tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14927179979882640602024-02-19T10:36:43.445-06:00A New VocationOne man's journey to rediscover God's plan!Benedict MAChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02459472963863073320noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1492717997988264060.post-762724438486228502014-06-18T10:14:00.001-05:002014-06-18T10:14:53.128-05:00Balance<span style="font-size: large;">It's been a crazy year! I didn't realize that I had been away for so long. I guess it's time to start fresh and get back to it. It's interesting how balance works. Everybody has to work at maintaining balance between work and personal lives. Sometimes we need little reminders to work at balancing our health as well. We need to find the right balance of Physical, Intellectual, and Spiritual health. I know I have been struggling for a while. Either I spend all my time praying, or all my time exercising, or all my time just sitting and reading. Sometimes I just spend all my time watching television and being useless. Finding the right balance is the key for us all. Just when I think I'm doing a good job, I realize I've been neglecting another area.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Right now, I feel like I've gotten my spiritual life right where it should be, but I haven't been exercising, and I am afraid that getting back on that wagon will knock me off the one I'm on. I am asking for prayers for this process as I try to lose some weight again without neglecting my prayer life.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">My goal with this blog now is to get back to posting weekly. I would appreciate if anyone reading this would keep my family in your prayers as we have a major surgery coming up next month.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">God Bless You All!</span>Benedict MAChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02459472963863073320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1492717997988264060.post-38376725686446567322013-08-18T21:21:00.002-05:002013-08-18T21:21:43.042-05:00Praise the Lord!<span style="font-size: large;">Well, I finally got a call Friday afternoon. I will be moving on October 1. It will be just about four years to the day that I have been temporarily living with my parents. Things are looking pretty good. The Lord has been answering some of my prayers and I can't wait to serve Him again tomorrow morning at Mass. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm really looking forward to Christmas this year with my children coming to visit our new apartment. It will be a very different experience for all three of us. Our last Christmas together in our own place was pretty rough and it was in the house that we had lived in as a family for about eight years.</span><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">God, thank you for these blessings in my life. Please continue to bless my family and those we care most about.</span></i></b>Benedict MAChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02459472963863073320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1492717997988264060.post-1512515070030871172013-08-15T08:42:00.003-05:002013-08-15T08:42:20.397-05:00Impatiently...Patiently Waiting<span style="font-size: large;">Waiting to hear about an apartment that you really like is a frustration best put in God's hands. I know that whatever happens will be for the best, but the waiting is difficult. Many have asked me what I've heard, and I am left just saying "nothing yet." It's hard to maintain a calm exterior when inside you're all jittery.</span><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">God, Grant me the grace to accept the things I cannot change, the strength to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. Amen!</span></i></b>Benedict MAChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02459472963863073320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1492717997988264060.post-5331231385691498332013-08-13T09:57:00.001-05:002013-08-13T09:57:59.603-05:00Keeping Fingers Crossed<span style="font-size: large;">This afternoon, I am going to meet with the owner of an apartment complex very close to where I live now. They happen to have one apartment available and I really want to get in there. I'm trying not to get my hopes up, but it is looking very promising. I really need prayers.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">You know, sometimes when you start to think things are hopeless, God just reminds you that He is still watching over you. I could use all the prayers I can get right now.</span><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Lord, help me to make the right decisions to pick the right place to live.</span></i></b>Benedict MAChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02459472963863073320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1492717997988264060.post-84550544925777678242013-08-12T13:09:00.000-05:002013-08-12T13:09:11.296-05:00Absence...Explained!<span style="font-size: large;">To anybody out there still reading this, I'm sure you've been wondering, "What happened."</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Recently, my son decided that he didn't want to come visit me. I was devastated! It was all I could do at times to put on a smile. I spent the last two months with my daughter, making the most of the time that we had together this summer. When I dropped her off, I had a brief, but promising conversation with my son. I know that he is getting older, and it is difficult for a teenager to understand the importance of spending time with his father, but my biggest fear is that he will regret not spending time with me while he is still young.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I have had a quite distant relationship with my own father for many years. A lot of that is my own fault, and I don't want the same for my son. Many of my prayers are for the continued softening of my son's heart that he may see how much I love and care for him. <b><i>Lord, help him to see that I do more for him than he knows.