Real Life Rosary Weblog

Happy Birthday Catherine

noreply@blogger.com (James M. Hahn) — Sun, 13 May 2012 20:04:00 +0000

I put this video together for Catherine from many of the pictures we've had here on the blog in the past 4+ years. It's hard to believe how far she's come. Thanks for all of the prayers and support...but keep them coming. (Jim - Dad)

My Crafty Boot Dryer...

noreply@blogger.com (James M. Hahn) — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 19:48:00 +0000

Take an old log...

...insert painted rebar pieces. I used Rustoleum on 3/8 rebar 24 inches long...

...add muddy, wet boots.

Beautiful Catholic Art from Gina Switzer

noreply@blogger.com (James M. Hahn) — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 16:21:00 +0000

These images were created by Gina Switzer and I think you will thoroughly enjoy them. Click on each image for a larger image to see the beautiful detail. If you would like to order an image, please visit her website.

noreply@blogger.com (James M. Hahn) — Sat, 24 Mar 2012 19:02:00 +0000

I put this on FaceBook but then I thought of so many of you who have prayed for Catherine so much and many from day 1. Thanks for you prayers, here's some of the fruit ;-)

The Power of Prayers

noreply@blogger.com (James M. Hahn) — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 20:38:00 +0000

A great photo of the seminarians from the Pontifical College Josephinum praying outside an abortion mill in Columbus.

Long Overdue...

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 18:50:00 +0000

Many have been asking about Catherine since I don't think I posted anything since she started school in August! Catherine loves school. She loved it so much that we started sending her 4 days a week instead of 3. She practically leaps out of my arms into Shannon's (her aid) every morning and cheerfully waves bye. I think I've mentioned before that Shannon is wonderful. Shannon is way more than an aid to Catherine, she's like her own personal pre-school teacher, therapist, and advocate all rolled into one. We are so blessed to have her in Catherine's life. Just take a look at what her hard work has done!

This is huge. Shannon told me earlier that week that she was doing this, but it was difficult to believe, because I have a hard time getting Catherine to just stand for any amount of time, she just doesn't like to do it. But to see her taking steps and walking with support was a wonderful Christmas gift for us! Shannon has been working with Catherine in a stander, getting her up to 2 hours at a time in it. In the stander, she is completely supported, but she is bearing weight the whole time. No doubt all her time in the stander is helping build up her muscles to do the work of walking.

Her speech therapist is also just thrilled with what Catherine has been doing. She has been seeing Catherine since she was 4 months old, so she really appreciates the progress that Catherine has been making. She attempts to repeat words and sounds, she initiates play with the other kids, she mimics the words and gestures of the songs they sing during circle time, and even though she doesn't like to, she is making some small marks with crayons. She loves playing with the blocks and running cars on the floor complete with sound effects!

Over the break for Christmas I've been really working with Catherine to take more fluids. As you already know she's been eating all of her calories for several months now but she has never been interested in drinking so we've still been tubing her water everyday. Since Catherine has been eating breakfast and lunch at school, Shannon has had some success getting her to take small sips from a cup. I decided that what really needs to be done is similar to what we did in getting her to eat, cut the water she gets through her tube. So, about 5 days ago I started doing that. I knew that she liked applesauce and in the past I've gotten her to eat 4 ounces or so at a time, so I started with that. She still doesn't really like the cup so I've been spoon feeding thinned down applesauce to her and yesterday she "drank" via spoon 7 ounces total! Today I've had some success with a sippy cup that has a straw and I am able to squeeze the cup so that the liquid rises to the top of the straw. She's taken a few sips that way and she doesn't seem to mind. It's been 48 hours since I've put anything at all through her tube. I'm monitoring her for dehydration and overall mood and she seems fine. Hopefully she'll start to take off soon and we can start thinking about getting rid of the g-tube completely!

Health-wise she's dong great. Of course since she's started pre-school she's had about a cold a month, but that's to be expected. Her eye exams and MRIs continue to be clear of tumors and we have few regular appointments at Children's now.

The boys are doing well in school and they just performed the annual Christmas Program. It was a wonderful experience for them and they really enjoyed it.

Thank you for your continued prayers for us and our family. We continue to pray for you!

Talents

noreply@blogger.com (James M. Hahn) — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 14:11:00 +0000

Matthew 25:14-30

Too often have I read this passage and imagined the master flipping coins out to the servants and then expecting to receive some coins in return. In reality, this "talent" was equivalent to more than 15 years of wages. In modern numbers even the one who received one talent would have received between $300,000 and $900,000 if he were making $20-60k a year. So even the one who received the least received an enormous sum.

Why then is he punished? I believe the key lies in the servant's own words, "I knew." He tells the master that he knew the master was demanding but still did nothing. He knew that something would be required of him and yet he was slothful. He tries to throw off the blame when he says, "Here you have what is yours" as if to say, "you didn't loose anything, what's the big deal?" The big deal is that he knew. He knew what was required of him and he chose to do nothing. By doing nothing, the master does loose. At the very least he looses the interest that could have been obtained if it were given to a banker. In the realm of God, quite possibly, souls are lost because of this slothfulness.

