REJOICE, REJOICE!!!

The following is my submission to the St. Pius X Catholic School weekly note dated 12/12/16.

 

 

Every Christmas Season you are bound to hear the song, “O Come O Come Emanuel.”  Most churches play this song as the priests are processing into Mass.  Whenever I hear this song, it helps remind me of the two parts of Advent, the Anticipation of Christ’s Birth and Rejoicing.

For the last two weeks, we have heard about using this Advent season to prepare for the coming of Christ.  Let’s pray more, and prepare our hearts through the sacrament of Reconciliation.  We have been told to take things easy, don’t get caught up in the drama of the secular meaning of Christmas, but take time to prepare.  Well, now it is time….

Yesterday was Gaudete Sunday.  Gaudete means rejoice.  It is time to rejoice for the time is near.  We have shifted from somber readings to those of rejoicing.  Purple Vestments change to Pink, we lit the Pink candle this week.  The time is near, our Savior is close, it is time to rejoice.  Our preparations are complete, and now we get to rejoice in the Lord and for all the good things He has given us. 

Gaudete Sunday calls us to live as joyful Christians in all circumstances.  We have all spent the last two weeks preparing for Christ return, begging for his arrival, “O Come O Come Emanuel.”  Now, after all the hard work and preparation, it is time to REJOICE, REJOICE!!! 

I Hate Climbing Trees

Last week we heard the Gospel story of Zacchaeus, the tax collector.  If there is anything we all can agree on, the tax collectors of their time and the tax collectors of today are not liked by many people.  Zacchaeus was no different.  Back in his time, tax collectors got paid by collecting more taxes than what they had to give to the king.  Some people paid more than others, depending on how easily they were convinced of what they owed.  Not a very fair system back then, and all the more reason to be disliked.

Zacchaeus was a small man.  When in large crowds, he would not stick out in any way or be seen by others.  So he hears Jesus is coming and in his desperation to see Him, Zacchaeus climbs a sycamore tree.  That is not so easy to do, for it does not have any low hanging branches to get started.  So I imagine the word climb could be changed to shimmy.  It does not matter how he climbed the tree, it does matter that Jesus noticed him and they went off together, to the ire of the crowd, many asking, “How could He eat with a sinner?”

I find this story intriguing.  I can see myself in the role as a sinner, like Zacchaeus, as well as a member of the angered crowd.  I find myself in hypocritical situations and judging as the crowd did.  I am sure everyone in the crowd was a sinner, but they had no problem judging Zacchaeus.  I often find myself saying that my sins aren’t as bad as…(fill in the sin). 

This story had a really good ending though.  Zacchaeus realized that he was a sinner and offered to give back anything he took, unlawfully, and agreed to pay back those he cheated, in full, times four.  Now, being the wealthy man he was, Zacchaeus probably had no problem making that statement.  I, and many of us, do not have that luxury. 

Many might disagree with this next statement, but Zacchaeus is really a role model for us all.  While he was a tax collector and gained his wealth by cheating others, he realized his sin and sought out Jesus and His forgiveness.  I do not plan to climb a tree and wait for Jesus to pass by and invite Him to my home, for I would be there for a really long time.  However, we have a great opportunity, to seek forgiveness through the upcoming Penance services. 

Afraid of seeking Reconciliation?  Consider Zacchaeus was probably the “biggest” sinner of his time.  He lied, cheated, and stole to gain wealth and all that comes with it, and Jesus forgave him.  I have often felt unworthy of forgiveness, but as Pope Francis tweeted not too long ago, “God never tires of offering His forgiveness each time we ask for it.”  So, it is important that I seek forgiveness for my sins, and the more I ask forgiveness, the more forgiveness God will give me. 

With Advent right around the corner, there are three great opportunities to seek God’s forgiveness through Reconciliation.  Our North Deanery Penance services have been set.  I ask that you overcome your fears and busyness and mark your calendar for one of these dates.  Look on the bright side, at least you do not have to climb a tree. 

Rerun of a blog from the past

After catching up on my blogging, I decided to look back at some of my blogs from the past.  I was a little shocked that I had a blog labeled "political."  My politics is kept close to the vest and I do not like talking about them, with anyone.  However, I looked over the post and forgot about this one from many many years ago.  It is amazing how relevant it still is today.  Hope you enjoy this blast from the past.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=u6H63CD7uQA

The above link is of a cartoon created in 1948.  Today might be the only time you see me blog about something and put a political label on it, as you might recall from my blog a few weeks ago.

In today's society, it is hard not to get caught up in the politics of the world.  The Democrats hate this and the Republicans hate that.  The political speeches are about on my last nerve.  So, I must say, when I saw this cartoon, I was pleasantly reminded of the way our country was built.  Yes, a cartoon.  Maybe this cartoon is saying that I have the mind of a child, or maybe it is saying, that as adults, we have complicated things to much.  Either way, it is very relevant to the world today.

This cartoon was made in 1948!!!!  It is scary to see how far we have come in such a short period of time.  It is horrifying that in just 60 years, how quickly we have been led astray.  I especially like the speech by the character, John Q. Public.  It is a reminder that, yes, we live in a capitalistic society, and, believe it or not, it is not perfect.  But even though it is not perfect, we are still one of the most successful countries in the world.

