In 1980 when I was 11 years old I woke up to a very strange site. Grey dust covered the cars, the grass, the rooftops – everything. It was like an unseasonable frost or a covering of very light snow. It was ash. Mt st Helens had erupted the day before spewing a fine ash into the atmosphere; the winds carried it north, east and south. My little town, though hundreds of miles away, was dusted with the ash. To us the eruption was nothing, a mere inconvenience that ruined a few too-fussy-for-ranch-land auto-finishes and otherwise was harmlessly washed away. Near the epicenter it had been a pyroclastic nightmare that had leveled trees, filled lakes and killed everything it touched.
This morning I was reading about the potential of the FOCA being passed and how this might well create a crisis in Catholic Hospitals which are currently exempted from having to perform abortions by various conscience provisions. Our Bishops have shown almost uncharacteristic zeal on this issue. There is a real fire burning in Baltimore. I read Auxiliary Bishop Robert Hermann’s magnificent statement that “any one of us would consider it a privilege to die tomorrow — to die tomorrow — to bring about the end of abortion“, there is a thrill in my heart. Our Bishops, American Bishops are saying something like this? It is almost beyond belief. But there it is. After reading Melinda Henneberger’s excellent article at Slate I am convinced, as she is that FOCA is a real threat to Catholic health care. The threat is not from the Bishops, they are simply stating the obvious. If faced with the choice to perform abortions or not take federal funds they will stop taking federal funds. If they stop taking federal funds they won’t be able to cover operating expenses and will have to close.
The outrage from the pro-Obama quarter is as incendiary as you would expect. The Big Horrible Catholic Hierarchy is trying to force the Poor Permanent Victim Class of Woman into the back-alley to obtain their Fundamental Reproductive Rights. But I think rightly viewed the Bishops are neither blustering nor threatening per say. What they are doing is stating firmly that they can not, and will not, do immoral things no matter the consequence. If there is an attempt to force them to do evil they will opt out entirely. The media will certainly frame this as the Church being horrible, medieval or intolerant, but public opinion really can’t come into play here. The Church is at her worst when she plays to public opinion and at her best when she says what is true boldly and honestly with no care to the world’s view of her. But I am concerned that this has the potential for getting really seriously bad for Catholics, Christians in general maybe, but certainly for Catholics.
It seems a fine haze of ash is filling the air. Is it from the dead wood burning away leaving out Bishops with a clear sense of purpose and mission? Is it the remains of personal liberty and the ability of institutions and even individuals to act in a manner consistent with the consciences? Maybe it is all that or even more. Only time will tell, it is our job to wait and pray.
For Advent I am sticking a week long post on the top of the page, if you scroll down you will see the newest articles I have put up. I also haven’t been doing Reflections. I will pick these back up after Advent.
Pieter the Elder Bruegel - The Numbering at Bethlehem
In the crowd of people can you see them? The carpenter and his young wife on the donkey’s back are nearly lost. People are busy, children are playing, and everyone has something important to do. Among all this business the very reason this moment exists is almost forgotten. What a perfect image for our world. God winds His way through our lives weather we notice Him or not. Maybe that makes it even sweeter when we turn and see that glimmer of Christ in a place or moment when we least expected to find it. Hope is being open to the possibility that God will reach into our lives at whatever time He pleases and will surprise us with something beautiful.
Sunday, Novemeber 30, 2008
We made our Advent wreath and we lit the first candle after dinner while we sat around the table eating cookies and talking about the fun things we want to do this year as a family for Christmas.
This is the start of a journey. It is a journey that we all know well, yet every year it is a new journey. The unexpected awaited us around each turn. The star we follow, the light that has shown on us for every year leads us anew. This is a journey we take confidently knowing that Jesus waits for us at the end. That beneith the star is love, life, peace and joy — our hope is in journey.
This seems the perfect day to take a little time to set things aside and find quiet and peace as we begin our Advent season.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Mondays are so taken up with business for me. The children have their CCD and Hannah has ballet. So between getting something ready for dinner before leaving the house at 1:45 life feels rushed.
