My dear friends,
Some of you know about the health scares with my parents recently, though many may not. A few weeks ago, my mother had a minor stroke. She had a splitting headache on a Monday, but she was feeling better that evening. When I went home on Tuesday, she was lethargic. When speaking to her, she had no short term memory. She was not even able to remember parts of the conversation we were having. We rushed her to UCONN and they ran a series of tests. They eventually found a couple small clots, and treated her with blood thinners. While she was recovering, my father was told that the abdominal aneurism doctors have been monitoring for years had expanded. They are now trying to schedule a date for a procedure to correct the problem. We have been to a multitude of medical tests and appointments this month. It has been a bit too much to process all at once, but we’re managing the best we can.
To make the situation bearable, we have worked to stay calm. We turned to family and friends for support. While I took Dad to a test, Meg stayed with Mom to give her a shower. While one person came for dinner, another was calling to talk to my parents and keep up their morale. We also have worked on focusing upon one task at a time. Rather than worrying about everything all at once, we set goals of what is the next visit to a doctor or test to be done. We have been trying on staying calm. Rather than worrying about all the problems at hand, which will actually just create stress and aggravate their health more, we focus on the blessing of that day. Above all else, there is prayer. We are most grateful for the prayers and support of many of you and so many others. That helps immensely.
There are times in life when all goes along normally and suddenly some surprise comes along to derail our routines. Life can go into chaos and confusion pretty quickly. It’s just at those moments we need to focus on the peace God gives us we take for granted when all is calm. First, remember you’re not alone. Beside family and friends, there is a community of believers here to love and support you. Second, approach the situation with a plan to do one thing at a time. Correcting all the problems of the world is impossible, but facing one issue or performing one action at a time is manageable. Third, just relax. Stress will cloud your vision and make things worse. Things may be bad, but you still have blessings in your life. Focus upon them. And above all, pray. Pray for yourself. Get family and friends to pray. While all your issues may not vanish, prayer will give you strength and hope. It really helps.
Hopefully yours in Christ, Fr. Joe
July 21, 2019
My dear friends,
This week in the Church is loaded with the saints’ days. These memorials honor women and men who have lived in union with Christ on earth and now share in his blessings in heaven. They are models for us to live and guides on our journey with Christ.
Monday is the feast of St. Mary Magdalene. This follower of Jesus was the first witness of the Resurrection. In him, she found healing and peace. She dedicated her life, fortune, and strength to proclaim the Good News. Legend tells us she traveled to France after Pentecost. You can see her bones in the basilica in Vézelay today.
Tuesday is the feast of St. Bridget of Sweden. Born about 1302, she began receiving visions of Christ Crucified at the age of seven. Married as a teen in an arranged marriage, she became the mother of eight children: some who were religious and some rejected the Church. After her husband’s death, she went on pilgrimage to Santiago. It inspired her to enter religious life. She rejected her titles and wealth, and went on to serve God in religious life.
Wednesday is the feast of St. Sharbel Makhluf. Born May 8, 1828 in Lebanon, he was the son of a mule driver. Despite the objections of family, he entered a monastery and dedicated his life to devotion to the Blessed Sacrament. He gained a reputation for great holiness and was sought out as a counselor by many people.
Thursday is the feast of St. James the Greater. This son of Zebedee was one of the Twelve. This fisherman left everything to follow Jesus. After Pentecost, he preached throughout Judea, Samaria, and Spain. Stabbed to death in Jerusalem, legend tells us that angels took his body to Spain, where a massive rock enclosed his body. His relics are in the city in Spain named for him, Santiago, which became a pilgrimage site for all of Europe.
Friday is the feast of SS. Joachim and Anne. They were the parents of Mary, the Blessed Mother and grandparents of Jesus. This elderly couple prayed for a child, and were blessed when their daughter was born. That daughter would give birth to the Savior of the world. Their faith and devotion to God not only blessed their lives and family, but all of the people.
I have a great passion for the saints of the Church. They were not perfect, but they loved God and neighbor. Some had a simple journey while others suffered anguish and torments. Some did small things while others were challenged to do great tasks. What they all have in common is that they were ordinary people who encountered the extraordinary love of our merciful God, and tried their best to respond. I look to them for inspiration and hope. I know I will celebrate their feasts this week and I hope you do too.