Decluttering part 3

You will probably want to read part 1 and 2 of the decluttering posts before reading this one as this relates to these posts.

Well I have been in my unit 14 months now.  I love my unit and I have done some renovation and have fun in the process.

However I brought way too much stuff with me and there were so many boxes that ended up in the garage.  Earlier this year, I parked my car out on the street- the only night I have done it since I have been here.  Sadly my car of 18 years was crashed into by a driver who did not stop.  I was woken next morning to policemen knocking on my door to tell me about my car. Anyway, I have gone off the point.  I ended up having to buy a new car. 

So, then there is the story of the boxes in the garage.  Decluttering part 3 started in earnest.  One box a day.  Some days I became a little lazy and ended up having to more by the end of the week.  I ordered a hard rubbish collection and then cancelled it and then a couple of months later ordered another one.  This time, I decided to keep the date of the hard rubbish.  So, I was down to the final week.  I worked hard during that week sorting out boxes and boxes- well over 60 of them.  Gradually I started to see the light of day to the garage door and more floor space.  This moved me on to see more of it.  It almost became addictive!!!! I felt like I was on a mission and I had so much energy that I had not had in ages whilst I was doing it.  Afterwards, I was sore with stiff muscles but the motivation to finish spurred me on.

Finally, I had gone through all the boxes and was left with about 7-10 boxes that I really wanted to keep.  Seeing that currently my back of the garage is my study, I cannot get my car in the garage yet- but hopefully soon I will be able to get at least half in.  That is progress.

Anyway, I just want to share this so that if anyone is struggling with the same difficulties, I can say that the biggest and hardest thing is to start.  I found one box a day was enough when dealing with emotional baggage of these boxes.  It takes time but progress is made every day even if it does not feel like it. Just be persistent and keep going.

It can be like that with our spiritual lives too.  Progress is made each day when we don't give into a temptation or when we conquer a sin/weakness that we seem prone to continue.  Just start to change a habit/sin and thank God for the change that day.  Gratitude helps build progress.  Hopefully you will feel like I do with my garage when you see the light of day of your area and/or the floor gives you more space.!!!

Just start and thank God for the progress.

Understanding Advent Liturgical Readings

UNDERSTANDING ADVENT LITURGICAL READINGS.

ADVENT WREATH= SYMBOL OF ADVENT.

Do you feel you would like to read the Scripture for the day but don't quite understand the structure and then feel you are moving all over the place without an anchor?

The Scripture in Advent are carefully planned both for Sundays and Weekdays.

The Sunday themes move from Second Coming of Christ on the first Sunday of Advent, to John the Baptist preparing for the coming of Jesus on the Second and Third Sundays. On the fourth Sunday, the Gospel of Matthew or Luke announces the conception of Jesus and Mary's visit to her cousin Elizabeth, (John the Baptist's mother).

DAYS 1-9 OF ADVENT

During the first 9 days of Advent during the week, the first reading for the Eucharistic liturgy comes from the book of the prophet Isaiah.  These readings express the compassion of God for His people and the longing of the people for messianic age. Do we have that same longing?

DAY 10 ONWARD.

After the Thursday of the second week of Advent, the gospel readings speak of John the Baptist whilst the first readings are either from Isaiah or a reading compatible with the gospel. 

From December 17-24, the readings are taken from Matthew and Luke.  These present the events that led up to the birth of Jesus. Enter into these as deeply as you can to help you keep your spiritual focus in preparation as you prepare the presents, decorations, parties and food.

OUR HOLY SEASON OF ADVENT

Let us be like our forebears and enter into the unbroken tradition of those who prayed and waited for the faithful God to bless his people with a Messiah.

Reading part of the Scripture of the day or all of it will help you journey through this holy season and help you prepare for the coming of Christ- the Word made flesh at Christmas.

Wake up and Stay alert

HAPPY NEW YEAR

ADVENT WREATH.

It is the start of the new liturgical year - Year A and it is time to enter into more deeply the season of Advent.  Advent recalls the waiting for the Messiah of course, but it is also about the second coming of Christ in all His glory at the end of time.

I especially like Advent because it gives me a chance to review my life and make a plan, set goals and have a very good stocktake of myself.   I especially love Year A of Advent because it gives me the opportunity to set a bigger picture plan over 3 years.  How many times when you go to an interview is the question asked ''Where do you want to be in 5 years’ time?  I like to ask myself that same question using the 3-year cycle instead.

It is always good to acknowledge growth because it can motivate us to know that good has occurred. Reviewing my life is good because it helps me to refocus my attention to what matters.  Setting goals and making an effort to implement them keeps me on track to further progress. Using these tools for my spiritual growth seems an obvious extension.

