1 John 2:18-21 ~ Psalm 96:1-2, 11-13 ~ John 1:1-18
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Scripture Reflection for Dec. 31, 2011
1 John 2:18-21 ~ Psalm 96:1-2, 11-13 ~ John 1:1-18
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Merry Christmas!
Friday, December 23, 2011
O Antiphon: O Emmanuel (The Last day of Advent)
Out of all the Antiphon's shared this week this one is the one that reminds me most of Dad and of what he on earth shared with all those he met; that God is truly with us everyday. He is not far off on some cloud looking down but in our hearts as we are in His.
Ceci asked me one day, "Mommy where is Jesus right now?" I was in the car with both the kids buckled into their booster seats in the back. I said, "Right there sitting in the middle seat between you and Mary-Clare. She looked over and said, "Really Mommy?" My response, "Yes Ceci, even though we can't see Him he is with us ALWAYS." Yet another amazing gift Dad gave to me and I know to many of you...
On this last day of Advent I pray you have a day filled with peace knowing that Our God is with us.
O Antiphon: O King of Nations
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
O Antiphon: O Dayspring!
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
O Antiphons, O Key of David
Monday, December 19, 2011
O Antiphon: O Root of Jesse
Sunday, December 18, 2011
O Antiphons!
He did reflections for them from Dec. 17th - Dec. 23rd in another document I found.
I am one day behind so I am going to share the Dec. 17th and 18th reflections in this post and then one per day over the next few days.
Enjoy them, say them out loud, share them with your family or maybe make up your own antiphon for the Lord!
Friday, December 16, 2011
Advent Reflections, Week Three, Friday
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Advent Reflections: Week Three, Thursday
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Advent Reflections, Week Three, Wednesday
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Advent Reflections, Week Three, Tuesday
That being said, I have decided to go ahead and re-post the rest of the reflections for this week and next even though they don't match up with the readings of the day. I feel that irregardless of the particular readings (which ARE still important) that the reflections alone carry the Advent spirit.
Please keep that in mind when reading them and I hope that they inspire you daily, give you time to reflect as we wait for His Birth.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Advent Reflections: Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Advent Reflections, Week Two, Saturday
Friday, December 9, 2011
Advent Reflections, Week two, Friday
How easily I forget this too Dad!
Fr. Frank DeSiano recently flew to Boston to give a talk at the Memorial Lecture in honor of Dad hosted by Holy Family Parish in Concord, MA. The talk he gave was to say the least amazing! He too encouraged us to see people through Christ's eyes -- with mercy and understanding. He asked us if we should change the hymn, "All are welcome," to "Some are welcome?" I was really struck by this and gave me much to chew on. By example and by mercy hearts will be converted and lives will change -- people will walk in sinners and walk out saints (so to speak).
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Advent Reflections, Feast of the Immaculate Conception
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Advent Reflections: Week Two, Wednesday
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Advent Reflections, Monday, Second Week of Advent
Friday, December 2, 2011
Advent Reflections, Week One Friday
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Advent Reflections, Week One, Thursday
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Advent Reflections Week One, Wednesday
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Advent reflections
When I typed "Advent" into my trusty external drive I wasn't surprised when I got tons of hits. One in particular that stood out was something simply titled Advent 2001. I double clicked my mouse with anticipation to see what it might be and low and behold it was weekday lectionary readings from December 2000 to January 2001. I thought, okay, this might be something I could post. Just out of curiosity I checked to see what the readings for today were in the smallest hope that maybe this was year would be the same readings as in 2000. I couldn't believe it because they are! What a joy it was and another consolation from the Lord. Another way to share my Dad's writing and his love for Jesus with all of you. I am going to be posting his reflections daily, except for Sunday's because these reflections are just for Monday through Saturday. If you are looking for a meditative guide through Advent for yourself, your family, or even a group at your church please feel free to print out or to share with your friends and family.
I pray that this Advent Season for you is filled with Hope -- Hope that only a tiny little baby born in a manager could bring.
Monday, October 24, 2011
David Thorp Memorial Lecture
I realized that this level of procrastination is going to keep me from including an important event right around the corner that I wanted to tell all of you about and share with others.
There will be a "David Thorp Memorial Lecture" at Holy Family Parish in Concord, MA on Friday, November 11, 2011. All are welcome!
I have cut and paste the description from their website, www.holyfamilyconcord.org.
Friday, November 11, 7:30 PM David Thorp Memorial Lecture
Reverend Frank DeSiano, CSP Holy Family Church
In memory of David Thorp, who served this parish as Director of Faith Formation for a year and the larger
church for many decades, the parish is sponsoring Reverend Frank DeSiano CSP, director of Paulist
Evangelization Ministries, in a public lecture and reception. Fr. DeSiano’s talk is entitled Reconciliation In
Service To The Kingdom of God. About his talk, Father DeSiano writes: “Reconciliation, the restoration of
people with God and with each other, was at the heart of the ministry of Jesus. This gave powerful witness to the Kingdom of God. How can we, Jesus' followers, continue that powerful witness today?”
