I was talking on the phone and a former coworker came up. I had learned something questionable about the person. I knew I shouldn't - I consciously thought that I shouldn't, there was no need to share it - but I went ahead and shared it.
My mouth again.
It's all well and good to proclaim myself a professed Secular Franciscan, but I need to learn to act like one.
Lord, help me to resist temptation to talk when I shouldn't.
Pax et bonum
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Secular Franciscan Order Prayer for Vocations
NATIONAL PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS
TO THE
SECULAR FRANCISCAN ORDER
O Good and Gracious God,
God of mercy, compassion, generosity,
and love,
As we live our lives today
in the model of St. Francis,
choosing daily to live
the Gospel life,
Help us to help others
hear Your call.
Help us to help others
to recognize their vocation
as a Secular Franciscan
that You have already
planted in their heart.
Help us, so that together
we all may work
to bring the Gospel to life.
Amen!
Marian R. Crosby, SFO
NAFRA Chapter 2010
Scottsdale, AZ Pax et bonum
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
It's all about me (the rest of you are wrong!)
In cleaning out some old files, I came across old performance reviews from previous jobs.
Some of them were not good.
Indeed, I left a couple of jobs after bad reviews - usually voluntarily, sometimes not.
I quit my last job in part because of a review I considered unfair. It was my choice to leave, but there was still a bad taste in my mouth.
However, in looking at some of those previous bad reviews, I saw some patterns.
I grumbled defensively in every case about the review being unfair and inaccurate.
Yet some of the things they criticized me for - some of the things I got defensive about - were fair criticisms. I tend to offend with my sense of humor. I tend to come across as arrogant. I tend to be sarcastic. I tend to seem angry and hostile. I tend to have a hard time interacting with others and relating to them.
I've always tried to excuse my words and actions by saying I have an off-beat sense of humor or that I'm reserved. Those traits may be true of me, but I relied on them as excuses rather than trying to change or grow when I could or should.
Now that I'm starting a new job, I'm working on making a conscious effort to watch my words and to interact better with others. I'm trying to smile more and to focus on the positive. I'm trying to bite my tongue when I want to make some smart aleck or critical remark. I'm trying to make time for others, to listen to them and to show them that I care about them.
With God's help, maybe this time I'll get it right!
Pax et bonum
Some of them were not good.
Indeed, I left a couple of jobs after bad reviews - usually voluntarily, sometimes not.
I quit my last job in part because of a review I considered unfair. It was my choice to leave, but there was still a bad taste in my mouth.
However, in looking at some of those previous bad reviews, I saw some patterns.
I grumbled defensively in every case about the review being unfair and inaccurate.
Yet some of the things they criticized me for - some of the things I got defensive about - were fair criticisms. I tend to offend with my sense of humor. I tend to come across as arrogant. I tend to be sarcastic. I tend to seem angry and hostile. I tend to have a hard time interacting with others and relating to them.
I've always tried to excuse my words and actions by saying I have an off-beat sense of humor or that I'm reserved. Those traits may be true of me, but I relied on them as excuses rather than trying to change or grow when I could or should.
Now that I'm starting a new job, I'm working on making a conscious effort to watch my words and to interact better with others. I'm trying to smile more and to focus on the positive. I'm trying to bite my tongue when I want to make some smart aleck or critical remark. I'm trying to make time for others, to listen to them and to show them that I care about them.
With God's help, maybe this time I'll get it right!
Pax et bonum
Sunday, July 10, 2011
At the abbey
At the Abbey of the Genesee
between hours
the chapel was mostly dark
and quiet
and empty
except for one monk
engaged in some devotions
our Lord in the tabernacle
and us
praying silently.
But outside
the rustling leaves
the singing birds
the chirping insects
chanted their own
praises
to the Creator.
Pax et bonum
between hours
the chapel was mostly dark
and quiet
and empty
except for one monk
engaged in some devotions
our Lord in the tabernacle
and us
praying silently.
But outside
the rustling leaves
the singing birds
the chirping insects
chanted their own
praises
to the Creator.
Pax et bonum
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Profession Day
I made my profession today. I am now officially a Secular Franciscan.
Alleluia!
Pax et bonum
Alleluia!
Pax et bonum
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Seeing Jesus in Others
Next Saturday I will make my profession as a member of the Secular Franciscan Order.
I am excited.
I am unworthy.
To prepare, I went to Confession today.
I've been troubled lately by the usual sins - the weaknesses that Satan uses to disturb my soul and to pry me away from the Lord.
One of those failings is being critical of others. I'm not talking about legitimately (and respectfully) pointing out errors for the purpose of helping others and advancing the Kingdom. I'm talking about all the pettiness, sarcasm, and negativity to which I am prone.
Father had a suggestion: Think of these people I'm criticising as Jesus. See Jesus in them.
I thought of some of the people I'm inclined to criticize. Ironically, one of them is the very priest to whom I was confessing!
Jesus?
Yes, He is indeed in each of these persons, and so when I mock, tear down, cling to ill-feelings, gossip about these others, I am doing it to Jesus.
Sorry Lord. Please, help me to be open to Your Saving Grace as I face these temptations. Help me to be aware that I am not alone.
Help me always to be aware that each person I meet is You.
Pax et bonum
I am excited.
I am unworthy.
To prepare, I went to Confession today.
I've been troubled lately by the usual sins - the weaknesses that Satan uses to disturb my soul and to pry me away from the Lord.
One of those failings is being critical of others. I'm not talking about legitimately (and respectfully) pointing out errors for the purpose of helping others and advancing the Kingdom. I'm talking about all the pettiness, sarcasm, and negativity to which I am prone.
Father had a suggestion: Think of these people I'm criticising as Jesus. See Jesus in them.
I thought of some of the people I'm inclined to criticize. Ironically, one of them is the very priest to whom I was confessing!
Jesus?
Yes, He is indeed in each of these persons, and so when I mock, tear down, cling to ill-feelings, gossip about these others, I am doing it to Jesus.
Sorry Lord. Please, help me to be open to Your Saving Grace as I face these temptations. Help me to be aware that I am not alone.
Help me always to be aware that each person I meet is You.
Pax et bonum
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