How does this apply to you and me? God has given us far more than wages. He has given us everything in the natural world as well as the priceless gift of grace. Some of us have received more in these areas than others but that gives us no right to be lazy. God has invested a great deal in us. He went so far as to invest His own blood. How can we not work to give Him some sort of return? Buried treasure is worthless. It must be dug up and used to be of any worth to anyone.

When our time comes to settle accounts with the Master we will have no excuse to offer. We will stand before Him and either hear one of two phrases - "Well done, good and faithful servant...enter the joy of your master." or "You knew...cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness..." We must be wise and invest in Our Father's business while there is still time.

FROM THE SAINTS - "Don't lose your effectiveness; instead, trample on your selfishness. You think your life is for yourself? Your life is for God, for the good of all men, through your love for our Lord. Your buried talent, dig it up again! Make it yield." - Saint Josemaria Escriva Friends of God, 47

Humble Servant

noreply@blogger.com (James M. Hahn) — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 19:14:00 +0000

Today's Readings

I can remember in my younger days making deals with God or at least trying to make deals with God. Looking back now it seems humorous and embarrassing. Usually I would end up promising God that I would stop something sinful if He gave me what I was asking for. So basically I was promising to stop doing something that I shouldn't be doing anyway and expecting to be rewarded for it. It's like saying, "God I promise to stop taking money out of the safe at work if you will just let me win the lottery."

I also used the opposite approach. I would promise to do something that I should have been doing anyway if God would only "give in" and let me have what I wanted. It was like this, "Dear God, I promise to go to Mass every Sunday, if you will find me a new job."

Our dealings with God can often be like these examples. In today's Gospel Jesus clears things up rather nicely although it stings the pride a bit in practice. Here He tells me that I know deep in my heart what it is that I should be doing. I know how I should be living and all the rest. When I am doing all of these things I should not expect any kind of rest or reward.

This is a little easier to deal with when I keep in mind that every good thing I have comes from God and that every good thing that I do is only by His grace. This is a great antidote to pride. By simply praying this Scripture often I can keep the correct perspective on my place in the Kingdom, "I am an unworthy servant, I have only done what was my duty." If I can honestly say that when I meet Our Lord, I will be doing great!

FROM THE SAINTS - "The path of Humility takes you everywhere...but above all to Heaven." - Saint Josemaria Escriva in Furrow # 282

No More Complaining!

noreply@blogger.com (James M. Hahn) — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 16:57:00 +0000

I'm a melancholic person. I'm Eeyore and Puddle-glum rolled into one. My favorite hobby/habit? Complaining. If you know anything about the melancholic personality you know that they generally see the world as it is. This, in its self is not a bad thing. However, melancholics have this nasty tendency to also idealize and see the world as it should be. Therein lies the problem. In one instance I can both see the world as it is and how it should be...let the complaining begin....

No, of course I don't like this about myself. I see the reality that I complain too much and I idealize and dream of not complaining. When I see the discrepancy, well, I complain that I complain to much (insert dog chasing tail picture here).

I have been working on changing myself and recently stumbled across a tool to help me do this. The basic idea is to train yourself not to complain and to do so for as long as you can, 21 days is my goal. This is done by wearing a simple rubber bracelet or rubber band, silly band or something that you can easily move from one arm to the other.

First, place the band on the arm of your choice and then go about your day. If you find yourself complaining, switch to the other arm and start over. Your goal is to keep it on one arm for as long as you can. Start with hours and move on from there.

I don't think it's enough to simply not complain either. I'm trying to train myself to not only not complain but to come up with solutions to the things I want to complain about. Some examples may help. Instead of complaining about my computer always freezing up and needing a reboot, smacking the keyboard, and uttering four-letter words, I try to stop, refrain from complaining and look for a solution. I may need to remove files, run some cleaning software or even get a new computer but I can do all of that in a positive way, without complaining.

In the area of other human beings, it can be a little more difficult and require more charity. It has required me to either keep my mouth shut or make excuses for the actions of others. For instance, the car in front of me is trying to turn left across traffic. Rather than turn from the turn lane, they stay in my lane making me wait. My first reaction is to complain about this so-and-so who can't drive but I catch myself and say, "maybe the driver doesn't realize there is a turn lane, it is dark. Maybe they can't drive well at night, I know sometimes I have difficulty." This sort of attitude is more charitable and make me feel much better than I would had I given into the rage.

Give it a try if you like, it's easy, cheap, and the rewards are phenomenal!

At Least They're Here...

noreply@blogger.com (James M. Hahn) — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 19:19:00 +0000

I was surfing through some blogs today and found a comment on a post about people dressing inappropriately for Mass that went something like this, "We should be thankful that at least they are here. They are loving Jesus even if they don't know it."

Of course this made my head spin. Whenever my head starts to spin because of comments or postings of this nature I always take a deep breath. After that, I ask myself if we can apply the same idea to other areas of life. If we can, the person may have a point. If not, I've found the reason for the drunken feeling. So, let's give it a try. Shall we?

SCHOOL
If my son decides one morning to wear flip-flops, a t-shirt (no, wait, a former t-shirt sans sleeves that he cut off), and shorts with paint on them to school, what is the principal going to say? "Child, you really should wear your school uniform, but at least you're here! Have a great day!" No, I'm going to get a call..on my cell phone...before I get half a block from the school.

