Titles

This post was stimulated by a comment on my recent post about completing 300 blog entries. In that post I had mentioned how a priest felt that I could or should not be one who could empower others. He made the comment "that is a priestly characteristic" as if to imply that deacons or anyone else could not be an empowering force. I do agree - on one level - that all priests should be able to empower others - unfortunately many fall short of that goal. I also believe that many ordinary and not so ordinary people have the ability to empower. Michael Jordan - as an extraordinary athlete - has been the driving force in many peoples lives - not just young boys but also girls as well as men and women. Because of his success - he has empowered others to seek their full potential in life. Quite often people are made powerless and impotent because of the titles given them. Years ago when my youngest son was delivering his speech as valedictorian - he had an issue with some of the administration people because of the apparent lack of a title for his speech which he called "Untitled". They did not understand that he was not refusing to give them a title - as the title was - "Untitled". In that speech he mentioned how he and his classmates had all been "labeled" - given "titles" - by classmates - teachers - others - as nerds - jocks - dweebs - geeks - losers - teacher's pet - etc. In his speech he told his classmates that now was a time in their lives to become untitled - to shed those false labels - to go out and learn - to accomplish - to seek their hearts desire - and in doing so they would create just and right titles for themselves - as teachers - doctors - lawyers - mechanics - carpenters - moms and dads and more - that they no longer had to be labeled with titles that tore down and demeaned - but with new titles that would empower and guide them through the rest of their lives. At the age of seventeen - he saw potential in his classmates that others - much older - did not. 

When Jesus walked this Earth - He socialized with people of many titles. Not all were rabbis - or priests - most were common people - tradespeople - laborers - mothers and fathers and children - tax collectors and prostitutes. Behind the titles and labels imposed on them - He saw people. People trying to live out good lives - people seeking the truth - people just being people. He encouraged them - He empowered them to see that there was so much more available to them if they had faith. Faith in Him - Faith in His Father. Today we still have a lot of people seeking to shed unfair labels and titles - trying to live a decent life. We - Jesus' modern day disciples - are called to show them the way - called to empower them - to see their potential - to realize their possibilities - to live lives - as children of God.

Deacon Dale 

Goal met sort of..300!

Just a brief note about this blog. When I started it in January of 2012 - my intention was to write a thought once a day - as a spiritual journal. I did not intend to write anything earth shattering - and I don't think I have - just my thoughts and reactions to things happening around me and in my personal life. Those who know me well can pick out the topics that were written because of something that touched me personally - some funny - some otherwise. I am proud to say - a little laugh here - that I missed my goal. Instead of 365 entries in 2012 I only managed to get out 282 posts. Although I did fall short by 83 posts - I am pleased that I did manage to write as many as I did. Rather than beat myself up - I will pat myself on the back for sticking with this project and publishing as many as I did. I will note here that in addition to this blog - I do also write other pieces - that have nothing to do with spirituality - on HubPages - as well as maintain two web sites and five pages on Facebook - so I am busy. In the near future I will be starting another Blog about my training and eventually walking the Camino de Santiago de Compostela later this year. So as of this post on February 1, 2013 this is post #301.

OK - to clarify - this is not bragging - this is an update for my friends who read my posts on a regular basis - so why this post? Well quite honestly I know that life is short and that each of us has only so much time to accomplish whatever goal we are suppose to. I am not positive - but I think my job is to help empower people. I was told by a priest once - who frowned when I said that - that to empower people was reserved for priests. I don't know about that - but I do know first hand that on occasion - I do inspire people. My sons have always been impressed about how quickly I can do mathematical calculations in my head - no fingers - no paper - so that is OK. Nowadays - I think my goal is to help people see that they have the power to make their lives better - that the future holds a ton of opportunities - a world full of things that any ordinary person may accomplish. I am one of those ordinary guys who has walked with angels and broke bread with saints - not those canonized by the Church - but the angels and saints who I meet and live life with on a daily basis. I want everyone to know that I freely share my story and thoughts to inspire them to seek better for themselves - their families - not to make them feel bad - but to make  them feel good and bring hope into lives that have been beat up and lied to. I want to share the Good News - that Jesus is Lord - Lord of my life - Lord of theirs. To everyone - friend and foe - I want to bring peace and joy.

Deacon Dale 

Jealously

Jealously is an adverb used to describe the feeling or emotions of a person who is fearful or apprehensive of losing their own recognition or stature. They may become resentful or bitter - most likely envious of another. A person may become jealous and act jealously towards another person upon learning that the one has received a promotion and increase in salary which rivals or diminishes the perceived importance and value of the first individual. Rather than congratulate and compliment that individual on their good fortune or reward for hard work and a job well done - the jealous one sits and mopes - resenting that they did not receive the same recognition and financial reward - even when the two individuals have completely different work skills and occupations! Some people just hate to see others succeed - even when they both are actually on the same level. Often it is more a matter of trying to stay one step ahead of others in an effort to be seen as the "better man or woman". In other cases it may be the matter of one who does not attempt to succeed - acting poorly towards others who have invested the time and energy to accomplish the goal at hand. Jealously is never attractive no matter how justified it may appear. In some cases the differences between the two is as transparent as a sheet of glass.

