Category Archives: Our Cross(es) in Life

The Journey of embracing and united ours with Christ’s.

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Questions and Love

Questions and Love

What comes from thanksgiving and blessings? What about the healing power of love and mercy? And yes, how does this apply to me?

Have I wronged a friend or treated someone unfairly? Been Disrespectful? Have I failed to show compassion and mercy because I was so full of pride? So full of me! Was I unkind to a family member, a neighbor or a work associate? Am I always thinking of myself and totally not seeing others? And I different now than I used to be? I wonder; do people see me differently?

Probably yes to most of these questions, and possibly to all of them. I cannot see the change, but I sense from my friends that they are starting to distance themselves, and others, well; they are pretending to be my friend.

“A friend loves at all times; and a brother is born to adversity.”
…………………………………………………………………….Proverb 17:17

How can I change? Yes, you and I need to make changes. It starts with a hello, a wave, not turning one’s back on another, the famous “pretending” not to see someone, giving a ear to listen to someone who may not have another person in their life today to talk too, a smile of warmth, holding a door with a smile, “Pardon me or please forgive me” instead of I am sorry. Hugh difference when you ask them to make the decision.

The most important change for you and I is a silent prayer to God thanking Him for all our blessings and telling Him you love Him. Yes, tell Him you love Him and ask for His strength and mercy we so need. You should always pray and ask for God’s mercy, as you should show mercy to those you love. You cannot ask for more than mercy from those who care for you; as a merciful person will share in your misfortune and suffering, and do whatever it takes to help you. And yes, this is what God’s mercy is for us.

For whatever reason, if a prayer is not possible right now, God would love just to hear your own words. Make it your own words and feelings your prayer to Him. Just open up and tell Him. Don’t hold back. Just talk from the heart!

Express your love to Him and ask Him to share it with all those in, as well as those, not in your life today.

“………………………………..the heart reflects the person.!!!!”

Conor
Find A Way!!

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God is loving and merciful; not sensible

Matthew’s gospel, (18:1-5, 10, 12-14)

At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them, and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me… See that you do not despise one of these little ones; for I tell you that in heaven their angels always behold the face of my Father who is in heaven. What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? And if he finds it, truly, I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. So it is not the will of my Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.”

Is that the sensible thing to do? Leave 99 sheep and look for 1 and put the 99 at risk. In today’s world, do businesses that loses 1% focus on the 1%, or try to maintain and grow the 99% of his business? Many would say the sensible thing to do would be to managed the 99% and forget about the other 1%.

What about the parable of the Prodigal Son who takes his inheritance and squanders it away on fun, foolishness and prostitution? He ends up with nothing, whereby; he has nothing, “not even scraps that dogs get from their Master.” He is forced to go back home to his father and what does the father do? Does he lay in judgment of his lost son, or when he sees his son coming home, throws a celebration, slaughters the fattest calf, gets the finest clothes for him and welcomes him home with no questions, or no judgments of his actions? Is that what most people would do in the same situation?

Is the father acting sensibly? Just as our Lord was not acting sensibly, or doing what we might have done in the same situation, the Prodigal son’s father was not acting sensibly. He was doing what Our Lord expects us to do; to show love and mercy to all under all circumstances. No questions and no judgment of their actions!

God is asking all of us to be childlike; not childish. He is asking us to be humble, loving and trusting in Him, as children do with their parents. God is a God of love and mercy and that is why He had to find the lost sheep. That is why the Prodigal Son was welcomed home with love, mercy and understanding and no judgment of his actions.

How can we stop being sensible with those around us? How can we eliminate an eye for an eye when someone does something to us? That may be sensible or make us feel better getting even with others, but being sensible is not what we are call to do. How can we criticize people, judge people when we ourselves, are not judged by God?

The God of Love and Mercy.

Time for us to work on our changes?

Be Childlike; not childish.

Conor
Find a Way!

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The World and The Church Today

As I sat in church last week, I happened to look up into the balcony, and then around to the side pews of the church, and it struck me how empty they were this day. My mind immediately drifted off to Christmas when there was standing room only. I have seen this many times before, but then it hit me why I was bothered.

Like most people today, regardless of one’s political beliefs, all are greatly moved by the scenes and stories of the persecutions of Christians and the other minority religious groups in the Mid-East. The genocide started last year in Syria, where 1.2 million Christians have been displaced and 130,000 people have been killed for failing to covert to Islam. Now this violence has spread to Iraq, with the continuation of genocide happening now for Iraq Christians’ and a fairly large religious group called the Yazidis.

