Category: Every day Catholic

What seeds take root?

On By dpavinatoIn Daily Prayer, Every day Catholic, Life in the Spirit, Spiritual JourneyLeave a comment

Gardening is such a great analogy for life. There are so many parallels in writing or motivational thinking. You reap what you sow. If you have a dream, you have to nurture and care for it to see it come to fruition. From the Gospel for today, the Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, the seed that falls on rich soil produces fruit.

In the Strangest Secret by Earl Nightingale, one of my favorite motivational talks, Mr. Nightingale reminds us that what we do in life, and how we think, determines what we accomplish. We all begin with the belief in the possibility of our dreams and our intentions. Why don’t we achieve what we set out to accomplish? Mr. Nightingale suggests most people conform to life, and the belief of others, around us. The successful person is not a specific job or title, but rather someone who progressively works toward their desired goal or outcome. Without specific intention, direction, and guidance, we don’t end up where we want. His secret – “we become what we think about” or what we give our attention to.

When I go to my favorite garden centers and buy plants for the year, I don’t come home and plop them on the ground or in a pot, as is, and expect it to grow. Annuals need some nourishing potting soil, occasional fertilizer and even more water than plants in the flower beds. The perennials need the right spot of sun or shade, soil that is amended, proper pruning for the plant and of course, water. I care for the plants and then watch them take root and grow.

Today’s photo is of Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia) in my flower beds. I didn’t plant them in that spot. They are now growing along side a day lily plant and some echinacea (which looks like I have to give more space this year because of the Black-eyed Susan). The Black-eyed Susan are around the corner on the other side of the burning bush. The seed scattered, the soil was rich and it’s a sunny spot, which they prefer, so the plant has grown beautifully there. Perhaps too abundantly!

As we listen to scripture each day, or at least weekly, we are hearing and giving the Word of God a place to take root and plant seeds. Our faith grows as we mature spiritually. I don’t hear the Word proclaimed as a sixth grader and expect that level of faith to carry me the rest of my life, giving me counsel in every difficult or trying situation. I have to keep tending it, listening and growing, at the various phases of life. A deeply rooted and established plant in my garden isn’t going to topple in a storm. When the challenging situations come, the faith life that has been attended to over the years, is going to provide the firm foundation to help me navigate the difficult times. In his sermon on YouTube for this week, Bishop Barron suggests that the Word of God is creative (vs. descriptive or performative) and changes things. I would agree.

As a Benedictine Oblate and someone desiring a deeper faith life and closeness to God, I was reading daily scripture and reflections. But from the time, four or five years ago, on retreat when I heard (internal) the invitation to attend daily Mass things have changed. Oh believe me, I argued with God about that invitation – I was working and traveling, busy, etc. But the invitation persisted. I negotiated and said I would do the best I could. Do I still need to let that Word take better root, absolutely! There are days that it definitely falls among the weeds and is choked out by worry or lack of faith. But I keep listening. Over time, that Word we hear changes us, changes our perception of things and reaction to things. There are a ton of options, rather than being physically present at Mass if you find that challenging or you aren’t Catholic, YouTube or Facebook live streams, sites and apps like Hallow that you can simply listen to the scripture readings, etc. If you can become easily distracted, I would recommend listening to vs. reading scripture each day.

Whether success in work, family or faith, we become what we listen to and think about. Are you giving your attention to the things you want in life?

Peace, Deena

Both talks mentioned today can be found on YouTube

Photo is from my photo album of the Black-eyed Susan in my garden that is mentioned in the post.

Short and simple prayer

On By dpavinatoIn Benedictine Oblate, Daily Prayer, Every day Catholic, Spiritual Journey3 Comments

At some point this week I was reflecting on prayer during a time of distraction and focus on something that kept repeating over and over in my mind. I wanted it to stop! The Rule of St. Benedict is there for us seeking spiritual guidance in daily life, and especially for me as a Benedictine Oblate. In Chapter 20, St. Benedict says that “prayer should therefore be short and pure.” But Benedict often makes me smile because he always offers a modification or adjustment just in case the guidance is too harsh or doesn’t meet the needs of the individual. He adds in that same sentence “unless perhaps it <prayer> is prolonged under the inspiration of divine grace.”