This might be my only venture in anything real political, but I am not sure a definition of what a Capitalistic society is, is either Democrat or Republican.  We cannot drink any magic elixir or potion to cure all of our woes.  We must work hard, have faith, and treat each other with respect.

I hope you enjoy.

Disclaimer:  This is the first video I have ever posted to a blog.  I did it without the help of the person that not only encouraged me to blog, but help set me up.  He taught me to post pictures, but videos, not so much.  So, if you click the link and a video does not start playing, so sorry.  Try coping cutting and pasting into your browser.  If that does not work, go to YouTube and search "Make Mine Freedom Cartoon." 

What about the other nine?

Below is the weekly note I shared with the school community a couple of weeks ago(10/17).  I just now realized I did not post it to the blog.  My apologies.

This week the reflection is from the Gospel of Luke, last Sunday.  It was the story of Jesus entering a village and being met by ten lepers.   They met Jesus from afar because, in those times, leprosy was considered a contagious disease and lepers were often banished to their own community.  Jesus simply told these men to go and show themselves to the priest.  On the way, they were healed and one of the ten had the wherewithal to go back and fall at the feet of Jesus in thanksgiving.  Jesus then questioned the man asking, where were the other nine? 

Every time I hear this story, I, like Jesus, think about the other nine.  Not that I am like Jesus, but I often wonder what happened to the other nine.  Did they go and show themselves to the priest?  Because they did not realize what happened to them, like the one Samaritan did, were they cleansed of their leprosy?  The story definitely gives us the impression that all ten were cleansed.  

Jesus did some amazing things, with just his words.  My most favorite words in the Bible are, "Your faith has saved (healed) you."  Jesus never touched the man who came through the ceiling of the over-crowded church. He just told the man to "rise up and carry your mat."  So here are ten lepers, shouting to Jesus, from afar, and he gives them directions.  Next thing you know, they are healed. 

While today, there is almost no leprosy, I often times find myself acting as the nine.  I often come to God in my prayers when I am sick, injured, frustrated, and afraid.  I shout from afar, begging Him to heal whatever ails me and, often times, my fears, frustration, or whatever ails me goes away.   However, more than not, I am one of the nine, and I forget to go back and thank Him for the blessings I have received. 

Never once, after receiving a blessing from God, when I act like one of the nine, has He removed my blessing.  It is not like He gets mad and calls takebacks.  Many of us depend on God to help us through our struggles.  It is time for me to start living like the one, to bow down before Him, in Thanksgiving.

 

It is time for me to give back to Him my prayers of Thanksgiving, for all the blessings He has bestowed on me.  In this world today, being humble and thankful is almost unique, much like the one that returned to praise Jesus.  It might just be time for us to focus on being more like the one, than the nine.  Imagine what that would look like... 

Who is Picking These Things

“Live in such a way that if someone spoke badly of you, no one would believe it.”

 

For those of you that follow the school twitter account(@SPX7200), the above quote was posted first thing Wednesday morning.  For those that want to know my secret, each week I google “inspirational quotes” and randomly pick five quotes, one per day, for the following week.  I really have no order or rhyme or reason as to why I pick my quotes, other than to say, I find them helpful to our mission or truly inspirational.  The first quote I pick is Mondays, the second one I pick is Tuesdays, see the pattern.

 

I share Wednesday’s quote with you, because I am not sure, but pretty sure(the quandary I am in) this quote picked me and Wednesday.  I say this because I really believe I have no rhyme or reason to the quote I picked, but I am pretty sure God does.  Let me explain.

 

Each day, the Catholic Church picks a saint to honor.  This Wednesday we celebrated the life of St. Matthew, the tax collector.  Fr. Hunter had a beautiful homily explaining how Jesus simply went to Matthew and said “Follow Me,” and without hesitation, Matthew did exactly that.  From that point on, Matthew lived his life, following Jesus, and living in such a way that those that had bad things to say about him, people did not believe it.  Matthew then became a Saint and an example for us all. 

 

Fr. Hunter talked with the children about how we can change our lives, just like Matthew.  He explained how our children could be leaders by forgiving those that make us mad.  He said that IT is never too late to show mercy and to change our lives like St. Matthew changed his.

 

I share both the quote and the summary of Fr. Hunter’s homily, because they are both essentially telling us the same thing.  While I am pretty sure I have not lived my entire life in such a way that no one would speak badly of me, I, like St. Matthew, can change my life and follow Him.  It is never too late to change our ways. 

 

When we change our ways, it changes our heart.  When we forgive someone for wronging us, or offending us, it changes our heart.  When we are forgiven, by others, for wronging them, it changes our hearts.  The more we forgive, the more mercy we show and the more mercy will be given to us.  Pope Frances recently tweeted, “Mercy can truly contribute to the building up of a more humane world.”  Forgiveness is one of the many ways we can show Mercy.

 

As you can see, a randomly selected quote, and the message of the weekly Mass coincided.  What was clearly random for me, certainly was not random for God.

I Need His Help

Two weeks ago, I wrote about how the gospel story of getting into Heaven through the narrow gate and how it reminded me of the traffic jam I was in.  If you recall, I started assessing the "traffic jams" in my life that might prevent me from traveling the straight and narrow path to Heaven, instead giving me a winding, curvy, hilly road.  The longer I was in the traffic jam, the longer the list got. 

