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Extraordinary Ordinary Life

Posted by eph21920 on December 3, 2025 in Advent, Angel, Answer, Creation, Faith, Life, Trust

Today’s meditation in the Hallow app and chapter in the book, “The Reed of God” by Caryll Houselander, focused on Mary’s Fiat – or her “yes” to God. She was a young girl of only 14 or so. When the angel came to her, the first thing he did was to comfort her and assure her that she didn’t need to be afraid. The angel then proposed God’s plan for her life. An incredible, exciting, terrifying plan. He didn’t give her all the details as to how everything would play out, but she had the capability of giving birth to God’s Son – the Messiah, the One her people had been awaiting for centuries. And she agreed. She gave her consent. The book says,

“The whole world trembled on the word of a child, on a child’s consent. To what was she asked to consent? First of all, to the descent of the Holy Spirit, to surrender her littleness to the Infinite Love, and as a result to become the Mother of Christ. It was so tremendous, yet so passive. She was not asked to do anything herself, but to let something be done to her. She was not asked to renounce anything, but to receive an incredible gift. She was not asked to lead a special kind of life, to retire to the temple and live as a nun, to cultivate suitable virtues or claim special privileges. She was simply to remain in the world, to go forward with her marriage to Joseph, to live the life of an artisan’s wife, just what she had planned to do when she had no idea that anything out of the ordinary would ever happen to her.”

Mary lived a truly ordinary, humble life. She is a beautiful example of surrender to God’s Will for her life and doing so with complete trust in Him. When I think of surrendering my own life to God, firstly I wonder what good could I do. I am a broken person who doesn’t always make the best choices. Closely following that is fear. What is God going to ask me to do? Will I be up for any kind of monumental task? I’m tired and getting older. Looking to Mary as the model, she lived her mostly ordinary life. She kept a house, raised a child, followed her religion, nurtured her relationship with God and listened to His guidance when prompted. I am hopeful that I, too, can live my ordinary life the best I can, trusting in God as the antidote to fear.

I Found God today reflecting on Mary’s extraordinary, yet ordinary life.

Here is a beautiful photo of the statue of Mary surrounded by candles from the Shrine of Our Lady of Champion in Champion, WI.

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Silence

Posted by eph21920 on December 2, 2025 in Advent, Faith, Grateful, Life, Peace

Today I started reading “The Reed of God” by Caryll Houselander. It was recommended by the Hallow Advent Challenge and was quoted in today’s reflection. Continuing with the theme of being still, the book touched on the problem of silence. It is in silence where we can find peace and even more importantly, it is where we find God. These few sentences struck me:

“Strangely enough, those who complain the loudest of the emptiness of their lives are usually people whose lives are overcrowded, filled with trivial details, plans, desires, ambitions, unsatisfied cravings for passing pleasures, doubts, anxieties, and fears; and these sometimes further overlaid with exhausting pleasures which are an attempt, and always a futile attempt, to forget how pointless such people’s lives are. Those who complain in these circumstances of the emptiness of their lives are usually afraid to allow space or silence or pause in their lives.”

This was written near 80 years ago. Now it is even harder to find silence. We are constantly bombarded with notifications, information, alerts, news, videos. It is easy to become addicted to our electronics and to fill up every empty space with stimulation. I have to make a conscious decision not to just scroll through my phone. The good news is that we do have control over such things and we can change our behavior. The final sentence in the first chapter of the book says:

“Whatever we are gives form to the emptiness in us which can only be filled by God and which God is even now waiting to fill.”

The reflection on Hallow ended in some silent time, which I embraced. As I listened to my inhales and exhales, I thanked God for breathing His life into me. I felt peace.

I Found God today in silence.

Here is another photo from Our Lady of Champion Shrine in Champion, WI.

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Follow Me & Rest

Posted by eph21920 on December 1, 2025 in Advent, Faith, Grateful, Life, Patience, Peace, Rest

I started listening to the Hallow app’s Advent Challenge today titled, “Follow Me & Rest”. Part of the reflection was on how when we see our Nativity scenes, it seems so pristine. However, the reality of a young woman giving birth in a stable was difficult and humbling. And yet, we sing Silent night – all is calm. That doesn’t seem possible. Mary and Joseph would have known Psalm 46 and perhaps it was a source of strength for them. Some of the verses read:

“God is our refuge and our strength, an ever-present help in distress. Thus we do not fear, though earth be shaken and mountains quake to the depths of the sea, Though its waters rage and foam and mountains totter at its surging.”

“Come and see the works of the LORD, who has done fearsome deeds on earth; Who stops wars to the ends of the earth, breaks the bow, splinters the spear, and burns the shields with fire; “Be still and know that I am God!”

The last sentence here is one that was suggested to me by a friend years ago and remains in my heart. Be still and know that I am God is especially fitting during this season which holds the potential of over filling and over scheduling – at least it does for me. I am grateful for the encouragement to stop and see what God would have me do.

I Found God today in a reminder to be still and in His Presence.

Here is another photo from Our Lady of Champions Shrine in Champion, WI.

