September 16, 2022
Thought for Today
YOU'RE IT
God, disguised as a myriad things and playing a game of tag,
has kissed you and said, "You're it - I mean you're Really IT!"
Now it does not matter what you believe or feel,
for something wonderful, major-league wonderful, is someday going to
HAPPEN.
Hafiz
A Year with Hafiz,
translated by Daniel Ladinsky
September 15, 2022
Reflection
AFTER THE CRUISE
It's now a week and two days, May 7, 2007. after the cruise.
I wrote in a similar journal some of the moments, thoughts, feelings about the cruise I was on to the Panama Canal.
Even if I didn't write here or there about the cruise, people asked questions and expected answers: How was the cruise? Would you go again? Where did you go? What was the most interesting experience?
On the cruise different people from our group asked, "Is this going to be in a sermon?
On the cruise different people from our group would ask each other, "Well, how was the show last night?" Or they would ask about a side trip, "Well, how was the trip to the ruins."
I suppose once we step out of the ordinary, life has its Q and A sessions.
And I guess the way to get in touch with the extraordinary, one must ask oneself, "Well how was it?"
So here are some answers:
The cruise was water - lots of water.
The cruise was people - lots of people. I think the numbers were 1970 people on the cruise - plus 700 crew members. Then there were the people we saw when we were on land -tour guides, people selling stuff, sales people in stores, bus drivers, etc. etc. etc.
The cruise was food: the pick up meals on the Ledo Deck - tray in hand - going around and picking up what one liked - as well as the formal meals in the big dining rooms.
The cruise was diamonds, jewelry for sale on board and at each port.
The cruise was the Panama Canal - but we only went through one lock - so we didn't go to the other side and into the Pacific.
The cruise was elevators - people going up and down - all day long - instead of taking the carpeted stairs - which I preferred for the exercise..
The cruise was quiet moments on the balcony overlooking the Western Caribbean - or chatting with Jack Flanagan.
The cruise is still cruising through my mind - still gliding across the waters of my mind.
September 14, 2022
Reflection
BEFORE THE CRUISE
I was about to head to Florida to take a cruise with some people from our parish - and head for Panama and a few other places.
How does one prepare for a trip - any trip?
What does that question tell about a person?
That triggered a memory of Jack Nicholson packing in the movie, "As Good As It Gets."
I think of Tom who had bought several books on how to pack.
I think of Mom and Dad in Ireland - long before I existed - and before they got married here the states - packing. I never heard any conversation about that experience.
I think of young people going off to college.
I think of men and women going off to war.
For my trip to Panama and the cruise in the Caribbean, I'll have to make a list of "Things to Do!"
Next came the, "What happens next?" question.
Next came the money question. How much will I need.
The thought of being a little boy again - and not having enough money for our Altar Boy boat ride up the Hudson River.
I'll figure it out. I always do.
Then the thought: bring a book for journaling.
Will I write the stories - the stories of my life.
I said, "Yes!"
Then the doubt: "Will I?"
September 13, 2022
Reflection
A MARRIAGE OF OPPOSITES
Jack didn't believe in a God or Jesus.
Jill did.
Jack went up a hill to fetch a hose for some water - for their backyard - which needed the trees and plants in it to be watered.
Home Depot is not the usual place for a couple to meet - but that's where Jack met Jill and Jill met Jack.
Jill went there to buy a pail. Honestly.
Jack went there to buy a hose. Honestly.
Time happened.
Conversations continued.
Jack had to make a decision. Do I go to church with Jill?
Jill had to make a decision. Do I go with someone who doestn't go to church - and doesn't believe in God.
He went.
Jill continued to go with Jack.
Jack got nothing out of the hour in church with Jill.
They went to the priest - when they got engaged.
He said to them, "You better get this figured out now - before you get married - because in 10 or 15 years - if not sooner - this question about Church is going to show up - especially if you're blessed with kids.
Jack and Jill heard that message - comment - warning.
They married.
Jack went to Church.
As he sat there Sunday after Sunday he wondered and wondered: "Is all this real?"
Do all these people really believe in God? Do they believe Jesus is God? Do they believe bread and wine become the body and blood of Jesus Christ?
He kept on getting on the boat every Sunday morning. Jill never said a word.
What happened.
Faith, grace, slid into Jack - but he didn't know it yet - he slowly made his first act of faith - to an unknown God.
Then came a pail of water - then a hose was turned on....