I am a list maker.  I like lists.  I like their order and organization.  If I put something on a list, there is a much more likely chance I will accomplish said task.  Don't get me wrong, I do not list everything I do, and there are some days that I can get by without one.  But when the days start to get overwhelming, it is best that I put things on the list, so I can cross them off as I complete them. 

So over the last two weeks, I thought it might be best that I add to my list some things that will allow me to straighten out my path and narrow my road.  I had all sorts of things planned and calendared to allow me to "Sharpen my Saw," as a father, husband, and administrator.  The items on the list are not that important, but there were plenty of things to do, that were going to allow me to not work so much, play ball with my son, have dinner with my wife, etc.  But as you can imagine, I did none of the things on the list.  Yes I said it, NONE OF THEM.  

Thanks to God putting this thought of the narrow gate into my head, I have come up with every conceivable option to make this work.  I planned on changing this, or doing that.  I even put some things on my calendar, just so they would act as reminders to me and I would knock some of the things off the list.  Yet no matter what I did, I changed nothing. 

Nothing changed, because I forgot to the most important thing, and that is to invite God into the decision.  I was trying to do it all by myself.  Go figure!!!  God gives me the idea, then I come up with ways to make it work.  I do it all on my own.  I am listing things to help me fix my problem, yet nothing changed.  I listened to God long enough to understand the problem, but never did I listen for a solution, for I thought it was a pretty easy fix. 

Sometimes God allows us to solve our own problems, He trust us to handle certain situations.  Sometimes we can only solve certain problems, when we ask for His guidance, only when we invite Him to be part of our life, and yes, sometimes, when we give it to Him, in prayer, for Him to handle.  Sometimes we just need to accept the fact that we cannot do things on our own, and we need Him to show us the way.  I promise you, I would not have had anything to write in the weekly note this week, if I did not ask Him for help.

Retreat talk to the parents

 

 

Last night I had the pleasure to visit our 8^th graders on their retreat.  I was there for Mass, Dinner and then gave a talk about effective parenting.  As many of you know, most speeches I give are written out and read.  This talk, though, was not.  It was definitely outside my comfort zone to talk using an outline, instead of a written speech.  Now I am writing my thoughts for the weekly note. 

When you Google “books on Effective Parenting,” there are 2, 180,000 choices.  When you watch talk shows that give advice about parenting, they give strategies to help parents with their “defiant children,” or vice versa.  So there is probably not that much I can say that hasn’t been heard before.  I am definitely not inventing Effective Parenting.

What experience do I have to talk about effective parenting?  Well, I am a father of an 11yr old girl and a 9ry old boy, neither of which came with a “how to” manual when they were born.  I have been in the education field for the last 23 years, as a teacher or administrator.  I am also the child of two very effective parents, Gus and Ruth Mayer.

All that said, I still have my faults.  I am NOT the perfect parent.  My lovely wife, while a much better parent than me, is NOT a perfect parent.  My wife is raising the children like she was raised, and I am raising the children like I was raised.  Together, we have combined our ways of being raised and even though it is hard sometimes, we are raising our children as best we know how.

There is a myth out there about students losing touch with their faith in college.  Unfortunately, that is not true.  It has been proven that college enhances their faith, based on where they were before entering college.  So whatever their faith before college, will grow while they are there.  Middle school and High school is the most important time to plant and cultivate the seed of faith.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church says that parents are the first and most important teacher of faith to children.  One of my most favorite quotes says, “If we do not teach our children to love Christ, the world will teach them not to.”  Where does the breakdown occur? 

There is a fast food restaurant on just about every corner, because we are busier than ever before.  Our children reach middle school, and the business of their life seems to grow exponentially.  We want our children to be in everything for reach of missing something.  Families are busier than ever, but the amount of time in a day never changes.  Something has to be cut out of the calendar to make time for everything.  What can we do as parents?

Our children need us now more than ever.  We are fighting the reality television and social media world, a world that has changed rapidly since I was a teenager.   Thinking back to my childhood, my mother had one mandatory family dinner a week.  It did not matter if we had a practice, study group, or a work schedule, you never missed mom’s mandatory dinner.  Yes my mother calendared family time.  In this ever increasing busy world, calendars are becoming the only way to make sure we get to where we need to be.

I always said, anything I need to know I learned on the school bus.  While our children do not ride the bus, we take them to and from school.  If it is a 5 minute drive, or longer, children are trapped in the car.  Spend that time talking to them about your day.  You are the preverbal bus driver, make the ride to and from school a no cellphone ride.  Even if you car pool, listen to the children as they talk amongst themselves.  Be there for them and coach them in the right direction on how to behave, speak, or resolve a problem.

This evening, you gave your children the most important lesson in faith, you attended Mass with them.  Later you will have a couple of other opportunities to show your children the importance of your faith.  There will be an opportunity to be in the presence of Jesus Christ, for we will be having Eucharistic Adoration.  Spending time with Jesus, shows children that it is not just a bland wafer, it shows your true belief in the presence of the Lord.  Also, you will have the opportunity to attend the Sacrament of Reconciliation.  The more we receive forgiveness for our sins, the more likely we are to forgive others.  Think of all the arguments, fusses, and fights, that could quickly be defused when our children get better at forgiveness.

