In some ways, it can be difficult to understand, to experience, what this day means for Catholic Christians. It is a somber day; a quiet day. It some sense, an empty day. We reflect on the events of Holy Thursday, the anguish of Good Friday. Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, was laid in a tomb.
Even though I know “the rest of the story:” I am always somewhat somber on this day. There have been years when the feeling has not been as intense, but it there.
I look forward now to Easter dawn! To the hope that comes with it. That “Hosannas” will sound out, in my community; in my Church; in my heart and in my soul.
Greetings! It has been a long time since I have written in this blog. Time to get cracking again! As some of you may know, I am a retired New Englander, born and bred! My wife and I were residents in Bridgewater MA. We are now living on Cape Cod. (Long story!!). Now, the past few winters have been kinda of mild…until this year!
Everleigh Residance, Hyannis MA!!
First time in a while that they had some very serious snow around here. I have had to dig out a few times,….and I am not a youngster anymore!!😓
I have been able to find a find a nearby local Catholic Church in Hyannis! It is a nice community with both Anglo and Hispanic families. The parish has three Permanent Deacons, and several priests of different backgrounds!
It has been cold but beautiful around here. We are hoping to get through this season in good shape!
There was a time when I thought I wanted to be a blogger. And there is still deep down a desire to be one. I confess there has been some (oh heck); a lot of just plain laziness. Mixed in with some uncertainty of what I am called to write about.
What gets me is that there so much “material” out there to comment about!! (Or not!).
So here I am, wondering what to write about. And a little confused.
Right now my wife and I just struggled completing my half of our apartment rental renewal. And she is is definitely better at this than I am!
I am making no promises, but hopefully, I will be generating some interesting content. (I hope!!)
August 2, is one day that is remembered by all Franciscan Friars, Poor Clare sisters, and all Third Order members, whether Friars, Sisters, or Laypersons; the Feast of Out Lady the Angels.
St. Francis of Assisi, came across the chapel as he wandered through the Italian countryside. He and his brother friars felt the Holy Spirit moving them. They realized that the Portiuncula, its Italian name, was special. They built simple huts around it, prayed and worshipped in it.
Eventually, long after Francis and his brethren had passed on; the chapel was enclosed in a magnificent basilica. Crowds of Franciscans, and laypersons, from the four corners of the earth still come to visit and worship the Lord. And the Lord touches the hearts of all who come.
Places of worship are built in many different ways, each is unique. In each one, though, is the potential to encounter the Living God. Be open to that potentiality.
Good lord, this I never expected in my wildest dreams!!! This will keep the “talking heads” going into overdrive!!!
There are going to be folks, who will be very upset over this. At this moment the crowds are responding very joyfully!! His Italian seems to be very good!
“Jesus said to him in reply ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ The blind man replied to him, ‘Master, I want to see.’ “
In today’s Gospel of Mark, we see the encounter Jesus had with Bartimaeus, a blind man. Bartimaeus must have known something of who Jesus was, and the power of healing he seemed to possess. Bartimaeus decided to take a risk and began calling out loudly to Jesus, begging for help. Some in the crowd thought of him as a nuisance.
Jesus did not think so, he had Batimaeus brought over to him. When this was done, Jesus did not lay his hands on him, as some of the people would have expected. Instead, Jesus told Bartimaeus that he could leave, “..your faith has saved you.” His sight was restored to him.
Now most of us do not have to deal with blindness; at least, not physical blindness. But what about social blindness, spiritual blindness? Where and when have we turned a “blind eye” to others in need, to others who are in suffering; to our own personal suffering?
It is moments such these, that we need to open ourselves to the Presence of Christ, to enter into prayer, to pray that our eyes, our minds, our hearts, our souls; be opened to the needs of others. And to our own need for healing.
So, I invite all of us, to, at the best of our ability, be present to our Savior in the Eucharist. And let ourselves be transformed, our eyes opened, and our journey with Christ renewed.
Musings From St. Anthony's Walnut Tree 