When Jesus began preaching in the Temple the leaders became jealous of Him because of His popularity and the way He delivered His words. He was able to touch minds and hearts in a way that they were unable to accomplish. Because He was honest and open - they resented Him. They acted jealously in their thoughts and actions - not trying to learn or understand - but making rash decisions and statements because they feared their own stature. When a person begins to grow closer to Jesus - to God - others may act jealously - thinking that God favors the one. The truth is that God has no favorites - He loves everyone the exact same way - how we react to that love may be different - but hopefully never jealously.

Deacon Dale 

Road Map

A road map is a collection of elements added to a plan which often includes a visual presentation of the journey you are contemplating. In the most common sense - a road map is actually that - a printed pictorial map of the roads, streets, highways, barriers - man made or natural, as well as elevations - all which when considered together - provide information on the best way to proceed to your destination. It shows major highways as well country dirt roads, rivers and streams, local places and areas of interest - all meant to inform one of the options available as they plan a journey. In business - a road map may explain the resources or technology available - the target audience - the best way to approach and close the sale. Many different road maps exist in life. The map of most interest to me at the moment is the one of the Camino de Santiago.

The Bible is also a road map - it shows us how to get to heaven - our final destination in life. It includes all the local color - the side attractions - the barriers - the obstacles - the path we are called to walk. Like any map it is best if there is someone who has walked the route previously - who can lead the way. For the seeker - that individual is Jesus. If you are seeking the way to go - the way to freedom - the way to joy - the way to peace - seek Jesus. He will show you the way.

Deacon Dale 

Feed My Lambs

There are many programs designed to help feed people who have fallen on hard times and are unable to provide for themselves. My wife recently was made aware of a food ministry looking for someone to help. One of our older parishioners had been involved in this ministry - on his own - apart from the parish - in which he would pick up end of day bread products and distribute to the needy. The fact that he had been providing this service only came to light after his death. It is a simple ministry to do - all my wife has to do is to pick up left over bread products at the end of the day and deliver them to someone who needs them. Last night was her first night and I went along with her to help - not knowing how much she might receive. 8:45Pm we headed to the local Panera in Yorkville, IL. Left over? It looked more like a custom bakery order for a hotel. Neither of us could believe how much they gave us - and we only pick up one night a week - they do this 7 days a week. Rather than toss in the garbage - Panera - has made arrangements throughout their stores to donate these end of day left overs to legitimate charities. This is very charitable for them - as they refuse to sell anything  that was not baked that day. As you can see in the photo the collection filled the back end of her SUV.

In John 21:15-19 Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved Him and each time He told him to "feed my lambs - feed my sheep". Jesus did not literally expect Peter to feed people with food - although that is a nice thought - He wanted Peter to spread the Gospel - to share the Good News with the people - to feed their souls. Feeding a person with a loaf of bread only satisfies the stomach - not the spirit. Each of us - as modern day disciples - are called to share the "bread of life" - the truth that is Jesus - with everyone we meet. How we accomplish that is up to us to decide - as long as we honor His command - "feed my lambs".

Deacon Dale 

By-laws

A "by-law" - as defined by Wikipedia - also spelled bylaw, by law or byelaw - is a rule or law established by an organization or community to regulate itself - as allowed or provided by some higher authority - such as a constitution or ruling group or individual i.e. king or president . It is through the use of by-laws that groups are able to function and maintain order - avoiding confusion and chaos. When by-laws are cast aside or ignored - individuals - teams - entire groups enter the realm of the unknown. Nothing happens - forward progress is halted - the machinery comes to a halt. In all things - work - play - daily living - worship - order needs to be established - not to bind and hinder free thought and action - rather to encourage it. Once the rules - regulations - by-laws are known - everyone knows under what restrictions or freedoms they may operate. Rather than hindering - by-laws are empowering - energizing.

Jesus came that we might have life and live it to the fullest. The key word here is "might". He did not guarantee that anyone would have a full life - it is up to each of us to take advantage of His gift. If we fail to willing accept that which He offers - it is our own fault. He does not and He will not force us to do anything against our free will. It is up to us to recognize His gift for what it is and to freely accept it. The only rule - the only by-law is that each of us has to make that decision on our own- with no coercion - will no force. That which He offers to everyone is offered with no strings attached - no rules - no by-laws - no expense. He paid the price - once and for all - the decision - is yours.

Deacon Dale 

Catalyst

A catalyst is a substance that increases the speed of a chemical reaction without being consumed by the reaction.  For example - nitric oxide is a catalyst in the breakdown of ozone in the upper atmosphere. An oxygen atom will react with a molecule of nitric oxide to form a molecule of nitrogen dioxide. The nitrogen dioxide then reacts with a molecule of ozone which produces two molecules of oxygen and one molecule of nitric oxide. In this example one molecule of nitric oxide started the reaction and after reducing the ozone into oxygen - the molecule of nitric oxide continues to exist. Catalysts exists in other forms besides the chemical world. People may be considered catalysts - an individual reacts with a group of people to elicit a change in the group. The most common example would be politicians campaigning for election - they stimulate the minds of people to change their way of thinking so they will vote for them. A swinging ball that strikes other balls changes those balls from simply hanging to also swinging back and forth - the energy of the first affects the others acting as a catalyst to change the others from dormant to active balls - while retaining its original form.