At last, take time to talk with your children.  Share your faith journey with them.  Ask them what you can do to help them in their faith life.  Draw up a contract listing your expectation, listing the ways you will help them to understand their faith.  Yes, a written, signed contract, and hold your children to the contract, and do not be upset when they hold you to your end of the contract.

Bottle Neck and the Narrow Gate

Each week I write a small reflection and share it in my school's weekly note.  Below is the post for this week.

 

 

Last Sunday's Gospel has been on my mind for quite some time.  It seems that every time I get a free moment, the story of entering through the "narrow gate" popped into my head.  I have had pictures come to mind showing a long line of people trying to get into a gate that has room enough for only one person.  The vision came very clear when I was stuck in a bottle neck traffic jam, on my way home Wednesday.

As I was sitting in this traffic jam, and this image came to my mind, it made me curious as to why the "line" was so long to get through town.  Surely there was a wreck or construction traffic, and as I suspected a car stalled which led to a 4 car bumper tapping accident.  Well, as you can imagine, with emergency vehicles, and rubber-neckers, the line kept getting longer and traffic was barely a crawl. Can you imagine the line to enter into the "narrow gate of Heaven" looking something like this? 

This led me to think, what are the traffic jams of my life?  What are the things that would put me in the long line to enter into the narrow gate?  Do I often place work ahead of my family?  Do I forgo having a family dinner so my children can participate in every possible afterschool activity, just to keep them busy? I must say, the longer I waited in the traffic jam, I was a little disappointed in how long my list was getting.

It never ceases to amaze me how many times God puts a thought in my head and how many times I ignore the thought, or say to myself, I am too busy to do anything about it.  If I ignore Him long enough, it is amazing how He puts me into a situation, such as the traffic jam, to bring the point home.

So, now it is time for me to assess things and unclutter my traffic jam.  If I want the straight path to the narrow gate, I have to assess the things that control me and take me down the winding road, or completely break me down on the side of the road, and learn how to straighten them out.  Am I working too many hours?  Am I too tired when I get home to play catch with my son?  Am I creating balance between my family and doing the things I like to do?  My path needs a lot of work.

Bob might be on to something here

The following is a post from Scott Levy's LinkedIn page.  Scott is a good friend of mine, I met 8 years ago, through his wife Susan, a terrific 4th grade teacher at my last job. 

I loved this post.  I think Bob might just be on to something here.

Listen I know this is not Facebook and so I am always careful about what I post or like on LinkedIn. Last night I was sitting by a very wise 87 year old gentleman (Bob) that I play poker with once a week. He has served his country in the military, fought cancer, has had 6 bypass surgeries, had a career as a teacher, and has plenty of stories. Last night he handed me a slip of paper saying this is how he lives his life. As I sat reading what he handed to me I was struck by the depth of content and touching words to live by.

I thought to myself, what a wonderful gift this guy had just given to me. I consider Bob a “seasoned” guy not an old or elderly guy. I don’t like the term elderly or old I think it is disrespectful. This folks are “seasoned” from time, tears, blood, sweat, and have plenty they can teach all of us if we will take time to listen. I think so many times we miss or don’t take the opportunity to sit down with a grandparent or a seasoned individual and just listen to them talk. The amazing experiences and stories they can share are priceless. They can both inspire and remind us of how lucky we are today. To think about the things we take for granted today versus 50 years ago, amazing!

Sitting talking with Bob last night gave me pause to be thankful for what I have and also take time to listen to my seasoned friends. I would suggest to anybody who reads this to take time to sit down and just have a chat with a “seasoned” person. The things we can learn, the wisdom they can share is priceless. What a shame to let their special stories and experiences be lost never to be passed along to somebody else. As the father of two wonderful daughters I tell friends that as a parent I feel it is my duty and responsibility to create memories for my children. I do hope that you all will take time to listen to somebody older than you. Have them pass along one of their memories so that you can share it with the next generation.

Congratulations to the Class of 2016

The blog this week is the speech I delivered to the St. Pius X graduating class of 2016. 

Being that this is my first year as principal of St. Pius X, and as I was deciding what to say this evening, I felt that I should tell you all a little bit about myself, because my past greatly influenced this speech.  I started my career 22 years ago, as a middle school Science teacher and spent my formative years teaching fourth grade.  My favorite subject to teach was Indiana History.  As you already know, we just celebrated the 100th running of the Greatest Spectacle in racing and in December we celebrate the 200th Anniversary of our great state.  So what better way to celebrate your final event as a St. Pius student, than relate it to the State of Indiana, for you are now a part of history.

 

Indiana is divided into three distinct regions, the northern part of the state is the Lakes and Moraines(for those that don’t know what a Moraine is, it is a glacially formed accumulation of unconsolidated glacial debris, trust me I had to look that up myself).  As we travel south, you enter into the central till and plains, and then finally end in the southern hills and lowlands.  How does this relate to me, you might ask… Allow me to explain…

 

You see, when you started your education as kindergarteners, you left the comfortable home environment, to go to school.  It was like your parents threw you into the lake, to swim and learn to survive.  Trust me, for your parents it was equally as eventful, except they had to climb over the rocky soil created by the moraines.  Low and behold, before we knew it, parents were mastering the rocky soil and you were learning to swim.  Each of you became better, stronger and more independent.  You learned everything you needed to know in Kindergarten and first grade and by the time second grade came around, you were master students.

