Catherine's Cafe Vocation Blog

Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived of her is of the Holy Spirit.   (Matthew 1.20) We are often confronted in the gospels with characters that are willing to go against the grain, to take that unheard of stance, and lead with inner strength.   They are courageous, hopeful, and not at all concerned about what others think.   This was Saint Joseph.   A good Jewish man, who knew what the law and customs required.   Yet, Joseph lived his life in such a way that allowed him to go beyond the predictable.   Prayer, simple living, focus, right relationship, inherent goodness, a strong desire to know and serve God – what did Joseph possess that gave him these extraordinary gifts of listening and leading? As we move through Lent, what a gift we have in our brother Joseph.   What did he have and what do we have that allows for that transformed response, that alternative reply full of love, justice, ...

When you show up it always seems to be surprise.   Not in regards to ministry.   No – much planning has gone on for your opening act – Ash Wednesday – and for all the Lenten Specials (what I call our Lenten reflections days). The “surprise” really is more about what Lent will mean for me.   Planning for others is one thing but planning for my own spiritual needs is another. Just before Ash Wednesday, reading a friend’s blog, I was reminded of something I had used for a Lenten talk a few years ago.   It was a litany entitled:   “Fast From – Feast On.”   You can “google” it.   The author’s name is: William Arthur Ward. My Lenten surprise – Holy Spirit inspiration – is to use this litany each day and take one aspect to work on throughout the day. Dear Lent. . .it seems you want even more.   I am now sharing this litany as a Lenten gift with each person who comes for spiritual direction during this season.   I give it to them at the ...