Then Friday, reflecting on the call of Matthew by Jesus, Fr. Xavier of Conception Abbey, shared a quote from a book, Prayer of the Heart, by Fr. Jean Lafrance. Fr. Jean says “One of the greatest graces man may obtain in this world is to discover that, in the name of Jesus, he can integrate his whole existence, pray in all circumstances and be at ease everywhere.” Fr Xavier adds that we must, however, want to do it, to lift up our hearts to acknowledge God. He recommends that simply using the name of Jesus in prayer is a good way to do this. The message for me was when I keep worrying about something troubling or am upset by something someone said, I am acknowledging me, my thoughts, my desires. Of course, there are times to do that! But when it is troubling or preoccupying my mind, then perhaps my focus is ill-placed on my needs instead of making, as a follow up to my thoughts last week, God my priority in all things.

The website and Facebook page, Contemplative Outreach, based on the work and writings of Fr. Thomas Keating, reminded me that the desert fathers and mothers relied on the verses of the Psalms in their daily prayers. The Psalms offer so many helpful verses in short and succinct sentences that are easy to remember and repeat. We are probably all familiar with “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.” Today’s Responsorial Psalm, for the Fourteenth Sunday is an uplifting prayer of joy and gratitude; “I will praise your name forever, my king and my God.”

Many of us are familiar with the “Jesus Prayer”; “Lord Jesus Christ, son of God, have mercy on me a sinner.” I have used that in the past, especially during Lent, but it isn’t one that I find especially helpful when trying to quiet my mind. During the week I came up with my own version of a mantra or short prayer to use; “Jesus, Word made flesh, you chose to come among us, be with me.” I found it quite helpful. It was easy to repeat when driving, moving about the house or whenever I found my mind wandering back to the troubling thought.

Give it a try this week. If you are so inclined, I would love to hear one that you create or are currently using. Please share in the comments of this blog or on the Facebook or Instagram posts for this week’s blog.

Peace, Deena

Image: My photo album/a view of the hummingbird feeders at a monastery I visited.

Careful and thoughtful listening

On By dpavinatoIn Benedictine Oblate, Catholic faith, Every day Catholic, sacred listening, Spiritual Journey2 Comments

In her book, The Monastery of the Heart, Sr. Joan Chittister said “Benedictine spirituality requires careful listening and responding to the Word of God, to the call of the Jesus who leads us, and to the call of the community, that is the foundation of our spiritual life.” As a Benedictine Oblate of a monastery, I do listen to the guidance and call of the community of which I made my profession but it’s not the same way as a religious sister of that monastery. I can do what I want each day and work where I want. But as a Catholic Christian woman, I do try my best to listen and respond to the Word of God proclaimed each day in the scripture readings during daily Mass or for my personal reflection.

Today’s Gospel Reading reminds us that we don’t have to be afraid, we are seen, known and loved. Why then, do we have sleepless nights? Why do we spend hours imagining the worse scenarios in situations that we don’t have any control over? You wouldn’t believe some of the things I have worried about at 2 a.m. each morning this past week! They weren’t even concerns in my life, events that I cannot possibly impact the outcome of. Fortunately at some point I turned the worry into prayer over those impacted.

Fr. Paul Sheller’s comments for Conception Abbey’s Scripture Reflection for the Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time, for their Online Spiritual Journey series, quoted Trappist Monk and author, Dom Eugene Boylon saying “But Jesus also saw clearly that the only obstacle to the achievement of His cherished purpose for me was my own refusal to trust Him, to believe Him, to cast all my cares upon Him, to take Him at His word.” Whether a spiritual vocation, a decision regarding how to spend time or when reflecting on the meaning of daily Scripture, the suggestion that I am refusing to trust Jesus and cast my cares on God is one I am going to reflect on this week.

I wonder if some of you are feeling the same way. How might we trust in God more this week?

Peace, Deena

Photo: a finch in my flower garden a couple of years ago, trusting the seed they want will be there.

A Canticle of Living

On By dpavinatoIn Catholic faith, Every day Catholic, Spiritual Journey, Teachers and Guides on the journeyLeave a comment

Most high, all powerful, all good Lord! All praise is Yours, all glory, all honor, and all blessing.

