Tag Archives: God

Random Thought—Seeing through God’s eyes

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I wish everyone could see with the eyes of God—with the eyes of love. I wish we could all set down hate, misconceptions, assumptions, and differences and choose to see the beautiful in each other. We’re all children of the same Creator, dwellers in the same universe. We should be the prisms through which love reflects itself outward and we should see others as those prisms that show us the beauty of what it means to be human. But, to see what God sees is a choice so often ignored even ridiculed. To see what God sees requires us to become vulnerable and to tear away those parts of ourselves that dwell in darkness. It becomes easier to shut out the light—to protect ourselves from the reality that can hurt our eyes and reveal our souls—the reality that we are, in fact, all beautiful and perfect in His eyes.

It’s a choice.

“Be rich in what matters to God. For where your treasure is, there also your heart will be.”

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On February 27, 2013 I had the privilege of delivering the homily at my school’s Lenten Liturgy of the Word. The reading for the day was the Parable of the Rich Fool. I have decided to share the homily with my readers.

“Be rich in what matters to God. For where your treasure is, there also your heart will be.” Today’s parable reminds us that we have but limited control over our future and in the time that we have we should strive for a life that is rich—not in the manner of what we can possess—but in the manner of how we love.

The rich man in today’s parable stores his grain after a prosperous season. He doesn’t plan to share his grain, but instead celebrates his wealth and looks forward to a life of comfort. He cares only for himself, oblivious to the needs of others. But, we are reminded that with our actions comes accountability. The rich man must answer God as to what will happen to those grains once he is gone. In the end, what good would storing all that grain do? In the end, no amount of grain will earn the rich man the opportunity to bargain for more time or have a second chance at life.

It is not uncommon for us to preoccupy ourselves with our material possessions. It only takes seconds of a newscast covering the latest Apple release or Black Friday sale to witness the importance placed on material goods in this world. Our treasures have become those things that we can see and touch—temporary joys that within a matter of months become obsolete and need replacement. Then we desire the next of the latest and greatest and the cycle begins again. Material possessions.  Temporary joys.  But, the parable does not tell us to stay away from wealth or possessions. Rather, we are reminded that in our pursuit of success and possessions we run the risk of striving for the things in this life that will lead us to a focus solely on the “I” instead of the “we.” When we are primarily driven by our attachment to our material possessions—our want for more than we need—we lose sight of our priorities and of those things that fill us with the love and joy that can’t be bought or seen. We walk hand in hand with greed and allow it to take over our hearts and dictate our actions.

Some of you may know that I haven’t always been a teacher. Before deciding to finally listen to God’s voice calling me to this vocation, I worked as a public relations executive and social media strategist in the corporate world. Like the rich fool I, too, allowed my heart to be led by temporary joys and allowed my judgment to be clouded by my desire for more. In my years in corporate life I subjected myself to working long hours and weekends at the cost of disconnecting from the people I loved—my parents and close friends. I became focused on what those long hours could earn me—fancy dinners, nice trips, technology, and many a Broadway show. I lost focus on the things that most matter to me—my family, my friends, my faith, my integrity. Instead, I became concerned with how many awards I could earn for my clients and how many I could earn for myself. There was no joy in my work except for the temporary joys I acquired. I worked harder, faster, more efficiently solely for the purpose of finding myself on the receiving end of an accolade or holding the latest gadget in my hands. I became a 21st century rich fool who lost sight of the things that mattered, but couldn’t recognize it until her closest friends sent her an email that said, rather bluntly, “we have no idea who you are anymore, we miss the you that would always find time for [others].” Those words, from their hearts to mine, led me to reconsider my priorities and reconnect with what I hold most dear. It was then that I chose the path of an educator—a treasure that fills my heart with joy from the moment I walk into this building each day and with every interaction I have with all of you.