While I was looking for some music yesterday I came across of snip of one of the Nativity movies. The scene where Joseph is frantically searching for a place for Mary who is in full on labor. Learning of the manger he actually picks her up and rushes to the creche. He falters for a moment at the horrible little spot, but having no other option lays her softly in the hay to continue the birth.
Mary is in a sense the center of Advent for me. I am not a big “Marian” type. I certainly don’t see anything wrong with a devotion to the Blessed Mother, it is just no chrism. Except for Advent. The first time I started to catch a glimmer of Advent through the eyes of Mary was the year I was pregnant with Ashley. My first baby. I was far from “home” and family. I had very little support and felt very disconnected. I could feel Mary’s heart in Christmas that year. The overwhelming reality of motherhood was pressing everyday a little more as this little person growing inside of me. It made me identify with her in a way I had never been able to appreciate before.
This song gets stuck in my head. The plaintive cry of a woman overwhelmed not just by the child she is expecting, but the unparalleled magnitude of what this all means for herself and world. Just what has she been chosen for and can she do it? It is the desperate joy of being a tool in the hand of God. And it feels desperate. A sense of trusting in God because that is all you have. Child birth is like that for me. I get to the point where there is nothing left but just having the baby. There is no end, just the moment and while that moment is horrific it is also magnificent. Possibly (hopefully) the closest thing I will ever get to understanding the ecstasy of the martyrs.
There is something about being a mother that draws me to God more fully than anything else in my life. It is my vocation. Everyday reminds me how small and unworthy of the task before me I am and how much my every breath depends on the Grace of God. This is a great thing, a wonderful thing, my most worthy work. It is through this very base act of having children that I am connected to the Incarnation. Advent brings that home in a real way each year.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
The Annunciation – Henry Ossawa Tanner
Wisdom and grace are so often connected to Mary. That in the fiat she exercised the ultimate freedom in offering all she was to the service of God. I think this is the great contradiction that so many modern atheists fail to grasp. If you haven’t already heard about the controversy in Washington over the Freedom from Religion Foundation’s display you might want to watch this video:
The card reads “There is only our natural world. Religion is but myth and superstition that hardens hearts and enslaves minds.” I am sorry (not really), but that is just so much willfully stupid post modern sentimentality and naivete. There is the underlying supposition that if there was no religion that people would have no differences and nothing to fight over. It is John Lennon’s simplistic ideology morphed into a misbegotten creed which ignores not only human nature but all the good that religious feeling and belief have added to the world and totally ignoring the real evils and wrongs committed by those individuals and regimes with no faith. But somehow I don’t think these people really bother with thinking things through very far. They have a belief and will not look at anything that might weaken that belief. And they accuse people of faith of being the illogical ones… sort of funny in a sad way.
And it is of course the exact opposite of Mary’s simple declaration of faith and submission.. It is somewhat ironic that (arguably) the most praised, honored and respected of woman in all history is a girl who did nothing more important that have a baby. I know that thought probably makes many woman bristle. We girls are taught early on that having a baby is NOT what makes a woman important. Certainly it is nothing to be proud of or take any satisfaction in. Motherhood is fine if you really want to be ghettoized in the suburbs with endless boring days of play-dates and grocery shopping but it isn’t important or really fulfilling. No woman really worth any notice, no one any girl should aspire to would be just a mom. Anyone who praises motherhood or is happy being just a mom must be wrapped in the social constraints of a cruel misogynistic patriarchy that only values woman for their wombs. Just look at the most important woman in the Catholic church who is only important for the babe she bore.