Yesterday I attended the 75th jubilee of my cousin, Sr. Mary Frances Seeley, at the “Motherhouse Chapel” as it is still fondly called although the building has been sold to the University of St. Francis for administrative offices and classrooms. Sr. Mary Frances, along with several other members of her Franciscan Community, the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate, including sisters from their community in Brazil, celebrated their jubilees. Combined there was a celebration of 480 years of religious life and another 100+ of Associate commitment (Associates are lay members of the Franciscan community just as I am an Oblate of a Benedictine Community.). I was so happy I attended but it was a day flooded with memories too.

When I was a college student at St. Francis we did not attend Masses or religious services in the “Motherhouse Chapel”, we had a separate chapel in the Tower Building of USF. But I have been in the Motherhouse chapel many times. My aunt, Sr. Evarista, was also a member of this community. Of course we visited the Motherhouse when I was growing up, during those years we weren’t allowed to go in the living areas. Sr. Evarista was the one that invited me to consider the possibility of attending college at St. Francis. She was also the person that ignited my high school interest in psychology and sociology. As I sat in the chapel and reflected on the years of service and faithfulness being honored I reflected on the many hours that Sr. Evarista would have prayed in that chapel or walked those halls. I was overwhelmed with her presence. I visited with Sr. Kathleen, being honored for her 60 year jubilee, who was the campus minister when I attended St. Francis. She counseled and consoled me many times during my years, particularly the early ones when I was trying to figure things out and find my way. She remembered me and looked at me with the same loving, caring eyes that she did over 40 years ago. A college friend, Sr. Jeanne Bessette, is now President of their community. I watched her lead the community on this special day with the same grace, humility and humor that she had as a young college woman.

As I watched, remembered and prayed for these women, I found myself questioning all my life decisions and what would have happened if I responded “yes” to Sr. Carlene’s invitation to join the community. Where would I be now? What work would I have accomplished? Would I feel that my life has had more meaning and purpose?

The reflection, given by Sr. Margaret Hoffman, after the gospel (Amen to that!) shared lovely stories of trusting in God’s providence and handing worries over to God. I am sure the many years of service in various areas have not been without worry and have demanded great confidence that God will provide. They have served in many areas such as teaching, financial and administrative positions, community services, hospital and care for the elderly, and crisis care and suicide prevention (Sr. Mary Frances founded the Upper Room Crisis Center, is working on the publication of a book and has spent many years in leadership training and consulting in crisis management and suicide prevention ).

Sr. Margaret’s message hit me hard. The decisions I have made have led me where I am. There is no point in regret or questioning. “Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life-span?” (Matthew 25-27, 33-34) I must say the same as Sr. Margaret in her closing comment, and the theme for their Jubilee Celebration: For all that has been, Thanks. To all that shall be, Yes. (Dag Hammarskjold).

Laudate et benedicete mi Signore et rengratiate e seruiteli cum grande humilitate.

Translated: Praise and bless my Lord, and give thanks, and serve Him with great humility.

Peace, Deena

Opening and Closing Verses from Canticle of the Creatures, by St. Francis.

Image – art by Guistina de Toni I found hanging on the walls of the Motherhouse. I can’t find anything on this artist except to confirm the name. I am on a mission to find out more!

A Procession of Faith

On By dpavinatoIn Catholic faith, Every day Catholic, Life in the Spirit, Spiritual JourneyLeave a comment

After graduating from college, my friend Jane and I took a trip to Europe. Our first stop was London. The gentleman we sat next to on the flight from Chicago to London was quite kind and gave us lots of tips on what to do and see during our time in Europe. I am sure he saw these two naive young women and thought – they will either be afraid to explore or they will get in trouble. It was a different time then but his best advice, be adventuresome. He helped us mark our travel book with “must see” destinations. We arrived in London on a beautiful sunny day, I don’t think we saw one typical foggy English day during the several days we were there, so we dropped our bags off at the hotel and found “the Tube” and headed to Hyde Park. Hyde Park is the largest of the Royal Parks and has beautiful large gardens and a network of paths and sidewalks linking the gardens, fountains and places of interest in the Park. I remember all the sidewalks because as we arrived and looked around, I saw several religious processions around the Park with gold vestments and canopies. I remembered it was the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, the Most Holy Body and Blood of Jesus. It’s a memory that comes back to me each and every year on this beautiful feast day we celebrate today.