Jesus, in the Gospels, consistently teaches us to exercise concern for others—to share our talents, our time, and our resources. To be rich in what matters to God is to give fully of ourselves recognizing that the “I” is enriched within the “we.” True riches are not those things easily found on store shelves or in online shopping carts. True riches are found in those things that make our heart sing and our soul dance. True riches are found in the love we give and the love we receive, in the relationships with our parents and families, in our interactions with our friends, in our dealings with colleagues, in our treatment of fellow students and teachers, and even in the hospitality shown to the strangers in our midst. True riches are found when what we do externally builds us up internally and gives birth to long-lasting joys—to the immaterial and intangible that no amount of money can buy for us. The rewards of love and service far exceed the wealth and recognition that material goods can ever give us.

In this season of Lent we are invited to reexamine our lives. We are encouraged to be accountable for our mistakes and failings and to turn our minds and hearts away from those aspects of our lives that keep us from being the best of ourselves. In fasting and almsgiving, we give of ourselves in order to refocus on what inside us needs to change and to reconnect with our brothers and sisters, for whom the giving of our time and talent may mean everything. The prophet Isaiah, from today’s first reading, challenges us to stand up for others not as a one-time act of humility, but as a lifestyle of service to God and others. In doing so, Isaiah tells us that our “light shall break forth like the dawn.” This Lenten season, I challenge us not to isolate ourselves with our wealth as the rich fool did. Let us give freely of ourselves and our resources. Let us share our gifts and talents. I challenge us to reach out to others within this community and outside of it. Let us allow ourselves to experience a transformation of the heart—aim to repair relationships, strive to reach out to those in need, break down the self-created walls that keep us from reaching out to those we have never spoken to before, work to heal and not destroy, and share ourselves with others. Be people of compassion. Be love. Be light. Be selfless. Our greatest example is Christ who, on the cross, did not focus on himself, but on us all in the fullness of love. You have the opportunity to change now into better people that will continue to strive for the same beyond this season.

Let your light shine…for that is your greatest treasure…

Mercy Community: Let Us See YOU Shine.

What I Learned Wednesday #1

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First off, I want to thank my sister-friend and fellow blogger Emmy of Journey of a Catholic Nerd Writer for hosting What I Learned Wednesday. She started this last year (my goodness it’s a New Year!) and I was a bit late to the party, but I’m glad to be blogging again. These posts usually discuss what one learned during the past week. I’ve decided that this first post of the New Year will be about what I learned last year.

2012 was a year of many challenges and many surprises. As strong as my faith is, there are moments when I forget how amazing God is. It sounds silly to use “strong” and “forget” in the same sentence, but I guess it is all a part of being human. I learned or re-learned that somehow everything works out. I guess, in many ways, I need to write about the end of 2011 in order to tell you about 2012 and tell you what I’ve already learned in the first few days of 2013.

Two years ago, I officially left a public relations career to pursue a career in teaching. I had long been drawn to that vocation, but idiotically kept running away from it. But, I have since learned that answering the God’s persistent call can fill your heart and refresh your soul in so many ways. 2011 was the year where I began my student teaching journey–I was two semesters away from becoming a teacher. In October of that year, a serious bacterial respiratory infection sidelined me for quite a long time and put one of my lungs in serious risk. From October 2011-February 2012 I faced serious challenges. The very act of breathing and walking would fatigue me and my immune system was severely weekend. Despite missed classes and weeks of student teaching, however, I somehow recovered. The truth is that the school I attended should have kicked me out for missing so many classes, but thanks to my professors and friends I was given the opportunity to finish. My lung, which was operating at less than 50% capacity, should have remained seriously impaired. By the grace of God, my lung is back to near normal and the long-term effects are minimal. In May, I earned my credential.

The next challenge of 2012 was securing a job. By mid-June, I had pretty much resigned myself to being unemployed until at least January of 2013. I had exhausted all potential avenues. The public school system was not hiring in my subject area (English) and all the private Catholic schools were not hiring in both of my subject areas (English/Religious Studies). I have entered a career in which jobs are often scarce due to plunging budgets and consolidations. I remember praying that something would open up. In July, it did. A principal from a local Catholic high school called and mentioned that she had a Campus Ministry position open–was I interested? I was and I interviewed and didn’t hear from her for two weeks. Then she called and told me that I hadn’t been chosen for the Campus Ministry position but that a Religious Studies position opened up over the weekend (she called on a Monday)–would I be interested in that? I was. And, here I am.

