Sundays

I got up early and piddled around finishing the installation of the clean out risers and caps on the sewer line for Mary’s bathroom before the sun broke the horizon and zapped me with its laser rays.   In less than an hour I was putting up tools and grabbing the Sunday paper before going back inside where everyone was still sleeping.  Out of boredom and not wanting to wake the sleeping bear…I began looking thru the plethora of ads that accompanied the so-called newspaper.  All the coupons for useless stuff…all the electronic gear that I had no clue as to what it even was…was mind-boggling.  Then I came across something that caught my eye…the women’s bathing suit ads.  Noticing the modest price for such an immodest garment…I was amazed.  But then again how much raw material is needed and how much labor does it take to stitch together a few bits of cloth?  Ok! Ok! I think I hear someone stirring.  It is time to put on my Sunday best and spend some time in prayer.  Sundays are great for not doing anything and not feeling guilty about not doing anything.

Thank you Father God for Sundays.

Thank you Lord Jesus for doing it all.

May the Spirit be with you.

Amen.

Contagious Smile

I have to admit that in my immaturity I married for selfish reasons.  But looking past that…I think there was some attraction to Mary Owen that was unique and strangely magnetic.  Her infectious smile was and is so genuine and irresistible.  It intrigued me and challenged me to find out what made her “tick”.  After 45 years I am not sure that I have figured her out, but I have come to one conclusion.  She has the big picture; she knows how God fits into the big picture.  She understands and follows the guidelines He has recommended for a happy life.  When I think back it brings a grin to my face.

Thank you Lord Jesus for smiling on me.

Amen.

Wannabe Writer

There is a part of me that wants to be a writer, but I’m afraid it is just a daydream.  Real writers write everyday.  Real writers can spell, conjugate verbs and possibly diagram sentences.  I don’t feel like writing everyday, sometimes I don’t feel like writing for weeks.  Then there’s the issue of having nothing to write about.  For the most part, my brain has flat lined. I go through each day in a haze…struggling to put one foot in front of the other and wishing I could remember where I buried the talent God gave me…so I can go dig it up.  Maybe I should just count my blessings and look on the bright side…I will not have to endure all those annoying book signings.

Thank you Lord

For all the blessings I overlook,

I don’t need to write no stinkin’ book. 

You’re the light that shines so bright 

And so I thank You every night.

Amen

Rules

     My friends at the “W” were giving me grief about eating a potato and egg taquito without any bacon on Fridays.  So in my defense, to prove my point I Googled the answer. 

     Most Catholics think that Vatican II did away with the requirement of not eating meat on any Friday of the year. This is what the new Code of Canon Law brought out in 1983 says about the matter:

Canon 1251

Abstinence from meat, or from some other food as determined by the Episcopal Conference, is to be observed on all Fridays, unless a solemnity should fall on a Friday. Abstinence and fasting are to be observed on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.

     Of course, most Episcopal Conferences (The Catholic Bishops) have determined that, instead of abstaining from meat, Catholics may perform other acts of penance or acts of charity…like being nice to someone.  Well…that’s not happening…I’m just going to skip the bacon.  To my credit…I must also mention…that I abstain from “liver” everyday of the week, all 365 day of the year.  Actually liver and brussels sprouts should not even be in a food group.

Seriously, If you are going to be in any club you must follow the club rules…not make up your own rules…otherwise you are not really in that club.  Check with the “Country Club” If you don’t believe me.   They will kick you out if you don’t follow their rules.  Apparently the Pope is a little more lenient with Catholics.

Fig Tree

Today’s gospel (Mark 11: 11-6) was interesting…apparently Jesus must have gotten up on the wrong side of the bed and skipped breakfast.   Because he was really “ticked off” at the fig tree when he couldn’t find any figs.  Then he went to the temple turned over all the tables and kicked out the moneychangers.  It seemed a little out of character for him.  But I can identify with the being grumpy part. 

Dear Jesus…

When the road gets bumpy

Help me not be grumpy.

Amen.