</i></b></span>Benedict MAChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02459472963863073320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1492717997988264060.post-42075706448071778232013-04-28T14:12:00.000-05:002013-04-28T14:12:14.295-05:00Silence!<span style="font-size: large;">Those who know me best have got some insight into why I have been out of touch for a while. I won't get into details publicly, but I have had some personal struggles lately. Only a few years ago, the same situation would have devastated me beyond all compare. Now that I have found my Jesus again, these things can affect me, but not devastate me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">God is my compass to find my way out of the darkness. The devil is always throwing out lines that we all tend to latch on to without knowing that we've been hooked. The Holy Spirit is our salvation if we will only allow ourselves to be saved.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of the faithful, and lead us to everlasting light. Amen</i></b></span>Benedict MAChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02459472963863073320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1492717997988264060.post-56931458309741431842013-03-13T20:37:00.002-05:002013-03-13T20:37:44.560-05:00Habemus Papam!<img alt="Franciscus" height="640" src="http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/francesco/img/francesco.jpg" width="543" /><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I was on the edge of my seat this afternoon at work, along with the rest of the world! As much as I wanted to see white smoke I really wasn't expecting to see it today. What an exciting day for us as Catholics! Even for the rest of the world, this day is truly glorious. Pope Francis has already impressed me greatly with his display of humility when stepping out onto the balcony in St. Peter's Basilica wearing the simple white cassock of his new office. Then, before giving us a blessing, he asked us to pray that the Lord might bless him...and he bowed his head while we prayed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">He is ready to lead us if we allow ourselves to be led! I look forward to the future and am so happy to have such a great new shepherd.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Viva Pope Francis!</b></span>Benedict MAChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02459472963863073320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1492717997988264060.post-27272104715932217502013-02-22T15:44:00.001-06:002013-02-22T15:44:04.871-06:00Holy Snow!<span style="font-size: large;">Well, it's been a couple of crazy days! I took the day off work yesterday so that I could attend Fr. Ron's funeral and we ended up with one heck of a snow storm. We got approximately a foot of snow in just a couple of hours. Growing up in the north east part of the country we got snow like that every year but here in the mid-west, where we haven't really gotten much snow for a couple years, that was crazy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Inevitably, the funeral was postponed and I was moved to take a second day off work. When I arrived at the church for the funeral, I was elated to find that the pastor there had no objection to my serving as long as the MC was okay with it. He happened to be another priest that I am coming to know and so I was able to say farewell to Fr. Ron in the only way that I see as fitting.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our God is an Awesome God who never ceases to amaze me. I should not doubt that God wants us to be happy, but I always manage to be surprised when my desire lines up with His plans. Thank you for a fitting way to say good-bye to my friend.</span>Benedict MAChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02459472963863073320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1492717997988264060.post-4758860646448916332013-02-17T17:29:00.000-06:002013-02-17T17:29:12.832-06:00Fr Ron<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Well, it's been an interesting week! Starting with assisting with a confirmation retreat for the eighth graders at our parish, followed by the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, and then Friday I received word in the morning that one of the priests that I had just served with on Sunday, passed away. I will be taking a vacation day from work later this week to attend the funeral of Fr. Ron Cornish.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I have never been to a funeral for a priest. I guess that is probably a result of a great deal of moving around and straying from my faith. Now that I have found such a firm foundation in the Catholic Church, I have been not only meeting new priests, but getting to know them and serving with them. I knew it was a long shot, but I was still a bit disappointed to be told that I wouldn't be able to serve at the funeral.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I know that God brought me here to Kansas City for a reason, and I'm glad I had the opportunity to serve with this wonderful and holy man. With the ages and health of so many priests lately deteriorating, it is so important that we not only support young men with vocations to the priesthood, but encourage more of them to consider a vocation to the priesthood. If serving daily in my local parish is the extent of the liturgical work that the Lord is calling me to, I will be content in knowing that my life was a success if just one young man is encouraged by my being there.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Fair Well Fr. Ron! I hope, as your last words to me said, I will "See Ya" in Heaven someday.</span><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Eternal rest, grant unto him O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.</span></i></b>Benedict MAChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02459472963863073320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1492717997988264060.post-7067476200289773692013-02-08T13:00:00.002-06:002013-02-08T13:00:28.609-06:00Finding the way!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBSI_njfImM9hyD51XKobQAbQlFiP-1lY9BX_OIPbAmtQ92-KceQ5h1X8tLBBeocrwthM3Cif_OdOXliFrWAjZhqelaTsvB5PvEsTZyOfXFUCJGet_NjFs4UaGCPbMHnJUnbc8q5Zmfbw/s1600/Adoration.