Friday, May 11, 2007

I asked God for strength that I might achieve...
I was made weak that I might learn humbly to obey.
I asked for health, that I might do greater things...
I was given infirmity that I might do better things.
I asked for riches that I might be happy...
I was given poverty that I might be wise...
I asked for power that I might have the praise of men...
I was given weakness that I might feel the need of God.
I asked for all things.
I got nothing I asked for, but everything I had hoped for...
Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.
I am, among all people,
most richly blessed.

- St Teresa of Avila
Hmm, well I don't know what happened to me, but I have been hit by an epidemic of the worst kind. The symptoms: I never feel fully awake and my energy has up and left. I am going to work through this, though, so bear with me!

I was just reading a talk given by Pope Benedict on the occasion of his first trip to South America as Pope. I was really excited to see that he is thinking about the same thing that has been heavy on my mind as of late with regards to the lives of today's young people. Through referencing the rich young man in the gospel who approaches Jesus and asks " What can I do to merit eternal life?", the Pope delves into the central desire of a young heart: to live a life of purpose and of righteousness.

To simplify: What are we living for?

One of the last comments of his address sums it up nicely:

"These years of your life are the years which will prepare you for your future. Your "tomorrow" depends much on how you are living the "today" of your youth. Stretching out in front of you, my dear young friends, is a life that all of us hope will be long; yet it is only one life, it is unique: do not let it pass it vain; do not squander it. Live it with enthusiasm and with joy, but most of all, with a sense of responsibility."

We have been entrusted with a life. Some of us have been given health, others have been given infirmity. Some of us have wealth, others have to scrounge for the food we eat. Regardless of what burdens and crosses you have been given, know that you are not expected to find your way on your own. We are here to be charitable and to accept charity from others (these can be equally trying in different circumstances). So the question: what are we living for? The simple answer: We live to be the gospel for others. If we are looking for the key to eternal life this is it. " To lay down our lives so that others may have life. "
"Those who seek to save their lives will lose it, and those who lose their life, will find it."
This is truth. Your neighbor is the gate to heaven. If we only knew how much is riding on our readiness to get our hands dirty in less than ideal relationships.
Jesus came to earth to serve , not to be served. At the last supper, he washed the feet of his disciples. This job, was reserved for the lowest member of a household, as the feet of all those who enter were thick with dirt and dung from the muddy streets of the time. In taking up the towel Jesus taught his brothers at the table that we should recognize that it is in serving the least that we will become great. This, then is the example we must follow.
Thank you, Lord for entrusting to us these precious truths.

Wednesday, May 9, 2007

This year my family and some friends are participating in the relay for life here in Yarmouth. I JUST realized that I can collect pledges online through the Relay website. All you have to do is search for our team at this website : http://www.cancer.ca/relayforlife/0,3707,153987213,00.html and then indicate your pledge amount with your credit card. This year's relay is a really big deal for us (and it's on my birthday!) , so I hope you will help to support the search for the cure. Thanks in advance for your support...!

Here is our team name : Knight Murph's clan

May God bless you.. !!