WORK
I used to work as an electrician when I was younger. I wonder what my boss would say if I arrived in my bathing suit, sandals, and Hawaiian shirt? "Hey, Jim. You know the Union says you need to wear the proper attire, steel-toed boots and all, right? I was going send you home but at least you're here. Watch your toes moving that transformer." I'd have counted myself blessed to have kept my job after pulling a stunt like that in the work place.

WEDDING
Okay, this one may be a bit rough. I can only imagine the joy on my cousin's face when I showed up at her wedding wearing my water shoes, Speedo, and a Jimmy Buffet t-shirt. I can hear her now..."Jim, umm, that looks comfy. It isn't a beach wedding but...well, I'm just glad you're here. Yes, you can still be the best man even though we may need to discuss the pictures..." Of course I'd never do anything like that because I don't have a Buffet shirt. In addition, it would probably cause a major family feud.

In life there is a time and a place for everything. In life there is a time and a place for different modes of dress. There are proper things to wear to work, out to dinner, to play sports, and to wear to weddings. Why is it that the Mass is the only place where this common sense flies right out the stained-glass window? Why is this place, the place where Jesus becomes sacramentally present in our midst, Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity the only place in the world where the "at least they're here" phrase is acceptable.

Are they "here"? I would strongly argue that they are not. I firmly believe that clothing is a reflection of an interior disposition. How we dress for anything can affect how we feel and how we feel about something can affect how we dress. When I wear a suit, I feel good, I feel powerful and in control. When I feel lazy or depressed, a pair of sweats fits the mood. I often don't feel like I can truly start my day until the pj bottoms come off and the work pants, jeans, etc go on. There are books and studies that prove all of this. Clothing doesn't make the person but it is often an outward sign of an inner disposition. Isn't that where the mantra "dress for success" and "the clothing makes the man" come from?

The priest wears special clothes for Mass. The deacon wears special clothes for Mass. The servers wear special clothes for Mass. Why shouldn't we? The question I get is, "What should we wear to Mass." A wise man told me that whatever you wear, it should be the nicest thing you've worn all week. Give God your best! For some it's a dress or a suit. For others it's nice pants and sweater. If you wearing flip-flops, a tank-top, and cut off shorts, and that's the best for the week, I don't even want to imagine what the rest of your wardrobe looks like.

Finally, some might say get over it and that is fine. But everything we do, say, think at Mass is important and becomes part of our worship, for good or for bad. Dress is important, Jesus says so. Remember the one dude who showed up at the wedding feast in flip-flops, tank-top, and jean shorts in the Gospel of Matthew -But when the king came in to meet the guests he saw a man there not dressed in a wedding garment. He said to him, ‘My friend, how is it that you came in here without a wedding garment?’ But he was reduced to silence. Then the king said to his attendants, ‘Bind his hands and feet, and cast him into the darkness outside, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth. Again, an outward sign of an inner disposition, not a fashion faux pas. I'm sorry, "at least they're here" doesn't cut it with me...

Rosary-A-Day-Giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (James M. Hahn) — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 13:52:00 +0000

That's right! For the month of October we will be giving away one of our handcrafted cord knot rosaries each day during the month of October, the month of the Rosary.

For your chance to win, simply send an email to (webmaster@realliferosary.com) with the words "Rosary-A-Day" in the subject line. Each day we'll randomly pick a name to win a free "surprise me" (our choice of colors) rosary. We'll also be giving away some copies of Rosary Meditations for Real Life throughout the month from those names submitted. Good luck!

One winner per household. Please enter only once, your name will stay in until you win or until the end of the month. Thanks!

WINNERS....
Early Bird Rosary - Sept. 30th - Chinonyerem O.
October 1st -Juanita L. October 2nd - Lindsay Y.
October 3rd - Cindy M. October 4th - Linda D.
October 5th - Jerry B. October 6th - Rosary F.
October 7th - Julie E. (Rosary & Book!) October 8th - Linda M.
October 9th - George B. October 10th - Bill & Mary L.
October 11th - Angela P. October 12th - Maria G.
October 13th - Colletta I. October 14th -Suzy K.
October 15th - Phil & Cathy L. (Rosary & Book) October 16th - Mary Alice S.
October 17th - Sarita P. October 18th -J.I
October 19th - Michael G. October 20th - Erica R.
October 21st - Amy B. October 22nd - Maria G. (Rosary & Book)
October 23rd - Ailene T. October 24th - Bev C.
October 25th - Georgia S. October 26th - Paula O.
October 27th - Adara K. October 28th - Rose M.
October 29th - Myra C October 30th - Jane Ann S.
October 31st - Teresa B.
Thanks to all who participated. Please know that you are in our daily prayers. I'm looking forward to our next give-away. God bless you!

Hard Business Lesson

noreply@blogger.com (James M. Hahn) — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 17:06:00 +0000

In August of 2006 I opened our Catholic bookstore in the basement of our home. After years of operating traveling store we thought it may be a nice idea to have something more permanent for folks. Shortly after opening a gentleman stopped by representing a credit card processing company. He told me that he had found my name from a list of new businesses provided by the local tax office (thanks a bunch!).