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBSI_njfImM9hyD51XKobQAbQlFiP-1lY9BX_OIPbAmtQ92-KceQ5h1X8tLBBeocrwthM3Cif_OdOXliFrWAjZhqelaTsvB5PvEsTZyOfXFUCJGet_NjFs4UaGCPbMHnJUnbc8q5Zmfbw/s400/Adoration.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It interesting the way the Lord chooses to speak to each of us in different ways! I have spent many hours in Adoration, but have struggled with finding the right way to "listen." I have tried kneeling in silence, but was constantly distracted by my own thoughts. I have tried just talking with God, but as much as I run my mouth, how do I expect Him to get a word in. I've tried reading, but really how can you concentrate on reading and hears what He has to say at the same time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Last night I sat down with Jesus, and started to write a letter to God. By the time I finished writing, I could feel a response in my head. I think I just needed to find a way to get my thoughts out and allow me to really LISTEN.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Lord let me continue to seek and to follow you in everything I say and do!</b></i></span>Benedict MAChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02459472963863073320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1492717997988264060.post-19564213214998401532013-02-07T14:41:00.003-06:002013-02-07T14:41:46.909-06:00Fighting Despair<span style="font-size: large;">Learning lessons can be difficult for us sometimes. We can get so caught up in the routine of life, that even the occasional stuff has its patterns. I didn't really realize how much it affects me when I have my children for a short time and take them back to their mother, until it was recently pointed out that every time I take them back I go back into a state of <i><b>despair</b></i>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The reality is that I get so physically drained and bummed that the devil reaches up and tries to pull me down and keep me there. Maintaining an awareness of the devil's dirty tricks is a big help in fighting them, but we can't fight him on our own. He attacks when we are at our weakest, and that is why it is so important to persevere in our prayer life. Stick to the habits that we develop when we are closer to God, even when we are having times that we just "don't feel it," so that God can shield us from the devil.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Lord lift up all those who are struggling with difficult circumstances. Those who are following your path and those who have fallen or never found you. Wrap them in your loving arms and help them to know that we love them, even those w<span style="font-size: large;">ho </span>have wronged us.</i>~Amen</b></span>Benedict MAChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02459472963863073320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1492717997988264060.post-33876799397655170322013-01-17T20:18:00.001-06:002013-01-17T20:18:39.692-06:00Physical and Spiritual Health<span style="font-size: large;">I recently came to a realization that with everything that has been going on in my life, I have been gaining quite a bit of weight! It has been mentioned by a person or two that feels they know me well enough to say so. When I decided to start doing something about it, I stepped on the scale to get a base starting point. Could that be right? Could I have really let myself get 80 pounds overweight?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This really does bring me back to the point of striving for balance in my life. God wants our praise and love, but physical fitness is important too. We shouldn't be neglecting our own health. Now, I'm not saying that I couldn't do with cutting back on the snacks, but all of my attention has been focused on everything but diet and exercise.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Right now, I have been going through a couple of rough weeks of sickness, fatigue, and borderline depression. To an extent I have even been neglecting my prayer life. In an effort to reestablish some balance and peace in my life, I am starting to focus some on losing weight. Now that I have brought some new routines in, its time to filter in the things I have been doing and try to make everything balance out. I know it will only work if I allow Him to take the wheel back.</span>Benedict MAChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02459472963863073320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1492717997988264060.post-91277570144450006222013-01-08T14:47:00.000-06:002013-01-08T14:47:52.330-06:00Happy 2013<span style="font-size: large;">With the celebrations of Christmas and New Year's and all the driving to transport my children from their mothers to here and back again, it has been an exhausting but incredible month. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here at the start of a new year, its time that many of us examine our lives, and make resolutions to "do this," or "stop that." I have decided this year to do this by resolving to eat healthier and get back to exercising. Over the last year, I have become increasingly aware of the amount of weight I have gained since the need for bicycle commuting was made nil. With the help of my Lord, I expect to be back to riding my bicycle routinely a minimum of 5 miles a day by late April.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The time constraints of my schedule (not to mention the addition of 45 pounds)have changed my situation for riding to work every day. I refuse to give up serving at daily Mass just to get out the door a couple minutes earlier, so I need to get myself back in shape so that the time required to travel 3 miles on bicycle fits the schedule. This is going to take training, dedication, and a lot of prayer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Please pray with me: <i><b>Heavenly Father, we offer every part of our days to your service. Help us to accomplish our goals to keep ourselves healthy enough to continue all the things you have in store for us. We ask this through Christ our Lord.