The Christians and the Yazidis all have been forced to leave their homes with only what was on their back because of their refusal to convert. The other option facing them if they were unwilling to leave, was death by mass grave killings (either alive or dead), nailed to a cross or beheaded by the sword.

Their churches are being destroyed; papers, books and manuscripts dating back 2000 years are all being burned. Crosses are torned downed and burned, while others are used for crucifixions, while others head’s of those failing to give up their beliefs are paraded around town, photographed and put on the internet for all to see and witness.

Readers of history and those who study the bible could take these current events, and if the time line is unknown to them, could very easily think they were reading something happening 2000 years ago. But no, it is now!

We know how small the world is today, but how does one begin to understand what is happening a plane ride 7-8 hours away? How do we balance those situations with our own situations and our faith and daily lives? How do we reconcile those forced to die, as well as those willing to die for their faith, against the empty pews in church I witnessed last week? Where is the disconnect? Why such an expansive gulf? What don’t we understand, but just as important, what can we do?

“For all those suffering persecution for their faith and the love of you, our hope is in you Lord to find the answers to bring those people to safety and rest in your loving care.

Hear our prayer O Lord.”

Conor
Find a Way!

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Irish melody reflection

Is it time to to share with God what is weighing on our hearts?

Conor
Find a Way!

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“We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses.”

― Abraham Lincoln

Conor
Find a Way!

Inspirational Quote

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Through the narrow door

“Strive to enter through the narrow door.”
_Luke 13:24

Striving requires contending with whatever comes our way. Making good out of bad, and becoming a better person. Choosing encouragement instead of criticism. Choosing love rather than disrespect or hatred. We are all challenged with choices, hardships, disappointments, pain and suffering and the weight of our cross. How do we choose to manage this, and what decisions are we making to control all of this in our lives? But also, how do we manage this so we can put the beauty of life in front of our challenges, and enjoy and share the love around us?

It is hard to find those answers when you in the valley rather than on top of the mountain. But being in the valley allows us to get to the mountain as we learn, grow, and develop ourselves by the experiences of the valley. It is in the valley where we learn the important lessons of life.

Prayer should be part of our daily life, but even more so during those difficult times. Prayer, along with our quiet time with God talking from the heart, is the best way to get to the waiting love, strength and understanding of Our Lord.

Reflect on this, as you deal with all the challenges of the narrow door.

_Conor

“Find a Way.”

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Prayer

What is prayer? Just something you do once a week at services because you feel an obligation? Is it something you have no interest in at all, and no time to consider because of your schedule? Or maybe you feel you only need to pray when you need something or some tragedy has entered your life?

Or, is it that you do pray occasionally but it has no meaning or purpose in your life? See no results. In fact, the praying you are doing is boring, burdensome and awkward. Almost very discomforting.

Is it maybe you don’t know how to really pray? Would you be surprised to know that sometimes, and over a period of time, praying is sometimes lonely, empty and very dry for those that do pray? And do you know why?

Let me ask, have you in your life ever worked hard at something like a sport, project, an advanced degree, or a skill set you never had, but so desired by you? Maybe to play a musical instrument or being an accomplished public speaker? And you did it by your simple determination, effort and with help along the way. And yes, it did not happen overnight, as it required a lot of effort and commitment on your part. You had to make time for it in order to get something out of it and get where you needed to be.

What a great feeling! And when you have experienced that great feeling, wouldn’t you do anything to get that same feeling again?

There is a saying in the martial arts, whether you’re a white belt or a dedicated black belt that simply says, “You need more practice.” And where does that not apply in our lives?

Know that God loves you and He wants to be with you and be part of your life. He has loved you before you even knew Him, and He can be part of your life. It requires you to “open your heart” to Him and put the above efforts into praying.

Have you heard of the analogy of how you protect what is most important to you? It is explained through rock, sand and water. In a large jar of water, you are asked to put in pebbles, sand, water and also rocks, with rocks being the things most important in your life. Without putting the rocks in first, one will never have the important things in their life.

As I have noted in previous writings, find your corner. Find your spot to pray and make it yours. Start out with 5 minutes, settle down and clear your mind and let it grow from there. As you begin to notice change slowly, experience God’s love and mercy, and you will want to grow that time together. Sometimes prayer is not needed. Just speak from your heart. Settle in His presence, feel nourished and know that you are in His love.