I don’t recall processions growing up. Growing up in the 60’s and spending several years in upstate New York, perhaps the age-old tradition had waned here in the Illinois Valley and in New York State but in more recent years I have seen a revival. My local parish began having processions around the church, or one year even inside the church because of rain, when Fr. Gary Blake was our pastor. The picture I used for today’s blog is an annual procession, that seems to get bigger each year, hosted by the LaSalle Catholic Parishes. It travels from St. Hyacinth’s church to Shrine of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary, just under one mile, through the streets of LaSalle. It includes the Eucharistic procession, music, horses, school children dressed in their First Communion outfits, parishioners with special t-shirts and concludes with Eucharistic adoration stops. It is amazing! I am moved each year but the devotion to our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. It is a public statement, a profession and a procession, of faith to community members.

Today also marks the beginning of The Year of Parish Revival, the second phase of three, as part of the Eucharistic Revival movement. I am honored to be one of the two parish representatives for Holy Family Parish. The revival, grew from concern over the results of “pew studies”, and declining Catholic belief, that Jesus is truly present in the Blessed Sacrament. Two-thirds of Catholics reported that the Eucharist was merely a symbolic representation of Jesus’ presence. Bishop Robert Barron, Chair of the Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis at that time, shared with fellow bishops that there was a serious problem that needed to be addressed. Committees and meetings took place and the Revival was launched. Bishop Andrew Cozzens, now Chair of the Committee on Evangelization, has brought the fruit of those discussions to fulfillment. If your parish is involved, find out more. If not, ask your priest how to part of the parish-level revival. There are beautiful documents, parish kits and trainings to aid us during this special year of grace.

During graduate school, I attended a Newman Center for Mass and special liturgies. It was a wonderful Center, a peaceful place to study and a place of fellowship. At one point I found myself questioning my beliefs, particularly in the Eucharist, and asked to speak to one of the priests serving at the Center. I shared my concerns and questions. He asked me “Would you throw the Eucharist on the floor?” I said, “No! Of course not!” He replied then that I had a reverence for the Eucharist and that my questions were normal. I appreciated his help but now looking back I see it was misguided and perhaps the reason that many Catholics began to see the Eucharist as representing something holy, as reflected in the 2019 Pew Forum, but not actually the Body and Blood of Jesus. Our catechesis was lacking!

There are a couple of ways to look inward at your own belief, if you are Catholic, in the Eucharist. First, and most importantly, is to revisit the Church’s teaching on the Eucharist as the “source and summit of the Christian life”. Each week, or perhaps daily, at Mass, we witness the transubstantiation, bread and wine used for Communion, becoming the body and blood of Jesus. It is a miracle repeated each and every day. Another way is to spend some time researching the documented Eucharistic Miracles throughout the world. I had the great privilege of visiting the Church of St. Stephen in Santarem, Portugal and seeing the Sacred Host that has been enclosed in a reliquary since the miracle in (or around) 1247. It continues to liquify the Holy Blood over the centuries.

Blessed Carlo Acutis, an English-born Italian tech savvy teen, who died at the age of 15 in 2006, documented over 136 Eucharistic Miracles onto a website before he died. He was extremely devoted to the Eucharist, attending daily Mass and offering his sufferings from leukemia for the intentions of Pope Benedict XVI, who was the sitting pope during Blessed Carlo’s final years. He was like any other child in family videos singing at school plays or a typical teenager enjoying films, soccer, and video games. But Carlos also spent time after school volunteering to help the homeless of his city. He asked his parents to take him to many of the sites of Eucharistic Miracles in Europe. The website he created can be viewed or pdf’s downloaded to use in parishes. A traveling Eucharistic Miracle exhibition visited our area last year and exhibits continue to travel around country. He is one of the patron saints of the Eucharistic Revival movement.

St. Thomas Acquinas, Doctor of the Church and one of the greatest scholastic philosophers, said that “the Eucharist is the sacrament of love. It signifies love. It produces love.” To that I say, Amen.

Peace, Deena

Image used is from the Corpus Christi Procession in LaSalle, IL 2021

Summertime, let’s make the living easy

On By dpavinatoIn Benedictine Oblate, Every day Catholic, Spiritual JourneyLeave a comment

I read a quote posted on social media this morning from an author and “behavioral change” expert I follow, Karen Salmansohn that said “Sit. Breathe. There are 1440 minutes in a day. You can use 3 of them for self care.” I have been challenging myself to do it more – more pauses to breath, to sit on a patio for a few minutes with the cats to listen to the birds and enjoy my flowers, to make a cup of tea, or to read. Simply, more savoring the moment and giving myself permission to pause.

