Reflection for 9/26

Reflections are my personal writings that often start off as FB posts then get posted to the blog. They are my own explorations of how I see the Catholic faith.

"Surrender to Christ all things." That has been a reoccurring expression in many of my reflections over the years. A message, that from my understanding, opens our hearts up to something deep and profound. Most people connect surrender with giving up. As in welcoming defeat from a powerful foe. That is not how I look at it. This isn't about winning or losing. Rather it is acceptance that though our Savior all things are possible. That no matter what storm we face Christ is with us always. In this respect it is not so much of giving up. But rather calling on and embracing something that is stronger than ourselves. It is a constant reminder that when we have reached our weakest moments. Christ desires to walk with us during those times and give us hope. I think the best way to explain what "Surrender to Christ all things" means is to say that it is putting total and complete trust in Christ. Even when we ourselves cannot see the road that we are traveling on. The challenge becomes that it is easy for even me to say that to someone. But extremely difficult to put into practice. The world moves on and the daily struggles of life gets to us. It is hard to see how anyone could put their faith in the Son of God. Yet we as followers of Christ are called to do just that. Even in times when it seems like the storms are trying to drown us. Christ stands on the waters extending his hand to pull us up. It is a powerful image that reminds us of how important Christ is in our daily lives. Surrender to Christ all things. Our fears. Our anxiety. Our worries. Our needs. Our hopes. Everything that would trouble us give to the Savior. Take the time to spend it in prayer. Knowing that by embracing Christ. All things are possible.

Till Next Time

-JM

Reflection 9-25

I see the world around me and often wonder if the world is going to tear itself apart at the seams. But even more so on deeper reflecting, looking back though the very history, did people like me feel the same way about the times they were living in during the past. Wondering how people were thinking during the daily and nightly news reports during events such as WWI or even WWII. The challenges and the fear that came about with the changes to the Catholic faith though Vatican II. Where people just as scared, if not more so, during those crisis as some of us feel right now with the current events? It feels to me that with each generation. New challenges present themselves. Some of those challenges turn into epic controversies that on one hand seem to want to tear the country apart. But at the same time serve as distractions from the greater issues a play. Events not just on a national level. But on the level of the world.

We very much live in an age where information is at our finger tip. We now have access to media that even I never even though of growing up. More so now than in previous generations. So that fear becomes more present and more expressed by the people. We gain access to that fear a lot quicker than ever before. Instead of seeing the news played out nightly or daily in the papers and TV. We can log into social media and have instant access to what is going on around us. Both the good and the bad. Sometimes we can take things out of the proper context and build up with in us a sense of rage and fear when for now a calmer mind is needed.

As I've been pondering on recent events. I've also been reminded of something that I've been known to say. "Surrender to Christ all things." For me it is a reminder that as a follower of Christ. That no matter what happens in the world. The path of Christ always remains true. That in moments of darkness, Christ, is our light. In moments of confusion, Christ, brings clarity. That in moments when we are scared out of our mind. That by surrendering all to Christ we find comfort and an inner peace we otherwise would not have. It is a reminder that while nations rise and fall. Christ remains eternal and unchanging. Even when it feels like the world is changing all around us. I would like to think that someone like me in the past felt the same way as I do now here in the present. That no matter what goes on around us. Surrender to Christ all things.

Till Next Time

-JM

Mini Review: Catholic Hipsters Handbook

The Catholic Hipsters Handbook (Amazon)

This post is a short review of Tommy Tighe's Catholic Hipsters Handbook. The book is more or less a collection of short essays by several authors in addition Tighe's own contributions. The subtitle of this book is Rediscovering Cool Saints, Forgotten Prayers, and Other Weird but Sacred Stuff. Which pretty much explains what you will find with in these pages. Though out the course of reading you will explore various elements of the Catholic Faith. At the end of each segment the various authors suggest a less than well known Saint. Such as St. John Bosco or Fr. Solanus Casey. It goes into the inns and outs of various purely Catholic things. The segments are bite sized but contain a lot of information packed in. Each of the contributing authors present things in a very easy flowing and down to earth writing style while at the same time quietly encouraging the reader to explore the Catholic faith more deeply.

Personally I rather enjoying reading this. I gained some new insight into my own faith and have that desire to explore things more deeply. If you are looking for something to check out this book is very much worth it. Now if you will excuse me I need to go look something up....

Till next time.

