August 12, 2023
Reflection
Saturday, August 12, 2023
Friday, August 11, 2023
August 11, 2023
THE CAKE
The cake means
there is a cake maker.
So what's the story
with Mount Everest,
the Grand Canyon
Niagara Falls
and the Redwood Forests?
Did God design these
or did God let them happen,
evolve, become themselves,
in time - through growth and upheaval?
© Reflections, Andy Costello
(C) Andy Costello, Reflections
Thursday, August 10, 2023
August 10, 2023 = Feast of St. Lawrence
LISTEN
The title of my homily is, “Listen.”
Just one word: “Listen.”
You heard a lot of things these three days: “What did you
hear?”
RESOLUTION
At the end of prayer, at the end of a retreat, St.
Alphonsus said the key step is to make a
resolution.
Sometime in the time of these 3 days, you got the thought,
“When I get home I’m going to….”
That’s a resolution.
It’s what we do at the end of a year – before a New Year.
We make New Year’s resolutions. And they last a few days – at least –
hopefully. It’s also what people do in prayer. It’s what people do on retreats
- especially – near the end of a retreat.
Father Ed gave us 3 questions yesterday morning in his
homily,
I’m giving one question: What is one resolution you have
made?
If you’re not sure – yet – here’s one: Listen.
Go home and listen.
Go home and listen to the stories of the people in your
life.
Little kids: what happened in school today? Or at the park?
Or I saw you playing Monopoly or Parchesi or Shahai Rummy. Who won? What was
the best moment you had?
Or spouse – living or dead? Listen to them.
Any nursing homes near by – did you ever see all those
people by the elevators – down in the lobby near the front door? Who listens to
them? Who asks them questions?
BILLY – THE CONNOLLY BOYS
MY DAD – PITTSBURGH
WE’RE ALL STORY TELLERS = TOBYHANNA FLOWERS
PLUMBER = GETTING YOU MONEY
LISTENING – GOSPEL – SHUT UP – DIE TO SELF – LISTEN
BEFORE FALLING ASLEEP – SOMEONE LISTENED TO ME TODAY – IT
WAS ME
GOD IS THE GREAT LISTENER
August 10, 2023
ANOTHER SURPRISE
The other is other than you think they are.
You have to take time - you have to listen -
you have to be with another to find out who
they really are - and even then there is so much
more to discover. It's called mystery - the mystery
of God - and time - the history of another person.
© Reflections, Andy Costello
Wednesday, August 9, 2023
Tuesday, August 8, 2023
August 8, 2023
SOMETIMES
WHEN PRAYING
Sometimes when praying we need to go into the alone – to
the mountains –
anywhere – away from others – hoping they go to the other
side of the sea.
Sometimes when praying we need to hear others – worried –
working
the oars and the sails – trying to get somewhere – anywhere
but where
they are – in the wind – in the waves – miles and miles –
lost out to sea.
Sometimes when praying we need to walk towards them – to
help them -
on the sea – in the waters - in their terror – even if they
see us as a ghost.
Sometimes we need to help them hear the words of Jesus,
“Take courage.
It is I. Come to me. Walk towards me – on the waters. Don’t
be afraid.”
Sometimes they get out of their boat – and walk on the
waters – towards
Jesus. Then when frightened, hear them make Peter’s cry,
“Lord, save me.”
Sometimes when we pray – we hope - we/they/all - grab
Jesus’ outstretched hand – as he pulls us into a helping salvation and catch.
Sometimes when we pray – when this happens – we realize
we’re
weak – and little of faith – and truly Jesus is the Son of
God.
Sometimes when we pray – we recognize God – and we want all others to do the
same. We try to get others to touch him and the tassel of his cloak.
Monday, August 7, 2023
Sunday, August 6, 2023
August 6, 2023
TRANSFIGURATION
Distance helps you to see up close better.
Climb every mountain.
Get away from each other if you
really want to appreciate the other.
The gifts of the other make
their appearance when you
don't have them. Thoughts
like these can lead to transfiguration.
(C) Andy Costello Reflections
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