Earlier this week, my eldest son Ian celebrated his 36^th birthday. He is the answer to a lot of prayers, but at the time of his birth I experienced my greatest crisis of faith in my then short 25-year life.

Ian was the younger of undiagnosed twins. It was the first pregnancy in our young marriage; we were very excited. Due to an error by an inexperienced GP in England, my wife Sally went into labor 9 weeks early. We raced to the hospital and shortly thereafter became the parents of Michael and Ian. Michael was a mere 3lbs 5oz, Ian a little bigger at 3lb 10oz. Both were 17 inches long and identical twins.

That night, were we both elated and scared. For other reasons my wife had limited access to premature baby ward. Both Michael and Ian were hooked up to equipment which dwarfed their tiny bodies and were barrier nursed in incubators. We prayed for their survival. Michael didn’t make it, he passed on the 16^th November 1981.

We had experienced the gift of life and the loss of a child all within 24 hours. It’s hard, even after all these years to process what it meant to us. Just over a month later, Ian was strong enough to come home, tiny though it was, he was a survivor and a precious gift from God.

Even today, I can still recall the feeling of the unanswered prayers given up for Michael. And yet, they were answered. Just not in the selfish way we desired them at the time. Our family has been blessed with three other children, and now their children. Ian has two of his own and one more due early next year.

I often say to others, God is not a ATM machine for our wishes. We cannot just place prayers, novenas or acts of goodwill in the deposit slot and expect something in return. We will receive from God, but what we need to move closer to Him, not what we want to satisfy our own personal needs. Times like this, remind me of the gift we have of all the souls gone before us, praying for us, looking after us. Whether family, saints or the Holy family, we can all stay safe in the warmth of each other. Those here and now in a Thanksgiving celebration, and those above who will look after our spiritual well-being.

A Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving to all of us, and our families.

Mike +++

THE GRANDSON

He sits on the floor of his grandfather’s house,

Granddad has just passed, and he waits for the funeral tomorrow.

An electric fire beams warmth,

And his Texas workplace sends last minute tasks over the night air.

 

Pondering the work,

I watch with joy the man he has become.

The twin who survived those 36 years ago,

While his brother, watches out for him, above, but ever present in his life.

 

Meanwhile, the tiny child has grown,

Not only in stature, but in love.

Surrounded by more, he spreads the joy to others,

Always relying on the power of another.

 

Who lives within and without … eternally.

 

I was hoping this week we might pen something wonderful and inspiring without having the shadow of another tragedy over-powering the good in the world. Perhaps over-powering is too strong a view, but it is at least consuming our news cycles. As Americans try to regroup again from another violent act, questions of faith are thrown once more into the air, provoking responses of sadness, prayer and anger from our midst.

There seems to be an insatiable demand for these weapons. I was listening to anther Texas  pastor the day after the shooting. He commented “This would not happen in my church … because 25% of my parishioners have concealed carry permits and have weapons with them.” What a frightening prospect! It reminds me of the shock I had at Mass in St. Patrick’s Cathedral in NYC during this summer; when I found the exposed Blessed Sacrament being protected by an armed member of the New York police force. The juxtaposition of the House of God and weapons seemed very counterintuitive to me.

When Jesus Christ gave us eternal spiritual life through His own sacrifice and example, it is hard to understand the powerful methods available to those who want to create havoc in the world. We know the inner peace of the Holy Spirit has in someway been rejected by the culprits. We may never know the inner turmoil of a mind which consider such actions as possible, but rather save our empathy for those affected victims.

The beatitudes provide us with great guidance at these times, of what God wants us to become, so we can be closer to Him. However, we also need courage. Courage to move to enact the beatitudes in our lives as action, not just as words or silent prayer. The source of this courage is the Holy Spirit. Today, as with many recent days, we need reach out more as ask for the courage to do His will.

And for the wisdom to discern where He beckons us … so we can follow.

Sad Bird

The sad bird lands again in the family garden,

Unexpected, and hungry to leave some baggage there,

For us to consider,

As she stares at us from the garden,

Expressionless, holding no anger,

Rather sitting for us to view the disarray,

Which is our life today.

 

Leaving us to consider active and lost love in both hands,

Once again.

 

This week brings us joy and peace in the happenings of the Church and the parish itself. Joy and Peace prevailed in the most wonderful form as our newly minted Confirmation candidates received the sacrament last Saturday. This was preceded by a one day retreat the prior Sunday and a night of reflection on the vigil of their Confirmation. It was truly a wonderful experience and the sunny disposition of the weather reflected the warmth and love we were all surrounded by on that day. Bravo to all of you, and thank you to the parishioner who sent in the Prayer of St. Theresa which was presented just before they received the sacrament.

We also had the feasts of All Saints and All Souls this past week. It was wonderful to hear the names of those saints and individuals who have, and will, influence those confirmed last week. Some we might know well, like Patrick, Francis, or Joan, but also others less so, like Magdalena, Seraphina and Brigid. Having these mentors traveling with us on our journeys is a boundless spiritual resource.

The confluence of the community of saints in the Church merges with those we know who have passed on All Souls Day. When I was growing up, this viewed as a time of remembrance, even sadness. However, we have to remind ourselves this is a time of joy, when those who have left this physical life, and now in an eternal metaphysical one. At home at last, by God’s side.

Nowhere is this better expressed in the Latino tradition of the Day of the Dead, which began in Mexico. This starts on Halloween and concludes on All Souls Day. These celebrations illustrate to us how close we are to moving from one life to another, and the transition is something to be celebrated, not feared. The traditions have some wonderful insights, I would recommend you learn more about this very special Catholic tradition, as there is much beauty therein.

So this week, let us reinforce our faith, remember those close who have passed, and pray for us all on the journey.

THE CANDLE

The candle comes from nature,

Hand hewn, emitting light,

Warmth,

And guidance.

 

In loving hands.