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Beginning Advent

Posted by eph21920 on November 30, 2025 in Advent, Connected, Faith, Love, Travel

The season of Advent begins today. The scripture readings at Mass were all about waiting – but waiting in anticipation and awareness. Here are some of the verses that stood out to me:

“…it is the hour now for you to awake from sleep. For our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed; the night is advanced, the day is at hand.”

“…stay awake! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come.”

During Advent, I can find myself very busy with preparations, shopping, cooking, visiting, etc. I appreciate the reminders during this season to slow down and focus on God. After all, Christmas is the celebration of His coming to our earth, into our lives, to show us that there is more than what this life and time has to offer. When I can look around me with an eternal perspective, everything changes. I am reminded that I will not be here forever, nor will those around me. I think about how to spend the time that I have here. As I look back over my past year, I am grateful to have made a couple of trips and visited people who mean so much to me. I have also been blessed to stop at some amazing churches with the guidance of the book, “Monuments, Marvels, and Miracles, A Traveler’s Guide to Catholic America,” by Marion Amberg. The beauty and uniqueness of each site to me was comparable to humanity. Each location was constructed with love for God and a desire to prompt others to see Him through the extraordinary creation. So it is with us. God created each of us from His love. We are each a non-repeatable individual. We have the capability to show others God through our actions – through who we are. I thought during this Advent, I would share some photos that I took at the different locations. I hope that as you look at them, there will be something that strikes you, that may bring you closer to God. And I hope you remember what a unique, loved individual you are. Stay aware and awake! God is coming and is already here!

This week I will share photos from Our Lady of Champions Shrine in Champion, WI.

I Found God today ready to begin the Advent Season.

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Missed My Sis

Posted by eph21920 on November 29, 2025 in Faith, Family, Fun, Grateful, Healing, Joy, Life

My sister arrived last Saturday and stayed for the week. It had been quite a long time since we have shared the house for any length of time and I have missed her. She had to work a couple days, but I was happy that we spent a lot of time together. We cooked, played games, prayed, watched movies and shows, cried during some of them and laughed during others. We did some cleaning up and sorted through some things. We did some crafts and enjoyed Thanksgiving. My sons noticed that she was much happier than they had seen her in a while. I definitely realized that as well and was grateful that she seems to be healing from the trauma of my parent’s care and death. It was wonderful to spend time with my sister and encouraging to see her becoming more joyful as she continues to heal.

I Found God today seeing my sister more joyful.

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Full Of Thanks

Posted by eph21920 on November 28, 2025 in Creation, Faith, Family, Food, Fun, Generosity, Grateful, Prayer

I felt so blessed on Thanksgiving this year and had so much to be grateful for. As soon as I awoke, friends and family started sharing messages of gratitude. I decided to go to Mass in the morning. It was such a beautiful way to start the day. There was a bell choir directed and accompanied by a violinist who was also playing the dulcimer before the celebration started. I sat very close to the choir so I could take it all in. There were 2 songs of gratitude that I really enjoyed singing along with – “For the Beauty of the Earth” and “For the Fruits of His Creation”. Both songs list the blessings that God bestows on humanity and thank Him for them. The scripture readings also reflected gratefulness to God as did the homily. The priest recommended that families pass around a ketchup bottle at dinner so everyone can “catch up” on things to be thankful for over the past year. It was a cute idea. He also blessed thanksgiving food that people brought. After Mass, I went home and my sister and I got things ready to bring to my son’s house. I made some sweet potatoes with mini marshmallows on top. One of my neighbors volunteered for a local Christian organization who hosted a Thanksgiving Dinner several days ago. There was extra pumpkin pie and they gave me one. I put it in the freezer for a couple days to make sure it would still be good. It was still delicious. My sister made a charcuterie board including delicious cheeses that I brought home from Wisconsin. When we arrived at my son’s house, his wife had already put the turkey in the oven. The table was set with the personalized placemats that my granddaughter, her mom, and I made the other day. While we were waiting for the turkey to cook, we made some pour paint ornaments. My sister brought some plain glass ornaments that she had saved. My daughter in law gave us a tutorial on how to do pour paint art and then demonstrated the technique. It was very fun. My other son and his wife joined us just in time to finish preparing the rest of the meal. Then my grandson called who has moved to another state. He was alone for Thanksgiving and told us that after he finished eating his mac and cheese, a neighbor came to the door with turkey dinner. Everyone was so grateful for their generosity. My daughter in law did start crying during the call. Our meal was delicious. Starting the day off with God and gratitude, and ending the day with family, fun, and food made for a blessed Thanksgiving day.

I Found God today with much to be grateful for.

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Universal Church

Posted by eph21920 on November 26, 2025 in Connected, Faith, Life, Prayer, Struggles

One of the things I appreciate most about being Catholic is the universality. You can go to Mass anywhere in the world and it will consist of the same prayers and scripture readings. I have been listening to and praying with the Hallow app for a couple of years now. Recently, as part of the daily reflection, we have been encouraged to remember and pray for specific people who have been killed in Nigeria because of their religion. We were told today that near 300 children were kidnapped from a Catholic school there. The Christian community is being persecuted relentlessly. The Hallow app has been downloaded millions of times all around the world. Today at the end of the reflection and prayer, there was a link to a short video from a bishop in Nigeria. He realized all the prayers for their people, thanked everyone, encouraged the continuation of the prayers, and blessed all those listening. I am humbled to think that I am part of over 1 million people who are making specific prayers. And I do believe it will make a difference.