 

From here you each moved to middle grades three through six.  Much like the central till and plains is the center of the state, you are now at the center part of your education.  Because of your knowledge, this part of the state, and your educational  journey is rather flat and easy to navigate, but it takes hard work and perseverance to get the land where you want it, and so the hard work and perseverance got you to middle school.

 

Now we move into the southern hills and lowlands.  What better way to compare middle school then with the ups and downs, and the highs and lows of the southern part of our state. 

 

The workload gets more difficult and well, just more.  You get a new principal and have to learn a different way of doing everything, some of your life long school friends are going to a different high school.  All which might feel like you are traveling in the lowland parts.

 

Then there is the Washington DC trip, winning the Hawks in the Hall basketball tournament, preparing to graduate, all of which have you reaching to top of the hills and now can see so far into the future.  It is like you are on top of the world.

 

As you leave St. Pius X and head to your high school, you have been prepared both academically and prepared to handle the ups and downs you will face in high school and beyond.  You will have to adjust to a new school, a new schedule, and a whole new set of rules, much like you had to adjust to a new principal.  Know that if you can handle the ups and downs of the southern hills and lowlands, also known as middle school, you can do anything.  Whether the road is winding and curvy, hilly or flat, your knowledge is strong, and your faith is stronger.  All of which will allow you accomplish anything you put your mind to. 

 

Before I finish, I would like to thank the parents for making this commitment to our children and our Church.  Your commitment to send your children to St. Pius all but ensures the growth of our parish and the larger church.  Our children’s success happens because of your commitment and working together to make sure your children succeed.

 

The class of 2016, you have made history here at St. Pius X.  As you journey on, continue to make history where ever you go.  Know that we wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors, that we are very proud of all that you accomplished, and that you are prepared for anything that may come your way.  Know that God is with you wherever your path takes you.

What we all have in common...

In this week’s Gospel, for the school Mass, the Disciples tell Jesus about this strange man on the corner, driving out demons, in His name.  Jesus’s reply to them was, “Do not prevent him.  There is no one who performs a mighty deed in my name, who can at the same time speak ill of me.  For whoever is not against us is for us.”(Mark 9: 38-40).  Now I am not sure where anyone is in their own faith journey, but today’s Gospel hit particularly close to me, for I have been struggling lately.  Let me explain…

 

Lately, all that we hear on the news, radio, television, conversations with our friends, tends to be around groups of people.  These conversations usually involve people trying to convince others to follow their own personal opinion.  Many of these people apparently believe that if they cannot convince you, then they should shout louder, in hopes that it will convince you to change your mind.  Let me give you just a couple of examples:

 

I am not sure how anyone can listen to the radio, watch television, or drive down the road and not see or hear something political.  Right now our political process seems to be a bunch of shouting.  Another topic of great discussion/shouting is the debate out what bathroom people should use.  We have a terrorist group that is killing people because they will not conform to their beliefs.  This list could go on and on and on…..

 

I am not sure about you, but I have had enough of all the shouting, complaining, and offending.  How can we possibly change the way things are done or said?  I am not sure if we can, but I would like to offer up the following and see if people could give it a try.

 

Let’s talk about dignity.  The google definition of dignity is, “the state or quality of being worthy of honor or respect.”  Now let’s add to this the word “human.”  The most basic thing we all have in common is we are humans, regardless of color, gender, height, weight, wealth, beliefs, etc, we all have one thing in common, and that is we are human. 

 

If we were to follow the logic of the world today, all republicans should hate democrats, the wealthy should keep their wealth and turn away from the poor, another list that could go on and on.  However, if we put all the labels of a person to the side, and just go back to the basic common thread, human, it could be so much different. 

 

If you see someone with a political sign in their yard, they are still human, treat them with dignity, instead of hating them for their belief.  If you see the beggar on the side of the road, they are still human, treat them with dignity, even if you do not have any money to give.  If you see someone going into a church, mosque, temple, or any other house of worship, they are still human, treat them with dignity, even if their belief is different from yours.  Imagine a world where instead of arguing or shouting, we treated people with dignity because of our most common trait, we are human.  I wonder what the world would be like….

Sports vs. Church

Last Thursday, I attended our bi-monthly Archdiocese of Indianapolis principal meeting.  Our guest speaker was Fr. Eric Augestine and his topic of his presentation was titled, "Forming Intentional Disciples."  He shared with us a blog that recently read.  I found it very interesting and wanted to share it with all of you. 

I also want to acknowledge Deacon Rick Wagner(consider following his blog,  fromthedeaconsdesk.wordpress.com, it is a great daily read or devotional,)also at the meeting, for posting this on his blog, which is where I copied and pasted the following:

For your consideration, an interesting perspective on the role sports has assumed in the family dynamic. Written by Jim Elliff, it was posted on the Christian Communicators Worldwide website.

It’s rare to see kids playing sports in the neighborhood anymore. We’re now organized and “professionalized”—including uniforms, state-of-the-art facilities, endless trips to the field, competitive coaches, equally competitive parents, and the after-season tournaments designed to give parents “bleacher bottom.” In addition, you’ve got to pay to play—and when you’ve paid that much, you’ll be sure to play.

