Tag: Jeanne Penoyar

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“So as not to offend” is a loaded statement. It can be used in hundreds of situations, and sometimes is meant to keep us from correcting people or from saying things that will seem put-offish.

Today’s Gospel is somewhat cryptic. We get a very short reminder that Jesus is preparing his disciples for his death. Then the rather strange story about the temple tax. This piece is only found in Matthew’s gospel, perhaps because Matthew used to be a tax collector. Along with the question and answer period about the tax, we have the miracle of the coin in the mouth of the fish. Would that we all could find our tax money that way! The interesting point about the temple tax is that Jesus believes he should be exempt because He is not a foreigner, but rather a son, Son of God, therefore a citizen – a citizen of the kingdom – the kingdom of heaven. But then he tells Peter to fish for the coin and pay the tax for both of them – “so as not to offend.”

I believe this comes down to something else we often find ourselves saying: “I chose to pick my battles.” Ah, yes. It is at times prudent to let something go rather than putting someone off, who then will never listen to anything we have to say. It could be Jesus’ reason for paying the tax. He would rather pay, so as not to offend, and go on his way preaching and be listened to, rather than having the tax collectors spouting off “Hey, He won’t pay the tax! He’s a cheater! Why should you listen to him?”

It makes perfect sense to me. And I think, at times, it makes sense to pick our battles, whether with our friends, families or others. I don’t believe it means to just back down over everything, because the truth must be spoken, often, and with conviction. But at times we have to be prudent. Are we trying to get a point across by bashing someone over the head with it? Or can we pick our battle at a later date, and work by example to make the point? It may be worth it. In the long run, it was for Jesus. The temple tax was not a battle he was going to fight at that time.

Take people where they are in their spirituality at the time you meet them. Not everyone is ready. It takes prudent pruning and cajoling to get people to listen to the truth. It is foreign to some, and terrifying to others. Take them where they are and let them see, by what you do and how you live, that the truth in Jesus Christ can be embraced without fear, to lead to freedom.

Oh, and you do have to pay your taxes!  God Bless.

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Jeanne Penoyar, an Accounts Manager here at Diocesan, is currently a Lector at St. Anthony of Padua parish in Grand Rapids, MI. While at St. Thomas the Apostle, Grand Rapids, Jeanne was a Lector, Cantor, Coordinator of Special Liturgies, Coordinator of lectors and, at one time, chair of the Liturgy Commission. In a past life, secretary/bookkeeper at the Basilica of St. Adalbert where she ran the RCIA program for the Steepletown parishes. And she loves to write! When relaxing, she likes reading and word puzzles. You can contact her at jpenoyar@diocesan.com.

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I admit it. I am a news junkie. Morning and evening I am tuned into the news to keep up with what is happening in the world. I get news feeds at work. I listen to a news station in the car. It seems I am addicted. Sigh! It’s a tough habit to break. Whether the news is good or bad, I’m going to know about it.

Today’s readings are scary. Jeremiah has us in tears over our incurable wound and Jesus tells us that at the end of the age, the angels will harvest the weeds from the good seed. The weeds will be cast into the fiery furnace, but righteous will shine like the sun. My first thoughts were about our world today, and the culture of our times. So much of the news is bad and can be depressing.

Sigh!

Well, all is not as bleak as we might want to believe. For all the evil manifesting itself in our world, there is just as much good also manifesting itself. The recent news about the rescue of the Thailand boys from the flooded caves comes to mind. It was an international community that banded together to make this miracle happen. And whether any of those involved say it in so many words or not, these folks remember the God who gave them birth! They remember that good will always, sooner or later, defeat evil. They remember that every life is precious, so they did not count the cost in time, effort or personal danger to make the miracle happen. This is just one grand example, among the many grand, as well as simple examples, of good sowing the seeds of grace and manifesting love.