I Found God today realizing the impact of a universal church.

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Just Be Held

Posted by eph21920 on November 25, 2025 in Answer, Faith, Grateful, Healing, Life, Love

I saw a quote this evening that touched my heart.

I Found God today reminded to just allow Him to hold me.

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Difficulty of Priesthood

Posted by eph21920 on November 24, 2025 in Faith, Grace, Humility, Job, Life, Prayer, Priest, Sacrifice, Struggles

A friend of mine shared something he read that gave insight into the difficulties of being a priest. As I read it, I thought about how true these statements are. I was remembering when I worked in a parish and how so many times people expected the pastor to be a certain way or act a certain way. I also thanked God for those who appreciate priests for who they are and especially for those who pray for them.

The Catholic Priesthood: The Silent Abuse of Priests the World Refuses to Talk About.

In today’s world, being a priest has become a dangerous vocation, not because of persecution, but because of public opinion. Society has created an impossible checklist, a rigged game where the priest loses before he even begins.

If he walks with women, he’s automatically a womanizer.

If he walks with men, he’s suddenly gay;

If he is seen with children, he’s a suspected pedophile.

If he sits beside an elderly woman, she’s his sugar mummy.

If he helps an elderly man, that’s his sugar daddy.

If he keeps a distance, he is proud.

If he mingles too much, he’s desperate for attention.

If he spends time with the elderly, he is outdated.

If he spends time with the youth, he is trying too hard.

If his homily is long, he is boring.

If it is short, he is unprepared.

If he speaks loudly, he is shouting.

If softly, he is weak.

If he drives a car, he’s worldly.

If he doesn’t, he’s unserious about pastoral work.

If he visits families, he’s intruding.

If he doesn’t, he’s uncaring.

If he asks for donations, he’s money  oriented and greedy.

If he avoids mentioning money, he’s proud or secretive.

If he is young, he is inexperienced.

If he is old, he should retire.

In the court of public judgment, priests are always guilty. Yet, the same people who tear priests down expect them to be spiritual giants, available 24/7, emotionally perfect, morally spotless, financially humble, liturgically flawless, socially active, academically brilliant, and physically tireless.

No human being can meet these standards. Not one. But somehow, we expect priests to.

Many people don’t want holy priests, they want perfect machines. Yet they also want those machines to behave like servants who must never complain. This is why priests silently bleed. Behind every Mass is a man who is exhausted. Behind every smile is someone who is judged unfairly.

Behind every mistake is someone who is crucified without mercy.

It takes a truly courageous man to say yes to God in a world drowning in pleasure, lust, and self-worship. It takes a self-denying man to choose sacrifice over comfort. It takes a spiritually brave man to stand at the altar every day, knowing he will be judged by the same people he prays for.

If you truly love your priest, don’t wait for scandals, sickness, crises, or burnout to pray for him.

Support him now.

Pray for him now.

Stand with him now.

Because while the world sees a collar…

God sees a man carrying a cross that is heavier than anyone imagines.

This December, as you travel back to your families and prepare to celebrate the joy of Christmas, do something different. Do something intentional.

Buy a Christmas gift for the priest in your parish. It doesn’t have to be expensive. It doesn’t have to be big. Even a small item, something thoughtful, something simple, is enough.

After Mass, don’t rush home. Walk into the sacristy, look at your priest, and say:

“Padre, Happy Christmas. Thank you for serving us.”

You have no idea how far that small act of kindness can go, how it can strengthen a tired priest, uplift a discouraged one, or remind a lonely one that he is loved, appreciated, and remembered.

A simple gift.

A simple greeting.

A simple gesture of love.

Let’s make this Christmas a healing one for our priests.

I Found God today reminded of the importance of praying for and appreciating our priests.

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Christs’ Kingdom

Posted by eph21920 on November 23, 2025 in Connected, Faith, Humility, Jesus, Life, Prayer, Sacrifice, Stranger, Struggles

Today is the Feast of Christ the King. I always feel a special sense of joy on this day as it is the name of my previous parish where there are many wonderful memories and still very faithful friends. At Mass today, the priest talked about our mission to share the Kingdom of God here on earth. He gave an example of what that can look like. He and a friend were visiting a holy place where it was common to ascend the stairs while praying on your knees. It was a crowded place and some people were hurriedly getting in front of others and people were getting pushed aside. The priest and his friend were also climbing the stairs on their knees. They caught up to a woman who was going very slowly. Others went right on by. But the priest realized the woman was in  agony and physically could not get her leg up to the next step. He looked at his friend who had received the same message. They went to either side of her and physically helped her go on up, one step at a time. Soon another person came along beside them and laid a blanket on the next step. Then the impatience ended, the space got quieter and holier. No one tried to get past them. Everyone had banded together and ascended the stairs helping one another, patient and loving. It was a touching, relevant story for the day.

I Found God today in a story of people caring for one another.

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