Easter

PART IV

....Then came February 27. It was a Saturday.

I felt drawn to go spend time praying in the adoration chapel at my parish (which is highly unusual for me). Even though I felt drawn, I hesitated. My faults and failings besieged me. I decided to go to confession.

As I stood in line for confession, praying the rosary, I started to think, "No. I'm not going to the chapel. I think I would rather just take a walk outside. It's such a beautiful day." But then I started to feel like I really should go to the chapel.

This seemed like a much bigger deal than it should have been. I was in line arguing with myself about whether or not I was going to go to the chapel. Crazy. Finally, I decided to ask Jesus what he wanted me to do. It was a simple question.

Then it was my turn.

PART III of My Lenten Story

For years now I have felt like I was hobbling along in my faith, in my relationship with God.

It's been like this despite the fact that, since graduation, I have worked in the Church full-time as a youth minister, a catechist and a Catholic high school teacher; despite the fact that I am consecrated, having professed vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience (along with Char, my wife) in the Holy Family Institute.

Over the last four or five years my family has endured much suffering. It has been one situation after another. I have honestly felt like Job. But I have not handled our sufferings as well as Job handled his.

I have harbored anger, unforgiveness, and hatred in my heart. This totally crippled my relationship with God. The sad thing is that for a long while I didn't even care. There was no prayer in my life. Sure, I went to Mass with my family on Sundays, but I was just a ghost, barely there.

PART II of My Lenten Story

You can find Part I here.

July 16, 1987 and 1988. What happened on those two days sparked in me desire to follow Jesus Christ wherever he would lead me. And the first place he lead me to was Mexico.

At the end of 1988 I traveled to Mexico to join the Missionaries of Charity Fathers, the congregation of priests founded by Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta. I was in formation with them for two years. I loved it. But after two years, I discerned that I was not called to that particular congregation. I returned home.

Over the following four years, I attended the Franciscan University of Steubenville and LSU. I also became a bartender.

I know, I know. From seminarian to bartender? I've jokingly explained this by noting the similarities between bartending and the priesthood. Both deal with the "spiritual," or "spirits" in the case of bartending. And it's amazing how many confessions I heard as a bartender! Of course, I couldn't give absolution, only Absolut!

On the menu today we talk about how wonderful Lent was for us and how great it was to celebrate Easter. [Speaking of Easter, we are still in the Octave of Easter, preparing to celebrate the Feast of Divine Mercy tomorrow. Jesus, I trust in you!]

We also talk about altar bread (the bread used in the Eucharistic celebration), and the differences between the altar bread used in the Eastern Churches and the Western (Roman Catholic) Churches.

Over the next few episodes we are going to be talking about the Liturgy of the Hours and the Rosary. I want to know your thoughts!

Do you have a favorite mystery of the Rosary? Do you have a special way of praying it? While walking? Kneeling? Driving? In church or Eucharistic adoration? Call me! 985-635-4974, or email me at catholicfoodie@gmail.com.

Please note: What you are about to read has nothing to do with food. It is about faith. It is about Lent. It is about what the Lord has been doing in my life since the beginning of Lent 2010. After reading this post, if you would like to know more, please comment below. If there is enough interest, I will be happy to post the rest of the story.

Today is Saturday in the Octave of Easter. Just one week ago we were celebrating the sacred Triduum, entering into the mysteries of our salvation. I almost felt sad that we were at the end of Lent. Why? Because this Lent was particularly special for me, even miraculous.

It's like God reached down into my heart, which had strayed far from Him, and said, "Enough!" He touched my heart, and I heard His voice in the depths of who I am. And what I heard took me by surprise. He said, "You are my son. I love you."

On the menu today... Holy Week, praying privately and liturgically, St. Augustine on prayer, Sarah Reinhard on Holy Thursday, feedback, and our family Holy Thursday celebration.

Don't forget to check out St. Augustine Answers 101 Questions on Prayer at The Catholic Company.

What has been the holiest meal you have ever shared? Outside the Mass, that is.

I asked this question the other day on Plurk & Twitter & Facebook, and I received a number of replies. I share some of those with you on episode 42 of the Catholic Foodie.

I also share an amazing story about a dinner party that an old friend of mine hosted. And, somehow, I end up talking about how Char and I met and how - a number of years later - we become united in the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony. Now, how did I get on to those topics?

Holy Thursday dinner, Easter vigil, Easter Sunday, stuffed artichokes, Abita Strawberry Harvest Lager, and feedback... all on the menu today at The Catholic Foodie™, where food meets faith!™ We also have a song from an excellent Louisiana Cajun band, L'Angelus. Please check out their link below. If you are looking for a fun, lively, exciting, foot-stompin' band, then L'Angelus is the one for you!

On the menu today... an interview with Dr. Brant Pitre, feedback from Fr. Seraphim Beshoner, TOR and Char & I discuss our Holy Thursday dinner plans.

Dr. Brant Pitre is the Donum Dei Professor of Word and Sacrament at Our Lady of Holy Cross College in New Orleans, LA.