This gentleman proceeded to give his sales pitch for the machine and all that it could do. He even offered to scratch the lease payments for the first two months and if I decided I didn't want it I could get out. He told me that if I never used it, he'd just come pick it up, no questions asked. I went for it.

After a month I realized that I was going to use this machine and tried to contact the man. No answer. I tried for weeks to contact him directly. No answer. I tried to reach him via the Better Business Bureau. No answer. I tried the lease company. No sympathy. No answer.

I ended up cancelling the account associated with the lease..with any early termination fee. I then proceeded to pay for the machine each month for four years for a total of about $2500. An expensive mistake but a lesson learned well.

I learned that I should always thoroughly research every business that I deal with. I'm not the only one to have this experience. Apparently, it's their way of doing business. I also learned that from that time forward, I make a salesman work for his money. If you want to sell me something, it will take at the very least, two trips to see me, and then, maybe. If I feel pressure, it's over.

Anyway, just wanted to rant and warn.

Sweet Fall Treat

noreply@blogger.com (James M. Hahn) — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 01:07:00 +0000

Tonight I rewarded the boys with parched corn. It's a favorite treat. I only make it every so often which keeps the mystique alive.

To make parched corn you need to allow sweet corn to dry on the stalk. Once it's completely dry (late October to mid-Nov, when you see the guys out picking the big fields, you're good), get all of the kernels off of the ear by twisting or pushing the corn. Put it in a large bowl. Then go outside on a breezy day and pour the corn from one bowl to the another allowing the small pieces to be blown away leaving the kernel.

Take a skillet, iron works best, and coat it with a very thin layer of oil or cooking spray. I spray my iron skillet and then wipe it out with a paper towel. Put the skillet over medium heat and then pour in enough corn to only cover the skillet bottom. You will need to almost constantly stir the corn so it doesn't scorch. Stir until golden-brown, add some salt (popcorn salt is the best), then enjoy with a nice warm cup of apple cider.

Dried sweet corn added to a lightly oiled iron skillet.

Finished product in the skillet.

Up close....

...real close, notice the popcorn salt...

Warm apple cider, cinnamon stick, rum = happiness.

New Rosary Ordering Page

noreply@blogger.com (James M. Hahn) — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 20:13:00 +0000

I just wanted to let everyone know about the new rosary ordering page. I wanted to show the colors as they truly are and make ordering easier. We now have 37 awesome colors and will be adding more in the coming weeks. Check it out here.

Here are just a few of the new ones...

Seven Sorrows of Mary

noreply@blogger.com (James M. Hahn) — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 16:41:00 +0000

Thursday September 15th – Our Lady of Sorrows
Devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows
Seven Sorrow Meditations (Printable PDF)
Cord Knot Rosary of Seven Sorrows

SEVEN SORROWS OF MARY
The Prophecy of Simeon
The Mother stands with infant child
and in her mind thoughts run wild
a prophecy he dared to say
the first sword to pierce the day

The Flight into Egypt
Leave house and home and all you see
into the desert three must flee
death a king does cast your way
the second sword to pierce the day

The Loss of the boy Jesus in the Temple
The fear of loss does pierce thy heart
you know not if the child did start
nor if he stayed or pulled away
the third sword to pierce the day

Meeting Jesus on the Way of the Cross
The eyes of Him now meets your own
as He walks that road alone
what can you do what can you say
the fourth sword to pierce the day

The Crucifixion of Jesus
Your flesh and blood your only child
pierced by a crowd gone wild
all have left, they’ve run away
the fifth sword to pierce the day

The taking down of Jesus from the Cross
Into your arms, His life is spent
His garments and his body rent
you had hoped for some other way
the sixth sword to pierce the day

The burial of Jesus
The ground receives him dank and dark
yet still within pierced heart a spark
with head bowed down you went away
the final sword to pierce the day

September Sunday Afternoon

noreply@blogger.com (James M. Hahn) — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 21:27:00 +0000

Boys playing.

Opening Spider-flower seed pods.

Ready to travel to a new home....

....maybe yours...

They're so cute, how can you say no.

Seriously, email me if you want one...

Big D and the kitty.

Too much love.

Good day for a ride on the Gator

Cute boys

What is he thinking?

Click on the pictures and look for the arrows.

Even mom was getting in the competition.

A short visit.

New Beginnings

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole) — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 10:38:00 +0000

Catherine started preschool last week. She goes 3 days a week and stays through lunch. She was actually supposed to start the week before but she had some mild chicken pox-type symptoms and she had to stay home. She did better than I thought she would. The past month or two she has been extremely clingy, so I honestly thought she was going to cry the whole time, but she didn't. She has a one-on-one aide that is there just for her and helps keep her safe and thinks of ways to involve her in everything the other kids are doing. Shannon is WONDERFUL. She's known Catherine for a few weeks, but she has a great knowledge base, as she had a child with special needs, and feels very comfortable with the extra helps that Catherine needs. Catherine did bring home on the last day of school last week what Jim and I feared the most about putting the kids in school...sickness. It was just a little cold, so she was well enough to go back yesterday, but it is making it's way through the house.

