Primetime

This week we will welcome Lent, the holiest time of year. Are you ready? You don't really have to be...yet. Starting on Ash Wednesday, your next forty days and forty nights should be different than your last forty days and forty nights. Hopefully, over this time period, we will all change for the better and for good.

That's the thing about Lent. Often, people do what they can for forty days...and then go right back to their normal everyday lives. We can't just forget Lent on Easter morning. That's what makes Easter one of the highlights of the Church year. It's a good feeling on that day to know Jesus rose from the dead, isn't it? But we need every day of Lent to build up to Easter, and then remember that for the rest of the year.

So, thinking about how to properly do that...I remembered a piece of a homily that was given maybe a ten to fifteen years ago in my old church, St. Matthews in East Syracuse, NY. Monsignor Lavin, God rest his soul, was known for his repetition of words, and after all these years I remember one of his homilies distinctly. After all these years it's pretty impressive on both of our parts I must say. But anyways on that day he spoke about the little things in life, and I remember these words well...

"It's like a snowball...a snowball. Rolling down the mountain..."

You may not know, but all 50 states had some kind of snow sitting on the grass somewhere in the state a few days ago. I'm not trying to make any political global warming/climate change statements, but this reference should be pretty universal at this point in time. Anyways, a snowball gets bigger and bigger and moves faster and faster as it travels down the mountain....

...which translates to something that could be either really good, or something not so good. It is all based on the decisions you make in your life. Bad decisions can grow inside of people, and once they make one, it becomes a lot easier to justify and make another. This is how people's lives spiral out of control, and the only way of stopping that is either doing it themselves or getting hurt and hitting a brick wall. Kind of like the whole idea of what goes around comes around, but that's for another blog at another time. If you are trapped like that, what better time than Lent to make that one good decision that will turn your life around?

Many people are in that situation, where they simply can't get out of the rut they are in. They look for anything to justify what they are doing. But, other signs from God should tell them that they need to get out of that rut. I'm here to take a shot at translating those signs.

One slogan that puts decision making in a nut shell is: Sometimes you have to do something you don't want to do. I don't really know if I saw it on a bumper sticker, or if it just came to me through divine intervention, but it's stuck close to me in my life these past few years. Keep that in mind...

Rocky Balboa says, "Life ain't all sunshine and rainbows," which it's not. To come as close to being happy as possible, you have to make those little decisions that you really don't want to make. If your snowball isn't looking too good at this point, it might be time to make a decision that you don't really want to. You might not want to sign up for a certain tough course, or tell your family a difficult confession, or even eat a salad instead of a jelly donut. I'm sure everyone has or will have a situation like this facing them, and often the toughest decision to make is the right one. We rely on God to tell us whether or not it is right. If it is, life will turn around, if it's not, He will send us signs telling us to go in a different direction. Rest easy...we have more than one chance, as Jesus says to "...forgive seven times seventy..." That's a reassuring and relaxing thought.

That hope of having your life go in the best direction is right in front of you. God ensures you that it is never gone. Sometimes, one small, good decision can make a huge impact on the rest of your week, month, year, and even your life. It might be going to church more than once during the week, or choosing to call an old friend. I'm sure its happened before, but we tend not to think about as it is happening. Goodness is contagious, and by making one good decision, it's a lot easier to make another one, and then another one. It doesn't hurt that it puts you in the good Graces of God either. That's the snowball you are looking for.

To reference another movie, "Evan Almighty" actually has a pretty solid message throughout the film. It's a modern day story of Noah's Ark, and God, played by Morgan Freeman, reassures Noah(Steve Carell) that one simple act of random kindness at a time can change the world. Why not start that on Ash Wednesday? See someone walking and walk with them, or if you are driving give them a lift to their destination. Have an eye for human suffering and address it by talking to those who are hurting. Hold the door open, even if it means you are awkwardly standing there for more than two seconds. Compliments aren't bad either. I love it when people say, "Nice sweater." Well, in that instance, they may be making fun of me, but I'll take it as a compliment. Regardless, all of that means something. After forty days, those acts will be plentiful, and the surplus will spill over to everyone in the community around you. It will also spill over beyond Easter. The entire planet may not be changing, but by doing that in your own world you are starting somewhere.