Those of us who stand on the promise of Jesus I spoke of a few weeks ago – we are the good seed. Think of yesterday’s parable of the mustard seeds and yeast spoken of in the Gospel. We are those who know that, in spite of today’s world situation, God is still here and we will not forget his presence. Our mustard seeds will grow in time to become the huge bush that will give shelter and sustenance to the hopeless, the migrants, the homeless, the addiction trapped, the unwanted babies and children who need us.  And we will be the yeast that will leaven the bread of human kindness to rise and give hope to all by living and professing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with courage; to live it with virtue. I believe it was Maya Angelou who once said that courage was the greatest of all virtues because it is by courage alone that we can live by all the virtues. We pray, with confidence in God and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, that we will be among those harvested for the Kingdom of Heaven. It is our souls at stake.

Being so tuned into the news does two things for me: 1) the news becomes a springboard for prayer. Very specific prayer based on what I hear; 2) it also allows me to know of the good in people who come to the aid of others, from the cave rescues down to the child who runs a lemonade stand to buy toys for hospitalized children or the couple who adopts six blind children with special needs.

All is not well with our world, and yet much is well. We are challenged to do whatever we can to make it better. Start with the simple. You may just find yourself doing the grand.

God Bless!

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Jeanne Penoyar, an Accounts Manager here at Diocesan, is currently a Lector at St. Anthony of Padua parish in Grand Rapids, MI. While at St. Thomas the Apostle, Grand Rapids, Jeanne was a Lector, Cantor, Coordinator of Special Liturgies, Coordinator of lectors and, at one time, chair of the Liturgy Commission. In a past life, secretary/bookkeeper at the Basilica of St. Adalbert where she ran the RCIA program for the Steepletown parishes. And she loves to write! When relaxing, she likes reading and word puzzles.

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Have you ever contemplated your death? Sat quietly and wondered what it would be like? I have. I have had thoughts of missing my life here on earth; thoughts of missing those I love. I’ve even thought about not being with my Sophie — she’s my cat! How human of me, so entrenched in this life that I often forget that beyond this life is something far better, far more beautiful; that the “missing” will not be there. After all, I’ll be in the presence of God. There will be no missing of anything, no further questions to be asked or answered. Just pure joy!

Isaiah tells us today of Hezekiah’s impending death. Hezekiah was scared and so afraid of dying and felt abandoned by God after his life of faithfulness to God.  When he was told he would die, he turned his face to the wall and wept bitterly! God heard his prayer and intervened and spared his life – this time.  We know that someday Hezekiah would die, as must we.

It is natural to be a little scared of death. We don’t know how or where it will happen. What we do know is, as faithful Christians, where we are going. We are all going to be with the God who conceived of our existence from the time of creation and longs to have us back with him.  This is the great promise of Jesus, confirmed by his Resurrection.

But here’s where the speculation comes in. What will heaven be like? Have you ever wondered, while thinking about the next evolution of your existence – earthly life to heavenly life? How often have you heard someone say “heaven will be like the best golf course, ever! And I can play all I want”.  Or “I’ll be able to see all my favorite football games, with the best seat ever!”.  I’ve heard many more. It makes for a good chuckle because we don’t know and have not the capacity to even imagine the glory of heaven.

We have had glimpses of heaven, however, whether we recognize them or not: the birth of a child; laughter of children at play; looking into the yes of someone you love; the gentle touch of a hospice nurse; the wrinkled face of an old one, aged with faith and grace; the unconditional love of the pet who calms and comforts us; the gatherings of family and friendships shared; the tears of sorrow and the laughter of joy; random acts of kindness by strangers;  the splendor of creation that surrounds us; the beauty of the Liturgy and the presence of Christ in the Eucharist.

Yes, we’ve glimpsed heaven many times, in God’s way of preparing us to go home. A little simplistic? Perhaps. Perhaps not. Listen to the words of the late Cardinal Joseph Bernardin of Chicago, from his book The Gift of Peace:

“Many people have asked me to tell them about heaven and the afterlife. I sometimes smile at the request because I do not know any more than they do. Yet, when one young man asked if I looked forward to being united with God and all those who have gone before me, I made a connection to something I said earlier in this book. The first time I traveled with my mother and sister to my parents’ homeland of Tonadico di Primiero, in northern Italy, I felt as if I had been here before. After years of looking through my mother’s photo albums, I knew the mountains, the land, the houses, the people. As soon as we entered the valley I said, “My God, I know this place. I am home”. Somehow I think crossing from this life into eternal life will be similar. I will be home.”

God Bless.