But then that pesky reality intrudes again and despite all the decrying of how life draining, unimportant, unfulfilling and useless to the world motherhood is there are plenty of us who embrace this life and love it. How we ever managed to free our minds from the endless conditioning that we had in public schools and college is nothing short of a miracle. For those of us called to this vocation Mary’s journey to Bethlehem is a model. I don’t think all women are called to motherhood – or even called to it the same way – there are some woman who are called to balance career and family in unique ways for the glory of God and the betterment of the world. But for many of us modern women who looking to fulfill this vocation in a small and simple way Mary is the ultimate example. We leave behind what we have been taught to desire career, fame, or economic independence, and find joy in the simple things, the small and poor things. There is where we see our star and follow it, no matter where it might us led even to that lowly stable long ago and the mother who was brave enough to say yes.
Reflections on the Day for November 20, 2008. It has been cool and sunny today following two days of heavy rain.
Plans for today –I need to go shopping. I will pick up the weatherizing stuff I need.
I am wearing – My black velvet top and comfy pant and soft blue slippers.
I am feeling – Happy! Kyle is home tomorrow.
I am hearing –The children are finishing lunch.
I am thankful for – Kyle getting home tomorrow.
In prayer – Nadine, Kyle while he is traveling, Granny and Pat.
The Children:
Ashley –Is working on a project for me. I will post pictures on this soon. Rachel – Conferences are next week. Her teacher seems really nice. Christopher – Made lunch today. Hannah – Has asked to learn how to do needle work. Joshua –Decided to shake extra cheese on his noodles and made a big mess. Sarah–Has been tagging behind Josh all day.
The Homefires:
Kitchen –Pizza night… woot. Craft-room – My mind is working on some Advent crafts. Music – If you missed this you need to check it out. Lucky Room of the Day – Bedrooms.
My pleasant thought for the Day –
On Joan of Arc: “The common people flocked in crowds to look at her and speak with her and her fair loveliness won the half of their beleif, and her deep earnestness and transparent sincerity won the other half. The well-to-do remained away and scoffed, but that is their way.”~Mark Twain
A new year is almost upon us. Advent is the beginning of the Catholic liturgical year. It starts, in the most natural of ways as anticipation. The beginning of all life, the expectation of a birth – the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus. We have special songs, colors, traditions, food. All these things leading us gently an surely to Christmas. Advent is very special and beautiful.
It is also somewhat of a challenge. There is such an emphasis in our culture on the material aspects of Christmas. The gifts, the malls, the stuff overwhelm the manger and the star and the little baby long ago who brought so much to us all. The birth that brought us everything is smothered in the everything we buy. Advent is a bit of liturgical magic that shifts us out of a life of stuff and into the life of the church. It is joy, peace, hope and love. It is a time for preparation, faith building, memory making, family, songs, lights, and understanding. So, not to belabor a good point here are the basics.
You might remember this post from last year. Straight No Chaser’s very cool rendition of The 12 Days of Christmas give it another listen it is well worth it.
Apparently after their video went “viral” last year they got notice by Atlantic records, were reunited and cut an album. Check out the story.
I saw it first over at the Anchoress and I know others like Fr Kyle have linked into it. I feels good to be doing a little, very tiny part to help these great musicians get noticed – because when a lot of us share what we love very occasionally it makes a difference. Viva la Power of the Internet.
The Official Holiday Grand Plan started on August 31. In order to accommodate the Advent season I have started earlier, and I hope to have everything in order and ready for a calm and spiritual Advent season.
This week the I am focusing on the Kitchen. This is totally out of order, but I really need to back up to the kitchen and do a good turn through it and take inventory for the Christmas cooking.
Last Week’s follow up: I will have the checklist for sorting up soon, God willing. I bought four new Christmas children’s books for the book basket.
Week Twelve: Cleaning: The Official Holiday Grand Plan has the kitchen listed on week six. I like having it closer to the Holidays. My goals in the kitchen are to do a good clean out of the fridge and freezer, cull the baking supplies, check the pantry and make a final shopping list for the items I will need for the holiday baking. Don’t forget the cleaning list for the Kitchen.
Preparing for the Holidays: This weekend is the weekend we are making sure the lights work. I bought my Advent candles already. Cards should be ready to go by the end of next week.