The older 3 boys also started school a few weeks ago. We decided to send them to our local parish school instead of home schooling. I am homeschooling our kindergartner. So far, it seems to be a really good decision. The boys appear to like it a lot, even though if you ask them they will say they don't. There was a small time of transition because they have been home-schooled for 5 years. It was a big change, but they all did well and we are very proud of them!

Why Judas?

noreply@blogger.com (James M. Hahn) — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 14:41:00 +0000

Today's Readings

Jesus spent the night in prayer. He spent this time alone, conversing with His Father and I believe we are to assume that this prayer, this conversation, concerned who would be chosen as Christ's Apostles. The entire night in prayer and yet He still picks Judas Iscariot. Why? Isn't He God? Doesn't this show that Jesus was not omnipotent? If He were God, why would He choose the very man who would betray Him as an Apostle?

This is a question that has bothered me throughout the years. I don't claim to have an answer and I am open to your insight as well. I do have an idea about this and I'll try to flesh it out here.

God, in His omnipotence can see every possible outcome of human and natural events to the nth degree. Like looking at branches of lightning that light up the sky in every direction, He can see every possible scenario of my daily life. He can see every possible outcome that could result from me getting up late. He can view with complete clarity all the infinite results of each of my actions. He foresees not only my choice to log on to a website years ago but also the marriage and children that resulted from meeting that girl on that website and their children and their choices....He can see it all. However, even though God sees it all, He continues to respect my free will.

As a father I can begin to see some of the choices and opportunities that lie ahead for my children based on their abilities, temperaments, and gifts. I can hope that they choose a holy path. I can pray that they choose to serve the Lord in whatever they do. I can teach them the ways they should follow. However, I cannot violate their freewill. I can not make them choose a path.

Jesus saw that Judas could very well betray Him, He choose him anyway. He respected his freewill enough to maybe even hope that it would be done another way. I refuse to believe, as some do, that God destined Judas to betray Jesus. This would go against scripture because God wills that all should be saved (cf 1 Tim 2:4). He wills it but He respects our freewill, our ability to reject His will.

Is Judas in Heaven? I pray that he is. I pray that one day we will sing of him as we do of Adam, "O Happy fault, O necessary sin of Adam, which gained for us so great a redeemer."

Birthday Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (James M. Hahn) — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 01:26:00 +0000

Thursday is the Blessed Mother's Birthday. To celebrate, I'm giving away a copy of Rosary Meditations for Real Life and a handmade cord knot rosary (you choose the color). I'll pick a name from all those who send an email to webmaster@realliferosary.com with "Birthday" in the subject line. I'll pick the name at 9PM EST. Don't worry, I won't save your email for anything else. I delete them after the drawing. Good luck and Happy Birthday Mary!!!

Casting into the deep.

noreply@blogger.com (James M. Hahn) — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 12:29:00 +0000

Today's Readings

I believe there's more to this story than what is being reported. Something doesn't add up. Jesus uses Peter's boat to preach from, He tells Peter to cast out his nets into the deep. Peter hesitates but then does so at Jesus' commanded. Peter then catches a boat load of fish. Peter's reaction? - "Depart from me Lord, for I am a sinful man." No "thank you!", "wow", or "how in the world." Something doesn't seem right.

I'd guess that Peter, being sinfully human like the rest of us, said more than, "we've been out all night but okay." I know I would have said more, at least under my breath. I know I have said more! Knowing Peter's tendencies to blurt out just about anything I'm guessing Luke charitably left out the other parts of the story, maybe at Peter's request.

I can imagine Peter saying or at least mumbling something like this: "Look, carpenter, you are a carpenter right? Leave the fishing to us. Can't you see we're done for the night. We've just about got all these nets washed and repaired and there's no way we're throwing them back in. I let you use my boat to do your teaching thing but this is a bit much." I can easily hear this rough and tough fisherman taking Jesus to task out in the boat away from the crowds.

For me, this would explain why Peter would ask Jesus to, "depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man." Peter realizes how sinful he is after all that he said to this man who just performed such a miracle. This would also explain why Jesus would say, "Do not be afraid." Peter was fearful of being in the presence of such a man.

What sort of effect did all of this have on Peter and his partners? "They left everything and followed him." They left everything: boats, nets, and even that huge fresh catch, everything.

Lord, help me to try one more time today. I am tired. I feel like I've tried everything. Ashamedly, I sometimes feel like I know more than you about life. But, at your command, I'll do it again because I know you want what is best for me. I trust you, help me try one more time.

The Mountain of the Lord

noreply@blogger.com (James M. Hahn) — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 15:06:00 +0000

The Psalmist asks, "How can I repay the Lord for all the good done for me?" I echo that question. How indeed? This year I had the opportunity to once again travel to the American West with Wilderness Outreach on an expedition to build and repair hiking trails.

Mt. Shinn & Lake Florence

The trip this year took me to the High Sierra Mountain Range in California. It was one of the most demanding and physically difficult things I have ever done in my life. With a 7+ mile hike in and a climb of nearly 3000' in elevation, the work seemed easy in comparison to the hike.

