Easter Break & Blogging Sabbatical

"Sabbath keeping is not about taking a day off but about
being recalled to our knowledge of and gratitude for God's activity in creating
the world, giving liberty to captives, and overcoming the powers of death."

— Dorothy C. Bass


Christians around the world entered into Holy Week as of today, Palm Sunday.  For literally millions of believers, this week above all others is considered "set apart", that is to say it is holy by virtue of what took place this week two thousand years ago.



For me, work has been crazy lately.  As I checked in earlier today with my mentor, I had to admit that "busyness" is not necessarily godliness.  Still, we press on and keep positive.  I like to think of this as God's week and my family and I will be traveling and spending a lot of time at church.

In the spirit of taking a sabbatical (or practicing sabbath), I'll be stepping away from blogging until mid-April.  I need a break.  For those wondering, "Is Mike okay", the answer is a resounding yes.  Everyone needs a break and it will enable me to come on back with more gusto than ever before.

See you in a few weeks!

*Photo by unhindered by talent

How to Structure Your Day so That God Shows Up

As my seminary professors turn over in disgust at this post's title, I fully acknowledge that (theologically speaking) God is already everywhere.  No need to await His arrival and yet our mindfulness of God is at times lacking.

So how do you structure your day so that an awareness of God is more consistent?  Here are some tips:

  • Cultivate Am quiet time.  Grab your coffee and a solitary spot and just be.  Read the Scriptures, do your journaling and get centered for the day.  Invite God into your concerns and hopes for the day.

  • Hit the road with prayer.  A good practice before commuting is to say a little prayer- for safety, for others on the road, for a good use of time.

  • Take a break.  I always ask my wife after a busy day, "Did you take some time for yourself today?" Whether it's a walk around the block or an afternoon cup of tea, a break is a little way of practicing Sabbath wherever you already are.

  • Examine your conscience.  At the end of the day, take stock of how well you did as a person and as a worker.  Was mediocrity the norm or were there some moments of excellence?


God's already there.  Now it's our turn to show up and show out- for His glory.

Sunday Night Reflections: Trinity Sunday

Today's Mass was long, really long and yet it was incredibly uplifting. While my wife and I spent the time tag-teaming our little ones both in the pew and back in the narthex. It always amazes me how I can focus, unfocus and then refocus- all because of the kids. Gift and challenge.

Some thoughts based on today's celebration:

  • Homily: Deacon Brian delivered a terrific homily! I've never heard him preach and he was calm, focused and practical. Why doesn't this guy preach more often?

  • Application: Brian recommended a simple, three minute practice for the end of the day. Spend the first minute thanking the Father for your highlight, talk to the Son about your struggle point and ask the Spirit for guidance for the following day's demands. Powerful and to the point. Thanks Brian!

  • Baptism: little Luke Andrew was baptized today and Fr. Leonardo was his usual, spirited self. It's always inspiring when the priest lifts the child high above his head and presents the baby to his new community. Of course I did lean over to my daughter and whisper, "Don't drop the baby". Hey, I'm practical and safety conscious.

  • School: we acknowledged today the first graduating class of St. Vincent's School. An elderly nun and a dozen of her students- amazing group of people!

  • Song: our contemporary choir is so gifted and really shined today. They even hosted a religious sister who was the soloist for How Beautiful.


All things considered, today's celebration of Trinity Sunday was phenomenal. Is it because I was on the lookout for material for Sunday's night's post? I don't think so. I just sensed the Spirit at work on so many levels.

*Photo by Bernardoh

The Value of Slowing Down

For several hours today, I sat and listened to various speakers extol the virtues of slowing down and taking time for quiet.  Advent is to blame for this.

Roman Catholics celebrate Advent as a season of several weeks prior to Christmas.  Think of it as the antidote to the craze that swept over shoppers of the NY Walmart last week.

As the pace of digital life increases, slowing down might not be such a bad idea after all.  It's good for your health, it allows more time for real human interaction and of course enables you to hear the still, quiet voice of God.

P.S. TDS reader Jon Swanson has this e-book created just for Advent.  Thanks Jon!

“A happy man is too satisfied with the present

to dwell too much on the future.”



Albert Einstein

Hitting the Pause Button: Tips for a Great Vacation

3 Things I've Learned from the Pope's U.S. Visit

Pope Benedict XVI is quite a guy.   Even for those who are not Catholic, his profile and presence speak volumes.  I've learned the following:



  1. Just because you are 81 doesn't mean you can't make the most of your position. See Benedict's grueling itinerary below.


  2. Putting a problem on the table is always the best solution.  Benedict met yesterday with victims of sexual abuse.


  3. Visits matter.  While Benedict is only in the States for a few days, his speeches and initiatives will take months to digest.




From meeting with thousands of people to President Bush to victims of sexual abuse, Benedict has made the most of his visit to the U.S.  Imagine the average 81 year old following this itinerary:














































































DateTimeDescription

Apr.
15
4:00  p.m.
Andrews Air Force Base

Pope Benedict XVI arrives in Maryland and is greeted by President and
Mrs. Bush as well as church officials. During his visit to Washington,
D.C., the pope will stay at the Vatican Embassy, on Massachusetts
Avenue NW.

Apr.
16
10:30 a.m.
White House
Welcoming ceremony and private meeting with
President Bush. This is only the second time a pontiff has visited the
White House. John Paul II was the first.

Apr.
16
5:30 p.m.
National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

Prayer service and meeting with 350 U.S. bishops at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.

Apr.
17
9:30 a.m.
Nationals Park

The pope offers Mass. This will be the first non-baseball event in the new park.

Apr.
17
5:00 p.m.
Catholic University of America

Address to the leaders of more than 200 Catholic colleges and
superintendents from the 195 U.S. Catholic dioceses on the importance
of Catholic education.

Apr.
17
6:30 p.m.
Pope John Paul II Cultural Center

Meeting with Buddhists, Muslims, Hindus, Jews and representatives from other religions.

Apr.
18
9:45 a.m.
Kennedy International Airport

Arrives in New York. During his visit, the pope will stay at the East
72nd Street residence of Archbishop Celestino Migliore, the papal
nuncio to the United Nations.

Apr.
18
10:45 a.m.
United Nations

Gives address to the General Assembly, as did Pope Paul VI in 1965 and Pope John Paul II in 1979 and 1995.

Apr.
18
5:00 p.m.
Park East Synagogue

Meets with Jewish clergy.

Apr.
18
6:00 p.m.
Church of St. Joseph

Prayer service with leaders from other Christian denominations.

Apr.
19
9:15 a.m.
St. Patrick's Cathedral

Mass for priests, deacons and members of religious orders.

Apr.
19
4:30 p.m.
St. Joseph's Seminary

Meeting with young Catholics, including 50 with disabilities.

Apr.
20
9:30 a.m.
Lower Manhattan

Visit to ground zero.

Apr.
20
2:30 p.m.
Yankee Stadium
The pope offers Mass. The 200th anniversary
of the Baltimore Archdiocese and the anniversaries of the Dioceses of
Boston, New York, Louisville and Philadelphia will be celebrated.

Apr.
20
8:00 p.m.
Kennedy International Airport departure