Peter and John Running to Jesus' Tomb

So Peter and the other disciple went out and came to the tomb.

John 20:3

From My Inbox: Twelve Days of Christmas

There is one Christmas Carol that has always baffled me. What in the world do leaping lords, French hens, swimming swans, and especially the partridge who won't come out of the pear tree have to do with Christmas?

From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly. Someone during that era wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics. It has two levels of meaning: the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members of their church. Each element in the carol has a code word for a religious reality, which the children could remember.

• The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ.
• Two turtledoves were the Old and New Testaments.
• Three French hens stood for faith, hope and love. The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John.
• The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament.
• The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.
• Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit - wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety and fear of the Lord.
• The eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes.
• Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit--Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control.
• The ten lords a-leaping were the Ten Commandments.
• The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples.
• The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed.

I received this as a mass email, so I'm sure if it's accurate or not. Either way, it's kinda neat.

In Memory of Maxine B.

From and email I received today:

Maxine, peacefully passed away through the night. She fought the good fight, but ultimately she let Our Lord lift her up to His arms. There is no doubt in my mind that she is happily with Him now. Thanks for your prayers and I ask that you continue those prayers for Jim and their family.

Eternal rest grant unto Maxine O Lord,
And let perpetual Light shine upon her.
May her soul
And the souls of all the faithful departed
Through the mercy of God
Rest in peace.
Amen.

From My Inbox: A Lenten Reflection

Actually it is from someone else's inbox, but it was sent to me:

A Lenten Reflection
Give up complaining; focus on gratitude.
Give up pessimism; become an optimist.
Give up harsh judgments; think kindly thoughts.
Give up worry; trust Divine Providence.
Give up discouragement; be full of hope.
Give up bitterness; turn to forgiveness.
Give up hatred; return good for evil.
Give up negativism; be positive.
Give up anger; be more patient.
Give up pettiness; become mature.
Give up gloom; enjoy the beauty that is all around you.
Give up jealousy; pray for trust.
Give up gossiping; control your tongue.
Give up sin; turn to virtue.
Give up giving up; hang in there!
Unknown

From My Inbox: For Catholics Only

Received this tongue-in-cheek email today. Really pretty funny. Anything ring true?

This information is for Catholics only. It must not be divulged to non-Catholics. The less they know about our rituals and code words, the better off they are.
AMEN: The only part of a prayer that everyone knows.
BULLETIN: Your receipt for attending Mass.
CHOIR: A group of people whose singing allows the rest of the Parish to lip-sync.
HOLY WATER: a liquid whose chemical formula is H2OLY.
HYMN: A song of praise usually sung in a key three octaves higher than that of the congregation's range.
RECESSIONAL HYMN: The last song at Mass often sung a little more quietly since most of the people have already left.
INCENSE: Holy Smoke!!
JESUITS: An order of priests known for their ability to find colleges with good basketball teams.
JONAH: The original "Jaws" story.
JUSTICE: When kids have kids of their own.
KYRIE ELEISON: The only Greek words that most Catholics can recognize besides gyros and baklava.
MAGI: The most famous trio to attend a baby shower.
MANGER: Where Mary gave birth to Jesus because Joseph wasn't covered by an HMO.
KNEELER: A medieval torture device still found in Catholic churches.
PEW: See Kneeler.
PROCESSION: The ceremonial formation at the beginning of Mass consisting of altar servers, the celebrant, and late parishioners.
RECESSIONAL: The ceremonial procession at the conclusion of Mass led by parishioners trying to beat the crowd to the parking lot.
RELICS: People who have been going to Mass for so long they actually know when to sit, kneel, and stand.
TEN COMMANDMENTS: The most important Top Ten list not given by David Letterman.
USHERS: The only people in the parish who don't know the seating capacity of a pew.

From My Inbox: You Are So Blessed

If you woke up this morning with more health than illness, you are more blessed than the million who won't survive this week.

If you have never experienced the danger of battle, the lonliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture or the pangs of starvation, you are ahead of the 20 million people around the world.

If you attend a church meeting without fear of harassment, arrest, torture, or death, you are more blessed than almost three billion people in the world.

If you have food in your refrigerator, clothes on your back, roof over your head and a place to sleep, you are richer than 75% of this world.

If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish someplace, you are among the top 8% of the world's wealthy.