Know, you are never alone.

Conor
Find a Way!

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Here I am Lord, (what do I have to lose)## (Powerful Reflection/Meditation)

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“Coming to our Senses” Reflection of Good Friday

The author begins to take us through the days of Holy Week starting with Maundy Thursday to Easter Sunday, but we never get there; he asks us not to rush by Good Friday, and, we never leave. He says, “Don’t hurry by the Cross on your way to Easter Joy, for we know the Risen Lord only through Christ and him crucified.” To understand Our Lord, we must begin to understand what Good Friday is, and what it means. What it means to me and to all people of faith, whether they are in love with Jesus or just know him, and to those that have not yet found Him. In order to understand Our Lord, we need to know and understand the sacred ground of Calvary and what really happened that day for all of mankind. As here at the Cross is the real world, the place we need to know, grasp and understand, and most importantly; give thanks to Our Lord for his Cross and sufferings, his crucifixion, and ultimately his death. At Calvary, we need to understand Our Lord’s first words from the cross, “Father Forgive them,” as it speaks to who Jesus is. We need to embrace his real expression of love he has for us, as well as, the forgiveness of those who do not know what they did. Love and Forgiveness. This is where we see ourselves in the life and death of Jesus Christ. This is “Axis Mundi.”

It is here where we see, sadly so, that “Forgiveness Costs.” As the author points out, it is not Forgetfulness. It’s about actions and decisions. It’s how forgiveness has costs and how it impacts our lives, and in many cases, those around us. Whatever it is, something must be done so it is made right. Otherwise, it doesn’t matter. Yes, otherwise it doesn’t matter. This is something that is in everyone’s life at some point, but it is here at Calvary, that we can begin to see and understand the enormity that “Forgiveness Costs.” Whatever and wherever forgiveness is, and to what degree, the Cross and Calvary are at the heart of what “Forgiveness Costs.” With the Cross, we can see the gravity of wrongs and the sins of all. This gravity of wrongs and sins is not just for past sins. Our Lord, died for all sins, both past and present and all future sins of mankind. “Forgiveness Costs.” If not, “the trespass does not matter.”

“Stay for awhile. Don’t rush to Easter Sunday,” as I was there too. My sins, both large and small, brought me there with Our Lord. The times of where we put ourselves ahead of others. The times we lose our patience, and forget about kindness towards those that need help and gentleness, for those that are bruised and hurt, and the times where we don’t make a difference, as our time is all too important. Yes, I was there, and I like to think I was at the foot of the Cross with Our Blessed Mother to the end, as I made the time and wanted to grieve for my God. But on the other side of the Cross, I want to thank him for what he just did for me and what now awaits me, because I am looking at and grieving about Our Lord’s death right now. From here moving forward, it’s up to me. It is here where I need to pick up my Cross and start down my path and continue to give my thanks.

Sins are serious. We see the consequences as we remain in Calvary. “In the Cross, we see the rendering of the verdict on the gravity of sin.” As humans, we make sins insignificant and smaller than they are. We alter their seriousness in our minds; thus in our actions. We change the truths of them, the definitional changes of what is good or evil, or what is right or wrong. We redefine the meaning and what is acceptable, thus changing the outcomes. Things now look the way I want them. We set up the rules of judging ourselves. However, “the truth is that we do not judge the truth; the truth judges us.” The judgment that matters is the judgment of God who alone judges justly. He defines the good and what is right, as there is a line in everyone’s heart that divides good from bad and evil. There is no changing that, and there is no changing our struggles with good and evil.

St Paul says it best for me. “I can will what is right, but I cannot do it. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want, is what I do.” So the struggles continue. How is it corrected? How are all sins are justified, from the husband cheating on his wife, to “everybody is doing it,” and to the sins that reflect so poorly on the human race? The killing times of Auschwitz and all the others camps, to murder, rape and hunger throughout Africa, and the atrocious of Kosovo. Let us not forget the killing fields of Cambodia and current state of affairs in Syria and the slaughtering of innocent men, women and children around the world. It is something we can read about in history, but is also something we can see today all around us. And in fifty (50) years, these events may just be a footnote in history books, rather than the story.

“Stay for awhile. Don’t rush to Easter Sunday.”