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Jeanne Penoyar, an Accounts Manager here at Diocesan, is currently a Lector at St. Anthony of Padua parish in Grand Rapids, MI. While at St. Thomas the Apostle, Grand Rapids, Jeanne was a Lector, Cantor, Coordinator of Special Liturgies, Coordinator of lectors and, at one time, chair of the Liturgy Commission. In a past life, secretary/bookkeeper at the Basilica of St. Adalbert where she ran the RCIA program for the Steepletown parishes. And she loves to write! When relaxing, she likes reading and word puzzles.

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Today is an exceptional day in the history of America. Many, many things come to mind in commemorating our independence as a nation that did not exist until 1776. Our history is not as extensive as the history of European and Asian countries, but we have accomplished a lot in a mere 242 years. It is good to be optimistic about where we have come and where we, as a nation, still have to go.

Today’s readings are difficult to unpack. We have God chastising us for thinking He will be satisfied with blood offerings and oaths; demons challenging Jesus to get rid of them; swine herders in Israel telling Jesus to go away. They were more concerned with their livestock than with the lives of the two men Jesus released from the grip of the demons. Wow! What does it all mean?

Well, today’s readings are telling us that God is in charge of all of creation, all of the natural world. The Psalmist writes:
“For mine are all the animals of the forests, beasts by the thousand on my mountains. I know all the birds of the air, and whatever stirs in the plains, belongs to me.”

People of faith know that all of our natural world, including all of humanity, belongs to God, and God alone, although you might not know it living in 21st century America. Many in our country believe they are in charge of everything: their lives, families, work, even their bodies. Are we living as did the swine herders, telling God to leave, to remove Himself from our country so we can take care of everything ourselves? We look to doing things our way, not God’s way. We look to getting everything we want when we want it and how we want it, often not showing concern for how that will affect others. The result is chaos and confusion.

All belongs to God – we belong to God. When we remember this, chaos and confusion disappear, and the path becomes clearer to us for God never leads us astray. Amos tells us to seek good and we may live, so that God will truly be with us and justice will prevail and we can be freed from our own demons.

Love all you meet and care for creation as God’s great gift to you. Work daily, one simple human interaction at a time, to move hearts to an America that rejoices in the freedom of all, based on the simple concept of Love. Love of and from God. Love for ourselves and each other. God’s Law can only bring life. I believe it is not an impossible dream. God will not give up on us!

Stay strong and God bless America.

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Jeanne Penoyar, an Accounts Manager here at Diocesan, is currently a Lector at St. Anthony of Padua parish in Grand Rapids, MI. While at St. Thomas the Apostle, Grand Rapids, Jeanne was a Lector, Cantor, Coordinator of Special Liturgies, Coordinator of lectors and, at one time, chair of the Liturgy Commission. In a past life, secretary/bookkeeper at the Basilica of St. Adalbert where she ran the RCIA program for the Steepletown parishes. And she loves to write! When relaxing, she likes reading and word puzzles.

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How often have you, as I have, looked to human praise? How often have we manipulated someone, or some situation, looking for affirmation of our deeds? I am as guilty as the next person, doing or saying things that will cause someone to notice what I am doing.

Today’s Gospel is difficult to read. It points out to us that we must do our good deeds, as well as our prayer and fasting in secret. How that goes against our human nature!

I don’t like to believe that most of us are inherently prideful and struggle to practice humility. True humility. Because being humble can also turn into a prideful act if we are not careful. But we all do succumb to our human nature. We like to hear praise, no matter from where it comes. And I know that I, for one, can be manipulative in extorting praise.

Jesus tells us today to do our good deeds in secret; to fast in secret; to hide those things from the world even as we practice them.  To let God alone be the judge of what we do. It also has a downside. Because it means what you do good or bad. Have you ever stopped what you were doing and thought, “Be careful. God sees everything I do.” Yes, he sees the good as well as the bad. And he will judge both.

Why care? Well, some years ago I was asked to write a reflection for my parish based on a Jeremiah reading. I had a hard time finding inspiration. It came in the form of a car commercial (of all places!). The very last line of the commercial was “It is what you do when no one else is around that defines who you are.”  My head shot up, and I waited for the commercial to run again, to be sure I heard what I thought I heard. It was from that line that I was inspired to write the reflection.

