Same Mess or "Same Crosses," But New Creation in Christ!

As a kid, we all had chores, and naturally my mom would be on us about them. The worst was when we'd do our own particular chore but, because there were eight other people in the house, it inevitably got undone. My mom would point to whatever it was and say "that is the same pair of shoes as yesterday," or "that is the same coat/dish/toy/towel/game/throw pillow as two hours ago!!!" And, knowing that I'd very honestly put those things away, I'd shout "Well, this is the SAME HOUSE! Did you expect the neighbor's shoes?"

I was defensive because, often, she was accusing us of shirking; Mom thought we left work undone and was upset. But I have to wonder if sometimes her source of exasperation was the fact that we make those same messes over and over. It was the same house, the same people living in it, with the same bad habits. I found myself wondering absurd things, like if she'd be happier if the messes were 'nicer' messes, instead of things she was bored with looking at. Or if they were made by less-annoying people: we were raucous and sloppy, and that never changed. Or were in a less-boring house.

My Dream Is You

an original poem by Helena Noel

Holy Love made manifest,

Bread for human hearts,

Cup of Life, we daily bless

The graces You impart.

I call to You unworthily,

Elated but abased.

Your Sacred Body, Precious Blood

are veiled in what we taste.

And wretched I, with longing eyes

affixed to monstrance throne,

am begging grace to see Your face.

My dream is You alone.

For An Increase In Sacred Moments

Changes I don't really mind:
1) Taking something solemn, like the Novus Ordo, and approaching it joyfully with rousing music. Joy for Him is awesome, God loves it.
2) Taking a generic, normally upbeat "praise and worship" event and solemnizing it, by adding moments for silent prayer or quiet adoration. Its good to love Him in quietude!

Changes I do mind:
Taking an act or symbol of reverence out of something sacred for absolutely NO reason at all.

Why I'm Catholic: Because I've Found the Mark

Elizabeth Scalia, a blogger over at Patheos' "Catholic Channel," challenged Catholics all over the internet to share their reasons for staying aboard the Barque of st Peter. It's a beautiful mission, and the idea is to fill the social media with love for Mother Church and where she leads us!

Well, I'm a cradle Catholic, like many Catholics are, and my upbringing in the faith, although necessarily incomplete (its just too large to shove into one human childhood!) strong elements of Catholic life have always been present in my family. Though at the time I couldn't have understood why, my parents pulled myself, and my two older brothers out of school, when I was six or seven years old. Instead, they homeschooled us, and I think that was a major blessing in terms of fostering faith. I was enamored with Christ, especially as a kid.

In the Breaking of the Bread: The Life of Christ is Magnified in the Feast

Christ is thrilling. Thrilling and amazing and beyond the sum of all worth! Its hard to admit, but its a reminder we sometimes need. We are reprimanded often, as Christians, for going on and on about the life of Christ. We are told that we're worn-out records. Old news! Like, those story's were hot 2000 years ago! But it's a poor mentality that treats the Source and Summit of creation as if somehow we can exhaust things to say about him. We kinda act like it, though. We sheepishly accept our admonishments from believes and non-believers alike when they come. As if there is something more to life than adoring him!

But Tori Long know's what's up. Over at Pink-Haired Papist, she reminds us that the saving mystery of Jesus' life is NOT boring.

Jesus transformed, Jesus terrified, Jesus uplifted, and Jesus unsettled. Jesus was so wildly loved that His Apostles were consistently frazzled trying to keep Him safe from pressing crowds; He Himself often retreated into solitude and silence to avoid crowds. He was so powerful that He stirred a deep and unshakeable fear in the hearts of the religious elite of His time, so much so that they convinced a mob to elect to kill Him. He performed miracles. He made wild claims. He boldly proclaimed a kingdom, a dawn of hope, and a coming judgment -- and onlookers hung on every word.

 How can we say enough? How can we act with our blushes and hung heads and uncomfortable squiggling that the critics are right?

Simply Joy

an original poem by Helena Noel

This joy carves silver furrows
down my cheek

I've Been Getting Love Notes From the Eucharist

 ...I probably should read them...

I had a chance for something wonderful, and I didn't take it. You know those times when God feels a little distant? You know those times when you feel like he's calling you back to Him?

1 D Where has your lover gone,

most beautiful among women?

Where has your lover withdrawn

that we may seek him with you?^*

The Song of Songs (here, chapter six,)  is one of those love notes from God the above title mentions.  Today, I was given another that I didn't take to heart right away.

For certain reasons, I'd found myself absolutely drenched halfway though the school day. I needed to go home and change. For certain other reasons [Thanksgiving,] one of my midday classes was canceled and I was able to accomplish just that. I can't exactly explain why, but I felt compelled, and I DO mean *compelled,* to wear a skirt, which isn't common for me. I kinda laughed as I changed: after school Tuesday and Thursday are the few days of the week I see my extended family for dinner, and I'm always late because I stay after class for videogames in my school's common room.

 "It's WAY past five," they always tease when I finally come in, "what, did'ya have a hot date?"