Catholic Students' Blog

We Need Haiti

2010-02-02T16:57:00.000-08:00

The cries from the rubble are quieting down, but the people of Haiti continue to need our help and we continue to remember them in our prayers. The outpouring of care and concern for these poor people has been wonderful. After the star-studded telethon a couple weeks ago, I bought the iTunes album Hope for Haiti Now, and as i was driving yesterday, listening to Beyonce's version of "Halo," I was moved again by the words, "Haiti we can see your halo..."

Haiti's halo is what we are looking for. We need Haiti. Why? Because that is where God is; He is with His people who suffer. He is with those "poor in spirit," with "those who mourn." We need Haiti, because their need reminds us of our purpose as a human family. Without this need, we can continue on in our lives, unaware that others have needs that can affect us, that can draw that charity from us.

As I watched that telethon, I will admit that I did so with a little cynicism, thinking that all these stars found a great photo opportunity. However, after some reflection, I see something else. They needed that halo too. Haiti's need drew good out of Hollywood and music stars. It is that poverty, that suffering, that need of Haiti that can transform us from a bunch of individuals to a united human family that shares concern for one another.

Yes, we need Haiti - maybe even more than they need us.

The Ginkgoes' Glow

2009-11-03T11:58:00.000-08:00

The house that is now the Newman Center was built in 1896 as a family home for a local doctor. Later, one of the residents who had a relationship with missionaries in the Far East was sent seedlings of ginkgo trees which were planted along the path leading up to the house. These trees, now 100 years old, have greeted visitors to this place ever since. Each fall, their fan-shaped leaves turn from rich green to a golden yellow and give a cheerful glow to our campus. They are a beautiful sight for all our visitors, especially those who come for Masses on Sunday. Remember to thank God for their beauty.

On the flip side of that, the trees drop grape-sized berries that quickly begin to decompose and release a pungent odor that is close to bad butter. The trade off for the beautiful leaves hardly seems worth it. However, even as smelly as we might consider them, each year a local Asian family comes to collect these berries for their seasonal cooking. There are treasures even where we wouldn't want to look!

During this Fall, as our leaves go into dormition and the trees go bare, do remember that life is a cycle, and that our lives too will end. However, even with that "grim" thought, there is hope for eternal life, just like we celebrate at Easter in the Spring. Come on over and enjoy the view for now.

Just remember to wipe your shoes!

The Rich Young Man Thinks

2009-10-15T08:59:00.000-07:00

Posted by Fr. Austin

"Just one thing,"
He says.
I am lacking in one thing.
But,
oh!,
what a thing!

How can I live up
to such a demanding Teacher?
I've done it all -
the commandments,
the Law -
since my youth.
Surely,
that is enough?

I was so ready
to follow.
So ready to be a disciple,
to be His.
All,
except for that
one,
little,
thing.

So I walked away.
I can still feel his stare,
still see his eyes,
so full of love,
looking deep into me.
Surely,
He knows my heart.
Surely,
He knows my desire.
He knows I am sad,
for I have so much.
Is it that easy?

His eyes stay with me -
loving me?
So, what do I do now,
having walked away?
Is there a way back?
I can't keep these things forever.
Maybe I can surrender?
Maybe I can return?
Yes.
Maybe I can.

Just one thing is lacking.

Surprises

2009-09-29T17:33:00.000-07:00

Post by Megan:

At 11am mass, we discussed surprised answers or comments God gives us. Well here is mine:

As many of you know, this summer was truly amazing for me. My relationship with God grew SO much stronger and I learned so much about the truth of the Bible. I finally found my identity after 20 years of searching.

Upon this wonderful journey God spoke to me. He told me to sacrafice something big--a huge part of my life. I was excited at first because I was so ready to be used by God and willing to do anything for Him. I thought this was the perfect opportunity for me, and my relationship with God. But then I thought about it...and prayed about it. Is God really telling me to do this? Think about how some people might not understand, think about how lost I will be without this part of my life, about how much stress I will have.

Then upon eatting breakfast one morning, I saw my brother-in-laws bible open. I took a gander at the page. Something was highlighted and caught my eye. It was Proverbs 3:1-8. "Let your heart keep my commands... Let not mercy and truth forsake you... TRUST in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, ad He will direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh and strength ot your bones."... WOW! God was speaking to me. He knew what I was doing and told me to stop. "lean not on your own understanding." I was to stop thinking about what others would like, and how I was going to get through it, but instead trust in the Lord. If He wants me to sacrifice and I do sacrifice, then He will provide for me.

'Ok. Trust in the Lord. Trust in the Lord. God you want me to do this? You got it.' And off I went, finding open doors. I did everything I could in order to follow God's calling. I left myself so open. But all I received were closed doors. 'God, You're sending me mixed signals, please, if you want me to sacrifice this, you have to open another door for me.'' Weeks went by and nothing happened, well besides me becoming very emotionally torn. Time was running out. The more closed doors I received, the more I thought maybe I was interpreting God wrong. But I was so sure!

Then something powerful happened. A meeting I had with good friends which lead to an epiphany! Things were becoming more clear. I was wrong about what God had wanted me to sacrifice. Hurray! I can return to the life I was to sacrifice--CRASH! This thought lasted maybe 10 minutes then God put something else in my life.

'GOD I'M SO CONFUSED!! WHAT DO YOU WANT ME TO DO! I am so willing to sacrifice for You. I know if I do, You will provide for me, I'm not scared, but please just give me a straight answer and stop these mixed signals!' Again with the tearing of emotions. So I called my sister. "Maybe God wants YOU to make the decision," she said. 'Sometimes either path can lead you to glorify God, but it's up to you to choose which path glorifies Him the most.'

True story. 'So God, You want me to decide? Ok. Done.' And I decided. But was I being selfish and choosing the path I wanted and not what would be best for Him? I feared yes. And then like my 16th birthday party when all my friends were hiding in the garage and upon walking in--SURPRISE!!! (Which caused me to jump so high, I'm amazed I didn't hit my head on the ceiling.) God hit me with it. 'You were wrong about not being able to glorify Me in the path you choose,' He said. He showed me so many things I had not realized before. Being able to glorify God was everywhere. I just wasn't open to see it before. But He opened my eyes. He was able to, because I opened my heart to Him. I allowed and wanted Him to show me these things. Yes my decision might have been selfish, but He showed me SO many ways I can glorify Him with the path I chose.

Touche God. Touche. You are truly amazing.