Peace of Soul

The Fruit of the Heart

"...For every tree is known by its own fruit. For people do not pick figs from thorn bushes, nor do they gather grapes from brambles. A good person out of the store of goodness in his heart produces good, but an evil person out of a store of evil produces evil; for from the fullness of the heart the mouth speaks." (Gospel of Luke) This excerpt comes from today's Gospel, and the message is so important, powerful and relevant to the readings and message of today. The fig tree is mentioned a lot in the Gospels as it's a reflection of many things. In today's Gospel reading, it signifies the goodness of one's heart and intentions and what kind of fruit they bear. As is mentioned in Galatians 5, "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control."

On Friday's (3/1/19) first reading from the book of Sirach, it mentions friendship and finding true friends by testing them first. "...Keep away from your enemies; be on your guard with your friends. A faithful friend is a sturdy shelter; he who finds one finds a treasure. A faithful friend is beyond price, no sum can balance his worth. A faithful friend is a life-saving remedy, such as he who fears God finds; for he who fears God behaves accordingly, and his friend will be like himself."

This resonated with me since it can be too easy to trust someone without first fully knowing or testing them. It is also very true that a faithful friend is a treasure and beyond price. In the book of Sirach it also states, "Let your acquaintances be many, but one in a thousand your confidant." Just last Sunday, there was a Parish Priest who passed away suddenly and it was all very shocking and sad. Thinking about this priest and what I saw of him made me think and reaffirm that he was fairly closed and didn't reveal very much about himself. I and I'm sure others may question why since it seemed that the community didn't get to know him very well and perhaps vice versa.

I myself find that I can be closed at times and not open. Sometimes it's due to the fact of my personality, my comfort zone or just not wanting to reveal things which depending on my audience, a person may not relate with or understand. I do think it is often wise to be this way as the book of Sirach states. However, I also find it's just as important to become the friend in yourself that you want to attract. Jesus knows our hearts and he is the most intimate, compassionate and forgiving friend of all. When I get down that I don't have real friends to confide in this uplifts and reassures me and gives me great confidence in God. In today's first reading from the Book of Sirach, it's the 'true colors' so to say or the exposing of the heart and mind of a person that is tested. "...The fruit of a tree shows the care it has had; so too does one's speech disclose the bent of one's mind. Praise no one before he speaks, for it is then that people are tested." 

I have fallen in love with Venerable Fulton J. Sheen's writings and teachings. Currently, I am reading his most stimulating spiritual book, Peace of Soul. While reading the Magnificat reflection from Friday, I was pleasantly surprised that it was from Venerable Fulton J. Sheen. It was a beautiful, and rich meditation about the gift of an unhardened heart and I want to share some of it here. "Once you realize that God is your end...you begin to see that friendship, the joys of marriage, the thrill of possession, the sunset and the evening star, masterpieces of art and music, the gold and silver of earth, the industries and the comforts of life, are all gifts of God... He intended them to be bridges to cross over to him... Begin with your own emptiness and seek him who can fill it... Look at your heart! It tells the story of why you were made. It is not perfect in shape and contour, like a Valentine heart. There seems to be a small piece missing out of the side of every human heart. That may be to symbolize a piece that was torn out of the Heart of Christ which embraced all humanity on the cross. I think the real meaning is that when God made your human heart, he fond it so good and lovable that he kept a small sample of it in heaven. He sent the rest of it into this world to enjoy his gifts, and to use them as stepping stones back to him."

I will close with a reflection from Saint Bede: "The treasure of the heart is the same as the root of the tree. He who has in his heart the treasure of patience and perfect love, brings forth the best fruits, loving his enemy, and doing the other things which have been taught above. But he who keeps a bad treasure in his heart does the contrary to this." One of the devil's most damaging lies- it seems to be so close to the truth - is that only by first bearing good fruit can we then become good trees: We imagine that our own good works and merits must precede, or cause, God's love. How, then, do we acquire this treasure of patience and perfect love? How do we become good trees? By rooting ourselves in Jesus; by turning to him incessantly, filling our hearts with him."

