Tag Archives: Taste and See

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Emily the Elephant

Emily was a couple of years older than Edward. She knew so much more than Edward and told Edward that every day. I mean everyday! That did not bother Edward though, as he really liked his sister. He loved her and liked following her all around the fields looking for food, and he liked meeting all of her friends too. They were so nice to him. Sometimes better than Emily. She could be a mean sister!

One day as Emily was supposed to be watching Edward, she got involved with her elephant friends and lost sight of Edward. He must have wandered away, she thought. She looked around and did not see him. All of a sudden she got scared! Edward was too young to be out here in the fields all by himself. She thought, “What am I going to do? Where do I start looking for Edward? Oh NO! What have I done?

Emily was having so much fun with her friends, she had no idea how long Edward was gone. As often as she told Edward how much more she knew than him, she felt real bad about losing Edward. She became real sad! She was worried! She knows the danger with other animals here in jungle.

Edward was off running around, and guess what! He found a bunch of puddles and could not wait to get in them. He was having so much fun just rolling around and getting muddy. Boy, did he love being muddy!

Edward did not realize that Emily was not around, because all he was thinking about was rolling in the water and dirt. He just loved doing that and liked filling up his trunk, again and again, with water! But then Edward looked around and realized what he did—He walked away from Emily and got so involved with the puddles, that now, he doesn’t know where Emily is. He cannot see her anywhere. Oh no! Where am I?

As Edward got up from the mud, he heard noises from other animals that he did not know. From the noises, it sounded like quite a few animals. He heard elephants yelling too! They were yelling at each other and at the other animals too! What was going on? That is Emily and her friends!! I hear Emily screaming. I got to find her!

Edward started walking slowly towards all the noise he heard in the distance. He then started to run, because he was worried about his sister. What am I’m going to do? I’m scared! Then he remembered what his mother told him after he got in trouble last time with the puddles. She said, “It is ok to be scared. We all get scared sometimes, but we must be brave and always do the right thing. We must always help family and friends, and other animals too that need help. And yes, you always need to listen to what Mom and Dad tell you.”

Edward then started to run even faster now. The noises were louder and he could not stop thinking about Emily. She’s my sister! My sometimes mean sister! He got behind the trees and he could see 3 young lions running around the elephants trying to get one of them alone. They were much faster than the elephants, but the elephants were bigger. It looked like they were trying to get Arnold, my friend, one of the smaller elephants like me.

Edward just watch them trying to figure out what they were going to do next. Edward slipped around the side where there were more trees so he could get even closer. He knew he had to surprise the lions, so the other elephants could help him chase the lions away.

Edward knew what he was going to do. He was so glad he did what he always loved doing in the puddles. He had filled his trunk up to the top with water. Now, he was ready!

Edward waited for the right moment and then charged the lions. Emily saw Edward, so she charged from the other side towards Edward. The lions were caught in the middle! The lions saw elephants coming at them from all sides. They knew they had to run and get away or they would be hurt.

It worked! The lions left. Emily could not wait to get to Edward and say how sorry she was for not looking after him. She promised that it would never happen again. And she told Edward she was sorry for always telling him she knew more than him. She was wrong. Emily also told Edward, that because of what he did, he saved everyone from getting hurt. Yes Edward, you knew more than me today. I am so proud of you Edward! Thank you for helping and I want you to know, I love my little brother. She put her trunk around his head and gave him a hug!

The elephants all gathered together and started a line to go back home. Edward was feeling pretty good for helping, but it meant so much more to him to hear his sister tell him she loves him. Emily means so much to me too I love her too!

Edward now couldn’t wait to get home and tell Mom and Dad.

“Find a way.”
_Conor

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“As I have loved you, so you should also love one another.”

_John 13:34

Love

As one reads the bible and reflects on its passages, some more than others have huge impacts on our lives. Some speak to our heart and reflect the needed changes we need to make in our thinking and behavior. Others offer peace and direction, and the needed insight for our lives and beliefs. The above passage from John, speaks to what God has said about love, its importance in our lives, and the call to sharing it.

I have just finished reading “Proof of Heaven” by Eben Alexander, M.D. He acquired bacterial meningitis in his brain, a bacteria known as E. coli, which has a 99+% fatality rate. Within 3 days, his brain shut down and he slipped into a coma, which lasted for 7 days. After a miraculous recovery, he faced a difficult road to full recovery and rehabilitation. During this time, he had the overwhelming drive to speak and write of the many things he had experienced. This is what he referred too as “Unpacking.”

Eben, highly educated and a neurosurgeon surgeon himself, found he could not explain what he saw and experienced. Words from this world could not begin to adequately explain the world of Heaven. One experience, more than all the others, was experiencing the Love from God and being in His presence. This is the most common and similar experience of all NDE experiences (Near Death Experience). For everyone who has returned, they talk of their encounters in heaven, their journey and what they saw, and the miraculous aspects of their tragedies; but the Love of God is indescribable. (Not only beyond words, but too wonderful for words.)

When we think of love today in our life, what comes to your mind? The love of God, family and children? Seeing the joy of good happening to others? Finding a lost friend or receiving a letter from one so important to you, or experiencing God’s overwhelming presence and love? Has it brought tears of joy and the feeling of love over you?

Today’s bible quote is all encompassing. It sums up all we have been asked to do, and what should guide our actions. It speaks loudly of God’s unconditional love for us, and the action we need to take. God is all understanding and all forgiving. We need to keep listening to God and remaning close Him.

“What lies before us and what lies behind us, are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.”

Think of the gifts of love you have in your life and pass it on. A gift is not a gift until it is given to others.

