In the past few weeks, my family was blessed by many friends who showed up here with dinner during my hospitalization and recovery at home. I can't even express how wonderful it has been to be on the receiving end of a meal prepared and delivered with love.
And the kids are still raving about Sally's Magic Chicken--as well they should. It was delicious.
Every time a casserole dish came through my front door, I made a silent promise to myself that I would repay the favor, or at the very least, pay it forward. But I didn't expect that my first opportunity to do so would come quite so soon.
After yesterday's follow-up appointment with my surgeon, I've been cleared to drive (though it's still pretty uncomfortable to do that) and to increase activity gradually, except for heavy lifting. I got back behind the wheel just in time to pick up a few ingredients for a dinner I'm making tonight for my friend Sally.
As I rolled up those turkey enchiladas, I prayed for Sally and her family. I prayed for the soul of Sally's recently deceased mother. And it occurred to me that when our friends made us lasagna, pot pie, spaghetti and meatballs, chicken with spinach and linguine, homemade mac & cheese, pot roast, turkey, antipasto and that Magic Chicken, they were probably praying too. I know that the prayers and love that were stirred into those dinners helped with my healing. And I hope that the prayers and love that I rolled into those enchiladas help to bring peace to Sally's heart and to her family in this difficult time.
Don't think for a minute that delivering a meal to a family during a difficult time is a silly gesture or, worse, an unwelcome intrusion. I was guilty of thinking that--until folks did this wonderful service for us. Now that I know how much it means, I've resolved never to hesitate to help someone out in this way.
After all, there's a prayer in every bite.
Showing posts with label Blessings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Blessings. Show all posts
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Monday, March 05, 2012
By Weight, and not by Volume
Remember the fine print on boxes or bags of snacks? You don't see it so much anymore--I guess we're used to seeing half a package of air when we open something. But it would read something like:
I was reminded of that bit of fine print this morning when I heard the Gospel.
If you bake, you know that weight and volume are not the same in terms of quantity. In fact, they can be very different. Depending on how much you "shake down" the cup of flour, you can get about another 1/4 cup in there. The same is true with brown sugar--"pack" it down and you can really increase the quantity. Too much (or too little) flour or brown sugar or any other ingredient can really mess up the finished product. That's why expert bakers insist on measuring by weight rather than by volume.
It's a good thing that God is not a baker, though, because Jesus tells us in today's Gospel that God is not concerned by volume when it comes to love, mercy, forgiveness. He's going to pack in as much as our cups can hold--and then some, until they are overflowing.
And all that is expected in return is that we try to do the same for the others we encounter.
This product is sold by weight and not by volume. Some settling of the contents may occur during shipping and handling.Even as a kid, I realized that this was a lame attempt at heading off at the pass some disgruntled consumer who wanted a package full of snacks, not air. The disclaimer was never a good thing.
I was reminded of that bit of fine print this morning when I heard the Gospel.
Jesus said to his disciples, "Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Stop judging and you will not be judged. Stop condemning and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven. Give and gifts will be given to you; a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap. For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you." (Luke 6: 36-38)There's no disclaimer in that Gospel, because God's love and God's gifts don't come with a disclaimer. He doesn't work that way.
It's a good thing that God is not a baker, though, because Jesus tells us in today's Gospel that God is not concerned by volume when it comes to love, mercy, forgiveness. He's going to pack in as much as our cups can hold--and then some, until they are overflowing.
And all that is expected in return is that we try to do the same for the others we encounter.
Monday, February 20, 2012
Monday, Monday
...can't trust that day...
Normally I like Mondays because they signal the beginning of a new week. Everyone is back to work or school and my house is quiet again and it's back to routine.
I love routine. It makes my world go 'round.
Today was not a routine Monday. No one had work or school. Instead, Middle Sister and I had a funeral to attend (I know! Another one!!) This funeral was for the son of the lovely woman who babysat Middle Sister twice a week when she was 4 and I had a part-time teaching job. At the time, Mrs. C was mourning the loss of her husband, who'd had Alzheimer's; she had cared for him at home for the better part of a decade. Middle Sister kept her company, learned to play Chinese checkers, took walks around the block with her, and discovered the magic of microwave pancakes thanks to Mrs. C. With her own grandparents living upwards of 75 miles away, Middle Sister adopted Mrs. C as an extra grandmother.
Today Middle Sister towered over her former babysitter, who had stayed with Big Brother and Middle Sister the night Little Brother was born. Today, as always, Middle Sister was quick to hug Mrs. C. And after we sat down in our pew, Middle Sister wondered if she might be needed as an altar server. Since the parish school closed, they haven't had servers for funerals (that's 8 years ago now.) Usually one of the deacons, or Mrs. Deacon, or a member of the Bereavement Committee does the job. But Middle Sister purposefully marched to the sacristy, high heels and all, and asked if she could help.