If your parents are still married and alive, you are very rare, especially in the United States.

If you hold up your head with a smile on your face and are truly thankful, you are blessed because the majority can, but most do not.

If you can hold someone's hand, hug them or even touch them on the shoulder, you are blessed because you can offer God's healing touch.

If you can read this post, you are more blessed than over two billion people in the world who cannot read anything at all.

You are so blessed in ways you may never know.

Kinda puts things into perspective, don't it?


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From My Inbox: What Jesus Was Called

He had no servants, yet they called Him Master.
Had no degree, yet they called Him Teacher.
Had no medicines, yet they called Him Healer.
He had no army, yet kings feared him.
He won no military battles, yet He conquered the world.
He committed no crime, yet they crucified Him.
He was buried in a tomb, yet He lives today.
Feel honored to serve such a Leader who loves us.


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From My Inbox: Happy Fall

Being a Christian is like being a pumpkin.
God lifts you up, takes you in, and washes all the dirt off of you.
He opens you up, touches you deep inside and scoops out all the yucky stuff-- including the seeds of doubt, hate, greed, etc.
Then He carves you a new smiling face and puts His light inside you to shine for all the world to see.

Have a Happy Fall - my favorite time of the year.

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From My Inbox: Recall Notice

The Maker of all human beings is recalling all units manufactured, regardless of make or year, due to a serious defect in the primary and central component of the heart.
This is due to a malfunction in the original prototype units code named Adam and Eve, resulting in the reproduction of the same defect in all subsequent units.

This defect has been technically termed "Subsequential Internal Non-Morality," or more commonly known as S.I.N., as it is primarily expressed.
Some other symptoms include:
1. Loss of direction
2. Foul vocal emissions
3. Amnesia of origin
4. Lack of peace and joy
5. Selfish or violent behavior
6. Depression or confusion in the mental component
7. Fearfulness
8. Idolatry
9. Rebellion

The Manufacturer, who is neither liable nor at fault for this defect, is providing factory-authorized repair and service free of charge to correct this SIN defect. The Repair Technician, Jesus, has most generously offered to bear the entire burden of the staggering cost of these repairs. There is no additional fee required.

The number to call for repair in all areas is: P-R-A-Y-E-R
Once connected, please upload your burden of SIN through the REPENTANCE procedure. Next, download ATONEMENT from the Repair Technician, Jesus, into the heart component.

No matter how big or small the SIN defect is, Jesus will replace it with:
1. Love
2. Joy
3. Peace
4. Patience
5. Kindness
6. Goodness
7. Faithfulness
8. Gentleness
9. Self control

Please see the operating manual, the B.I.B.L.E. (Believers' Instructions Before Leaving Earth) for further details on the use of these fixes.

WARNING: Continuing to operate the human being unit without correction voids any manufacturer warranties, exposing the unit to dangers and problems too numerous to list and will result in the human unit being permanently impounded.

For free emergency service, call on Jesus.

DANGER: The human being units not responding to this recall action will
Have to be scrapped in the furnace. The SIN defect will not be permitted to enter Heaven so as to prevent contamination of that facility.

Thank you for your attention!
GOD

Please assist where possible by notifying others of this important recall notice, and you may contact the Father any time by "kneemail".


Tags: From My Inbox

From My Inbox: Dogs

Here are some quotes related to dogs. There are a few practical hints of wisdom in these. Our loveable mutt, Benji (pictured on the left when he was a pup and much leaner) would appreciate these, if he could read. Enjoy!

• The reason a dog has so many friends is that he wags his tail instead of his tongue. -Anonymous


• Don't accept your dog's admiration as conclusive evidence that you are wonderful. -Ann Landers


• If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went. -Will Rogers


• There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face. -Ben Williams


• A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself. -Josh Billings


• The average dog is a nicer person than the average person. -Andy Rooney


• We give dogs time we can spare, space we can spare and love we can spare. And in return, dogs give us their all. It's the best deal man has ever made. -M. Acklam


• Dogs love their friends and bite their enemies, quite unlike people, who are incapable of pure love and always have to mix love and hate. -Sigmund Freud


• I wonder if other dogs think poodles are members of a weird religious cult. -Rita Rudner


• A dog teaches a boy fidelity, perseverance, and to turn around three times before lying down. -Robert Benchley


