Taurians….

Blesses Ceferino Namucura was the 18-year-old son of a  Mapuche Indian chief. He was known for card tricks, archery and humor. Often his classmates and trachers would see him fix his gaze on the Blessed Sacrament and be moved. Do the things you love so you can fix your gaze on the right things

Are we there yet? We often ask when the long, tedious trip is over. The truth is we’re all travelers and we’re always on the move. Let us not lose sight of the signposts and landmarks. They tell us if we’re on the right track and if we’re getting closer to our destination. So, where are yoy now?

February 24,- We can only flourish if we stay close to the source that  refreshes and nourishes our soul. Our roots must tap into the wellspring that truly lasts. Our relationship with Jesus, our Living Water, keeps us from becoming dry and desolate. Regualar prayer and the sacraments can help us lead well-watered lives.

February 23,- It’s the father who runs out to receive the prodigal son. The son has failed him, yey he orders the fatted calf, finest robes and throws a feast. It’s our story. We wayward sons go far, but God is always near. He always finds a way for us and never runs to welcome us back.

The Jesuit St.  John Berchmans was called Bro. Jolly by his fellow novices. In study, work and play, he found joy for he saw an opportunity to serve and  praise God. He wrote: ‘Your heart must be as large as the world. Whatever you do, do it with your whole heart.’ Do you find joy in what you do?

Feb. 18- Like Abraham , we are also asked to leave our country for the land that the Lord shows us. Our comfortable lifestyles, familiar habits and security blankets make up our ‘home.‘ The Lord promises us something much better. There is no need to fear. For He gives us directions to the Promises Land

On the mountain, Jesus face shines like the sun, his clothes bright like the light. The glorious moment makes Peter think of making tents and staying there. But Jesus leads them down the mountain, back to ordinary life. Remember, our own ‘transfigurations’ happen as we go through life everyday.

February 16, 2008- ‘Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.’ Take Jesus words to heart. Be aware of your feelings upon listening to them. Think of those who have hurt you and those you deslike. Tell the Lord what makes it hard for you to love them. Then listen to what Jesus tells you what to do.

Do you bear any grudges against someone? The more grudges we keep, the less at peace we are. They harden our hearts and hold us back. They give us needless weight in our lives. Pray for the peace of letting go. For it is in forgiving that we’re reconciled not only with others but also with ourselves and God.

We hold hands or open them in supplication as we pray the Lord’s Prayer. We become one as brothers and sisters before God. We beg for grace and mercy knowing that all we can ever have and be comes from Him. There is nothing we can claim to be hours alone. How can you be more at home with the father?

Whenever you did this to little ones who are my
brothers and sisters, you did it to me.’ (Mt. 25) The least and
smallest among us have a special place in God’s heart. Seek them out. One of the beautiful lenten practices is almsgiving to the poor. What can you do for the Lord’s less fortunate around you

February 10,2008- Like Jesus, we experience the temptations of power, comfort and glory. The evil one lure us into what promise to be pleasant and positive. It is the ’shiny and sweet’ that attract us, which makes us feel and look good. May we be wise to see that not all that promise to be good are truly good

February 09,2008-The Sudanese St. Josephine Bahkitada a hard life. She was captured and turned into a slave. She was physically abused and sold. Yet she never became bitter nor cold. As a Canossian nun, she would be known by orphans for her deep kindness. Bakhita teaches us to be kind even if the world isn’t always so.

February 08,2008- Abstinence is an opportunity to purify ourselves. It’s not avoiding meat just to make life difficult for us, rather it’s to rid ourselves of our many excesses to go back to the essentials - to distinguish between our needs and our wants. What in your lifestyle can you give up for the Lord this Lent?

February 07, 2008- What cross do you carry? The true follower of Christ takes up his crosses each day and follows Him Our daily struggle and our effort to build a better family, a better world are ways to be holy. Many times this also means carrying other’s crosses, helping those weighed down and doubt and difficulty. Carry on!

February 06, 2008- When we consider our many faults, we feel
helpless and hopeless. Let’s remember this is not the last word–God’s
unending mercy is. It’s this mercy that invites us to make the
important turn we each must make in our lives. The ashes on our
forehead today remind us of this. Repent and live the Gospel