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Isn’t this tree incredible?
While researching things to do in Charleston, I came upon this tree—Angel Oak Tree—and planned for us to see it and have a picnic on the grounds.
It’s kind of out of the way, but it’s free to see, so with just a little effort, you can stop by and spend some time under its branches.
As my family was leaving, a man and woman were coming in through the entrance and the man, looking slightly annoyed and skeptical asked my husband and me, “Is it worth it?”
His question caught me off guard because you can literally see if you think it’s worth it or not from the road. There’s only a chain-link fence around the grounds, so it’s not like you can’t see it.
I stumbled out an answer, though, and said, “Yeah, definitely.”
I walked away thinking, “What a bizarre question. Is it worth what? Worth five minutes to go stand under it? Worth walking around the fence to get closer? Worth taking a bit of time to marvel at one of God’s creations?”
I think he was asking was it worth his time and energy.
Such a small bit of time and energy, though.
This got me thinking about our relationship with God. It requires time, energy, surrender, and obedience. Many, though, don’t want to put in the effort because it doesn’t seem worth it.
The Sirens of the world have lured many off into a place of indulgence, apathy, sloth, and selfishness. So much so, that people question whether things that are truly good and awe-inspiring are worth it because of the time and effort they may require.
When we stand before God, having lived a life where we strived to live out our faith well, we will not question whether it was worth it or not, we will know that it was without any doubt.
Live the Faith boldly and travel well, Catholic Pilgrims.
This is Mission Miguel in Sante Fe, New Mexico. It is the oldest church in the United States, which the original walls and altar built in 1610. It's so wonderful that we still have it. There was a time, when the church was the focal point of a town or village. Life moved and centered itself around the church, because the Sacraments were just that important. Whenever people moved to a new area, a church needed to be built. It was a necessity. You don't hear too often, though, of people moving to an area because of a vibrant church community. Jobs and schools are the two main considerations, which isn't bad in the slightest. Both of those things are important things to consider. However, I rarely, if ever, hear someone mention the importance of moving somewhere where the church community is strong and thriving. It's a lower-tiered consideration, if it's even one at all. Of course, work may call you to a place where life isn't centered around church and worship. In those circumstances, it is up to us to continue to find ways to feed our hearts and minds with good spiritual things. Our souls cannot be neglected. I love St. Frances Cabrini's practice. No matter where she was or what island or country she was sailing past, she always looked for the steeples to let her know where Jesus was residing in the Tabernacle. Have a blessed Tuesday, Catholic Pilgrims.
Continue ReadingOn our road trip, my husband and I stopped in Oklahoma City for the night. We got in town with time to go visit Blessed Stanley Rother's Shrine. It was one of the places I've been wanting to see. We got there kind of late in the day on a Wednesday, so there weren't many people around. As we were walking up the sidewalk, I saw a worker standing with a small group of people and she looked like she was trying to protect them. As I got closer, I could see that there was a lady there who clearly was causing problems. She looked a bit disheveled and agitated. She was not speaking kindly and it seemed she was maybe on drugs. As we approached, the worker tried to block her from us and, smiling nervously, encouraged us to make our way to the church. The second we passed by the small crowd, the upset woman immediately started following my husband and me. It was then that she started spewing the most vile things at us, specifically at my husband. I was so grateful that my son was not around to hear her words. There is a scene in "The Green Mile" where the wife of the warden is seriously ill. Normally she is the sweetest most gentle woman, but because of a brain tumor, her whole personality changed into what resembled demonic possession. That's exactly how the lady following us was acting. At first, given my background of working in a field that brings you in contact with awful behavior, I thought for sure she was using drugs. And she may have been. I was worried that she was going to follow us into the church and I couldn't bear to think of her language in such a holy place. But, as we opened the door, she stopped before the steps. Stopped like she hit a wall and couldn't go any further. Then I knew, this had to be possession. Part of me wanted to rebuke the demon within her, but I've never done anything like that before. Could I even do that? Do I have that power? I do as a baptized and confirmed Christian and I should have done it. The second I saw that she couldn't cross the threshold of the church and realized what was going on, I should have rebuked that demon and prayed for her out loud. In our Gospel reading today, the disciples realize that the demons are subject to them because of Jesus' name and Christ affirms that. To be sure, regular lay people shouldn't go around trying to be exorcists, but, if the situation calls for it, we should use the power of Jesus' name. Also, not everything is demonic possession and we shouldn’t jump to that conclusion in haste. The cops showed up and she ran off, but I've been thinking about her a lot. I've been praying for her and for myself to have courage if ever faced with that situation again. Spiritual warfare is real, Catholic Pilgrims, and we need to use all the tools available to us. The most powerful being the Holy Name of Jesus. Have a blessed Sunday.
Continue ReadingOur military family has lived all over this great country—up, down, down, east, west, middle and some repeats. I’m a Kansas girl, my hubby is a California guy. None of my kids were born in the same state. On our recent road trip, my husband and I commented numerous times about how truly incredible this country is. We, also, met many amazing and friendly people along the way. It’s easy to bag on something when you only prefer to see everything in a negative lense. It’s easy to find the bad when you constantly look for the bad because you want to find it. Ungrateful souls rarely appreciate anything. But, I am grateful for this country and I’m grateful for the people who fought to give us this country. Living all over and traveling all over gives one a deep appreciation for the varied beauty of our land and the interesting aspects of each region’s culture. America is good and beautiful and I love her. I will always love her. It is not uncommon for me to thank God above for the fact that I am an American. Have a wonderful Fourth of July, to my fellow American Catholic Pilgrims. God bless America.
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