This past year has been one of the most eye opening years of my life in ministry. Now, I am not just talking about youth ministry, but ministry as a whole. Ministry is something that every person is called to in their life. Ministry, to me, is encouraging others to create a personal relationship with Christ through service, prayer, and the sharing of God's word and our own personal relationship with God to others. Recently, I have been inspired to minister to everyone around me in so many different ways. I mean you see such holy people like Pope Francis who is not only preaching the Gospel, but is living it. He especially calls each of us to be charitable and servants to those who may not have anything. The question is: Are we called to be exactly like Pope Francis? Not exactly.
Now this is when all the people who work in ministry are like Jake what are you talking about. I think you have lost it. (which I probably have) But the reason I say not exactly is because ministry is different for every single person. Seeing the difference in our Popes is a prime example. Pope Francis has been that example to how we should go out and support the poor. Pope Benedict was a great example of how a person should live a prayerful life and he continues to be that example today as he has dedicated the rest his life to prayer. These two holy people held the same position, but approached ministry in two different ways. Both preached the gospel. Both lead our church towards God. Both were prime examples of how we should live our life. Both approached ministry in different ways.
Like I said previously, ministry should be part of every single person's life, but ministry should be made your own. A lot of times people question the way I approach youth ministry at my parish in Juneau. They see me acting like a fool with my teens and playing a lot of games. While I talk to my teens I tell a lot of stories about my life and never shy from showing emotion. (Yes I do look like a crazy man in youth group) The only thing people fail to see is those times inside and outside of youth group that I get to talk to my teens about Catholic teachings on a more personal level. Those are the moments I cherish the most and come to find important to me in my ministry. I could try to copy all the other youth groups I have been to or helped out with, but then it wouldn't fit me or my group. Anyone who tells you that there is only one way to minister to teens is wrong. The only constant I have found within ministry is the teachings of the Catholic Church. How we get that to the people around us is all on our own.
Ministry is what you make it. Some people may think that I'm just the crazy youth minister in Juneau, but I know I am doing God's will in the way he created me to do it. I'm not suppose to be a priest right now or go out and fully dedicate my life to feeding the hungry. Right now I am suppose to be here in Juneau and helping teens develop a relationship with Christ. God calls each of us to make disciples of all nations. Each of us are called to make those disciples in our own way.
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
A New Friend and Inspiration
I have lived in Alaska for little over a year now and recently more than ever I have been getting inspiration to write more and more. This writing will be a little different from the rest of my writings recently. This writing really has nothing to do with any part of my life, but what I have witnessed from a man that people know little about. A man who comes and goes at the church that most people see as the strange guy who talks to himself. Recently, this man has a completely different effect on me. This man's name is Gary and has become somewhat of an inspiration to me.
First, I feel that I should introduce you to Gary. Gary is the homeless man who seems to live in the woods somewhere near my parish and always seems to be around the parish when I am working. Gary has many different problems that are quite visible to others and cause people to avoid him most the time. When I first got to know Gary I was slightly scared of him to be honest. Whenever he was around he would pace back and forth cursing at himself and talking to himself. He was always a person to say hi, but still I tried to avoid him because I never knew what he was going to do. This idea of Gary has seriously changed in the past few weeks. Especially today.
Today, was the first day of snow in Juneau, Alaska. Which means everything is completely white and it is absolutely freezing outside. (very different from where I grew up) All you really want to do is stay inside and curl up I a ball. Well it being the day before our diocesan Synod, it meant that the snow was just another obstacle in the mass amount of work we had to do today. First part of this long day of moving chairs and tables was unloading a packing truck. As I climb up in the truck to grab the chairs I turn to find that Gary is there to help me out. No one asked him but he just seemed to show up. As we begin to unload the truck I have my first conversation with Gary. Now, let me remind you that I have been here for a year and Gary is always around. Today was different. Gary being homeless I ask the normal question like "how are you staying warm" and "how is the snow treating you". Gary answers those questions with simple answers. Gary then begins to tell me how he hopes everything is alright and how he thinks he could fix our door if we need him to. To most people this means nothing, but to me I saw a completely different side.
Among the other parts of the conversation Gary began to show me that he just cared. He made sure I didn't lift things by myself so I wouldn't hurt my back and checked if I needed anything before he disappeared somewhere else. To me he seemed to be that angel who would be there when I need him and then disappear. For some reason though Gary talking about the door stuck with me. People walk through those doors every single day, knowing that they are old and letting air blow through them, but Gary was the one who stepped up to take initiative. For the first time I realized that to Gary all of us at the parish aren't just people he sees everyday walk by him. He has an appreciation for all of us.
I said in the beginning of the blog that today Gary became an inspiration to me. He is. This man has almost nothing but the clothes he wears on his back. He comes and goes at the church trying to make sure not disturb people, but always willing to step in and help. People don't seem to notice him for the little things he does, but when he is looking for food or a warm place to stay for a while. Gary to me became much more than that. He today showed me what it means to be a person of God. He asks for very little, but seems to give so much. Sometimes the people in this world who have the bare minimum seem to know the most about how to properly live. Everyone seems to have their own "Gary" in their parish or community. Stop and think for a minute: This person has so little and asks for even less. What can I do to show Christ to this person. I know after today I will have a different look on Gary and I hope the rest of you will do the same.
"All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I had been eager to do." Galatians 2:10
First, I feel that I should introduce you to Gary. Gary is the homeless man who seems to live in the woods somewhere near my parish and always seems to be around the parish when I am working. Gary has many different problems that are quite visible to others and cause people to avoid him most the time. When I first got to know Gary I was slightly scared of him to be honest. Whenever he was around he would pace back and forth cursing at himself and talking to himself. He was always a person to say hi, but still I tried to avoid him because I never knew what he was going to do. This idea of Gary has seriously changed in the past few weeks. Especially today.
Today, was the first day of snow in Juneau, Alaska. Which means everything is completely white and it is absolutely freezing outside. (very different from where I grew up) All you really want to do is stay inside and curl up I a ball. Well it being the day before our diocesan Synod, it meant that the snow was just another obstacle in the mass amount of work we had to do today. First part of this long day of moving chairs and tables was unloading a packing truck. As I climb up in the truck to grab the chairs I turn to find that Gary is there to help me out. No one asked him but he just seemed to show up. As we begin to unload the truck I have my first conversation with Gary. Now, let me remind you that I have been here for a year and Gary is always around. Today was different. Gary being homeless I ask the normal question like "how are you staying warm" and "how is the snow treating you". Gary answers those questions with simple answers. Gary then begins to tell me how he hopes everything is alright and how he thinks he could fix our door if we need him to. To most people this means nothing, but to me I saw a completely different side.
Among the other parts of the conversation Gary began to show me that he just cared. He made sure I didn't lift things by myself so I wouldn't hurt my back and checked if I needed anything before he disappeared somewhere else. To me he seemed to be that angel who would be there when I need him and then disappear. For some reason though Gary talking about the door stuck with me. People walk through those doors every single day, knowing that they are old and letting air blow through them, but Gary was the one who stepped up to take initiative. For the first time I realized that to Gary all of us at the parish aren't just people he sees everyday walk by him. He has an appreciation for all of us.
