Approaching Easter

Tonight we had a meeting for the RCIA program at St Dominic where Annette and I are sponsors for our friends David and Lisa Hickman. It is been almost a full year of preparation for them and for me as well. I have enjoyed most of the meetings and I have learned a lot about the Catholic Church and the Catholic Faith. Fr. Jim posed a question tonight of "where are you tonight in your journey" and asked each of us to think of the path that has led to where we are right now.

I am thankful for my job and the material goods that we have. I am thankful for the wonderful community that are children are being raised in. I am thankful for my family and children. And most important, I am thankful for my growth in faith.

But as Fr. Jim said, it is not meditation of thanksgiving but of where I am. I am learning more about my faith through Mass and through the Eucharist. Attending daily Mass whenever possible and especially when I am out of town is a blessing. The Blessed Rosary and participating in the Pilgrim Virgin has brought a peace to me when I feel like I am ready to blow a gasket. The Men of St. Joseph has served as both a prayer group and an intellectual fountain for me. By hearing others talk about how some parts of the faith are difficult to understand, but all are critical to the whole of the body of faith; it makes me realize that the journey to understanding is a little rocky. And that is OK!

My health is better that it has ever been. My back hasn't hurt in months. My weight is under control. My labs look great. But then I have a little rock in the path; apparently my rhythm isn't what it should be. So cardiology here I come. I am so glad that my faith is healthier too; it sure makes the rest easier to bear.

So as I look forward to the Easter weekend, we Catholics call it the Triduum. Here are my suggestions to anyone: 1. Watch the Passion of Jesus Christ; 2. Then say the Rosary and contemplate the Sorrowful mysteries; 3. Then go to Mass and know that the BODY, BLOOD, SOUL and DIVINITY of Christ is truly present; 4. Then realize that all that is given to you and me as a GIFT.

That will definitely help to put life's events in the proper order.