I am four months into a job I love–teaching students that have captured my heart in a way I never expected would happen. What I feared about becoming a teacher is the very thing that keeps me going. I care…maybe too much sometimes, but I wouldn’t change that. As I sat in the gym during our first school liturgy, my heart was filled with a sense of gratitude that I have never felt before. It was the gratitude from a restless soul that has found where it is meant to be in this time and place.

God taught me, as He always does, that the most wondrous gifts are often the things we run away from. God taught me that his goodness endures and will never cease to astound me. I re-learned how beautiful it is to walk in the path He has called me to and I have learned to cease running and start resting–resting in the wonder and the mystery that gives life. 2013 has gotten off to a rough start, but I am reminded that God’s grace is beyond anything and everything.

One student, on the last day before break, taught me one of the best lessons of 2012 that I will carry with me into 2013. She reminded me that God teaches us through others and He knows exactly what we need when we need it or even before then. She gifted me with a jar of her favorite scriptural verses. It was a gift from her heart to my heart and spirit. In her Christmas card she quoted Matthew 5:8 and wrote “I see the Lord through you.” When I reached in the first time for a scriptural verse this was what I read: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” And so with those words of the prophet Isaiah, with those words that a student’s heart shared with me, I move on into this new year. I may be facing difficulties already, but I am learning, I will continue to learn, and what I have already learned I will put into practice. “There, but for the grace of God…”

Music Review: Divine Comedy by Jackie François

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Divine Comedy  by Jackie Francois (spiritandsong.com, 2012)

Jackie François has released her anticipated second album. Divine Comedy is a follow-up to her debut album, Your Kingdom is Glorious. Jackie, a multi-talented Catholic artist and speaker, is well-known for her work with young people and her advocacy of the Theology of the Body. She is a young woman dedicated to the Gospel and through words and actions is a role model for young people, especially girls. If you happen to follow Jackie on Facebook or Twitter you’ll know that she is not only deeply dedicated to Christ and His Church, but she is also downright funny. If you’ve had the chance of seeing her in-person, you’d also note that Jackie Francois is an authentic and humble human being–unafraid to speak her mind, but does so with compassion and understanding.

Divine Comedy is an expression of who Jackie François is and of her profound trust and faith in God. In this eight-track album, Jackie has gifted the Church with a blend of ballads and upbeat compositions that remind the listener of the joy of living in Christ’s love. There is much to love about this album, including the title track, which SpiritandSong.com describes as “bear[ing] profound testimony to the theology of the body.” My favorite tracks include: “Everything You,” “From Glory to Glory,” and “New Creation” –all fantastic songs for worship, adoration, and meditation and all songs that I have played over and over again in the past few days. I can easily see these songs being use at retreats, prayer services, and liturgies.

Wondering about that title? Ever read Shakespeare? As I remind my literature students: tragedies end in death, comedies end with weddings. Hence, Romeo and Juliet is a tragedy (the star-crossed lovers died) and A Midsummer Night’s Dream is a comedy (two simultaneous weddings!). Ever read Dante’s The Divine Comedy? The three-part epic poem ends in Paradise where Dante encounters “[t]he Love which moves the sun and the other stars” (Canto XXIII, Line 145, Longfellow trans.). Before he makes it to paradise, however, he has to go through hell and purgatory. My students often ask, “what’s funny about that?” Ah, there’s joy–unobstructed pure joy when Dante meets the triune God and his soul unites with Him. As a literary nut, I couldn’t help but love the title of this album. According to SpiritandSong.com: “Jackie François presents our lives as a divine comedy that concludes with the happiest of all endings: the salvation we find when we, as the Church, are finally married to Christ at his return.” Awesome, right? I love it.