I said in the beginning of the blog that today Gary became an inspiration to me. He is. This man has almost nothing but the clothes he wears on his back. He comes and goes at the church trying to make sure not disturb people, but always willing to step in and help. People don't seem to notice him for the little things he does, but when he is looking for food or a warm place to stay for a while. Gary to me became much more than that. He today showed me what it means to be a person of God. He asks for very little, but seems to give so much. Sometimes the people in this world who have the bare minimum seem to know the most about how to properly live. Everyone seems to have their own "Gary" in their parish or community. Stop and think for a minute: This person has so little and asks for even less. What can I do to show Christ to this person. I know after today I will have a different look on Gary and I hope the rest of you will do the same.
"All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I had been eager to do." Galatians 2:10
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Can We Be Saints?
Anyone that reads my blog should know by now that I talk about people I know all the time. Recently I have been writing a lot more about my loved ones like my family, friends, and girlfriend. Well the other day my girlfriend and I were talking and she said something to me that really hit deep. Three simple words, "Lets be Saints." Now, at this point your probably thinking, Jake you have been in Alaska way too long and you are starting to lose it. False. Anyone that doesn't see beauty in that statement is a fool and I will explain why.
Are we not called to be Saints? Are we not made to live our lives with God's purpose on the forefront of our minds, always striving for excellence? We are called to live as saints. God did not make us to waste our lives away with meaningless tasks, but to live a life dedicated to Him and with a purpose. My most favorite verse in the bible speaks to the idea that we are made for excellence and to be the examples of saints.
1 Timothy 4:12 "Let no one have contempt for your youth, but set an example for those who believe through speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity."
That verse right there is God's way of calling you out and telling you that you are made for more. Through your actions and everything you do you should be a shining example of the Lord. This verse is God's way of telling us to be saints. The way we need to live our lives every single day never wavering from the truth about His purpose for us all. We don't only need to show example through our actions, but above all else we can not become saints without the guidance of God. We must surrender ourselves at the foot of the cross and ask God to take control of our life. Allow him to do his work through you and make choices with God in mind.
As we get closer to All Saints Day, we should all begin to look at the saints lives and see how they sacrificed their life for. May it be St. Peter who is the rock of our church living his life the way God asked him to do or as St. Lawrence while being flayed alive he still refuse to denounce his faith. Even people like St. Augustine who struggled with sins all throughout his life, but finally recognizing that God had a purpose for him. All of these dedicated their lives to God as we are called to do. God forgave each of them for their past sins and those are the holy people that I want to hang out with when I go to heaven.
On this day we should reflect. Are we choosing to live as Saints or are we sliding by hoping to reach heaven? After my girlfriend said "lets be saints", without missing a beat I responded "sounds good to me, lets do it."
Are we not called to be Saints? Are we not made to live our lives with God's purpose on the forefront of our minds, always striving for excellence? We are called to live as saints. God did not make us to waste our lives away with meaningless tasks, but to live a life dedicated to Him and with a purpose. My most favorite verse in the bible speaks to the idea that we are made for excellence and to be the examples of saints.
1 Timothy 4:12 "Let no one have contempt for your youth, but set an example for those who believe through speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity."
That verse right there is God's way of calling you out and telling you that you are made for more. Through your actions and everything you do you should be a shining example of the Lord. This verse is God's way of telling us to be saints. The way we need to live our lives every single day never wavering from the truth about His purpose for us all. We don't only need to show example through our actions, but above all else we can not become saints without the guidance of God. We must surrender ourselves at the foot of the cross and ask God to take control of our life. Allow him to do his work through you and make choices with God in mind.
As we get closer to All Saints Day, we should all begin to look at the saints lives and see how they sacrificed their life for. May it be St. Peter who is the rock of our church living his life the way God asked him to do or as St. Lawrence while being flayed alive he still refuse to denounce his faith. Even people like St. Augustine who struggled with sins all throughout his life, but finally recognizing that God had a purpose for him. All of these dedicated their lives to God as we are called to do. God forgave each of them for their past sins and those are the holy people that I want to hang out with when I go to heaven.
On this day we should reflect. Are we choosing to live as Saints or are we sliding by hoping to reach heaven? After my girlfriend said "lets be saints", without missing a beat I responded "sounds good to me, lets do it."
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Dating = Discernment
This past weekend I was blessed to have my girl friend come up and visit me. She is wonderful woman who is completely passionate about her faith and truly lives her faith in everything she does. For any of you that don't know anything about my relationship it is quite a unique. I met my girlfriend while we were in college but we didn't start dating until I moved to Alaska a year after I graduated. I have seen her three times since we started dating and one of those times we hung out for a few hours while I was passing through Charlotte on my way back from World Youth Days. The reason I tell you this is to show you that being able to just be with her is very special to me. Not because we need a physical side to our relationship to strive because we are very pure in our relationship, but the fact that I get to see her face to face while we talk about faith and get to go to mass together means the world to me. The most interesting conversation we have is our views on dating and the discernment process.
Technically, me and her are "girlfriend" and "boyfriend", but in the vocation aspect we are both considered single. Now, this does not mean that I can go on dates with any woman or kiss any girl I see. I still am committed to her as being my potential spouse. There are major differences though, between being in a relationship with a woman and actually marrying her. Here, are three major points that show that dating is still a discernment process compared to a vocation.
1. Relationships can end at anytime while marriages are a life long commitment. When you begin to date someone there is normally some form of an attraction to the other person that sparks your interest. You beginning dating them because you want to get to know someone and this relationship has the potential to grow into something more. Dating someone for the first time doesn't mean you are going to spend the rest of your life with them. Marriage is a sacrament that calls for each person to spend the rest of their lives with each other.
2. Prayer. Praying in a relationship compared to praying in a marriage are vastly different. While it is important to pray for your counterpart in a relationship it is ultimately more important to pray that God will continue to guide you towards you and your counterparts vocation. May that vocation be marriage or some religious order, you should put that decision into God's hand. In marriage you not only are praying for yourself or spouse, but also for the success of your relationship. Though in both a relationship and marriage you should pray that God remains the center, in a relationship for God to be center you must be open to his ultimate plan for you even if that is not marriage.
3. Purity vs. Pro creation. Now this last point may seem a little strange, but I find this one is to be the most important. This last point incorporates the last two and is one of the hardest for people in relationships today. Purity in a relationship is simple. Like I stated before a relationship can end at any time even if you think that you are going to "marry" this person. If you take away the purity of a woman you are not only hurting her, but you are taking that away from her future spouse. Sex is made for marriage and to pro create. Sex is not made for our enjoyment but to be a beautiful act that we share with one person in marriage. We are called to protect the purity of every person and wait until marriage to participate in an act such as procreation.
These reasons show that dating is not something we do, but a part of our discernment process that God puts us through. It is put on us to choose how to enter in this discernment process. I am thankful to know that currently in my discernment process I am supported by a wonderful woman. I pray that everyone that reads this recognizes the call to continue to discernment until the day you are married or ordained. God should be in the center of all things that we do and we must surrender ourselves at the foot of the cross to recognize that. Galatians 2:20 "So that it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me. This life that I live now, I live by Faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave his life for me."
Technically, me and her are "girlfriend" and "boyfriend", but in the vocation aspect we are both considered single. Now, this does not mean that I can go on dates with any woman or kiss any girl I see. I still am committed to her as being my potential spouse. There are major differences though, between being in a relationship with a woman and actually marrying her. Here, are three major points that show that dating is still a discernment process compared to a vocation.
