How to Be a Gentleman or Gentlewoman
In his book The Idea of a University Blessed John Henry Cardinal Newman defined a gentleman as “one who never inflicts pain.” (Of course, this also holds true for a gentlewoman.) I was going to write about what this means, but in checking to see if I remembered his words correctly, I discovered that this holy man already had unpacked the definition. To paraphrase some of his thoughts: A gentle person prevents others from being embarrassed. He or she avoids upsetting people by clashing with their ideas or causing them to feel restrained, suspected, sad, or resentful. The gentle person tries to put everyone at ease and feel at home. This means approaching others in a way attuned to their personality: being tender to the shy, gentle to the distant, and merciful to the foolish. (more…)
Mary, a Helpful Mother
(Teachers: See patron saint questions at end of this post. Click on “Read more.”) In our church a painting of Our Lady of Perpetual Help is in a front niche usually where her statue stands. It is an icon, symbolic art regarded as a door to the sacred. Icons are an acquired taste. Appreciation for them can develop much as an appreciation for spinach. (more…)
Gospel on Beads
If you believe that Mary appeared at Lourdes and Fatima, then you will take her advice to heart: Pray the rosary. At Lourdes Mary held a rosary and prayed it with Bernadette. At Fatima she told three children to pray the rosary for peace. October is the month of the rosary, and October 7 is the feast of the Most Holy Rosary—time to renew (or begin) our commitment to praying this Catholic prayer. It’s not only a repetition of Hail Marys, but prayed correctly, the rosary centers us on the great mysteries of our faith. The rosary is the Gospel on beads. And as the optional concluding prayer asks, “May we imitate what they contain and obtain what they promise.” (more…)
Rainbows and Sand Gifts
Driving home from our BBQ, I saw a spectacular double rainbow shining against dark purple clouds. It ended in front of me on Green Road with the brightest, most vivid display of light I’ve ever seen. Once again, I wished I had my camera in the car! How good it is to be alive and to be able to witness such glorious scenes in nature. I can identify with the poet Edna St. Vincent Millay who wrote, “O world, I cannot hold thee close enough!” I thank God for such lovely gifts and for the fact that I’m not color blind. Creation reflects its creator. Imagine then, how beautiful God must be. If this world contains such marvels as rainbows, what will the next world be like?
The rainbow reminded me of my first sighting of a pilot’s halo. I was some 30 thousand feet above earth, flying to a conference where I was to speak. (At times like this I like to think of God’s hand carrying the plane safely through the sky.) Looking out the window down on the clouds, I saw a miniature shadow of our plane on top of them, gliding alongside us. The plane was surrounded by a circular rainbow. Fascinated, I wondered if I was having a comforting vision! Much later I read a novel in which the heroine was flying in a plane and saw a pilot’s halo. It turns out that this is a phenomenon that occurs under special atmospheric conditions. Since that first pilot’s halo, I’ve seen several, and each time I have to repress the urge to shout to all my fellow passengers, “Look out the window!”
Not having a photo of a rainbow, I’m posting a photo I took of another gift in creation when I did have my camera. Walking along the shore of the Sea of Oman in Arabia, I came across this unusual pattern that wind and waves had created in the sand. With surprises like this appearing in our world, who needs a pot of gold?
When have you delighted in an awesome nature scene? Be ready to feast your eyes on the autumn landscapes that will soon be ours to enjoy.
The Importance of Meals
On the last two Sundays in September my community holds a chicken barbeque at our provincial center. A few years ago, we considered stopping these events. There are fewer SNDs, and the BBQs are a lot of work! However, the deciding factor was that at the BBQs friends, relatives, and coworkers come together for a meal and enjoy reconnecting with the Sisters and one another. That is why this year is our 50th BBQ. It is one of many special meals.
We must eat to live (not live to eat). Yet this bodily need is seasoned with many spiritual meanings. I think of my recent meals. Dining with Sisters one evening strengthened our bonds of friendship as we talked and laughed together while feasting on a prize-winning zucchini pie prepared by one of them. At a luncheon I celebrated the 40th anniversary of the Cleveland Avilas, who pray for and support vocations to the priesthood and religious life. On another day my mother treated my sister and me to a meal at Red Lobster to thank us for our care of her. Sharing meals is a sign of love.
No wonder Jesus chose a meal as the means to unite us to him and one another. Each time we gather for the Eucharist and partake of the blessed bread and wine, our spiritual life is nourished. We have the energy to live as Christians. But at the same time, we enjoy the company of the people who are there at Mass celebrating with us. Our spirits are lifted.
Every good, life-giving meal on earth is a sign of that happy everlasting banquet we will attend in heaven. We have only to answer yes to the RSVP.
What meal or Mass has had special meaning for you?
