Soul Scribe

During Lent, we often chose to do penance by depriving ourselves of something that we love, but can live without. I recently received an Operation “Rice Bowl” from Catholic Relief Services. It gives a daily program that is great tool to learn how to use our sacrifices to benefit those in need, especially for families and children.

But how often do we confine this only to Lent? How can we sacrifice daily to help others? How can we be more mindful of our mission to walk with Jesus and be our brother and sister’s keeper?

Now, don’t rush out and don a sackcloth (whatever that is), move to a cave and eat bread and water for the rest of your days (unless you’re so inclined).

Sometimes the problems seem bigger than us. The suffering in the world today is bigger than us. We can’t solve the problems alone, or possibly even ever. But we can make a difference by taking responsibility for our part in solidarity with our brothers and sisters. We must break the barriers between ourselves and those in need. Find ways to help them in a way that preserves their dignity.

Think back to Matthew 27:24 when Pilot washes his hands of the situation surrounding the condemnation of Jesus.

How often do we wash our hands?

It’s simple to say a problem is too big – but it doesn’t mean we can wipe our hands of it and go on with life.

We are called to be God’s people, and that doesn’t mean only when it’s convenient. Jesus called us to be his brothers and sisters, and as a family to care for one another as he cared for us.

“This is the meaning of true love, to give until it hurts,” Mother Teresa said.

Who’s hurting today? Who needs what you have to give?

Not everyone is cut out for the sackcloth, but we are all able to do something. And to do more — prayers, donations, kind words, talents, time, compassion – all of these things make small miracles every day.

Will you wash your hands or offer it to your brother and sister today?

This is part one of an ongoing series on the themes of Catholic social teaching and how to integrate them into our daily lives. Please leave a comment with any insight you’ve gained from this post or thoughts you’d like to share.

As we celebrate the birth of Jesus this Christmas, it is good to remember that Christmas is more than one day a year. It was and is the start of something much more.

I want to share a special story about another Christmas birth this year. It was published earlier this month in the Arkansas Catholic.

Christmas blessings to all of you and your loved ones, and best wishes for the New Year!

Advent is a season of preparation for one of the greatest gifts of all time – the birth of a child named Jesus, who would come to sacrifice himself for those he loved.

Many see Jesus as a prophet, but for Christians he is Emmanuel, God with us.

Jesus reached out to anyone in need and called us all to do the same – a conversion of our souls that made us keepers of one another, as sisters and brothers in him.

This is our call from Jesus, but this means we are called to action. It is a call that Jesus lived from birth to death, as we must do as well.

Is it a call we always heed?

Of course not, let’s be honest. As humans, we often fail. Our failure is not because of Jesus or God. But it is a part of our learning process.

How we respond to our failures is the true test of our call.

Take a few moments before the celebration of Christ’s birth to prepare yourself – not just in decorating the nativity scene, Christmas tree and presents for your family and friends – prepare your soul to meet Jesus.

Pope Benedict XVI reminded the world to do so during his papal audience Dec. 22. You can see what he said here.

Now deck the halls of your soul in preparation for the ultimate Christmas present ever!

“For this is how God loved the world: he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.”

John 3:16
(New Jerusalem Bible)

My longing for truth was a single prayer.

Edith Stein (St. Benedicta of the Cross)

If you’re looking for God, stop. What?!? Why?!?

Because God is already there with you. Stop looking for God and find Him.

It’s not hide and seek. Or even rocket science. It’s about faith.

Let’s face it. As humans, we’re skeptical and curious – and all of these are great – but we’re really not all that strong on faith.

So many things in this world tell us that faith isn’t enough – that God isn’t real. This makes us question God and test Him. And God understands this – and puts up with it. He did after all give us the gift of life and free will. We’re not toys to God or chess pieces. He doesn’t orchestrate us. But he’s always there for us to turn to – when we make that choice.

God is a mystery. He can’t be fully explained. He can’t be proven or unproven. He just is. He’s I Am Who Am. He’s God With Us.

Yet, we still ask – just who is that “Am” anyway?

It’s God. The answer’s that simple. And He’s right next to you if you’re looking. Find Him and get to know Him.

He’s waiting for you.

The way to love anything is to realize that it might be lost.

G.K. Chesterton

Life hits rough patches for all of us.

When the road turns rough, faith is crucial.  It’s also doubly hard.  When so many things are up in the air, it’s hard to leave things in God’s hand.

Someone reminded me recently of what I already know.  He said “no problem is too great for God.”

Sometimes, you need to hear things you already know.  It keeps you on the path.

And it reminds you that despite all the roughness, there are still bright moments to cherish.

Dream Over

That was the headline for a story on Susan Boyle, the contestant who caught the attention of the world in Britain’s TV talent show – Britain’s Got Talent.  She wasn’t your average – wait, she was your average-looking singer.  She wasn’t this polished, made-up and groomed mega-star like Beyoncé – or whatever she’s calling herself now.

She was a normal person with a God-given talent for singing.  Everyone wrote her off based on her appearance until she started to sing.

Now, I’m a huge reality show fan.  One thing you learn from watching reality TV is that the outer package doesn’t always tell the truth about what’s on the inside.

There’s plenty of great-looking people that I wouldn’t want to be around for one minute.  They need to spend just as much time grooming the inside as they do the outer beauty.

You can’t judge any book by its cover – because you have to ponder the words inside before you know the story.

Just because Susan didn’t win, doesn’t mean her dream is over.  Her dream is using her talent.  And she wants to continue to do just that.  So often nowadays, we must put another down to raise up ourselves.  Susan didn’t win – therefore she lost.  She has no worth.

It’s just not good enough anymore to be talented.  One has to be THE NEXT BIG THING or your dream is over.  It’s not okay to be good and to use your talent in the world.

The pressure that people put on Susan Boyle is unreasonable.  This is an amateur talent contest – she’s not a professional yet.  What about the growth she’s experienced as a singer?

Her voice is extraordinary.  I hope she holds onto that and doesn’t let anyone take away what God gave her – a voice to sing with.

Sing and continue to dream, Susan.  God hears you even when others do not.

No one is really happy merely because he has what he wants, but only if he wants things he ought to want.

St. Augustine