Blood, Love, Trust

This past Sunday was the Wedding Feast at Cana. I think it can be easily overlooked and seen as nice. But it's more than nice or something to be thought of and then forgotten. I was moved with the excerpt from the Magnificat reflection about the feast. Jesus said, "When I know that it is the fitting time for me to suffer, when my suffering will be profitable, then I will willingly suffer..." This has to do with his passion, and knowing when this would come about. "Because, having it in his power when to die, he did not yet see it fit to use that power...He had come, then, having it in his power when to die. And surely it would not have been right were he to die before he had chosen disciples...The hour then had not yet come, the fit time was not yet."

God's plans are not our plans. God's ways are not our ways. There is a perfect timing for everything, and I think as we go and journey through life we continue learning this wise and true statement. On the Sunday for the Wedding Feast at Cana, my sister and I decided to go to the Church where we were confirmed. I hadn't been to that Church in a while, but it was nice to see and be part of another parish. The priest in his homily mentioned coming to Jesus and trusting in Him relating to the Gospel of John 2:1-11. There was a problem, the fact that there was no more wine for the wedding guests. Mary intercedes and tells her son, and Jesus acts and makes all anew.

This was his first miracle and made his disciples to believe in him. This all tells the way in which God works, at the right time and through mysterious ways. There wasn't enough wine and Jesus made it in abundance, plentiful and filling to the brim. His grace, love and mercy is in abundance. At first, there needed to be jars filled with water. God's grace and mercy fills us in this way too, to quench our dryness, our doubts, troubles, sins. This water would be turned into wine, the good wine that Jesus gives us every time we go to Mass, his blood, his sacrifice,his mercy and deep and true love for us.

Having to do with sacrifice, this past Monday, January 21st was the feast day of St. Agnes. Her story proves one of love for Christ, her faith, purity and innocence. In a similar way, it matches St. Maria Goretti, my confirmation saint. Hers also reflects purity, innocence and a hate of sin but a strong love for God and conversion for her murderer.

On Tuesday, was the remembrance of the court case of Roe v. Wade and the Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children. Human life is sacred, beautiful, valuable and our country is still fighting the horror, evil and violations against life, woman and families on abortion. I still continue to pray for the end to abortion, those affected by it, and the conversion of abortionists and pro-choicers'. Prayer is powerful, as well as being a witness. I hope to continue being a witness and praying in front of a abortion clinic this year.

Jesus has given his life for us. His love has been shown bountifully and trusting in His timing, and will isn't always easy or certain, yet necessary if we ever want to live a life filled with faith, joy and trust. This week relates to the bloodshed with St. Agnes, as well as the millions of innocent children being killed and life and the safe space in their mother's womb to be erupted and taken from. Agnes trusted in God even until death just like Jesus upon the cross. And we are trusting in God's plan, and mercy for the unborn stripped of their natural right to life and dignity.

As the beautiful and well known Divine Mercy image from St. Maria Faustina depicts the Jesus's love and mercy says, 'Jesus, I trust in you.'

Baptism of the Lord

The Baptism of the Lord was celebrated yesterday. It is an important feast because it reveals so much. It marks the end of the Christmas season and the beginning and return of Ordinary time. The longer stretch this year in Ordinary time is due to a later start to Lent as well as Easter. The Baptism of the Lord also highlights the beauty, the sacrament and the importance of baptism.

While at Mass yesterday, we happened to be sitting close by to an image of  Jesus being baptized in the Jordan by John the Baptist. It was so relevant as Baptism is symbolic, meaningful and relevant to various things in the Church. I hadn't noticed before the Holy Spirit in the image of a dove lowered right above Jesus' head as water was being poured on to it. Somehow the image of the dove was hidden to my eyes, it looked camouflaged. But the Holy Spirit has an important role, in all of the Sacraments. In the sacrament of Confirmation, we receive the 7 gifts of the Holy Spirit as the oil is put on our foreheads.

Yesterday's feast reminded me of the upcoming baptism for my new niece as well as my nephew in Spring. I do not remember my own baptism since I was only 3 months old, but I can read about it in my baby book. I know the Church where I was baptized, where the gathering was, who my God parents are and the day I was baptized which happens to be St. Vincent de Paul's feast day, September 27th. But I think a baptism can also relate to other things as well. Baptism is the first sacrament where a child, a baby or an adult is entered into the church. It's a cleansing of our sin and being welcomed into God's family, as His sons and his daughters.

