The Institute for Black Catholic Studies

This Reflection was given 5 July 2011 at the noon Mass of the Institute for Black Catholic Studies (IBCS). The IBCS is a cultural and academic immersion experience for anyone who ministers in the Black Catholic Community. For more information go to Xavier University of LA . THe reflection is entitled, The Hook Up. It is based on the first reading of the day, Genesis 32:23-33

Been Awhile

More than six months have passed since my last blog entry and that's way too bad, because so many things have happened that I should have written about.  This post is not going to play catch up even though that may serve to inform those who follow me what's been happening. Perhaps as I return to the blogosphere you will surmise some of what has taken place. But since this blog is about Moving Towards Peace, I'll keep it moving.

Last week I went to a pre-screening of The Way, starring Martin Sheen and directed by his son Emilio Estevez. The Way is this year's must see movie for anyone who is discerning life's meaning and those who assist others in that process. I'm not willing to tell you about the movie because I'm convinced that I won't do it justice. Suffice it to say that it is worth paying full price. I will be going to see it again. After the viewing Martin and Emilio did a 30 minute Q & A session that was full of humor, love and passion for God. What a way to share one's love of God. Check out the trailer at The Way-The Movie. I'm sure you'll like what you see. If not, we need to chat. LOL!

Yeah it's been awhile and I find that I've missed blogging. Look for more Skinny Thoughts on a weekly basis. And if time permits more than that.

I look forward to hearing about your journey to peace.

Marked For the Journey

Today is Ash Wednesday. I am not prepared for my cleansing. I've plunged head first into this journey pulled down by the demands of living beyond God's intentions for me. So though I am not prepared, I am grateful that today I mark the journey. Today as my forehead is sealed in ash I will be released from my own demands on my life and begin the process of welcoming God again into a life eager for grace and mercy.

Can we ever prepare for cleansing? What does that look like? For me it was the total disregard for the upcoming season as far as my personal involvement. Sure I had purchased reflection materials, but personalizing the journey was not considered until late last night. That's why I'm glad we have the Lenten Season. It forces me to stop spinning, to stop the rollercoaster.

Today I will be marked for the Journey. I was not prepared. Now I am. Grateful for this opportunity to refresh my spirit, I gladly allow ash to mark me for the world to see, to remind me that no matter what I intend, if it is not in and though God it is useless.

Breaking Through the Clouds

Clouds remind me of God, fluffy comfortable drifting dark harsh, yet always moving. There is something in the clouds that is needed. And sometimes while floating around I want to stay. But today I am being called to break through. I have been doing many things for the good of others. Sure there have been so selfish moments, but I haven't lost what God has asked of me. Funny thing though, while I was in the clouds doing what God asked yesterday, I wasn't doing what he asked today. See, yesterday's task is comfortable, easier to do since I've been doing it awhile. However, God has called me to do something new. God didn't say forget the old, but move into the new. I for my part haven't fully made the sacrifice til now. Today I break through the clouds to do the new. Today I make the sacrifice and step fully into the new task God has called me to do. Today.

Christmas 2010

As I prepared for Christmas this year I was struck by my own selfishness. Because I was so concerned about writing (not writing) my thesis-project, I failed to enter Advent and now Christmas in the correct posture: humble and in awe of God. I was mechanical in my shopping and most times down right irritable. I wouldn't let my family reach me beneath the surface of my gruff exterior. At least not until I attended Midnight Mass. There Christ the child melted my concerns and anxiety. There I came face to face with Emmanuel - God with Us. God, with me even in my selfishness. God with me even in my abruptness with others. God with me. God with me. God with me. Oh Emmanuel, thank you for dwelling among us to transform us; to transform me. And thank you for a brother and his encouraging words. Peace again in my heart and mind.