Born to Die

Well I'm really out of rhythm lately with the blog. There have been several family matters that have taken precedence the past few weeks, and I have taken on a super major project at my parish. More on that in the weeks to come, but I thought I better punch something in here, so here goes.

We are in the second week of Advent now, and one of the most notable symbols of Advent is the Advent Wreath. Below are just a few of the symbols or meanings of different parts of the Advent Wreath:

The 4 candles = 4 Sundays in Advent

Purple = preparation

ROSE (not pink) is used on the 3rd Sunday of Advent; Gaudete or Rejoice Sunday; We rejoice because the gift of Jesus at Christmas is almost here and we are half-way in our Advent preparation.

Evergreen leaves = eternal life

Prickly leaves = the crown of thorns

Circle = no beginning and no end, the eternity of God and the everlasting life we receive through Jesus

Light = the light of Jesus; We are called to reflect the light of Jesus to the world

It is the prickly leaves that catch my attention the most during this second week of Advent. Why during such a time of joyful hope and expectation would we consider the crown of thorns?

Even while we are getting ready for the birth of Jesus, we are reminded that he came to suffer and die for us. We are reminded that it is not always easy to do God’s Will.

It is precisely during the times of doubt (as Joseph must have faced) and the sincerity of our faith is put to the question (as was Mary's) and when the whole world stands against us (as against Jesus) that God is preparing to do His best stuff!

I'm not always the best at embracing hardships, difficulties, and struggles. So I know that is one thing that I am being called to reflect upon and pray about this Advent.

Saint Nicholas; More than the legend of Santa Claus

Today the Church celebrates the memorial of St. Nicholas, bishop of Myra. While many know of Santa Claus, most are unfamiliar with the real man whose life inspired the legend. Click here for a nice short piece for your enjoyment and edification from today's Divine Office.

And if you have children, you may want to consider the DVD "Nicholas the Boy Who Became Santa".

Nicholas was still a young boy when he discovered the love of Jesus and the gift of giving that changed the world. Based on historical fact and tradition...this is a beautiful Christmas classic for children that helps them get to know the real Saint Nicholas!

 If you do, please use the link I provided. Your purchase will benefit the ministry of Dr. Marcellino D’Ambrosio.

Celebrate the life of Saint Nicholas!!!

Reflection and what's on tap this week 09.24.12

Reflecting on the past week and what's coming on A Talking Donkey

What a week it's been, eh? My wife, youngest son, and I started a new year of Faith Formation, I tried to be honest about my propensity to take control when I should let God do His stuff, Jesus was almost married, President Obama's Campaign violates United States Code, and the State Department continues its failed foreign policies.

This past weekend, my 7 year old son played his fourth football game of the season. He plays for the Lobos, who played the Steelers. When Brandon found out that one of his classmates plays for the Steelers, he told my wife that no matter who wins they will still be friends. Good thing, because the Steelers had their way with the Lobos. When I was dropping Brandon off at school this morning, he saw his friend. There was no hesitation from him. He jumped out of the car in excitement, calling to his friend to "Wait up!" so they could have breakfast together. If only we adults could reflect that attitude with each other.

Yesterday, our Faith Formation class was about the Sacraments and the need for Baptism. I feel like it was another successful class, and it's really a joy for me the way this group responds to what we are doing.

Well, it's time to move forward, and I feel like God has given me a refreshed spirit this morning.

I think I am going to try to steer away from direct political issues as best I can. That's not really the purpose of this blog, and frankly I don't really have the passion for that as I did years ago. I will continue to blog about the responsibilities we have as Christians to vote with a formed conscience and such, but just don't want to get dragged down by the "who's worse than who" thing.

I'm also considering putting some type of organization to the postings as well. Perhaps certain repeating categories on certain days with "open topics" on others. We'll see where that goes.

Thanks to those who read regularly. There are a handful of you, and I appreciate that. I want to encourage you to leave comments here as well. It would be nice to get a "feel" for what's important to you too.

Blessings.

A Talking Donkey and the Catholic New Media Conference

International Catholic Bloggers' Summit 

After wondering if I would even have a place at the Catholic New Media Conference (CNMC12) and the "International Catholic Bloggers' Summit" on Friday, I was more than glad that I went.

New Look for A Talking Donkey

For starters, A Talking Donkey is young enough (just more than a month old) that the valuable lessons and tips that I learned will not meet with my stubbornness. Yes, while the Scripture verse that I refer to in the header is one of my favorites, it does hold multiple meanings for me. I am sure that I will share many of them along the way, but one of those is that I can at times be just a wee tad stubborn.

I learned that I should make a few changes to the appearance of the blog, and if you are one of the very few regular readers, you've probably noticed some. It's more than possible that I will change the look and feel of the blog several times, so your suggestions are welcome.

It's All About You...And Me Too

There were many great presentations that really made me think about the future content of A Talking Donkey as well as new ways to present the content and ways to potentially keep you interested and involved too.

Hopefully, tapping into those things that I'm really passionate about will not only be of interest to you, but will spark some conversations that will help us learn from (and about) each other. I really appreciate those of you who have had conversations (online and off) with me about my postings.  Keep them coming.

More Than Educational, Challenging

I believe that one of my favorite surprises at CNMC12 was the way that I felt my Catholic faith and identity were challenged by the presenters. I've been to other non-related Catholic conferences, seminars, retreats, training sessions, classes, etc.  I have been very heavily involved (and still am) in and outside of my parish. The inspired challenge that I received from attending Friday's sessions to just be Catholic, a better Catholic, ranks as high as any of the aforementioned activities.

That's always a good thing. Hope you stick around. Blessings.

A Talking Donkey

It's been a long time, but I think I am finally ready to share some thoughts beyond a few facebook posts.  I hope somebody finds my posts interesting.  Heck, I hope somebody finds my posts...period.

I decided to name the blog after one of my favorite Bible verses (Numbers 22:28) because it proves that God is willing to speak through the mouth of an _ _ _ !!!

So let's see if I can stay at it and if anyone cares that I do, shall we?