I recall from trips to Europe that there were times in the afternoon when the shops closed and people rested. A riposo (in Italy or siesta in Spain) is a time to break from the summer heat, have a meal, and spend time with family. The English have the lovely tradition of pausing for afternoon tea. In the past that might have been an energy drink or tea at my desk, which is getting up but not really pausing. I am being more intentional about taking a break after working in the morning and early afternoon, before starting my errands or tasks, to take a few moments of quiet rest or stillness. You might still be at work full-time so this sounds impossible, but perhaps it could be to step away from your desk to the break-room area or a picnic table outside. I wonder how the rest of the afternoon might go after a few relaxing minutes?

Over the past few years the invitation to make Sunday the “Lord’s Day” has hit home for me. It was harder to do when working full-time than it has been the past couple of years, but I have been pausing on Sunday to read, journal, pray and reflect or spend time with family. It is not a day for errands, washing clothes or cleaning. In the Chapter 48 of the Rule of St. Benedict, the guidance is to use Sunday for reading. In Jane Tomaine’s book, St. Benedict’s Toolbox: The Nuts and Bolts of Everyday Benedictine Living, we are reminded that Benedict creates a balance of daily activities that are comprised of “work and prayer, study and recreation, rest and activity, time alone and time together”. Taking time for self-care, physical and spiritual, is an important aspect of this balance. Jane reminds us that even St. Benedict allowed a time of rest for the monks, on their beds, after lunch.

Yesterday, after watering the flowers and plants in the landscaping, I paused to rest from the heat but also to enjoy the beauty of the plants flourishing around me. For those of you with school children or grandchildren, the school year has concluded. Days and activities change, days at the pool or evening baseball games are now part of the schedule. How can you find a moment to enjoy the time outside allowing it to restore and nurture you, despite the busy schedule. Of course, don’t forget to protect your skin from the sun too!

If I have learned one thing living with cats it is to stretch and take long naps. Even though they are in the house with the air conditioning, they seem to slow down a bit in the summer, savoring the time to rest during the afternoon heat.

I was reminded of the song Summertime this morning when I sat down to write this. I thought you might enjoy a couple of different renditions of the song. Stop for a few minutes, pause and breathe as you listen to one or all of them.

Peace, Deena

Ella Fitzergerald: Summertime

Norah Jones: Summertime

George Gershwin’s Summertime by the All Virginia Orchestra 2014

I am with you always

On By dpavinatoIn Catholic faith, Every day Catholic, sacred waiting, Spiritual Journey3 Comments

Today is Ascension Sunday in most dioceses. I can only imagine the feelings of the apostles as Jesus reminds them He will be with them always, that He will send the Holy Spirit but then leaves them again. They watched Him suffer and die, He appeared to them after rising from the dead. He taught them and then He was gone again.

I read a reflection this morning, from Conception Abbey, for Ascension Sunday, in which Fr. Martinez shares a connection between the Ascension and the anniversary of his mother’s passing. He shares that he and his siblings came to understand that their mother was always with them if they lived as she had raised them. I think we probably have all had that kind of experience after losing someone we loved.

I will always remember the first time I was going to start planting a garden, the Spring after my dad’s passing. I said “Ok Dad, let’s do this”. I got all my holes dug, tomato plants lined up and knelt down to begin the task of putting them in. I heard, as clearly as if he was standing behind me, “You forgot the MiracleGro!”. I laughed out loud, got up and headed to the garage and proceeded to plant them “correctly” as I watched him do for so many years!

Fr. Martinez concludes that the apostles, and us, as children of faith, do the same if we listen to and follow the ways of Jesus. I am sure the apostles heard Jesus’ voice in their hearts and minds at times after the Ascension, just as clearly as I heard my Dad’s voice in the garden. It is the spirit of our loved ones that lives with us and keeps them alive, always with us, in our hearts. It was with the coming of the Holy Spirit that the disciples were able to go on and be witnesses to Him throughout the world, to be the new body of Christ. The same is true for us.

During the Mass of the Ascension of our Lord, the Easter candle is extinguished. Jesus has ascended to the Father and the Easter season has concluded. The sanctuary light, by the tabernacle in every Catholic Church, reminds us that Jesus remains with us, in the Most Blessed Sacrament. I have seen people walk in a church and genuflect toward the windows, the altar, and a variety of other directions. In newer church designs, it may be that they don’t know where the tabernacle is, so they are just kneeling toward the front which has the altar used for Mass. In other cases, it perhaps reflects that they don’t understand that we are kneeling, in reverence, to our Lord, present to us at all times in the Blessed Sacrament.

