St. Clement Keeping the Faith

  Looking at the calendar today, it is just under month until Ash Wednesday on February 17 and the beginning of Lent.   It is time to start thinking about our Lenten journey.   We look to attending to prayer, fasting and almsgiving.   Lent is not just about abstaining from thoughts, words and actions that are less than Christian.   Lent is not just about praying more.   It is not just about giving money and food to the poor.   It is a time of intentionally engaging in practices that help us to experience Jesus Christ alive in our day to day living.   It has been almost a year of loss due to the Coronavirus.   We have lost celebrating with family and friends’ birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, retirements holidays and more.   Many have lost jobs or have experienced lower wages.   We have missed seeing our children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and coworkers.   We have lost much, but we have n...

  Listening to the Voice of God “Speak, for your servant is listening.” – 1 Samuel 3:10b             Like Samuel, I have trouble listening to God.   So many things get in the way.   There is my work and home “to do list”, media in all its many forms, fatigue, and laziness.   Just like other necessary things in my life, I need to schedule time to listen to God.   I do not mean pray as in Mass or daily personal prayers; I mean pausing to hear God’s voice in my heart.   What is God nudging me to attend to?   What is the message God wants me to hear?   Not what I think I should do or say, but God’s words.   And then after listening and hearing God’s words do I them them inspire what I do and speak?    I am fortunate that I have a Spiritual Director who I meet with monthly and I go on a yearly weeklong retreat.   This helps me take time to really listen.  

Beloved “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” - Mark 1:11 As we begin 2021, let us remember that God said these words at our Baptism and at the Baptisms of our brothers and sisters in Christ.   When you awake in the morning, listen to God’s voice say, “(your name), you are my beloved child, with you I and well please.”   Allow the message to direct your thoughts, words, and actions throughout your day.   It is by knowing that we are loved and loving others that we can help and heal our world.   You may want to add listening to those words at marked times throughout the day.   Maybe before meals.   At the end of the day as you rest your head on your pillow, again listen to God’s voice say, “(your name), you are my beloved child, with you I and well please.”   Be proud and give thanks for how you followed Jesus throughout your day.   For the times when you did not follow him as you should, remember you are his beloved.   As...