Most important words...

"Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted."
Matthew 23:12

When I was in seventh and eighth grade, I used to walk to my dad's office at the newspaper and catch a ride home with him. I often waited (and waited) for him to finish his busy day and one thing I often read over and over was a statement he had on his wall. It started at the bottom with the "Ten most important words" and then went up to the single most important word and finally the LEAST most important word. For the purpose of today's message, I will fill you in on the six most important words: "I admit I made a mistake." I remember thinking this whatever-it-was on my dad's wall was so right on! I really learned from it, even at an age when not much got through to me (remember I was in seventh/eighth grade!) I admit I made a mistake. It speaks to this gospel today. It is indeed humbling to admit we make mistakes, but we sure do make them, don't we? It is rather grown up to admit it when we make a mistake. Maybe that it is a sign we ARE grown up! So, let it be known here in this vast Internetland! I make mistakes! Many per day, in fact, despite my efforts not to make them. And also, in case you are wondering, the three most important words are "I am sorry," the two most important words are "thank you," the single most important word is "please" and the least important word is "I." See, isn't that good? Love, heidi

Set the stones down...

"Stop judging and you will not be judged."
Luke 6:37

Last night, during his homily, Father explained some of the items, in the front of the church, the liturgical committee has used to "decorate" for Lent. Among the items were several rocks of various sizes. He explained that those rocks are there to remind us not to cast stones; as in Jesus saying, whoever is without sin, may cast the first stone. We throw stones at each other when we judge each other. We may not be as obvious as picking up one of the rocks in front of the altar and hurling it at our neighbor, but we throw stones of gossip and rocks of ill-will. Lent is a great time to be aware of our tendencies to judge others. We learned in the homily that, once we identify these bad habits and sins, we can carry them to Jerusalem and lay them down at the foot of the cross. I have a wagon full of stones, dear Friends...and it's getting heavy! Let's keep trudging toward Jerusalem! Love, heidi

Invite God in!

"I trust in the Lord; my soul trusts in his word."
Psalm 130:5

Last night as I drifted off to sleep, I thought about the times during the day I felt God's presence. I came up with quite a list! (I could have come up with more, but the Divine gift of sleep took over). There was the work situation I wasn't handling well until a better solution just popped into my head. There was the weather-related change-of-plans that worked out so beautifully--the met the nicest couple! There was community, laughter and fun at my dance class. And, there was a lovely time of peacefulness just playing the guitar and singing to my dogs. In each of those times, I can see God's footprints in my day. The moral of the story is this: If you invite God into your day, God comes. Love, heidi

Move on!

"The great temptation is to cling in anger to our enemies and then define ourselves as being offended and wounded by them. Forgiveness, therefore, liberates not only the other but also ourselves."
Henri Nouwen, "Bread for the Journey: A Daybook of Wisdom and Faith"

Such a wise statement! We can churn ourselves into butter in anger and bitterness and for what? The person we are angry with may have no awareness that we are even offended! What a waste of energy! Forgiving others frees us up to move on with our lives and not waste precious time plotting revenge or robbing ourselves of joy. It's Lent. Time to move on. Love, heidi

We are fam-i-ly

"If you forgive men their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you do not forgive men, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions."
Matthew 6:14-15

If Jesus could have sky-written this across the middle-eastern sky he would have done so...such an important lesson, this. It can be so contrary to our usual human tendency the people of Jesus' day were shocked, and often dismayed, to hear it. This, along with, "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you," (Matthew 5:44) are perhaps the hardest lessons we have to learn from Jesus. But, learn them, we must. Lent is a good time to reflect on who we need to forgive and who we need to ask for forgivenss. We, all human persons, are family, in God. Love, heidi

Love your neighbor!

"You shall not bear hatred for your brother in your heart...Take no revenge and cherish no grudge against your fellow countrymen. You shall love your neighbor as yourself."
Leviticus 19:17, 18

As it happens, having gone to mass Saturday evening, I spent yesterday completely on my own. I didn't talk to anyone except the cashier at Winco and my dogs. (By the way, I cherish days like this!) In reflecting on the day last night, I realized I felt better about my behavior. I wasn't around others, therefore, I was able to keep from gossiping, judging, bothering and I, briefly, cherished no grudge against my fellow countrymen. But, that is not a practical solution! Removing yourself from the world can be refreshing and wonderful, as I discovered on my silent retreat, but, eventually, you must return to the world, suck it up, and try harder to behave yourself! This first, full week of Lent, let's really try to love our neighbors...especially when we are amongst them! Love, heidi