This trip was also one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I went on the trip looking for God, asking Him to reveal Himself to me. In the end, I realized that it was He calling me to this far away place so that He might reveal me to myself. As the Second Vatican Council put it, "Christ..., fully reveals man to man himself and makes his supreme calling clear." (Gaudium et Spes 22) I learned that the problem is not that I don't understand or know God very well but rather that I don't know myself well enough. He brought me to the mountains to reveal to me my weaknesses, my faults, my sins, and how He wants to heal them.

It was through this trip, this work, these hikes, this physical adventure that God taught me about my spiritual life. I learned that the spiritual life is like life on the trail. As the trail has steep, difficult terrain, so does the spiritual life. It is during times of suffering and struggle that I am ascending toward God, toward the heights of Heaven. It is often during times of laziness, and seeking an easy way out that I am descending away from God, away from the heights of sanctity. I learned that just as the views on the trail (pictures below) are not given but must be earned. Ascending to the God is not given, it must be earned.

John Bradford of Wilderness Outreach

Now, please don't misunderstand. All that God gives is a free gift. Grace is a free gift just as the mountains are a free gift. Both are there for me but there is no easy shortcut. I cannot parachute onto the top of a mountain and feel as though I belong there. I cannot say a simple prayer and feel as though I deserve eternity with God. God is a loving father and as such He demands that I grow, mature, struggle, fight, and become strong. The Psalmist points this out in many places, "LORD, who may abide in your tent? Who may dwell on your holy mountain? Whoever walks without blame,doing what is right, speaking truth from the heart; Who does not slander with his tongue, does no harm to a friend, never defames a neighbor; Who disdains the wicked, but honors those who fear the LORD; Who keeps an oath despite the cost, lends no money at interest,accepts no bribe against the innocent" (Psalm 15) The mountain of the Lord in the Psalm is a free gift, but only those who meet the requirements can accept that gift.

Another thing I learned on the trail is that God wants me to accept that He allows those struggles to come my way. In the book, Abandonment to Divine Providence, Fr. Caussade mentions a phrase that stuck with me during my trip, "Living the sacrament of the moment." This helped me realize that God's grace is pouring on me like a constant rain every moment of my life. Sometimes the rain makes me miserable, sometimes it fills me with joy. So it is with God's grace. His providence may, at times, make me miserable, like when I am suffering. Living the sacrament of the moment helps me realize that though I may be suffering, it wouldn't be happening if God didn't will it for my salvation. As Fr. Caussade says elsewhere, "What God arranges for us to experience at each moment is the best and holiest thing that could ever happen to us."

I could go on about the lessons learned on the trail but I will save those for another time. For now, I'll share the beauty that God gave to us during that week. How shall I repay the Lord? I really don't know. I guess I can start by reminding myself daily of the difficult but worthwhile lessons learned so that I don't slide back down the mountain.

Me at 10,000'

Sally Keyes Lakes

Marie Lakes looking north from Selden Pass

Daily Mass on the mountain.

The Amazing & Astonishing Jesus of Nazareth!

noreply@blogger.com (James M. Hahn) — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 13:18:00 +0000

"Be quiet! Come out of him."

Today's Readings

When was the last time you were truly amazed and astonished? Were you at a magic show? Were you watching some great feat of athletic skill? Were you reading a good book that touched something deep inside you? Did you witness a real miracle?

We are all amazed and astonished at different times in our lives and for different reasons. Just last night my youngest son was amazed and astonished to see this strange creature we call a Praying Mantis crawling over the playground equipment.

In today's Gospel the hearers of Jesus are amazed and astonished at his words. They are astonished because He speaks with authority. They were amazed because His words have power, even over the demons.

One group, however, is neither amazed nor astonished by Jesus words. Rather, this group is simply obedient because they have no other choice. Having been cast out of heaven long ago, they have no free-will and must therefore obey. The demons are neither amazed nor astonished. They know who He is and are fearful.

The question for us today is, "which group are we in?" Are we amazed and astonished with each new reading of the scriptures? Or, are we indifferent, since we suppose we "know" Jesus? It would be good for us to regain some of that amazement and astonishment. Let us look at some of Jesus' words and their effect...

"Be quiet! Come out of him!" Then the demon threw the man down in front of them and came out of him without doing him any harm. (Lk 4:35)

“I will do it. Be made clean.” His leprosy was cleansed immediately. (Mt 8:3)

“Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and it was restored as sound as the other. (Mt 12:13)

“Young man, I tell you, arise!” The dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother.

It is also good for us to keep in mind that we, mankind, out of all creation, are the only beings that can ignore, be indifferent to, and even disobey the words of Jesus. Angels worship him, they chose to long ago. Demons obey him, their free-will is gone. Even inanimate material obeys the power of His words - wind and waves stop, water becomes wine, and bread and wine become His body and blood...by the power and authority of His words.

Lord, give us the sense of amazement and astonishment at your words today. May we look at them with fresh eyes and may they change us to be more like you!

The Glorious Mysteries of the Mass: Rosary Meditations

noreply@blogger.com (James M. Hahn) — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 10:35:00 +0000

The Glorious Mysteries of the Mass from

Rosary Meditations for Real Life: Volume I by James M. Hahn www.realliferosary.com

The Resurrection

For I know that my Redeemer liveth, and in the last day I shall rise out of the earth. And I shall be clothed again with my skin, and in my flesh I shall see my God.

