giving it all?

Earlier in the week, by way of making a point about how what we give to God (in prayer or whatever) is always imperfect (because we are not God), Father mentioned something about "absolute conversion".  Not a term I've heard before, but as I thought about it afterwards, my gut reaction was, "but I don't want absolute conversion."  I mean, I'm willing to give God about 95% or so (that's still an 'A'), but 100%???  I want to keep something for me.  Now, intellectually, I know that everything I am and possess is because of God.  Without Him, I have absolutely nothing, so really nothing should be held back - like the widow who gave her last 2 coins. But there is a part of me, deep within, that says, "no, you can't have it all; I need to keep some."

Today's gospel and homily echoed those thoughts.  The young man who asked Jesus what more he needed to do to follow Him.  Jesus told him to go sell everything he had and give it to the poor, and he went away sad, because he had many possessions.  So what possesses us?  What do we need to let go of so that God can give us everything He has for us?  Our anger?  Our laziness?  Love of pleasure? 

Why do we hang on to the things we hang on to?  What is it that I am hanging on to?  What would I not give, if Jesus asked?  Food for thought and prayer, I guess.

maybe he's getting it!

Such a rare sight to see my child studying that I had to take a picture - mess in his room not withstanding.  And doesn't he look excited?  I see him making an effort this year and actually caring.  Actually studying.  After all these years - maybe he's actually "getting it".  Maybe.

i can only imagine....

I was planning to go to the little chapel down the road tonight.  But the incoming bad weather and me feeling a bit under the weather has made me change my plans.  Still - this is a cool video.  I Can Only Imagine

doing God's will?

From today's gospel:  "'Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste'....Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever odes not gather with me scatters."  (Luke 11: 15-26) 

So how to know if one is doing the will of God?  According to our homily, examine whether you bring division or unity into your family, your workplace, your church, your community.  Unity is the work of God.  Division is the work of another....

proud mom moment

Gotta take them when you can get them.  Kid #2 went with friends to the New Orleans Hornets scrimmage held here in town.  His friend's mom told me that he caught one of the shirts thrown into the crowd and then gave it to a kid behind him.  He said he felt bad because he jumped in front of "the kid".  Kid #2 ended up with a shirt in the end, as "some guy" who saw what happened gave him one. 

marriage on God's terms

The subject of the homily tonight.  (Which occurred after history was made with Father reading the LONG form of the Gospel.)  Marriage on God's terms - for better, for worse; in sickness and in health; til death do we part.   Good food for thought.  Just as Jesus is with us - for better, for worse; in sickness and in health; for eternity.

chickens or feathers

My thought for the day came from our friendly custodian cleaning my classroom this morning.  "Some days are chickens, some feathers!" 

Yesterday was feathers.  Today was chickens, I think.  We stay SO busy this year, it seems.  Today it seemed like the students got along with each other, and that always makes the day better! 

Today was the feast (?) of guardian angels.  Messengers sent by God in our lives - just because He loves us.  Father says he probably doesn't have just one - maybe he has a couple of different shifts.  Thank you, God for guardian angels and Fridays.