Part of a long line

I love the reading from Matt 1:1-17, The Genealogy of Jesus Christ. I am a child of the 60’s and I secretly cheer when a woman’s name is on Matthew’s list. I wish there were more of them! Whether they are acknowledged in the Good Book or not I know they are there. We, too, are part of that line. I know it is up to us to live as if we are to be recorded for posterity for our contributions to the Catholic Faith. They will be recorded in heaven. How you keep the celebrations of this Holy Season are important. I pray for my ancestors in thanksgiving today. To acknowledge the place I have in my genealogy and my place in the path to heaven is Trekking Catholic.

Action

How awesome are you, Elijah, in your wondrous deeds!--Sirach 48:4

All of the readings today call us to question our actions. Not everyone can stand between a hail of bullets and a child, but we can strive to become 'the best version of ourselves' as Matthew Kelly so movingly speaks. This week my online exercise guru used a quote about action: Be not afraid of moving slowly. Be afraid of standing still. 'Wondrous deeds.' God grant me the sight to see clearly Your will for me and the courage to move in action. Help me to keep on Trekking Catholic.

What vanishes and what remains

For the Lord watches over the way of the just, but the way of the wicked vanishes.--Psalm 1

When we are in the midst of something as horrible as today's school shooting in Connecticut, it is very hard to see how the 'way of the wicked' could vanish. Perhaps like the events of 9/11 or of Columbine the reactions and actions of those touched by this event will bring a lasting good; something beyond the evil of the action of today. Like Anne Frank, I , too, believe in the inherent goodness of man. I pray for the little souls lost today to us, but gained for heaven. I pray for their families. And I pray for the family of the perpetrator. May all receive God's grace and blessing.

Listening

Whoever has ears ought to hear.--Matt 11:15

I was searching for a gift in a catalog and came across a tee shirt that noted the words "Listen" and "Silent" are composed of the same letters. There is a situation in our family that needs listening. Silence does not seem to be part of the dynamics at this time. It is painful for those of us on the outside looking in, but not nearly as painful as for those who are in the center of it all.Today I will listen Today I will keep silent while I am listening. That certainly makes it easier to hear what is being said! Hearing the truth is Trekking Catholic.

When You Hear the Voice

There are several options for today's readings. The one that struck me was that of Mary rushing to visit Elizabeth and the action/reaction of Elizabeth when she heard Mary's voice. She turned to Mary with welcome and a positive reaction. I understand the leaping of John the Baptist would be a strong hint to 'pay attention!'and I am very sure Elizabeth was filled with grace as well, after all she, too, was carrying a miracle within. But she reacted with welcome and compliments and joy. I admit that is not always my first reaction when I receive a phone call at work. I feel interrupted.  I hear incompetence in communication or indecisiveness, or multi-tasking lack of focus in a conversation.  I want to shout, 'get to the point!' I want to ask,'didn't your mother teach you the magic words of please and thank you?' I would not describe my reactions as one of welcome and compliments and joy. Today I will take my lesson from Elizabeth. I will think of her example when I answer the phone at work. I will use an attitude and voice of welcome. This is trekking Catholic.

Speaking Up

What is your opinion?

Oh boy! Over and over again today the word of God reminds me to use the voice I have been given. 
 Give comfort...speak tenderly...a voice says, Cry out!..Cry out at the top of your voice...What is your opinion?
How can I ignore those demands? It is pretty easy for me as I really, really do not like to argue in the face of others' opinions. I am comfortable letting others have their say and keeping my voice to myself."You could be right." is a favorite phrase. I am called, though, especially in today's readings, to speak up. I shall try to do so today. I have to take baby steps; one little sentence or phrase at a time. I feel more 'safe' if I phrase it as a question. "What about...What happens if...What do you think about...?" That seems to put the ball back in the others court and lets them feeling as  I am engaged and interested rather than confrontational. I do not know if that is a good thing. If I am to listen to what Jesus asks of me in today's Gospel, He is asking , "What is your opinion?" Give me courage, Lord. Speaking up for my beliefs, that is Trekking Catholic.

Seeing God's Hand in our Lives

Up, Jerusalem! stand upon the heights; look to the east and see....Baruch 5:3

The rest of today's reading goes on about the good things that are in view: children gathered together rejoicing, mountains made low and gorges filled, Israel secure in the glory of God. Psalm 26 continues the list of good things. The second reading is a prayer for good wishes. The Gospel of Luke quotes John the Baptist and his promise of the Messiah. I cannot tell you the last time I got together with a group of people and there was a continuous list of good things and blessings and good wishes. Problems, complaints, gossip and bad news are far more common. To quote a funny commercial on TV, "You like to whine!" Although a clear analysis and a  healthy respect for what can go wrong in any situation is good, it is also important to recognize what has been successful and wonderful and good in our lives. And to understand Who and why this is so. It is not all about us. Giving thanks to our good and gracious God is Trekking Catholic.