And it came to pass, whilst he was at table with them, he took bread, and blessed, and brake, and gave to them. And their eyes were opened, and they knew him: and he vanished out of their sight. - Job 19:25-26, Luke 24:30-31

After the Resurrection, Jesus appeared to the disciples walking on the road to Emmaus. He spoke with them while they walked and explained the Scriptures. This Gospel account is a mirror image of my life. I, like the disciples, get discouraged and downhearted on my walk through life. Promises and ideas that once filled my heart with joy have been cast into the shadows of my mind. The coming of the Lord appears to be far off and sadness and despair creep into my life. I often make my way through the week with my head down kicking stones.

However, I must remember that Jesus walks with me even though I may not recognize Him. My life changes when I make the Mass a part of my walk toward Christ. At Mass Jesus opens the Scriptures to me and my heart begins to burn with love. Even though I may not always recognize Him in the Scriptures, in the breaking of the bread my eyes are opened. I may not see Him in a physical human form but He is there in the breaking of the bread. In fact He is the Bread. Once I recognize Him I am able to "rise up that same hour" and say to the world, "The Lord is risen indeed!"

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Etc.

Additional clause: ...of thy womb, Jesus,

who is present in the breaking of the bread.

The Ascension

Going therefore, teach ye all nations; baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and behold I am with you all days, even to the consummation of the world.

God is ascended with jubilee, and the Lord with the sound of trumpet.

- Matt 28:19-20, Psalm 46:6

Jesus ascended into heaven yet He remains with us. How can this be? With God all things are possible. He has indeed ascended and sits at the right hand of the Father. He has ascended in His human body. However, He remains with us "even until the end of the age." He remains with us most fully at Mass. He is truly present in the people, the Scriptures, His priest, and most especially in the Eucharist.

God fed His people in the desert wilderness with manna each and every day. He fed them with bread from heaven and sustained them throughout their journey. I too am on a journey toward the land promised to my fathers for generations. On this pilgrimage through the desert, the time between Christ's Ascension and Return, I am sustained by the true Bread come down from heaven. I am sustained by the heavenly manna, the Bread of Life, given to me at each Mass.

Lord, I know you will return in the same way as you left. Therefore, whenever I eat this

Bread and drink this Cup, I will proclaim your death Lord Jesus, at every Mass, until You come in glory. Maranatha, Come Lord Jesus.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Etc.

Additional clause: ...of thy womb, Jesus,

who feeds me on my journey.

The Descent of the Holy Spirit

And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a mighty wind coming, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. And there appeared to them parted tongues as it were of fire, and it sat upon every one of them: And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they began to speak with divers tongues, according as the Holy Ghost gave them to speak. Now there were dwelling at Jerusalem, Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. But others mocking, said: These men are full of new wine.

...since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church. - Acts 2:2-5, 13, 1 Corinthians 14:12(RSV)

The reaction of one who is not Catholic to the events of the Mass is oftentimes the same reaction exhibited by those who were outside the Upper Room during Pentecost. The inability to see the power of the Mass can confuse and offend many. Each Mass is a miniature Pentecost. There is a gathering of the followers of Christ in one place and, like the apostles, they are committing themselves to prayer being of one mind. The power of the Holy Spirit courses through the priest and the people as they celebrate the Eucharist.

I need to be more like Peter and proclaim the Gospel with wild abandon and not abandon the Gospel as I exit the Church door. My zeal should cause people to accuse me of being drunk because I am inebriated with the Truth I have received at Mass. When I finally realize the power of the Mass people will be coming and asking what they should do in order to be saved.

Lord, give me a fuller outpouring of the Spirit so that I may give fearless witness to Your Gospel. Help me to realize the full power of the Mass and take that power into my home, my community, and the world. "It is no longer I that live but Christ that lives in me."

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Etc.

Additional clause: ...of thy womb, Jesus,

who sends the Holy Spirit at Mass.

The Assumption of Mary

And there were given to the woman two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the desert unto her place, where she is nourished for a time and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent.

All the glory of the king's daughter is within in golden borders, Clothed round about with varieties. After her shall virgins be brought to the king: her neighbours shall be brought to thee.

They shall be brought with gladness and rejoicing: they shall be brought into the temple of the king. - Revelation 12:14, Psalm 44:14-16

I cannot move towards God unless He moves toward me first. It is His grace that calls me to love Him. At the beginning of the Eucharistic prayer during Mass we say, "we lift them [our hearts] up to the Lord." This is in response to the Lord's invitation through His priest to, "lift up your hearts."

Mary's Assumption into heaven is a wonderful grace won for her by her Divine Son so that her body might not see the corruption of the grave but instead enjoy eternal life. In Scripture Mary is often seen as a symbol or sign of the Church. In the Assumption I see the Mass. I see the assumption of the Church into heaven. Because the Church is composed of imperfect people it can only "lift up her heart". In response to this "offering" heaven comes to earth on the altar. On the altar of sacrifice at every Mass there is an assumption. The Church is assumed by the power of God into heaven. For as St. Paul says, this is "the plan to be carried out in Christ, in the fullness of time to bring all things into one in Him, in the heavens and on the earth."