So, set a precedent for yourself this Lent. Don't give just an hour a week to God, give two or three. Get involved in your Catholic Community. Everyone is busy, but you can't be too busy for God. He is never too busy for you. Kind of makes you think doesn't it? Maybe I'll touch on this again after Easter, but like I say above, one of the most important parts of Lent is to carry what you've built beyond that forty days, and to the rest of the days of your life as well.

And by thinking every day of how to make good decisions through small random acts of kindness, your good snowball may just turn into an avalanche.

Valentine's Day

With Valentine's Day in less than a week, I think it's time to reflect a little bit on love. Some people hate the day, others love it. It's quite the polarizing holiday in our society. If you have a significant other I'm sure you enjoy getting the occasional Whitman's Sampler or diamond earrings. Those who have seen love through a different lens though, that of a broken heart, take a negative look on the day.

First off, the namesake of the day, Saint Valentine, had nothing to do with greeting cards or Cupid. He was a Christian martyr, obviously a great man. I'm sure many people didn't know that. But, as time goes on, things change, and now Valentine's Day is seen as a big money maker for the greeting card industry (See Hallmark).

Props to Saint Valentine, we should all follow his example in unending love for God. But I want to talk about our love for each other, and analyze what the Bible says about it. Those without a love life at this time, stay with me. This passage is from Corinthians 13, and is often recited at Weddings. Read it slowly.

"3If I give away everything I own, and if I hand my body over so that I may boast but do not have love, I gain nothing. 4Love is patient, love is kind. It is not jealous, it is not pompous, it is not inflated, 5it is not rude, it does not seek its own interests, it is not quick tempered, it does not brood over injury, 6it does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. 7It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8Love never fails...13So faith, hope, love remain, these three; but the greatest of these is love."

For those who are heartbroken, you probably want to click to another website. But wait one second. It was Jesus who said "Love thy neighbor" right? Pretty sure he knew what he was talking about. Let's look at it deeper. Read it again, then look below.

...Love is patient, love is kind...

It's hard to be patient isn't it? I struggle with patience every day. It is easy to get annoyed with your friends and family. But the Bible says if you love them, you understand them, and won't jump and bite their head off. We have all done it. So, take an extra couple seconds next time you feel yourself getting impatient. It's hard, but just do it and see what happens.

...It is not jealous, it is not pompous...

Think of the last time you got jealous of your boyfriend/girlfriend when they talking to someone of the opposite sex or even just hanging out with their own friends. Well, I'm sorry, but you aren't supposed to feel that envy. Human nature tells us that we should be the only ones in their life, but isn't that a bit pompous? So, why not try living out of the box, and appreciating their ability to have friends and get along with a lot of people. You might just happen to get along with them too.

...it does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth...

We've all done it. Fight with someone for absolutely no reason. I've had conversations with people who say they actually like it sometimes, I guess it gives them something to do. Try going on a walk or sharing a funny story instead. Truth is important too. Half-truths kill relationships. Loving each other means you shouldn't be scared to tell the truth. Sometimes it is the hardest part, but it will cause much less worry in the end.

...it endures all things. Love never fails...

God will never stop loving us. We know this. The full passage above tells us just how good God's love is. What about loving one another? If things fall through with an individual, was that really love? Above the Bible says love never fails, but I'm sure some people have felt that love has failed them. God doesn't fail though. He knows what kind of love is right for each and every one of us, and quite honestly we don't know what we want for the majority of our lives. Listen to Him trust me.

So, instead of forcing something that isn't quite there, take a step back. Don't get me wrong, if you feel like it is right with that person of your dreams go on and go for it. Do what makes you happy. But, if it doesn't work out after some futile tries, trust in God. It will work out. It might not be what you wanted at that point in time, but you'll thank Him down the road.

This coming Sunday, you might be happy, and you might be sad, but if you can, try as hard as you can to keep this bible passage in the back of your mind. It can apply to both your love for others, and God's love for you.