It’s what you do when no one else is around. We often forget that God is always around and sees what we do. Are we aware? I like to think of it as keeping “an eye to eternity,” to keep to the Law of God written on the heart.  Why do we do what we do, or say what we say; buy or not buy the things we desire or participate in the activities we do? Do we ever stop to ask if what we are saying, doing or purchasing will get us into Heaven?  Or perhaps keep us out? Our life’s actions must be defined by our desire to be with God, for all eternity. It is a simple thing, really. God will see what we do; God will be the judge; God, alone, will bring us into eternity. The question then, becomes, will the human praise we receive here in this life bring us peace, or bring us to the ruination of our soul?

A little clarification here. We are going to, at times, receive praise from others. It is how we accept that praise and how it will color our lives that make the difference. A simple “thank you,” when it happens, is all that is necessary. And then move on.

If you aren’t now doing so, begin to practice what is written on the heart, “keeping an eye to eternity. “ I believe you will have more peaceful days.

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Jeanne Penoyar, an Accounts Manager here at Diocesan, is currently a Lector at St. Anthony of Padua parish in Grand Rapids, MI. While at St. Thomas the Apostle, Grand Rapids, Jeanne was a Lector, Cantor, Coordinator of Special Liturgies, Coordinator of lectors and, at one time, chair of the Liturgy Commission. In a past life, secretary/bookkeeper at the Basilica of St. Adalbert where she ran the RCIA program for the Steepletown parishes. And she loves to write! When relaxing, she likes reading and word puzzles.

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In ancient pagan ceremonies, the lighted candles on Candlemas day had many meanings, one of which was to mark the middle of winter, looking forward to the coming of spring.  In the traditions of Christianity, the Feast of the Presentation (or Purification of Mary) on February 2^nd is still known as Candlemas day. Over the ages, processions were held in our churches with participants carrying lighted candles to symbolize that Jesus Christ is the Light, the Truth, and the Way.  Even till today, we light candles at our altars as the symbol of Christ’s presence with us at every Liturgy, at every gathering for prayer. On Candlemas day, it has become a tradition in many churches to bless the year’s supply of candles that will be used at all Liturgies.

The lighted candle has many meanings for us: the steady glow of the candle we light for prayer, symbolizing Christ in our presence; the warm flame of the candles that welcome family and friends to our table. Or the birthday candles that gleefully flicker in celebration of life; the guiding light of the beacon candle that sees us through the darkness when our modern technology fails us.

I recall my retreats at Gethsemane Abbey in Kentucky. The church for the monks is a long space. I would rise at 4:30 am, dress, run to the kitchen for a cup of coffee (which was always available, thank you!) and wind my way through the corridors and staircases to the balcony of the church. It was dark. I would sit quietly in the balcony where the only thing visible was the glow of the Sanctuary light, waaaay up front, next to the Tabernacle. I cherish the memory of mesmerizing prayer in that space, until I would hear the first ruffle of a monk’s robes, coming in to prepare for Mass.

Before today’s Gospel, we pray the Gospel Acclamation:

“A Lamp to my feet is your word, a light to my path.”  (Ps 119:105)

I have always found this to be one of the most comforting images in Scripture. Knowing that Christ is our Light, guiding us as the beacon through life. He enlightens us with His presence and his Word, always giving us what we need to get through the darkness of night, fear, despair, depression or uncertainty. I find that physically lighting a candle when praying goes a long way to calm my mind and uplift my spirit.

Not everyone travels in darkness, but all of us seek answers in one way or another. Keeping that light near will remind us we are not alone – ever! Christ is the Light to the Nations, the Dispeller of Darkness.

Light a candle today. Light up the rooms of your heart to feel the warmth of Christ’s presence. Use the Word of God to enlighten, strengthen and comfort you along your journey.

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Jeanne Penoyar, an Accounts Manager here at Diocesan, is currently a Lector at St. Anthony of Padua parish in Grand Rapids, MI. While at St. Thomas the Apostle, Grand Rapids, Jeanne was a Lector, Cantor, Coordinator of Special Liturgies, Coordinator of lectors and, at one time, chair of the Liturgy Commission. In a past life, secretary/bookkeeper at the Basilica of St. Adalbert where she ran the RCIA program for the Steepletown parishes. And she loves to write! When relaxing, she likes reading and word puzzles.

