A Hymn for All Hallows Eve

For all the saints, who from their labors rest,
Who you by faith before the world confessed,
Your name, O Jesus, be for ever blessed. Alleluia.

The golden evening brightens in the west;
Soon, soon to faithful warriors comes your rest;
Sweet is the calm of Paradise the blest. Alleluia.

But lo! there breaks a yet more glorious day:
The saints triumphant rise in bright array;
The King of glory passes on his way. Alleluia.

Life Insurance as an Act of Stewardship

The following reflection was offered by a member of the Resurrection staff.

When someone close to us (or even someone not so close to us) dies doesn't it seem that we naturally reflect on just how delicate life is? I suppose it has something to do with the fact that it forces us to take a step back and take a moment that we wouldn't have otherwise made time for.

My husband and I had to elect life insurance this week. We both receive a set amount as a benefit through our jobs, but we had to decide if we wanted more and how much. My husband was adament that we get life insurance on him because he is the primary source of income. He wanted to be sure that I was provided for in the event of his death. (NOTE: We are both fairly young and in good health. And yet, we are both aware that each new day is a gift, not an assurance.) He wanted me to be able to care for our children and myself in the most healthy way I could without him. I am very blessed by his thoughtfulness and provision. We filled out the election form, sealed the envelope, and placed it in my purse for the mail.

Then I got to thinking, "What if something ever happened to me? What legacy did I want to leave for my husband and my children?" I don't make a fortune, but I would not want my husband to worry about expenses or the budget upon the unlikely event of my death. I would want his complete attention to be on himself and our children and working through the greiving process. I want my children to have time with their dad. I want my children to have a good Catholic education. I don't want money to be an obstacle to the depth of their relationship in a time when they are so desperately going to need one another. I want to be sure that I leave my family in a state to successfully support one another without having to devote extra time to financial resources.

So, I ripped open the election form and changed the election over to family. What's an extra $4 a month when you consider the benefits? God has given us the resources and we have to discern with Him their best use. For $48 a year I can assure that if God calls me home before I see my children grown, they will be cared for in a fashion similar to that which I would have cared for them.

Certainly, it is not all about the money, but in this case the money is what will make the care, the mercy, and the love an easier focus in a time of great difficulty.

Isn't that what God calls us to? We are called to look beyond ourselves and be loving stewards of our time, our love, our fortune, and our future. Life is delicate. Embrace every opportunity. Love in every moment.

Prayers of Praise and Thanksgiving

We are so blessed as Catholics to have a daily source of prayer and worship in the Divine Office. This morning's intercessions struck me with particular interest.

Created and redeemed by the overflowing love of God, let us offer our praise and thanks:

Response: Blessed are you, O Lord our God, maker and ruler of the universe.

You have filled the universe with wonders; fill us with reverence and delight.

Blessed are you, O Lord our God, maker and ruler of the universe.

You have called into being life of every kind: fill us with a desire to cherish life in all its forms.

Blessed are you, O Lord our God, maker and ruler of the universe.

You have made us in your own image to be your praise; fill us with thanksgiving.

Blessed are you, O Lord our God, maker and ruler of the universe.

You know all and see all; fill the needs we pray for in our world and in our hearts.

Blessed are you, O Lord our God, maker and ruler of the universe.

Our Father...

O God, Creator and Redeemer, you are the author of being and life. Inspire in us aspirit of praise and a desire for obedience, that we may give you glory in everything we think and say and do, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

A Reflection for a Fall Weekend

This is a reflection from Robert Wicks in his book "Everyday Simplicity".

"I know the sunsets are for everyone. But as in observing other works of art, what each of us receives from them are personal gifts from God. They are uniquely ours." Michaele Aileen Wicks

Find the gift God is offering you in every encouter with people, your work, nature, everything. Although you may not see the grace every time, you will be more and more sensitive to what you are being given by God.

Youth Find Labyrinth Relaxing and Centering

As Generations of the Disciples at this month's "Pray It!" night we learned about and experienced the labyrinth prayer method. Here are some of the comments from our youth who participated! (Our favorite is the message "Go God!")

"It gave me a chance to relax and to forget about all of the stuff going on in my life. And it gave me a chance to sit down and talk with God."

"An awesome experience. It was a nice break from a hectic week."

"I like the sand and the message behind the station. Go God!"

"Very relaxing. I feel more connected with God."

"I felt that I was with Jesus."

"It was nice to think about and with God. It really refocused me."

"The experience was very soothing and cool because it was different than anything I've done before."

"This was a calming and humbling experience."

"I feel much more connected to God."

"I let my tensions go."

"It was very calming."

"Very emotional experience."

"I felt at peace with God."

"I got more into it than I thought and I felt a strong spiritual connection."

"It was amazing and interesting!"

"That was the most relaxing music I've ever listened to!"

Generations of Disciples "Pray It!" with a Labyrinth Experience

An important part of stewardship is being generous and always growing stewards of prayer.

This Wednesday night, October 3rd, all of our parishioners were invited to gather as Generations of Disciples to "Pray It!". This prayer learning experience focused on a method called the labyrinth. It is a method of prayer that involves meditation, repetition, and following a physical path as one prays. In our case, we had two large labyrinth paths that were laid out in our parish facilities for adults and children alike to walk through while listening to portable music devices or simply their own thoughts.

The Labyrinth can be completed in many fashions. It symbolizes a prayer journey and a conversation with God. Some labyrinths are mowed into the grass. Other churches and organizations use sheets of paper for finger labyrinths. One of the original labyrinths was built in a Cathedral in Chartres, France around 1200. It is actually laid into the stone floor!

Click here for a finger labyrinth you can print for your own prayer. We recommended to those our Generations of Disciples that they print a copy and keep in on their desk or in their locker!

http://www.lessons4living.com/Finger%20Labyrinth.PDF

In addition to being a physical path for the prayer process, it was also created as a way of recreated and representing a pilgrimage for those individuals who might not have the opportunity to pilgrimage to a designated holy site. It gives each of us the experience of a journey toward God and with God. We encourage each of you to try this experience if you haven't already and send us your feedback!