Man has found ways to justify his actions. Man has found ways to blame it on God and ask where God is? “How could he let this happen?” Man has found “God guilty” again! So again we have to ask the question, how is this going to be corrected? What must we do? Yes, “Forgiveness Costs.” But are we capable of correcting our own sins? The simple answer is no. That is why God accepted His Cross and our guilty verdict. He took up the Cross to correct what man has done, because man is not capable of correcting his own sins. Sins are serious. It had to be corrected and God did it, at a great cost and out of love for us.

Stay for awhile. Don’t rush to Easter Sunday.”

As Adam came to his senses, and the prodigal Son came to his senses, I have come to my senses here at the Cross on Calvary. I weep on one side of the Cross, for what has happened to him by me, and I thank Jesus on the other side on where I can go now.

“Here, through the Cross, we have come home, home to the truth about ourselves, home to the truth about what God has done, about what we have done. And now we know, or begin to know, why this awful, awe-filled Friday is called Good.

Thank You God.
I love You.

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A letter to a (my) daughter

Life delivers all kinds of hurdles, tests and challenges of our faith and the “who are we” of our character. The feelings become overwhelming; the dark is really ugly and a sick feeling prevails throughout your entire body. The questions flood in how am I going to deal with this, and get to a point of peace, sanity and closure? How do I do this day after day?

It is all so unfair, not right in any way you look at it, and the impact; is not just on me, but my children. It is especially hard on my 5 year old daughter who cannot begin to understand any explanation I offer to her to help alleviate the pain of the absence of her daddy. Where do I begin? Now what? Which direction do I take and who can I lean on for help, as I think I cannot do it alone?

I don’t have all the answers, but what I can tell you for sure, is what I have seen. You dug deep to do all that you have done during these very difficult and trying times. You were always a great mom, but you became “thee” anchor and support for your two beautiful girls. Every day you were there for them to bring normalcy into their lives, while I know you cried yourself to sleep most nights, if not all. You put on that face of determination and went to work to help with bills and expenses, and then; returned home to be that Mom you knew your children wanted and needed.

The strength of your character that you have shown during these times, cannot yet be fully appreciated and understood by you, but to those who know you, rest assure they can recognize and see all the changes in you. You were put to a test and you came out the other end even more beautiful. You should continue to hold your head high, keep that confidence close at hand and take that normalcy you fought so hard for. Go forward with your 2 beautiful kids in tow. And when you have that empty feeling or another challenge facing you, remember you have that confidence in your pocket, and continue forward for what you know is right and needed.

How can I say all of this at this time? Well, in many cases the last person to know is the person living it. Take it in faith in what we share, and the love I have for you. I have looked at you my whole life and watched the changes over time and have admired whom you have become. You understand the real beauty and the important things in life to protect and nurture. Today, through these challenges, you have taken yourself new levels. It shows in the remarkable person you have become through this ordeal. You are that new person! You are full of love, understanding, kindness and beauty. And it does show!

In time, you will find and realize the “high good” and you will know that someone was always present for and with you.

You have many who care, love and support you, but know; “He loved you before you loved Him.”

Time is now to Keep Smiling!

Love you, and know that it is true; as love with conditions, is not true love.

My best to you; always.

Dad
Continue to Find a Way

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Don’t Quit_To those in Need

“When things go wrong as
sometimes will,
When the road you’re trudging
seems all up hill,
When the funds are low
and the debts are high
And you want to smile,
but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest, if you must, but don’t you quit.

Life is queer with its twists and turns,
As every one of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about
When he might have won
had he stuck it out;

Don’t give up though the pace
seems slow-
You may succeed with
another blow.
Success is failure turned
inside out-
The silver tint of the clouds
of doubt,
And you can never tell
how close you are,
It may be near when it seems so far;
So stick to the fight when
you’re hardest hit-
It’s when things seem worst
that you must not quit.”

_Unknown
Conor
Find A Way

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Inspirational Quote for those suffering loss

“Do not look forward in fear to
the changes of life; rather look
to them with full hope as they
arise. God, whose very own you
are, will lead you safely through
all things. And when you cannot
stand it, God will carry you
in His arms. Do not fear what
may happen tomorrow. The
same everlasting Father who
cared for you today will take
care of you then and every day.”

St. Francis de Sales

Conor
Find a way

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God’s Whispers

I think of the times I failed in so many areas of my life. Some small and insignificant, while others changed my future. But most importantly, others could of changed not only the future, but eternity for me. I just “missed the hand writing on the wall.” or, “If it was a snake, it would have bitten me.” All of these and other expressions applied to me.