Divine Comedy is a great new album from Jackie François and I hope that you’ll take the opportunity to check it out. The album is available on iTunes and at SpiritandSong.com (you can find the enhanced CD here AND sheet music! Score!).

On a personal note I can’t end this post without saying that as a teacher of young women and as a young woman myself, I find it refreshing that there are young female role models that are living out their faith in the public arena. Jackie François is certainly one of them. The Church is blessed to have her following her call in service to God and His people–speaking and living out the Gospel in her ministry. I’m looking forward to seeing what else God has in store for Jackie and will keep my eyes peeled for album #3.

Book Review: The Jesus Prayer: A Way to Contemplation

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The Jesus Prayer: A Way to Contemplation by Simon Barrington-Ward (Pauline Books & Media, 130 pages, Paperback, August 2011)

I have read several books on the Jesus Prayer and I am happy to say that most have been accessible and informative. Barrington-Ward’s book, however, goes beyond being accessible and really simplifies the way one understands the prayer and its origins. I admit that, having recently read a number of related books, I initially found the writing style much too simple and more of an introduction manual than anything else. Then I remembered that what I felt was exactly what Barrington-Ward intended. He isn’t looking to bombard us with history; he’s looking to introduce us to a beautiful tradition that emerged out of the East and is making its way West.

The Jesus Prayer: A Way to Contemplation is a great introduction to the beauty and mystery of the Jesus Prayer. Barrington-Ward provides readers with enough history to understand its origins and enough of his personal experience to help us see how powerful such a simple prayer can be. But, he does something that none of the other books I’ve read has done before: he writes about the prayer being recited in community. Other books speak of the Jesus Prayer as more of an individual prayer experience, unlike the communal nature of the rosary. Barrington-Ward, however, describes how he encountered the prayer within a community and how much of an impact that had on him. His re-telling of his story made me re-think my own understanding of the prayer. While I have long seen it as an individual prayer, I can see how reciting it in community can only add an extra level of richness to an already beautiful prayer

I recommend Barrington-Ward’s book for anyone looking for a good and short introduction to the Jesus Prayer. I also recommend that you start reciting the prayer on your own (buy some beads or a rope if it’ll help you out): “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, Have Mercy on Me, a sinner!”

This review was written as part of the Catholic book reviewer program from The Catholic Company. Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on The Jesus Prayer. The Catholic Company is also a great online store for all your Catholic gift needs, such as baby baptism and christening gifts. You can also find a wide selection of Catholic Bible Studies for both parish groups and individuals, as well as a variety of other Catholic Bible study resources.

Book Review: The Province of Joy: Praying with Flannery O’Connor

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province of joy COVERThe Province of Joy: Praying with Flannery O’Connor by Angela Alaimo O’Donnell (Paraclete Press, 160 Pages, May 2012)

Flannery O’Connor is one of the greats of American Literature. Her Southern Gothic style and her particular emphasis on themes of redemption, grace, and the interaction between good and evil are second to no other author I’ve encountered. My experience with Flannery O’Connor did not begin in the classroom. I’m a B.A. in English that fell in love with the Romantics and somehow bypassed O’Connor’s stories along the way. While I’ve lamented that I didn’t encounter O’Connor until two or three years ago, I also stand in the camp that says that some books come along at the “right time.”

I first encountered O’Connor during an episode of LOST—the one television show that made my philosophy, literature, and theology-loving brain very happy. It was in one key episode of the show that I saw a character (Jacob, for you LOSTies) reading O’Connor’s Everything That Rise Must Converge—the last collection of short stories she wrote before her death. Naturally, I couldn’t help but buy the collection and read it. Not only did it provide insight into LOST, but it also introduced me to the beauty of Flannery O’Connor’s writing.

