Inspirations for the Jubilee Year of Mercy
From ghoulies and ghosties
And long-leggedy beasties
And things that go bump in the night,
Good Lord, deliver us!
~Scottish saying
The Catholic Origins of Halloween (Fr. Augustine Thompson, O.P. – uCatholic)
Halloween and its Christian Roots (franciscan media)
A Modern Catholic Gentleman’s Guide to Halloween (One Peter 5)
Halloween and All Saints’ Day Explained With LEGO! (Fr. Roderick Vonhogen – Trideo)
“He causes the changes of the times and seasons, …He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who understand. He reveals deep and hidden things and knows what is in the darkness, for the light dwells with him.”
Daniel 2:21-22
God is always looking to take us to higher levels. He wants us to grow and increase in every area. Change is a catalyst for growth in our lives, and it keeps us from getting stuck in a rut. Doors open and close, we are taken out of our comfort zones and stretched to allow a life of freedom and not mediocrity.
It reminds me of an Eaglet learning to fly. The Mother Eagle will taker her eaglet to the very highest point, way out of it’s comfort zone, and then she releases it. As the Eaglet falls, the mother swoops down and picks it back up again. She does this over and over until the Eaglet spreads its wings and soars through the air.
God wants us also to Soar in life! He is always with us and our Brothers and Sisters beside us; we are never alone. He is constantly bringing us new Seasons so that we can rise up to the challenges and embrace what He has in store for us.
Reflection: Donna Hollis, O.F.S.
“For I know well the plans I have in mind for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare, not for woe. Plans to give you a future full of hope.”
Jeremiah 29:11
Pilgrimage on The Camino de Santiago (Way of St. James) in Spain.
The purpose of a road is to get you from point A to B. Trails on the other hand, are built for the journey.
My whole life has been one of a Spiritual Journey going down different paths and experienced a myriad of things along the way. Some good, some not so good, but each experience helped me to learn and value what I have kept within from the journey. I have always felt the hand of God in my life, prodding me in different directions when I get off the path I am suppose to be on! I have come to realize that God has a plan for me as well and He usually wins out in one way or the other!
From the time I had my first Conversion of heart through my calling to be a Secular Franciscan I have felt led to a future of hope and meaning. We all have our conversion stories and leadings to be where we are now; how awesome is the Holy Spirit in directing us. He knew each one of us would someday touch each others lives and never be the same. What a wonderful community of Gods design! The journey is often what speaks to us and points the way instead of the destination. It’s the journey from here to there that points the way. . We are companions on the journey we believe in the love of our God; we have been gifted for each other.
Reflection: Donna Hollis, O.F.S.
“May mercy, peace, and love be yours in abundance.”
Saint Jude 1:2
Most holy Apostle, St. Jude, faithful servant and friend of Jesus, the Church honors and invokes you universally as the patron of hope.
Please intercede on my behalf. Make use of that particular privilege given to you to bring hope, comfort, and help where they are needed most.
Come to my assistance in this great need that I may receive the consolation and help of heaven as I work with my challenges, particularly (here make your request). I praise God with you and all the saints forever.
I promise, blessed St. Jude, to be ever mindful of this great favor, to always honor you as my special and powerful patron, and to gratefully encourage devotion to you.
Amen.
Saints Simon & Jude, Apostles. St. Jude is the patron saint of desperate causes and hospitals. St. Simon is the patron saint of curriers and woodcutters.
LINKS
Saints Simon and Jude (franciscan media)
Saint Jude Thaddeus (CatholicSaints.info)
Saint Simon the Apostle (CatholicSaints.info)
Why Is a Psalm of Creation Proclaimed on the Feasts of the Apostles? (Monsignor Charles Pope – Archdiocese of Washington)
National Shrine of St. Jude in Chicago – prayers and virtual e-pilgrimage to shrine
National Shrine to St. Jude in Chicago
“The most beautiful act of faith is the one made in darkness, in sacrifice, and with extreme effort.”
St. Padre Pio
Padre Pio Foundation of America