I remember a little statue I had as a kid of three monkeys’s sitting together with one covering their eyes, the other their ears and the other covering his mouth. The statue represented “see no evil, hear no evil and say no evil. “Is it true today? Yes, and hopefully to a much greater extent for me, but I believe evil is everywhere today. Much more than in the past. The world has changed to such an extent that the children of today will be speaking of life much differently in their future.

I believe I have grown and fortunately somewhat wiser, and because of God’s unending love and forgiveness for me, I now see and have learned to always listen for God’s whisper. It can be in time of need, prayer, help, out of nowhere and for no reason, or just by my love for Him. I am reminded of his total presence in this world and all that is in it. This is expressed beautifully in the You Tube link below and should cause us to reflect.

I hope you enjoy and feel the love God is sending us every day. It is all around us, and maybe you can share and do the same for others in your life, that you care for so much.

And finally for me, these monkeys have served their purpose.

I am so thankful, and there is something for all, with love and patience.

Conor
Find A way

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Insights into Blessed Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen / “Treasures in Clay”

Treasures in Clay”, an autobiography written by Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, is the last book penned by Blessed Archbishop Sheen, culminating over 60 books written by him, with the first one published in 1925. His articles, letters of instruction, religious papers and public writings of sermons, are too numerous to count. With his love of the word, both written and spoken, he continued his gospel messages in radio broadcasting, which began in 1930, and was known as “The Catholic Hour.” This continued until 1950 and was carried worldwide by networks and stations, as well as short wave radio, reaching 4 million people weekly. With his radio success and the advent of TV, he began his legendary TV show in 1951, “Life is Worth Living”, in his famous magenta cape and zucchetto. These TV shows were carried by 123 TV stations and over 300 radio stations, reaching 30 million weekly viewers. These television broadcasts ratings surpassed the “Saturday Shows” of Milton Berle and Frank Sinatra in TV viewership ratings. In fact, Bishop Sheen went on to win an Emmy for these shows. I would be remiss if I didn’t share some of his humor, but as he accepted an Emmy for his shows, “he wished to thank his writers; Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.” An unlikely scenario in today’s world, as the world truly has changed. Needless to say, his writings and oratory skills played a significant part in the church, and still do to this day.

Bishop Sheen continues to reveal his life and his dedication to being a disciple of Jesus Christ. He brought in understandable interpretations of scriptures and the bible, insightful looks into his prayer life, teachings, retreats, and his little known passion of working for the fallen souls of Jesus. He was driven to converting them back to the church in good standing, and seeing to them; so they continued to thrive in their faith. His exploration between the spiritual bond of Christians and Muslims, and the genealogy, was informative and helpful in the understanding history, and its continuing impact on the world today. I found his question on Fatima insightful when he asked, “Why did the Blessed Mother choose a tiny, insignificant village like Fatima to appear, so that she might be called Our Lady of Fatima?” The Prophet Mohammed’s daughter bore the name of Fatima, and in the Muslim faith, is considered the holiest of all women, followed only by the Blessed Mother. Bishop Sheen continued his reflections back into his early times as a priest, his journeys and worldwide mission work for the poor and hungry, and his time as “Bishop of Rochester,” a place out in the country; far from New York City. His reflections on celibacy, converts, the Second Vatican Council and his tremendous love of the cross, I believe, is a commitment and obligation for us to reflect on, understand and embrace in our journey.

Bishop Sheen’s influence and legacy will continue throughout the church. His readings and sermons are a must for all Christians needing help in their daily lives, and wanting a loving personal relationship with Jesus. He shares his struggles and hardships, his ups and down in the priesthood and explains the must do’s for all priests. His impacts and devotions to finding the “Lost Sheep” for God were relentless. He not only sought them out, he offered his own sufferings for them, so he could do God’s work. I believe the words of Pope John Paul II best expresses Bishop Sheen’s influence on the church. Two months before his death, Fulton Sheen met Pope John Paul II in St. Patrick’s Cathedral. With the iconic picture of the Pope hugging him he said, “You have written and spoken well of the Lord Jesus. You are a loyal son of the Church.”

