Ite Misio Est

Ite Misio Est

(Written May 2005, for Catechists & Aides & Helpers, but meant for all)

    “Go in peace to love and serve the Lord,” are the words we hear at the end of Mass.  The words from the Latin Mass are “Ite Misio Est,” which speak of going forth to share in the mission.  That mission is to bring people to God through Baptism, proclaiming The Word of God, discerning its meaning and applying it in the lives of believers.

        I think we are all called to be disciples and share in the mission that Jesus gave in “The Great Commission (Matthew 28: 18-20).  Each of us has faith in our life, and as Catechists, Aides and/or Helpers, we are sharing that faith through this ministry.  What I am continually discovering, and maybe you are already there, is through the preparation in the classes is the life in my faith.

        Sharing in the mission as Jesus challenged helps me identify with the disciples on the Walk to Emmaus.  Their hearts were burning as Jesus connected them through The Word, which is a sensation I too have felt when I realize a flash of a revealed message.  Even that brief insight creates some excitement about the powerful message God has revealed.

        The messages that each of us receive, whether in small pieces or huge chunks are always the right size to continue the mission,  Anytime we have a connection with Jesus, whether at Mass, with family members, in the classroom, by ourselves, in nature or elsewhere we are changed.  Then the people that God has brought into our lives are affected also.

        God blesses us through each other.  Thank you for your “Yes Lord,” to include this ministry in your share in the mission.

A Relationship With The “Not For Sunday Only" God

 A Relationship With The "Not For Sunday Only" God

(written September 1993)

    When I was a teen or even younger, God didn’t seem important in my life.  My experience of God was limited to the one hour on Sunday at Mass; and that was because someone else told me I had to be there.

        I would hear that “it was my obligation as a Catholic to attend Mass on Sunday,” so I did, not tuned to God speaking to me, rather making my appearance so others could see.

        Even my prayer life was virtually non-existent, consisting of “God, I need this,” or “I want that, or “Help me or someone else do this.”  That’s not what real prayer should be like.

        It wasn’t until years later that I found a need for community and I sought it through a Catholic Church young adult group.  I started to experience God in my life beyond the Sunday Mass.

        Through that group I was linked to a larger community around the diocese, and my relationship with God was developing beyond anything I had previously known.  I could talk to God about my feelings, my concerns, my true needs.  Those conversations became more frequent, happening in the car, at work or anywhere else.

        I had a desire to make God part of my community and that gave me confidence that there was never a moment when I was without someone with whom I could talk.  I had experienced the “not for Sunday only” God and I liked the relationship we had.

        Since I realized what God could mean in my life the journey has been filled with phenomenal revealings about what love is, what is important in life.  I have learned what being rich means, how to enliven my prayer life, lessons on being humble and many others.

        As a result of my opening up and letting God in, I have been offered many opportunities to share parts of my faith walk with small and large gatherings.  Each time I communicate about the works of God in my life I am renewed and refreshed with life, and the thirst in my soul is quenched.

        I have brought God into my daily life in simple ways, including whispers and thoughts as prayer.  There are many things people use as an escape from life, but how about escaping to the presence of God.

        I have not yet discovered anything to cope with life as effective as turning to the One Person who is always there for me.  There’s no other answer than a relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ; one with communication beyond “Sunday only.”

Invite Them To Celebrate

Invite Them To Celebrate

    Our lives are filled with celebrations, and some are ones we invite others to join us in the festivities.  But to make it a greater occasion a larger gathering adds much to the event.

        When we invite people to celebrate the togetherness builds up the community.  We are strengthened into an incredible communion.

        The reuniting can make a significant difference how we see one another.  Asking someone to be part of the group can be a boost for their psyche.

        Recharging a person’s way of seeing themselves can take them to newer levels and may send them soaring to heights thought unreachable.  The invitation to be part of something they had not imagined might be the needed spark beyond anything they thought achievable.

        Eye-opening experiences give us opportunities that reveal things to us we didn’t think possible.  Being asked into an occasion is a way to make the impossible possible.  Saying “Yes” can be an opening to ……!

We come together to celebrate Mass, and we can invite others to join us in that assembly.  It is enhanced when we build up the gathering.

Be In Balance (not im-balanced)

Be In Balance (not im-balanced)

    Being balanced greatly contributes to our serenity in ways that increasingly brings peace into our lives.  The scales can tip toward a more even spot.

        We may be in tune with another that helps solidify our positioning in ways beyond our previous imagining.  Being able to see ourselves comparatively against others puts a newer perspective in view.

        The weights that measure alongside us comparatively pit us against ourselves in ways that reflects so incredible the understanding about our situation.  To fit against the expectations of another is not a way we should see what our own image reveals.