When I was asked to review this recent release by Paraclete Press I jumped at the opportunity. I was curious to find out how the author would incorporate Flannery O’Connor and her work into a book on prayer. I knew of O’Connor’s strong Catholic faith and how her stories explored themes of Christianity, but I was skeptical about a book that would merge one of my literary favorites with prayer. I am a skeptic no more.

Angela Alaimo O’Donnell put together a handy condensed “Book of Hours” that incorporates the words of Flannery O’Connor and the themes of her writings. Each day focuses on a theme and includes scriptural meditations to aid in prayer. The author has skillfully selected passages from O’Connor’s writings for each day as a meditation and a point of connection with O’Connor. O’Donnell has also written daily prayers of her own that focus our minds on what is important in our daily lives and how thankful we should be.

I “read” this book once and have prayed it for the past two weeks. It has become a good addition to my prayer life. O’Donnell has given us a prayerbook that is unique in its style, but meaningful in its content. Not only has it reminded me of O’Connor’s brilliance as a writer, but it has also reminded me of how strong and interconnected we are as the body of Christ. To be praying with Flannery O’Connor in 2012—48 years after her death—is a reminder of the beauty of praying with the communion of saints. I recommend this book for anyone looking to inspire their prayer life or find new ways to pray. 

Good Friday 2012 – “More Beautiful”

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First Reading: Isaiah 52:13—53:12

13 Behold, my servant shall prosper, he shall be exalted and lifted up, and shall be very high.
14 As many were astonished at him — his appearance was so marred, beyond human semblance, and his form beyond that of the sons of men –
15 so shall he startle many nations; kings shall shut their mouths because of him; for that which has not been told them they shall see, and that which they have not heard they shall understand.
1 Who has believed what we have heard? And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?
2 For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or comeliness that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him.
3 He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
4 Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted.
5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that made us whole, and with his stripes we are healed.
6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is dumb, so he opened not his mouth.
8 By oppression and judgment he was taken away; and as for his generation, who considered that he was cut off out of the land of the living, stricken for the transgression of my people?
9 And they made his grave with the wicked and with a rich man in his death, although he had done no violence, and there was no deceit in his mouth.
10 Yet it was the will of the LORD to bruise him; he has put him to grief; when he makes himself an offering for sin, he shall see his offspring, he shall prolong his days; the will of the LORD shall prosper in his hand;
11 he shall see the fruit of the travail of his soul and be satisfied; by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous; and he shall bear their iniquities.
12 Therefore I will divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he poured out his soul to death, and was numbered with the transgressors; yet he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

Music Review: You Are The Light by Josh Blakesley

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YouAreTL-CdYou Are The Light by Josh Blakesley (spiritandsong.com, 2012)

Catholic singer-songwriter Josh Blakesley released his newest album, You Are The Light, to a warm reception on both the Christian Radio Weekly Adds Chart and the iTunes Gospel/Christian charts early last week. This comes as no surprise to this writer who has followed Josh Blakesley’s rise as a leader in Catholic music ministry and a songwriter and recording artist for the past several years.

You Are The Light is an album deeply rooted in an understanding of God’s redeeming love and the beauty of communion with God in daily life. Joined, in songwriting, by other well-known Christian artists and composers (Sarah Hart, Audrey Assad, Ed Cash, and Marc Byrd), Blakesley delivers a seven-track album that blends pop and rock into a beautiful mosaic that is both praise album and prayer.

The first single off the album is the upbeat title song “You Are The Light”, co-written with Grammy-winning producer, Ed Cash. The song is an acknowledgement of the power of God’s love to conquer any darkness—the proof of which lies in the conquering of death through His resurrection. The song says:

Light of the world in the cover of the night;
glorious star, in the shadows you are shining.
Hope for the lost, salvation for the sinner,
you conquered the cross, oh, with the brightness of your rising!

(Bridge) Tear the veil and rend the heavens;
let the darkness burn away!
Tear the veil and rend the heavens;
let the darkness burn away!