1. Relationships can end at anytime while marriages are a life long commitment. When you begin to date someone there is normally some form of an attraction to the other person that sparks your interest. You beginning dating them because you want to get to know someone and this relationship has the potential to grow into something more. Dating someone for the first time doesn't mean you are going to spend the rest of your life with them. Marriage is a sacrament that calls for each person to spend the rest of their lives with each other.
2. Prayer. Praying in a relationship compared to praying in a marriage are vastly different. While it is important to pray for your counterpart in a relationship it is ultimately more important to pray that God will continue to guide you towards you and your counterparts vocation. May that vocation be marriage or some religious order, you should put that decision into God's hand. In marriage you not only are praying for yourself or spouse, but also for the success of your relationship. Though in both a relationship and marriage you should pray that God remains the center, in a relationship for God to be center you must be open to his ultimate plan for you even if that is not marriage.
3. Purity vs. Pro creation. Now this last point may seem a little strange, but I find this one is to be the most important. This last point incorporates the last two and is one of the hardest for people in relationships today. Purity in a relationship is simple. Like I stated before a relationship can end at any time even if you think that you are going to "marry" this person. If you take away the purity of a woman you are not only hurting her, but you are taking that away from her future spouse. Sex is made for marriage and to pro create. Sex is not made for our enjoyment but to be a beautiful act that we share with one person in marriage. We are called to protect the purity of every person and wait until marriage to participate in an act such as procreation.
These reasons show that dating is not something we do, but a part of our discernment process that God puts us through. It is put on us to choose how to enter in this discernment process. I am thankful to know that currently in my discernment process I am supported by a wonderful woman. I pray that everyone that reads this recognizes the call to continue to discernment until the day you are married or ordained. God should be in the center of all things that we do and we must surrender ourselves at the foot of the cross to recognize that. Galatians 2:20 "So that it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me. This life that I live now, I live by Faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave his life for me."
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
Calling You Out
Men today are missing out on something very important. They walk through each day failing to notice the beauty that is right in front of them. They go around failing to be the Christian men God calls them to be, but boys who simply look after themselves. Most of you can guess the thing men are missing out on is the beauty of woman. Not just the beauty we physically see, but the beauty that Mary shows us by being the Mother of God. The beauty that men fail to recognize and protect the beauty in every woman. I am writing this blog not only to tell the men what they are missing out, but to call all men out. Call men out on their failure to recognize and protect this beauty.
First, guys have lost the importance of protecting the purity of a woman. One of the most beautiful parts of Mary is her purity. The fact that Joseph her husband protected it and understood the importance of her purity is an example that all men should follow. A woman that keeps her purity is not only showing respect for herself but shows to her future spouse. It is a mans duty to not only recognize the beauty in purity, but to protect and strive to be more like Joseph in all their relationships with a woman.
Second, this is probably one of the easiest things a man can do but fails to do. Men fail to tell women how truly beautiful they are. Today, it seems for a man to simply tell a woman she looks beautiful or gorgeous is difficult. Men feel that terms such as hot and fine are good enough terms to use for a woman. I hope the women who read this will agree with me, but the terms fine and hot seem to only address a woman's physical appearance. When a man tells a woman that she is beautiful and gorgeous it encompasses so much more. It encompasses the way a woman holds herself, her purity, and the way she lives her life for God. Men these are two simple terms that every woman wants to hear from us.
Finally, every man can admit that the greatest struggle for a man is lust. I mean God created women to be beautiful. The problem with this struggle of lust is that we give into it too much. Guys we are weak and feel that giving into lust is the only answer. We fail to recognize that every time we give into this temptation we are disrespecting the dignity of women more and more. We are called to be the protectors of the beauty and dignity of a woman, but rather care for ourselves and our personal pleasures. Guys this is not only cowardly but the worst thing we can do. We were made for greater and every woman should challenge a man to be greater than he is today.
Jesus did not sacrifice himself on the cross to look out for our own pleasures and desire. Jesus was crucified so that we were freed from our sins. We are called to support each other in all the struggles in the world. Recognizing that God has created beauty all around us and purity is the greatest beauty that any of us could obtain. Men I challenge you right now to stop looking out for your own pleasures, but begin to recognize and protect the greatest beauty God ever created and that is the woman that surround everyday. Women I challenge to call out those men who stand around constantly being boys and challenge them to be the men that God has called them to be.
First, guys have lost the importance of protecting the purity of a woman. One of the most beautiful parts of Mary is her purity. The fact that Joseph her husband protected it and understood the importance of her purity is an example that all men should follow. A woman that keeps her purity is not only showing respect for herself but shows to her future spouse. It is a mans duty to not only recognize the beauty in purity, but to protect and strive to be more like Joseph in all their relationships with a woman.
Second, this is probably one of the easiest things a man can do but fails to do. Men fail to tell women how truly beautiful they are. Today, it seems for a man to simply tell a woman she looks beautiful or gorgeous is difficult. Men feel that terms such as hot and fine are good enough terms to use for a woman. I hope the women who read this will agree with me, but the terms fine and hot seem to only address a woman's physical appearance. When a man tells a woman that she is beautiful and gorgeous it encompasses so much more. It encompasses the way a woman holds herself, her purity, and the way she lives her life for God. Men these are two simple terms that every woman wants to hear from us.
Finally, every man can admit that the greatest struggle for a man is lust. I mean God created women to be beautiful. The problem with this struggle of lust is that we give into it too much. Guys we are weak and feel that giving into lust is the only answer. We fail to recognize that every time we give into this temptation we are disrespecting the dignity of women more and more. We are called to be the protectors of the beauty and dignity of a woman, but rather care for ourselves and our personal pleasures. Guys this is not only cowardly but the worst thing we can do. We were made for greater and every woman should challenge a man to be greater than he is today.
Jesus did not sacrifice himself on the cross to look out for our own pleasures and desire. Jesus was crucified so that we were freed from our sins. We are called to support each other in all the struggles in the world. Recognizing that God has created beauty all around us and purity is the greatest beauty that any of us could obtain. Men I challenge you right now to stop looking out for your own pleasures, but begin to recognize and protect the greatest beauty God ever created and that is the woman that surround everyday. Women I challenge to call out those men who stand around constantly being boys and challenge them to be the men that God has called them to be.
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Feast of Guardian Angels
Standing atop a waterfall looking down thinking that I could die and my only option at this point is to jump. My legs are quivering and my body not allowing me to jump off I stop an say a little prayer. Not just any ordinary prayer, but a prayer directly focused on my guardian angel. Praying that not only will my guardian angel grant me protection, but catch me or something so that I don't hit that water too hard. Obviously I survived that jump because I am writing this right now.
Looking back at that moment I now picture as I jump my guardian angel catches me like the angels do in the movie "Angels in the Outfield." In reality I never know how my guardian angel helped me on that day. To be honest we know very little about Angels all together. But here are a few things I can tell you about my guardian angel.
1. I am pretty sure my guardian angel is one of those angels that everyone in heaven knows about. I have been in moments where I am so raptured in fear that I can't move. The feeling of not succeeding or being scared to death overtake me so much that I begin quiver and can't speak and anyone that knows me knows that I always have something to say. I can guarantee you that in those moments I stop and say a little prayer to my guardian angel and the feeling of warmth fills me.