As I continue my journey and ministry, I find Bishop Sheen inspirational and a teacher to imitate. He shows the power of the word, both spoken and written, and was always focused on his audience. He brings his faith to bear on those around him, and in particular, to the ones he knows needs God help and love. His daily life long “alone time” in prayer and devotion to the Holy Eucharist, was his source of strength but, his time also to review his relationship with Jesus. Something we must all embrace. He often would ask for “extra splinters” in prayer, so he could take the sufferings of the cross and unite it with his own, as he went forward every day. Bishop Sheen always felt it was better to ask for your cross, because if you didn’t, Our Lord would just put one on your shoulder anyways. And yes, Our Lord answered his prayers for “extra splinters.”

Reflecting on his life, Bishop Sheen shows the way we must travel and it’s the way regardless of one’s perspectives. He teaches embracement, getting out in front of it and always keeping God in mind. He also had a special love and devotion to the Blessed Mother, and as he said, “I always prayed to her and ask for help, and I always knew if I went through her, she would know how to get to her son, Our Lord Jesus Christ.” And in those difficult times, I knew “if she can love me, then Christ is with me.” Secondly, his devotion to developing a personal relationship with Jesus is one that has a profound effect on me, and one I need to always continue daily to nourish and grow. “The more we love Christ the easier it is to be His Alone.” It is to know Christ; not just knowing about Christ. Those words are profound and gets lost in the paragraph. It is knowing Christ; not just knowing about him. It is through this influence that challenges your faith, because you begin to ask yourself the questions which need to be answered. You need and want these answers, as the answers are the enablers for us to move forward. It puts all in perspective for the direction one must begin to take.

What drove Bishop Sheen to his heights throughout the world? What was up most in his mind and what was he always thinking? I have noted some of those answers above, but simply stated he saw a relationship he wanted with God. That was his strength to do what had to be done. He wanted to build the flock for Our Lord and to spread His word. This took on many forms in his words and actions, but for him, it always went back to that relationship. This is significant guidance and direction for me, and one of the major takeaways for me. Bishop Sheen always knew his relationship to God and did not want to disappoint him. If he was ok with God, he knew what he had to do for him. He also kept the cross of our Lord ever so present in his thoughts and his actions. Following the cross lead him to see the beauty of it, and this again for me, is something that is very important and has to always be with me.

As we go forward, we increasingly see the influence of Bishop Sheen in the church. Pope Benedict, in June of this year, began the final step in sainthood by making Bishop Sheen, “Blessed” Sheen. His influence in his teachings and interpretations of scripture are taking on more importance and scope now throughout the world. His ministry for the Propagation of Faith continues to raise the importance of the poor and its missions, and serves as an inspiration for many to follow.

I’ll close in leaving the questions that Bishop Sheen was always trying to find the answers to for his work. It speaks volumes about what I need to do, as it has relevance to the church and its practitioners’ today. They also address the answers to the question, why.

• “Have I really served the Church as well as I should?”
• “Have I used the many talents the Lord has given me?”
• “Have I cast fire upon the earth as the Lord has asked me to do?”

_Conor
Find A Way

Find A Way

Quote by

“Forgiveness does not change the past, but forever changes the future.”

Conor
Find a way

Reflective Quotes

Quote by

“There are only two ways to live your life.
One is as nothing is a miracle.
The other is as if everything is.”

_Albert Einstein

Miracles

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Don’t Quit

When things go wrong as they
sometimes will,
When the road you’re trudging
seems all up hill,
When the funds are low
and the debts are high
And you want to smile,
but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,

Rest, if you must, but don’t you quit.

Life is queer with its twists and turns,

As everyone of us sometimes learns,

And many a failure turns about,

When he might have won
had he stuck it out;
Don’t give up though the pace
seems slow-
You may succeed with
another blow.
Success is failure turned
inside out-
The silver tint of the clouds
of doubt,
And you can never tell
how close you are,
It may be near when it seems so far;

So stick to the fight when
you’re hardest hit-
It’s when things seem worst
that you must not quit.

by

Reflection/Interview with a Holocaust Survivor (November 9th, 75 Anniversary of Kristallnachat) “Breaking of the Glass”

As we approach the 75th Anniversary of Kristallnachat, “Night of the Breaking Glass,” let us remember in our prayers those who suffered and died; an atrocity beyond comprehension. Let us also say a special prayer for the survivors of the Holocaust, for many still carry burdens even today.

As the numbers of living survivors of the Holocaust continues to dwindle due to age, let them hold a special place in our hearts.

I owe a special thanks to so many for the honor of interviewing one remarkable, beautiful man that taught me so much in those hours of talking. I’m overwhelmed and tear up just thinking of the experience and the love for life that I learned from him.