The song is both a song of praise for the wonders of God’s revealing power, but it is also a prayer (as noted in the bridge’s allusion to Isaiah 64:1) for God to continue to come through the darkness with His power in order to destroy it, so that only the light may prevail. The song is a beautiful expression of a knowing faith that God is present here and now and continues to shine the light and truth of his resurrection upon His people.

The album kicks off with “Restored”, a song co-written by Grammy-nominated artist Sarah Hart and the very talented Marc Byrd. Listening to this song I am reminded of the gift of redemption that is continually offered at the Eucharistic table—the gift of being transformed by God’s saving grace. The beautifully worded lyrics only enhance this image of surrendering ourselves to the gift of redemption—to being changed, transformed:

Here is the altar of your mercy;
I bring the offering:
ashes of Eden laid before you,
all of the worst in me.

Seeing the things I lay before you,
beautiful in your hands;
turning the ashes into beauty,
turning my heart again
to you, to you!

This song makes me think of each time we walk to the altar during communion. We are truly united with each other, but also united with Christ in his life, death, and resurrection. More importantly, we come to the altar with all that we are and all that we can give—all of ourselves with our imperfections, joys, suffering, sorrows, and pain. We approach the altar with the trust that God’s love does restore us and fills us in the broken places. The images of Eden, ashes, and laying down ourselves as an offering all make this a deeply poetic song and a great way to begin this album.

Building off of the first song, comes the second track, “I Will Give Thanks.” Co-written by Audrey Assad the song is a song of gratitude and thanksgiving for God’s love and faithfulness. But, it is also a song of trust—the trust that God knows us and that, in His care, we will always have what we truly need: “Grateful for your enduring love,/ when I call your name you answer faithfully./True, Lord, to all your promises;/so I’m trusting in the plans you have for me.”

“We Are Yours” is the next track in the album. Co-written by the fantastic Sarah Hart, “We Are Yours” is that loud “YES!” that we should be singing from our hearts at His call to serve:

We are workers in your vineyard,
we will labor for your kingdom,
we will follow where you send us, God!

(Refrain) We are yours, we are yours,
for your glory, we are yours!
We are yours, we are yours,
for your glory, we are yours!

I could easily see this song being sung at a retreat for youth, as a closing song, or as part of a prayer service before or after a service activity. I am particularly taken aback by the way these songs are positioned on the album. If “Restored” is about accepting the gift of redemption and “I Will Give Thanks” is about gratitude and thanksgiving for God’s infinite goodness, then “We Are Yours” is clearly the response and the living out of gift wrought on the cross and offered anew at the Eucharist. I couldn’t help but think of how true the song is to what Blakesley and other Catholic musicians do for God’s Church and its people; they are among the workers in the vineyard bringing the good news to where it is needed. What a great song whose message Blakesley (and Hart) fulfills in the very singing of the words. Beautiful.

I strongly believe, as many other Catholics do, that we cannot separate the resurrection of Christ from the His life, His passion, and His death. We proclaim the mystery of faith at the Eucharistic table and it is there where the living God becomes present as the risen Christ, but also as the Christ who suffered, died, and lived for us. “That We Might Live” (penned by Blakesley, Hart, and Byrd) is a lovely communion song that recalls the events of the Last Supper, the Passion and death, and the Resurrection of Christ as we take in the presence of God in bread and wine—simple gifts with a profoundly transformative truth for us and for the world: “You are the bread broken for the world,/broken for us all that we might live./You are the cup emptied for our sins,/filling us again that we might live.” This deep reflection continues in the Blakesley and Hart-penned “At The Name,” which rejoices in the triumph of the cross and resurrection, reminds us of His sacrifice, and reminds us of the beauty and power of His name.