Jesus is a catalyst - He came for one main reason - to change the hearts and minds of people. He lived among them as an ordinary man - He spoke about His heavenly Father's love - forgiveness - reconciliation - acceptance. He affected change in people - they looked at life in a new way - they saw hope - they saw healing - they saw God. He was a catalyst while He was alive and walked the Earth - He still remains a catalyst today - affecting changes in people on a daily basis. If you are seeking change in your life - if you need new direction - new focus - all you need do is to invite Jesus into your life - He will be the catalyst you need - to change your life for the better.

Deacon Dale 

March

Mach is not only the name of the third month of the calendar year ---- it is also a term that means to walk steadily and rhythmically forward in step with others. When you observe people marching together - as a school band in a parade-  you will see exactly what is described - right feet together - bodies erect - not wavering - heads forward held high - arms swinging together - as one giant machine with multiple legs and arms moving in unison. Most marches - as seen in parades - celebrating holidays - sport victories - elections - are inspiring. However, there are those - such as marches of soldiers - that cause concern and fear - a sign of oppression - domination over others. Building a sense of pride - well being - is good - creating a culture of fear - is bad. Today - January 25, 2013 is the Annual March for Life in Washington, D.C. - to celebrate life - to protest the 40 year old decision by the Supreme Court to legalize abortion. It is interesting to note that the majority of those marching are not middle aged mothers or doting old women - rather the March is filled with young women and men - the very ones who are coping with the issue of unwanted or unplanned pregnancy.

In Matthew 11:28 Jesus tells us "come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest". People on both sides of the abortion debate would do well to heed these words from Holy Scripture. For the pro-life people - Jesus says to hang in there - it may be a struggle - He will be with you - standing at your side. For the pro-choice people - Jesus says that He is there to help them in their struggle to make the correct choice - to turn to Him as they debate having an abortion or not - to turn to Him in prayer - to seek His guidance. In seeking one must ask - in asking one must seek the truth - in finding the truth - one finds the real Truth - Jesus. In finding Jesus - He will reveal the beauty of life - the sanctity of life - the only decision you can make.

Deacon Dale 

Backup

The word backup means everything in information technology - it is critical - to avoid loss of data - a system that stores a copy of data is one of the most important pieces of any good computer system. All large corporations make sure that a backup system is in place before they ever start collecting critical data. Some home users also utilize backup systems - most do not. I was one of those individuals - for over 25 years I was able to get away without any need for a system backup. All that changed about a month ago when my main computer went completely black. When it came back up all I had was the fatal blue screen of death. It took over an hour before I was able to get to a C:> prompt to see what was going on. When I asked for information the only thing I saw was that the hard drive was completely empty! Everything was gone - nothing. Now I have a new computer and the task to recreate all my lost data begins - the hardest part - trying to remember what I had saved on the old computer. It is not until I need old data that I even remember that I had it in the first place. I should be very upset with myself - but at this point there is no reason to stress myself - so I will proceed and cope with whatever issues come up.

I was baptized as an infant - I was raised in the Christian Church - I have been confirmed - married - ordained - all in the church founded by Jesus Christ. I have been comfortable with my faith most of the time and on occasion I have been uncomfortable - but throughout it all - I have never lost my faith. Some people feel as if they need a backup to their faith - in case they lose their faith - some turn to other religions - other beliefs - other options. When I made a decision as an adult to accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior - I made a commitment then and there and I've never regretted it. In all my trials and errors - in all my situations - the only true backup I've ever needed is Jesus. He is always there for me and He will be there for you - you only have to ask.

Deacon Dale 

Cana

Cana, Israel is famous as the site of the first miracle performed by Jesus while attending a wedding there with His mother and disciples. Theologians and historians alike seem to have differing opinions on not only the location of the historical Cana - but also the significance. This past July 2012 I had the privilege of visiting the modern day site of Cana. Although not included in our original itinerary - our tour guide made last minute arrangements that allowed us a brief visit - enough time for us to renew our own wedding vows and capture it all on DVD. To be in the Holy Land and to renew vows with my wife - celebrating 43 years of marriage - is something that we will never forget. It was a simple ceremony - no party - no food - no cake - no wine - just ourselves - 33 other people and Father Matt - in Israel! That alone made it truly significant.

Fransician Church at Cana - Israel

When Jesus was invited to the wedding - He probably didn't think He would be revealing His divinity there - but He did. That is important for all of us - the implication that God blesses marriage - approves of celebrations involving community - joins us in our meals and feasts - with food and wine - shows us just how much He is involved in our lives. Jesus is our personal Lord and Savior - there is no reason not to believe this - He came that we would have life and live it to the fullest - in Jesus is the fullness of life!

Deacon Dale