2. What is more awesome than knowing that an angel is right there with you fighting off all the evil that encompasses this world around you. I picture this huge being standing over me with chains in one hand and a sword in the opposite hand. Every day he is battling off anything that tries to face me and grants me an opportunity to do my ministry and live my life with sheer joy.
3. I never would have gotten through this past year without my guardian angel. Guardian angels help you in those vulnerable times. Times like this past year when I am without my friends, my family, and most importantly those people who constantly supported me in my faith; my guardian angel was right there next to me. Never wavering and always supporting me.
Now I am not failing to recognize that God was truly present in these moments. God is always present in my life. He is my rock to my faith. I strongly believe and take this day the feast of guardian angels to recognize another part of my faith. A part of my faith that God blessed us with to be our protection and guidance. Today is the day to give respect and life up everyone's guardian angels. I ask that everyone step back and think of your guardian think. Think of those times that you sit in fear and recognize your not. You no longer have to do it alone, but are protected and guided. Today I pray that my guardian angel will continue to be with me in all my ministries as I move forward and I pray that everyone does the same.
Looking back at that moment I now picture as I jump my guardian angel catches me like the angels do in the movie "Angels in the Outfield." In reality I never know how my guardian angel helped me on that day. To be honest we know very little about Angels all together. But here are a few things I can tell you about my guardian angel.
1. I am pretty sure my guardian angel is one of those angels that everyone in heaven knows about. I have been in moments where I am so raptured in fear that I can't move. The feeling of not succeeding or being scared to death overtake me so much that I begin quiver and can't speak and anyone that knows me knows that I always have something to say. I can guarantee you that in those moments I stop and say a little prayer to my guardian angel and the feeling of warmth fills me.
2. What is more awesome than knowing that an angel is right there with you fighting off all the evil that encompasses this world around you. I picture this huge being standing over me with chains in one hand and a sword in the opposite hand. Every day he is battling off anything that tries to face me and grants me an opportunity to do my ministry and live my life with sheer joy.
3. I never would have gotten through this past year without my guardian angel. Guardian angels help you in those vulnerable times. Times like this past year when I am without my friends, my family, and most importantly those people who constantly supported me in my faith; my guardian angel was right there next to me. Never wavering and always supporting me.
Now I am not failing to recognize that God was truly present in these moments. God is always present in my life. He is my rock to my faith. I strongly believe and take this day the feast of guardian angels to recognize another part of my faith. A part of my faith that God blessed us with to be our protection and guidance. Today is the day to give respect and life up everyone's guardian angels. I ask that everyone step back and think of your guardian think. Think of those times that you sit in fear and recognize your not. You no longer have to do it alone, but are protected and guided. Today I pray that my guardian angel will continue to be with me in all my ministries as I move forward and I pray that everyone does the same.
Monday, July 8, 2013
Nourishment
Have you ever wondered why things that are pleasurable for a moment are considered sinful? I have. When I was in high school I would sit in my room on a Saturday night and wonder why I choose not to go to a party. Why not going and smoke weed with my classmates? Why did I never go out and get drunk on the weekends? Back then I had no idea what to do. I would be overwhelmed with feelings of being an outsider and not being wanted by others. I soon realized that I was completely wrong.
The world we live in today is simply a world of pleasure. Everything that is being promoted in the society around us is based off our need for happiness. For instance, when you drink alcohol you begin to lessen your senses. Your body begins to lose feeling and you get a slight sense of happiness for a moment. People drink more and more just for the moment to have that feeling. That happiness never lasts though. For instance, if you drink too much you wake up the next morning feeling like garbage and sometimes not even knowing what happen the night before. The world fails to recognize another way of fulfilling that happiness needed for people to live a successful life.
People constantly fail to realize every single day that they are loved. Even those that have nobody and never found a place. There is one place that we are always welcomed and loved and that is in the arms of our Father. The Love of another is the greatest nourishment that we need. We don't need those false pleasures that give us a moment of happiness. We need that nourishment that will last forever and never wears off. God is the only nourishment that we ever need. Every Sunday I go to mass knowing that I will receive that nourishment. Knowing that once I consume the Eucharist God will fully take over and will fill me with love and compassion. Now, just consuming the Eucharist is not enough. You must recognize that in that Eucharist it is Jesus Christ and he is fully present there. The key word to this whole understanding is recognizing. If you never fully recognize that God is present then you will never obtain this nourishment. If you never recognize that the Eucharist is the body and blood of Jesus Christ then you will not fully receive this nourishment. God does not make us to live a life of depression, but to be truly happy in everything we do.
The world we live in today is simply a world of pleasure. Everything that is being promoted in the society around us is based off our need for happiness. For instance, when you drink alcohol you begin to lessen your senses. Your body begins to lose feeling and you get a slight sense of happiness for a moment. People drink more and more just for the moment to have that feeling. That happiness never lasts though. For instance, if you drink too much you wake up the next morning feeling like garbage and sometimes not even knowing what happen the night before. The world fails to recognize another way of fulfilling that happiness needed for people to live a successful life.
People constantly fail to realize every single day that they are loved. Even those that have nobody and never found a place. There is one place that we are always welcomed and loved and that is in the arms of our Father. The Love of another is the greatest nourishment that we need. We don't need those false pleasures that give us a moment of happiness. We need that nourishment that will last forever and never wears off. God is the only nourishment that we ever need. Every Sunday I go to mass knowing that I will receive that nourishment. Knowing that once I consume the Eucharist God will fully take over and will fill me with love and compassion. Now, just consuming the Eucharist is not enough. You must recognize that in that Eucharist it is Jesus Christ and he is fully present there. The key word to this whole understanding is recognizing. If you never fully recognize that God is present then you will never obtain this nourishment. If you never recognize that the Eucharist is the body and blood of Jesus Christ then you will not fully receive this nourishment. God does not make us to live a life of depression, but to be truly happy in everything we do.
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
What it Means to Be Catholic
Working for the church I feel like I am constantly told how wrong I am to be Catholic. That Catholics hate homsexuals, disrespect a woman's right to choose what to do about their body, and worship saints and Mary. I am here to state that is all wrong for many reasons. First, all those assumptions are wrong. I love homosexuals and those who say I don't you can ask one of my friends from college if I truly hate him. Marriage is a sacrament that is held between a man and a woman and does not say that I hate homosexuals. Secondly, I have the highest respect for woman, but I have a higher respect for everyone's God given right to live. Almost everyone would agree that killing is the taking of another persons life. If you believe the previous statement, then not allowing a child to live his or her life is killing. Thirdly, I don't worship saints or Mary. I always love having the most holy people I know pray for me. When I pray to the saints I am asking for their prayers because those are the people that have the closest relationship to God. Now, that we have all the issues out of the way we can get into what it really means to be Catholic.