-JM

I enjoy this. (Displays)

Doing displays with the Lego Church Project is one of the fun aspects of what I do. Though sometimes it can be a challenge to get the project to a location. Once set up their is the interaction with the people that is always fun. A chance to show what I am doing and sharing it with the community. I really enjoy the social aspect of what I do. Talking about not just what goes into the building. But also sharing the mission of what goes into my reasons. Even for my short afternoon displays that I do sometimes. It is that interaction with people that often fuels the creative fires and makes such things possible. It is something I enjoy. My personal feeling has always been that my talent is a gift from God and that talent should be shared with others. Which is why I'm always looking for places to take the project and to share the message. I am very thankful to the people who have supported me in this journey of faith. Season 18, dedicated to the life of Fr. Solanus Casey, has been one of the busier seasons so far. I'm also on tap to either tie or out right pass my previous record for the most displays in a season. But even I know that such things would not be even happening with out the support of those who believe in me and share that same passion for what I am doing. It is rather humbling given my own limitations to see the look on people's faces when they know I am coming with the project. Even from the ones who have been following me for years. To know that some how I am touching people's lives. It's a good feeling in my own heart to know that people really do enjoy the work I do. That they are looking forward to the next season to see what I am doing. Just as much as I look forward to building the next season and taking it on the road. Thank you for the support you have shown me.

Till next time.

-JM

Support for the Project

About Displays

Remembering 9-11

Greetings. A few notes about today's blog post. The first part of this post was written a year ago as my reflection of what I remember from 9/11. The second part is a reflection from today as I shared this on my timeline this morning.


I was on my way to work around 7am or so. Getting on to the expressway headed south to Fenton. Looked up in the sky and seeing the sun rise poking though the clouds gave me a very dark feeling. I remember whispering the words "ominous". Something got my attention that morning.

I clocked in at 8am. I was in the "rubber room" as usual. Cinda (my supervisor) along with a few others. Bobby was working the main press which was in another room and had the radio turned on. I heard the first reports of what what happening. After the first plane hit I realized that something far worse had happened. I honestly got overwhelmed and talked to my bosses about going home. They didn't understand it at the time. To be honest I'm not sure Emma and Preston (top people in charge) ever understood what happened to me that day. Then again I'm not sure even after all this time I've ever been able to understand what I felt that day. Either way I probably did my job at the place no favors by leaving. But by the time I got home the second plane had hit. The towers had crumbled. Then I found out about the Pentagon. The rest of the day is a blur. But the biggest feeling that I had was this overwhelming fear. Not so much for myself. But for others. Wondering if we were going to get attacked again. Wondering what could happen next.

As I sit and reflected on this day. I know the world has changed a lot since then. Our nation is fragmented more so than it has ever been. Perhaps we need to come together now before it takes another tragic attack to unite us once again. That's just my take on things I guess. - (9/11/16)

A year later we once again pause and reflect on this day. We should always take a moment to remember not only those who lost their lives that day. But the fire fighters, EMS, police and other volunteers who have lost their lives since that day due to cancer and other issues. 9-11 is a wound that will never fully heal. The impact of this day will last for generations to come. Take a moment to pray for the divisions in this nation. That at some point we would learn to come together instead of allowing petty divisions to ruin who we are. That even in the face of total darkness. That hope would be regained. Even as the storms rage all around us.

Till Next time.

-JM

Reflection 9-7-17

I am reminded once again how powerful Prayer can be in these troubling times. It is a tool for the faithful to seek out wisdom and understanding. To help calm the mind and bring peace to the restless soul. As followers of Christ we are all called to a prayerful life. It is a conversation with God that allows us to open up our hearts to all that troubles us. Their are those who demand that God give miraculous answers. That everything should be handed down on some kind of silver platter. But I personally have found that God answers our prayers not with the blast of a trumpet. But often with the softest of whispers. Often times in such a subtle way that unless one is looking. One will miss it. In many cases it is more about opening up our minds to see something that we might have missed. I find that prayer is a powerful tool that can help face the darkness of this world. One that we should use more often.

Till next time.

-JM

Reflection 9-5-17

So much darkness in this world of ours. Facing tragic events by drawing lines in the sand. Leaders that we count on to guide our nation seem to falter and fail. Or worse we don't even give them a chance to succeed. This profound rush to judgement by giving into our fears and anxiety. Letting those elements dictate how we react or over react. Where is the compassion for our fellow brothers and sisters? Are they lost with the shuffling of political agendas? Where is their voice in this mess that we call our world? Perhaps those of us as messengers of Christ. We should take a bolder stand. Open our hearts and minds to what God would have us do. Even if we spend our time in prayer. Prayers for wisdom of our leadership. Prayers of compassion for those who are not well off. Prayers for peace in this world that celebrates violence. Prayers that those who seek help are able to find resources and that more resources would be made available. We have ownership of what goes on around us. A stake in the fate of this world. As Christ calls us we should open up our hearts more to the will of the Father. Putting our focus into proclaiming our love of Christ not in word. But in compassion and mercy. Proclaiming our love though action to the help those around us. 


Till next time.

-JM