However, our spiritual cleansing can also happen in the sacrament of reconciliation where our sins are forgiven and longer tied to our souls. We are cleansed. Perhaps in Mass or in adoration, we feel cleansed and purified. We are made anew, fresh to begin again. In the Magnificat reflection by Pope Benedict XVI he states, "...That event began the public ministry of Jesus on the roads of Palestine. The Baptism of Jesus at the Jordan is the anticipation of his baptism of blood on the cross, and it is the symbol of the entire sacramental activity by which the Redeemer will bring about the salvation of humanity."

This week as I look forward to my niece's baptism and my 10th anniversary of Confirmation, I pray the Holy Spirit will continue to guide and enlighten me while walking through this journey of faith. As Pope Benedict XVI states further in the reflection, "In this way everyone can tend to holiness, a goal that, as the Second Vatican Council recalled, constitutes the vocation of all the baptized."

A Bright Light, A Resting Place

Christmas is almost here. Lights are strewn across the house, the tree and the block. I am very grateful to have been able to have a good amount of time this Advent season to reflect and prepare for Christmas, the holiest and most special of seasons.

The lights in our homes, on our Christmas tree are there to represent hospitality and generosity. We are meant to reflect this back to others as Christ did to us when he came into the world as a baby. I was reading a few days ago a reflection piece from St. Josemaria pertaining to Christ's humility.

"There is great simplicity also about his birth. Our Lord comes without any fanfare. No one knows about him. On earth only Mary and Joseph share in the divine adventure. And then the shepherds who received the message from the angels. And later on, the wise men from the East. They were the only witnesses of this transcendental event which unites heaven and earth, God and man... God humbled himself to allow us to get near him, so that we could give our love in exchange for his, so that our freedom might bow, not only at the sight of his power, but also before the wonder of his humility" (Christ Is Passing By, p. 38-9).

I was moved with his words, his explanations and reflection. I think we can often forget the reverence, value and deep meaning of Christmas sometimes. We know the story and become used to it, like it's second nature and can go through the motions. I think there is always something new to take from the story, meaning, feast and celebration of Christmas. Each year looks a little different because we're a little different maybe we are wiser, more experienced, more mature and have grown in various ways including spiritually.

The commercialism is a given and it too can cloud our vision of the true meaning of Christmas and how to prepare ourselves. Recently, I saw the brightest, loudest and most popular light show entourage on the block. It looks the same every year but it always bring about many people- children, families, couples, young adults. There's contemporary Christmas music playing, lights sparkling and moving and pictures being taken right and left. It's a sight to see but it's also a lot to look at, along with a crowd of people to peruse.

The house right next to it has a nice decor of lights and a simple but radiant nativity scene of Mary, Joseph and Jesus on their lawn. I took sometime to look and reflect upon it. It is such a contrast to the busyness, the loud and bourgeois and ever glowing lights and festivities  next door. Jesus was born in the most simple and humblest of ways. There were no parading lights, loud noises, or flashes for all to see and pay attention to. "His Father is the God who has made heaven and earth and there he is, in a manger, 'because there was no room at the inn'- there was nowhere else for the Lord of all creation" (Christ Is Passing By, p.39). Instead there was peace, there was silence and there was love. Love for you and me, that God humbled himself and sent his only Son to be born into the world. "God's will is fulfilled in the simplest, most ordinary of circumstances: a woman who gives birth, a family, a home" (p. 43).

Through Jesus' humble and ordinary way of coming into the world, of living on earth and becoming one of us for our sake, our most ordinary and simple experiences and circumstances is where God is as well. As St. Josemaria writes, "There is no human situation, no matter how trivial and ordinary it may seem, which can not be a meeting place with Christ and a step forward on our journey toward the kingdom of heaven" (p.43). May we be open to Christ to come into our lives, and our hearts this Christmas season. I wish you a very Merry and Blessed Christmas!

Humus and hummus

The best is yet to come

In Preparation

This week is the last week of the liturgical year. Yesterday, we celebrated the feast of Christ the King. We are preparing for the coming of Jesus and the upcoming Advent and Christmas season. Advent starts next Sunday, and it's a time for preparation for Jesus' birth and a very special, holy and joyful time of the year. It also starts the beginning of  a new liturgical year.