Thank you.
_Conor

November 2012

Knowing I was about to sit down and interview a Holocaust survivor, was about the most stressful and moving experience I could not thoroughly anticipate. Just thinking about some of the conversations to come, and coming from a person who lived these ordeals, and not just read by someone, was totally overwhelming and very emotional. In preparing for the interview about the Holocaust and the Auschwitz Death Camp, I read all the artices, books and details I could get my hands on, only to the point I just had to put them down. It was making me physically sick and drained. I needed to move on and become focused on a man I was about to meet; he deserved the upmost respect from me.

With everything finalized, I met Dr. M. and his “Austrian” bride. Both were so gracious to invite me into their home to begin our discussions. Mrs. M. was there to listen and give support to her husband, as she was not part of the tragedies of the Holocaust and the Auschwitz Death Camps.

Dr. M. is a man who survived the rule and horrors of the Nazi’s. He became a man today of such kindness and warmth that you would not know his horrific past. But, I believe this is not typical of all survivors, as many have had a difficult time adjusting. His biggest fear today is that the children and people of the world 50 years from now, will read about the Holocaust just as a footnote in history books, and not know the whole story.

Dr. M. was born in 1922 in Berlin, Germany to an upscale Jewish family. His father owned a clothing factory that employed over 500 people, producing all types of garments. This business success allowed his family to live in another part of Berlin, which would benefit them personally in the future. He also had an older brother who went off to study in London a few years after he was born. In talking about his father, he was proud how he had served Germany in World War I, was highly decorated and was promoted in the ranks. Jews and Christians continued at this time to live and work together and be friends. This all speaks to the normalcy of life at that time, but that was about to change drastically with the rise of the Nazi’s.

Dr. M.’s father started to see changes early on coming with the Nazi’s rise to power, much more so than most citizens of Germany. About a year after they came into power in January 1933, he had decided to close his business, as the Nazi’s generally made it difficult for him to continue operating his business. He was forced however to continue, with his business slowly being destroyed, even more so by the Nazi’s. The only way they would allow him to close, was he would have to agree to continue to pay everyone for the next 18 months, or face on-going threats to him and his family. The Nazi’s then set up a plan for him to pay his employees wages weekly at the Nazi headquarters. He somehow was able to do that with his business closed, only to finish those payments just before “Kristallnachat.”

November 9, 1938 was the mark of the tragedies to come, as this date is known as “Kristallnachat” or “Breaking of the Glass.” This is the day of the unveiling of a Nazi’s plan. That evening, the Nazi’s stormed through Jewish neighborhoods breaking all the glass of Jewish homes, offices and all store fronts. The Nazi’s then continued destroying all of their synagogues.

The Nazi’s then immediately began gathering and shipping 30,000 Jews to concentration camps. Fortunately, that night his family was unaware of all that was happening, as his success and prominence allowed them to live in a mixed, upscale section, of the city. The first thing the next morning their phone rang, as the Nazi’s never turned the phones off until later that day. A friend said you must leave now! “Leave your apartment now, as the Nazi’s are coming to your part of town looking for Jews.” They immediately left and went to a department store where they kept moving around in the store, up and down the stairs, so people would think they were shoppers. This continued all day. At a point when they felt people were getting suspicious, they went to other stores and continued to do that all day, as they had nowhere to go. They just didn’t know what to do.

Dr. M’s mother was able to pass as a non-Jew, while his father was very Jewish looking according to Dr. M. His father, trying to avoid the Nazi’s and figure out what to do for the family, decided to go to the hospital. He told a particular doctor he needed surgery. The doctor knew exactly what he meant and admitted him to the hospital. He had 2-3 unnecessary surgeries, which allowed him 5-6 weeks to recuperate in the hospital unnoticed. Meanwhile, his mother went back to the apartment trying to figure out what to do, seeing if they could get papers, just like many others panicked people were doing. His mother found a Christian woman she knew who sent her to see a particular business man and tell him, she was sent by her. Through this woman and business man, they made arrangements to hide the whole family out in the country, unnoticed for a considerable amount of time, while his brother remained in London.

On 9/1/1939, WWII began in Europe with the invasion of Poland by Germany. Close to 50%, or about three (3) million Jews, were killed from Poland. Poland became the most devastated country by the Nazi’s, and to the Jewish race. Ghetto parts of the city were set up for all Jews, as they had to leave their home and all of their belongings behind. The ghettos were slums with horrendous living conditions, with rampant diseases and deaths. Food was scare with many Jews dying of starvation and abuse. Many of these ghetto quarters in cities were relocated by rail tracks for the Nazi’s were preparing for future transportation to the death camps.