</b></i></span>Benedict MAChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02459472963863073320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1492717997988264060.post-50764033115549863942012-12-01T21:37:00.000-06:002012-12-01T21:37:01.827-06:00Bottom or Top<span style="font-size: large;">As we approach the 1-year mark of the point that I was blessed to receive the gift of a car, I find myself more dependent on that car than I ever expected to be. I didn't realize just how much I did rely on that car until last week when it broke down on me. There comes a point when it just isn't worth putting more money into a car that still won't get me everywhere I need to go.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">While attempting to do the repairs myself, I found a possible replacement that might be a better option. This weekend is full of faith filled moments, between dealing with a car situation and working and a very busy weekend for the RCIA. I am happy to be sponsoring someone this year and we had a retreat plus the rite of Acceptance/Welcome.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's amazing how things can be so crazy busy things can be and seem to be hitting the bottom, but at the same time they are better than ever. I guess it just proves once again how much faith can do. <i><b>Jesus I Trust in You!</b></i></span>Benedict MAChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02459472963863073320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1492717997988264060.post-35560763853815475732012-11-25T17:30:00.000-06:002012-11-27T08:17:14.528-06:00Happy Thanksgiving!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Sunrise in New York</span></i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This Thanksgiving was one that will be remembered for a lifetime! Long drives and getting together with family that has not been together in many years. God blessed the journey with gorgeous weather, and beautiful scenery. We had a light snow on the last day just to remind us what time of year it really is.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Friday morning my daughter and I watched the Sun rise together! I couldn't have asked for a better back drop. Only God could paint a picture like this, and I was able to watch it and to watch her watch it. <b><i>Thank you Lord for the abundant fruits of my life...Thank you for opportunities like this to help me slow down and appreciate this amazing creation of yours and share it with my children. You are Glorious! </i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This trip reminded me not to get so wrapped up in the mechanics of worship and prayer that you forget to be present in this life and celebrate what He made for us. <b>Happy Thanksgiving!</b></span>Benedict MAChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02459472963863073320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1492717997988264060.post-90683580320982364882012-11-14T16:30:00.000-06:002012-11-14T16:30:02.346-06:00In light of the Dark!<span style="font-size: large;">With Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years approaching, the focus should be on faith and family, and filled with joy, peace, and happiness. For many people this merely means higher stress levels and loneliness with a side order of depression. For a large part of my life, I have fallen into the later of these categories.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The biggest stress for me and for many has always been making enough money to pay for all this STUFF. Sometimes its even just to pay back debts. Then there are all the charities that are asking for our money this time of year, knowing that this is the time when people are the most "giving." I prefer to offer myself instead of the money that in many ways, already belongs to someone else.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">If all these local priests in their 70's and 80's can keep
serving our parishes where we need help, there is no reason the rest of
us can't serve them. I could easily spend more hours working and make
more money and faster to cover my budget strain, but if I did, I
wouldn't have time to do what God asks of me. If I'm not doing His will, I won't get very far! Experience tells me that much, at least.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Through faith and prayer, I am not worried about this year at all. I am looking forward to seeing my children twice in the next two months, and I'm even not really dreading the long drive. With 3,800 miles of driving to do in the next two months, I think its time for an audio bible or other inspirational talks that will keep my mind from wondering to bad places. I know that God will get me through whatever weather I encounter and any struggles will be another opportunity to grow. The same rules apply to every other day of the year. Bring it on! </span>Benedict MAChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02459472963863073320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1492717997988264060.post-25188227573548751482012-11-08T22:20:00.001-06:002012-11-08T22:20:33.421-06:00Hello again!<span style="font-size: large;">It was brought to my attention this morning that I haven't posted anything for quite some time. It's possible that I was a bit more ambitious about this project from the start than later on. It really testifies to the reality of our spiritual lives.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It doesn't take long to come up with the words to get a message out there, especially when you call upon the help of the Holy Spirit. The time can be found anywhere, so it really tends to be about the motivation and memory. By now, I'm sure that you can tell that I have a busy life.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The truth is, I work two jobs, serve at Mass daily, help with our parish RCIA, provide spiritual reflections for our local Knights of Columbus council, pray the Liturgy of the Hours daily, try to volunteer with other various projects throughout the year, and now I'm trying to get this blog going too. And that's what I do while my kids are at their mother's house.