Hope (Even on a Rainy Fall Day)

Sometimes, on these cool, foggy, rainy fall days, it's nice to have a reminder of hope: summer was here just yesterday and will be here again tomorrow, in the near future.

Man's Best Friend

Yes, there are some pet owners that do go a bit overboard in their treatment of four-legged friends. I too shudder when I see cats in strollers or dogs in handbags. It is terribly obnoxious to hear people "baby-talk" with their "pwecious wittle Foo Foo".

That being said, I do think dogs, cats, fish, and birds can all be enjoyed as sources of companionship. Nothing makes us more human than when we are taking care of another human person. In a similar way, when we are responsible for and take care of one of God's little furry creatures, we can become more compassionate human beings.

Being with our pets, however, does not mean we should neglect our neighbors and those actual people who are in great need of human companionship. (Stop in any nursing home and you'll soon experience the desires for basic human interaction). Rather, having a pet should make us aware of how much we are responsible for the care of others, especially other humans.

Whenever we spend time with "man's best friend," let us remember that poochie is simply preparing us to go out, encounter others, touch lives, and become a "best friend to [actual] man".

And now, a picture of my dog, Mr. Barky:

Week of Service, Week of Hope

During the last week of July, I had the incredible privilege to work with more than 70 middle-school and high-school aged students during our parish's annual "Week of Service, Week of Hope". 

           Throughout that week, the students volunteered at different sites around the community, including a soup kitchen, summer camp, nursing home, homeless shelter, and a living center for single mothers and their children. 

Our official "Week of Service" t-shirt.

            With great enthusiasm and love, our students brought the hope of the Gospel with them wherever they served! Their energy and willingness to help others was inspiring. Along with participating at various ministry sites, each student also prayerfully reflected on his or her experience.

We also challenged the students to see the face of Christ in all those they encountered. Everybody, most especially the poor, the lowly, and the vulnerable, are living images of the Lord!

            Pope Francis calls us to build up a "culture of encounter," one in which we generously reach out to others in order to share the love and mercy of God.  This "Week of Service" did precisely that! 

Wisdom from Mother Teresa

September 5th marks the Feast Day of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, known the world over as Mother Teresa. Here are just a few pearls of wisdom from this beautiful soul:

"God still loves the world and He sends you and me to be His love and His compassion to the poor."

"The good you do today will often be forgotten. Do good anyway."

"If we really want to love, we must learn to forgive."

"Peace begins with a smile."

"If you can't feed a hundred people, just feed one."

"Love begins by taking care of the closest ones - the ones at home."

"If you judge people, you have no time to love them."