It's kind of crazy to think that this year of 2018 is also slowly drawing to a close with only a month or so left. With thanksgiving recently happening, I'm trying to reflect upon all that has happened and all that I am grateful for this year. It can seem like a lot and maybe even a little overwhelming, but I see it as a good challenge to think and see all that God has done for me, specifically this year.

I'm also wanting to reflect on all that I have learned, gained and grown in spiritually this liturgical year. As the priest said at Mass today, we are reliving Jesus' life throughout the liturgical year and it is the only way to live. All ways of living and cultures will die and fade away, but Jesus' way, the Christian way will live on. I really like that message, to remember that all throughout the year we are journeying on Jesus' life and growing and experiencing our faith with Jesus close by.

I remember I went to a Young Adult Christmas dance last year. It was the eve of the liturgical year, and it felt like a New Year's Eve party liturgically because Advent was soon approaching. I took a break from dancing and reflected upon the year and looking forward to the next, with the upcoming Advent and Christmas season. This year, I want to create that excitement in me again. To prepare for Jesus' birth, to grow deeper in prayer and set time for reflection and solitude. It is a busy time of year, with the commercialization of Christmas and the push and pull of shopping and running around town, slipping into the necessity of buying and buying some more. I think we can get caught up in how things are supposed to be this time of year and to reach a certain level of holiday cheer. The real meaning and value is preparing for something bigger and greater. It's something of peace and gentleness and full of love. Jesus reigns and has won the battle for us by being nailed on the cross and dying.

"With true humility, he, God, stooped down to our humanity in suffering and shame, and conquered pride and worldly pleasure and prestige. And with his wisdom he conquered the malice of the devil. So with unarmed hand, nailed fast to the cross, he defeated the prince of the world, with the holy cross as his mount." (The Magnificat).

Father, Son and Holy Spirit in Arabic

I am n

Sacrificing Blood

The Gospel reading today focused on giving away all that you have even if it doesn't make sense. The woman who was poor gave away all that she had for her livelihood and it was seen as pleasing in God's eyes. The second reading pertained to Jesus' sacrifice for us all and giving up his body and blood to save us from sin. "Not that he might offer himself repeatedly, as the high priest enters each year into the sanctuary with blood that is not his won; if that were so, he would have had to suffer repeatedly from the foundation of the world. But now once for all he has appeared at the end of the ages to take away sin by his sacrifice" (Letter to the Hebrews).

Jesus giving away his body and blood for our well-being and new life symbolizes the role of a woman when she is pregnant. The woman is creating space and is essentially giving away her body for her baby, her nutrients, her blood, and ultimately sacrificing for the new life in her. I have seen this with my sisters and sister-in-law who are all experiencing pregnancy at the same time. Just yesterday, my dear sister gave birth to her precious son. She had a complicated procedure after unforeseen circumstances, and throughout this process she was just like Jesus suffering on the cross and submitting His Father's will before His own, giving away His body and blood for a new creation of life and enduring pain and openness at the same time.

Blood is an essential life source. Giving it away is a sacrifice as well as a severe threat to health and life. I was planning on giving blood yesterday and although I was nervous and ready to challenge myself through the slight discomfort, I wanted to help someone or a few who needed blood to carry them through whatever their situation was. It turned out that everything was okay for me to give except there was pain and discomfort from the needle in my right arm that lead to a bruise and a weak arm for a few hours. Although I didn't give my blood and it didn't turn out the way I planned, I give myself credit for trying and an effort to helping those in need. I think God looks at our efforts rather than our successes.

In Arabic, there are some interesting phrases pertaining to blood. Far dammi literally means my blood boils and has to do with feeling so angry. Khafeef dam means light blood or blood flowing and has to do with having a sense of humor. T'eel dam means heavy blood and has to do with not being very funny.

In sum, I see a woman who is pregnant beautiful, powerful, self-sacrificing, lovely, strong and courageous. Every time I pray in my backyard while facing Our Lady of Grace Mary statue, there are so many words to describe her. She is pregnant and has Jesus inside her. She is radiant and has strength because Jesus is with her. Her hands are faced open showing grace to the world on which she is standing. The globe isn't void of evil though, Satan in the from of a serpent roams the earth but Mary has a strong hold on her right foot smashing the serpent's head.

I am excited to meet my soon to be born neices/nephews. I am very proud of my beautiful sister, God is close to her and her baby, and Mary will comfort her.