Through Him, with Him, in Him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit the Church is assumed at each Mass to the glory and honor of the Almighty Father forever and ever. On the altar, heaven and earth embrace. Mercy and truth have met each other: “justice and peace have kissed.”

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Etc.

Additional clause: ...of thy womb, Jesus,

who lifts me up to the Lord.

The Coronation of Mary

And a great sign appeared in heaven: A woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars

One is my dove, my perfect one is but one, she is the only one of her mother, the chosen of her that bore her. The daughters saw her, and declared her most blessed: the queens and concubines, and they praised her. - Revelation 12:1, Song of Songs 6:8

The Blessed Virgin Mary is a symbol and sign of the Church. In this meditation I see not only Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth but also the Church as Queen of Heaven and Earth. I also see the Church as mother here on earth. Like a natural mother she nurtures and feeds her offspring from her own body. She feeds her offspring most fully at the Mass. Her children are fed with the very word of God in the Liturgy of the Word. They are fed with her very body, that is, Christ in the flesh, in the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

I must remember that when I am assisting at Mass I am in the womb of my mother, the Church. I am being nourished on the word, scripture, and the Word made flesh, the Eucharist, so that I may emerge, born anew in spirit to bring light and life to the world.

In order for me to be a true son of the Father and a brother of Christ I must love and respect my mother the Church. Christ gives me help in learning to love the Church by giving me His own Mother to love. In loving Mary I will learn to love the Church. In loving Mary I will learn to love the Mass. Queen of Heaven and Earth, pray for us.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Etc.

Additional clause: ...of thy womb, Jesus,

who gave me His Mother and the Church.

- More free meditations can be found here -

Talent on loan from God

noreply@blogger.com (James M. Hahn) — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 11:11:00 +0000

Today's Readings

Saint Catherine of Siena said that, "if you are what you should be, you will set the world on fire." Today's Gospel is about just that, being what you should be.

In Jesus' parable about the talents we quickly realize that everyone is given gifts, talents, to use for God's purposes. They are, however, on loan, at least to begin with. I love that the passage says, "[he] entrusted his possessions to them." It's a good reminder that, as Rush Limbaugh says, our talents are, "on loan from God." These talents belong to God. Yet he gives them to each of us, "according to his ability (v.15)." God doesn't give us talents that we are incapable of using.

So, why do we hold back? Why do we not use God's gifts as we should? Why do we not sing in the choir when everyone says we have an awesome voice? Why do we not use our outgoing personality to bring cheer to the sick and elderly in hospitals and nursing homes? Why do we not hone our writing or speaking gifts to enable us to lead others to Christ? Why do we not use our love for literature to simply help another to learn to read?

The questions could go on and on. The Gospel gives us the deep underlying answer at the root of all of our excuses, "out of fear I went off and buried your talent in the ground." (emphasis mine) It is too often out of fear that we hide ~~our~~ His gifts and talents. We are most often afraid of failing or we are afraid of what others might think.

We have nothing to fear. I'll state it again, we have nothing to fear. God has given us ~~our~~ His talents. He has given them to us according to our ability. He will help us use them. He does not expect success but rather faithfulness. He doesn't expect great things and he'll be happy if we but at least try. The lazy servant didn't even try. He would have been happy if the lazy servant would have at least shown a little initiative and put the talents in a bank to gain interest, but he didn't. Rather, he let fear rule his life.

So, then, are you going to let fear rule your life or are you going to trust God? He trusts you. He trusts you enough to give you the wonderful talents He wants you to use and, as a bonus, He'll help you use them! It's a pretty good deal. Fear not, use your talents for His glory and our blessing!

If today was your last day.

noreply@blogger.com (James M. Hahn) — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 17:09:00 +0000

Today's Readings

What would you do if you knew this was the last day of your life? Would you do things differently? Would you say things that have gone too long unsaid? What would be different?

When most of us meditate on this question we think of telling our boss where he or she can go. We think of mountain tops, sea shores, deep rich forests, loved ones and on and on. When most of us think of our last day, it's sort of in a romantic light.

Yet today's Gospel is a blunt reminder that we don't know when the end will come. We have no idea when we will draw our last breath. We have no idea when Christ will return for us or at the end of time.

If this is true, shouldn't every day be lived as though it were your last? Now, I don't mean that all of us should go have a talk with our boss or that we should write good-bye letters to all our friends and family. What is the faithful servant doing in the story? Is he partying? Is he living it up? Is the servant quitting his job and buying a boat to sail around the world? No, scripture tells us that the servant is doing what the master has asked. The servant is rewarded richly for merely doing what his master asked him to do.

Jesus wants us to be living our vocation when He calls us to Himself. He wants us to be living it in such a way that when He comes, it doesn't catch us by surprise and He is not surprised at what He sees us doing.

So, the question again is, what would do if you knew this was the last day of your life? Hopefully, we are all striving to say, "nothing, I'd do nothing different if today was my last. I am ready, I'm expecting my Lord at any moment, and I can't wait to meet him."