If you walk in a church and don’t know where the tabernacle, with Jesus is, just look for the red sanctuary candle. It burns at all times, until after The Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday when Jesus is removed during the holy days of Triduum, until Easter Vigil. My aunt, a Franciscan sister, used to make the sign of the cross as my Mom would drive by a church between my house and my other aunts home, during her visits with us. I thought she was doing so because it was a church. It wasn’t until I understood my faith more and learned that she was doing so because Jesus was present in that church, as He is in all Catholic Churches, in the Blessed Sacrament, in the tabernacle.

My essential oil classmate, Pat Brockman Iannone, shared this beautiful photo from her trip to Jerusalem, that I am using today with her permission, from the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. She wasn’t sure if there was a tabernacle by the hanging candle, but I did research to learn that there is an Orthodox tabernacle in the Church at the altar of Golgotha. Her photo reminds me of the older beautiful hanging sanctuary lights that were used in churches in Europe or older, more traditional design churches. Regardless of the style, the sanctuary lights remind us that Jesus said “Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20)

I still have a preference for Ascension on Thursday, old-fashioned I guess. It provides an opportunity to savor the 10 days of waiting for Pentecost. My team at work decided to take this time for a “mini-retreat” and pray a novena between Ascension Thursday and Pentecost with prayers to the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts and minds as we continue discernment and work toward the official launch of Ignatian Ministries as a non-profit and our new website. This week, how might you reflect on the ways that Jesus is always with you and prepare for a deeper union with the Holy Spirit on Pentecost Sunday.

Peace, Deena

Photo by Patricia Brockman Iannone. Pat is also an essential oil educator and practitioner. Her website is gingkotreehealing.com. GingkoTree Healing is also on Facebook.

Concluding Prayer of the Divine Praises: May the heart of Jesus, in the Most Blessed Sacrament, be praised, adored, and loved with grateful affection, at every moment, in all the tabernacles of the world, even to the end of time. Amen.

Just a few, but significant lines

On By dpavinatoIn Catholic faith, Every day Catholic, Saints as Models & Guides, Spiritual Journey1 Comment

First of all, Happy Mother’s Day today to those of you who are mothers, grandmothers and godmothers!

Yesterday after Mass, Barb, a family friend walked up to me to say hello and wanted to acknowledge that she knew Mother’s Day might be hard without my Mom. Their family lost their mom, Anne, not too long after my Mom died. It will be ten years this September, so nine Mother’s Days without her. It is kind of a melancholy day but I will buy a fern for her this week to hang by the porch as I have every year since we moved in the duplex. She had them growing up outside her family home and it was something she enjoyed here. Barb’s comment was thoughtful and I realized later how much I was moved by her kindness.

I spent a few moments looking at the scripture readings for this week and immediately found two passages to reflect on. The first one is one of my favorites in the entire Acts of the Apostles. I actually enjoy Acts, some find it tedious or boring, but it’s the life of the early Church so I find it helpful to reflect on all the apostles and early disciples were doing after Jesus ascended and left them with the Spirit to guide and inspire them. The first one is the first reading for the Mass tomorrow, for Monday of the Sixth Week of Easter. It is Acts 16: 11-15 and is a brief, 4-verse, story of Lydia, a dealer of purple cloth. She is a model and a guide to me as a woman in the church.

I can’t recall when that story first impacted me so deeply but it has been several years. We don’t know much about Lydia, except that she was called the dealer or business woman in the cloth trades, an expensive purple-dyed cloth. Was she a widow? Her husband isn’t mentioned by St. Luke, so she is the head of the household. She was the influential woman in her community and her state in life. After listening to Paul and being baptized, Lydia invited Paul and his missionary group to stay at her home. That’s it, that’s all we know. I can’t recall if the story first touched me, in a new way, when I was in the Lay Ministry Program in our Diocese, or later serving on a Bishop’s Commission for Women, But as a single woman, an Oblate and at the time, a well-paid professional I looked to Lydia as a exemplar of my role in the church, to be bold in my faith and to use my means to support the work of the Church. I also try to be a helpful and encouraging voice to the priests that I have become friends with. They have a daunting task, as do all who are serving the Church as religious. I have shared Lydia’s story with others since she became one of my patron Saints and they have acknowledged that those four verses have not stood out to them as they have heard Acts proclaimed over the years.