Planning: The Offical Grand Plan has recommendations for this week. My list is a little different since we started a couple weeks earlier.
Gifts: I need to make a trip to get some fabric for the boys. This week I want to get one good shopping trip in. Cards: Still working on my cross stitch cards. I need to check labels for mailing. Parties: This week I am doing the first plans for our Christmas eve shin-dig. Menus: The menu for Christmas eve and what we are bringing to Thanksgiving. Decorating: Got those Advent Candles, plan for crafts that will be decorations. The thanks giving goodies go up this weekend. Baking: I need to get anything that I don’t have after going through the kitchen. Devotionals:I picked up some items for Advent devotionals/crafts. Later today or tomorrow I will have my Advent page up with our devotionals. Traditions:We have new books. I am looking through to decide which night we would like to go to the Grotto and Zoo lights. We have a couple parties booked. St Nicholas day celebrations. Lot’s of things starting to show up on the calendar.
Reflections on the Day for November 19, 2008. We started out mysty and foggy but the sun has come out and is starting to warm things up.
Plans for today –This evening I am going back to Penny’s to order our pictures.
I am wearing – My other brown slacks and my comfy green top.
I am feeling – Kind of chilly. I need to go get the weatherising stuff for the house today.
I am hearing –Josh laugh over todays music video.
I am thankful for – Really nice neighbors.
In prayer – Nadine, Kyle while he is traveling (poor guy is sick), Granny and Pat.
The Children:
Ashley –Did a really good job in the kitchen last night. Rachel – I need to call the house and set up the Holiday schedule. Christopher – Reads all the captions on videos for Josh. Hannah – loved picking out a new book yesterday. Joshua –Is really cracking up over the song. Sarah–Came into the office to say “Momma, Hannah is mean”.
The Homefires:
Kitchen –Menu planning day. Craft-room – I took my sewing machine to the Montavilla sewing center and the guy fixed it on the spot for me. Joy. It was such a simple thing he didn’t even charge me. Music – Ok, here is what the boys have been enjoying. Big H/T to Happy Catholic:
Lucky Room of the Day – The Office.
My pleasant thought for the Day –
“Preach the Gospel at all times. If necessary, use words.”
~St. Francis of Assisi
Reflections on the Day for November 18, 2008. The day has been sunny but chilly, almost like fall is slipping into winter.
Plans for today –Today started out busy and just kept going. We had an appointment for portraits today for the younger ones and that went really well, except for Sarah totally refusing to take part.
I am wearing – My brown slacks and a comfy black top.
I am feeling – So much better. I am just slightly coughing and my head is starting to feel clear.
I am hearing –Nightmare before Christmas is playing in the other room. Ashley picked it up from the library.
I am thankful for – Having a teen who is willing and able to help out so I can deal with the things I need to do while Kyle is gone.!
In prayer –Nadine, Kyle while he is traveling (poor guy is sick), Granny and Pat.
The Children:
Ashley –Is in charge tonight while I am at the homeschool support meeting. Rachel – I need to call the house and set up the Holiday schedule. Christopher – Was so helpful this morning. Hannah –Oh what a beauty she is in her pictures. Joshua –Has had a really good day today. He is such a ham. Sarah–Frustrated me to no end at the studio. I so wish she would have given the pictures a go, I know she is going to be sad when they come back and she isn’t in them.
The Homefires:
Kitchen –Tonight is easy dogs in a blanket for the kids! Craft-room – I am dropping the sewing machine off on my way to the meeting. Music –OMG there is Christmas music not just in the mall, but one of the stations in town has already switched to Christmas songs. Lucky Room of the Day – The living room.
My pleasant thought for the Day –
“Love does not consist of gazing at each other, but in looking together in the same direction.”
~Antoine de Saint Exupery:
My friend Jennifer has this posted at her blog. It came out through our homeschool list and it really goes into what I want to do this Christmas season.
Simply Catholic 