It was a full-court press on the altar today, with two priests (present and former pastors), one deacon, one server, and another deacon "behind the scenes" babysitting the incense.
The former pastor, whom I haven't seen in almost 10 years, greeted me as he walked by my pew before Mass. "How are your kids?" he asked me. I replied that one of them was his altar server for the Mass. He looked puzzled until I mentioned her name. "OH MY GOD!!!!!!" was his response. He hadn't seen her since kindergarten. She's grown a bit in 10 years.
Being at that Mass today, listening to that former pastor pray and preach was healing for me. Some priests are good administrators. Others are good in ministry to the sick and the bereaved. This priest definitely falls into category "B." Unfortunately, all of my dealings with him while he was our pastor were in category "A." There was a lot of hurt that I've been carrying around for about 12 years now, hurt caused by administrative decisions this priest made that I took personally.
Middle Sister isn't the only one who's grown in the past 10 years.
I left that church carrying the burden of grief for Mrs. C, for her daughter-in-law, two grandchildren, and newborn great-granddaughter. I left behind the burden of hurt that I'd been carrying around, for no good reason, for more than a decade.
I had no idea, walking into that funeral, that once again I'd be made proud of the young woman my daughter is becoming, and that I'd be able to let go of something I didn't need to lug around in the first place.
In your kindness, remember the C. family as they grieve, and pray for eternal rest for Tom, who made serving God through others his life's work--and his life's joy.
Normally I like Mondays because they signal the beginning of a new week. Everyone is back to work or school and my house is quiet again and it's back to routine.
I love routine. It makes my world go 'round.
 |
| Mrs. C with my kids, 2004 |
Today Middle Sister towered over her former babysitter, who had stayed with Big Brother and Middle Sister the night Little Brother was born. Today, as always, Middle Sister was quick to hug Mrs. C. And after we sat down in our pew, Middle Sister wondered if she might be needed as an altar server. Since the parish school closed, they haven't had servers for funerals (that's 8 years ago now.) Usually one of the deacons, or Mrs. Deacon, or a member of the Bereavement Committee does the job. But Middle Sister purposefully marched to the sacristy, high heels and all, and asked if she could help.
It was a full-court press on the altar today, with two priests (present and former pastors), one deacon, one server, and another deacon "behind the scenes" babysitting the incense.
The former pastor, whom I haven't seen in almost 10 years, greeted me as he walked by my pew before Mass. "How are your kids?" he asked me. I replied that one of them was his altar server for the Mass. He looked puzzled until I mentioned her name. "OH MY GOD!!!!!!" was his response. He hadn't seen her since kindergarten. She's grown a bit in 10 years.
Being at that Mass today, listening to that former pastor pray and preach was healing for me. Some priests are good administrators. Others are good in ministry to the sick and the bereaved. This priest definitely falls into category "B." Unfortunately, all of my dealings with him while he was our pastor were in category "A." There was a lot of hurt that I've been carrying around for about 12 years now, hurt caused by administrative decisions this priest made that I took personally.
Middle Sister isn't the only one who's grown in the past 10 years.
I left that church carrying the burden of grief for Mrs. C, for her daughter-in-law, two grandchildren, and newborn great-granddaughter. I left behind the burden of hurt that I'd been carrying around, for no good reason, for more than a decade.
I had no idea, walking into that funeral, that once again I'd be made proud of the young woman my daughter is becoming, and that I'd be able to let go of something I didn't need to lug around in the first place.
In your kindness, remember the C. family as they grieve, and pray for eternal rest for Tom, who made serving God through others his life's work--and his life's joy.
Thursday, January 05, 2012
Epiphany
That means you've got time to plan ahead; get some holy water and some blessed chalk (your priest or deacon can bless it for you) and prepare to bless your home this weekend.
A time-honored Catholic tradition is the blessing of the home at Epiphany. We remember the visit of the Magi to the home of Joseph, Mary and Baby Jesus in Bethlehem.
LEADER: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
LEADER: The Word became flesh and made his dwelling place among us. It is Jesus who enlightens our hearts and homes with his love. It is Jesus who is our source of hope, joy and comfort. May all who enter this home find the light and love of Jesus Christ. Let us listen to the word of God:
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling place among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory of an only Son coming from the Father, filled with enduring love.
ALL: Our Father, who art in Heaven…
LEADER: Lord God of heaven and earth, you revealed your only son to every nation by the guidance of a star. Bless this house and all who live here. May the light of Jesus shine from this house so that others may find their way to your light and your love. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
We sprinkle holy water in each room of the home.
We conclude by using the blessed chalk to mark, above the doorway, the initials of the three Magi, surrounded by the numbers of the current year and separated by small crosses: 20+K+M+B+12The above blessing service is the one that is used by members of our parish. This year the Secular Franciscans prepared 450 blessing kits that included this prayer, a container of holy water and a piece of blessed chalk. It looks like we'll need to prepare even more for next year--these went quickly!