I get tired of people constantly telling me that I am Catholic because of all the issues. To be Catholic goes beyond all the issues that the Catholic Church addresses. Catholicism is based on the relationship between God and the person. What does this mean? Well this is how I look at it. I know that every Sunday when I go to mass that I will be one with God when I accept the Body of Christ. Once the host is consecrated in Mass it is the truly the body of Christ. By accepting the Body of Christ I truly experience and feel the love of Jesus Christ. The basis of the Catholic religion starts from that initial relationship with the Man of Jesus Christ. Knowing that Jesus gave his life not only for a few people, but for the eternal Salvation of every person on Earth. If we never recognize the great sacrifice that God made for all of us, then our faith has no basis. This sign of sacrifice is our ultimate example of love. God calls each of us to love every single person in our lives. No matter the things they have done or the way they live. Our ultimate call is to show everyone the love with Jesus Christ and it all starts with our own personal experience of that love.
To sum this up in a very short blog this is what it means. I must recognize that God and me walk hand and hand together through every part of my day. The most important part of my faith is that he is always present in everything that I do. God then calls each of us to follow his word and his guidance. This is where the so called "issues" come into our life. Those issues do not involve the hatred and the condemning of others, but call to show those people the love God calls us to.
Galatian 2:20 "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
I get tired of people constantly telling me that I am Catholic because of all the issues. To be Catholic goes beyond all the issues that the Catholic Church addresses. Catholicism is based on the relationship between God and the person. What does this mean? Well this is how I look at it. I know that every Sunday when I go to mass that I will be one with God when I accept the Body of Christ. Once the host is consecrated in Mass it is the truly the body of Christ. By accepting the Body of Christ I truly experience and feel the love of Jesus Christ. The basis of the Catholic religion starts from that initial relationship with the Man of Jesus Christ. Knowing that Jesus gave his life not only for a few people, but for the eternal Salvation of every person on Earth. If we never recognize the great sacrifice that God made for all of us, then our faith has no basis. This sign of sacrifice is our ultimate example of love. God calls each of us to love every single person in our lives. No matter the things they have done or the way they live. Our ultimate call is to show everyone the love with Jesus Christ and it all starts with our own personal experience of that love.
To sum this up in a very short blog this is what it means. I must recognize that God and me walk hand and hand together through every part of my day. The most important part of my faith is that he is always present in everything that I do. God then calls each of us to follow his word and his guidance. This is where the so called "issues" come into our life. Those issues do not involve the hatred and the condemning of others, but call to show those people the love God calls us to.
Galatian 2:20 "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
Sunday, May 5, 2013
More than Whats in the Mirror
Today I sit and prepare for youth group on self image. I personally have always struggled with self image. I come from a family of beautiful people who are all incredibly intelligent. No one in my family has put that pressure on me but I have put the pressure on myself. I constantly compare myself to my brothers and even my sister. So for me the best help I can find is from God directly in the Bible. As I look through Bible verses there is one that sticks out to me.
Ephesians 2:10 "God has made us what we are, and in our union with Christ Jesus he has created us for a life of good deeds, which he has already prepared for us to do."
Now there are many reasons why this bible verse stuck out from the rest for me, but there are two main reasons that separate themselves from the rest. First, the very first part of the verse tells you everything you really need to know about self image. GOD has made us. God has never created junk, but creates things with a purpose and beauty. While living in Juneau you experience a ton of rainy days. Constantly searching for beauty in all the muck. Then comes about what we call a sucker hole. Where that little bit of sunshine breaks through the clouds and for a moment we see the beauty. The funny part about the sucker hole is that we focus solely on that moment. While God is constantly looking through the clouds knowing that God had created everything for beauty and greatness. This example relates directly to our own self image problems. Though we look in a mirror and see all that muck and darkness, there is always a sucker hole. We may not see that beauty and the sucker hole may take forever to come around, but God is constantly looking the clouds to see that beauty in us every single day.
Now, that only looks at the first half of that verse. The part that really hits me in the heart is "which he has already prepared us to do." So recently I have had this sudden urge to do these random "courageous" acts. I mean I just moved 5000 miles away from home knowing no one. I worked at a summer camp in the Blue Ridge mountains where for fun we went and jumped off 50 ft waterfalls. I am dying to go running with the bulls and plan to do it one day. So the other day my friend asked me "Jake, why do you do these things?" In my heart only one thing felt right. God does not create us to sit and watch the world pass us by, but he calls us for greatness. Now, I am not telling anyone to have the same mindset I do because I would have to say some of the things I do are just plain stupid. But in all things we do we should know that God has created us for this. We should do it to the best of our ability and not look back. God will empower us to break through any wall and give us the abilities to do his work.
"God does not create us for normality, but to be courageous and change the lives of those people around."
Ephesians 2:10 "God has made us what we are, and in our union with Christ Jesus he has created us for a life of good deeds, which he has already prepared for us to do."
Now there are many reasons why this bible verse stuck out from the rest for me, but there are two main reasons that separate themselves from the rest. First, the very first part of the verse tells you everything you really need to know about self image. GOD has made us. God has never created junk, but creates things with a purpose and beauty. While living in Juneau you experience a ton of rainy days. Constantly searching for beauty in all the muck. Then comes about what we call a sucker hole. Where that little bit of sunshine breaks through the clouds and for a moment we see the beauty. The funny part about the sucker hole is that we focus solely on that moment. While God is constantly looking through the clouds knowing that God had created everything for beauty and greatness. This example relates directly to our own self image problems. Though we look in a mirror and see all that muck and darkness, there is always a sucker hole. We may not see that beauty and the sucker hole may take forever to come around, but God is constantly looking the clouds to see that beauty in us every single day.
Now, that only looks at the first half of that verse. The part that really hits me in the heart is "which he has already prepared us to do." So recently I have had this sudden urge to do these random "courageous" acts. I mean I just moved 5000 miles away from home knowing no one. I worked at a summer camp in the Blue Ridge mountains where for fun we went and jumped off 50 ft waterfalls. I am dying to go running with the bulls and plan to do it one day. So the other day my friend asked me "Jake, why do you do these things?" In my heart only one thing felt right. God does not create us to sit and watch the world pass us by, but he calls us for greatness. Now, I am not telling anyone to have the same mindset I do because I would have to say some of the things I do are just plain stupid. But in all things we do we should know that God has created us for this. We should do it to the best of our ability and not look back. God will empower us to break through any wall and give us the abilities to do his work.
"God does not create us for normality, but to be courageous and change the lives of those people around."
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Dry Cleaners
Growing up whenever I pictured Heaven I pictured this big man with his huge beard in a giant throne. You all the angels flying around dressed in their white clothes. Everyone else walked around in their white suits perfectly cleaned without a spot on them. There would be tables full of food and in my eyes huge screen T.V.s playing football games all the time. Now, the thing that blew my mind is how everyone had such white suits. I mean can someone really have that clean of clothes. This is how I came to understand Purgatory.
Now Purgatory is one of those things that people see that Catholics just made up and makes no sense at all. If you talk to a lot of Catholics they have no real way to explain purgatory. Well I am going to make an attempt at explaining it in the way that I see it. When you get ready for a wedding or some large celebration you always wear your nicest clothes and make sure they are clean and spotless. I mean really do you want to be "that guy" with a salsa stain on your shirt. No! You would be highly embarrassed if you had that stain on your shirt at a wedding. Now, what is bigger than finally meeting with God. Nothing. So you want to make sure that you are nicely and clean. Now, the beauty about God is that he doesn't only see the clothes we are wearing or our physical features, but he sees how clean our soul is. Here comes purgatory.