The elimination of the Jews was number one (1) priority for the Nazi’s. Even when German Troops needed supplies, or additional troops were needed for the Soviet Union invasion, the rail cars were never diverted from transporting the Jews. Conditions were so bad in the rail cars, that many people, only to survive the Ghetto’s, died in rail cars before arriving at the death camps.

At this point, Dr. M. wanted to talk about the Holocaust in general, the anti-Semitism in the world and touch upon the world at the time of the Holocaust. It was at this point, he extended invitations to come back and finish the above story, as I believe I found a friend in Dr. M., as he did in me. It was just to much in one day to relive these horror stories.

Freedom turned to nightmares and painful memories. Many survivors returned to their homes hoping to find their houses and their family members so they could resume their life. What they found was families and friends were gone, and they were met by hostility, violence and the continuation of anti-Semitism.

Today, Dr. M. states many will not talk. Some, but very little. They all still carry that horror with them, and their children do not know their entire parents struggle in detail. He said as grandchildren are doing papers on the history of the Holocaust, some are opening up to their grandchildren. However, the most devastating and sad aspect is many of the survivors were never able to say goodbye to their children, family and friends and have no place to go today to be with them for closure. The horror continues for them still.

Dr. M. ended our long, tiring and painful discussion on the following scripture:

“Take heed lest you forget
the things which your eyes have seen
and teach them to Your children and
to your children’s children.” –Deuteronomy 4:9

As I begin to reflect on this conversation, I hope it’s apparent from the beginning that this time spent with Dr. M. challenge me, as well as blessed me. With this man, he opened his heart to me and shared his pain and memories. By this interview, I forced him to go back and recall and relive some of those experiences. In many cases, time was needed for those soft heart experiences, where words do not come; it just stands still and remains quiet for a period of time and composure. This was happening to both of us, both as a listener and talking. As I find myself involved in sensitive and painful situations with people, it is these exact times I feel like God is pushing me. It feels like something I am supposed to do by reaching out and helping. However, it becomes not so much what I am able to do for that person, but it is what I am getting back from that person, that is unexpected and most fulfilling.

Today, Dr. Miller believes anti-Semitism still exists and will continue. He shared some of the following regarding anti-Semitism:
• Gertrud Luckner rescued Jews (Ravensbruck) and worked towards the above. She pioneered Jew- Christian relations after the war.
• Freiburg Circle – group in Germany, anti Nazi, was trying to keep the memories of the Holocaust alive and counter anti-Semitism.
• Anti-Semitism strong among Germans, church, cardinals and bishops after the war.
• Restitution never happened. No interest in repaying Jewish victims for their land, houses….
• Rudolf Hochhuth’s play “The Deputy” created shadow over Pope Pius XII.

What interest me and is satisfying at the same time, was some of the shining light of hope in these atrocities. The priests and nuns and the work they did to hide and save so many Holocaust victims. It was the Heroic people that made a difference. The Catholic people from the pews and the pulpits are the ones who did the rescue work and often were killed in their efforts. It was the local church not the universal church, and we should be grateful for their courage. Fortunately, the church recognized some of those martyrs, such as Father MacMillan Kolbe.

In conclusion, what did I learn about myself and my own beliefs? A resounding answer knowing the church’s lower hierarchy (priests, nuns and practitioners; the body of the church) put their teachings, beliefs and religion into action, while the leadership of the church, with its Cardinal and Bishops, were consequently quiet. This had a profound impact on me. From doubts about the church and the Avignon Popes to the over arching question “Where was God during the Holocaust, I’ve come to realize one thing. I believe now more than ever, through growth in my faith and understanding from God, the Cross of Jesus was with the Jews in the camps. Many survivors agree with that, while just as many don’t. However, I believe Jesus was suffering right alongside them while He was giving them strength, grace and faith to survive. Many survivors also talk about the butterflys in the camps. Many of the walls have pictures of butterfly’s drawn on the walls.

Looks like pictures of angels I was told……..?????

_Find a way.

_Conor

Please take a few minutes to explore some of the remarkable evidence in the Museum’s collection from Kristallnacht:

http://act.ushmm.org/Remembering-Kristallnacht