My other scripture example is regarding Saint Matthias, whose Feast Day is today, but since it is a Sunday, isn’t acknowledged in Mass prayer. St. Matthias is, like Lydia, only mentioned in a few brief lines in the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 1:15-26). St. Matthias was the choice of the apostles to replace Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus. He is actually only mentioned in verses 23 and 26, the rest of the scripture is about the process and the prayer of the apostles as they choose a replacement. Matthias became one of the Twelve, one of the early bishops of a fledgling Church – two verses and is not mentioned again.

The influence of another on our lives can be long-lasting, regardless of the length of time they are present in our life, in person, story or example. Some of us have our mothers for a shorter amount of time than we would prefer, others are graced with the gift of many years. Either way to the outside world it may just seem like a few short lines in the large book of our life, but to us, the impact is immeasurable. Let us spend a few minutes today being thankful for the gift of our mother, grandmother, or women who acted like a mother to us. I will remember several in prayer today. If you are lucky enough to be able to be with them in person, then enjoy every moment of it!

Peace, Deena

The image for today is a picture of a statue of St. Luke that I have in my garden, along with a rogue Columbine flower that ventured away from the main plant. Besides being one of the synoptic Gospel writers, it is believed that St. Luke wrote Acts of the Apostles. St. Luke also tells more stories about women than the other Gospel writers and depicts women as women of faith, women who have been healed and forgiven, and women who are part of the community of faith, the new Church.

To learn a bit more about St. Lydia, click here.

For our searching hearts

On By dpavinatoIn Catholic faith, Every day Catholic, Spiritual Journey1 Comment

Yesterday I posted an image on Facebook that said “Do You”. We are all special, each with our own unique gifts and talents. It’s easy to forget in this world of constant social media updates. Of course it is wonderful to see something you want and seek to strive for it! I set new goals all the time as a result of a trait or accomplishment I see in others. But it’s important to remember who we are, as we are. My house might not look like the home of someone I admire, but it’s comfortable for me. My gardens aren’t huge, or even as big as I want them, but every minute of the past two days that I spent cleaning up the flower beds and planting new flowers in pots filled my soul.

I can’t sing, but I love poetry and scripture and perhaps find solace where others do not. I will stop crafting because I see the mixed media art or cards of someone else and compare my art to theirs. But I smile when I think of the words of a crafter I follow, Tim Holtz, when people ask him questions about the way he did something – “You do you!” We all have our unique way of seeing and creating with the craft we enjoy.

But there is one way to which we can all look and find meaning and direction.

Last night we had a visiting priest for Vigil Mass for the Fifth Sunday of Easter. Fr. Do, a retired priest from neighboring LaSalle parishes, said something that kept repeating in my head all evening and this morning. “Without the Way there is no going. Without the Truth, there is no knowing.” I shared it with my nephew as one of those phrases or insights that we can carry with us as a guiding light. But before writing about it, I thought, I am certain that Fr. Do added his own insight and perspective to his homily but was the quote originally stated by someone else? What a gift Google can be (ok, maybe I am a bit freaked about all the AI discussions but still I use it almost daily!). I searched the phrase and found that it is a 1960’s song by Reba Rambo, from an album The Folk Side of the Gospel. No wonder it resonated so strongly with me!

Reba’s verses of the song: “Men are seeking for answers, to life’s questions that never cease. In their lives there is something missing. They are looking for release And the way to peace. He is the way, without him there is no going. He is the truth, without him there is no knowing. He is life now and eternally. He satisfied the searching heart.”

Fr Do said: “From life experience we know, without the Way, there is no going. Without the Truth, there is no knowing. Without the Life, there is no living. Following Jesus, the Way, we can be sure we are on the right way, on the path leading us to true happiness. With Jesus, the Truth, we have the correct understanding of human existence and our own destiny.”

What a beautiful example of being inspired by words of Truth and then finding our own way to express it. Be inspired to share the words of Truth and Life with those around you. As Jesus said in today’s Gospel, “Do not let your hearts be troubled.” As we focus on our lives with God, we can stay clear of the confusion of comparing ourselves to others and it will help us to focus on the things that truly matter.