Purgatory is like the dry cleaners that you take your suit to before a wedding. You want everything to be the cleanest it can be before you go to the wedding and it is the same when you go into heaven. Purgatory cleans all the muck that we have in our heart just like the dry cleaners cleans our suits. They make all of our clothes all nice and clean after we have made them all mucky over the years. So for me that seems like the simplest way to understand Purgatory which is a topic that can be very difficult to understand.
Now Purgatory is one of those things that people see that Catholics just made up and makes no sense at all. If you talk to a lot of Catholics they have no real way to explain purgatory. Well I am going to make an attempt at explaining it in the way that I see it. When you get ready for a wedding or some large celebration you always wear your nicest clothes and make sure they are clean and spotless. I mean really do you want to be "that guy" with a salsa stain on your shirt. No! You would be highly embarrassed if you had that stain on your shirt at a wedding. Now, what is bigger than finally meeting with God. Nothing. So you want to make sure that you are nicely and clean. Now, the beauty about God is that he doesn't only see the clothes we are wearing or our physical features, but he sees how clean our soul is. Here comes purgatory.
Purgatory is like the dry cleaners that you take your suit to before a wedding. You want everything to be the cleanest it can be before you go to the wedding and it is the same when you go into heaven. Purgatory cleans all the muck that we have in our heart just like the dry cleaners cleans our suits. They make all of our clothes all nice and clean after we have made them all mucky over the years. So for me that seems like the simplest way to understand Purgatory which is a topic that can be very difficult to understand.
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Fear
It seems that everyone is afraid of something. Some fears are silly, like my irrational fear of mayonnaise. Some fears are realistic and most people seem to be afraid of them, such as heights or the dark. But the most terrible types of fear seem to be the ones that you hold deep down in your heart. The ones that change the way you live and even make you want to cry when you think about them. These types of fears are the ones that we spend most of our time thinking about. I have come to realize that I personally have one of those fears.
I use to tell people that my greatest fear is the dark or heights. Other than that I. Am not really afraid of anything. Over the past few months I've realized that these are not my greatest fears. My greatest fear is living the rest of my life alone. Now, most people could say I am not alone because I have my teens and the people at the church. They would be right to a point. For parts of my day I am not alone and get to spend my day with wonderful people that I am so thankful for. Those parts of the day are not the times I think of being lonely. It is everyday knowing that I will come home to an empty house and spend the rest of my night alone. Now, before I continue this is not to make anyone feel sorry for me. This is a self reflection of my daily life that I feel most people should reflect on.
But to continue...
Normally when I come home I sit here looking at my empty house and think "God, where do I go from here?" I know that God wants me here in Alaska but I can't help but think is this how he wants me to spend the rest of my life. Does God want me to be alone forever? Anyone that knows me knows that I have full faith God will provide me with the perfect woman to start a family with. But again those of you who know me know that I am the king of screwing it up with these wonderful women in my life. So I sit here and wonder have I screwed it up already or does he want me to continue to wait. At night before I go to bed I look up at the ceiling scared that I will be alone forever. Living in a state of fear.
To fear there comes a way to overcome it and there does come a light to this darkness that I seem to live with. God has provided me with a beautiful gift called ADD. Yes I said a gift. I call it a gift because it allows my mind to wander like no one elses. It gives me time to think about people in my life that will always be there. May it be the most wonderful women in the world (my mom and sister), my brothers, my best friends who always seem to call me at the right time and even those who call me at the wrong ones. God has put these people in my life for reason. Even though this fear sometimes makes me tremble at the thought of it. I am thankful for it because it gives me something to look forward to and has provided me with a new outlook on the ones I love.
Tonight as I finish one of my most personal blogs I pray for those who read it and everyone that struggles with fear on a daily basis. That God protects them and empowers them to find the light in the darkness.
I use to tell people that my greatest fear is the dark or heights. Other than that I. Am not really afraid of anything. Over the past few months I've realized that these are not my greatest fears. My greatest fear is living the rest of my life alone. Now, most people could say I am not alone because I have my teens and the people at the church. They would be right to a point. For parts of my day I am not alone and get to spend my day with wonderful people that I am so thankful for. Those parts of the day are not the times I think of being lonely. It is everyday knowing that I will come home to an empty house and spend the rest of my night alone. Now, before I continue this is not to make anyone feel sorry for me. This is a self reflection of my daily life that I feel most people should reflect on.
But to continue...
Normally when I come home I sit here looking at my empty house and think "God, where do I go from here?" I know that God wants me here in Alaska but I can't help but think is this how he wants me to spend the rest of my life. Does God want me to be alone forever? Anyone that knows me knows that I have full faith God will provide me with the perfect woman to start a family with. But again those of you who know me know that I am the king of screwing it up with these wonderful women in my life. So I sit here and wonder have I screwed it up already or does he want me to continue to wait. At night before I go to bed I look up at the ceiling scared that I will be alone forever. Living in a state of fear.
To fear there comes a way to overcome it and there does come a light to this darkness that I seem to live with. God has provided me with a beautiful gift called ADD. Yes I said a gift. I call it a gift because it allows my mind to wander like no one elses. It gives me time to think about people in my life that will always be there. May it be the most wonderful women in the world (my mom and sister), my brothers, my best friends who always seem to call me at the right time and even those who call me at the wrong ones. God has put these people in my life for reason. Even though this fear sometimes makes me tremble at the thought of it. I am thankful for it because it gives me something to look forward to and has provided me with a new outlook on the ones I love.
Tonight as I finish one of my most personal blogs I pray for those who read it and everyone that struggles with fear on a daily basis. That God protects them and empowers them to find the light in the darkness.
Monday, March 11, 2013
No Longer the Follower
Have you ever wondered how Peter felt when he realized that it was his turn to step up and lead? Well I never had until recently. I mean just think about it. I wonder if Peter ever thought that he would be the rock of the Catholic Church. It must have been frightening to him to think its his turn to step up and lead. This man had spent the past years of his life following the Son of God. Now, the leadership has been bestowed on him to go and share the works of Jesus. That is incredibly intimidating. I kind of can relate to this feeling and it has hit me harder than usual recently.
My whole life I have based my faith on others leading me towards God. When I was in high school I was provided with a great youth group and wonderful people who believed in God. Their presence constantly pushed me towards God. I worked with a group called the Evangelization Team and it called for you to become closer to God. When I got into college I dated a wonderful Catholic woman who constantly challenged me in my faith. Its sad to say now but I relied on her to further my faith. After I broke up with her I was faced with the task of continuing my faith on my own. Anyone that knew me my senior year of college knows that this was a huge struggle for me. For the first time in my life I had no idea where to go with my faith. It didn't hit me until the spring of my senior year I was put in charge of running a confirmation retreat. I had worked this retreat for the past three years and now it was my turn to run the show. For the first time I had to lead others to God without relying on anyone else to help my spiritual growth. I remember that retreat so vividly because I began to see the youths faith grow and I remember thinking I could see myself doing this stuff forever. But how would I take that next step.