Here is another very simple prayer that you can use to bless your home. A friend shared it on Facebook:
Heavenly Father, walk through my house, and take away all worries and illness, and please watch over and heal my family and friends. Bring quiet where there is chaos, bring light where there is darkness and put love in our hearts. Amen.Finally, Esther shares a beautiful home blessing service.
Take your pick--and make it a family tradition to bless your home this (and every) Epiphany!
Friday, April 25, 2008
Cast Your Cares Upon Him
"Cast your cares upon Him."
That was one of the messages in today's first reading.
"Cast your cares upon Him."
This was the first time all week that I've been able to get to Mass, and the reading was just what I needed to hear.
"Cast your cares upon Him."
I was in my usual Worry Over What Might Happen Even If It's Really Unlikely mode, all day long today.
"Cast your cares upon Him."
Tonight at our Secular Franciscans meeting, our ongoing formation centered on Mary. A theme that kept coming up in the discussion was her great trust, and the example she sets for us with the trust she displayed.
"Cast your cares upon Him."
If I'm worrying over what might happen, I'm not doing too much trusting, am I?
"Cast your cares upon Him....and He will lift you up."
Finally as the meeting closed and we chatted while we cleaned up the room, I was lifted up. I laid down my cares and some wonderful friends reassured me. I wonder if my sisters in Francis know that their words and kindness meant so much.
"Cast your cares upon Him."
We were truly not meant to carry our cares all alone.
"Cast your cares upon Him."
That was one of the messages in today's first reading.
"Cast your cares upon Him."
This was the first time all week that I've been able to get to Mass, and the reading was just what I needed to hear.
"Cast your cares upon Him."
I was in my usual Worry Over What Might Happen Even If It's Really Unlikely mode, all day long today.
"Cast your cares upon Him."
Tonight at our Secular Franciscans meeting, our ongoing formation centered on Mary. A theme that kept coming up in the discussion was her great trust, and the example she sets for us with the trust she displayed.
"Cast your cares upon Him."
If I'm worrying over what might happen, I'm not doing too much trusting, am I?
"Cast your cares upon Him....and He will lift you up."
Finally as the meeting closed and we chatted while we cleaned up the room, I was lifted up. I laid down my cares and some wonderful friends reassured me. I wonder if my sisters in Francis know that their words and kindness meant so much.
"Cast your cares upon Him."
We were truly not meant to carry our cares all alone.
"Cast your cares upon Him."
Friday, November 02, 2007
Just a Reminder
Courtesy of faithmouse.
A wonderful reminder on All Souls' Day, don't you think? Take a moment today to pray for the Faithful Departed. God loves them this much, too. And as Father H. reminded us this morning, God wants all of us in Heaven with Him.
Monday, August 06, 2007
I Am Grateful
...for my husband, who stuck right by my side and worried about me and wouldn't let me do a lick of work for 24 hours while I endured The Worst Cramps Ever (I think labor pains were less painful)
...for my husband (again) who pretty much flew solo when we had a dozen friends over for an after-church brunch
...for those dozen friends, whose children and grandchildren pitched in by moving furniture, carrying bags of ice and helping with the dishes
...for my own Big Kids who helped my husband clean up the nightmare of a kitchen last night and left the place neater than I usually find it in the morning after I've cleaned it up (I let the dishes drip dry on the rack all night. THEY dried the dishes and put them away!)
...for Little Brother's extra (and extra-gentle) hugs
...for our friends who invited us over after brunch so we could enjoy dinner and a swim in their backyard
...for the large bottle of ibuprofen in my medicine cabinet
...for all these blessings that I experienced yesterday. God is good--and generous!
This is what was left on the dining-room table after the Big Kids and TheDad washed and put away all the breakfast stuff. I told them that if they didn't know where to store something, to leave it on the table.
But what's with the fishing pole?
...for my husband (again) who pretty much flew solo when we had a dozen friends over for an after-church brunch
...for those dozen friends, whose children and grandchildren pitched in by moving furniture, carrying bags of ice and helping with the dishes
...for my own Big Kids who helped my husband clean up the nightmare of a kitchen last night and left the place neater than I usually find it in the morning after I've cleaned it up (I let the dishes drip dry on the rack all night. THEY dried the dishes and put them away!)
...for Little Brother's extra (and extra-gentle) hugs
...for our friends who invited us over after brunch so we could enjoy dinner and a swim in their backyard
...for the large bottle of ibuprofen in my medicine cabinet
...for all these blessings that I experienced yesterday. God is good--and generous!
This is what was left on the dining-room table after the Big Kids and TheDad washed and put away all the breakfast stuff. I told them that if they didn't know where to store something, to leave it on the table.
But what's with the fishing pole?
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