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">My next goal is to get back to school. I know that I am perfectly capable of making time for it...and knowing me, I will try to keep up all the other stuff too...but the fact remains that I'm not quite sure how I will pay for it. Surely, God will provide! I will be looking into and applying for a local school in the near future, and I only ask for prayers. The more prayers the better...It's going to be a difficult road ahead...Jesus and I will be able to get through it.</span><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">May the Lord bless all those who bear their cross and gladly take on more for the good of all!</span></i></b>Benedict MAChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02459472963863073320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1492717997988264060.post-66689955924540780052012-10-19T13:37:00.002-05:002012-10-19T13:37:55.110-05:00Journaling and Listening<span style="font-size: large;">Do you ever sit down and try to start writing a journal? Does it ever seem strange that you seem to struggle with what to write? My biggest issue is remembering to take the time to do it, but when I first started, it helped to look at it from the perspective of, "All I have to do is just make my thoughts show up on this page."</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">That didn't turn out to be as easy as I thought, but getting the thoughts out of the head, make it so much easier to just sit and be silent. Most people (myself included) don't take enough time to just sit and listen in silence. How can we expect to get an answer from God if we just talk to him, but never take the time to listen? Sure, He shows us things throughout the course of our lives, but to get a prayerful answer to a question, He has to speak to us.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I am convinced that, while He may not run on at the mouth as much as I do, God is always talking to us. How can we possibly hear Him if we never shut-up and listen. Next time you take some time for prayer, take a notebook, write down a few thoughts, and then just spend a while listening. You might be amazed at what He has to tell you.</span>Benedict MAChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02459472963863073320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1492717997988264060.post-32691314702724917652012-10-10T18:29:00.003-05:002012-10-10T18:29:57.508-05:00Nothing More!<span style="font-size: large;">Today I was greeted with a generous and unexpected gift. After setting up everything for Mass this morning, I was sitting in a chair in the sacristy, "trying to finish my morning prayer." When father came in, we started talking which meant my prayers would be postponed. As I took another attempt at finishing this office before Mass, another face entered the sacristy with a large grin carrying a nice long white surplice. His son is a 1st year Theology student, and knew someone who had an extra large he could not use. "He thought it might fit you," he said.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I spent the rest of the morning, unable to contain my own grin. I was even drawn to tears of joy as I gazed upon the face of Jesus on the cross after communion. I am at a loss for how to express my gratitude to these wonderful young men for their generosity, I can only believe that each of them will make a wonderful Priest in the years to come.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I can only pray that I be as open to God's will as they have surely been. Many people have been asking me lately, "What is your official role here?" My answer to them is that I am just one of the Lord's many servants, and nothing more. Even if the He has something special planned for my future, I hope that I will always remember those words. "Nothing More!"</span>Benedict MAChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02459472963863073320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1492717997988264060.post-51460604658957211122012-10-05T14:46:00.001-05:002012-10-05T14:46:21.668-05:00God is There!<span style="font-size: large;">Well, So much for every Day! It's amazing how much our priorities change on such a daily basis. While the over all picture may remain the same the details adjust. I have been very busy lately with work and prayer and even a little sleep. I hadn't realized how much time has been passing by.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Yesterday, I took the first part of the morning off work so that I could attend a beautiful celebration of the Memorial of St. Francis of Assisi. It became quite clear to me that the things I do now are what matter more than those I feel like I could do in the future. I finally got to talk with my children whom I have been having trouble reaching, and even managed to find time for all my daily prayers.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Unfortunately I awoke too late this morning to attend Mass per usual, but I think I may go exploring this afternoon and find a local church that has a daily 5:00 Mass. Life is always throwing curves at us and God is always there to guide us on the path. We need only to open our eyes, our minds, and our hearts. Thank you God for the blessings and the struggles I experience each day!</span>Benedict MAChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02459472963863073320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1492717997988264060.post-58838937012383742262012-09-19T17:46:00.000-05:002012-09-19T17:46:01.861-05:00Prioritizing!<span style="font-size: large;">Sometimes it's difficult to accept that we have our priorities a little randomized. The best I can explain this is that, maybe we have prioritized things, but not planned out our schedules appropriately to reflect those priorities. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">For example, my part-time job requires me to work late...my full-time job has me getting up early. While I really enjoy beginning my day with Mass, I have to get up even earlier in order to do so. This all winds up leaving me so exhausted between jobs that I end up dosing off, and not really getting anything done.