As I write this, I'm single. I probably haven't followed those guidelines that well either. I know I'm not perfect. But by surrounding myself with friends and family who do care about me, Valentine's Day will turn from a day of focusing on loving just one person to a day of remembering all of those people who truly do care for me.

By following this path, you too might realize that love is more than a "Fax Me" on a conversation heart.

Putting the Community back in Catholic Community

Think about every person you walked by today on your way to work, class, or even to get a cup of coffee. There are a few things happening in that brief moment of your day.

Scenario #1: You glance at who it is quickly, to make sure you don't know them, and look away just as fast. You may pretend to check the time, look for something in your bag, fake a phone call, or all of a sudden realize how blue the sky can be...

Scenario #2: You stare. Possibly making eye contact, but fail to smile or even speak to the innocent bystander. They then walk by you, maybe even causing you to turn your head...

Scenario #3: You don't care who it is, and you look at them until they make eye contact. You greet that brief second with a smile and maybe a simple hello...

We all fall into the first two examples above time and time again. It is just something about human nature these days that zips our lips when confronted with another human. Sure, you might be shy. Nothing wrong with that. But what makes you feel better personally, a smile or a glare? Even in a bad mood, it might be worth making that effort at showing just a little grin, it might make you feel better.

This comes to mind on the heels of a reflection that Ithaca junior Samantha Wolfe gave at Muller Chapel on Sunday. She spoke about her experience working at Nazareth Farm over the winter recess. Nazareth Farm is a Catholic community in West Virginia that is kind of like a service/retreat opportunity for all kinds of people. Those that attend help with housing repair in the area.

Samantha emphasized very eloquently the simple idea of being a part of community while down there. She didn't know many people, but that didn't matter. At Nazareth Farm, being alive was basically a celebration. That's missing in the rest of society today.

Why not try Scenario #3 up above in your own travels? Every person has their own individual community. It's up to you make that community a healthy or depressing one. As Samantha pointed out, walking around with headphones blaring in your ears doesn't help...and yeah if you can't tell that's a pet peeve of mine too. You might find a friend or just a person to talk to along the way.

I never thought I would, but I actually did this the other day without even thinking about it. I had a good 20 minutes in between two classes, so I grabbed a yogurt parfait...don't ask why...and looked for somewhere to just sit and eat it. My first instinct was to find a comfortable chair so I could enjoy it alone. But, alas, every place to relax was taken. So, considering she was on a seat big enough for two people, I asked a girl on her laptop if I could sit next to her. Now, it's not what you think, I wasn't looking for a date or even a phone number. Though I was intensely focused on the oats in my yogurt, this girl started asking me about my day. A conversation ensued, and when the time came for class to start...I was in a better mood. I hope she was too. I asked her for just her name as I was leaving, and to be honest...I forgot it.

I think God was telling me that this was one of those times where names didn't matter, just being able to talk to someone I didn't know made all the difference. Think of how much more pleasant your life could be by recognizing those people around you as those filled with the Grace of God. By talking to them, you learn not only more about them, but yourself as well.

Now, I might not see that girl again, but I can still have a random conversation like that again. I know it's cliche, but it helps. Think about every person you've met. They all have an interesting story to tell.

It might start with that simple smile, or gesture of hello. By staying involved in the community around you, your outlook on life might get a bit more positive. Your life might not be the greatest at the time, but why not get excited for others in their successes?

That celebration of life is something you don't get by pretending to check the time.

A new decade...the same blog

Don't get bored by the title, this year should be filled with more exciting and insightful readings, news and sports, so that should make these posts extra special. I'm now in off-season football mode, so look forward to more posts. Check back every Monday, and you'll find a brand new take on life to get you through the week. Lent is coming soon, so get ready to rock and roll. Don't forget...if you want to reach me directly my email address is teschen1@ithaca.edu.

The Off-Season

Well, as many of you might know, my football season is over. I did my best this year, nothing wrong with that. I'm not going to lie though, I miss it. There is something missing from my life from 3 until 7 every day.

It is weird though, as at this point, I think, wow, I have so much more time to get stuff done. But that time fills up, and I have not really seen the advantage of putting different projects or trips to the store or games of pick up basketball in that time slot. Honestly, I can't replace football.

