One thing that is NOT on my bucket list is attending the Summer Olympic Games, mostly because I do not normally enjoy the idea of a long trip; and also, I'm sure the expense of going to the Olympics would turn me off as well. Fortunately for me, I have been blessed to attend the Arkansas "Special Olympic Games" in Searcy, Arkansas the last number of years and am looking forward to going again this year on Friday, May 25.
It is enjoyable, certainly, to watch "Special" athletes perform in various sporting activities and experience the joy of competing and some - winning a medal. It is, however, even more impressive and heartwarming to experience the "spirit" of all who attend, from the volunteers (including a strong contingency of Knight of Columbus from our Council 10208), to the parents and caregivers of the participants in the games, to the participants themselves who seem to always enjoy themselves whether they win a medal or not. I bring all this up as we celebrate Pentecost in the Church this weekend.
While the Spirit of God comes alive and is alive in so many people individually and shows its power and fruits in the Church and in the minds and hearts of the baptized and confirmed, I believe the Spirit manifests Himself in the clearest way when people are gathered for a wonderful purpose, like the Special Olympics, or when we gather to give worship to God, or the many opportunities that present themselves for us to be "together" in the Lord. If you are not currently much of a "team player" for the Lord, let the Holy Spirit lead you to one or some of the opportunities that are available in our wonderful parish (i.e. Knights of Columbus, Men's Club, Ladies of the Sacred Heart, Helping Hands, ligurgical ministers etc.) or, out in the larger community. The blessings can indeed be many for those who do so!
It is enjoyable, certainly, to watch "Special" athletes perform in various sporting activities and experience the joy of competing and some - winning a medal. It is, however, even more impressive and heartwarming to experience the "spirit" of all who attend, from the volunteers (including a strong contingency of Knight of Columbus from our Council 10208), to the parents and caregivers of the participants in the games, to the participants themselves who seem to always enjoy themselves whether they win a medal or not. I bring all this up as we celebrate Pentecost in the Church this weekend.
While the Spirit of God comes alive and is alive in so many people individually and shows its power and fruits in the Church and in the minds and hearts of the baptized and confirmed, I believe the Spirit manifests Himself in the clearest way when people are gathered for a wonderful purpose, like the Special Olympics, or when we gather to give worship to God, or the many opportunities that present themselves for us to be "together" in the Lord. If you are not currently much of a "team player" for the Lord, let the Holy Spirit lead you to one or some of the opportunities that are available in our wonderful parish (i.e. Knights of Columbus, Men's Club, Ladies of the Sacred Heart, Helping Hands, ligurgical ministers etc.) or, out in the larger community. The blessings can indeed be many for those who do so!
I'll always remember "May Crowning Day" at St. John's School in the 1960's and early 1970's. The whole school got in line outside and began a procession into church amid a myriad of Marian songs that remain in my mind and heart to this day. The highlight, of course, was when one of the First Communion girls walked up the steps to crown Mary to the words: "O Mary we crown you with blossoms today, Queen of the Angels, Queen of the May." While I never objected to getting out of class early on that day, I know that it truly helped to foster devotion to the Blessed Mother and confirm our faith that tells us that Mary was crowned by her glorified son as Queen of heaven and earth. While I know our Protestant brothers and sisters would not be very positive about our description of Mary in this way, our Catholic faith reminds us that Mary is the great intercessor with her Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ and that He is the one who ultimately has the power to grant our requests and petitions.
Someone asked me the other day why we don't sing Marian songs like we used to, especially in May. My response is that we can sing Marian songs on all days of the week (especially weekday masses on Saturday morning, the month of May, and Marian feast days). Sunday, however, being the "Lord's Day," is normally NOT a day in which we sing Marian songs. An exception to that might be on Mother's Day - especially the song "Be Joyful Mary" which calls Mary and all of us to rejoice in her Son and in His Resurrection, and which is the focus and emphasis of every Sunday Mass, especially during the Easter season.
I appreciate the person who asked that question about singing Marian songs and I will try to include some in our daily Masses in May.
Someone asked me the other day why we don't sing Marian songs like we used to, especially in May. My response is that we can sing Marian songs on all days of the week (especially weekday masses on Saturday morning, the month of May, and Marian feast days). Sunday, however, being the "Lord's Day," is normally NOT a day in which we sing Marian songs. An exception to that might be on Mother's Day - especially the song "Be Joyful Mary" which calls Mary and all of us to rejoice in her Son and in His Resurrection, and which is the focus and emphasis of every Sunday Mass, especially during the Easter season.
I appreciate the person who asked that question about singing Marian songs and I will try to include some in our daily Masses in May.
This Sunday we celebrated First Holy Communion for three of our children: Daeson Rhodes, Bethany Markus, and Samantha Moosebroker. I'm sure even the mention of First Holy Communion brings back memories for all of us as we remember the suits that the boys wore and the white dresses of the little girls, along with the folding of their hands in a gesture of prayer as they walked up in procession to the joy of their parents. It's a priceless picture to have in one's mind. The reception of their "First Communion" brought smiles of joy and pride to parents as their faith precipitated this important moment in their child's life and in their family's life. The hope that I have is always that they will grow in appreciation of and devotion to the gift of Jesus in Holy Communion.
While specific memories of our First Holy Communion might be vague by this point in our lives, I can still remember kneeling down after receiving my FIrst Communion and praying that my family would live long lives on this earth. While this has happened with some family members (i.e., a grandmother who lived to be 97 years and two uncles and two aunts over 90 years of age), I have also experienced early deaths in my dad (59 years), two uncles (50 and 57 years) and some cousins who have died at ages even younger. I certainly do not "hold it against God" that some of my family members died relatively young. I do wish, however, that my First Communion prayer would have been that my family live a long and fruitful "Faith Life" that gives witness to the love and hope that comes from Jesus Christ. Perhaps I could ask you to pray for that blessing for our First Communion children and their families and for all whose families are blessed to have members who are partaking of the "Living Bread come down from heaven" that brings with it the great hope of eternal life at the banquet feast of heaven.
While specific memories of our First Holy Communion might be vague by this point in our lives, I can still remember kneeling down after receiving my FIrst Communion and praying that my family would live long lives on this earth. While this has happened with some family members (i.e., a grandmother who lived to be 97 years and two uncles and two aunts over 90 years of age), I have also experienced early deaths in my dad (59 years), two uncles (50 and 57 years) and some cousins who have died at ages even younger. I certainly do not "hold it against God" that some of my family members died relatively young. I do wish, however, that my First Communion prayer would have been that my family live a long and fruitful "Faith Life" that gives witness to the love and hope that comes from Jesus Christ. Perhaps I could ask you to pray for that blessing for our First Communion children and their families and for all whose families are blessed to have members who are partaking of the "Living Bread come down from heaven" that brings with it the great hope of eternal life at the banquet feast of heaven.