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Today, Peter writes a beautiful, uplifting and instructive letter, providing a road map of how to live your faith. These words are worthy of hanging on your bathroom mirror so you can read them each morning:

“…make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue,
virtue with knowledge, knowledge with self-control,
self-control with endurance, endurance with devotion,
devotion with mutual affection, mutual affection with love.”  (2 Pt 1:5-7)

But Peter gives us another little gem that will help us in living this life of virtue. He says “…he [Jesus] has bestowed on us the precious and very great promises” (2 Pt 1:4)

Promises. Can you even count the number of promises made to you, or that you have made, left unfulfilled?

I have often given talks to groups of RCIA inquirers and others who question the validity of living a life of virtue. Hearing comments that it is too difficult in today’s cultural climate begs a response. Yes, it is difficult and is getting increasingly so. There are so many unknowns. My response? You are right about the uncertainties – but you must stand on the Promise of Jesus. Stand firm and hard on the Promise. Because unlike everyone else who will let you down after promises made, Jesus never will!

Just what were we promised? Indeed not riches or long life or even true love, rather, that living a life of virtue, according to the Way, will most likely give us, at times, a hard life. And in today’s world a life of ridicule and, yes, even hatred. The beauty beyond all this is that the real Promise of Jesus is Eternal Life, eternal joy! The real Promise of Jesus is peace in our hearts while dealing with the hardships of this world. The real Promise is that if we hold fast to the life of virtue, faith, and trust in God, no matter the consequence, He will be there holding our hand every step of the way. But we must be willing to take that hand and to be guided into the unknown. If we do less and let down our guard to give in to the world’s whims, we are saying that we don’t believe in the Promise, and, we are denying Jesus.

A beautiful but obscure poem titled “God Knows,” published in 1908, starts with some of the most inspiring words I’ve ever read.

“And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year:
‘Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.’
And he replied
‘Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the Hand of God. That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way.’ So I went forth and, finding the Hand of God, trod gladly into the night. And He led me towards the hills and the breaking of day in the lone East.”

                                                                   

God Knows, Minnie Louise Haskins, British Poet (1875-1957)

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Jeanne Penoyar, an Accounts Manager here at Diocesan, is currently a Lector at St. Anthony of Padua parish in Grand Rapids, MI. While at St. Thomas the Apostle, Grand Rapids, Jeanne was a Lector, Cantor, Coordinator of Special Liturgies, Coordinator of lectors and, at one time, chair of the Liturgy Commission. In a past life, secretary/bookkeeper at the Basilica of St. Adalbert where she ran the RCIA program for the Steepletown parishes. And she loves to write! When relaxing, she likes reading and word puzzles.

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How often do you hear this phrase? “Our team has spirit”; “Our class has spirit”; “I shopped at my school Spirit Store today and got the Spirit shirt!”. The “spirit” is bandied about so easily. So, I’ll ask the question again in a different way – “Do you have Spirit, THE Spirit?” Well, do you? I’ll answer for you – “Yes, you DO have The Spirit!”. And, boy, does he have a lot to say to you.

The Third Person of the Trinity was sent to the disciples by Jesus to infuse in them the grace and strength they needed to carry on His mission. When reading Scripture and noting that the disciples were simple men who at times seemed somewhat dim witted, it’s a wonder Jesus entrusted His church to their care. But, Jesus sees beyond what we see, and He had the ace in the hole – the Holy Spirit – who would guide and bolster the disciples to give them the right words and actions, strength and faith to push forward his Church.

We, too, can at times be dim witted in our living the Faith. We can forget how to bring our Faith to the world, near or far; how to see the events of the world in light of the Gospel and to act accordingly. If we call upon the Holy Spirit to guide us, we will find our way. The Spirit knows best which direction we should take. I believe the Spirit is the greatest gift Jesus could give us after giving Himself in the Eucharist. It is by the power of the Holy Spirit that the bread and wine are transformed into the Body and Blood of Christ, and together they are a force to be reckoned with!

