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Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Happy Holy-Holidays

December 25th, and the days surrounding it, are a special time of year for a lot of people, for a lot of reasons. For many (arguably, a vast majority) it is the celebration of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth. The recognition of this day as "Christ-mass" has been the tradition of Christians for nearly two-thousand years. For these Christians, it is a not just a holy day, but the holiest of holy days.

For some (at some times) it is Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, a period of celebration and rededication, and the miracle of light the came with it.

For some, it is Pancha Ganapati, a festival spiritual discipline and renewal.

For some it is Yule, the return of the Holly King, or the celebration of the returning of the light from the darkness of winter.

And there are many, many other people, that celebrate many, many other "holy days" at this time of year. 

Then there are those who do not celebrate the "holy days" per se. For them, the Christmas season is a secular holiday, filled with parties, and Santa Claus, and presents galore. For them it is the "Holiday Season."

But we all celebrate something in common at this time of year; be us Christian or Jew, Hindu or Pagan, Atheist or other... It is a time of year that we all recognise as a time to try to spend more time with family, to try to be more generous and forgiving to and of others, to try to spread good will and good cheer around. A time to overlook our differences and come together as people, co-workers, as neighbors, as friends. It is a time of year when we all try to bring a little light, and a little love into other people's lives. 

So be joyous in your celebrations, and be happy for the joyous celebrations of others. Invite others to your attend your celebrations, and attend theirs if invited. Learn and love, love and learn, but most of all, just love. Because, like it or not, we are all here together. Wouldn't it be better if we all got along, even if it was just for a few hours, or a few days, or a few weeks a year?

From me to you, a joyous holiday season. May you walk your path in love, wherever it takes you!




Saturday, December 13, 2014

"My opinion does not matter..."

How can we as Christians, and especially as Catholics, say that we do not judge, that we are inclusive, that we are catholic (being universal), when we withhold the Eucharist, the Holy Communion, the Lord's Supper, from people until they meet our requirements, or or interpretations of what is right and what is wrong...

As I was at Perpetual Adoration in the wee hours of the morning this morning, meditating on the Holy Eucharist, I found myself face-to-face with my own sense of judgement. In my vision, I was a priest, administering Holy Communion when I was confronted by a dear friend of mine, who happens to be a transgender. He came to me and asked... "What about me? What about us?" and indicated the throng of people behind him whom we would label as having "alternative lifestyles." I did not hesitate as I responded, "My opinion [of you] does not matter. As a priest, it is my job to be the minister of God's love to you. Anything else is between you and God." I knew that my friend was baptized, and so I gave him the bread and the cup of Christ. I then went among the throng of people and blessed them and kissed their heads and hands.

As I see it, the Grace of God should not be withheld from those who (we might think) need it the most; but we seem to do just that. Who are we to judge their relationship with the Lord? Who are we to say "You are not yet worthy; you are now worthy?" If anyone comes seeking the Lord, who am I to keep Him from them? God meets people where they are at, on their (both God's and the seeker's) own terms. Who are we to dictate those terms? Come to the Supper of the Lord, Jesus refused no one, turned no one away. If you come in earnest, He will receive you.


Saturday, December 6, 2014

Sigils and Signs, Prayers and Power

Doing a lot of thinking of signs and sigils the last few days, and I think that it is as important thing to note, that such devices only derive their power from the users faith in God, and faith in the Power that the sign represents.
As I was contemplating the sigils and prayers of the four Archangels, it occurred to me that they should not be construed as magical devices, but as constant and steadfast reminders of the presence and power of God.
Maybe more on this later as my thoughts develop.

Thursday, December 4, 2014

I am moved...

I am moved to the want of outrageous action and paralyzed by my own unknowingness of what I can do. I feel myself being torn apart from the inside; my spirit at war with my mind and my body. Oh that I would gladly tear open my own ribcage and pour my heart out upon the dirt if I thought that it would ease the injustice and the suffering of this world, even just a little bit. Lord give me guidance!