        Better than we used to be should be so competitive enough bringing us to places that renew our spirits, maybe lifting us to some new levels.  Plus analysis from others may be eye-opening to what we realize about ourselves.

        The measuring context can reflect such goodness about us that we are balanced in our environments.  Our stability perception is a renewed progression toward hope filled future and actions that move us in these directions.

Possible and Pause-ibile

 Possible and Pause-ibile

     Our lives are filled with things that are possible, but do we take time to ponder through the experiences we might be living.  In breaks we incur there is much to learn.

        When we fit the pauses into our days richness can be added that makes perspectives enhanced.  Seeing what lies beyond the obvious gives us incredible outlooks, while opening up points we didn’t consider.

        A lapse in continuing may expand possibilities we had not sought until now.  The things we’re capable of can be renewed happenings.

        Such relatable items may be brought to us in ways we didn’t see coming.  The immense occurrences with much potential will fill our lives with phenomenal greatness.

        We can absorb various things and taking the needed breaks to take in what we have consumed filter into our bodies to change us effectively.  The range of what can be good for us is wide and encompasses amazing diversity.  Receive and be PAUSE-ible.

We All Have “Special Needs”

We All Have “Special Needs”

    The term “special needs” has some recognizable associations that put people in certain categories.  But we all have qualities that make us unique in ways we stand out from others.

        Our stories bring about newness in how they tell about us and capture the reader’s or listener’s attention.  Relying on individuals or people as our Support Group to edify/build-up/encourage us through challenges can also strengthen us in incredible ways.

        When we’re teaching a person something we could also learn from that person possibly if we are open to that.  The ways we perceive information can be an important step in the learning process.

        I recently heard, “You cannot stop the chaos.  But you can find order in it.”  It also included, “I love you because you bring order to my chaos.”  It can be an important step to normalizing our life.

        Being able to help someone deal with their “special need” can be an uplifting experience.  We don’t see things as they are, we see things as we are.  Our filters sort out meaningful information.

Here For ... (Connecting, Encouraging, Loving, Caring, ...)

Here For ... (Connecting, Encouraging, Loving, Caring, ...)

    The things we’re here for that impacts others can have some amazing effects.  We may be connecting, encouraging, loving, and caring, amongst other great attributes.

        Our affirmations greatly affect a person’s outlook and outcome.  We are here to edify one another, and also we receive many blessings if we’re open to such possibilities.

        Ways that God reaches out to us through the ones brought to our path reveal much into our lives.  We can grow in faith while also helping those we contact.

        Sharing experiences may expand another person’s perspective.  The questions asked and answers can spark somethings new that help explore new dimensions in knowledge and understanding.

        When we’re open to learning, amazing pathways are unlocked.  Being here for each other shows phenomenal happenings.  More background in a situation or story can make it richer to understand.

Familiar Is Close To Family

Familiar Is Close To Family

The connection between “familiar” and “family” makes sense as each is bonded together with such tight linkage.  The members have things in common that even look so similar.

In some languages the word for family is “familia” so they’re impeccably related.  Words looking alike and even having meanings so interrelated are pretty amazing.  

Am I important in my family?  Yes, in fact those letters in that sequence are in the word.  Seeing the letters stand out impacts us differently, and we see our place with more significance.

In a class I showed them a word backwards, and asked if they could read it.  It was “ylimaf”.  Most said yes, it’s “family”.  I said I’m going to turn it around so they could see it, but it was different.  I turned it around and showed them f-AM-I-ly highlighted with the “AM” in red and the “I” in green.

The ways we look at things brings out more in what we see in the pieces that show us so much.  We realize incredible messages through visions expanding our perspective.  We can be brought closer to ones we thought were already near to us.

Delighting Others Shouldn’t Mean De-lighting Ourselves

Delighting Others Shouldn’t Mean De-lighting Ourselves

Making another happy should not exhaust us or take so much out of us that we’re de-energized.  Putting the needs of someone ahead of caring for ourselves isn’t a feasible idea.

Building up a person is a worthy cause, but the cost can’t be so much that it overwhelms us.  Taking down the individual we are to strengthen the other one is beyond the worthwhile expense.

Bringing contentment to a person should not burn us out in accomplishing the feat.  Choosing to elate someone shouldn’t consume the energy we have, then depleting us of the needed power to sustain our ongoing.

A gift of peace to someone could be easier than we realize and it might not take much out of us.  We may also shine brightly while giving some light to the other person.

What we contribute into the life of the other can be significant to the happiness level.  What we present from the heart could touch that person while not taking from us more of a needed amount.  Shine creatively into them.