It is also fun, and it can be instructive. I love to watch my kids play sports. In fact, they need to play—some. But, it’s not so easy as handing over seventy bucks and saying, “Sign up Johnny and Susie this year.” Making that decision means that you may be out four to five times each week during the season. Soon sports becomes all about calendarization and control of your life—especially if you have more than one kid. Perhaps nothing outside of a change in your job has so much potential to turn the family schedule upside down.

“This man understands,” you say.

Now comes the part you won’t like: “Behold, I say unto you, you have made sports the household god.” Too strong? OK, not all of you. But the deification of sports is happening to many.
How does ball become Baal? Answer: When it controls you, and you give it devoted worship. It is around your god that you order your life—and you can almost never say “no” to it.

Like “athlete’s foot” on the hygienically-challenged teenager, sports has taken over more and more of the life of believers. Almost overnight we have awakened to the sad fact that, in many communities, sports has even usurped the hours believers meet on the Lord’s Day. All too often members are saying to church leaders, “We’ll be gone next Sunday because of the soccer tournament.” In turn, leaders are supposed to acquiesce humbly. After all, we can’t afford to appear “legalistic;” everyone knows that the greatest crime a church can commit is to demand something of someone.

You’ll hear, “But the team needs all the players. We can’t let the team down.” It never occurs to them that the church Body is being deprived of a necessary body part, or that God is marginalized and disobeyed. We are not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together, states God in Hebrews 10:25.

Devotion is the operative word. When the team says, “We need you,” we sacrifice to do it. But when it crosses the time allotted to spiritual edification and worship, the Ruler of the universe is often sent to the bench. In the process, we teach our children that devotion to sports is more important than both devotion to God and loyalty to our spiritual family. Have you considered that you may be teaching your kids to worship sports?

Here are some ways to put sports in the proper place:

First, decide beforehand that there will be no contest between the church’s essential activities designed for your family’s spiritual growth and what the team plans for your lives. If you will talk this over ahead of time with your child and then the coach, there will be no confusion. Through the years I’ve found that many coaches respect that decision. But, it must be a prior decision, not one made on a case by case basis. When sports conflicts with Sunday worship or youth camp or a special spiritual activity, the decision has already been made.

Secondly, determine that your children cannot play every sport. There is a sanctity to the home life that must be protected. You need quiet evenings at home. You need meals together. Just let your children know that you are excited about sports, but there are limits. You then determine what those limits are. For us, we attempt to have only one sport per year for each child.

Finally, think about some creative choices. One of my sons played basketball, but the season was interminably long. I was also traveling. So, I would be gone speaking over the weekend, then, when I was home, I was out two or more nights sitting on the sidelines watching my son practice. It was not really “time together.” This wasn’t going to work.

The solution came to me after prayer. I asked him if he would be willing to learn golf in the place of basketball. We could play together, along with his brother, and we could do it whenever we wanted. We could enjoy this for the rest of our lives. I’ve paid some extra money, but I’ve bought back some time with my sons and some good exercise for me also. It’s a bargain.

God Himself uses sports language in the New Testament. He’s not against it, unless it steals the devotion belonging to Him. All other gods have to go!

Source: http://www.ccwtoday.org/article/when-ball-becomes-baal/

Make Someone Smile

Below is the weekly note to St. Pius X families sent 4/30/16.  For those that do not have children at St. Pius X, each year, our 8th graders go on a school trip to Washington DC.  The story below is just one of the many great things that happened during the trip.

 

We are back.  The 8^th grade students and staff have returned from out yearly trip to our Nation’s Capital, Washington DC. I believe a fun time was had by all, and I especially had a great time. 

This is my seventh Washington DC trip with students.  I have seen it all, done it all, and probably have enough information to pass a certified tour guide test.(yes, tour guides have to pass a test)  Getting on the bus to head out, early Tuesday morning, I wondered if there was anything new and exciting I was going to see, and looking at the itinerary, it did not appear that was going to happen.  But then, the good Lord did not let me down.

I have seen every monument in DC.  These wonderful structures celebrate the lives of many great people in American History.  Millions of people grace the National Mall to see these fabulous structures and pay tribute the lives of these most influential people.  

There are also monuments that celebrate those that have given their lives so we can live in a Democracy.  The World War II memorial, the Vietnam War Memorial, and the Korean War Memorial, celebrate the events that took place in United States History, that have shaped our Nation today.

It was not until I was in the Korean War Memorial, that I witnessed something different.  Let me set the scene…

I am with a group of 8^th grade boys and our tour guide.  It is getting late and we are tired.  The tour guide is explaining the history of the memorial and the reason it is the way it is.  As we were about to exit, one of our boys noticed an elderly gentleman and his daughter walking in the memorial with a hat that said Korean War Veteran.  Right then and there, a student reached out his hand and thanked the veteran for his service.  This handshake was unsolicited by any of the adults.  Next thing you know, all the boys are shaking hands and thanking this Veteran for his service. 