• Anybody who doesn't know what soap tastes like never washed a dog. -Franklin P. Jones


• If I have any beliefs about immortality, it is that certain dogs I have known will go to heaven, and very, very few persons. -James Thurber


• If your dog is fat, you aren't getting enough exercise. -Unknown


• My dog is worried about the economy because Alpo is up to $3.00 a can. That's almost $21.00 in dog money. -Joe Weinstein


• Ever consider what our dogs must think of us? I mean, here we come back from a grocery store with the most amazing haul -- chicken, pork, half a cow. They must think we're the greatest hunters on earth! -Anne Tyler


• Women and cats will do as they please, and men and dogs should relax and get used to the idea. -Robert A. Heinlein


• If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you; that is the principal difference between a dog and a man. -Mark Twain


• You can say any foolish thing to a dog, and the dog will give you a look that says, 'Wow, you're right! I never would've thought of that!' - Dave Barry


• Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole. -Roger Caras


• If you think dogs can't count, try putting three dog biscuits in your pocket and then give him only two of them. -Phil Pastoret

My goal in life is to be as good of a person my dog already thinks I am.


Tags: From My Inbox

From My Inbox: $20

A well-known speaker started off his seminar by holding up a $20.00 bill. In the room of 200, he asked, "Who would like this $20 bill?"

Hands started going up.

He said, "I am going to give this $20 to one of you but first, let me do this. He proceeded to crumple up the $20 dollar bill. He then asked, "Who still wants it?"

Still the hands were up in the air.

"Well," he replied, "What if I do this?" And he dropped it on the ground and started to grind it into the floor with his shoe. He picked it up, now crumpled and dirty. "Now, who still wants it?"

Still the hands went into the air.

"My friends, we have all learned a very valuable lesson. No matter what I did to the money, you still wanted it because it did not decrease in value. It was still worth $20. Many times in our lives, we are dropped, crumpled, and ground into the dirt by the decisions we make and the circumstances that come our way. We feel as though we are worthless. But no matter what has happened or what will happen, you will never lose your value. Dirty or clean, crumpled or finely creased, you are still priceless to those who DO LOVE you. The worth of our lives comes not in what we do or who we know, but by WHO WE ARE. You are special- Don't EVER forget it."

If you do not pass this on, you may never know the lives it touches, the hurting hearts it speaks to, or the hope that it can bring.

Count your blessings, not your problems.

And remember: Amateurs built the ark.
Professionals built the Titanic.

If God brings you to it - He will bring you through it.

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From My Inbox: Mother Teresa-In Her Own Words

Click here for a nice PowerPoint slideshow.

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From My Inbox: Serious Times...People of All Faiths

During these serious times people of all faiths should remember these four religious truths:

1. Muslims do not recognize Jews as God's chosen people.
2. Jews do not recognize Jesus as the Messiah.
3. Protestants do not recognize the pope as the leader of the Christian world.
4. Baptists do not recognize each other at Hooters or liquor stores.

My Comments:
Laugh, it's funny! I'll be posting more "serious" reflectoins in the next couple of days.

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From My Inbox: Pillsbury Doughboy

Please join me in remembering a great icon of the entertainment community. The Pillsbury Doughboy died yesterday of a yeast infection and trauma complications from repeated pokes in the belly. He was 71.
Doughboy was buried in a lightly greased coffin. Dozens of celebrities turned out to pay their respects, including Mrs. Butterworth, Hungry Jack, the California Raisins, Betty Crocker, the Hostess Twinkies, and Captain Crunch. The grave site was piled high with flours.
Aunt Jemima delivered the eulogy and lovingly described Doughboy as a man who never knew how much he was kneaded. Doughboy rose quickly in show business, but his later life was filled with turnovers. He was not considered a very smart cookie, wasting much of his dough on half-baked schemes. Despite being a little flaky at times he still was a crusty old man and was considered a positive roll model for millions.
Doughboy is survived by his wife Play Dough, two children, John Dough and Jane Dough, plus they had one in the oven. He is also survived by his elderly father, Pop Tart.
The funeral was held at 3:50 for about 20 minutes.

Tags: From My Inbox

From My An Inbox: 101%

Actually, I did not receive this, but I read it here at Viam Pacis who did receive it in his inbox. I did change it a bit

What Equals 100%?
What does it mean to give MORE
Image Source
than 100%?
Ever wonder about those people who say they are giving more than 100%?
We have all been in situations where someone wants you to give over 100%.
How about achieving 101%?
What equals 100% in life?