Broken? Maybe We’re Being Prepared To Be Shared

Broken?  Maybe We’re Being Prepared To Be Shared

In our faith celebrations we receive Holy Communion as bread broken and distributed to us.  It is not only for us to receive, but it also is an example to follow and a lesson for us to learn.  We can be better instead of bitter.

We are shown that bread has to be broken to be shared.  Similarly when we feel broken, we are more easily shared.  The challenges that break us can also be blessings for other’s journies.

The ways we feel separated might seem tragic at the time, but it may add to our healing and be enriching to the lives of those brought to our path.  Stories we share about our growth can be what someone else needs to hear.

What another person receives from us may help them progress toward amazing strides.  Ideas sparked can bring new advances to others as well as all they encounter.

Things that break us may seem huge, but results when we’re open to them have enormous outcomes too.  Part of the process of receiving is we are sent on mission to connect, comfort, encourage and support in various ways; be open to share your brokenness as a positive in someone’s life.

Palanca (poems) for Cursillo -- 302 & 303

 Children of Love

Cursillo #302 (October 2022)

Seeing us connected gives a renewed feeling

We are blessed beyond anything we imagine

Realizing somethings greater than just ourselves

The ways we’re joined with others are blessings.

           Created as Children of Love

 

Called and challenged to share with others

Building the kingdom, enhancing communities

As missionaries, we are sent out to be helpers

Given examples to follow, to love one another

          Be Children of Love

 

Open My Heart, Lord

Cursillo #303 (October 2022)

There is so much to see Lord, You offer many blessings.

If only we’re awakened to notice the abundant revelations.

The relationships available are very meaningful in ways so vital.

You give us examples and challenge us to love each other.

          Open My Heart, Lord

We’re to affirm and encourage one another, building community.

Our call is to increase the kingdom, fulfilling God’s incredible plan.

Together we link up, being the bonds that confirm greatness and joy.

Sensing the love we feel then sharing can be invigorating to our souls.

          We’re connected to much holiness, Lord

Palanca

         This term was introduced to me as a Spanish word meaning “lever” to lift another toward God with prayer and sacrifice.  Then a note of support and encouragement can be added to communicate the feelings to one or more people.

Endless PAUSE-ibilities

 Endless PAUSE-ibilities

          Our possibilities in life are so many, but do we take breaks to ponder?  “Time-outs” don’t have to be limited to disciplinary actions.  They could be positive spacing that allows us to notice blessings.

We encourage one another toward helpful directions, pointing ways that get us all moving forward.  Taking time to “smell the flowers” can reveal beauty that enhances our experiences and expands what we sense.

When we see artwork or hear music/songs we can grow in ways that stretch our minds and understanding.  Being still may take us places beyond the limitations we thought were there.

Chasing nuggets of learning might take our education to unexpected possibilities.  The vastness of what is there as well as the pause-ible criteria make a brighter future available.

The “endless” opportunities we can tap give immense things we have at our disposal.  Be aware of what things we sense and take the needed time to examine what we have perceived.

Having “Enough” makes “Joyful” easier

Having “Enough” makes “Joyful” easier

             Enjoying the things we have vs. imagining what we want gives us a more important perspective.  Choosing to be satisfied with our belongings instead of always wanting more makes happiness easier to grasp.

          Being able to know we are amid the “YESes” and “NOs” of wanting things we desire can lead us toward such Joy.  Having the things we possess instead of being envious of what we can’t grasp adds sweetness.

          Someone once told me “Physical possessions, while we don’t have them are appealing.  When we get them, they quickly lose their appeal.  But spiritual possessions, while we don’t have them, aren’t appealing.  When we get them, they are incredibly fulfilling.

          Life will have it’s complications so cherish all the blessings that are offered.  We also remind each other of happy and joyful things in many ways.

        The choices of what we hold onto can be uplifting and beneficial.  It can improve our lives as well as being affective for those around us too.

To Change The World, Change Yourself First

 To Change The World, Change Yourself First 

               There is a lot in our world that needs changing, but we need to make changes in ourself first.  What we would like to see in our society, we have to be sure it is instilled in us already.
          I used to ask kids what they wanted to be or do when they grew up.  Now I ask how they want to change the world.  Affecting their environment is primarily important to accomplishing goals.
          Being the best version of ourselves makes things happen that we want to see as changes.  We can be mentors, inspiring others to be their best and do amazing feats, and incredible works will get done.
          When we are willing to improve ourselves, then we can make our surroundings better.  The things we see as becoming better can make what seems good look great.
        The ways we affect what is within our
reach also changes as well as extends to others a greater influence.  Things we have made better in our own being
can make changes in our world, improving so much in what we sense.  The best version of ourselves makes the best
environment around us.

