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Groundhog Day and Jesus

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In the midst of the winter chill, Groundhog Day emerges as a whimsical tradition, drawing attention to a small creature's shadow. Yet, beneath the lighthearted festivities lies an opportunity for reflection on the profound message of salvation found in Jesus Christ. Much like the groundhog peering into its shadow, we too face moments of darkness in our lives. Groundhog Day serves as a reminder of our human tendency to be trapped in cycles, repeating patterns that may cast shadows over our journey. Jesus invites us to step out of the shadows, offering a transformative light that dispels the darkness of sin. The groundhog's shadow predicts the duration of winter, symbolizing the challenges we encounter in life. In contrast, Jesus, the Light of the World, promises eternal spring – a spiritual renewal that transcends temporal seasons. By embracing His teachings, forgiveness and grace, we find hope beyond our shadows- especially through the sacrament of confession. Groundhog Day pro...
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Come and See

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I've worked now in Campus Ministry in High School and College levels for 6 years all together. One of the incredible situations that continually happens is the constant invitation of new individuals to join the team or get involved. Recently, there was a student in his senior year who had no idea what "campus ministry" was or what I did at the school. At first, this question made me wonder if I had failed terribly at my ministry, for he had known me for three years, and did not know what I did! But instead of sitting him down and explaining it in detail, I simply turned to him, looked him in the eye and said, "Come and see." I invited him to join our weekly meeting, which was happening that day over their lunch hour and got him involved with the activities of that day.  At the end of the day, he came requesting to join the team and brought a friend too.  Recently my prayer to God has been, " Lord, make me an instrument of your love." That is all I desi...
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St. Joseph as a Model

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 As the Christmas season has now come and gone, we find ourselves in the in-between time of the two great seasons of the church - Christmas and Lent/Easter. Between these great seasons, we are left with what can feel like an awkward moment of Ordinary Time. The 'high' of excitement from Christmas is coming down and we await the liturgical excitement of Ash Wednesday, our beloved penitential practice for the 40 days and the liturgical change that lent brings.  The excitement of the seasons comes from the breaking of the ordinary; a change in the status quo, and a deepening in our closeness to God. But, we are left now with a valley of liturgical normalcy, so how do we make the most of it?  What we have before us is an existential challenge to keep close to God, and keep cognizant of the spirit of each season, even that of Ordinary Time. God's grace is on full display through the incredible events of Christmas and Easter, but we would be wrong to ignore that same grace duri...
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A Garden Is for Growing

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Source I grew up surrounded by families and friends who had converted the better part of their backyards into vegetable gardens. My grandfather, in particular, who had immigrated from Europe, oh so long ago, had made a third of his backyard into a garden. I can remember as a child helping him plant the potatoes, tomatoes, beans and corn, while he continued with the cabbages, peppers, onions and garlic as I had gone in to have ice cream. My grandfather being Catholic, always prayed over his seeded garden, trusting in our good Lord to help the crops grow that particular season, and he let the garden do its thing- to grow and supply us with  "the best vegetables anywhere", as my grandpa would say.  Each passing day my grandfather would sit outside on his green plastic rocking chair and watch the garden grow. He would sit back, watch the birds go by and scare them away if they got too close to the garden. He tended to the garden, pulling each weed out, and ensuring there was enou...
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A Repeated Prayer

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Below are some biblical and non-biblical prayers that can be repeated multiple times, and repeated throughout the day. They are to help us to recenter ourselves on God and his beauty and greatness. Let us contemplate on these invocations and remember them in our heart of hearts.  "My Lord and My God"  John 20:28  "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God"  Matthew 16:16 "Yes, Lord; You know that I love you"  John 21:15 "It is the Lord"  John 21: 7 "For you are my God" Psalm 143:10 "O God, have mercy on me a sinner"  Luke 18:13 "Stay with us, Lord"  Luke 24: 29 " Increase our faith" Luke 17:5 "For nothing is impossible with God"  Luke 1:37 "Truly this Man was the Son of God"  Matthew 27:54 "Lord, I love you"  " Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, Have mercy on me, a sinner "  "Jesu...
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