After we all had a picture with him, we started towards our next monument.  I decided to go back to the daughter that accompanied this Veteran to ask some questions.  As I was approaching this Veteran, he was embracing his daughter and crying.  I waited for this moment to end, for you could tell that the veteran was emotional.  After asking his name(Charlie) and where he is from(Arizona), his daughter, with tears in her eyes, stated that this was the first time her father had ever been thanked for his service.  It was truly a special moment that no monument could ever explain.

I share this experience, not because I want to get into a debate on the ideals of wars.  I share this experience because our boys did exactly what God would want them to do.  They took a moment to say thank you to someone, for something, that up until the past few years, they knew nothing about.  Our boys took it upon themselves to make someone smile. 

Imagine a world today that focused on making someone smile, instead of tearing them down.  Imagine a world today, where we do unto others for the sake of their well-being, instead of our own interest.  I have to imagine if a world like this existed, then there would be no need for war.

Am I Like Judas?

 

 The blog this week is from the weekly note that I send to the parents of St. Pius X Catholic School.

 

 

The Gospel at this week's school Mass was the story of Judas Iscariot betraying Jesus.  For 30 pieces of silver, and a simple kiss on the cheek, Judas presented Jesus to those who wanted Him crucified.  In Fr. Jim's homily, he asked the question, "What was going on in Judas's life that would make him want to do this?"  Kind of makes me wonder, as well.  Fr. Jim's question got me to thinking...  In what parts of my life have I been more like Judas? 

 

Was Judas greedy, and given an offer he could not refuse?  It forced me to reflect on the times where I could have been more giving of my time, talents, and treasure.  What opportunities did I overlook helping another with my time?  Was there an opportunity in which I could have donated some money to someone in need and instead I looked away?

 

Was Judas jealous of all the attention Jesus was getting?  Remember, the townspeople were laying palm on the streets as Jesus entered into town.  So I wondered, when was I jealous of a colleague?  When was I jealous of something a friend has, that I wish I could have?

 

Was Judas afraid for his life and given an alternative to betray Jesus or die?  While I have never been in a "rebuke Jesus or die situation," have there been times where I kept my thoughts and feelings of faith to myself, in fear of retribution?  Have there been times where I missed an opportunity to evangelize the Good News out of cowardice?

 

This list could go on and on because, and as I often say, "I am a sinner, striving to be a saint."  There is, however, one thing that I understand, that maybe Judas did not.  No matter what I do or say, no matter how often I act more like Judas, Jesus will always forgive, if I ask.  While Judas was a witness to the forgiving heart of Jesus, maybe his heart was not in the right place when he decided to betray Jesus, just like my heart is not in the right place when I think of myself instead of helping others.  Every time I am like Judas, I know that all I have to do is seek out God's forgiveness.  As we enter into the last few days of Holy Week, I pray that I will recognize situations and choose to act like Jesus and not Judas.  But if I don't, I hope I recognize the errs of my ways and recognize that I need God's forgiveness.

We Have it All Wrong

The following is from my St. Pius X Catholic School principal's weekly note sent to parents.

I wonder if we, and by we, I mean the society we are living in, have it wrong.  A couple of weeks ago, St. Pius X Catholic School had their Everybody Counts program.  This program celebrates the differences in everyone, regardless of abilities, looks, skills, or talents. 

The day’s events consisted of many guest speakers.  We had a father talk about his son’s battle with childhood Leukemia and a father shared his story as he battles a brain tumor.  Some of our students got to experience what it is like to be blind or hearing impaired, while others got to experience what it is like to be in a wheelchair.  Other classes got to participate in programs with adults who have a low cognitive ability.  All in all, it was a terrific day and I am so humbled by the way this program shows each person’s individuality and diversity.

I am a little upset with myself that I have fallen into the traps of society.  I feel that our society is trying harder and harder to “level the playing field.”  We want everyone to have the same exact opportunities and we try so hard to make children’s life experiences exactly the same, regardless of their talents or abilities.  If we were all the same, then I would be a pro golfing, football throwing, slam dunking, presidential candidate, all while owing my own restaurant, eating fabulous meals, while teaching at Harvard, not to mention being the greatest father, husband, etc….  Is it just me, or does this sound crazy?

Through the Everybody Counts program, my eyes were opened.  Everybody was put on this Earth with a purpose, a plan from God, and I knew this, but after falling into society’s trap, it took this wonderful celebration to remind me of how we are all a truly unique gift from God.  If I were to be an NBA star, God would have given me the talent to play the sport at such a high level.  If I were to be an engineer, God would have given me the ability to understand largely complicated math equations. 

I think we all have the dream scenario of what our world should be.  My dream scenario would be to not have to celebrate the differences of everyone, because everyone would understand that God’s plan for them is unique.  The scenario would be that everyone understands we are all different and we are accepted because of our differences, not our likenesses.  We would not take for granted the unique ability God has given us, or spend our time trying to be someone or something we are not supposed to be.

Do you know what makes you unique?  Do you know your God given talent?  If you do not know the answer to these questions, spend some time in prayer, asking God for guidance.  Be prepared to put aside your version, and listen for what God has planned for you.  If you do know what makes you unique, then spend some time praying and thanking God for the many graces that come from your purpose.  God has made us unique in some way, shape, or form, and for this reason, Everybody Counts.