Frank DeSiano was ordained a Paulist priest in 1972. He has served as pastor of downtown parishes in bothNew York and Chicago. In 1990 he earned a Doctor of Ministry degree from Boston University after
completing a thesis on parish-based evangelization. From 1988-1992 he served Washington, DC, forming
many parish evangelization teams and also serving on the US Bishops’ Committee on Evangelization. He also served as president of the Paulist Fathers and as first consultor. He has written numerous books and articles on evangelization and discipleship, the latest entitled, “Mission America: Challenges and Opportunities for Catholics Today.” He serves as President of Paulist Evangelization Ministries in Washington, DC.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
You are mine
I have asked God more than once why he gave me such an incredible Dad. I have had friends say, "Your Dad is the best, I wish I had your Dad." And I am not going to lie, he was pretty great. Granted, Dad and I had our fair share of ups and downs -- there were probably a few traumatic moments while he was trying to help me with my homework growing up... But honestly I think anyone trying to help me figure out word problems in sixth grade would probably want to bop me over the head after about an hour! Seriously, word problems are so unnecessary!!!
To me, Dad was my "Jesus." In every way to me Dad was like the living version of Jesus... with his intelligence, conviction, peaceful manner, unconditional love, and even beard! I remember when I was little seeing a picture in our dining room and I seriously thought it was a picture of Jesus, but it was my Dad in his younger years!
Dad was my "go to guy." I feel really lost without him as I know my siblings and my Mom do.
I leave you with something I found that Dad wrote about God the Father:
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Holy Spirit, Holy Spirit, Come with your Fire
Through the ebb and flow of my day my anger rises and falls. I believe through Dad's death my faith has only gotten stronger. I don't hate the Lord or want to scream at Him -- instead I am given comfort by Him and his unwavering love for my family. But I am really just angry with Dad. When this anger rises up inside of me I immediately think of how much this anger must pain Dad and I say, "It is okay, Dad, I know, I understand, It is okay." I am constantly saying, "it is okay" throughout the day partly because Dad suffered enough already that I don't want him to feel any more pain (even though if he is in Heaven the Lord promises you will feel no more pain or suffering). But I still wonder... even in Heaven can you feel sadness over choices you made? Can you have remorse or sorrow? I wonder...
You are the Dove, Spirit of Adoption, Wind, Consoler, Convicter, Fire, First Installment, Purifier, Refiner, Seal, Living Water, Illuminator, Indwelling Presence of God, Spirit of Truth, Spirit who raised us Jesus from the dead, Transformer, Master of Prayer, Advocate, Endower of Charisms, Cloud, Promise of the Father, Power from on High, Unifier, Guide, Our Intercessor, Spirit of the LIving God, Spirit of Fear of the Lord/Wonder and Awe, Spirit of Piety, Spirit of Wisdom, Spirit of Knowledge, Spirit of Understanding, Spirit of Counsel/Right Judgment, Spirit of Fortitude/Courage, Reminder, Spirit of Glory, Tutor, Spirit of Hope
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Dad’s Novena to the Holy Spirit
Preparing for Pentecost
A Novena to the Holy Spirit
Introduction
Following the Ascension of Our Lord, tradition says that the disciples gathered in the upper room together with Our Blessed Mother for the first novena, nine days of prayer in anticipation of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit was given to the disciples to empower them to ``be my witnesses... even to the ends of the earth.'' (Acts 1:8)
Today, as disciples of Jesus, we too join together in prayer for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit in our Dioceses, our parishes, our faith communities, our families, and in ourselves. We need of the power of the Holy Spirit to be effective witnesses of the love of God for our world.
This novena to the Holy Spirit has been designed for either individual or communal prayer. The time commitment is not long, probably less than 15 minutes each day. The spiritual impact of serious prayer and reflection, however, is immeasurable.
When prayed in a communal setting, the reflection time after the reading of the scripture may be in silence or someone may be designated to share a brief reflection. When two or more are praying the closing prayer, The Prayer for a New Millennium, the ``chorus'' (in bold) can be said in unison, while the verses are said by a designated reader.
Suggested Opening Songs
Come Holy Spirit, Spirit of the Living God, Veni Sancte Spiritus, Envia Tu Espiritu, or any similar song invoking the Holy Spirit.
Closing Prayer:
We recommend the Prayer for the New Millennium (see below):
First Day
Opening Song:
Opening Prayer:
Father, you have given us eternal life through Jesus Christ Your Son whom You raised from the dead and now sits at Your right hand. When Jesus, who is our life, comes, then we shall reign with Him in glory. Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Scripture:
Ezekiel 36:26-28
``I will give you a new heart and place a new spirit within you, taking from your bodies your stony hearts and giving you natural hearts. I will put my spirit within you and make you live by my statutes, careful to observe my decrees. You shall live in the land I gave your fathers, you shall be my people, and I will be your God.''
(Silent or shared reflection.)
Response:
O God, cleanse me of all my impurities. Open my heart that I may feel your Spirit within me. Guide me in your ways.
Closing Prayer
Prayer for the New Millennium
(Silent or shared reflection.)
(Silent or shared reflection.)
(Silent or shared reflection.)
(Silent or shared reflection.)
(Silent or shared reflection.)
(Silent or shared reflection.)
(Silent or shared reflection.)
Fill the hearts of your faithful.
Come among us as wind and fire
And ignite our lives with renewed faith.
Fill the hearts of your faithful.
Help us grow in the life of grace
And reflect your presence in our lives.
Fill the hearts of your faithful.
Give us courage and faith to use our gifts
In the service of the church and your people
Fill the hearts of your faithful.
Enable our parishes, our families, and our communities
To respond to the challenge of the Gospel.
Fill the hearts of your faithful.
Bless the young, support the old,
Sustain all those who minister to your people.
Fill the hearts of your faithful.
Be the wind and fire that brings new life to your church
And open our minds and hearts to your -presence among us.
Fill the hearts of your faithful.
May our prayer help us embrace the call you give us
To be holy people in the service of God and one another.