Here's a little mathematical formula that might help you answer these questions:

If we assign a number to each letter in the alphabet like this:
A=1, B=2, C=3, D=4, E=5, F=6, G=7, H=8, I=9, J=10, K=11, L=12, M=13, N=14, O=15, P=16, Q=17, R=18, S=19, T=20, U=21, V=22, W=23, X=24, Y=25, and Z=26

Then let's look at what the following "equation" gives us:
If,
H-A-R-D-W-O-R-K
8+1+18+4+23+15+18+11 = 98%
And
K-N-O-W-L-E-D-G-E
11+14+15+23+12+5+4+7+5 = 96%
But,
A-T-T-I-T-U-D-E
1+20+20+9+20+21+4+5 = 100%
Then,
L-O-V-E-O-F-G-O-D
12+15+22+5+15+6+7+15+4 = 101%

Therefore, one can conclude with mathematical certainty that:
Hard Work and Knowledge will get you close.
Attitude will get you there.
But, it's the Love of God that will put you over the top!

Who said God isn't in math?

Tags: From My Inbox

From My Inbox: Just a Breath Away

by Marilyn Ferguson

Look for me in springtime
as raindrops fill the air...
In the splendor of the rainbow,
you'll find my presence there.

You will find me in the fragrance
of April's sweet perfume;
Drifting through the clover,
on a sultry day in June.

An August day will find me
upon the summer breeze...
On the distant sound of the thunder,
in the gently swaying trees.

In the golden fields of harvest,
is where I can be found;
As autumn time approaches
and leaves comes tumbling down.

In the wintertime when days are short
and chill is in the air...
Just look into a moonlit night,
you'll find me lingering there.

When the setting sun has gone away
and shadows fill the night;
When the cloak of darkness lifts its veil,
I'll be your morning light.

So when you feel discouraged,
get on your knees and pray;
You'll feel me there beside you...
I'm just a breath away.


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From My Inbox: A Mother's Question

A mother asked President Bush,
"Why did my son have to die in Iraq?"

Another mother asked President Kennedy,
"Why did my son have to die in Viet Nam?"

Another mother asked President Truman,
"Why did my son have to die in Korea?

Another mother asked President F.D. Roosevelt,
"Why did my son have to die at Iwo Jima?"

Another mother asked President W. Wilson,
"Why did my son have to die on the battlefield of France?"

Yet another mother asked President Lincoln,
"Why did my son have to die at Gettysburg?"

And yet another mother asked President G. Washington,
"Why did my son have to die near Valley Forge?"

Then long, long ago, a mother asked...
"Heavenly Father, why did my Son have to die on a cross outside of Jerusalem?"

The answers to all these are similar --
"So that others may have life and dwell in peace, happiness and freedom."

IF YOU DON'T STAND BEHIND OUR TROOPS,
PLEASE, FEEL FREE...TO STAND IN FRONT OF THEM !!!



Tags: From My Inbox

From My Inbox: The Potter and the Clay

The Potter And The Clay
By Tom Larson

But who indeed are you, a human being, to talk back to God? Will what is made say to its maker,"Why have you created me so?"
Or does not the potter have a right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for a noble purpose and another for an ignoble one?
Romans 9:20-21

"Use me Potter" said the clay, "may your will I obey...
I can serve you so well underground.
With my friends full of cheer, I'm so comfortable here...
in my warm fellowship deep down."

But the Potter, nothing said, pulled the clay from its bed…
brought it out to be used for his will.
To his workshop he carried, that clay so long buried...
to be shaped by the master's great skill.

"Let me go," said the clay, "for I'd much rather stay...
down below where I'm safe and secure.
For the light is too bright and you don't have the right...
to expect me, these trials, to endure."

But the clay was deformed and softened and torn...
as the Potter's strong hands worked within.
On the wheel it was placed as the Potter erased...
the impurities and stains of sin.

As the Potter's wheel turned, his fingers soft but firm...
began forming the clay inside out.
"Not so fast" said the clay, "If you ask, I will say...
that my shape's much too ugly and stout."

"So what are you making me? I know what I'd rather be...
a wine goblet fit for a queen.
Then all men would praise you, your knowledge and talent too...
when they see how I sparkle and gleam."

