“We made it to another one!”

August 29, 2024August 29, 2024 franciscanmom1 Comment

Every parish has those dedicated souls who will stop at nothing to get to daily Mass.

They’re an inspiration to the rest of us. Referring to the 101-year-old gentleman who still drives himself to Mass, a fellow parishioner once said to me, “If he can make it to Mass, WE can make it here.”

She’s right.

Our 101-year-old friend has had some medical challenges lately and he hasn’t been at daily Mass for a few weeks, though he’s made it every Sunday. Today, though, he was there, in his regular pew, the first to stand and kneel when it’s time for that (yes — he still kneels).

Another elderly gentleman has also struggled lately with his health, and it’s always good to see him there too. He never fails to greet me with a big smile and a wave when I get to my pew.

In his homily today, Father mentioned the difficulties Catholics face in some parts of the world, such as Nicaragua and China, noting that we should always be grateful for our opportunity to freely attend Mass every day.

These two men clearly took it to heart. Leaning on their canes, they headed out the front door of the church after Mass, where they looked at each other, smiled, and said, “We made it to another one!”

It’s never guaranteed, after all, whether or not we’re 101 years old. But when we do make it there, we should be rejoicing.

Do You Look Like Jesus?

March 29, 2014 franciscanmom2 Comments

After church tonight, a little boy walked with his grandparents past the choir area.

He pointed at one of our guitarists (whose traditional “church wardrobe” is white pants and a white dress shirt) and exclaimed, “Pop-Pop! He looks like God!”

In his younger days, the kids used to comment that Bill looks like Jesus. Bill is good with that. He figures that if someone thinks he looks like Jesus, then that makes them think about Jesus. And that’s a good thing.

When people look at you, do they think about Jesus?

When you look at others, do you think about Jesus?

Surreal

April 4, 2012 franciscanmom1 Comment

I just had the following conversation with my daughter.

Middle Sister (out of nowhere): I can’t chaperone a field trip!

Me: You’re not going to chaperone any field trips.

Middle Sister: That’s because I can’t.

Me: No one asked you to chaperone a field trip.

Middle Sister: I’m pretty sure it’s not even legal.

Kitchen Conversation

November 1, 2011June 19, 2013 franciscanmom4 Comments

Little Brother’s been on a rye-toast kick for breakfast these days. Specifically Jewish rye, with seeds.

This morning when I was getting breakfasts and lunches going, I asked him if he wanted toast. When the answer was yes, I said, “Regular, or Jewish?”

That’s when the questions started. (Not like I could answer them…)

“Why do they call it ‘Jewish’?” Aren’t Jewish people from Israel? Was it always called Israel? What was it called before it was called Israel?”

And then we moved on to…

“Is Galilee a country?” (No, it’s a small town.) “Is the manger where Jesus was born still there?” (Well, they THINK they know where that is, but they can’t be totally sure because it’s not like Mary and Joseph made a big sign for it when they were running away from King Herod who wanted to kill Jesus: “The Son of God was born here.”)

“It should be easy to find.” (No, there were lots of barns with mangers around Bethlehem.)

“Barns with mangers and a cow and a sheep and a pig?” (No pig.)

“Why not?” (Jewish people don’t eat pigs.)

“Why not? Are they afraid they’re going to get gout?”

Oy.