Mary, age 6, has been talking about something musical that she needs to do at school. She was going between the piano and the drums with some frustration. I had noticed the other day that the guitar I had gotten for Susan/Hallel and John years back, as they were talking about working with youth; and it just would have been a great thing for them to do... was in the basement by the drum set. Last night I mentioned it to Mary, and in short order it was up and the most interesting thing ever to both her and her younger brother, David. She was very excited to see if her substitute teacher today was going to be the accomplished guitar player we all love from the Catholic School. She wanted to let her know that she now had a guitar, and wanted to know more about it. I told all the kids that I would LOVE to have them become excited about music and learn how to play any instument! I think the guitar is going to be at their house as well as the piano someday soon! I always loved to listen to the girls as they played their lessons, but just like their mom they quit and never looked back. Why does that have to be genetic? When Maria was in the monastery for 5 months 9 years ago they were grooming her to learn the organ, and I rejoiced knowing all of her musical talent that had laid dormant. Yet, the Lord had her making babies and raising them in the FAITH as more important in the masterpiece called the LIFE, and LOVE, and LIGHT of Maria and Joseph and family!
It would be great if more than one would take to the guitar! A grandma can Hope! I was thrilled to see that the psalm from mass was a Grand Hallel! I have shared in the past that there are two places in the psalms where the Hallel psalms are found - meaning the psalms of highest praise to Our God! If Hallel looks familiar - just end it with 'uia' and you will discover what it means - Halleluia! The last 5 psalms 145-150 are Hallel psalms, and the ones around 100 are called the Grand Hallel. They laugh about it in the Community of the Lamb - Hallel's order - because the word for Grand in French is also the word for 'tall' and compared to the small European sisters Hallel with her 5'10" height is hugely tall!
"Give thanks to the Lord, invoke his name;
make known among the nations his deeds.
Sing to him, sing his praise,
proclaim all his wondrous deeds.
Halleluia."
Psalm 105
After the other two leave - David has the guitar all to himself! Such a powerful first reading from St Paul to the Hebrews, and also to us! "Because he himself was tested through what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested." Hebrews 2
Wow! This puts a whole new light on the Cross we are called to carry by Christ himself! He is telling us that we need only look to HIM, and rely on His Holy Spirit that dwells within us, to walk forward down the narrow path carrying our Most Cherished Cross! When LIFE gives us the hard things... whether it be illness, or hurts within our families, or struggles at work,etc... we need to remember that we have Christ there to give us His strength, and His wisdom, and His LOVE to embrace the Cross and receive LIFE eternal! It is through the Cross that we find LIFE, LOVE and LIGHT! Today in the Gospel Jesus models for us the way to gain strength in going off to a deserted place to pray. Simon pursued HIM and got him to come, and preach, and drive out demons... We need to spend time daily and hourly and with every breath that we take and every beat of our hearts - "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus..." How much better would our lives be if we thought and prayed to HIM constantly throughout our day? With every dilema that surfaced at work, at home, at rest... "Jesus, take this, and use this, and show me how to take this hurt,and return your LOVE! I am weak, and I am yours, and I need you to show me the Way, the Truth and the LIFE!"
According to Simon this block creation of David's was a abstract work of art, and needed to be saved with a picture. Simon has realized that art covers many things from drawing robots, to building them, or architecture... Simon now says that art is his favorite, and when he tells you what it all covers - you realize that he has grasped the enormity of the joy of ART! Even for this musical insturment thing, that Mary is talking about, he is wanting to build an instument from legos, and he probably will!
Lord, Life is a huge lesson on the beauty of your world, and then finding the Truth as we look to the new Tree of LIFE - the Cross! May we always remember that we can walk with you always, as we look to YOU throughout our day in all that we say, do, pray, work, and rest! It seems that we get into the most trouble with our rest times, and how we fill it. May we ask ourselves - what would Jesus do with this time or this situation? Jesus, we are yours and we trust in you. Amen and Halleluia
Bless-bless, Barb
Bishop James D Conley of the Diocese of Lincoln, Nebraska writes to; Demons we must Drive Out
"America's future depends today, as it always has, on the choices that faithful citizens will make. And that means rediscovering the basic religious and Christian values that are contained in the Declaration of Independence. It means living out our beliefs with what the Declaration calls a 'firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence.' And through our witness to our beliefs, and by God's grace, we can help restore our national soul."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yOPHkvbdOpw Be born in Me (Mary) but Francesca Battistelli
http://www.ewtn.com/New_library/breakfast.htm Once again Blessed Teresa's address to the National Prayer Breakfast.. to think that both Clintons were sitting there... mind blowing!!!
Precious LIFE and LOVE - may your LIGHT shine for all to see!
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