Perhaps my favorite song on this album is the deeply moving “All of Me.” I’ll admit that I teared the first time I heard this song and have stopped myself from doing the same every time since. This song is a prayer in every sense of the word and it is a prayer that, I venture to guess, many of us have uttered before. I certainly have. It is a prayer of full surrender. The beauty of this song is in the music, in the lyrics, but most importantly it is in the heart and faith of Blakesley as he infuses this song with pure emotion. It is a prayer of surrender, of letting go when one realizes that God is one’s strength and is willing to bear one’s burdens and mend the brokenness:

Take all of me. Take all of me.
I’ve been holding on to brokenness
and empty promises.
Take all of me. Take all of me.
Take the love that I don’t have the strength to give,
all of me.

Simply put: in the brokenness God is there. Not only is the song beautiful in a number of ways, but Blakesley certainly showcases the clarity of his voice and his natural ability to move between musical styles.

You Are the Light is a beautiful work by a rising Catholic artist. Blakesley is a fan favorite at Catholic retreats, Steubenville conferences, and youth days around the country (and even the world!). This album leaves no doubt as to why this Louisiana-native is inspiring the hearts and minds of people, with the Gospel message, wherever he goes.

I highly recommend you pick up a copy of You Are the Light, available now on iTunes and available in CD-format in early summer. It is a blessing to the church, indeed.

Book Review: Rediscover Lent

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rediscover-lent-1002093Rediscover Lent by Matthew Kelly (St. Anthony Messenger Press, 146 pages, 2012)

Lent is one of my favorite times of the year. It is a time when we recollect and reflect on our spiritual lives and our relationships with God, self, and others. I admit that, lately, it has been difficult to find the time I need to really sit down and be “in the moment” this Lenten season. As a writer and educator, my time is spend planning, planning, and more planning and somewhere along the way I end up forgetting to plan the few minutes that matter most—time with God, quiet time.

I read Matthew Kelly’s book, in its entirety, a few days before Lent started. I didn’t read it as I should have then—taking it day by day and letting it sink in. Instead, I read it much like a novel…cover to cover. Kelly’s book is not meant to be read; it is meant to be prayed. And, so in these past few weeks I have been doing exactly that. In the day to day craziness, it is quite difficult for me to find the few minutes that I need in my day to regroup and re-energize my spirit. These past six months, in particular, have been some of the most hectic and jam-packed months I’ve had in a long time. I’ve had school, more school, teaching, writing, more school, and side projects from ear to ear.

Kelly’s book has been a wonderful reminder to stop and pray, if only for a matter of minutes. Rediscover Lent is a handy little book that is organized according to the Lenten calendar. Each day’s entry includes a verse from scripture, a meditation, a reflection, and a prayer that helps to remove the reader from the outside world and to reflect on the day and the joy and beauty of the Lenten season. This little book has been a blessing as it has kept me conscious of the need to stop and take some time out for myself in order to reconnect with what is most important. Not only is the book easy to read and pray, but it is also full of great meditations that pose thought-provoking questions that leave one reflecting long after reading the day’s selections. I found Kelly’s book to be inspiring, encouraging, and a fantastic companion to one’s Lenten prayer practice. An added benefit: the size makes it easy to carry around in a bag, purse, or even in a laptop case!

This review was written as part of the Catholic book reviewer program from The Catholic Company. Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on Rediscover Lent.

Roma Downey on Being Catholic

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Sally Quinn, of the Washington Post, recently sat down with Roma Downey to discuss the actress’s faith life. Downey, a devout Catholic, recently released a new educational DVD series for preschoolers called Little Angels. The series follows twins Alex and Zoe as they learned about the alphabet, animals, and important values. According to the press release:

LITTLE ANGELS is an animated DVD series created exclusively for preschool-aged children to teach not only practical learning skills, like ABCs and 1,2,3s, but also to introduce them to the spiritual, moral and ethical principles of the Bible.

Downey and her husband, Mark Burnett, are also co-producing a 10-hour biblical docu-drama that is set for release next year on the History Channel. The series is currently in production. Downey and Burnett are also involved with Bible 360, an interactive biblical experience that I covered here last month.

I have to say that I admire anyone who steps out in faith, especially in the often blinding lights of the entertainment industry. Roma has long been and continues to be an inspiration. Blessings, Roma!

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