Today is the day to regain the wonder of what happened, both at the original Pentecost and at your Confirmation. The Spirit came to you — the Spirit came to you — Yes, the Spirit came to you to be your guide, advocate, strength, inspiration, and solace. He came to help you see what is happening in our world, as well as what is in your heart. Jesus is the Way; the Spirit is the means by which we know how to follow the Way. You need only call upon him. It is the Holy Spirt that holds our Church together, and which bears you upon his wings to bolster you in times of doubt.

I’d like to share with you the Litany of Gifts, written by Fr. James Chelich of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, Grand Rapids, MI. The Litany ends his Pentecost Novena:

For the gift of Wisdom: that we might take our place as peacemakers in the kingdom of God.
For the gift of Understanding: that we might know the will of God in the events of our life and time.
For the gift of Counsel: That we might put the will of God into practice in our decisions and our actions.
For the gift of Fortitude: that we might show courage in living lives of integrity, advancing the cause of justice.
For the gift of Knowledge: that we might know the pain and suffering of all oppressed and suffering peoples.
For the gift of Piety: that we might find ways to reach out in love to the pain and need around us.
For the Gift of Love of the Lord: that God will disarm our hearts and that the love of God that comes to us in Jesus, Our Lord, might be born within us.

God Bless!

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Jeanne Penoyar, an Accounts Manager here at Diocesan, is currently a Lector at St. Anthony of Padua parish in Grand Rapids, MI. While at St. Thomas the Apostle, Grand Rapids, Jeanne was a Lector, Cantor, Coordinator of Special Liturgies, Coordinator of lectors and, at one time, chair of the Liturgy Commission. In a past life, secretary/bookkeeper at the Basilica of St. Adalbert where she ran the RCIA program for the Steepletown parishes. And she loves to write! When relaxing, she likes reading and word puzzles.

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Today we are told that we are friends of Jesus. Very comforting. However, as his friends, he also tells us that we must love one another…as he has loved us. Of all the commands of Jesus, is any harder to follow than this? Especially in today’s cultural climate. Love one another, friends and enemies. Yikes!

Remember the “greatest of Commandments? “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.”? (Mt 22:37) Then Jesus added, “love your neighbor as yourself” (Mt 22:39). Jesus’ love for us is gifted love. No strings attached. He will be there for us; we need only believe that we are worthy, and he will bring us home to his love. Jesus’ love, however, cannot be received in a vacuum. It begs for action. Love of God and his love for us is intrinsically intertwined with the love of others. If you have not truly experienced that love, it may be hard to offer those blessings to another.

When you believe that you are worthy of God’s love, regardless of your lifestyle, the time will come when you become ready to change your life and to gift someone else. Loving yourself is a real and very necessary component of gifting love. But the method in which we love ourselves needs to be defined by the way God loves us. We cannot exist with an egotistical notion that “all is mine” and not also know that, at some point in our lives, the “love your neighbor” part is also necessary.

Who is your neighbor? Stand where you are at this very moment and look around. You are in no short supply of neighbors.  A humble openness to learning from the love we receive will help you to pay it forward to each person you meet. Even if, as Mother Teresa once said, it’s just a smile. You could change someone’s world.

Perhaps a great way of starting the process would be to reflect on the Jewish blessing of Shalom. Shalom is not simply a nice greeting, something sweet to say to someone. Shalom goes much deeper. It means, in part, that all the blessings that I ask of God for myself, I also ask of God for you. No partiality. Give someone the gift of a resting place, shelter, warmth, comfort and companionship, and trust that your love, in partnership with God’s love, will bring you, as well as your neighbor, home. Oh, and let’s not forget that the offering of Shalom must also be for your enemies! Like it or not, they are also your neighbors. God Bless.

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Jeanne Penoyar, an Accounts Manager here at Diocesan, is currently a Lector at St. Anthony of Padua parish in Grand Rapids, MI. While at St. Thomas the Apostle, Grand Rapids, Jeanne was a Lector, Cantor, Coordinator of Special Liturgies, Coordinator of lectors and, at one time, chair of the Liturgy Commission. In a past life, secretary/bookkeeper at the Basilica of St. Adalbert where she ran the RCIA program for the Steepletown parishes. And she loves to write! When relaxing, she likes reading and word puzzles.

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