Now, you might not care about my problems with finding a way to get to the next football season. You might not even care about football. But I want you to think about your life with God. Yup, God and football relate. Now you don't have to pray for four hours a day, I think God would even say that that is a little much. But, imagine your life without God, or if your life does not include God, think about where he would fit in it.

Taking God out of your life is like taking away your foundation. Sure, worries, anxieties, and stress are all part of life, but for me, they stop with God's grace. My belief that he knows what is best for me allows me to hedge some of those worries, and put them on the back burner so I can focus on getting my work done. Without God in my life, those worries would overtake me, paralyze me, and inhibit anything I am trying to get done. You don't normally think of it this way, but without God, there really isn't any fun or real happiness. You can trace your good times to God much of the time, as believing in him helps you relax, even if you have a lot on your plate.

You might be one of those people who are currently without a constant reminder of God in your life. Put Him there. Put Him next to you. Think about Him and what He wants, which is always the best for you. You may need to take some time out of your day to get that influence in there, but it is worth it. All you have to do is pick up a Bible, a prayer book, or go to Church, then go from there. People make a lot of bad commitments in their lives, God is something you can to commit to and that you will never regret.

I say all of this in light of the Christmas season. The Angel said that Jesus would be named "Emmanuel," which means, "God is with us." Talk about divine intervention, would you want anything else? Sure a Nintendo Wii is a nice gift, but how about God for Christmas? If He is already in your life, do not take Him for granted, and if possible, make Him a bigger part of it. If He is missing, now is not a better time to fit Him into your life. See Him as a baby, and take the journey with him. God sent that baby, to save us, and be with us every step of the way.

Busy Day...

Tough day for this one...two tests this afternoon. So I will be back with a new post tomorrow, see you then.

Happy Advent

Well it is here. What, you did not see it coming? Amidst stories in the news like Tiger Woods being the next sports hero to bite the dust, another Notre Dame coach getting fired, and the fresh story of Barack Obama sending 30,000 troops to Afghanistan, Advent came this past weekend. I think our preparation time for Christmas could not have come at a better time. It looks like we might need a distraction from the distractions, and I'm pretty sure this season needs to be the answer.

It starts with the Gospel from this past week, and one quote from the Lord Jesus sticks out, especially for the college kids out there.

"Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life..."

Well, that's college in a nutshell: partying and exams. Ask any college kid of what they've thought about the most the past few weeks, and those two things will probably be extremely high on the totem pole. Yet, Jesus tells us to not fall in that thought process. This is the best time to cast those thoughts aside. Sure, you have to do well, but if you work hard, what is there to be anxious about? When you look back in twenty years are you going to remember one test you did not do well on?

God is telling us to relax. It's amazing how the Bible shows us just how timeless it is. It is the start of Advent, and the start of finals week, but God wants us to be able to take time out to focus our hearts on what is truly important. That is being a better person and getting closer to God, in preparation for his Birth.

We all know it is so difficult to focus in this day and age, with instant gratification often at our fingertips. Look at any of the biggest sports figures, as Tiger Woods' lapse in morality is just another blip on the radar, it can be tough when you have to look deep into the crevices of any political or sports roster and find someone who has an actual clean record.

That loss of focus is with us as well. Yet, the Catholic church needs you. Even the priest at my home parish said that enthusiasm is lacking as a whole. You can just feel the down feeling over the course of the Mass. New churches, that serve pizza and are apparently more "entertaining," are taking lifelong parishioners away. The things is, Catholicism is not about being entertained. I've said many times before, you are always not going to leave with a great feeling, you might feel like you got slapped in the face. But, you are better because of it. All God wants is enthusiasm and faithfulness, why not bring it for an hour every week? It's Advent, so maybe it is time to start over and become more dedicated to what is really important. The Gospel's message becomes more evident here doesn't it? Church is not for carousing, you know that.

So, get a fresh start. Get your homework, projects, and studying done, and come down to Muller Chapel or just your favorite quiet spot for awhile. Spend some time every single day to think about what Jesus brought to us the day he was born. I think of hope for a better future. With that thought, why not let the enthusiasm flow? Just make sure to keep the main thing, the main thing.