So to take that next step, after graduating I took a job as a youth minister in Juneau, Alaska. (Yes people live in Alaska)
I will state right now that I am so thankful for the opportunity that God has provided me. Even though I am thankful I am terrified at the same time. God has given me the opportunity to lead others to him. He has bestowed this great honor on me. Am I truly worthy to do this? Am I teaching the teens the things that God wants me to teach them? These are questions that consistently run through my head every time I am preparing for youth group. Some days I feel that I constantly live in a state of fear because I don't know where to go next. Sometimes I talk to my youth group and just pray that God will provide me with the words that he wants them to hear. The one thing that I have to continually tell myself is that God doesn't make mistakes. I know that line can be kind of cheesy, but it is so true. God called me to come up here and make a difference. The hardest part is I have always relied on others to further my faith, but the only one I should be relying on is God. Leading isn't easy and others are now looking to you for that guidance. The wonderful thing is that we truly are not alone and God is always present. Recently, I have been wearing a bracelet that says "Remember, we are in the presence of God". Yes, it is a simple quote but by wearing this bracelet I am constantly reminded that I am no longer in control, He is.
My whole life I have based my faith on others leading me towards God. When I was in high school I was provided with a great youth group and wonderful people who believed in God. Their presence constantly pushed me towards God. I worked with a group called the Evangelization Team and it called for you to become closer to God. When I got into college I dated a wonderful Catholic woman who constantly challenged me in my faith. Its sad to say now but I relied on her to further my faith. After I broke up with her I was faced with the task of continuing my faith on my own. Anyone that knew me my senior year of college knows that this was a huge struggle for me. For the first time in my life I had no idea where to go with my faith. It didn't hit me until the spring of my senior year I was put in charge of running a confirmation retreat. I had worked this retreat for the past three years and now it was my turn to run the show. For the first time I had to lead others to God without relying on anyone else to help my spiritual growth. I remember that retreat so vividly because I began to see the youths faith grow and I remember thinking I could see myself doing this stuff forever. But how would I take that next step.
So to take that next step, after graduating I took a job as a youth minister in Juneau, Alaska. (Yes people live in Alaska)
I will state right now that I am so thankful for the opportunity that God has provided me. Even though I am thankful I am terrified at the same time. God has given me the opportunity to lead others to him. He has bestowed this great honor on me. Am I truly worthy to do this? Am I teaching the teens the things that God wants me to teach them? These are questions that consistently run through my head every time I am preparing for youth group. Some days I feel that I constantly live in a state of fear because I don't know where to go next. Sometimes I talk to my youth group and just pray that God will provide me with the words that he wants them to hear. The one thing that I have to continually tell myself is that God doesn't make mistakes. I know that line can be kind of cheesy, but it is so true. God called me to come up here and make a difference. The hardest part is I have always relied on others to further my faith, but the only one I should be relying on is God. Leading isn't easy and others are now looking to you for that guidance. The wonderful thing is that we truly are not alone and God is always present. Recently, I have been wearing a bracelet that says "Remember, we are in the presence of God". Yes, it is a simple quote but by wearing this bracelet I am constantly reminded that I am no longer in control, He is.
Sunday, March 3, 2013
A weekend in Cali
Disney is one of those places that no matter how old you are, you are bound to have a great time. Last Thursday I was lucky enough to go to Disneyland for a day by myself. Now, Disneyland is so much fun and was one of those experiences that I will always remember, but it is a little strange to go to a place like Disney all by yourself. Though Disney is somewhere that everyone can have fun it is centered around. So as I sit in lines and look around it makes me think two things. 1. I miss my family so much and I should be thankful that God blessed me with such a wonderful family. 2. I realized how much I want a family of my own. Seeing so many loved ones share such a beautiful experience showed me that a family is one of those things I desire in my heart. Just people I can create memories with, people to love, and most importantly people I can share the rest of my life with.
One of the most interesting experiences I had while in Disney was the time I was given to pray. A few months ago someone I care about dearly sent me a rosary bracelet. I would say for the first time since getting the bracelet it really got used. Yes I was surrounded by hundreds of people almost the whole entire time while in Disney, but knowing nobody I sat there in silence as I would sit in line to ride different rides. I figured the best way to use this time would be to just have a conversation with God. So I would I take the bracelet and pray a Rosary. Now, I never thought that the first time I got a day of prayer would be at Disney, but it was. Disney's motto is "where dreams come true." I find this motto true to my experience there last Thursday. I was given the chance to pray and got to see the beauty of a family and that is the most I could ask for.
Now, the weekend didn't stop at the amazing experience I had in Disney. The weekend continued to one of the best conferences I could have gone to. I was given the opportunity to participate in the religious education congress in Anaheim, California. At this conference I got to go different workshops all about Catholic youth ministry. Each workshop provided its own spin on youth ministry from a variety of great speakers. One of my favorite speakers and workshops was "lion in the rock" by Mike Patin. The workshop was on the basis of finding the best in some of the most frustrating teens. It was based off the story of a boy walking home from school everyday seeing this man chisel at this big boulder. The child stopped walking by that rock because it was summer. The next year he came back and saw this beautiful lion sculpture. Sometimes as people we don't see the best in every situation. This is showing that there can be beauty in some of the strangest places.
The workshops were all amazing and I was lucky enough to get multiple motivational speakers, but Saturday night was the most moving experience. Saturday night started with the young adult mass at the conference. The mass was beautifully done with great music by the Jacob and Mathew band, the priest was perfect for the mass and I am normally not a fan of liturgical dance but it was so beautifully done that it was very moving. After this beautiful mass with hundreds if not thousands of young adults I was able to go to dinner with a priest from Southeast Alaska, Father Thomas Weise. Father Thomas and I had a beautiful conversation about vocations and ministry in Alaska. This conversation was the first time I have been able to have a serious one on one discussion about vocations with a priest and I would not say that it was what I was expecting. We had a talk about marriage and I explained to him that I feel like I'm the male version from the movie "27 Dresses" because I will have been a groomsmen in 4 weddings after this summer and have no plans of getting married anytime soon which is frustrating. Father Thomas replied with "well if you were a priest think of how many weddings you. Would get to preside over."
Now any one that knows me knows that I have been set on marriage and starting a family. The idea of becoming priest really hadn't crossed my mind since high school. Recently, the thought of being a priest has been hitting me harder and harder. I blame it partially on working for the church, but part of me wants to be part of something greater. What can be greater than the Catholic church? Nothing. But I am 23 years old and to think about the rest of life is kind of scary. All I know right now is that I am in the place that I am suppose to be. I can say that I completely feel called to Youth Ministry in this part of my life right now.
But back to weekend...
After this amazing dinner with a great priest from Southeast Alaska I met some of the most amazing people. I decided to go to the young adult dance not knowing a single person because anyone knows me knows that I love to dance. Not knowing anyone seemed to not be a problem. I well tell you right now that being catholic is one of the most beautiful things in the world because we share that bond with each other. Walking into the dance I met two wonderful people and soon three more joined our group. We hung out the entire night and probably one of the most fun nights I have had in a long time. We shared our faith so it felt like I knew these people forever. The people I met are those types of people that you know you will stay in touch with.
Now, the weekend was exactly what I needed. Everyday up here I wonder if I am really spreading God's word, but this weekend clarified that I was. It gave me a motivation that I had been lacking for a while. God does not make mistakes and especially in the ways he wants you to live. God provided me with a beautiful opportunity up here and it is my time to do exactly as he wants me to do.