Over-Analysis Causes Paralysis

Over-Analysis Causes Paralysis

Many times we’re faced with things that we over-think, and thus we may be caught in a place of “no decision”.  We have so much to consider in each choice, that it might make us stop in our tracks.

When we have something to decide, whether simple or complex, whether physical, emotional or spiritual going with our gut instinct may be easier and worthwhile.  To move forward in our choices we’re making progress for ourselves and maybe others too.

Being still in our contemplation helps; we see beyond limitations.  In thinking through what we face with simple questioning gets us to decisions quicker.  We’re not stuck at a point, and can advance to places beyond a stopping threshold.

Thinking about our decisions is helpful.  But over-thinking about them mires us in sticky situations, and that doesn't get us to choosing effectively.  The “Paralysis” might inhibit what I’m pursuing in a way that extends the decision making process to where it is not moving forward.

To over-analyze our situation takes us to a place where we aren’t accomplishing needed steps, and we’re making backward movements from good progress.  Getting help from our Support Group might be the needed push that encourages us toward our goal we're pursuing.

Being Wreck-tified

Being Wreck-tified

          We are all broken in various ways at times in our lives.  But in our brokenness we connect with others much more than through our whole traits.

          Henri Nouwen observed – “Nobody escapes being wounded.  We all are wounded people, whether physically, emotionally, mentally, or spiritually. The main question is not 'How can we hide our wounds?' so we don't have to be embarrassed, but 'How can we put our woundedness in the service of others."

          Our lives may be wrecked by certain experiences or people, but we can build from there anew.  And the person we become can have things improved that were unexpected before.

          The best version of ourselves may be ahead of us, if we just keep trying.  If we fall, we can pick ourselves up and go on with our lives.  The renewed us may be a different person than we’ve known.

          The ‘tified being may make the “wreck-“ into rec-tified, with changes as new traits that lead us toward directions and ultimately great endings.  We make incredible headways in our thoughts, words, actions that are good toward behavior, habits, character and destiny. 

Valued and Valuable

 Valued and Valuable

          There are times we don’t think or feel worthy, but we are valued and valuable.  Somebody sees something in us that we may not see in our own being.

          People who are the Support Group that builds us up help in various ways.  They lift us to incredible heights, and make us feel better because of such closeness.  The connections are so relevant, they achieve fabulous bonding,

          We have inherent value that has been created into us from the very beginning.  And the purpose for our being is set within our make-up.  Also we are to be there for each other as encouragement and support.

          Each of us is destined to be the best version of ourselves, but we have to make choices in that direction.  One or more people relies on us for help.  We are counted on in many ways, and that adds to our value and valuableness.

          Being connected increases our value and how valuable we are. The something more than just us make us realize how big the extent of our outreach.  The community we’re part of is vast and so precious.  As much as we’re giving, we’re also getting.

Think We’re Indestructible/Invincible -- We’re Not

Think We’re Indestructible/Invincible

We’re Not

          In my 20’s I took risks, including with my driving.  I had this mindset and attitude of “invincibility”, that whatever I did I would get through it all unscathed.

          The thinking that I would not be hurt by anything was stifling, but I tried it anyway.  Such things got me in trouble or hurt, but what I learned taught me some incredible lessons.

          I was no longer fearless in my attempts to try reckless tasks, and be daring.  The thinking that I was indestructible or invincible was so wrong, but it took many incidents to get my attention.

          Being careless in what I did, making bad choices led to instances with lasting effects.  One time I was the third vehicle in a seven vehicle accident that totaled my truck.  What was lucky was there were no fatalities from it, but many changes occurred as a result.

          The way I thought about my choices affected my short term and long term decisions.  More responsibility was a definite outcome for selections I faced.  I was no longer infallible in my alternatives.

Be Transformed By ______

Be Transformed By ______

– Music, Dance, Song, Words, Pictures

          There are many things that change us, making us more than we were before.  We might be affected by music, dance, songs, words, pictures, etc. to be transformed into a newer person.

          It could motivate us as is or in ways that spark renewed ideas toward something more.  The ways we’re inspired make the difference that affects a being we are into a person we can become.

          Ways in which we’re influenced can mean so much for the character that builds us up.  Each component that contributes to our make-up is vital to who we are as well as a foundation for who we grow into in our future.

          Changes convert experiences in small or large pieces through each part that makes us different and enhances us into someone so renewed.  We become a totally changed person affecting us and also anyone we contact along the way.