 

Are my fears my children's

My brother has an incredibly irrational fear of roller coasters.  He has such a fear of them that he never goes to theme parks.  I once invited his son to an amusement park and I quickly realized that my nephew has an irrational fear of roller coasters, and it is my guess that this fear was instilled from his father.  It was then that I started thinking, do I have a fear that I have instilled on my children? 

I must say that I am lucky enough that I will try almost anything once, whether or not I think I am going to like it, so at the early stages of my children’s life I do not think I have shown them a fear of any kind.  However, there is something that I have not taught my children and it is something I have failed to lead by example, and could be considered my fear.

Over the next couple of weeks there are four opportunities, here in the North Deanery, for us to receive the Sacrament of Confession.  Confession is, without a doubt, my least favorite of the Sacraments.  It is my least favorite because it is a time that I have to share my weakness towards sin.  It is natural for ones in a leadership position to do everything in their power to not expose weakness, so I think this is why it is hard for me to go to Confession. 

Now do not get me wrong, I do go to Confession during Advent and Lent, as we are supposed to do.  While I should go more often, I at least go during the two most important seasons of the liturgical year.  And I must say, as much as I dread going on my way to church, I cannot believe how much better I feel the moment I have received absolution.  The feeling of joy that overcomes me is better than any thrill ride at an amusement park.

I tell you this story of my own struggles because although my children do not know how I feel about Confession, for I always go to the service by myself, I am not showing my children that I go, and by proxy, instilling on them a fear they do not even know.  I am sure most everyone believes that parents are the first and most important teachers of our children.  When it comes to faith, it is especially important that we, as parents, lead by example.  Sending our children to Catholic Schools could be all for naught, if we as parents do not take on this important leadership role.

I cannot believe I am the only one that fears the confessional, for if I was, the lines for Confession would be much longer.  So, for me, I will be taking my children to Confession and leading by example.  I will pray that God gives me the strength to overcome my fear, and not instill it on my children, so I can be a better example to them. 

I ask that you consider attending one of the four confession times with your family.   Take this opportunity to lead by example.  I pray for all those that have the same fear of the Confessional I have.  I pray that God gives them the wisdom to understand the graces and mercy that come from this most blessed Sacrament.

OOPS!! It is Lent

The blog this week is from the weekly note that I send to the parents of St. Pius X Catholic School.  Every week this note contains important dates, events, and a short note from me. 

I am not sure if I am the only one who feels that the Lenten season raced upon us from out of nowhere, but I cannot believe I am the only one…  We have had two days, Ash Wednesday and the first Friday to practice fasting and abstinence.  Only three days into it, and I have already screwed up.

Being out of school on Friday for “winter break,” is a first for me.  I cannot recollect any time, as a student or teacher, that I received an extended break in the winter, with the exception of the blizzard of 1978.  So this new concept had me racking my brain as to what I am going to do with the extra time.
 

I promised my wife that I would get up early and take our children to school.  This would allow her to go to her Indianapolis office straight from the house, without making stops.  Then I would come home, and accomplish any “honey-do” chores she would like me to complete.  And, being the planner that I am, I had my day scripted out to the letter/task.
 

Well as luck would have it, I was at the preverbal stopping point.  I had just moved a load of laundry from the washer to the dryer, completed said cleaning task, and was either ready to start the next task, or take a break for lunch.  As you can imagine, lunch prevailed.
 

As I proceeded to prepare my plate, I decided for a sandwich and chips, with a glass of iced tea, while watching a little of the Pebble Beach Pro Am Golf Tournament.   As I was watching the golf tournament, the camera operator decided to show a picture of the ocean, as they often do for this tournament.(side note: for those that do not watch golf, I suggest you watch this tournament some time, for you will see some of the most magnificent marine life) 
 

Let me set the scene, the camera angle was from the blimp, flying overhead.  It was a wide screen shot showing this incredibly large school of dolphins.  There were so many dolphins, that they could not fit on the screen.  This beautiful picture got me thinking of dolphins and those that sometimes get caught in tuna nets.  This led me to think of the fact that it had been a long time since I have had a homemade tuna sandwich.  This led me to recollect that every Friday in Lent, growing up, my mother always made tuna sandwiches.  It was then, on the second bite of my turkey sandwich, that it dawned on me that it was Friday and I should not be eating meat.
 

Well, it has been a whopping three days and I have already put my own thoughts before God.  My wife thinks it is rather funny, since I am the one constantly reminding her of the Friday Lent rules, especially since she is the one that packs our children’s lunches, that I have already failed in the abstinence portion of Lent.  I mean the ashes are barely off my head and I have forgotten my Lenten obligations.  It was immediately that I split the remaining turkey sandwich into two parts, one for each dog, all was upset with myself about my error.  I am usually better than this.
 

As my thoughts progressed, I was reminded of the reason for the season of Lent.  I am a sinner, and there is nothing I can do about that.  I will always be a sinner, for I will never be perfect.  God knew this and sent his only Son to die for our sins, so we may have the gift of the Sacraments and eternal life with Him. 
 

So instead of punishing myself too much, I choose to forgo the rest of my lunch and I used this fasting opportunity to think about God and all He has done for us.  Regardless of what I have decided to give up, or what rules I break, or what sins I commit, God will never deny me forgiveness, so long as I ask.  His Son died so we may receive forgiveness of all sins, even the smallest.