Book Passage For A Great Trip”

Occasionally someone will ask me, “Dave, how do you put the BLOG together, how long does it take, etc. Well, it varies quite a bit. It generally comes out of my prayer time. Sometimes it’s a thought or story from my past… perhaps a lesson that surfaced as I was pondering it. I read the Magnificat each morning and I’m often struck by a scripture reading or teaching by a saint, or a thought by the writers …. It’s an excellent publication. 

It only takes a line from any of the above, to set me off on a trail to a BLOG. It’s not unlike listening to a good homily or listening to a podcast and one line or one thought leads off into a story that can go “on and on”. For example, there was an article by Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa, Preacher to the Papal Household, in today’s Magnificat (7-1-23). He’s a wonderful and holy teacher and friend to many throughout the world. He spoke about how “the Holy Spirit heals the whole person not just one part… he does not want to heal the infection on a finger and by-pass curing the heart”. When the Holy Spirit shows up he touches all of us… what we’re asking for and much more.

So, where does that leave us today on this BLOG?  I have many thoughts going thru my head. Each one leads to a story and a point that has touched me. Jesus is “amazed at the faith of the centurion who asks for the healing of his servant.”(Mt. 8:5-17) Wow, not many things seemed to amaze Jesus as he walked the earth… often it was the great faith of someone. Wouldn’t it be something to “amaze” Jesus? Wouldn’t you love to hear, “Dave, you’re amazing”. Hey it’s pretty good to hear it from your spouse or friend, but to hear it from Jesus. Wow!!! 

Bishop Barron had a great article for this Sunday. He’s clearly an intellect….but also has a deep faith. At one point in the article he says, “Even at the time, I thought that this distinction was more obfuscating than illuminating…”. Woe, he took the words right out of my mouth…I couldn’t have said it better. Actually I don’t believe I’ve ever used the word “obfuscating”…I’m not even sure I can pronounce it properly. Yet, the context of the sentence can help you figure it out. (obfuscate: to bewilder or confuse). I guess one of the things I like about Bishop Barron is that he doesn’t talk down to you or assume you’re a “dummy” and that he has  to use only three letter words… he calls you up to understand things more deeply. He ends the brief meditation with, “ Once we understand who Jesus truly is, than we have a decision to make. If he is in person the supreme value, than we have to give our whole life to him. It’s as simple and as deeply challenging as that.” (Magnificat, July 2, 2023)

So, take your pick of the above thoughts. Each one leads to a magnificent banquet of eternal delights. God is so great. His love for us endures forever. Invite the Holy Spirit to come and lead you…. when he leads you, it’s going to be a great voyage. Wow, that is Good News !