Peace, Deena

Image from a virtual Camino to Santiago de Compostela

Grateful Praise

On By dpavinatoIn Catholic faith, Daily Prayer, Every day Catholic, Spiritual Journey2 Comments

Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord, Praise and exalt Him above all forever. (Daniel 3:57)

The day began with sun shining and birds chirping. It is truly a day to give praise for the beauty of Spring. Even though the clouds are moving in, we need the rain, so we can give praise for that as well. The image I selected for today was taken yesterday during a visit to Hornabaker Gardens, for the New Plant Workshop, with my dear friend, Kathy. The morning started with rain but as the workshop went on, I saw the sun shining and the clouds departing behind Dave and Molly as they spoke to us in the hoop building we were in. It was a lovely morning; new plants, the beautiful gardens and a kindred spirit filled my soul with such joy!

Once I began to pray and become more familiar with the Psalms I pondered writing a book comprised of prayers and psalms of daily praise and thanksgiving. I tend to gravitate to Psalms of praise so I think it would be great to have them consolidated, along with other prayers from great spiritual teachers, in one place. My cousin is working on final edits of her first book in her nineties, so maybe there is still hope for my book.

I started praying the Liturgy of the Hours in the 1990’s as a result of the encouragement of our parish priest at the time. It took me awhile to figure out and get in a rhythm of moving the ribbons, using the weekly and daily prayers, while moving around the book (I use the Shorter Christian Prayer version rather than the full set of books with complete Office of Readings, etc). Once the lightbulb went on it, using the Liturgy of the Hours has been a blessing to me. I wish I was more consistent, I waver at times and often use condensed versions in prayer books like Give Us This Day, which I have previously mentioned in this blog. The Liturgy of the Hours is also called the Breviary, or the Divine Office, and is prayed by religious and monastics in the Catholic Church daily. It was one of the things that drew me to Benedictine spirituality and monastic life, to realize that someone, somewhere in the world, at this moment is praying for all of us and the Church. I wanted to do that same thing for others.

Quickly Sunday Morning Prayer, especially the Canticle of Daniel, became the favorite part of my prayer time using the Liturgy of the Hours. Various parts of the Canticle are used on each of the 4 Sundays of the Psalter but verses 57-88, used on Week 1 and III, are verses I return to many times, often on days other than Sunday morning. There are probably only a handful of items I would want as part of my funeral liturgy and this Canticle is one of them! Like Canticle of the Sun attributed to St. Francis, these Canticles perfectly praise all aspects of creation and the Creator. They fill me with such joy and thanksgiving.

This week I discovered a new prayer method of thanksgiving, the Rosary of Gratitude. I have used a gratitude journal many times in my life, listing 5-10 things each day for which I am grateful. But I have a few other ways of journaling at the moment, so one more journal to write in wasn’t feeling like a way to be grateful! Our prayer group has selected a new book and study program by Ascension Press for our reading and reflection. There is a video as part of each section of the book. In the video, Fr. Josh Johnson encouraged praying the Rosary of Gratitude. I googled it to learn more about the format and realized it was something I had done before but didn’t realize it was a “real” prayer method. I have prayed the Rosary, the Franciscan Rosary, and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy but when I used the beads for things I was grateful for I thought I was not honoring the true intent of the Rosary. What a delight to learn that there are ways to use my beads for gratitude.

I fell in love with it as I prayed. I soon realized that as I entered deeper in prayer there weren’t enough beads to cover all the things I was grateful for. I started with more broad items like being grateful for my family, for my friends, for my home, our parish and our area priests. Within a decade or two very specific things came to mind; Jeff’s successful surgery, Becky’s test results, the assistance I received on a work project, dinner with friends, and as I prayed it this a.m., after reading Judith’s blog about her airport experience, for the goodwill of people that help and that she obtained her phone before boarding her flight to Italy. It’s only been a week but I hope to incorporate this as part of daily prayer and can only imagine the blessings that will come from reflecting on the good things that I experience each day, things that I am grateful for instead of the things that aren’t going as well as I hoped.

This week consider ways you might spend a few moments each day in gratitude for the blessings in your life. Whether it is formal prayer, a gratitude journal, or a few moments basking in sunshine and saying “Thank you”, let’s watch and see what a difference it might make.

Peace, Deena