But the potter, knowing his trade, and taking the shape that he'd made...
quickly placed it in the kiln's flame.
"I asked you to use me, not afflict and abuse me!"
sobbed the clay, while enduring the pain.

Yet what finally emerged, from the fire that had purged...
a large bowl, smooth, yet toughened by glaze.
With adequate breadth and thick sides of great depth...
to withstand the heat of a blaze.

The bowl then saw clearly that he indeed was loved dearly...
made exactly the way he should be.
So he ceased his complaints, and his selfish restraints...
and made ready to serve gratefully.

The Potter sent his creation to an overseas nation...
where famine stalked a desperate race...
and then the bowl blessed, the Potter's wise thoughtfulness...
when he saw the needy face to face.

So he toiled hard and long, while inside grew a song...
as he saw each new need satisfied...
and he laughed at vain dreams, and the small petty schemes...
for which he once desperately strived.

Many times he was lifted, from a well where he dipped in...
to the life giving water from the depths.
Countless times he was drained, of the life he contained...
by cracked thirsty lips close to death.

And then thin ragged crowds, they, the bowl would surround...
while many a supper he cooked.
For he's no dainty glass, as he'd hoped in years past...
sitting uselessly while admirers looked.

You can find him today in that land faraway...
by a campfire all sooty and dark...
with plenty of chips, cracks and grease drips...
for the years of hard use leave their marks.

But he'll never return, to the comfort he's spurned...
for he learned that joy grows ever sweet...
when serving at last, at his own special task...
that the Potter created him to complete.


Tags: From My Inbox

From My Inbox: For Those of You Who Thought You Knew Everything...

Didn't verify any of these, so forgive me for spreading falsities. Check out the Rumor Mill for verification.

• The liquid inside young coconuts can be used as a substitute for blood plasma.


• No piece of paper can be folded in half more than seven times.


• Donkeys kill more people annually than plane crashes.


• You burn more calories sleeping than you do watching television.


• Oak trees do not produce acorns until they are fifty years of age or older.


• The first product to have a bar code was Wrigley's gum.


• The King of Hearts is the only king without a moustache.


• American Airlines saved $40,000 in 1987 by eliminating one olive from each salad served in first-class.


• Venus is the only planet that rotates clockwise. (Since Venus is normally associated with women, what does this tell you!)


• Apples, not caffeine, are more efficient at waking you up in the morning.


• Most dust particles in your house are made from dead skin.


• Walt Disney was afraid of mice!


• Pearls melt in vinegar.


• It is possible to lead a cow upstairs, but not downstairs.


• A duck's quack doesn't echo, and no one knows why.


• Dentists have recommended that a toothbrush be kept at least six (6) feet away from a toilet to avoid airborne particles resulting from the flush.


• Richard Millhouse Nixon was the first U.S. president whose name contains all the letters from the word "criminal."


• William Jefferson Clinton was the second.


• Turtles can breathe through their butts.

Tags: From My Inbox

From My Inbox: 10 Lessons On The Beach

painting by Bansemer Studio & Gallery


This summer, let the ocean teach you about God.
By Christopher and Karen Bellitto

1. Sunrise, sunset, surf
The sunrise and sunset offshore are dependable and steady, just like God’s love in our lives. The surf itself can represent God’s steady presence in our lives. He is always there whether the waves are big or small. Sometimes you can’t even see the waves due to fog or darkness, but you can always hear them. God is like that: Even if we are wondering where God might be in our lives during times that we’re sure he’s not there—the divine presence is regular, steady, even spectacular at times.

2.Tides
Tides change, yet they are constant. They will exist, forming the shoreline, much in the same way that God forms and shapes us throughout the times of our lives. Waves are relentless—they just keep coming—which reminds us of the way God keeps surrounding us with love, even when we resist. Sometimes we think God hits us with more than we can handle, but as the shore is resilient, so are we. How many times have we fought the tide, literally tried to swim against it, only to find that when we give in, it’s a much smoother ride? We know how powerful the water can be, especially when we’re in it. We want to be in charge and go in a certain direction. Fighting the undertow or waves is only a waste of energy. The water is actually more help when we give in and let it lead. We’ve got to let go and let God take us where he wants us to be. Often, it’s a much more interesting place, especially since God knows better what’s good for us.