“Find a way.”

_Conor

Love

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All You Need Is Love

All You Need Is Love
Great Beatles song. It gets running in your head and it doesn’t stop. No way to turn it off. Little did I know a song I loved many years ago, is what guides me today in many ways of my faith. It’s a cornerstone part of my faith. It guides me, and when I may be confused or indecisive, it is what I use to choose my thoughts and actions.

What are some ways we can use love everyday as we go about what we do?
• Challenges we meet
• People we see and meet
• “Situations”
• Success
• Failures
• Help received
• Help given
• Bonds formed
• Disappointments
• Wrongs inflicted on others
• Forgiveness
• Gifts you receive
• Vulnerability
• Weakness in ourselves and others
• Viewed as an obstacle
• Listening
• Encouragements
• Them not Me
• It is the right thing to do-Carry it with us everywhere. The list goes on…………….

And when we speak and act from the heart, people from all backgrounds, all ages and all cultures, see through to the beauty of innocence, sincerity and love.

All you need is Love.

“Find a way.”

_Conor

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Pain and Suffering

We are all called to pain and suffering. It is part of life that comes in all forms, that no one can escape. Some noticeable, and others, we are made to deal with alone, in the quiet of our own company. This is the cross, or in many cases, the crosses we are meant to carry. As Blessed Fulton Sheen notes in his book, “Treasure in Clay,” “if we don’t pick up our cross you can be sure, at some time, it will be dropped on your shoulder.” Accepting one’s cross was so important to Blessed Fulton Sheen, he would pray for, and received, “extra splinters” so he could accept them for the souls of the world in need.

“As if we could give anything to God which is not already his, or (which is equally unthinkable,) He could take pleasure in our human anguish.” The blood, wounds, and the death on Calvary, speaks loudly of God’s love and forgiveness for us then, and now. Today!

As we are dealing with our cross(es) in life, let us remember on this day, the 11th of September, the horror of that day in 2001. And today, the death and torture we see in the world now, from Boston to Syria. And let us not forget, as we look back even further, the unimaginable; to think of the atrocities of the Concentration Camps of World War II. Millions were killed, while the few survivors today, still carry the pain and suffering .

Remember as God continues to loves us as He always has, that God also suffers with and for us with our pain and suffering. And also be aware, we see man’s “free will” in evidence today, both good and bad, all around us. Let us acknowledge the good given to us, and the good that we see every day as we go about, from those embracing and spreading love. And yes, let us pray for those who inflict the bad and evil as they go about, for whatever reason, that they find the love and understanding, and recognize the need for their remorse.

“As I have loved you, so you should also love one another.” _ John 13:34

So, the “Whatever,” is something we can, and should do, everyday.

“Find a way.”

_Conor

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“It is to know God, not just knowing about God.”

Think of the relationships you have in life. Whether it may be with a husband or wife, that special person, family member, parents, friends…the list is endless. You have a special love and bond for them. They are part of your life; an important part. Think how you know them, their personality and their ways, their love and even their little quirks. Now take all that away and imagine you just know them. Period.

Kind of an empty feeling. Uncomfortable. Miss them already for who they are and what they meant to you. Now take that same feeling and apply it to God. Do you know God or just about God? Is it time to really know God and know the source of all love.

_Conor

Knowing God

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The Ways of Love

May I help you?, kindness, I’m sorry, please, thank you, excuse me, take this; I want you to have it, there’s more, what can I get for you?, let me help you, this hug is for you, kisses, a smile, a look, a touch, a glance, holding hands, a tap, a pat, offering up, doing without, making it work, an overflowing heart, prayer, that walk, that call, that note, that picture, that drawing, that song, that silence, being together, thinking of you, missing you, sitting next to you, remembering you, wishes for you, the best for you, telling others of you, caring, visiting, listening, waiting, hoping, wishing, patience, sharing, seeing, watching, helping, changing, trying, not doing it again, choosing my words, always, forever, understand, don’t worry, I’m here for you, trust me, support, got your back, friendship, partners, because, cheering you on, sacrifices, best friend, encouragement, excitement, helping hand, reach out, important to me, apple of my eye, without condemnation, unwavering, understanding, another hug, love you, the way,…….

_Conor

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Words

My life has come down to words. Words express my feelings and emotions. The love I feel; the thanks I need to give. The closeness I feel when I can speak from my heart to you, my God. Words bring it all together for me, and at other times, the lack of words and silence, gives rise to my overwhelming feelings for you.

The closeness I enjoy and I pray to keep. My life is expressed in words, my triumphs and my failures. My words say it for all to hear, and you God, acknowledge my triumphs, and forgive my failures. My words speak of sufferings that I endure for you and what you have done for all. I offer it up to you as thanks. And those words are acknowledged with love from you.

All I can say is thanks, but what my words really say is, I love you, Lord.

And my words do not have to be heard by others, Lord. It is between you and me, alone in my corner room in the early mornings of the hours. It is our secret. This closeness is all I need to move forward. Yes, at times I want to share my words with others, but it is not necessary for me. Maybe my words are for you and my actions are for others?

I know you’re always with me and I am thankful for your presence, and I know you hear me when I speak and pray to you. You hear my words, but sometimes I have none, so I let my silence speak. Other times I cannot slow down my words, as I have much to say. My feelings just come forth and I know you understand, and you God, know what is written in my heart.

I thank you again for the answers to my prayers. You have given me the words to express all that I feel and it has a profound impact on me. I can only ask now that these words are passed onto others, so they too, can know, feel and experience, your words to them.

_Conor

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Insights into Fulton 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 Muslems, 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