          People brought to our path are influenced by what we share so that builds up the environment and increases the outreach.  Our messages and pictures make incredible differences in the lives we touch.  I’ve heard that we don’t have to be successful in what we do, only faithful in presenting.  We’re already transformed, we just have to share with others.

Being Full You’re Not Ready To Receive

 Being Full You’re Not Ready To Receive

          When we approach a situation filled, we’re unable to take in more, whether food or information or anything else.  We must let go of things we contain to be able to receive.

          If we’re saturated coming into a situation, the hunger for anything we want is beyond satisfying.  In a class a teacher would have the students share some things about their day or week, with the premise that they couldn’t get something out of the class until they made some room.

          So whether its food or information or anything else, some space must be created.  Else there’s no room for whatever is presented to the person.  To be able to take in anything we have to make clearance allowing capacity for more.

          There is only so much space we have, and if we stuff ourselves it can become uncomfortable.  We must create room that can be filled with whatever comes our way.

          Approaching closed, whether fists or minds or whatever is the sign we’re unwilling to getting gifts offered.  We must come with openness to be able to get anything out of the presentation.

Being Vertical Is A Plus

Being Vertical Is A Plus

          Many times I’ve said to others “Being vertical is a plus.”  Some people feel inadequate because of their situation, but there are some that face so much worse things.

          The last 3 ½ years of my Dad’s life was not vertical for the most part.  So when someone is able to get up, and able to move even with help, it’s amazing.

          Being upright is quite a feat, one where we’re ongoing and so forward moving; something so phenomenal.  The ability to “DO” what you can may motivate others to accomplish their own things.

          We encourage each other in ways, and also challenge one another to be much more than what we think we can do.  A phrase, I heard on a TV show is, “Everything will be fine in the end.  If it’s not fine then it’s not the end.”

          Our outcome is more than the sum of our parts.  So looking at a piece of our journey doesn’t tell the whole story.  Seeing a piece of pie as the complete pie isn’t what the big picture reveals.  Be on the “PLUS” side.

You Can Make An Impact

 You Can Make An Impact

          We all have choices and can make decisions that affect our’s and other’s lives.  The changes made may be great, but even small ones might have incredible impact.

          I heard a saying that “we may be just one person in the world, but we could be the world to one person.”  So do all that you can do, make good choices and be the best version of ourselves.

          Also if we want to change the world, be the change.  It used to be that we’d ask kids what they wanted to be when they grew up.  But now a better question might be “How do you want to change the world?”

          We can all have a great effect on environments, if we work toward something productive.  People need hugs, and we could be the ones who are sharing that kind of closeness and caring.

          Be Present is a two-fold expression.  One is being aware of the need someone has and fulfilling it as a blessing.  The other is being a gift in the person’s life, bringing them needed peace and joy.  We can be so affective in building up the community to such an incredible level.

Just Come Home

 Just Come Home

          There are many choices that draw us away from familiar places as surroundings, from family and communities.  But we may also get to “rock bottom”, a decision point where we’re faced with “stay” or “come home”; Just come home.

          Though there may be reasons we’ve ventured out or running away from something we can usually return and find the connections that are beneficial.  Being back to where we feel closer to bonds that can give us comfort maybe a feeling that is safer and not so overwhelming.

          Ones welcoming us may be gladder to see us than we thought.  The expectations on either side may be quite different once the face-to-face greeting occurs.  Returning from a move might not have the thought-of consequences.

          There could be some changes to get used to, but different doesn’t necessarily mean “bad”.  Look for the good in each situation, and become the best version of yourself.

          Choosing to come back can have some good ramifications bestowed.  Be open to possibilities and there may be positives that could so enhance relationships.  Blessings in the experience might result.

Masterpiece, But Still A Work In Progress

Masterpiece, But Still A Work In Progress

yet Master-pieced together

             We are beautifully created, a phenomenal work of art.  We may not be 

perfect, but are being perfected along our way.  Each part of us works with other 

parts so well that the sequence together is incredible.

             Ways that we work internally and with one another create blessings all 

around.  Fitting like puzzle pieces make a picture that could not be imagined by 

looking at separated components.  The picturesque whole is beyond what we 

see as stunning.

             While walking a normal path we might notice clues to things that reveal 

greatness in many ways.  Something simple may contain lessons so valuable 

and valued presented to us in renewed methods.

             Taking care of our pet tortoise has shown me things enhancing the world 

around me.  Plants growing can also have lessons that teach so much, if only 

I’m open to such learning.

          The progress I’m in takes me to new levels of closeness to my Creator 

and communities I’m part of.  Accepting to be in environments places me amidst 

growing opportunities and can be such blessings.