So, I ask myself

1. What areas of my life do I want to be different this time next year, 2 /3 years’ time?
2. what areas do I want to work on specifically in Advent?
3. Do I need someone else to journey with me to encourage me on my journey- a spiritual director, a Christian counsellor, a spiritual mentor - if so, who might that be?
4. what goals will I set and how will I implement them- in other words I set the goals and then break the goals down into manageable bite size pieces- putting a general time line on these goals is important b/c it keeps me motivated.  However there is always more with God and His timeline may be different from mine.  So I keep this point firmly in mind- not as an excuse to fail but as a realistic factor in the journey of faith.

Advent too is a penitential season. We are reminded of it with the violet vestments that the priest wears.  Leading up to Christmas can be difficult with various parties to include some fasting.  However, with intention to include it as part of your advent journey, it can be achieved. 

Start small- maybe you fancy another mince pie.  They are a real weakness of mine!!

Going without a second, third or fourth one is a starting point.  Remember though your motive.  Is your motive God related or weight related?  Do you have a tendency towards greed or lack of temperance in food/drink? If so, then start small and make a start to change this vice towards a grace/virtue.

This way you can enjoy celebrating with your family/friends but you can also celebrate your own spiritual growth.

Many of us do a good spring clean before Christmas before family and friends come.  What about a spiritual spring clean?  What will do about your soul this advent?

I encourage you to not let Advent pass you by spiritually.  It is a very quick season liturgically speaking but we are meant to be in an attitude of waiting- waiting expectantly.

I hope you wait expectantly and with hope during this season of Advent.

Happy New Year.



Collect for 18th Sunday of Year

COLLECT SERIES.

 

THE MASS COLLECT SERIES ICON

COLLECT

The Collect for the 18th Sunday of Year C reads as follows:

We recognise with joy that You Lord created us,

and that You guide us by Your providence.

In Your unfailing kindness support us in our prayer

renew Your life within us,

guard it and make it bear fruit for eternity.

We make this prayer through our Lord Jesus Christ

who lives and reigns with Him and the Holy Spirit,

one God for ever and ever.

 REFLECTION QUESTIONS.

In making this prayer tangible for my life during the week, the following reflections questions emerged:

1. What can I do this week to recognise with joy/ greater joy that my Lord created me?

2. How will I support this joy by my actions? ( choose 1 action per day).

3. What does it mean to me to be guided by God's providence?

4. How will I live this truth in my life this coming week?

5. Feel support by God as you review your prayer life. Does it need an overhaul or some tweaking for greater spiritual growth?

6. Imagine each day being in Heaven.  Imagine God saying to you that these were the fruits that will continue in eternity.  What fruits will they be because you sowed the seeds this week.

Collect 17th Sunday of Year C

COLLECT SERIES

 

THE MASS  COLLECT SERIES ICON.

COLLECT

The Collect for the 17th Sunday of Year C reads as follows:

Lord God, protector of those who hope in You,

without whom nothing is strong, nothing holy,

support us always with Your love,

Guide us so to use the good things of this world,

that even now we may hold fast to what endures for ever.

We make this prayer through our Lord Jesus Christ,

who lives and reigns in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

One God for ever and ever.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS.

In making this prayer tangible for my life during the week, the following reflections questions emerged:

1.What does it mean to me to hope in God?

2. What will I change during this week to acknowledge more fully that ""without God I can do nothing''. What implications does it have for my life?

3. Do you know God's love in your life? Reflect on your life by finding examples where you felt supported in God's love. 

4. Find examples/situations where you felt unsupported.  As you review these incidents/situations retrospectively, can you see/acknowledge God's supporting hand in these incidents/situations. 

5. Make a list of what you consider to be the good things of this world.  How do these good things influence your life?  Are these good things in balance/out of sync?

6.What are the things that endure for ever?  How do these compare with the good things of this world?

7. How will I use the good things of this world this week whilst holding fast to what endures for ever?

May your week be blessed. 



Collect of 12 Sunday of Year C

COLLECT SERIES

THE MASS  COLLECT SERIES ICON.

COLLECT

The Collect for the 12th Sunday of Year C reads as follows:

Lord God, teach us to fear and love Your Holy name,

for You never withdraw Your guiding hand

from those You establish in Your love.

We make this prayer through our Lord Jesus Christ

who lives and reigns with Him and the Holy Spirit,

one God for ever and ever.

 REFLECTION QUESTIONS 

In making this prayer tangible for my life during the week, the following reflections questions emerged:

1.What does it mean to me to fear God?