One of the most interesting experiences I had while in Disney was the time I was given to pray. A few months ago someone I care about dearly sent me a rosary bracelet. I would say for the first time since getting the bracelet it really got used. Yes I was surrounded by hundreds of people almost the whole entire time while in Disney, but knowing nobody I sat there in silence as I would sit in line to ride different rides. I figured the best way to use this time would be to just have a conversation with God. So I would I take the bracelet and pray a Rosary. Now, I never thought that the first time I got a day of prayer would be at Disney, but it was. Disney's motto is "where dreams come true." I find this motto true to my experience there last Thursday. I was given the chance to pray and got to see the beauty of a family and that is the most I could ask for.
Now, the weekend didn't stop at the amazing experience I had in Disney. The weekend continued to one of the best conferences I could have gone to. I was given the opportunity to participate in the religious education congress in Anaheim, California. At this conference I got to go different workshops all about Catholic youth ministry. Each workshop provided its own spin on youth ministry from a variety of great speakers. One of my favorite speakers and workshops was "lion in the rock" by Mike Patin. The workshop was on the basis of finding the best in some of the most frustrating teens. It was based off the story of a boy walking home from school everyday seeing this man chisel at this big boulder. The child stopped walking by that rock because it was summer. The next year he came back and saw this beautiful lion sculpture. Sometimes as people we don't see the best in every situation. This is showing that there can be beauty in some of the strangest places.
The workshops were all amazing and I was lucky enough to get multiple motivational speakers, but Saturday night was the most moving experience. Saturday night started with the young adult mass at the conference. The mass was beautifully done with great music by the Jacob and Mathew band, the priest was perfect for the mass and I am normally not a fan of liturgical dance but it was so beautifully done that it was very moving. After this beautiful mass with hundreds if not thousands of young adults I was able to go to dinner with a priest from Southeast Alaska, Father Thomas Weise. Father Thomas and I had a beautiful conversation about vocations and ministry in Alaska. This conversation was the first time I have been able to have a serious one on one discussion about vocations with a priest and I would not say that it was what I was expecting. We had a talk about marriage and I explained to him that I feel like I'm the male version from the movie "27 Dresses" because I will have been a groomsmen in 4 weddings after this summer and have no plans of getting married anytime soon which is frustrating. Father Thomas replied with "well if you were a priest think of how many weddings you. Would get to preside over."
Now any one that knows me knows that I have been set on marriage and starting a family. The idea of becoming priest really hadn't crossed my mind since high school. Recently, the thought of being a priest has been hitting me harder and harder. I blame it partially on working for the church, but part of me wants to be part of something greater. What can be greater than the Catholic church? Nothing. But I am 23 years old and to think about the rest of life is kind of scary. All I know right now is that I am in the place that I am suppose to be. I can say that I completely feel called to Youth Ministry in this part of my life right now.
But back to weekend...
After this amazing dinner with a great priest from Southeast Alaska I met some of the most amazing people. I decided to go to the young adult dance not knowing a single person because anyone knows me knows that I love to dance. Not knowing anyone seemed to not be a problem. I well tell you right now that being catholic is one of the most beautiful things in the world because we share that bond with each other. Walking into the dance I met two wonderful people and soon three more joined our group. We hung out the entire night and probably one of the most fun nights I have had in a long time. We shared our faith so it felt like I knew these people forever. The people I met are those types of people that you know you will stay in touch with.
Now, the weekend was exactly what I needed. Everyday up here I wonder if I am really spreading God's word, but this weekend clarified that I was. It gave me a motivation that I had been lacking for a while. God does not make mistakes and especially in the ways he wants you to live. God provided me with a beautiful opportunity up here and it is my time to do exactly as he wants me to do.
Monday, February 4, 2013
Discernment: PB&J or McDonalds
I'm sitting in the front office talking with the people I work with when it overcame me. I got super hungry all the sudden but was lost on what to eat. I had two choices in my head. One I could go home and make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. I would have to drive home and take time to make a sandwich. Or I could go pick up McDonald's and eat it as I work. Of course me being the lazy person I can be I went to McDonald's and got a double cheeseburger. (Probably because I love Double Cheeseburgers)
Now, I wish every decision was as black and white as this one. But this is a great way to describe the process of discernment. When talking to people about discernment it seems that everyone's thought process goes directly to the religious life or married life. Discernment is in every decision that we make every single day. But your probably asking yourself by now how does deciding what I ate for lunch relate to discernment.
Well, it shows the break down of the discernment process. First, you identify the choices you are trying to decide between. In this process I am trying to decide what to eat for lunch. Second, you look at the pros and cons on each of these topics. PB&J is a delicious sandwich that is cheap and will suffice for the time being. The problem is that I will have to interrupt my work to go home and make a sandwich and then come back to work. McDonald's it is quick, easy, and will fill me up for the time being. The problem here is that McDonalds is incredibly unhealthy for you. Next, you want to pray about it and get guidance from others if necessary. I'm not saying that I have prayed about my lunch, but I will admit that I ask my coworkers what they think I should do for lunch. I know it may be silly but hey sometimes I can be pretty indecisive. Finally, you choose something and follow through with it. A lot of times we are not confident in our decisions and begin to question ourselves. I mean if I wasn't confident in my decision to eat McDonald's I just wasted five bucks and money doesn't grow on trees.
Now this might be one of the most obscure ways for some people to look at discernment, but I can pretty much relate anything to food. This goes beyond food though and should be considered in all parts of our lives. Not every decision is so black and white and there are not always only two choices. Prayer is the most important part of this whole process. We are given free will, but part of that free will we are offered a chance to have guidance by God. Prayer is that connection that we have with Him. I mean I was pretty satisfied with that decision to have McDonalds, even if my jeans seem to be getting a little tighter.
Now, I wish every decision was as black and white as this one. But this is a great way to describe the process of discernment. When talking to people about discernment it seems that everyone's thought process goes directly to the religious life or married life. Discernment is in every decision that we make every single day. But your probably asking yourself by now how does deciding what I ate for lunch relate to discernment.
Well, it shows the break down of the discernment process. First, you identify the choices you are trying to decide between. In this process I am trying to decide what to eat for lunch. Second, you look at the pros and cons on each of these topics. PB&J is a delicious sandwich that is cheap and will suffice for the time being. The problem is that I will have to interrupt my work to go home and make a sandwich and then come back to work. McDonald's it is quick, easy, and will fill me up for the time being. The problem here is that McDonalds is incredibly unhealthy for you. Next, you want to pray about it and get guidance from others if necessary. I'm not saying that I have prayed about my lunch, but I will admit that I ask my coworkers what they think I should do for lunch. I know it may be silly but hey sometimes I can be pretty indecisive. Finally, you choose something and follow through with it. A lot of times we are not confident in our decisions and begin to question ourselves. I mean if I wasn't confident in my decision to eat McDonald's I just wasted five bucks and money doesn't grow on trees.
Now this might be one of the most obscure ways for some people to look at discernment, but I can pretty much relate anything to food. This goes beyond food though and should be considered in all parts of our lives. Not every decision is so black and white and there are not always only two choices. Prayer is the most important part of this whole process. We are given free will, but part of that free will we are offered a chance to have guidance by God. Prayer is that connection that we have with Him. I mean I was pretty satisfied with that decision to have McDonalds, even if my jeans seem to be getting a little tighter.
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