3. Water
As the surf represents God’s presence, the water itself is his love. It is calm underneath at all times even if the surface is stormy. Life will continue to go on steadily and God will always be there if we know where to look. Even in the deepest parts of the ocean where it is darker than night, there is life. Where we think there is blackness and death, we are actually surrounded by God’s love. We’re not alone.

4. Shells
Shells are God’s gifts to us, treasures to find and share with others. Shells can represent our unique God-given talents and gifts. Scallop shells, so small yet plentiful on most beaches, bring us joy in their varied colors and delicacy. It’s as though we can’t have too many, despite their abundance. Some of our talents may look much like those others possess, but we each have our own shading, shape and size. Our talents, however plentiful, deserve to be held up, delighted in and treasured—just as we do on the beach. Conch shells are rarely found intact on most beaches. We’re more likely to buy them at an oceanfront souvenir shop. To find one requires deep water and diving skills. Going out into deep water is necessary for finding some personal, hidden talents as well. It feels risky to express our individuality sometimes. But a conch holds the sound of the ocean, the rush of God’s breath, inside. Some talents are like that: rare, beautiful, hard to find, challenging to express, but well worth the risk of diving inward and revealing the treasure.

5. Rocks
The rocks along the shore can hurt our feet but eventually make the soles of our feet stronger, more able to endure. Such are the tests in our lives that God knows we can get through. The first day on the beach we hesitate to go barefoot. We protect ourselves. But to experience fully the ocean of life, we have to take off our shoes and leave a mark on the sand, even though the rocks leave their mark on us as well.

6. Dunes
The dunes that protect the shore are like family and friends protecting us from wearing down in the elements. Many beachfront properties have had to rebuild dunes mistakenly obliterated by developers. We need cushions from the power of ocean winds and tides. We can’t bulldoze our way ahead, without concern for the people around us. We need them—and we are dunes for them as well.

7. Gear
Too often, we want to be in charge of the journey and we fight God’s guidance. When our family goes to the beach, we usually pack for the duration with coolers, umbrellas, chairs, sunscreen, refreshments, towels and books to read. But we’ve found that all this gear can be a burden—to pack, to haul, to set up and to guard. Sometimes, the less you bring the more you enjoy. That’s how it is when you are open and welcoming to God and God’s inspiration in your life. You can get along without so much stuff. You can be free.

8. Breeze
The sun at the beach can be very hot and can burn us if we’re not careful. God is in the cool breeze and refreshing spray of water. We need the cool respite to survive on the beach. We also need to be alert to God’s whisper in the breeze within our lives, sometimes so full of turmoil and pain. Sometimes we have to turn just so, to catch the breeze. We need to pay attention, to seek out what will cool and refresh us.

9. Space
As much as we’ve learned about God’s very personal relationship with us at the beach, we’ve also learned to share that space. Other people with their radios, blankets and beach balls can crowd in on our carefully marked-out turf. We’re sometimes jealous and selfish of the attention and blessings and gifts God gives to other people. But God is infinite. There’s plenty to go around. The immensity of the ocean and the expanse of the shoreline manifest abundance, not limits or borders.

10. Lighthouses
Lighthouses teach as well. Not every shoreline has a lighthouse, but those that do are beacons for anyone who is at sea. God is a beacon in our lives, the steady light that always comes around again. When God’s light is not on us, it’s no doubt on other people. Sometimes we forget that there are others who need God’s help more than we do. When that happens, we’ve got to be patient and generous. Maybe we can say a prayer for those people who are receiving the lighthouse beacon when it’s not on us. It’s a good time to remember that we’re in the light often enough to be guided toward our destination.

The ocean is full of power and majesty, as is God in the divine, infinite wisdom.
Enjoy the view. Remember the metaphors. Delight in the ocean, God’s pulsating and abundant fullness.


Dr. Christopher Bellitto is an assistant professor of Church history at the Institute of Religious Studies and St. Joseph’s Seminary, Dunwoodie, New York. He is the author of Lost and Found Catholics : Voices of Vatican II, published by St. Anthony Messenger Press. Karen Bellitto, C.S.W., his wife, is a social worker at Calvary Hospital in the Bronx. She and her husband contributed their perspective on the October 1995 papal visit to New York in the December 1995 issue of St. Anthony Messenger.


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