2. What does the catechism of the Catholic Church say about fearing God?

3. How can I love His Holy name?

4. What can I do when others profane God's Holy name in conversation? Will I accept it or gently challenge them so as to bring a greater understanding and love of God's Holy name?

5.How will I thank God for His continual guiding hand in my life?

6. How will I continue to establish my relationship with God this week?  Have I become slack or do I need to focus on my prayer life, receiving the sacraments more sincerely or understanding the scriptures?

The second commandment tells us not to take the name of the Lord in vain.  When we love someone, we respect them and do not wish someone else to disrespect them either.  We use the Lord's name to praise, bless and glorify God. 

The compendium of the Catholic Church also tells us:

" It is forbidden to call on the name of God  to justify a crime and it is also wrong to use the holy Name of God in any improper way as in blasphemy ( which by its very nature is a grave sin, curses and unfaithfulness to promises made in the Name of God".( no 447).

PERSONAL APPLICATION

I have a friend whom I see regularly.  She is not a believer and constantly takes the Lord's name in vain.  I always find it offensive.  At first, when I did not know her very well, I used to let it slide when she used God's name in vain in conversation.  I thought it was a tactful thing to do given that she is not a Catholic and not a believer.  Then I began to feel very uncomfortable with this reasoning.  I was also a little frightened to comment. 

The next occasion that it occurred I felt weak and let it go verbally, but my body language must have said something different. I found it fascinating that she commented that I don't like that language.  She apologised for using it and said that she had just got into the habit of it and that she would try and break the habit.  I have known for over 3 years since then, and there have been only a few occasions that she has reverted back to her old habit.

By helping others to praise, bless and glorify God appropriately and not accepting old habits, we can help them form new positive and a loving relationship with God even if they are not aware of  or acknowledge God personally. We can still be a blessing for them.

2. Another misnomer that is often said by younger people is the word "' adore"' as in they adore their cat or family or friend etc. Adoration is meant for God alone.  We may respect and love our family, friends or even our cat/dog but never adore them. We venerate Mary and the Saints in the Catholic Church but should not adore them as adoration is for God alone.

3, We can also pray for those who either don't know when they blaspheme God or when we hear it on TV.  We can ask that their hearts be enlightened  and that they come to love and fear God. We can make a difference in these ways.

Let us thank God for never withdrawing His guiding hand from us

and make the effort this coming week to establish a deeper loving relationship with God.



Good Shepherd Sunday

Christ the Good Shepherd.

CHRIST THE GOOD SHEPHERD.

On the Fourth Sunday of Easter, the Church highlights Christ as the Good Shepherd.  The Pope and the Bishops are the shepherds of the flock of Christ. It is fitting to acknowledge their special teaching and Pastoral ministry. You may like to

• Pray for the Pope and Bishops of the Church, especially the Bishop of your diocese.
• Send a card to acknowledge and thank the Bishop for his ministry.  If you know a bishop personally, this is indeed fitting.
• Examine how we relate to our Pastor. Give him support and acknowledgement of all he does in the name of Jesus the Good Shepherd.  He is Jesus for us as he ministers the sacraments and the one who gives us support in the highs and lows of living.  What do you do for him? 
• Encourage those who are thinking of a vocation to priesthood or religious life to pursue it.
• Encourage those who are in formation in priesthood.  They are our ''intending good shepherds'' so need our love and support to reach ordination day and beyond in ministry.
  

CHRISTMAS AND THE GOOD SHEPHERD.

I also think that it is good to remember on this Good Shepherd Sunday that the Good news of the angels that Christ was to be born in Bethlehem was delivered by the angels to shepherds in the fields on that first Christmas night.  We are all familiar with the carol  ''While shepherds watched their flock by night''.  God could have had the message of salvation delivered to anyone He chose.  He chose shepherds that first Christmas night.

Then there are many references in the Bible which provide more compelling imagery for us of Jesus as Good Shepherd.  My favourite is from Ezekiel 34:11-20, but particularly  

'' I will seek the lost, and I will bring back the strayed,

 and I will bind up the crippled, 

 and I will strengthen the weak, and the fat and the strong I will watch over; 

I will feed them in justice.''[Ezek 34:16]

How do you relate to Jesus as Good Shepherd?

The Church also highlights on this fourth Sunday of Easter known as 'Good Shepherd Sunday' Vocations to the Priesthood and religious life.  All the baptized have a vocation. We are all called to holiness.  For those called by Christ to the Priesthood and religious life, they are called in a special way and need our love and support for them to carry out the work Christ has asked of them. After all, it is through our pastor's ministry and example along with our efforts that we can grow in love for God, and our souls can ''safely graze''.

May Christ the Good Shepherd encourage and embrace us,

May we listen to the sound of His voice,

Hear His call and follow Him.