
Christ the King is one of my favorite Church holidays. It is the end of ordinary time and the end of the Church year. it is the beginning of the Advent season (and the holiday season) there is incense and high celebration of our Lord and Savior as the King of Creation. He was the one who opened wide the gates for all to enter. Today at Church we sang this song and so beautiful and regal I felt like I really understood the tangible nature of our King. i found a youtube clip of this song, called Jerusalem the Holy City. I will wait while you listen to it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRil3T1Ey7A
Last night I lay a-sleeping there came a dream so fair, I stood in old Jerusalem beside the temple there. I heard the children singing, and ever as they sang I thought the voice of angels from heaven in answer rang, I thought the voice of angels from heaven in answer rang.
Jerusalem! Jerusalem! Lift up your gates and sing, Hosanna in the highest! Hosanna to your King!
And then I thought my dream was changed, the streets no longer rang. Hushed were the glad Hosannas the little children sang. The sun grew dark with mystery, the morn was cold and chill, as the shadow of a cross arose upon a lonely hill, as the shadow of a cross arose upon a lonely hill.
Jerusalem! Jerusalem! Hark! How the angels sing, Hosanna in the highest! Hosanna to your King!
And once again the scene was changed, new earth there seemed to be. I saw the Holy City beside the tideless sea. The light of God was on its streets, the gates were open wide, and all who would might enter, and no one was denied. No need of moon or stars by night, or sun to shine by day; it was the new Jerusalem that would not pass away, it was the new Jerusalem that would not pass away.
Jerusalem! Jerusalem! Sing for the night is o'er! Hosanna in the highest! Hosanna forevermore!
In our Mass today at Most Holy Redeemer, this song came as the preparation of the gifts, right after the homily. Mass at Most Holy Redeemer always seems to move me, but today especially the priest emphasized that our King was not a king of a monarchy, that it was not a governmental leadership.
His is a kingdom not of power, but one of humility and of service. He is not a king who seeks to bend the will of others, but to bend before them in service. When asked what is the truth our King proclaims that I AM the Way, I AM the Truth, and I AM the Light. We are called to imitate our King. Not only is the gate opened the one time, but also over and over and over again. especially in celebrating with neighbor, family, friend we fulfill our kingship.
On Friday one of the freshman were in our office, asking questions. At the end of her conversation she pulled Max aside and said, Mr Straube if someone says really racist things, and they are your friends, and you dont want to upset them, and you dont want to get too upset yourself, what should you do. Max said, here, let me show you something. He took her to the one end of the room where the crucifix of our King was hanging on the wall. And he brought her right underneath it. What do you see? Mr. Straube, that's the crucifix. And do you remember what Jesus said when he was here? Father forgive them, the student answered. Max said exactly. He forgave, and asked that God forgive them too, as he was dying. and Jesus said Love your enemies. Max was very honest with the student as he admitted that he too always struggled with this line. Perhaps my priest from this sunday, in asking us to celebrate in service with our neighbor, family and friend, unintentionally overlooked enemies as well. But that is why I am linking the two together for us. Christ the King overcame death so the gate could be opened for all. Not only the ones we like and get along with, but the ones that are hardest to pray for. That is why i liked our reflection song so much today; The new Jerusalem will not pass away, and the gates are opened wide for all, there will be none denied.
That is why Cristo Rey is my favorite church holiday.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Keep South Chicago in Your Prayers
A Reflection and a Request
In the past week, there have been two murders in South Chicago, 3 blocks north of where Katie and I live (91st street). Same spot both times - 87th street bus stop.
Last Friday 11/13, a 21 year old man was shot because of gang related alliances. Today, a 17 year old boy was shot for probably the same reason. The glass that was the exterior of the bus stop shelter is shattered. Now the hundreds of people who pass by that bus stop or take the bus from there will have to live with a constant reminder of the violence and disregard for the importance of life, the beauty of life, that lives and grows in their neighborhood, our neighborhood.
Just yesterday I stood in the back of three classrooms in an elementary school on 119th street and listened as Jacob, Diane, Anthony, Alonzo, Darrell, Victor, LaToya, and Gerald all told their own story of living on the streets. They each spoke of their experience with drugs, violence, uncontrollable anger, alcohol, addiction to money and power, and their time in prison. They each gave the 7th and 8th grade students advice on how to stay away from living on the streets and/or joining gangs. Some of the St. Leonard's residents made the students laugh, some made the students pay attention, some even made the students realize they can reach their goals as long as they stick to the road less travelled by and stay in school. The students asked questions, they wanted to know more details, wanted to know more about the speaker's new path to a successful life without the family they built in alleyways and lived with on street corners. The kids listened, or so it seemed.
Some students began a mini-fight outside the school after the last bell; in front of the parents and in front of all the men and women who just shared their souls with them. It may have been playful because they knew everyone was watching, but it still hurt to see it. I know I shouldn't expect a talk to kids to get through on the first time, but I was hopeful.
We, the men and women of St. Leonard's and myself, travel to another elementary school tomorrow to continue telling kids what it's really like to be a gangster and how to avoid it. Please keep us, and all the victims of violence in South Chicago and the world, in your thoughts and prayers. Please also send some good vibes of love and compassion our way, South Chicago really needs some right now.
Peace & love to you all,
Emily
In the past week, there have been two murders in South Chicago, 3 blocks north of where Katie and I live (91st street). Same spot both times - 87th street bus stop.
Last Friday 11/13, a 21 year old man was shot because of gang related alliances. Today, a 17 year old boy was shot for probably the same reason. The glass that was the exterior of the bus stop shelter is shattered. Now the hundreds of people who pass by that bus stop or take the bus from there will have to live with a constant reminder of the violence and disregard for the importance of life, the beauty of life, that lives and grows in their neighborhood, our neighborhood.
Just yesterday I stood in the back of three classrooms in an elementary school on 119th street and listened as Jacob, Diane, Anthony, Alonzo, Darrell, Victor, LaToya, and Gerald all told their own story of living on the streets. They each spoke of their experience with drugs, violence, uncontrollable anger, alcohol, addiction to money and power, and their time in prison. They each gave the 7th and 8th grade students advice on how to stay away from living on the streets and/or joining gangs. Some of the St. Leonard's residents made the students laugh, some made the students pay attention, some even made the students realize they can reach their goals as long as they stick to the road less travelled by and stay in school. The students asked questions, they wanted to know more details, wanted to know more about the speaker's new path to a successful life without the family they built in alleyways and lived with on street corners. The kids listened, or so it seemed.
Some students began a mini-fight outside the school after the last bell; in front of the parents and in front of all the men and women who just shared their souls with them. It may have been playful because they knew everyone was watching, but it still hurt to see it. I know I shouldn't expect a talk to kids to get through on the first time, but I was hopeful.
We, the men and women of St. Leonard's and myself, travel to another elementary school tomorrow to continue telling kids what it's really like to be a gangster and how to avoid it. Please keep us, and all the victims of violence in South Chicago and the world, in your thoughts and prayers. Please also send some good vibes of love and compassion our way, South Chicago really needs some right now.
Peace & love to you all,
Emily
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