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I have decided that the solution is to find a daily Mass in the evening that I can attend and preferably serve at after my day job, thus allowing for more consecutive time sleeping. This logical conclusion may seem simple, but it has been difficult to come to.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I realized tonight that perhaps I have become so attached to serving at one church, that the thought of going elsewhere had eluded me all this time. I pray that I can find a daily evening Mass close by with folks who are as eager to let me serve as those at my current parish. For the time being I will continue to endure this suffering for Christ.</span>Benedict MAChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02459472963863073320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1492717997988264060.post-45169972964422758742012-09-13T17:54:00.004-05:002012-09-13T17:54:59.172-05:00Trusting in Him!<span style="font-size: large;">I am so honored that for almost the last year, I have been blessed to share my thoughts with our local Knights of Columbus council. Several months after being ordained Deacon, our previous council Lecturer, asked me if I would take over for him. After reading many people's interpretation of this position, I have come to feel that it has taken on a richer meaning here. Each month, I try to present those brother knight of our council who can make it with a reflection of sorts.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Tonight will be a little different than the way I have done this in the past. Usually I spend some reflective time in prayer and let the Lord write something for me to share. This time I have been guided to a topic but given no words. I feel confident that the words are within me and I will allow the Holy Spirit to bring them out as I speak. My fear of public speaking should help prevent me from going too long. I can't wait to see what He will say through me tonight!</span>Benedict MAChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02459472963863073320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1492717997988264060.post-78758667215334800622012-09-11T21:02:00.002-05:002012-09-11T21:02:35.490-05:00911<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Heavenly Father...Thank you for forgiveness and another day! Each day is a blessing that we sometimes forget to appreciate. Please help me battle the wickedness in the world and in my own heart, especially as we remember those who lost their lives in NY 11 years ago this day. Thank you for the strength of all the brave men and women who searched for survivors and those who have since that time put their lives on the line and even given them up to remind us of the sacrifices that must be made for freedom! May God bless America!</span>Benedict MAChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02459472963863073320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1492717997988264060.post-81177519947902320752012-09-10T17:44:00.001-05:002012-09-10T17:44:34.668-05:00Open your eyes!<span style="font-size: large;">Another amazing weekend full of volunteer work, great food, great spiritual conversations, and great people. God did a great job of reminding me this weekend, that while I am definitely open to the possibility of being called to the clergy, I need to remain open to the possibility for a relationship. Though it was not the first time, I was presented with a person I felt attracted to this weekend, and as usual I'm pretty sure I blew that by leaving even though I saw a sparkle in her eyes that I have only seen a few times in my life. I can be open to the "possibility" all I want, but that doesn't mean that I have the courage to open my mouth.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Most of the time these situations have presented themselves recently (and been passed right on by), I have found out soon after that it was not likely a good idea anyway. In recent times this has also been accompanied by confusion of what is in store for my future. I realized today though that I truly feel that God is reminding me to be open to all possibilities, and He will show me the right path when the time comes.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Lord, Keep my eyes open to all the doors that you unlock. Help me to experience all that you wish for me on my journey in this life. Amen! </span></b>Benedict MAChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02459472963863073320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1492717997988264060.post-58584586813893607552012-09-06T22:13:00.000-05:002012-09-10T18:08:28.957-05:00Goals!<span style="font-size: large;">Sometimes we get a bit caught up in looking to the future, or looking at our past. I am probably one of the most guilty of this as anybody. It's easy to get hung up on the choices of the past, forgetting that those struggles have made us who we are. It's easy to look into to the future for the direction we hope for it to take.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The important thing to remember is to focus on today! Are we holier, or closer to where we want to be today, than we were yesterday? If not, what do we need to do about that?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The best approach that I can think to use is to; look to the future for a goal, remember the struggles of the past, and make each day a step closer to the goal. If we focus on the goal or the struggles, we become discouraged. If we focus on the here and now that we can control, we have already met the goal, because we are doing the best we can. Even just a small step will be a giant leap, because God will take the larger step from His end.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I am a 4th degree Knight of Columbus who tries to help bring a spiritual side to our monthly 3rd degree meetings, and a daily altar server. If I deepen one other persons spiritual life, or inspire one young man to stay close to the altar and pursue the seminary, I will count my life as a success. My goal is to do much more than that, but the most important part for me is that I achieve what God wants me to achieve.</span>Benedict MAChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02459472963863073320noreply@blogger.com0